, Valitus Strength WOD, December 6, 2021 | VALITUS

11.22

Bench Press (5 sets: 6 reps)
*Build to a moderate weight and stay the same across all sets. Attempt to add a small increase from previous week’s loading.

Focus: Control should be shown with each rep on the way down and on the way up. 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.

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.

Single Arm DB Bench (3 sets: 10 reps (each side))
Focus: Start with a single DB and extend overhead while lying on a bench. Bench with one arm, allowing the other arm to be extended out for balance and rest by the body. Loading should be moderate and allow for control throughout entire rep. Heavy core engagement will be needed due to only one side being loaded at a time. Select a weight that you can control when sitting back to start and sitting up to finishing set. Do not drop the dumbbells. Set is complete when required reps have been completed on each side. 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.
Single Dumbbell Double Head Grip Flat Bench (3 set: 10 reps)
*Build to a moderate weight and stay the same or build across all sets.

Focus: Using one dumbbell, turn it sideways so that is can be gripped in each hand by each of the dumbbell heads (not the handle). Lying back on a bench, extend the dumbbell to the ceiling and perform bench press. Be mindful of grip and be sure to have a spotter close by to assist with unloading if needed.

Diamond Push Ups (4 sets: 10 reps)
Setup in a pushup position on the floor with hands 2-3 inches apart. This movement can also be performed on a racked bar at shin level if positioning is more comfortable for athlete.
Seated Tricep DB French Press (4 sets: 10 reps)
Focus: In a seated position, take one dumbbell and hold it by the upper DB head with arms extended overhead. Keeping the elbows tucked and pointed at the ceiling, lower the weight behind the head. Extend back overhead to complete. For ease of setup, have a partner load and unload the DB from your hands before and after sets.