Bench Press (5 sets: 10 reps)
Barbell Incline Bench Press (4 sets: 10 reps)
*Build to a moderate weight and stay the same or build across all sets.
Focus: Control should be shown with each rep on the way down and on the way up. Incline of bench should be around a 45-60 degree incline. Bar should be lowered to just below the sternum. Keep elbows at a 45 degree angle to the body and avoid flaring out. Shoulders should be loaded back against the bench throughout reps.
Double DB Bench Press (4 sets: 10 reps)
*Build to a moderate weight and stay the same or build across all sets.
Focus: Select a weight that you can control when sitting back to start and sitting up to finishing set. Do not drop the dumbbells. To avoid injury, bring the knees up to meet the dumbbells and sit up with them. If you have to drop them to deload, you’ve gone too heavy.
Double DB Incline Bench Press (4 sets: 10 reps)
*Build to a moderate weight and stay the same or build across all sets.
Focus: Set a bench up at an incline that will allow for a 45 degree angle of the torso. Select a weight that you can control when sitting back to start and sitting up to finishing set. Do not drop the dumbbells. To avoid injury, bring the knees up to meet the dumbbells and sit up with them. If you have to drop them to deload, you’ve gone too heavy.
Resistance Band Chest Fly – High to Low (4 sets: 10-15 reps)
Focus: On a rig, loop a resistance band on each side (light to moderate light resistance weight) above head level about 6 feet apart. Facing away from rig, grasp a band in each hand. Starting with arms extended to the sides and a forward lean (stagger feet for stabilization), press the bands forward with slightly bent arms, crossing over in front of the body at waist level. Return out to the sides and repeat, crossing the opposite arm on top from the last rep. Slight bend in the arm should be maintained throughout reps (excessive bending of the elbow will place focus on triceps rather than chest)
Tricep Dips (4 sets: 10 reps)
Dips can be performed on either dip bars or two high boxes (allowing the body to pass between the boxes). Keep shoulders in an engaged position throughout the dips and the rest of the body in a strong "hollow position" if not using assistance. A band can be attached across the bars or one foot can be placed on the floor to assist.
Single Arm DB Skull Crusher (4 sets: 10 reps (each side))
Focus: Laying on a bench, extend dumbbell towards the ceiling. Bending at the elbow, lower the dumbbell to the side of the head, approximately to the level of the hairline. Place the free hand behind the tricep of the working arm to brace and provide support to keep the elbow in the correct position.
