Strict Pull Ups (5 set: 8 reps)
Control should be shown across sets. Athlete should keep core engaged and avoid kipping. Band across rig is encouraged if strict reps are not possible and should be set at a height that allows for desired number of rep but no more. If using a band, make note of the hole that you are placing the back across the rig to keep consistency on resistance assistance across workouts. Rest 90 sec b/w sets.
Lat Pulldowns- Neutral Close Grip (4 sets: 10 reps)
Build to a moderate weight, stay the same or build across set.
On a seated lat pull machine, position body so knees are locked under the leg pad and arms are extended overhead. Using a close neutral grip (palms facing each other), focus on a strong contraction of the back/pulling back with the elbow not the hands. Bar should come right below the chin to the top of the chest. Slight lean back is acceptable to get shoulders in a down and back position. If you do not have access to a lat pulldown machine, attach two bands to a pullup bar and perform this movement. ALWAYS INSPECT BANDS FOR SIGNS OF POTENTIAL BREAKAGE BEFORE USING.
Bent Over Barbell Row (4 sets: 10 reps)
*Build to a moderate weight, stay the same or build across sets
*Build to a moderate weight, stay the same or build across sets
Focus: With a double overhand grip, deadlift bar to waist and then lower to a hang position (right above the knees) to start each set. Aim to pull with the elbows (rather than the hands) and bringing the bar to the hips (do not pull high towards the upper abdomen). Focus on getting a strong back contraction with each rep. Minimize the amount of kipping used between reps and feel the stretch in the lats/upper back when lowering the bar back to the hang position with each rep.
Seated Neutral Grip Cable Row (4 sets: 10 reps)
Focus: On a seated cable machine, position body so that legs are extended but not locked out. Strong contraction of the back/pulling back with the elbow not the hands. Handle should come to the lower torso. A slight lean back is acceptable with the row portion of this movement. When returning the arms to extension, allow the back/lats to go into a slight stretch rather than just stopping at full arm extension. If you do not have access to a seated row, attach a PVC pipe to a rig via two bands and perform this movement. ALWAYS INSPECT BANDS FOR SIGNS OF POTENTIAL BREAKAGE BEFORE USING.
*Build to a moderate weight, stay the same or build across sets
Standing Alternating DB Hammer Curl (4 sets: 10 reps (each side))
Focus: Stay with a weight that will allow for control and minimal kipping of reps. Keep dumbbells slightly in front of the body at the bottom position to keep tension on the biceps throughout set. When curling, do not turn the arm as the DB is curled. DB can be curled by the side of the body or across the body (athlete’s preference).
DB Preacher Curl (4 sets: 10 reps (each side))
Focus: Using either an incline bench or the rounded portion of a GHD pad, brace the back of the upper arm against the bench/pad. The bench/pad is used to completely isolate on the bicep and remove assistance from body/shoulder. Attempt very light weight before working sets to get a feel for range of motion/amount of isolation that is placed on the bicep. DO NOT OVERLOAD THIS MOVEMENT BY GOING TOO HEAVY. Curl the DB with one arm braced against the pad and then switch to the other side and complete on the opposite arm to finish the set.
