Dumbbell Lying One-Arm Rear Lateral Raise

1. While holding a dumbbell in one hand, lay with your chest down on a slightly inclined (around 15 degrees
2. when measured from the floor) adjustable bench. The other hand can be used to hold to the leg of the bench
3. for stability.
4. Position the palm of the hand that is holding the dumbbell in a neutral manner (palms facing your torso) as
5. you keep the arm extended with the elbow slightly bent. This will be your starting position.
6. Now raise the arm with the dumbbell to the side until your elbow is at shoulder height and your arm is
7. roughly parallel to the floor as you exhale. Tip: Maintain your arm perpendicular to the torso while keeping
8. your arm extended throughout the movement. Also, keep the contraction at the top for a second.
9. Slowly lower the dumbbell to the starting position as you inhale.
10. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: You can perform this exercise with both arms at the same time and also keeping the palms of the hands facing back as opposed to facing your torso.

Clean and Jerk Guide

1. With a barbell on the floor close to the shins, take an overhand or hook grip just outside the legs. Lower your hips with the weight focused on the heels, back straight, head facing forward, chest up, with your shoulders just in front of the bar. This will be your starting position.
2. Begin the first pull by driving through the heels, extending your knees. Your back angle should stay the same, and your arms should remain straight. Move the weight with control as you continue to above the knees.
3. Next comes the second pull, the main source of acceleration for the clean. As the bar approaches the mid-thigh position, begin extending through the hips. In a jumping motion, accelerate by extending the hips, knees, and ankles, using speed to move the bar upward. There should be no need to actively pull through the arms to accelerate the weight; at the end of the second pull, the body should be fully extended, leaning slightly back, with the arms still extended.
4. As full extension is achieved, transition into the third pull by aggressively shrugging and flexing the arms with the elbows up and out. At peak extension, aggressively pull yourself down, rotating your elbows under the bar as you do so. Receive the bar in a front squat position, the depth of which is dependent upon the height of the bar at the end of the third pull. The bar should be racked onto the protracted shoulders, lightly touching the throat with the hands relaxed. Continue to descend to the bottom squat position, which will help in the recovery.
5. Immediately recover by driving through the heels, keeping the torso upright and elbows up. Continue until you have risen to a standing position.
6. The second phase is the jerk, which raises the weight overhead. Standing with the weight racked on the front of the shoulders, begin with the dip. With your feet directly under your hips, flex the knees without moving the hips backward. Go down only slightly, and reverse direction as powerfully as possible.
7. Drive through the heels create as much speed and force as possible, and be sure to move your head out of the way as the bar leaves the shoulders.
8. At this moment as the feet leave the floor, the feet must be placed into the receiving position as quickly as possible. In the brief moment the feet are not actively driving against the platform, the athletes effort to push the bar up will drive them down. The feet should be split, with one foot forward, and one foot back. Receive the bar with the arms locked out overhead. Return to a standing position.

Kettlebell Thruster Guide

1. Clean two kettlebells to your shoulders. Clean the kettlebells to your shoulders by extending through the legs and hips as you pull the kettlebells towards your shoulders. Rotate your wrists as you do so. This will be your starting position.
2. Begin to squat by flexing your hips and knees, lowering your hips between your legs. Maintain an upright, straight back as you descend as low as you can.
3. At the bottom, reverse direction and squat by extending your knees and hips, driving through your heels. As you do so, press both kettlebells overhead by extending your arms straight up, using the momentum from the squat to help drive the weights upward.
4. As you begin the next repetition, return the weights to the shoulders.

Clean and Press Guide

1. Assume a shoulder-width stance, with knees inside the arms. Now while keeping the back flat, bend at the knees and hips so that you can grab the bar with the arms fully extended and a pronated grip that is slightly wider than shoulder width. Point the elbows out to sides. The bar should be close to the shins. Position the shoulders over or slightly ahead of the bar. Establish a flat back posture. This will be your starting position.
2. Begin to pull the bar by extending the knees. Move your hips forward and raise the shoulders at the same rate while keeping the angle of the back constant; continue to lift the bar straight up while keeping it close to your body.
3. As the bar passes the knee, extend at the ankles, knees, and hips forcefully, similar to a jumping motion. As you do so, continue to guide the bar with your hands, shrugging your shoulders and using the momentum from your movement to pull the bar as high as possible. The bar should travel close to your body, and you should keep your elbows out.
4. At maximum elevation, your feet should clear the floor and you should start to pull yourself under the bar. The mechanics of this could change slightly, depending on the weight used. You should descend into a squatting position as you pull yourself under the bar.
5. As the bar hits terminal height, rotate your elbows around and under the bar. Rack the bar across the front of the shoulders while keeping the torso erect and flexing the hips and knees to absorb the weight of the bar.
6. Stand to full height, holding the bar in the clean position.
7. Without moving your feet, press the bar overhead as you exhale. Lower the bar under control .

Push Press Guide

Beginning Position:

• Use the floor-to-shoulder lifting technique described in the exercise to move the bar from the floor to the shoulders.

Upward Movement Phase:

• Slightly flex the hips and knees, keeping torso erect.
• Immediately follow with an explosive push upward by extending the knees.
• Keep torso erect and tensed.
• At maximum hip and knee extension, shift body weight to balls of feet and extend ankle joints.
• At maximum plantar flexion, push bar from the shoulders.
• Push the bar with the arms to a fully extended elbow position overhead.

Downward Movement Phase:

• Lower bar to shoulders.
• Flex hips and knees slightly as bar touches shoulders.
• Straighten the hips and knees before the upward movement phase begins again.

Breathing:

• Exhale through the sticking point of the upward movement phase.
• Inhale during the downward movement phase.

Seated Barbell Military Press Guide

1. Sit on a Military Press Bench with a bar behind your head and either have a spotter give you the bar (better on the rotator cuff this way) or pick it up yourself carefully with a pronated grip (palms facing forward). Tip: Your grip should be wider than shoulder width and it should create a 90-degree angle between the forearm and the upper arm as the barbell goes down.
2. Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip length, lift the bar up over your head by locking your arms. Hold at about shoulder level and slightly in front of your head. This is your starting position.
3. Lower the bar down to the collarbone slowly as you inhale.
4. Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations:

• This exercise can also be performed standing but those with lower back problems are better off performing this seated variety.
• The behind the neck variation is not recommended for people with shoulder problems as it can be hard on the rotator cuff due to the hyperextension created by bringing the bar behind the neck.

Standing Palm-In One-Arm Dumbbell Press Guide

1. Start by having a dumbbell in one hand with your arm fully extended to the side using a neutral grip. Use your other arm to hold on to an incline bench to keep your balance.
2. Your feet should be shoulder width apart from each other. Now slowly lift the dumbbell up until you create a 90 degree angle with your arm. Note: Your forearm should be perpendicular to the floor. Continue to maintain a neutral grip throughout the entire exercise.
3. Slowly lift the dumbbell up until your arm is fully extended. This the starting position.
4. While inhaling lower the weight down until your arm is at a 90 degree angle again.
5. Feel the contraction for a second and then lift the weight back up towards the starting position while exhaling. Remember to hold on to the incline bench and keep your feet positioned to keep balance during the exercise.
6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
7. Switch arms and repeat the exercise.

Variation: This exercise can be performed with dumbbells in each arm as the dumbbells will help to keep you balanced. This is another great way to add variety to your routines and keep them interesting.

Front Two-Dumbbell Raise Guide

1. Pick a couple of dumbbells and stand with a straight torso and the dumbbells on front of your thighs at arms length with the palms of the hand facing your thighs. This will be your starting position.
2. While maintaining the torso stationary (no swinging), lift the dumbbells to the front with a slight bend on the elbow and the palms of the hands always facing down. Continue to go up until you arms are slightly above parallel to the floor. Exhale as you execute this portion of the movement and pause for a second at the top.
3. As you inhale, lower the dumbbells back down slowly to the starting position.
4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: This exercise can also be performed by alternating hands, meaning doing one repetition with the right arm, and then one with the left, back to the right, etc. Also, you could use a barbell as well.

Lying Rear Delt Raise Guide

1. While holding a dumbbell in each hand, lay with your chest down on a flat bench.
2. Position the palms of the hands in a neutral manner (palms facing your torso) as you keep the arms extended with the elbows slightly bent. This will be your starting position.
3. Now raise the arms to the side until your elbows are at shoulder height and your arms are roughly parallel to the floor as you exhale. Tip: Maintain your arms perpendicular to the torso while keeping them extended throughout the movement. Also, keep the contraction at the top for a second.
4. Slowly lower the dumbbells to the starting position as you inhale.
5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and then switch to the other arm.

Variations: You can perform this exercise with just one arm and also keeping the palms of the hands facing back as opposed to facing your torso.

One-Arm Side Laterals Guide

1. Pick a dumbbell and place it in one of your hands. Your non lifting hand should be used to grab something steady such as an incline bench press. Lean towards your lifting arm and away from the hand that is gripping the incline bench as this will allow you to keep your balance.
2. Stand with a straight torso and have the dumbbell by your side at arm’s length with the palm of the hand facing you. This will be your starting position.
3. While maintaining the torso stationary (no swinging), lift the dumbbell to your side with a slight bend on the elbow and your hand slightly tilted forward as if pouring water in a glass. Continue to go up until you arm is parallel to the floor. Exhale as you execute this movement and pause for a second at the top.
4. Lower the dumbbell back down slowly to the starting position as you inhale.
5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
6. Switch arms and repeat the exercise.

Variations: This exercise can also be performed sitting down.

Power Partials Guide

1. Stand up with your torso upright and a dumbbell on each hand being held at arms length. The elbows should be close to the torso.
2. The palms of the hands should be facing your torso. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
3. Keeping your arms straight and the torso stationary, lift the weights out to your sides until they are about shoulder level height while exhaling.
4. Feel the contraction for a second and begin to lower the weights back down to the starting position while inhaling. Tip: Keep the palms facing down with the little finger slightly higher while lifting and lowering the weights as it will concentrate the stress on your shoulders mainly.
5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: There are many possible variations for this movement. For instance, you can perform the exercise sitting down on a bench with or without back support and you can also perform it by alternating arms; first lift the right arm for one repetition, then the left, then the right, etc.

Reverse Flyes Guide

1. To begin, lie down on an incline bench with the chest and stomach pressing against the incline. Have the dumbbells in each hand with the palms facing each other (neutral grip).
2. Extend the arms in front of you so that they are perpendicular to the angle of the bench. The legs should be stationary while applying pressure with the ball of your toes. This is the starting position.
3. Maintaining the slight bend of the elbows, move the weights out and away from each other (to the side) in an arc motion while exhaling. Tip: Try to squeeze your shoulder blades together to get the best results from this exercise.
4. The arms should be elevated until they are parallel to the floor.
5. Feel the contraction and slowly lower the weights back down to the starting position while inhaling.
6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Leverage Shoulder Press Guide

1. Load an appropriate weight onto the pins and adjust the seat for your height. The handles should be near the top of the shoulders at the beginning of the motion. Your chest and head should be up and handles held with a pronated grip. This will be your starting position.
2. Press the handles upward by extending through the elbow.
3. After a brief pause at the top, return the weight to just above the start position, keeping tension on the muscles by not returning the weight to the stops until the set is complete.

Standing Military Press Guide

1. Start by placing a barbell that is about chest high on a squat rack. Once you have selected the weights, grab the barbell using a pronated (palms facing forward) grip. Make sure to grip the bar wider than shoulder width apart from each other.
2. Slightly bend the knees and place the barbell on your collar bone. Lift the barbell up keeping it lying on your chest. Take a step back and position your feet shoulder width apart from each other.
3. Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip length, lift the bar up over your head by locking your arms. Hold at about shoulder level and slightly in front of your head. This is your starting position.
4. Lower the bar down to the collarbone slowly as you inhale.
5. Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations:

• This exercise can also be performed sitting as those with lower back problems are better off performing this seated variety.
• The behind the neck variation is not recommended for people with shoulder problems as it can be hard on the rotator cuff due to the hyperextension created by bringing the bar behind the neck.
• Another option is to use dumbbells when performing this exercise for better isolation.

Side Lateral Raise Guide

1. Pick a couple of dumbbells and stand with a straight torso and the dumbbells by your side at arms length with the palms of the hand facing you. This will be your starting position.
2. While maintaining the torso in a stationary position (no swinging), lift the dumbbells to your side with a slight bend on the elbow and the hands slightly tilted forward as if pouring water in a glass. Continue to go up until you arms are parallel to the floor. Exhale as you execute this movement and pause for a second at the top.
3. Lower the dumbbells back down slowly to the starting position as you inhale.
4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variation: This exercise can also be performed sitting down.

Dumbbell Shoulder Press Guide

1. While holding a dumbbell in each hand, sit on a military press bench or utility bench that has back support. Place the dumbbells upright on top of your thighs.
2. Now raise the dumbbells to shoulder height one at a time using your thighs to help propel them up into position.
3. Make sure to rotate your wrists so that the palms of your hands are facing forward. This is your starting position.
4. Now, exhale and push the dumbbells upward until they touch at the top.
5. Then, after a brief pause at the top contracted position, slowly lower the weights back down to the starting position while inhaling.
6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations:You can perform the exercise standing or sitting on a regular flat bench. For people with lower back problems, the version described is the recommended one.

Upright Barbell Row Guide

1. Grasp a barbell with an overhand grip that is slightly less than shoulder width. The bar should be resting on the top of your thighs with your arms extended and a slight bend in your elbows. Your back should also be straight. This will be your starting position.
2. Now exhale and use the sides of your shoulders to lift the bar, raising your elbows up and to the side. Keep the bar close to your body as you raise it. Continue to lift the bar until it nearly touches your chin. Tip: Your elbows should drive the motion, and should always be higher than your forearms. Remember to keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement.
3. Lower the bar back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: This exercise can also be performed using a straight bar attached to a low pulley and it can also be performed using dumbbells, though this later exercise should be reserved by people that are well familiarized with correct execution.