, Valitus Strength WOD, December 1, 2021 | VALITUS

11.17

Back Squat (5 set: 7 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: High bar position. Controlled speed down and up. Stop just before full lockout at the top of each rep for added time under tension on legs.

Deadlift (5 set: 7 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: traditional deadlift setup. Keep weight to a controllable amount meaning no bouncing off the floor. All reps are touch and go – do not reset at the bottom of reps.

Back Racked Barbell Box Step-Ups (3 sets: 10 reps (each side))
With a bar in the back rack position and a 20" box, step up on top of the box to full extension. Repeat on the opposite side. Taking a breath in and breathing out as the step is completed will assist in stability and core engagement.
Barbell Romanian Deadlift (4 sets: 10 reps)
Build to a moderate weight; stay the same or build across sets.

Focus: Deadlift bar to hip to start. Push the hips back, lowering the barbell down the front of the legs until the end ROM is hit (or the low back begins to round out). Straps are allowed to be used so that grip is not a limiting factor for sets. Perform this movement on a plate if additional ROM is needed so plates do not contact floor between reps.

Rear foot elevated DB Split Lunge (3 sets: 10 reps (each side))
*Build to a moderate weight, stay the same or build across sets

Focus: Set up a platform or bar slightly below knee level. Standing in front and facing away from this platform, place the top of the rear foot on the platform and the forward foot far enough ahead so that the back knee can be lowered to the floor with the heel of the forward foot staying in contact with the floor throughout reps. Holding dumbbells in each hand, lunge on the forward leg until the back knee contacts the floor or you reach the end of your range of motion (do not force ROM). To stand, contract the glute on the working side and drive the ground away with the working foot. Consider using straps during this movement so that grip is not a limiting factor for sets. This movement can also be performed at bodyweight with no dumbbells if preferred.

Standing Barbell Calf Raise (4 sets: 15-20 reps)
Elevate feet so that you can pass below parallel to the floor with the heels. Drive through the big toe at extension.
If needed, use rig to guide bar through movement so you don’t lose your balance. *Make sure that platform you are standing on will not flip when standing on edge.