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High-Bar Squat
Set up for a squat in a high bar position (bar resting on your traps / on top of your shoulders, compared to a traditional low bar squat, where the bar is placed on the shelf of your rear-delts). The higher bar positioning allows for a more upright torso angle during the squat, placing more emphasis on the quadriceps. Maintaining a fairly upright torso position, descend in a squat until you reach parallel depth (hip crease below top of the knees). Press back up to standing by pushing your feet into the floor and your shoulders back into the bar. If a pause is prescribed, pause at the bottom of the squat for the prescribed duration, focusing on maintaining tension throughout your body as you resist the barbell.
If your primary (main) squat is already High-Bar and the program prescribes High-Bar Squats at another time in the week, you may perform them again, but we would recommend considering an alternative variation. That could be a paused high bar squat, front squat, heel elevated goblet squat, close stance leg press, or another quad-dominant squat variation).
For full squat tutorial, see our Extended Video Library or written guides on this movement.
Substitutions
Quad-dominant barbell squat variations (front squat, safety bar squat, etc.); other lower body compound exercises (hack squat machine, leg press, belt squat, goblet squat, etc.)
Front Squat
Unrack the bar across your shoulders, placing it as close to your throat (across your clavicle) as possible while still allowing yourself room to breathe. Barbell should rest behind the delts, and hands and fingers help balance the bar outside of the delts. If you are unable to maintain hand position on the bar, you can use lifting straps to hold on to the bar as shown here, or use a cross arm position with your right hand supporting the bar on your left shoulder, and vice versa.
Bend at the knee and the hip, placing an emphasis on knee flexion as it will travel farther in front of the knee than your back squat variation. Keep the torso as upright as possible and continue to keep the elbows high throughout your repetition.
Substitutions
Quad-dominant barbell squat variations (high-bar squat, safety bar squat, etc.); Goblet Squats; Other quad-dominant compound movements (hack squats, narrow stance leg press)
Goblet Squat
Holding a dumbbell or kettlebell in front of your chest, perform squats to depth while keeping an upright torso. Perform with feet flat on the ground, unless specified otherwise (e.g. Heel Elevated Goblet Squat, as demonstrated above).
Substitutions
Heel Elevated Goblet Squat; Band Abducted Goblet Squat; Goblet Squat w Adduction; Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat; Leg Extensions
Belt Squat
Straddle two blocks and hang the weight of a weight-loaded belt between your legs. Perform squats to depth while keeping an upright torso. Can also be performed on a Belt Squat machine if available, or by attaching a dip-belt to a cable rack with a pulley set to a low position.
Substitutions
Leg Press; Front Squat; Goblet Squat; Zercher Squat; Heel Elevated Goblet Squat
Hip Thrust
Sitting on the floor in front of a bench, roll the bar so it is over your hips. Support your mid back perpendicular to a bench. Squeeze your butt and drive your feet through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Aim to keep your shins vertical throughout the repetition to better target your glutes.
Substitutions
Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
Band Abducted Squats
With a band on your legs above your knees, perform squats while maintaining tension in the band. Press into the band by pushing the knees out in the squat. To be performed unweighted, unless otherwise specified (e.g. Band Abducted Goblet Squat).
Substitutions
Band Abducted Goblet Squat; Monster Walk; Banded Lateral Walk; Side Lying Abduction; Hip Thrust with Band Abduction
Pause Squats
Pause at the bottom of the squat, maintaining tension in the legs and lower back and keeping position throughout the pause. Press back up by pushing your feet into the floor and your shoulders back into the bar.
Substitutions
Paused barbell squat variations (low-bar, high-bar, front squat, safety bar squat, etc.); Pause lower body compound exercises (leg press, hack squat machine, goblet squat, etc.)
1.25 Squats
Perform the eccentric portion of the squat, after getting out of the hole of the squat on the way up, change directions and return to the bottom, then stand all the way back up to complete the rep.
Substitutions
One and a quarter barbell squat variations (low-bar, high-bar, front squat, safety bar squat, etc.)
Bulgarian Split Squat
In a lunge position with back leg supported on a bench or box and with weight loaded (barbell on back, goblet in front, or one dumbbell in each hand), sink into lunge position, and squeeze your glutes and quadriceps on your front leg to stand back up.
Substitutions
Walking Lunges; Reverse Lunges; Box Step-Ups; Split Squat; Front Foot Elevated Split Squat; Single Leg Leg Press; B-Stance Squat
Single-Leg Leg Press
On the leg press machine, load weight appropriately (roughly half what you would use for a regular Leg Press, or more conservatively if needed). Set up as you normally would (with feet roughly shoulder width apart). Maintain your hip and torso position, and then remove one leg from the press and place it safely out of the track. Push upward on the sled, unlock the safeties, and lower the sled to a comfortable depth. From there, push back up to perform a repetition. Repeat. Aim to keep your hips square in the same position throughout the repetition.
Substitutions
Lunge variations; Split Squat variations; Cossack squat; Box Step Ups; Any other unilateral lower body exercises.
DB Box Step Ups
With one dumbbell in each hand, step one leg onto a box and use that leg to drive your body to standing on top of the box. Lower down and repeat for the prescribed reps, then switch legs and repeat.
Substitutions
Lateral Box Step Ups; Bulgarian Split Squat; Split Squat; Front Foot Elevated Split Squat; Lunge; Reverse Lunge; B-Stance Hip Thrust; Single Leg Leg Press
Bench Press
Your competition (or strongest) style bench press. Perform these with your strongest grip width, maintaining head, shoulder, and hip contact with the bench and your feet pressed on the floor unless specified otherwise (e.g. Feet Up Bench Press). For full bench press tutorial, see our How to Bench video, our Extended Video Library or written guides on this movement.
Substitutions
Barbell Bench Press Variations (competition-style, close grip, wide grip, incline, decline, etc.); Push Up Variations; DB Bench Press Variations; Machine Pressing variations or any other upper body pressing movements.
Close Grip Bench Press
Take a moderately (1-4″ per hand) narrower grip than your competition or regular bench press grip. Lower the bar to your chest with control (aim to tuck your elbows a little bit closer to your torso than a normal bench press) and press back up to lock out. Set up with your shoulders and butt on the bench and feet on the floor as normal, unless specified (e.g. feet up close grip bench press).
Substitutions
Close Grip Bench Press Feet Up; Neutral Grip DB press; Close Grip Push-Ups; Bench Dips; Chest Dips
DB Bench
Set up on a flat bench with your head, shoulders, and butt on the bench and your feet on the floor, while holding a pair of dumbbells – one in each hand. Bench Press the dumbbells from chest level to lockout. We recommend keeping a roughly 45-degree angle between your arms and your torso, striking a balance between too flared out and too tucked in to your torso.
Substitutions
Pushup, DB Incline Bench; DB Flye; Cable Flyes
DB Incline Bench Press
Set up on an incline bench, or angle a flat bench with plates or blocks. Keep your head, shoulders, and butt on the bench and your feet on the floor, while holding a pair of dumbbells – one in each hand. Bench Press the dumbbells from chest level to lockout. We recommend keeping a roughly 45-degree angle between your arms and your torso, striking a balance between too flared out and too tucked in to your torso.
Substitutions
Incline Barbell Bench Press; Pushups; and Cable Crossover variations
Board Press
Use a bench block or board to limit the range of motion of the bench press. Lower the barbell with control, complete a pause when the block or board makes contact with your chest. Can also be done with a partner holding the board on your chest.
Substitutions
Pin press, Spoto press
T-Shirt Press
Set up as you would for a traditional bench press (unless specified otherwise, e.g. Feet Up or Close Grip). Unrack and lower the bar, aiming to control the descent through the entire range of motion. The goal of this exercise is to stop right as the bar touches your shirt, but before the bar touches your chest. You should remain actively resisting the bar at this point.
Allow the bar to become motionless (a very slight pause to ensure you are not losing control of the bar or bouncing off your chest), and then begin pressing the bar back up to your start position. You should remain in constant tension here, not allowing the bar to rest on the chest at all. Aim to keep the contact with your shirt as light as possible, but don’t stop above the shirt (make sure you touch your shirt, after all!).
Substitutions
Spoto press, pin press
Spoto Press
Unless noted otherwise (e.g. feet up, close grip, etc.), set up in your competition style (regular) bench press. Control the descent of the bar path, and rather than lowering all the way until the bar touches your chest, pause the bar before it makes contact, about 1 inch above your chest. Maintain tension during the pause, and drive back up to complete the rep.
Substitutions
Board Press, T-shirt press, DB or Machine Bench Press variations
Kroc Rows
With one hand and one knee on a flat bench, row a dumbbell in the opposite hand from the bottom of your range of motion to the lower rib cage
Substitutions
DB Row, cable row, chest supported row
Deadlift
Competition style deadlift. This can either be conventional, or sumo position. For full deadlift tutorial, see our How to Deadlift video, our Extended Video Library or written guides on this movement.
Set up with the bar above your midfoot (aim for you mid-shoelaces), and get into the start position by reaching down with your arms straight down while hinging at the hip and bending slightly at the knee. Shins should be close to perpendicular to the floor at the start of the pull. Tighten the upper back, brace the core, then pull the bar from the ground up to the hips. Think about pushing the feet through the floor while keeping the barbell as close to your body as possible.
Substitutions
Banded Deadlift; Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, sumo, trap bar); Other posterior chain compound exercises (Good Mornings, Romanian Deadlifts, Stiff- leg Deadlifts)
Good Morning
Unrack the bar setup in a low bar position. Walkout, and hinge at the hip by pushing your hips back. Allowing a little bend in the knees is good (not stiff-legged), but aim to maintain that same knee angle as you hip hinge, as opposed to actively squatting or flexing at the knees. Once your torso is near parallel to the ground, reverse the movement and return to an upright position. Can also be performed seated, and/or with specialty bars (eg. safety squat bars)
Substitutions
Banded Good Morning; Banded Sumo Good Morning; Supermans or Back extensions; Reverse hyperextensions; Stiff-Leg or Romanian Deadlifts
Stiff-Leg Deadlifts
Set up in a conventional deadlift position. Setup and execution of this movement will be very similar to the conventional deadlift, but should have a higher hip position, and less knee flexion. Do not completely lockout knees, but take note to keep legs more intentionally straight and maintain the same knee angle and a vertical shin during the entire repetition. Unlike a Romanian Deadlift, we tend to think of this lift as bottom-up (starting from the floor), focused on reaching the butt back, maintaining a constant knee angle, and focusing on hinging at the hip. Can be loaded with barbell, DB, KB. Can also be performed from a slight (1-3″) deficit.
Substitutions
Romanian Deadlifts, Good Mornings, Reverse Hypers
Sumo Deadlift
Refer to our Video Library and written resources for more information on this more technical lift.
Set up with feet wide and hands inside of legs. Hinge at the hip and bend at the knee to get in a pulling position where shins are perpendicular to the floor. Tighten the upper back, brace the core, then pull the bar from the ground up to the hips. Think about pushing the feet through the floor while keeping the barbell as close to your body as possible. Extend the knee and then open the hips in rapid concession.
Substitutions
Sumo KB/DB deadlifts, other Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, trap bar)
Romanian Deadlift (RDL)
Set up with your feet hip width apart and toes pointed forward. Shins should be close to the bar, similar to the deadlift position. Pick the barbell up (as a conventional deadlift) to the hip. Unlike a Stiff-Leg Deadlift (where we start from the floor), we will be performing RDLs from the top down. Focus on hinging at the hip and keeping the back neutral through the entire movement. Maintain a slight bend in the knee, and push the hips back as you descend (you should feel a light stretch in your hamstrings at the bottom). Also unlike the Stiff-Leg Deadlift, our goal is constant tension (no resetting on the ground between reps), and a bit more knee flexion as the bar descends past your knees. Some amount of hip movement is natural as we move up and down throughout the repetition, whereas our hips would remain at a fixed height in a Stiff Leg Deadlift.
Substitutions
KB/DB Romanian Deadlifts, Stiff-Leg Deadlifts, Good Mornings, Trap Bar Deadlift, Glute Ham Raise
Deficit Deadlift
Stand on an elevated plate/board/block and perform your competition style deadlift (conventional or sumo, your preference) with the additional range of motion. Keep in mind that if your bar is loaded with plates smaller than traditional 45lb/20kg plates (or bumper plate equivalents), you may already be pulling from a deficit. For full size plates, we recommend using a deficit height of 1-2″ – this tends to be enough to overload the range of motion, but not so high that our mechanics, pulling technique, start position, and bar path are drastically different.
Substitutions
Pause deadlifts, tempo deadlift
Low block pulls
Set up a barbell on low blocks (or stacked plates) so the bar is below the knees. Approach the bar as you would for your normal deadlift (either conventional or sumo, whichever is your preferred stance), and perform a deadlift. From lockout, be sure to lower the bar with control until it gently resets on the blocks. Keep in mind that if your bar is loaded with plates smaller than traditional 45lb/20kg plates (or bumper plate equivalents), you may need more height. For full size plates, we recommend using a block height of 1-4″ – this tends to be enough to overload the movement, but not so high that our mechanics, pulling technique, start position, and bar path are drastically different.
Substitutions
Pause deadlifts, tempo deadlift
Cable Pull-Through
Lower cable machine to lowest rung with a rope handle attached. Standing with your back to the cable, straddle the cable and pull the handles through your legs and lockout the hips by squeezing your glutes. Pause to remove any momentum (or for prescribed duration, if specified), then return to the start position with control, focusing on hingeing at the hips. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Hip thrusts, Glute Kickback, Back Extensions (shoulders rounded)
Split Stance RDL
Set up in a staggered stance, and soften the front knee slightly. Put your weight on the front foot and hinge at the hip and push your hips back. The back foot should support like a kickstand. Control your slow negative and keep your back flat.
Substitutions
Single leg RDL, Single Leg Press, Split squat variations, Lunge variations, Single Leg Hamstring Curls, other unilateral lower body work
DB Romanian Deadlifts
Start standing upright with a DB in each hand, and feet roughly hip width apart. Begin the rep by reaching your hips back while allowing your torso to tip forward, focusing on maintaining a strong and rigid trunk as you descend. Continue descending until you feel a light to moderate stretch in your hamstrings and/or glutes. Then, return to the start position by driving your hips forward and squeezing your glutes.
Try to maintain constant tension throughout the set, not resting the DBs until all reps are completed. Can also be performed holding a single kettlebell with one hand, or one kettlebell in each hand.
Substitutions
Barbell RDLs, Split Stance RDL, Hamstring Curls
Single-leg DL
Standing on one leg with knee slightly bent, perform a stiff legged deadlift, extending the free leg behind you for balance.
Substitutions
Unilateral hip hinge, split stance DL
Lat Pulldowns
On cable pulldown machine, choose a long handle. Keeping your torso upright, chest tall, and elbows pointed down, squeeze the lats/armpits and lower the handle to below your chin or to roughly collarbone level. Try to tuck your elbows in towards your ribs as you pull the bar down, better engaging your lats. Perform these with an overhand grip unless specified otherwise, such as neutral grip or supinated (underhand) grip.
Substitutions
Lat Pull Over (DB or Cable); Vertical Pulling movements (Pull Ups, Chin Ups); Horizontal Pulling movements (DB Rows, Barbell Rows, Inverted Rows, Chest Supported Rows, etc.); Any other back or lat focused exercises.
Seated DB Overhead Press
Get in an upright seated position with a dumbbell in each hand. Elbows should be in a 90degree angle at the start position. Push DB and fists up to the ceiling, completing the rep when elbows are locked out overhead. Return to start position and repeat. Can be completed with back support on an adjustable bench press or without. Back support may help form at higher intensities.
Substitutions
Barbell OHP; Seated Cable OHP; (Modified) Handstand Push-Up; Overhead Pressing Machines
Bentover Rows
In a bent over position with back parallel to the floor (or close) and knees slightly bent, row the bar by pulling it to the lower chest. Control the bar throughout the movement.
Substitutions
Banded Bentover Row, Pendlay Row, DB Row, Inverted row, Chest Supported Row
Cable Lat Pullover
Attach a rope, EZ-bar, or straight bar attachment to a cable pulley machine at the highest position. Standing facing the cable machine, grab the bar with an overhand position at shoulder width apart or wider. While maintaining a slight elbow angle, pull the bar down towards your waist. Think about leading the pull with your elbows, tucking your arms back to your torso throughout the repetition. When your elbows reach parallel with your torso, perform a slight pause to avoid any momentum (unless a specific pause or tempo is prescribed) and control the movement back to the starting position.
Substitutions
Banded Lat Pullover; DB Pullover; Lat Pull Down variations (wide grip, single arm, etc); Pull-Ups, Chin-Ups, Rows
DB Rows
Using a bench or box, place same side knee and hand on the surface. Extend free arm straight down with the dumbbell and bring dumbbell back to your hip. Can also be performed with a KB, or with both legs on the floor creating a tripod between your legs and supporting hand.
Substitutions
Banded Row; Chest-Supported Row; Inverted Row; Single Arm Cable Row, Single Arm Lat Pull Down
Face Pulls
Facing a cable machine, set the pulley at or above your shoulder-level and use a rope or split handle attachment. Pull the weight directly towards your face while keeping the upper arms parallel to the floor. Control the cable on the way back to the start position. Can also be performed with a band. Note that the higher you pull (band or rope towards your eye-level), the more you will train your overall upper back, including your shoulders and external rotators. The more that you pull in line with your shoulders, the more directly you will target your rear deltoids. Neither are inherently right or wrong, and we recommend training a combination or alternating (for balance), or whichever is more comfortable for you.
Substitutions
Blackburns; Banded Face Pull; Band Pullaparts, Prone I-T-W-Y, Rear Delt Flyes
Chest-Supported Rows
Use an incline bench or row machine setup to support the chest so you can take your lower back out of the movement. Keep feet on the ground or straddle the bench to get into position.
Grab the bar/DB/KB or cable and row by moving the weight back towards the hip. Control the weight to return to the start position. Your torso should remain in the same position throughout the repetition. Can be performed single arm (when using DBs, KBs, or a Hammer Strength row machine) or with both arms simultaneously, unless specified – just perform the prescribed number of repetitions as “reps per arm” (e.g. 3×8 would be 3×8/arm).
Substitutions
DB Row, Inverted Row, Barbell Row, any other horizontal pulling variations or machines
Rear Delt Flyes
With a dumbbell in each hand, bend at the hips so that the chest is parallel to the floor. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and raise each dumbbell out and up away from the torso. Control the weight on the way back to the bottom. Option to use DB, KB or Cable machine.
Substitutions
ITWY, Band Pull Aparts, Face Pulls
Pendlay Rows
In a bent over position with back parallel to the floor, row the bar from the floor into the lower chest, and return the bar back to the floor. This movement should be an explosive concentric contraction (pulling the bar from floor to chest), and controlled negative (slowly lowering the back back down).
Keep in mind that if your bar is loaded with plates smaller than traditional 45lb/20kg plates (or bumper plate equivalents), you may already be pulling from a deficit, and you may instead want to set up your barbell on top of blocks or plates to accommodate.
Substitutions
Barbell row, Kroc rows, chest supported rows, seated cable row
Hammer Curls
Perform curls using DBs or a neutral grip bar. Keep your palms facing together throughout the entire movement. Can be performed with both arms simultaneously or alternating if not explicitly prescribed – just be sure to perform the total prescribed reps as reps per arm.
Substitutions
Cable Rope Hammer Curls; Neutral Grip Curls; Cable Curls; Machine Curls; Any other bicep variation
DB Curls
Using DBs, perform bicep curls. Can be performed alternating each arm (as demonstrated above) or simultaneously, if preferred/not specified. Keep bicep and elbow close to torso and control the weight through the entire movement. Can be performed standing or seated, if not specified.
Substitutions
Barbell Curls; Single Arm Cable Curl; Concentration Curls; EZ Bar Curls; Hammer Curls; DB Iso-Hold Curls
DB Overhead Tricep Extension
Holding a weight above your head with your arms extended, bend at the elbow to lower the weight with control behind your head. Return the weight to an extended overhead position.
Substitutions
Banded or Cable OH Tricep Extension; Cable push downs; Skullcrushers; any other tricep-specific exercise
Barbell Curls
Stand and hold a barbell with an underhand grip, palms facing away from your body. Keep the upper arms stationary, and curl the bar forward and up while contracting the biceps. Lower and repeat for reps.
Substitutions
Barbell Curl 21’s, EZ bar curls, Alt. DB Curls, Hammer Curl, Cable Curls
Inverted Rows
With a barbell fixed in a low position in a squat rack, hang underneath the bar with your feet on the floor and your hands spaced bench press-width apart. Starting with your arms extended and your body in a straight line (with an engaged core), pull your chest towards the bar maintaining the same straight body positioning and then lower back to an extended start position. To scale this movement, bring your feet closer (easier) or further away/elevated (harder). Can also be performed with a TRX or Rings.
Substitutions
Pronated Grip Inverted Rows (At-Home version); DB Row; Cable Row; Chest Supported Row; Machine Row; Pull Up; Chin Up; Lat Pull Down
Bench Dips
Starting with a bench perpendicular to your body, grip the surface or edge of the bench with your hands. Keep your feet flat on the floor, bending 90-degrees at the hip and knee. Lower your body until your elbow joint reaches 90-degrees, and then press yourself back up to the top by pushing into the bench. If training at home, this exercise can be performed on the edge of a strong & stable bench, chair, couch, or coffee table, but we recommend first checking for stability as well as if possible, having a partner or family member spot you and the furniture to avoid tipping.
Option to scale up (harder) by extending your feet away from your body, elevating your feet, or adding weight to your lap. Moving your feet closer to the bench and bending your knees (as demonstrated) will scale this easier.
Substitutions
Tricep Push Down; Tricep Kick Back; Skullcrushers; BW Tricep Extension
Plank
Modified Plank Shoulder Taps Demo
Set up in a pushup position with forearms and balls of your feet on the ground. maintain neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from heels to knees to hips to shoulders. Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain that position for prescribed amount of time. If the prescribed time is too short or long for your current strength, consider scaling:
Scale easier by performing your plank to your knees and/or raising to your hands (vs. forearms). Scale harder by balancing on forearms only, adding weight to your back, or by placing your hands or feet on an unstable surface like a Bosu ball or suspension system like TRX. Can also be performed as a single arm plank (alternate sides each set).
Plank Pull Across is a more dynamic plank variation, and can be performed with a DB or household item (like the shaker cup in the demo).
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Suitcase walk
Hold a weight (kettlebell, dumbbell, etc) with one hand and walk. Switch hands with the weight and walk the same distance back. Carries are always counted by time, so do not rush. Control your pace and do your best to keep your hips and shoulders square, stacked, and balanced despite the resistance in one hand.
These can also be performed at home or without access to a DB or KB – load a backpack or suitcase with books, shoes, and other heavy items, and walk for the prescribed time. Even with limited space, the most important thing is maintaining a square torso position – even if you are simply marching or taking a few steps back and forth.
Substitutions
Any unilateral heavy carry; KB/DB Windmills; Side Planks
Barbell Rollouts
Demo Here
Set up a loaded barbell with round plates. Start in a kneeling position with enough room to extend forward. Engage your abs by tucking your ribcage down, then initiate by pushing the bar forward away from your thighs. Control the speed and distance the bar travels by engaging the core. You should feel a light stretch in the abdominals. Keep ribs down and glutes tucked, being sure not to get into a hyperextended spine position. Attach a band to the bar and fixed behind you to scale this movement easier, and a band to the bar fixed in front of you to scale this movement harder. Can also be substituted for an Ab Wheel, or by performing the bodyweight only variation — Ab Fallouts.
Substitutions
Planks; Hanging Leg Raises; L-Sit; Sit-Ups; Cable Crunches; Any other abdominal flexion exercise
Band Pullaparts
Hold a band in with both hands and extend arms in front of you. Raise hands to shoulder level. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and separate the band in a fly-motion. Option to supinate grip (palms facing up) for a reverse or underhand band pull-apart.
Substitutions
Underhand Band Pullaparts; Face Pulls; Rear Delt Flyes; Prone I-T-Y-W; Prone Incline I-T-Y-W; any upper back/shoulder health/external rotation movements
McGill Big 3
1. Curl Up Demo Here
2. Side Plank Demo Here
3. Birddog Demo Here
A series of 3 core exercises performed in a row: the Curl-Up, Side-Plank, and Bird-Dog
Curl Up: Lie on your back with one knee bent and the other extended on the floor. Raise your head a few inches off the ground and hover the extended leg at the same time. Hold the position for 5-10 seconds, then lower back to the ground with control. Repeat for 3-8 repetitions (each rep is a 5-10 second long hold) if rep range is not prescribed, then relax and switch sides.
Side Plank: Get into a side plank position and raise + hold for 7-10 seconds, then lower back to the ground with control. Repeat for 3-8 repetitions (each rep is a 7-10 second long hold) if rep range is not prescribed, then repeat on the other side. For an Advanced variation, hold for the same 7-10 seconds, but alternate sides by rolling from side to side between reps, rather than resting between holds.
Birddog: Start in a quadruped position. Tuck the ribs and the hips, ensuring you do not hyperextend the spine. Extend one arm out in front of you and the opposite leg out behind you while maintaining a neutral spine. Hold each position for 2-8 seconds before lowering back towards the ground with control. Repeat for 3-8 repetitions per side, if rep range is not prescribed. Can be performed all repetitions on one side before moving to the other side, or by alternating opposite arm/opposite leg with each rep.
Substitutions
Any core series (deadbugs, bird-dogs, planks, l-sit, hanging leg raises)
KB Windmill
Take a wide stance, and angle feet. Press kettlebell or dumbbell overhead in one hand. Keep the elbow overhead locked out at all times, push the hips back and away from the direction of the toes. Hinge at the hips and reach towards the floor with your free hand. Ok to touch shoes or shin if you cannot reach the floor. Keep your eyes on the kettlebell at all times.
Can also be performed at home by substituting a KB/DB for a water bottle or small backpack weighted with books or other objects. Since this exercise is so technically demanding, the absolute load used is less important
Substitutions
Suitcase Walk, Side Plank variations, Turkish Getup, Half Turkish Getup
Bird Dogs
Start in a quadruped position. Tuck the ribs and the hips, ensuring you do not hyperextend the spine. Extend one arm out in front of you and the opposite leg out behind you while maintaining a neutral spine. Switch opposite arm/opposite leg. Hold each position for 3 seconds.
Substitutions
Back Extensions
On a Glute-Ham-Developer or hyperextension machine, lock in the feet with the hip pad under the pelvis/lower trunk. Fold at the hip so you are perpendicular to the ground (with your head near the floor) and squeeze the erectors/lower back and glutes to pull the torso up above parallel from the floor.
These can also be performed with a Glute Emphasis. To better target your glutes, set up on a GHD or hyperextension machine and actively round the upper back. Squeeze at the glutes and focus on pressing your pelvis into the pad as you raise your torso and pause at the top.
Substitutions
Good mornings; Supermans; Reverse Hyperextensions; Romanian Deadlifts;
Glute Focus Substitutions
Hip Thrusts; Glute Bridges;
Deadbugs
Laying on your back, raise arms directly over shoulders and knees over hips, with shins parallel to the floor. You can opt to extend legs for a more difficult variation. Tuck ribs down and press lower back into the floor.
Lower one arm back behind your head and the opposite leg down towards the floor. Control the descent and do not make contact with the ground. Instead, hover arm and leg over the ground. Maintain contact with the lower back on the floor and squeeze the abdominals to hold the position. Switch sides and perform same exercise with opposite arm and opposite leg.
Can also be performed with resistance, using a band (as demonstrated above), or holding a DB/KB above your shoulders. Focus on keeping the ribs tucked down and pelvis neutral to your spine.
Substitutions
Banded Deadbugs; Birddogs; V-situps; Hollow body holds; Bear Crawls
Turkish Get-Up Position Repeats
Turkish Get-Up
Starting Position: Lie on the floor with one kettlebell in one hand. Bend the knee on the same side as your kettlebell and press that foot into the ground. Extend your free arm out, palm pressing into the ground.
Punch the kettlebell upward and forceful press your extended arm into the floor so your torso rises up. Shift the weight onto the forearm and transition to your hand.
Raise the hips into a bridge, then sweep your extended leg under onto your knee.
Perform the half kneeling windmill to shift the weight evenly on knee and foot, then press into your heel to stand.
Reverse all steps to come back to the starting position.
Can also be broken down into Half Get-Ups or Position Repeats to build proficiency and confidence in the movement.
Substitutions
Half Get-Ups; Turkish Get-Up Position Repeats; Windmills (standing or half kneeling); Suitcase Walks
Shoulder Pass Through
Hold a PVC pipe, broom, or band in front of your body with arms extended straight. Lift the implement up and over your head. Externally rotate your shoulders and continue to bring the pipe behind your back. Then reverse the movement to bring the pipe in front of your body again.
Keep ribcage pulled down and avoid overextension of the back. Make the movement easier with a wide grip, or more difficult with a narrow grip.
Substitutions
Reverse grip shoulder pass through, Around the World, Down Dog Position
Around the World
Grab a PVC pipe, broom, or band in front of your body with arms locked out. Slowly rotate one arm overhead, bringing the PVC pipe over and around your head and body. Follow the revolution with the other arm and repeat. Continue in one direction for prescribed reps, and then reverse directions.
Substitutions
Shoulder Passs Through, Reverse grip shoulder pass through, Down Dog Position
Single Arm DB Floor Press
Lie flat on the ground with a dumbbell in one hand. Extend your free hand out to your side for stability, or use a rack or piece of equipment to press into.
Slowly pull the dumbbell down to the body as you would in a normal bench press. Return the dumbbell to the top of the movement. Can be performed on either a bench or on the floor, if not specified.
Substitutions
Single arm fly and cable crossover variations
Half Turkish Get-Up
Starting Position: Lie on the floor with one kettlebell in one hand. Bend the knee on the same side as your kettlebell and press that foot into the ground. Extend your free arm out, palm pressing into the ground.
Punch the kettlebell upward and forcefully press your extended arm into the floor so your torso rises up. Shift the weight onto the forearm and transition to your hand.
Raise the hips into a bridge. Hold that position for one count, then reverse all steps to come back to the starting position.
Substitutions: Turkish Getup, Kneeling Windmill, Windmill
Banded Lateral Walk
Place a glute band just above or just below the knees. Create tension in the band by taking a slightly wider than hip width stance, and bend the knees to get in an athletic stance. Take small steps laterally on one side and complete all reps. Then switch sides.
Substitutions
Glute Ham Raise
Set up on a GHR/GHD machine with the knees slightly behind the pad and feet firmly on the platform. Start with the torso perpendicular to the floor and squeeze the hamstrings and glutes to lower until the torso is parallel to the floor.
Return to start position by pulling up with the hamstrings. Avoid breaking at the hip and hyperextending through the spine.
Substitutions
Assisted GHR (with band), Hamstring Curl
Strict Pull-Up
Grip a pull-up bar slightly wider than hip width apart, palms facing away from your face (supinated grip). Hang from the bar, and pull yourself up by pulling elbows down to the floor. Continue pulling until your chin passes the bar. Descend back to the start position and repeat.
Substitutions
Lat-pull down, assisted pull-ups, chin-ups, negative pull-ups
Negative Pull-Up
Grip a pull-up bar slightly wider than hip width apart, palms facing away from your face (supinated grip). Complete either a strict pull-up, or jump up to hang with biceps flexed, and chin over the bar. Slowly descend for desired amount of time, ensuring the range of motion, and time are evenly spaced out.
Substitutions
jumping pull-ups, assisted negative pull-ups, negative chin-ups, negative pull-ups
Monster Walk
Place a glute band just above or just below the knees. Create tension in the band by taking a slightly wider than hip width stance, and bend the knees to get in an athletic stance.
Take short steps by bringing the heel towards the midline, then pushing the foot back out diagonally. Alternate steps between left and right. Aim to maintain band tension throughout your step.
Substitutions
Clamshells, fire hydrants
Overhead Press (OHP)
Setup a barbell on a squat rack at shoulder height. Unrack the barbell and walk out from the rack. Press the bar up over the head, pushing your head forward once the barbell passes eye level. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our longer YouTube instructional video linked here.
Substitutions
Standing OHP, Barbell OHP, Seated/High-Incline OHP; DB OHP (seated or standing); Machine or Hammer Press; Viking Press, Push Press, etc.
Scap Pull-Up
Start in a normal pull-up position. From a full hang, draw the scapulae (shoulder blades) down and together, raising your body slightly. From this contracted position, slowly lower back to the dead hang start position with control. Do not bend the elbows during your repetition. The range of motion is only a few inches, and our goal is active control through the shoulder blades and engagement of the lats.
To scale as an easier movement, perform this on a lat pull down machine, and try to build up your strength and control and gradually push the resistance.
Substitutions
Scap Pull-Up on Lat Pull Down machine; Cable Lat Pullover; Scap Push-Up
Clamshells
Lie on your side with legs stacked and knees bent at a 45-degree angle. Keep feet in contact with each other and raise upper knee as high as possible, without moving the hips or pelvis. Keep lower leg in contact with the floor.
Substitutions
Clamshells with Hip Extension, Seated Banded Clamshells, Fire Hydrants, Banded Lateral Walk, Monster Walk
Fire Hydrant
Start on a quadruped position on hands and knees. Keep knee in a bent position and move the knee away from the midline of the body. Pause at the top of the motion and return to the starting position.
Substitutions
Banded Shuffle
Place a short band around both feet. Create tension in the band by taking a slightly wider than hip width stance, and bend the knees to get in an athletic stance. Take small steps laterally on one side and complete all reps. Then switch sides.
Substitutions
Banded lateral walk, Monster walk, Clamshells, Fire Hydrants
Strict Chin-Up
Grip a pull-up bar at shoulder width apart, palms facing towards you (pronated grip). Hang from the bar, and pull yourself up by pulling elbows down to the floor and flexing biceps. Continue pulling until your chin passes the bar. Descend back to the start position and repeat.
Substitutions
Neutral grip lat pull-down, assisted chin-ups, negative chin-ups, weighted chin-ups
Bear Crawl
Start in a quadruped position and curl toes under to press into feet and hands at the same time to raise the knees. Slowly move opposite hand and knee to move forward and then backwards. This is a core strengthening and activation movement, and your focus should be on maintaining flat shoulders and hips throughout the movement (avoid tipping). Actively engage your abdominal muscles by keeping your ribs pulled down and your pelvis tucked under your hips.
Substitutions
Blackburns
Start lying face down (prone) on the floor or bench. Raise both arms overhead with a slight bend in the elbow. Keep thumbs up towards the ceiling. Retract your shoulder blades. Slowly and with control, lower your hands in a circular motion as far as comfortably possible. Once you cannot lower the arms further in this position, rotate your arms (aiming to keep your shoulders retracted through this rotation) and complete the repetition when your hands reach the small of the back. Return to start position. Aim for 4-5 seconds from overhead to behind your back, and another 4-5 seconds to return your hands over your head — while maintaining scapular retraction during the entire range of motion.
If you find this exercise too easy (or you are struggling to find this exercise effective), you can scale to an advanced variation by holding light plates or DBs (1-5lbs can be plenty of resistance), or perform them from a Deficit as demonstrated above. Ensure you are maintaining retraction the entire time. For more information and a technique comparison, check out this IGTV link.
Substitutions
Deficit Blackburns; Face Pulls; Prone I-T-Y-W; Rear Delt Flyes; Band Pull-Aparts; Any other upper back, shoulder health, and external rotation exercises.
Cossack Squat
Take a wide stance and descend into a squat while shifting your weight on the active leg. Keep the opposite leg straight and out to the side. Keep the heel or entire foot on the ground. Option to hold arms out for balance. Can also be performed with a KB or DB (goblet style in front of the chest), two DBs (hands on the shoulders, front rack position), holding a loaded backpack, medball or sandbag in front, or for more advanced variations, with a Barbell or Safety Squat bar.
Substitutions
Alternating Side Lunge; Pistol squat; Single Leg Press; any other unilateral lower body movement.
DB Lateral Raise
With a dumbbell in each hand and a slight bend in the elbow, lift weights out to the side and slightly in front (elbows coming 10-30 degrees in front of your torso) until your arms are parallel with the floor. Lower back down with control and repeat. Can be performed standing or seated, if not specified. Can also be programmed as an isometric hold, in which case you would maintain your top position for the prescribed amount of time. If performing these single arm (whether DB or Banded), perform the prescribed reps per side instead of total.
Substitutions
Banded Lateral Raise; Prone Incline DB Lateral Raise; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Cable Lateral Raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Deficit KB Stiff Leg Deadlift
Stand on an elevated plate/board/block and perform a kettlebell deadlift with an increased range of motion. Since this is a stiff leg deadlift, aim to maintain the angle in your knees and reach depth by pushing your hips back, hinging at the hip and lowering the weight while maintaining a strong, rigid torso position.
Substitutions
Romanian Deadlift (BB or DB), Stiff-legged deadlift, Good Mornings, Reverse Hyperextensions, Glute Ham Raise
EZ Bar Curls
Stand and hold an EZ Curl barbell with an underhand (supinated) grip, palms facing up/away from your body. Keep the upper arms stationary, and curl the bar forward and up while contracting the biceps. Lower and repeat for reps.
Substitutions
Barbell Curl, Cable Curls (V-Bar or EZ Bar attachment), Alternating DB curls, Hammer Curl
Front Foot Elevated Split Squat
In a split squat position with front foot supported on an elevated surface (aim for 2-6″) and with weight loaded (barbell on back, goblet position in front, or one dumbbell in each hand), sink into lunge position on front leg and press into the foot to stand back up.
Can also be performed facing a cable rack, holding onto a single hand attachment fixed to a low pulley. Demo Here.
Substitutions
Split Squat Variations; Lunge Variations; Box Step-Up Variations; any other unilateral lower body exercises
Hamstring Curl
Set up on a hamstring curl machine — either seated or lying. Ensure that the machine is adjusted to your height so that your knee is directly in line with the axis point (fulcrum) on which the pad rotates. Begin performing your curls by squeezing your hamstrings, focusing on squeezing your hamstrings as you drive your heels back towards your hips, all while maintaining the same femoral (upper leg) position. Perform these with a slow and controlled tempo for the prescribed reps. These are to be performed with both legs together, unless specified otherwise (e.g. single leg hamstring curl). If a hamstring curl machine is unavailable, these can be substituted by using a band or swiss ball.
Substitutions
Banded Hamstring Curls; Swiss Ball Hamstring Curls; 2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curl; Hamstring Curl 21’s; Glute Ham Raise; Romanian Deadlift; Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Inchworms
Start in a standing position and bend down to touch the toes. Walk the hands out away from your body into plank position, then walk the feet to meet the hands. Repeat. If space is limited, perform these moving forwards and backwards rather than down a line.
Prone I-T-Y-W
Perform these lying face down flat on the floor or on a bench. Start with your arms down by your side and palms facing up. Retract your shoulder blades and reach your palms to the ceiling (this is the “I” movement of the exercise).
Perform this movement for the prescribed number of repetitions, then bring your arms out to the side, externally rotating your arms and making a “T” with your body. Retract your shoulder blades and raise your thumbs towards the ceiling.
Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions, then bring your arms out at a 45-degree angle from your body (making a “Y” with your body. Retract your shoulder blades and raise your thumbs towards the ceiling.
Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions, then (while holding your shoulder blades retracted), tuck your elbows back towards your torso until your arms make a “W” shape). Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions, then rest.
Bodyweight alone is often challenging enough, but you can also hold light weight plates or DBs in your hands for an added challenge.
Substitutions
Prone Incline I-T-Y-W; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Blackburns; Face Pulls; Band Pullaparts; Rear Delt Flyes; Any other upper back, shoulder health, and external rotation exercises.
Reverse Lunge
Starting standing upright with feet together, reach one foot back and perform a lunge. Return both feet together, and then repeat with the other foot. Alternate for the prescribed repetitions. Can be performed bodyweight or weighted (typically with DBs or KBs).
Substitutions
Lunge variations; Split Squat variations; Box Step Ups; Split Stance or Single Leg Deadlift; Single Leg Press, Extension, or Curl; any other unilateral lower body movement.
Scap Push-Up
Starting in a push up or modified (knees down) push up position, maintain your locked-arm position and pinch your shoulder blades together as your chest lowers slightly to the ground. From there, extend and try to reach your spine up to the ceiling as your shoulder blades separate. The total range of motion on this movement is slight, so try to maintain control and a solid trunk position (not sagging at the hips).
Seated DB Shrug
Sitting on a box or bench with a slight torso angle forward, perform shrugs for the prescribed number of repetitions, pinching your shoulder blades back and together and aiming to reach your shoulders up to your ears. Can be performed with a DB or EZ Curl Bar behind your legs.
Substitutions
Standing or Machine Shrug variations; Heavy Farmer Walks or Yoke Carries
Split Squat
In a split stance position with both feet flat on the floor, and with weight loaded (barbell on back, goblet in front, or one dumbbell in each hand), sink into lunge position, and squeeze your glutes and quadriceps on your front leg to stand back up.
Substitutions
Walking/Alternating/Reverse Lunge variations; Box step-ups; Flat or Front Foot Elevated Split Squat variations
Sun Salutation
Move through a series of various different postures and stretches. If you’re not a yogi, don’t worry. Watch the demo link for the movements. You should move through standing, to touching your toes, out to plank, up dog, then down dog, into a lunge and back to touching the toes. The goal is to get moving and wake the body up.
Alt Lunges
Starting with feet together, take a step forward and perform a lunge. For alternating lunges, return the front foot to meet the back.
Substitutions
Split squat variations; Lunge variations; Step Ups; Any other unilateral lower body movement (single leg press, single leg glute bridge, etc.)
EZ Curl Skullcrushers
Laying on a bench, hold a EZ bar above your body directly above your shoulders. Without moving your upper arm, hinge at the elbow and lower the weight in a controlled manner towards your skull, stopping a few inches above your face. Then reverse the movement and return the weight to the start position.
Substitutions
Tricep push-downs; OH Tricep Extension; Dips; Any other tricep exercises
Leg Press
Using a leg press machine, load weight appropriately (taking warm up jumps to your working weight as needed). Push upward, unlock the safeties, and lower the sled working through as full of a range of motion as possible. Once you’ve reached this depth, push back up to perform a repetition.
Substitutions
Any barbell squat variations (low bar, high bar, safety bar); Lower body compound movements or machines (hack squat machine, smith machine squat, hip thrust, goblet squats, etc.)
Prone Incline Curls
Lying face down on an incline bench, hang your arms straight up and down (perpendicular to the floor). Holding DBs in each hand and keeping your upper arms still, perform curls. Aim to minimize arm movement above the elbow and focus on contracting your biceps to perform your curls, rather than swinging and using momentum. Squeeze and hold at the top, then control back to the bottom and repeat. Also known as Spider Curls. Can be performed with an EZ Bar or straight bar. Perform with both arms at the same time, unless specified as Alternating (demonstrated here).
Substitutions
Preacher or Concentration Curls; Machine or Cable Curls; EZ Bar Curls; Any other bicep variations
Tricep Pushdowns
Stand upright in front of a cable machine, lat pull down, or band attached overhead. Starting with your arms slightly in front of you and your elbows pointed down, perform tricep pushdowns. Without moving your upper arm, contract your triceps and hinge at the elbow, pressing down in a controlled manner until your arms are straight and elbows extended. Pause slightly to avoid any bounce (or for the prescribed tempo), then reverse the movement with control and return the weight to the start position. Can be performed with a rope, straight bar, or v-/ez-bar handle attachment.
Substitutions
Skullcrushers; OH Tricep Extension; Dips; Any other tricep exercises
Side Lunge
Starting from an upright position with both feet together, take a step out wide with one leg into a wide stance and descend into a squat while shifting your weight to the active leg. Keep the opposite leg straight and out to the side. Keep the heel or entire foot on the ground.
Can be performed bodyweight, holding a KB (goblet style), holding DBs in each hand, or loaded with a BB (either on your back or in a front-rack position). Can be performed alternating (as demonstrated in the demo above), or all prescribed reps per side in a row.
Substitutions
Cossack Squat; Pistol squat; Single Leg Press; any other unilateral lower body movement.
Side Plank
Laying on the ground on your side, extend your knees so your whole body is in a straight line from knees to hips to shoulders. Place your forearm on the ground with your elbow directly under your shoulder, then raise your hips off the ground. Aim to maintain a neutral spine and maintain that straight line from your shoulders through your head. Hold that position for 2-3 seconds (unless explicitly prescribed), then lower your hips back to the ground — that’s 1 rep. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Can be scaled easier by bending your knees 90-degrees, shortening the length between contact points (from feet-to-forearm to knees-to-forearms). Can be further scaled easier by raising from your forearm up to your hand (with a straight arm and locked elbow). Can be scaled harder by elevating your feet on a bench or unstable surface (bosu ball, TRX, etc.).
Substitutions
Plank, Windmills, Turkish Getups, Suitcase Carries
Cable Lateral Raise
On a cable machine, hold the cable in one hand using a rope or single handle attachment. Slowly lift weights out to the side until your arm is parallel with the floor. Lower back down and repeat.
Substitutions
Banded Lateral Raise; DB Lateral Raise; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Tricep Kickback
Set up in a bent over position with the torso almost parallel to the floor. Hold the dumbbell with one arm bent at 90 degrees. Engage your tricep and push the weight back to straighten the arm. Pause and flex your tricep while holding the weight at the top, then return to the start position and repeat. Can also be performed with a cable & rope attachment (or a band) rather than a DB. Aim to keep your elbow high and your humerus (upper arm) behind your torso, rather than in line with it.
Substitutions
Tricep Push Down, Bench Dips, Skullcrushers
Cable Curl
Set up in front of a cable machine with the pulley in the lowest position, with a straight bar or EZ bar attached. Grab the bar with both hands, with an underhand grip. Perform curls for the prescribed reps, including any noted tempo (pausing at the top of the curl, if prescribed). Option to use a rope, single arm handle, EZ-bar/v-bar, or straight bar attachment unless specified.
Substitutions
Barbell Curl; EZ Bar Curls; DB Curls; Hammer Curls; Machine Curls; Any other bicep variation
Incline Seated DB Curl
Sit back on an incline bench with a dumbbell in each hand. Extend the arms out past the seat and complete dumbbell curls. Perform with both arms at the same time, unless specified as alternating (like in demo above).
Substitutions
Single Arm Cable Curls (facing away), Standing DB Curls, Any other curl/bicep variation
Hollow Body Hold
Laying on your back, raise arms overhead and extend your legs and feet. Engage your abs while pressing your low back into the floor, and hover your feet and hands ~6 inches over the floor. Maintain tension in your core and brace your abs. Focus on keeping your ribs tucked down and continue pressing the low back into the floor. Hold the position for the total prescribed time (e.g. 20 seconds), or if prescribed as reps (e.g. 3 sets of 6 reps), hold the position for 2-3 seconds for each repetition before returning to the floor.
Option to scale down by using the modified demo linked above (moderate) by keeping your hands down by your side rather than overhead. Further options to scale this movement (novice) would be keeping your arms on the floor during the repetition, or keeping your hands on the floor while only lifting one leg at a time.
For the Hollow Body Rock variations, the goal is to maintain your hollow body position throughout the motion while rocking back and forth.
Substitutions
Modified Hollow Body Hold; Hollow Body Rocks; Plank; Birddogs; V-situps; Deadbugs;
Squat
Competition style squat. This can either be high-bar, low-bar, or somewhere in between (hybrid). For full squat tutorial, see our How to Squat video, our Extended Video Library or written guides on this movement.
Set up with the bar on your traps. Lift the bar up straight out of the squat rack, and step back in a few steady, stable steps. Take a breath into the pit of your belly, think of expanding your trunk (creating 360-degrees of pressure around your abs and lower back), and begin your descent by breaking at the knees and hips at the same time. Descend (aiming to keep the bar in as straight and vertical of a bar path as possible) until you reach depth, which is the point at which your hip crease has descended below the horizontal plane made by the top of your knee. From there, squat back up until you are fully upright. Breathe, brace your core, and repeat.
For air squats (bodyweight), check out our detailed breakdown in the Instagram TV video linked here.
Substitutions
Barbell squat variations (low bar squat, high bar squat, front squat, safety bar or other specialty barbell variations); Other compound lower body exercises (Belt Squats, Leg Press, Hack Squat Machines, etc.)
Farmer’s Carry
Hold a weight (kettlebell, dumbbell, etc) in both hands and walk. Carries are always counted by time, so do not rush. Control your pace and do your best to keep your hips and shoulders square and balanced despite the resistance.
Substitutions
Heavy Carry; Suitcase Walks; Shrug Variations; Walking Lunges
Ankle/Wrist Roll
Complete wrist rotations with fingers interlocked, while rotating one ankle at a time, creating circles with the ankle.
Runners Lunge
Start in a plank position and bring one foot at a time as close to the same side hand as possible. Pause momentarily and allow a light stretch of the hips and groin, before returning to a plank position and alternating legs. To scale, plank on a higher surface like a bench. This is an active / dynamic stretch that we use to help open the hips and raise our heart rate as we prepare for heavier training to follow.
Preacher Curl
Use a preacher curl station, GHD, machine, incline bench, or other surface to keep your upper arms in a fixed position, and perform a curl. Keeping the upper arms stationary, and curl the bar forward and up while contracting the biceps. Lower and repeat for reps.
Substitutions
Barbell Curl, Cable Curl; Alternating DB Curl, Hammer Curl; Single Arm Preacher Curl; Concentration Curl
Single Arm Preacher Curl
Use a preacher curl setup, an incline bench, or other like surface to perform a curl with one arm at a time. Keep the upper arm stationary, and curl the dumbbell forward and up while contracting the biceps. Lower and repeat for prescribed reps.
Substitutions
Preacher Curl; Concentration Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Alternating DB Curl; Hammer Curl; Barbell Curl; Single Arm Banded Curl
Leg Extension
Typically performed on a machine; Perform a leg extension using your quads to extend at the knee. These are to be performed with both legs together, unless specified otherwise (e.g. single leg extension). Can also be performed seated on a bench with a band around your ankles, with the other end secured against a strong anchor.
Substitutions
Heel Elevated Goblet Squat, Sissy Squat, Bodyweight Leg Extension, Kneel-to-Squat, Wall Sit.
Curl Up
Lie on your back with one knee bent and the other extended on the floor. Raise your head a few inches off the ground and hover the extended leg at the same time. Hold the position for 10 seconds, then relax and switch sides. Focus on pressing your lower back into the floor. Maintain contact with the floor and your lower back, keeping your ribs pulled down and your hips/pelvis tucked under you.
Substitutions
Any core series (deadbugs, bird-dogs, planks, l-sit, hanging leg raises)
Pull-Up Progression
Since we all have different experiences and starting levels of pull-up strength, you will first need to conduct a baseline test to ensure our progression is appropriately scaled to your starting point. To find your starting Level, check out our information page at this link here.
Once you’ve identified your starting level, perform a baseline test on your first available session (even if you join us mid-cycle). Record your test score, as we’ll use this score for our progression.
Baseline Tests & Training Movements
For each of levels 1-4, please find your movement below. Perform the baseline test only at the start of the challenge (or when you first start programming, if you are just joining us). Each day and week of training will be prescribed relative to this baseline test.
How to Read “Pull-Up Progression” in Your Program
When you see Pull-Up Progression in the program, it will look something like this: “4 sets @ 50% of baseline”, which means…
Level 1 and Level 2: take 50% of your baseline test (negative pull-ups) and complete 4 sets of that time. So if you scored 4 seconds on your negative pull-up, then training calls for 4 sets of 2-second negatives. If you are unable to perform negative pull-ups, perform Dead Hangs for the prescribed percentage of your baseline test max Dead Hang time.
For Level 3 and Level 4: take 50% of your baseline test (max pull-ups or weighted pull-ups) and complete 4 sets of that amount of reps. For example, if you completed 6 reps, then training calls for 4 sets of 3 reps. For weighted pull-ups, use the same added weight that you used to perform your baseline test for each session.
Round up or down as needed based on the prescribed percentage work, but aim to hit at least the total cumulative rep goal for the session. For example, if your baseline test is a 5-second max negative, you can perform sets of 2-second or 3-second negatives, but try to get at least 10-seconds total across all sets. If your baseline test is 5 reps, you can perform sets of 2 or 3 reps, but try to get at least 10 total reps.
Substitutions
Lat Pull Downs; Inverted Rows; Any other back & lat movements
Half Kneeling Single Arm Lat Pulldown
On a cable machine, choose a single handle attachment at a high position on the pulley. Taking a half kneeling position (right knee down, left knee upright), grab the handle with the same side hand that is kneeling on the ground. Perform a single arm lat pull down, aiming to pull your right elbow in towards your right hip while keeping your torso upright and holding the rest of your body as steady as possible. Perform the prescribed number of repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.
Substitutions
Any unilateral pulling or rowing movements (DB Rows, Cable Rows, Hammer Strength Rows); Lat Pull Over (DB or Cable); Vertical Pulling movements (Pull Ups, Chin Ups, Lat Pull Down); Horizontal Pulling movements (Barbell Rows, Inverted Rows, Chest Supported Rows, etc.); Any other back or lat focused exercises.
Weighted Pull-Up
Using a dip belt, add additional weight and perform strict pull-ups. This is an advanced variation — if you cannot perform strict pull-ups for reps, please see the recommended substitutions below.
Grip a pull-up bar slightly wider than hip width apart, palms facing away from your face (supinated grip). Hang from the bar, and pull yourself up by pulling elbows down to the floor. Continue pulling until your chin passes the bar. Descend back to the start position and repeat.
Substitutions
Strict Pull-Ups; Lat Pull Down, Assisted Pull-Ups, Chin-Ups, Negative Pull-Ups
DB Front Raise
Standing upright, hold a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral/parallel grip (palms facing each other). Maintain an extended arm position and raise the weight from in front of your hips/thighs to up over your head. Keep constant tension here, and try to avoid resting the weight on your thighs at the bottom. Can also be performed seated. Resistance implement can be substituted if needed — if a plate, band, or pair of DBs are unavailable, you can substitute for a loaded book bag for resistance.
These can also be prescribed as a Front Raise Hold. Set up the same as a traditional DB Front Raise, but hold the weight or resistance isometrically at shoulder height (arms extended) for the prescribed time.
Substitutions
Banded Front Raise; Front Plate Raise, Cable Front Raise; DB Overhead Press
Single Arm Cable Curl
Set up a single handle attachment on the low anchor of a cable pulley machine. Grab with one hand, and perform single arm curls using a handle attachment and a cable machine. Begin performing curls with your banded arm for the prescribed reps. Aim to maintain a neutral posture (keeping your elbow by your sides, and hips & shoulders square facing towards the anchor), with the only movement coming from flexing your bicep. Complete for the prescribed reps, then repeat on the other side before taking any rest. Option to use a rope, or other attachment unless specified.
Substitutions
Concentration Curl; Single Arm Preacher Curl; Cable Curl; Alternating DB Curl; Hammer Curl; DB Iso-Hold Curl; Single Arm Banded Curl
Neutral Grip Cable Row
Sit on the floor or a seated cable machine and hold a parallel grip attachment. Set up far enough away from the pulley so that there is tension on the cable when your arms are extended. Start your rep by pulling the handle back towards the lower abdomen. Return to the starting position and repeat. Focus on driving your elbows back, squeezing your shoulder blades together during the contraction, and allowing the cable to return to a deep and reaching start position, protracting your shoulders and stretching your lats. If you do not have access to cables, you can perform these variations with bands.
Substitutions
Banded Rows; Barbell Row; Pendlay Row; Dumbbell Row; Inverted Row; Any other horizontal pull/row
Single Arm Substitutions: Chest Supported Row, Single Arm Lat Pull Down, DB Row
Cable Stiff-Leg Deadlifts
Set up in a conventional deadlift position and hold an attachment to a low cable. Setup and execution of this movement will be very similar to the conventional deadlift, but should have a higher hip position, and less knee flexion. Do not completely lockout knees, but take note to keep legs more straight.
Substitutions
DB Stiff-Leg Deadlift, BB Stiff-Leg Deadlift, Hamstring Curls
Single Arm Tricep Push Down
Set up with a cable in one hand, bent at the elbow. Engage your tricep and push the weight down to straighten the arm. Maintain your upper arm position, and avoid using momentum to press down the weight. Return to the start position and repeat. Can be performed with a single handle attachment, a rope attachment, or other attachment of your choice. Can also be performed with a band if cables are unavailable, by attaching your band to a higher anchor point and/or tilting your torso forward.
Substitutions
Tricep Pushdowns; DB Tricep Kickback; Bench Dips; Skullcrushers
Supermans
Laying on your stomach, extend your arms overhead and extend legs and feet. Raise the shoulders, head, feet by extending the back and squeezing the glutes. Hold and squeeze at the top, then lower to the start position.
Substitutions
Back Extensions; Glute Ham Raise; Reverse Hyperextensions
Stir-the-Pot
Using a Bosu ball, set up in a low plank, with forearms on the ball. Slowly circle the bosu ball with your forearms (stirring the pot). Each rotation is one rep.
Substitutions
Planks, Bosu Ball Plank
Pull-Up Progression Retest
Warm up using an easier scaled version of your working sets. If your prescribed variation is a deadhang or negative pull-ups, perform a couple of sets of lighter resistance, shorter duration, or assisted/lat pull down reps. If your prescribed variation is unassisted pull-ups or weighted pull-ups, perform some sets with reduced reps or weight. Remember, the goal here is to increase blood flow and prepare yourself (both mentally and physically), not exhaust yourself before even beginning your retest.
When you feel warm and ready, let’s perform our retest. If your initial baseline test was a deadhang or negative pull-up measured for time, we would encourage you to repeat that same test, and try to beat your total time score. If you could almost do an unassisted pull-up during your baseline test, you can also shoot for your first pull-up! If your initial baseline test was for max reps (either bodyweight or weighted), aim to beat your total rep goal from your baseline test. If you entered our challenge for prizes, don’t forget to film your retest set! Post a link to your new Instagram video next to your name at this link here to finalize your challenge submission. If you didn’t submit an initial test video, you won’t be eligible for prizes this round, but we’d love to see your progress — tag @strongstrongfriends on Instagram!
Remember, our goal here is progress. It can take months and/or years of dedicated training for many lifters to get their first pull-up. If you are able to improve your score relative to your baseline test, then we are definitely moving in the right direction, and we are proud of you. Improving the amount of time you can actively deadhang from the bar, or increasing the number of seconds you can lower your body during a negative pull-up is exactly our goal — development of strength in the direction of getting your first pull-up! If you aren’t able to get your first pull-up, that is 100% okay and we encourage you to keep working here and aiming for incremental progress in your variations and accessories to continue supporting your goals.
Negative Chin-Up
Grip a pull-up bar at or slightly wider than shoulder width apart, palms facing towards you (supinated grip). To reach your start position, complete either a strict chin-up, or jump up to hang with biceps flexed, and chin over the bar. Slowly descend for desired amount of time, doing your best to evenly distribute the tempo throughout the entire range of motion. A narrower grip will place more emphasis on your biceps, while a wider grip will place more emphasis on your lats and back.
Substitutions
Assisted Negative Chin-Ups (using a band or assisted pull-up machine), Negative Pull-Ups
Seated Cable OHP
Get in an upright seated position facing a cable pulley, with handles attached at the low position. If grip is not specified (e.g. neutral grip), use an attachment of your choosing (straight bar, individual handles, parallel v-bar, etc.).
Raise the weight in front of you, starting with your elbows bent and your forearms vertical. Press the weight up towards the ceiling, being mindful of the cable in front of your face. Try to keep your arms in front of your body while you press, to better target your front (anterior) deltoids.
Substitutions
Seated DB OHP; Standing DB OHP; Barbell OHP; Viking or Landmine Press; Machine Shoulder/OHP; Front Plate Raise
Single Leg Glute Bridge
Lie on floor with feet flat on the ground. Extend one leg fully, and with the other, press into the foot to raise the hips. Squeeze your butt and drive your foot through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Aim to keep your shins vertical throughout the repetition to better target your glutes. Press yourself to the end of the range of motion, pause for one second and return to the start position.
For another challenging variation, perform these as Elevated Single Leg Glute Bridge by placing your rooted foot on an stable elevated surface (like a box, bench, or stair) before performing your reps. This will increase the effective range of motion of your repetitions.
Substitutions
Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
3-Position Cable Curl
Set up a single handle pulley in the low position of a cable rack. Start facing away from the rack, and take ~3 steps away so that the pulley is behind your body, and your upper arm is behind your torso (position 1). Perform curls for the prescribed rep range. Then, turn around so that you face the cable rack and your upper arm is then in front of your torso (position 2), and perform the prescribed rep range. Finally, step closer to the cable rack until you are almost standing above the pulley, and keep your upper arm directly by your torso perpendicular to the floor (position 3). Perform the prescribed reps. Now you’ve completed one set on one side – repeat all three positions with the other arm for each set as well.
Each position of this exercise group trains the biceps, however we are now biasing fibers along different areas of the muscle, by achieving peak resistance at different shortened/lengthened states (i.e. resistance profile is hardest in the lengthened position for Position 1, and hardest in the shortened position in Position 2). If substituting for another curl variation, aim to complete in sets of 15+ reps, and pushing to technical failure.
Substitutions
3-Position Banded Curl; 3-Position DB Curl; Any Bicep Burnout of 15+ reps to failure; Barbell Curl, Concentration Curl, Cable Curls (V-Bar or EZ Bar attachment), Preacher Curls, Alternating DB Curls, Hammer Curl
Concentration Curl
In a seated position, hang your upper arm vertically (perpendicular to the ground) and rest it against your inner thigh. Use your leg to prevent your upper arm from moving or swinging, avoiding momentum. Keep the upper arm stationary and curl the dumbbell while contracting the biceps. Lower and repeat for prescribed reps.
Substitutions
Preacher Curl; Single Arm Preacher Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Alternating DB Curl; Hammer Curl; Barbell Curl
High Bar Pause Squats
Set up for a squat in a high bar position (bar resting on top of your shoulders). Maintaining a fairly upright position, descend in a squat. When you reach depth, pause for ~1 second (unless a set duration is defined), keeping tension in the legs and trunk. Maintain position as best as possible during the pause. Press back up by pushing your feet into the floor and your shoulders back into the bar.
For a full squat tutorial as well as breakdowns of other barbell squat variations, see our How to Squat video, our Extended Video Library or written guides on this movement.
Substitutions
Paused barbell squat variations (low-bar, high-bar, front squat, safety bar squat, etc.); Pause lower body compound exercises (leg press, hack squat machine, goblet squat, etc.)
Seated Cable Front Raise
Sit just past arms length away from the cable machine. Hold a rope attachment from a low pulley. Maintain an extended arm position and raise the cable from in front of your hips/thighs to up over your head. Keep constant tension here, and try to avoid resting the cable at the bottom. Control the weight during your descent, resisting the rope as it pulls back towards your start position.
Substitutions
Banded Front Raise; Front Plate Raise, DB Front Raise, Cable Front Raise
Slider Hamstring Curl
Find a stretch of floor that is relatively low friction (something like wood or turf, not rubber or asphalt). Start by lying down face up, with sliders or small towels below your feet (or wearing just socks). Raise the hips into a glute bridge, and perform a hamstring curl by pushing heels out away from the body, then back to the start position, all while maintaining your bridge position as best you can.
To scale this version to an easier variation, modify this exercise to alternate one leg at a time until you reach the prescribed number of reps per leg.
Substitutions
Any Hamstring Curl or Hamstring Isolation machine; Other hamstring focused exercises (Glute Ham Raise, Romanian or Stiff-Leg Deadlift, etc.)
Banded Abduction in Glute Bridge
With a glute band just above the knees, lie on the ground. Extend your hips into the bridge position. While in the bridge, perform reps of banded abduction, pushing the knees out and returning to the start with control. Maintain your bridge position during your entire set, and keep tension on the band during and between each rep where possible.
Substitutions
Banded Lateral Walks or Monster Walks, Glute Bridge, Abductor Machine
Half Kneeling Paloff Press
In a half kneeling position (close knee on the floor), use a cable machine or a band and bring the handle to the torso. From there, extend your arms out and away from the body. The start position should be difficult to hold, and you should feel resistance as the band/cable try to pull (rotate) you. Your goal throughout the entire range of motion is to keep your hips and shoulders facing square in front of you and resist the rotation.
While maintaining extended arms, bring the handle/band up to roughly nose height with control. Once you reach nose height, lower the handle/band to belly button height with control, then return to starting position (chest height). That is one repetition — repeat until you’ve completed the prescribed number of reps.
Substitutions
DB Windmill, Turkish Getup, Half Turkish Getup, Russian Twist
Glute Bridge
Glute Bridge with Band Abduction Demo
Glute Bridge Against Band Demo
Lie on floor with feet flat on the ground. Squeeze your butt and drive your foot through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Aim to keep your shins near vertical throughout the repetition to better target your glutes. Press yourself the the end of the range of motion, pause for one second and return to the start position.
Substitutions
Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
Training Max
What is a Training Max?
We prescribe all percentages relative to a Training Max. Your Training Max should be a number you can hit for a confident rep on any day of the week without a doubt (even when you don’t feel your best). On a good day, this is a weight you might be able to hit for 2-3 repetitions when just starting out. Each non-deload week, we’ll provide instructions on how/when to change your Training Max to fine-tune the prescribed intensity to your individual capacity. Since we all have different levels of experience and technical proficiency (e.g. one lifter may hit 5 reps at 85% while another may hit 12), this process of refining your Training Max based on the weekly guidelines will ensure you’re making the most out of your training — even if your Training Max veers away from that “2-3 repetitions” starting point.
Not sure where to start, or how to pick a Training Max?
Don’t sweat it! Start by picking a Training Max that is a number you know you can hit no matter what for 2-3 tough reps. This will give us a starting point. Each regular training week will provide suggestions on how to adjust your Training Max based on numbers you hit, so you’ll be up to speed in no time even if you start with a conservative guess.
Why do we program off of a Training Max?
We strongly recommend starting with a conservative Training Max as defined above, even if you know your true 1-Rep Max. Why? Think of it this way: your day-to-day training goes through ups and downs over the course of a week/month/cycle. This impacts your relative strength and capacity on any given day. Since your average daily training session is just that—average—we find that basing your training off of a peaked, ideal-condition scenario (like a 1RM) is not as flexible as working off a Training Max.
By programming based on a Training Max you could hit on any day of the week (similar to the concept of a “daily minimum”), we are able to plan a progression that keeps you moving forward on both your best and worst days — and everything in between. By starting with a more conservative Training Max, you will better set yourself up for long term progress as intensities climb, and ensure that you can still complete the planned work on even the worst of days while pushing for new PRs when things feel great. And don’t worry — even if your first session feels light, we’ll provide instructions on how and when to increase your Training Max from week-to-week based on your performance. After all… If your first session was hard to the point of failure, how are you supposed to build momentum and actually progress from there?
I think my Training Max is too light! What do I do?
Don’t worry — even if your first session feels light, we provide instructions on how and when to increase your Training Max from week-to-week based on your performance. That’s one of the biggest benefits of following Stronger by the Day over the long term, as every week of training builds on previous weeks. That means we’ll tell you exactly how and when to increase your Training Max and make real progress. Besides… If your first session was hard to the point of failure, how are you supposed to build momentum and actually progress from there?!
Cat-Cow
Intended as a motion exercise, not a stretch. Focus on movement throughout and in between the reps, not just stretching at the end-range of motions. Aim to move through your entire back, allowing your lumbar, and thoracic, and cervical spine (lower, mid, and upper) to flex and extend together.
B-Stance RDL
Set up in a staggered stance, with one foot’s toe in line with the other heel. Soften the front knee slightly. Put your weight on the front foot and hinge at the hip and push your hips back. The back foot should support like a kickstand (we recommend only using the ball of your foot for balance), with most of the weight should be on your front leg. Control your slow negative and keep your back flat. Can be performed with DBs, KBs, Band, or a Barbell. Perform for the prescribed repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.
Substitutions
Split Stance/Single Leg RDL, Single Leg Press, Split squat variations, Lunge variations, Single Leg Hamstring Curls, other unilateral lower body work
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Rate of perceived exertion, or RPE, is a method of evaluating training effort, typically ranked on a scale up to 10. This is a useful tool in prescribing or adjusting loads based on how challenging a set feels to the lifter.
While there are a number of different ways that people define RPE, we will be linking our RPE scale to the concept of Reps-in-Reserve for the purposes of this program. Something that is an RPE 10 would be a truly maximal effort, where no more weight could be added or reps could be performed at the given load and rep scheme. An RPE 7 would be a solid effort, but the set would be less challenging and the lifter would have ~3 reps left in the tank at the end of their set (10 minus 7 equals 3).
If you’re not too sure, we recommend not trying to overthink things. Each set that prescribes weight using RPE will have more specific instructions to aim for with your sets, and it’s okay to err on the conservative side. For your first time performing a set to a prescribed RPE, your goal should be to establish a baseline, evaluate how things felt on that set, and adjust as needed for subsequent sets or sessions if things felt easier or harder than the description.
Push-Up
Start in a plank position with palms on the floor, slightly wider than shoulder width apart (unless grip width is specified) and balls of the feet on the ground. Aim to maintain a straight line in your body, from feet to knees to hips to shoulders. Bend elbows to descend the torso, hips and chest to lower your chest to the floor, coming close to touching the ground. Keep your body in a straight line, making sure not to raise or sink the hips. Press the palms through the floor, activating the chest, shoulders and triceps and returning to the start position. With this hand position, we should be aiming to keep your arms roughly 45-degrees from the torso at the bottom.
Substitutions
Modified (Hands Elevated) Push-Up; Single Arm Banded Chest Press; Modified Handstand Push-Ups; Bench Dips; DB Bench Press, Machine Chest Press, Barbell Bench Press variations; Subs for Close Grip or Diamond Push Ups include more tricep dominant exercises (Skullcrushers, Rope Pushdown, Dip variations, etc).
B Stance Hip Thrust
Sitting on the floor in front of a bench, roll the bar so it is over your hips. Set feet in a b-stance by placing one foot flat on the ground, and the other with only the heel on the ground.
Support your mid back perpendicular to a bench. Squeeze your butt and drive your feet through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Aim to keep your flat foot shin vertical throughout the repetition to better target your glute on the flat foot side.
These can also be performed as Bodyweight only, or loaded with a DB on your hips rather than a Barbell.
Substitutions
Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
B-Stance Glute Bridge
Lie on floor with one foot flat on the ground and the other with only the heel on the ground (B-stance). Press your flat foot into the ground to raise the hips, using the other foot as a kickstand for balance. Squeeze your butt and drive your foot through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Press yourself the the end of the range of motion, pause for one second and return to the start position.
Substitutions
Single leg glute bridge; Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
Welcome Video (Stronger by the Day Sample)
Ascending Sets
Ascending sets refer to sets where we increase weight where possible with each passing set. Like AMRAPs, ascending sets are a form of autoregulation (something that allows us to adjust training based on individual performance variations day-to-day and week-to-week).
For ascending sets, we will prescribe a Set x Rep scheme for the day, as well as a starting intensity relative to your training max. If your sets feel strong, we encourage you to increase weight before your next set, and reevaluate (and potentially increase) again. These weight increases can be anywhere from 2-5%+ of your training max. These sets will allow us to use heavier (ascending) weights when we feel good and move well, yet stick with the minimum prescribed percentage on “off” days, to make sure we’re making progress and moving forward no matter what.
**Please ensure you are using your Training Max as defined in the FAQ below, as this will best set you up for long-term sustainable progress.**
As Many Reps as Possible (AMRAP)
AMRAPs refer to sets where we aim to complete as many reps (or rounds) as possible with a given weight. Like Ascending sets, AMRAPs are a form of autoregulation (something that allows us to adjust training based on individual performance variations day-to-day and week-to-week).
The goal here is to push yourself on these sets to complete as many reps as you can with good technical consistency. We aren’t trying to go all the way to absolute or technical failure, but we still want to really challenge ourselves and use these as a barometer of our directional progress. All AMRAPs are prescribed as a percentage of your Training Max. These sets will allow us to hit new rep max PRs when we feel good and move well, yet stick with the minimum prescribed reps even on “off” days, to make sure we’re making progress and moving forward no matter what.
**Please ensure you are using your Training Max as defined in the popup or FAQ below, as this will best set you up for long-term sustainable progress.**
Zercher Squat
Setup a barbell on a squat rack at about elbow height. Unrack the barbell by placing the bar in the crook of your arms. Bend arms to fold hands so the bar is stable and balanced. Drive yourself upward and walk out from the rack. Push your hips back and bend the knee to lower into a squat. You’ll notice that you need core and trunk control to keep the bar steady and to stay in position. Make sure you maintain an upright torso throughout the movement, and push your entire foot back into the floor.
For a more comprehensive overview, check out our longer YouTube instructional video linked here.
Substitutions
Front squat, Goblet squat, Belt Squat, Narrow-Stance Leg Press
Calf Raise
Standing on the edge of a platform, plate, stair, or other elevated surface, position yourself so that the back half of your feet are off the edge. From there, raise up on to your tip-toes by flexing your calf muscles, and hold for a moment at the top. Then, lower yourself down so that your heels reach below the elevated surface until you feel a light (but not painful) stretch in your calves.
Can be performed with bodyweight or weighted (DBs, KBs, or even BBs!). Hold a wall or squat rack for balance if needed. Can also be performed in machines (such as in a leg press or hack squat machine).
Substitutions
Calf Extensions in Leg Press; Calf Raises in Hack Squat; Seated Calf Raise Machine
A Note on Exercise Order & Sequencing
“What’s with the exercise order? Can I change things around?”
Can you change the exercise order? Of course you can! Programming is always yours to run as you choose, and we aren’t here to enforce anything. However, everything is written intentionally to optimize YOUR progress. Changing the exercise order might make some things a little easier right now, but also might be self-handicapping your long-term results. We’re going to dive into some programming ideology below to provide you with more context.
A strength program is more than just a routine. We are’t simply throwing together exercises, reps, and sets before calling it a day. A program is a system of training designed to achieve a goal, which in our case, is to get jacked and strong as heck. More than just exercises, this involved balancing fatigue and volume accumulation, developing skill proficiency and ingraining movement patterns, developing a well-rounded and resilient body, and much more.
Because of this, our programming isn’t like a static routine where you train a specific movement or body part a fixed number of times per week. Components of our programming adapt and change depending on our broader macrocycle, including exercise selection, frequency, intensity, volume, and sequencing–just to name a few. For example, an accumulation block may be moderate intensity, higher volume, and includes wider array of movements with the intention of building muscle, increasing work capacity, and raising our potential for strength. Exercise sequencing is a single variable in our toolkit that we can manipulate to accumulate stress and fatigue before your heavy compound lifts (squat/bench/deadlift/OHP), which is directly in line with our goals for the cycle. Over successive weeks of training, we can build a tolerance and improve our work capacity from a fatigued state, which increases our ceiling for absolute strength down the road.
Hanging Leg Raise
Captain’s Chair Demo Here (Easiest)
Hanging from a pull-up bar, keep your knees extended and contract your abs, raise your legs until your lower body makes an L-shape, parallel with the floor. Momentarily pause (to demonstrate control of the position), then slowly lower them to the floor with control. Throughout the repetition, aim to keep your scapula depressed (shoulders down, lats engaged) and maintain a tucked rib cage, allowing your abs to control the movement.
This is a fairly advanced movement. To scale to the easiest variation, perform on a Captain’s Chair rather than hanging from a pull-up bar. To scale to an slightly less easy (intermediate) variation, perform Hanging Knee Tucks from a pull-up bar.
Substitutions
Other Knee/Leg Raises; Hollow Body Holds; Barbell or Ab-Wheel Rollouts; Planks; Sit-up/Crunch variations; Other Abdominal Flexion movements.
3-Position Tricep Burnout
2. DB OH Tricep Extension Demo
This is a three-exercise giant set, intended to be performed continuously with no rest in between exercises. Start by performing Close Grip Push-Ups for the prescribed reps/time, then immediately grab a dumbbell and perform Overhead Tricep Extensions for the prescribed reps/time, followed by Bench Dips for the prescribed reps/time. Once you’ve completed one round of each exercises, you can then rest (or move onto the next exercise). If you are unable to perform more than 5 Close Grip Push-Ups, we suggest performing as modified (knees down, or hands elevated) to achieve the prescribed reps. If substituting for another tricep variation, aim to complete in sets of 15+ reps, and pushing to technical failure.
You can perform this 3-Position Tricep Burnout with any number of variations, but we recommend picking 3 exercises with different tricep (humerus) positions relative to your torso. Start with something in front of your torso (e.g. Banded Tricep Pushdowns or Skullcrushers), then something overhead (e.g. Banded, DB, Cables or EZ Bar OH Extension), then something behind your torso (e.g. Bench Dips or Tricep Kickbacks). An example series that can be done with bands and BW only is below:
1. Banded Tricep Pushdown Demo
2. Banded OH Tricep Extension Demo
3. Banded Tricep Kickback Demo
Substitutions
Any Tricep Burnout of 15+ reps to failure; Rope Pushdowns; OH Tricep Extensions, Skullcrushers, Dips; Close Grip Pressing Variations, etc.
Cable Flyes
Set up in a cable rack with the pulleys set at roughly shoulder height. Grab a handle in each hand, and step forward so there is some tension in each arm. From an extended position with your arms starting away from your body and a slight bend in the elbow, bring your arms together until they meet in front of you. Then with control, return them to their starting position. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
This movement can be performed in a number of different planes, whether parallel (as demonstrated here), low-to-high (low anchor with hands finishing together in a high position), or high-to-low (high anchor with hands finishing together in a low position). If no plane is specified, perform the variation most comfortable for you.
Substitutions
Single Arm Banded Flyes; DB Flyes; Incline DB / Barbell Bench Press; Push-ups; Pec Deck Machine
On a flat bench, hold a DB in each hand and press until your arms are extended above your shoulders. Keep a slight bend in your elbow, and slowly begin descending the weight without breaking at the elbow (as you would in a press). By maintaining the same elbow angle throughout the entire range of motion, your movement should be controlled by your pecs.
Substitutions
Incline DB Flyes; Cable Flyes; Incline DB / Barbell Bench Press; Push-ups; Pec Deck Machine
Overview:
While not always the most fun, check–in photos provide more data to assist in our coaching process as we work towards your goals. Before we go further, we want to start by emphasizing the importance of cultivating an environment of trust, safety, respect, and confidentiality. Your check–in and progress/transformation photos will not be shared without your express written consent. If you do not feel comfortable sharing, please know that you are in no way compelled to upload photos, and you can always tell your coach this with 100% understanding on their end. If at any point you feel uncomfortable in this process, please contact us at sales@strongstrongfriends.com so we can best support you and ensure your safety and trust are maintained.
How to take a check–in photo:
We recommend taking your photos first thing in the morning after you’ve used the bathroom (but before any food or drink).
To make the most of your check–in photos, we recommend setting up your phone on video mode with the front-facing camera somewhere around your mid-section height. You can use a tripod if you have one, otherwise just prop your phone up on a chair, bench, table, or stool. Hit record on the video, and step back roughly 10 feet (ensure that you can see your entire body). Start by facing forward, and maintain a relaxed pose for a few seconds. Then turn 90-degrees to the side, and hold that relaxed pose for another few seconds. Finally, turn away from the camera completely, and hold a relaxed pose for a few more seconds before ending the recording.
From there, you can screenshot still-frames of your video to be used for your check–in. While these photos (and relaxed posing in general) are not always the most flattering, they can provide us with useful objective data when evaluating your progress.
For future check-ins, recreating this video as closely as possible (from the same camera set up, distance from the camera, and even the same clothes & lighting) will help considerably as your coach tracks your progress.
How to upload your check–in photos:
To upload photos, click the tab on the left labeled “Check–In Photos“, and then click “Add” in the top right. From there, you have the ability to upload a front, side, and back photo. Select your files, and then click submit. Your coach will review these during your check–in, and may provide further comments or instructions from there.
Bodyweight & At-Home Training
We’ll be keeping you all updated as we are able to provide more resources during these challenging and unpredictable times.
Wishing everyone all the best in their health, safety, and livelihoods,
Team SSF
Bodysaw
Get in a forearm plank. Use your elbows to push your body back, maintaining the plank position the entire time. Return to start position and repeat.
Substitutions
Plank; Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side plank; L-sit
L-Sit Pull Through
Sit on the ground with legs extended, feet on sliders, and hands flat on the floor by your hips. Press both hands into the floor and raise your hips a few inches off the floor. While holding them at this height, tuck your ribs down and squeeze your abs while reaching your hips back as far as you can. Then, slowly relax your abs and push the sliders away from you. That is one repetition – repeat for the prescribed reps. You can also perform this with your feet on a foam roller. If you have a hard time elevating your hips off the ground, try elevating your hands on bumper plates to create a deficit.
Substitutions
Bodysaw, Hanging Leg Raises, Bear Crawls, Side plank, L-Sit Hold, V-Ups
2-Up; 1-Down Hip Thrust
Sitting on the floor in front of a bench, squeeze your butt and drive your feet through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Complete the hip thrust with both legs, then at the top of the rep, extend one leg. Slowly lower down on 1 leg.
Substitutions
Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Singe Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
One-Arm Plank
In pushup position with forearms on the ground, maintain neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. Once stable, bring one arm to your side, flexing the tricep and keeping the hand in a fist. Maintain that position for prescribed amount of time. If the prescribed time is too short or long for your current strength, consider scaling:
Scale easier by performing your plank to your knees and/or raising to your hands (vs. forearms).
Substitutions
Regular Plank (both arms); Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Bodyweight Tricep Extension
Place your hands on the edge of a bench and shoulder width apart. Extend arms and get into an elevated push up position. Maintain a straight torso and bend your elbows to lower hips and shoulders. Keep your elbows close to the side of your head and return to start position.
To scale easier, perform on a higher bench, set of stairs, or against a wall. To scale harder, perform flat on the floor (palms down), descending until your entire forearms are against the floor, then pressing your body back up by extending at the elbow, like a skullcrusher.
Substitutions
Tricep push-downs; Skullcrushers; OH Tricep Extension; Dips; Any other tricep exercises
Bodyweight Reverse Hyper
Lie face down on a bench with legs hanging off the bench. Grip the sides of the bench firmly with the upper body. Try to flatten the lower back, and remove any lower back arch. Begin with bent knees and hips and extend to straight legs. Return to start position and repeat.
Substitutions
Good Mornings; Back Extensions; Supermans; Reverse Hyperextensions; Romanian Deadlifts;
Straight Leg Bridge
Lying on your back, place your feet on an elevated surface. Place hands out to the side for support. Flex your toes up towards your shins and bring your butt off the floor slightly. Raise hips off the floor until your body forms a straight line.
Substitutions
Hip Thrust; Glute Bridge; Single-Leg Glute Bridge
Sissy Squat
Set up standing next to a piece of equipment or door jam for support. Place feet shoulder width apart and elevate heels. Bend knees and bring forward and tilt the torso backwards. The body should form a straight line from head to knees. Complete the rep by pulling the knees in and lifting the torso back to the start position.
Substitutions
Bodyweight Leg Extension, Leg Extension, Bodyweight Lunge
Bodyweight Leg Extension
Set up in a kneeling position. Press shins into the ground and slowly lower your upper body, ensuring knees, hips and shoulders are in a straight line. Press shins into the floor to return back to start position and repeat.
Substitutions
Other quadriceps focused exercises (goblet squat, leg press, etc.)
Heavy Carry
Hold a heavy weight (backpack full of books, water bottles, cans, etc.) and walk. Hold the weight overhead or to your chest. Carries are always counted by time, so do not rush. Control your pace and do your best to keep your hips and shoulders square and balanced despite the resistance.
Substitutions
Any heavy carry; KB/DB Windmills; Side Planks
Banded Supine Transverse Hip Abduction
Lie down on your back with knees bent and a band around your knees. Abduct the knees, and come back to the start position.
Substitutions
Glute Bridge; Hip Thrusts; Monster Walk; Banded Lateral Walk
Curtsey Lunge
Start standing with hips and shoulders square. Step one foot back and across your other leg, while bending the front knee and hip. Return the start position and repeat. These can also be performed weighted by holding a DB or KB (goblet style), pair of DBs or KBs (at your sides), or holding a weighted book bag (worn on your back, held goblet style, or tucked to your chest).
Substitutions
Curtesy Lunge with Sliders; B-Stance Squat; B-Stance Hip Thrust; B-Stance Glute Bridge; Split Squat , Bulgarian Split Squat, Front Foot Elevated Split Squat; Walking Lunge; Alternating Lunge; Reverse Lunge; Box Step Up
Frog Pump
Lie on floor with knees bent and soles of feet pressed together. Squeeze your butt and drive your foot through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Press yourself the the end of the range of motion, pause for one second and return to the start position.
Substitutions
Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
Ab Fallout
Start in a kneeling position with enough room to extend forward. Initiate by pushing the sliders forward away from your thighs. Control the speed and distance the by engaging the core. You should feel a light stretch in the abdominals. Keep ribs down and glutes tucked, being sure not to get into a hyperextended spine position.
Substitutions
Ab Walkout; Plank; Hanging Knee Tuck; Hollow Body Hold; Any other abdominal flexion exercise
Slider Mountain Climbers
Find a smooth, safe surface like carpet or tile to perform the exercise. Start in a plank position with sliders, paper plate, or towels on each foot. Bring one foot at a time in, bending the knee and hip. Aim to get the thigh perpendicular to the floor with each rep. Keep ribs down and glutes tucked, being sure not to get into a hyperextended spine position.
Substitutions
Slider Pike, Slider Fallouts, Planks; Hanging Leg Raises; L-Sit
Slider Knee Tuck
Find a smooth, safe surface like carpet or tile to perform the exercise. Start in a plank position with sliders, paper plate, or towels on each foot. Bring both feet, bending the knee and hip. Aim to get the thighs perpendicular to the floor with each rep. Keep ribs down and glutes tucked, being sure not to get into a hyperextended spine position.
Substitutions
Slider Mountain Climbers, Slider Pike, Slider Fallouts, Planks; Hanging Leg Raises; L-Sit
Slider Pike
Find a smooth, safe surface like carpet or tile to perform the exercise. Start in a plank position with sliders, paper plate, or towels on each foot. Bring both feet, bending the hip only, keeping the legs extended. Aim to raise the hips as high as possible with each rep. Keep ribs down and hips tucked, being sure not to get into a hyperextended spine position.
Substitutions
Slider Mountain Climbers, Slider Pike, Slider Fallouts, Planks; Hanging Leg Raises; L-Sit
Jefferson Curl
Using bodyweight or a PVC Pipe, slowly start to lower the upper body by tucking the chin and rolling down, one vertebrae at a time. Keep your arms straight and hanging down in front of you. Fold down as far as you comfortably can. stretching the spine and hamstrings. Reverse the movement to come back to standing, making sure you’re again rolling up one vertebrae at a time.
Start with bodyweight or PVC pipe, and then advance to an empty barbell after regularly programming the Jefferson Curl for 4 weeks.
Substitutions
Yoga Flow
B-Stance Squat
Set up in a staggered stance, with one foot’s toe in line with the other heel. Soften the front knee slightly. Put your weight on the front foot and hinge at the hip and knees to squat. The back foot should support like a kickstand (we recommend only using the ball of your foot for balance), with most of the weight should be on your front leg. Can be performed with DBs, KBs, or a Barbell. Perform for the prescribed repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.
Substitutions
Pistol Squat, Single Leg Press, Split squat variations, Lunge variations, Single Leg Leg Extension, other unilateral lower body work
Slider Reach Push-up
Starting in a plank position with one hand on the floor, and the other on a slider, paper plate, or magazine. Slowly lower, while reaching away from the body as you lower. Return to start position and repeat.
Substitutions
Push-Ups, Modified Hand Stand Push Ups, DB Bench Press, DB Chest Flys
Low Ceiling Lunges
Starting with feet together, take a step forward and perform a walking lunge. Rather than fully contracting and reaching a tall, upright position between steps, take the next steps while maintaining the low, engaged position, as if there were a low ceiling. Can be performed bodyweight or loaded (goblet with a KB, with DBs in each hand, or with a Barbell on your back or in a front rack position).
Substitutions
Split squat variations; Lunge variations; Step Ups; Any other unilateral lower body movement (single leg press, single leg glute bridge, etc.)
Copenhagen Plank
Lay on your side with your feet under a bench or elevated surface. Place your top foot on top of the bench. Place your bottom elbow and forearm directly under your shoulder and, lift your hips off the ground by driving your top foot down into the bench — you should feel the groin muscles of your top leg working hard. Lift your bottom leg up until it touches the bottom of the bench. Hold this position for the prescribed duration, maintaining a straight line from shoulder to hip to to knee to ankle, before lowering back to the start position with control.
Substitutions
Copenhagen Plank Raise; Modified Copenhagen Plank; Modified Copenhagen Plank Raises; Cossack Squat; Side Lying Adduction; Hip Adduction Machines; Goblet Squat with Adduction; Hip Thrust with Adduction
Modified Hand Stand Push-Up
Set your lower body on a stable surface with your hands on the floor so that you’re bent over in a 90 degree position. Lower yourself toward the ground as far as possible, keeping the 90 degree angle. The closer you are to being vertical, the harder the push up will be. Scale accordingly.
Substitutions
Push-Ups, DB Bench Press, DB Chest Flys
Squat with Adduction
Place a block or towel in between the knees. Press into the block. Perform squats to depth while keeping an upright torso with bodyweight or with a light kettlebell. Perform with feet flat on the ground, unless specified otherwise (e.g. Heel Elevated Goblet Squat, as demonstrated above).
Substitutions
Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat; Leg Extensions
Wall Sit
Set your feet about shoulder-width apart and then about 2 ft out from the wall. Keep your back flat against the wall, then bend your legs until they’re in a 90 degree angle. Hold the position for the specified amount of time.
Substitutions
Tempo Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Pause squats, any isometric squat work.
Push-Up with Single Arm Deficit
Use a stair, low box, or other stable surface (e.g. stack of textbooks). Starting in a plank position with one hand on the floor, and one hand elevated, begin your push-ups. Bend elbows to descend the torso, hips and chest to lower, coming close to touching the ground. Keep your body in a straight line, making sure not to raise or sink the hips. Can be modified by performing on knees (scaled easier) or by elevating feet (scaled harder).
Substitutions
Slider Push-Ups & Other Push-Up Variations; Alternating DB Bench Press; Alternating DB Overhead Press
Kang Squat
Unrack the bar setup in a low bar position. Walkout, and hinge at the hip by pushing your hips back to perform a good morning. Once your torso is near parallel to the ground, transition into a squat by bending the knees and lowering the hips. Reverse the movement and return to the bottom of the good morning, and then fully standing.
Substitutions
Barbell loaded or banded; Back extensions; Reverse hyperextensions; Stiff-Leg or Romanian Deadlifts
Banded Bicep Curls
Holding a band (pinned under your feet, or attached to a low anchor), set up so there is light tension in the band while your arms are straight down by your side. Increase tension by standing on more of the band, and decrease tension by allowing for more slack on the band between your feet and hands. Begin your rep by contracting your biceps to perform curls. Can be performed single arm or simultaneously, if preferred/not specified. Keep bicep and elbow close to torso and control the weight through the entire movement.
Substitutions
Banded Isometric Curl; Banded Hammer Curl; Banded Reverse Grip Curl; Banded Bicep 1.5-Rep Curl; Banded Bicep Curl 21’s;
DB Curl; Barbell Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Concentration Curls; EZ Bar Curls; Hammer Curls
Eccentric Step Downs
Setup beside a box that is roughly knee-height. Place your closest foot on the box, and your other foot on the floor. Ideally, your elevated leg should have no more than a 90-degree angle at the knee at the deepest position. Step up to the top of the box, so that all of your weight is on your elevated foot. Then, slowly lower your body with control, aiming for ~3 seconds to return to the bottom (if no tempo is explicitly prescribed). Whatever your target time, you should be evenly distributing your tempo with your range of motion, so that when you are 75% of the way done your tempo, you are 75% of the way down the rep. Can be weighted with DBs in both hands, or holding a DB or KB in front of you (arms extended, weight at belly-button height) to act as a counter balance.
Substitutions
Box Step Ups, Lateral Box Step Ups, Split Squat Variations, Lunge Variations; Any other unilateral lower body exercises
DB Upright Row
Stand up straight and hold two dumbbells with arms down and the weight in front of the thighs. Lift the weight straight up toward the chin, leading with the elbows and keeping the weight close to the body. Stop at parallel and return to the start position. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Front Plate Raise, Cable lateral raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Push-Up Mechanical Dropset
Position 1: Feet Elevated Push-Up
Position 3 (Alternate): Hands Elevated Push-Up
If you can perform fewer than 5 feet elevated push-ups, we recommend starting on the scaled version below!
Advanced: Start in a feet elevated push-up position (Position 1). Perform the prescribed number of reps (or to failure, if prescribed as an AMRAP). After completing these reps, immediately drop to Position 2, lowering your feet to the floor and complete the prescribed reps here (or to failure again, if prescribed as an AMRAP). Then immediately drop to Position 3, dropping to your knees and finishing your set. Once you’ve completed all 3 positions for the prescribed repetitions, you’ve completed 1 set.
Scaled: Start in a push-up position where you can perform at least 5 reps, either standard (flat on the floor) or hands elevated. Perform the prescribed number of reps (or to failure, if prescribed as an AMRAP). After completing these reps, immediately elevate your hands. If your hands were already elevated in position 1, elevate further (e.g. moving from the bottom stair to a second stair) and complete the prescribed reps here. After you’ve completed your reps in Position 2, immediately move to Position 3, elevating your hands further (e.g. moving to the third stair) and finish your set. Once you’ve completed all 3 positions for the prescribed repetitions, you’ve completed 1 set.
Substitutions
Regular Push-Ups; Bench Dip Mechanical Dropset; 3-Position Tricep Burnouts; Bench Dips; Tricep Pushdowns; DB or Close Grip Bench Press Variants
Jump Squat
Start in a standing position with your feet roughly hip-width apart. Begin by descending into the bottom of a squat, then explosively drive back up and jump once you reach a fully extended position. As soon as you land, drop straight back into a squat, and repeat. Continue for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Substitutions
Box Jumps; Goblet or other Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat; Leg Extensions
Russian Twist
Start sitting on the floor with your feet flat on the ground. Descend your torso back until you’re roughly 45-degrees off the floor (think half-way through a sit-up). Hold this position, and rotate left and right for the prescribed repetitions. These can be performed weighted (holding a DB or medicine ball), or bodyweight. For an added challenge, lift your feet a few inches off the ground, and hold them elevated while performing your repetitions (see the Advanced demo above).
Substitutions
Side Plank, Paloff Press, DB/KB Windmill, Turkish Getup, Half Turkish Getup
Glute Kickback (or Donkey Kick)
Start on the floor in a quadruped position (hands and knees down), with your arms shoulder-width apart. Start your repetition by raising one leg just off the floor, and then contract that glute while kicking your heel back and up until your leg is fully extended, holding and squeezing your glutes at the top. Return to the starting position and repeat the process for the prescribed number of reps. Switch legs, and repeat to complete your set.
Substitutions
Banded Glute Kickback; Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
Top Sets & Backdown Sets
Top sets and Backdown (or Back off) sets are a common programming & autoregulation technique in strength training. A top set would be your heaviest prescribed set for the day, typically followed by volume work at some reduced load relative to that top set (hence, backdown).
By prescribing your volume work for the day as a percentage of your Top Set rather than a (somewhat arbitrary) Training Max or All Time PR means your training can be tailored based on your specific capacity on any given day. Top sets (when performed submaximally or shy of failure) can also be used as an objective measure of fatigue or preparation at various points in a training cycle, and can act as a barometer of your progress.
Jumping Lunges
Starting in a split stance, dip into a lunge position. From the bottom, drive back up explosively and jump, switching your leg position and landing with your other foot forward. Continue alternating sides for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Split squat variations; Lunge variations; Step Ups; Any other unilateral lower body movement (single leg press, single leg glute bridge, etc.)
Burpees
Begin in a standing position. Drop into a squat position, place your hands on the ground, then kick your feet back into a plank position while keeping your arms extended. Immediately return your feet into squat position, and stand up from the squat position, extend or jump upright, and reach your hands overhead. Once you’re fully upright, that’s the end of your repetition — repeat for the prescribed reps.
Substitutions
Thrusters, Renegade Rows, Squat Jumps, Jumping Lunges
Chest Dips
Using parallel bars or stable chairs/stools/benches of the same height on each side of your body, jump up and straighten your arms. Begin your rep by descending your body and leaning forward. If you cannot fully support your bodyweight in this position (or are unsure), start by keeping one or both feet on the ground to add assistance. Continue dipping down until your shoulders are at or below your elbows, as comfortable, then press yourself back up by straightening your arms until you are back at the top.
If chest dips are uncomfortable for you (or not feasible based on equipment), substitute for Bench Dips, or any of the other substitutions listed below.
Substitutions
Bench Dips; Push-Up variations (wider grip will have greater chest focus); Tricep Push Down; Tricep Kick Back; Skullcrushers; BW Tricep Extension
Nordic Hamstring Curl
Start in a kneeling position with your feet anchored (under a rack, a heavy piece of furniture, heavy DBs/medicine ball/plates, or having a partner hold them down). As you maintain a straight position at the hips (aiming for a straight line from knee to shoulders), begin to lean your torso forward, controlling your descent with your hamstrings. Keep your hands in front of your body to support and catch yourself as you get closer to the floor. Then, raise your body back up to the start position by actively contracting your hamstrings. This is a fairly advanced exercise, and you may find it helps to press yourself up with a push-up to get some momentum going from the beginning.
To scale / modify to an easier version, perform as an eccentric-only. In this variation, descend as far as you can as slowly as you can, while lengthening the hamstrings until your arms catch yourselves. From this position, walk your hands backwards until you return to your start position. If you are unable to perform these, that’s okay! We recommend a Glute Ham Raise as another great substitute, or any other hamstring curl with a slow eccentric (negative), such as slider hamstring curls.
Substitutions
Glute Ham Raises, Slider Hamstring Curls, Any Hamstring Curl or Hamstring Isolation machine; Other hamstring focused exercises (Glute Ham Raise, Romanian or Stiff-Leg Deadlift, etc.)
Clapping Push-Up
Set up in a push-up position. If you are able to perform more than 5-6 regular push-ups, we recommend performing these in a regular push-up position, and if you can preform fewer than 5-6 regular push-ups, we recommend setting up in a modified (knees down) position. Descend from the top to the bottom of a push-up position as normal. When you press into the floor to drive your body back up to the top, press as explosively as possible, lifting off the ground where possible. While at the peak of your rep (and in the air), clap your hands together, then return them to the position and catch yourself before you descend into your next rep.
Substitutions
Regular or Modified Push-Ups, DB Bench Press, Machine Chest Press, BB Bench Press variations; Subs for Close Grip or Diamond Push Ups include more tricep dominant exercises (Skullcrushers, Rope Pushdown, Dip variations, etc).
Box Jumps
Start in a standing position with your feet roughly hip-width apart in front of a low box. Begin by descending into a short dip, then explosively drive back up and jump on top of the box. Pause in a stable position when you land, then stand up fully to ensure you are stable before stepping off the box. Continue for the prescribed number of repetitions. If you don’t have access to a box, you can perform these onto a sturdy bench, ledge, or stairs.
Substitutions
Jump Squats; Goblet or other Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat; Leg Extensions
Broad Jumps
Start in a standing position with your feet roughly hip-width apart. Begin by descending into a short dip, then explosively drive up and jump forward as far as you can. Pause in a stable position when you land, then stand up fully to ensure you are stable. Continue for the prescribed number of repetitions. If you are limited on space, turn around and jump back (rather than continuing to jump in the same direction).
Substitutions
Box Jumps; Jump Squats; Medicine ball Throws; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat
Arch Body Rock
Starting in a Superman position prone on the floor, extend until your hands and feet are both raised. Then, begin rocking forward and backwards, aiming to maintain your position throughout the entire range of motion.
Substitutions
Supermans; Hollow Body variations; Birddogs; V-situps; Deadbugs
Bow and Bend
Start standing upright with your feet hip-width apart. Reach your hands together overhead and back, extending as far as you can. Once you’ve reached a full stretch, pause for a moment, then reach down (while keeping your legs relatively straight). Repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Sun Salutations; Inch Worms; Runners Lunge; Punter Kicks
High Knees Marching
With a bit of space in front of you, perform high knees by driving one knee up to wards your torso, then alternate and perform the same movement with your other leg after your first foot touches the floor. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions or time. Can be performed in place, or inching forward.
Substitutes
Any other cardiovascular movement that helps you raise your heart rate and increase blood flow.
Butt Kicks
With a bit of space in front of you, begin by marching (for warm ups) or running/sprinting (for working sets) in place while driving your heels back to your butt. Repeat for the prescribed reps, time, or distance. Can also be performed while inching forward.
Substitutes
Sun Salutations; Inchworms; Runner’s Lunge; Punter Kicks
Punter Kicks
Stand upright, with your hand on a sturdy wall, beam, doorframe, or squat rack for support. Lift your opposite foot slightly off the ground, and with a relatively straight knee, kick your leg up in front of you. If you can, try to touch your toe with your opposite-side hand. You should feel a mild stretch in your hamstrings with each kick. Can also be performed while walking, alternate legs with each step, and repeat for the prescribed reps, time, or distance.
Substitutes
Any other cardiovascular movement that helps you raise your heart rate,increase blood flow, and provide a dynamic stretch.
Karaoke
Start with a bit of space to the side of you. While facing forward the entire time, start by crossing one foot over the other while stepping explosively in that direction. Alternate by crossing your training leg over and then under your leading leg for the prescribed time, distance, or repetitions. Then, repeat in the other direction.
Substitutes
Any other cardiovascular movement that helps you raise your heart rate,increase blood flow, and provide a dynamic stretch.
Jumping Jacks
Starting in an upright position with your feet together and hands by your side, jump up while spreading your legs (landing in a wide stance) and raise your arms so that they reach together overhead. Do your best to time them so that your hands touch together at the same time as your feet land in your wide stance. As soon as you land, jump back up and bring your feet together and hands back to your sides. Repeat for the prescribed time or reps.
Substitutes
Any other cardiovascular movement that helps you raise your heart rate,increase blood flow, and provide a dynamic stretch.
Kneeling Jump
Starting in a kneeling position with the balls of your feet down, sit your hips back towards your heels, then drive up explosively, jumping up and landing in a squat position. This is a fairly advanced variation — if you are unable to (or uncomfortable with) this exercise, we recommend the Kneel-to-Squat variation above.
Substitutes
Box Jumps; Broad Jumps; Jump Squats; Jump Lunges
V-Ups
Laying on your back, raise arms overhead and extend hands and feet, creating a starfish position. Pressing your low back into the ground, contract your abdominal muscles and crunch while bringing your hands and feet together. Lower back to the ground with control, and repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Hollow Body variations; Planks; Birddogs; Dead Bugs
Sprint
In an open space, run as quickly as possible for the time or distance as prescribed. Our goal here is max speed and explosiveness. Ensure that you are warm before you sprint at max effort, and we recommend some moderate speed running before going into your full sprint.
Substitutes
Any other cardiovascular movement that helps you raise your heart rate and increase blood flow.
Side Lying Abduction
Lie on your side with legs stacked and extended. While keeping your leg fully extended, raise your top leg towards the ceiling with control, and bring back down. Repeat for the prescribed time or repetitions. If you only feel this in your hip flexor (and not at all in your glutes), try rotating your hips so that you are angled down and facing closer to the floor (rather than towards the ceiling). The more that the front of your hips is pointed to the floor, the more this movement will require contraction at the glutes.
Substitutions
Fire Hydrants, Banded Lateral Walk, Monster Walk, Clamshells
Side Lying Adduction
Lie on your side with legs stacked and extended. While keeping your leg fully extended, raise your leg that is closer to the floor up towards the ceiling with control, pause at the top, and then bring back down towards the floor. Repeat for the prescribed time or repetitions. You should feel this primarily in your hip adductors (think inner thigh or groin), and if not, try adjusting your pelvis relative to the floor (rotating your hips down towards the floor more).
Substitutions
Hip Adduction Machine; Copenhagen Plank or Raises; Goblet Squat with Adduction
Straight Leg Raise
Lie on your back with legs extended. While keeping your knees fairly straight, raise one leg towards the ceiling with control, and bring back down. Repeat for the prescribed time or repetitions, alternating legs each repetition if preferred. This movement is a hip flexor dominant movement, and you may also feel a light stretch in your hamstring.
Substitutions
Punter Kicks; Fire Hydrants; Leg Swings
A-Skip
In an open space, maintain an upright posture (tall torso) while mimicking your sprinting mechanics (knees driving high, arms driving forward) in a march or skip. The goal here is to eventually work towards a skip while keeping the knees high and reinforce good ground contact to improve sprint technique. Drive the knee up high above the hip and bring it down fast, aiming to make contact with the ground using your full foot (not just your heels or toes). If comfortable, a skip can be added in between steps.
Substitutes
Any other cardiovascular movement that helps you raise your heart rate and increase blood flow.
B-Skip
In an open space, maintain an upright posture (tall torso) while mimicking your sprinting mechanics (knees driving high, arms driving forward) in a march or skip — just like in the A-Skip. Once you drive your knee up high though, the B-Skip differs from the A-Skip in that rather than driving your foot straight down to the ground, instead you want to extend your knee and reach your foot forward before driving to the ground. This will make your stride and leg movement look more circular than the A-Skip, and help reinforce the forward propulsion mechanics we’re looking for in good sprinting technique. If comfortable at a slower pace (marching), a skip can be added in between steps.
Substitutes
Any other cardiovascular movement that helps you raise your heart rate and increase blood flow.
Seated Banded Row
Set up similar to how you would for a seated cable row — with a resistance band anchored at mid-torso height. Grab the band with both hands and pull back towards the lower abdomen. Return the the starting position and repeat. Focus on pulling your elbows back behind your torso and squeezing your shoulder blades together during the contraction, and allowing the band to return to a deep and reaching start position, protracting your shoulders and stretching your lats.
To make this movement more challenging while using the same band, try grabbing each end of the band rather than looping the band through itself, or perform these as a Single Arm variation, performing the total prescribed repetitions as reps per side.
Substitutions
Barbell/Bentover Row; Pendlay Row; Dumbbell Row; Inverted Row; Chest Supported Row, Single Arm Lat Pull Down
Kneel-to-Squat
Starting in a kneeling position, bring one leg up into a half-kneeling position, then bring up your second leg until you reach a squat. Pause, then return to a half-kneeling position before returning to your knees. Throughout the entire repetition, aim to keep your head and torso at the same level – don’t allow your body to raise! Holding this deep squat throughout this keep this a challenging variation.
Substitutes
Wall Sit; Low-Ceiling Lunges; Other Lunge or Split Squat Variations; Box Step Ups
Spanish Squat
Set up by wrapping a band around an upright pillar or column, then step into each end of the band so that each end is wrapped behind your knees. Descend into a squat, and as you progress through your range of motion, the band will pull your knees forward. Once you get to the bottom, drive back while squeezing and flexing your quads. Pause at the top (for time, if prescribed), and continue squeezing your quads and resisting the bands. For an advanced version, you can perform this with a DB or KB in your hands as a goblet style Spanish Squat.
Substitutions
Goblet Squat; Leg Extensions; Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat; Leg Extensions
Terminal Knee Extensions
Set up by wrapping a band around an upright pillar or column, and step one foot into the loose end of the band so that the band wraps behind your knee. Starting with your feet together and both legs extended, allow the band to pull your knee forward – a bit of heel lift on that leg is okay! Then, drive your heel into the floor and extend your knee back to the start position by squeezing your quad. Hold it and continue squeezing while at the top (aiming for 2-4 sec each rep unless specified otherwise), then repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Spanish Squats; Single Leg Extensions; Goblet Squat; Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat
Banded Overhead Press
Set up in a stance with feet shoulder-width apart, standing on a long resistance band (light or moderate). Press overhead similar to a DB or BB overhead press. Do your best to keep your ribs down, hips forward, and glutes squeezed (so that your pelvis is stacked under your torso), rather than arching back. Adjusting your stance width (and how much tension is on the band under your feet) will adjust the resistance of this exercise.
Substitutions
Barbell or DB OHP; Single Arm DB OHP; Banded Front Raises; Banded Lateral Raises; Machine Overhead Press
Scap Wall Walk
Standing close to a wall, loop a small elastic rubber or fabric band around your wrists, and place your forearms against the wall vertically while bending at the elbows 90-degrees. While keeping your forearms perpendicular to the floor (straight up and down), slowly walk your arms up and down the wall. The band will add pressure to your forearms to internally rotate, and your goal is to resist that pressure (through external rotation) throughout the range of motion.
Substitutions
Band Pullaparts with External Rotation; Prone I-T-W-Y; Blackburns; Face Pulls
Barbell Stiff Leg Sumo Deadlift
Set up just behind a Barbell with a wide stance (feet externally rotated) and hands inside of your legs. Hinge at the hip with minimal bend at the knee to get in a pulling position. Tighten the upper back, brace the core, then pull the Bar from the ground up to the hips. Think about pushing the feet through the floor while squeezing your glutes and pushing your hips forward, hingeing at the hips. Lower the Bar in the same movement pattern.
Substitutions
Sumo KB/DB deadlifts, other Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, trap bar)
Zottman Curls
Grab a pair of DBs and begin to perform a normal bicep curl, with your palms facing up. Once you reach the top (DBs near your shoulders), rotate your wrists and DBs so that your palms now face down. In this position, slowly control your descent back to the bottom (DBs near your hips). That’s one rep. Rotate your wrists and DBs again so that you are palms up, and repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Regular DB Curls; DB or Cable/Rope Hammer Curls; Single Arm Cable Curl; Barbell Curls; Concentration Curls; EZ Bar Curls
Cluster Sets
Cluster sets are a training method that incorporate intra (within) set rest periods between prescribed reps. For example, programming may call for:
In this example, you would perform 3 reps with 80%, rest 20 seconds, perform 3 more reps, rest 20 seconds, perform 3 reps, then rest for 3 minutes before repeating 2 more times (3 total sets).
Cluster sets allow us to overreach intensity, using a heavier than average weight for a given rep range (you may be able to work up to a 5RM weight and perform 6 total reps via Clusters of 2+2+2). We recommend racking the bar during your intra-set rest.
DB Z-Press
Holding a moderate set of DBs (similar or slightly lower in weight than you would use for a traditional standing/seated DB Overhead Press), sit on the floor with your legs extended and your torso upright. The wider you spread your legs, the more stable your base will be. Begin pressing the DBs overhead for the prescribed number of repetitions, aiming to keep a vertical torso. Focus on keeping your rips down and your chin tucked during your repetitions.
Substitutions
Seated/Standing DB OHP; Barbell OHP; Seated Cable OHP; Modified Handstand Push-Up; Overhead Pressing Machines
DB Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
Holding a DB above your head in one hand with your arm extended, bend at the elbow to lower the weight with control behind your head. Return the weight to an extended overhead position. This variation can be performed with a DB, Band, Cables (rope or single handle), as well as standing or seated if not specified.
Substitutions
OH Tricep Extension (DB/Band/Cable – with both arms); Single Arm Cable Push Downs, Single Arm DB Skullcrushers; Single Arm DB/Band OHP
High-to-Low Wood Chop
In a standing position, set up a band in a high position. This can also be performed on a cable machine using a rope attachment on a high pulley position. Stand a few feet away from the anchor, facing sideways, orienting yourself 90-degrees from the resistance. Grab the band (or rope) with a double overhand grip. Keeping your arms extended, pull the band/rope across your body from shoulder to hip (high-to-low) or hip to shoulder (low-to-high).
Unlike any type of oblique twist (where you actively are rotating your torso), our goal with these is anti-rotation, similar to a Paloff Press. With that in mind, we want to think about keeping our entire torso square, with our shoulders in line with our hips. Focus on minimizing movement of your body, allowing your shoulders and arms to pull the band/rope and using your trunk to resist any rotation or twisting of the torso while the band tries to pull you towards the anchor.
Substitutions
Paloff Press, DB Windmill, Turkish Getup, Half Turkish Getup, Russian Twist
Reacclimating to Training
As gyms begin to open back up, we encourage flexibility with programming – adjusting exercise order, substituting based on equipment constraints, and breaking up supersets/circuits are absolutely fine if it helps you social distance. If you’ve been away from the barbell for more than 4 weeks, we recommend dropping 5-10% off your training maxes where needed to hit recommended rep ranges. If you’ve been away from the barbell for more than 4 months, you may find a larger decrease is warranted.
While that may feel discouraging at first, taking one step back in your Training Max will act like a deload over your longer term macrocycle, and give you room to build momentum as you ramp back up from week-to-week based on the suggested adjustments in your training notes. Have faith in yourself and your progress, and ease back in where you can! We strongly recommend decreasing your max and adjusting back up week-to-week rather than modifying the prescribed percentages, as this approach will give you a more dynamic and personalized re-adaptation rate as you build back up to your previous Training Maxes.
3-Position Delt Burnout
1. Prone Incline Rear Delt Flye Demo
3. Seated Incline DB Lateral Raise Demo
This is a three-exercise giant set, intended to be performed continuously with no rest in between exercises. Start by performing Prone Incline (chest-supported) Rear Delt Flyes for the prescribed reps/time, then immediately from the same position, perform Y-Raises for the prescribed reps/time. Turn over, and finish with Seated Incline DB Lateral Raises for the prescribed reps/time. Once you’ve completed one round of each exercises, you can then rest (or move onto the next exercise). If substituting for another delt variation, aim to complete in sets of 15+ reps, and pushing to technical failure.
Substitutions
Any Delt Burnout of 15+ reps to failure; DB Lateral Raises; Prone Incline Y-Raises; Band Pullaparts; Face Pulls; DB or Plate Front Raises
DB Lateral to Front Raise
With your palms together and a dumbbell in each hand, slowly lift weights out to the side until your arms are parallel with the floor. From there, (rather than lowering your arms back down to your sides, as you would in a traditional DB Lateral Raise), keep your arms at the same height and bring them forward until your hands are in front of your torso (horizontal adduction, like a DB Flye). From there, lower your weights in front of your body with control. Repeat the movement in reverse (up the front, arms abduct to a “T” shape, then back down to your sides). That’s one repetition. Complete for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Plate Front Raise; DB/Cable lateral raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Ab Walkout
Start in a kneeling position with enough room to extend forward. Initiate by walking your hands forward away from your thighs. Control the speed and distance the by engaging the core. You should feel a light stretch in the abdominals. Keep ribs down and glutes tucked, being sure not to get into a hyperextended spine position.
Substitutions
Ab Fallout; Plank; Hanging Knee Tuck; Hollow Body Hold; Any other abdominal flexion exercise
Supinated (Underhand) Band Pullaparts
Hold a band in with both hands and extend arms in front of you, with an underhand (supinated – palms facing up) grip . Raise hands to shoulder level. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and separate the band in a fly-motion.
Substitutions
Band Pullaparts; Face Pulls; Rear Delt Flyes; Prone I-T-Y-W; Prone Incline I-T-Y-W; any upper back/shoulder health/external rotation movements
Prone Incline I-T-Y-W
Perform these lying face down on an Incline bench. Start with your arms down by your side and palms facing up. Retract your shoulder blades and reach your palms to the ceiling (this is the “I” movement of the exercise).
Perform this movement for the prescribed number of repetitions, then bring your arms out to the side, externally rotating your arms and making a “T” with your body. Retract your shoulder blades and raise your thumbs towards the ceiling.
Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions, then bring your arms out at a 45-degree angle from your body (making a “Y” with your body. Retract your shoulder blades and raise your thumbs towards the ceiling.
Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions, then (while holding your shoulder blades retracted), tuck your elbows back towards your torso until your arms make a “W” shape). Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions, then rest.
Bodyweight alone is often challenging enough, but you can also hold light weight plates or DBs in your hands for an added challenge.
Substitutions
Prone I-T-Y-W; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Blackburns; Face Pulls; Band Pullaparts; Rear Delt Flyes; Any other upper back, shoulder health, and external rotation exercises.
Prone Incline Y-Raise
Perform these lying face down on an Incline bench. Start with your arms down by your side, then raise them out at a 45-degree angle from your body (making a “Y” with your body. Retract your shoulder blades and raise your thumbs towards the ceiling. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions, then rest.
Bodyweight alone is often challenging enough, but you can also hold light weight plates or DBs in your hands for an added challenge.
Substitutions
Prone Incline I-T-Y-W; Prone Incline I-T-Y-W; Blackburns; Face Pulls; Band Pullaparts; Rear Delt Flyes; Any other upper back, shoulder health, and external rotation exercises.
Single Arm Banded Row
Set up similar to how you would for a seated cable row — with a resistance band anchored at mid-torso height. Grab the band with one hands and pull back towards the lower abdomen. Return the the starting position and repeat. Focus on pulling your elbow back behind your torso and squeezing your shoulder blades together during the contraction, and allowing the band to return to a deep and reaching start position, protracting your shoulders and stretching your lats.
Substitutions
Chest Supported Row, Single Arm Lat Pull Down, DB Row; Barbell/Bentover Row; Pendlay Row; Inverted Row
Barbell Curl 21’s
For 21’s, perform these as 7 partial reps through the bottom half of the range of motion, 7 reps for the top half of the range of motion, then 7 reps as full range of motion — this is one set. See demo link above (shown as 3+3+3 rather than 7+7+7). Can be performed on an EZ curl bar, with DBs, or on cables. May also be prescribed with different rep ranges (e.g. 8+8+8 would be 8 reps in bottom half range of motion, 8 top half range of motion, 8 full range of motion).
Substitutions
Barbell Curls, EZ bar curls, Alt. DB Curls, Hammer Curl, Cable Curls
Quadruped Shoulder Taps
Start in a quadruped position and curl toes under. Press your feet and hands into the ground at the same time to raise the knees. While maintaining this position, lift one hand off the ground and slowly tap your opposite shoulder. Return your hand to the ground with control, then repeat for the opposite side. You’ve now completed 1 rep per side — continue for the prescribed repetitions. Focus on maintaining flat shoulders and hips throughout the movement (avoid tipping). Actively engage your abdominal muscles by keeping your ribs pulled down and your pelvis tucked under your hips.
Substitutions
Bench Dips
Starting with a bench perpendicular to your body, grip the surface or edge of the bench with your hands. Begin by extending your legs, and elevating your feet if possible (shifting more load to your upper body and away from your lower body, as you add more resistance to your dip). This is Position 1. Perform dips by lowering your torso until your elbow joint reaches roughly 90-degrees, then press yourself back up to the top by pushing into the bench. Perform the prescribed number of reps. Then, lower your feet to the floor while maintaining extended legs (Position 2). Without rest, perform the prescribed number of reps. Finally, bend your knees until your feet are flat on the floor, bending roughly 90-degrees at the hip and knee (Position 3). Perform the prescribed number of reps, then rest.
Option to scale up (harder) by extending your feet away from your body, elevating your feet, or adding weight to your lap. Moving your feet closer to the bench and bending your knees (as demonstrated) will scale this easier.
Substitutions
Bench Dips; Push-Up Mechanical Dropset; Tricep Push Down; Tricep Kick Back; Skullcrushers; BW Tricep Extension
Banded Bentover Rows
In a bent over position with back parallel to the floor (or close) and knees slightly bent, loop a long band below your feet with one end in each hand. Maintaining your position, row the band by pulling it to the lower chest, then return to your starting position. Control the band throughout the movement.
Substitutions
Seated Banded Row, Bentover Row, Pendlay Row, DB Row, Inverted row
Deficit Blackburns
Start lying face down (prone) on the floor or bench, with plates or stacked books 2-4″ off the ground surrounding you at 12:00, 3:00, and 9:00. Raise both arms overhead with a slight bend in the elbow. Keep thumbs up towards the ceiling. Retract your shoulder blades. Slowly and with control, lower your hands in a circular motion as far as comfortably possible. Once you cannot lower the arms further in this position, rotate your arms (aiming to keep your shoulders retracted through this rotation) and complete the repetition when your hands reach the small of the back. Return to start position. Aim for 4-5 seconds from overhead to behind your back, and another 4-5 seconds to return your hands over your head — while maintaining scapular retraction during the entire range of motion.
Substitutions
Blackburns; Face Pulls; Prone I-T-Y-W; Rear Delt Flyes; Band Pull-Aparts; Any other upper back, shoulder health, and external rotation exercises.
Single Arm Banded Flye
Set up with a band anchored at chest height. Hold the band in one hand, and step away from the anchor until there is some tension in the band when your arm is straight out to your side with a slight bend in your eblow. Take a step back as well, so that the band is perpendicular to your arm when your arm is extended in front of your chest. Perform your flyes by squeezing and contracting your pec in order to bring your arm arm towards the midline, while maintaining a constant slight bend in the elbow. Perform for the prescribed repetitions, then repeat on the other side.
Substitutions
Single Arm Banded Chest Press; Cable Flyes; DB Flyes; Incline DB / Barbell Bench Press; Push-ups; Pec Deck Machine
Clamshells with Hip Extension
Lie on your side with legs stacked and knees bent at a 45-degree angle. Keep feet in contact with each other and raise upper knee while also extending at the hips (squeezing your butt and pushing your pelvis forward), like a side-facing frog pump. Keep lower leg in contact with the floor.
Substitutions
Clamshells, Seated Banded Clamshells, Fire Hydrants, Banded Lateral Walk, Monster Walk
Seated Banded Abduction
Take position sitting upright on a bench, block, or chair, with a short band wrapped around your knees and your legs together. Keeping your feet in contact with the floor, begin your rep by abducting & externally rotating your legs, driving your knees out against the band. Keep this movement controlled and smooth, focusing on squeezing your glutes and resisting the band.
Substitutions
Clamshells, Clamshells with Hip Extension, Fire Hydrants, Banded Lateral Walk, Monster Walk
Close Grip Bench Press Feet Up
Setup on a bench, placing your feet on the bench rather than on the floor (reducing your ability to use leg drive in your reps, unlike a regular Close Grip Bench Press). Take a moderately (1-4″ per hand) narrower grip than your competition or regular bench press grip. Unrack the bar and lower to your chest with control (aim to tuck your elbows a little bit closer to your torso than a normal bench press) and press back up to lock out.
Substitutions
Close Grip Bench Press, Neutral Grip DB press; Close Grip Push-Ups; Bench Dips; Chest Dips
Curtsey Lunge with Sliders
Start standing with hips and shoulders square, with a slider under one foot. Slide your foot back and across your other leg, while bending the front knee and hip. Return the start position and repeat. These can also be performed weighted by holding a DB or KB (goblet style), pair of DBs or KBs (at your sides), or holding a weighted book bag (worn on your back, held goblet style, or tucked to your chest).
Substitutions
Curtsey Lunge; B-Stance Squat; B-Stance Hip Thrust; B-Stance Glute Bridge; Split Squat, Bulgarian Split Squat, Front Foot Elevated Split Squat; Walking Lunge, Alternating Lunge; Reverse Lunge; Box Step Up
Lateral Box Step Ups
Stand beside a box with one foot on the floor and one foot on the box. Try to pick a box where your elevated leg has no more than a 90-degree angle at the knee at the deepest position. Can be weighted with DBs in both hands, or holding a DB or KB in front of you to act as a counter balance.
Substitutions
DB Box Step Ups; Bulgarian Split Squat; Split Squat; Front Foot Elevated Split Squat; Lunge; Reverse Lunge; B-Stance Hip Thrust; Single Leg Leg Press
DB Iso-Hold Curls
Start by holding one DB with your arm at 90-degrees (an isometric contraction) while performing the prescribed repetition with your other arm. Without lowering the DBs, switch which arm is holding the isometric contraction and perform the prescribed reps with the other arm. Then, perform the final amount of prescribed reps with both arms at the same time. See the demo link above for more detail, as an example of 3+3+3 Iso-Hold Curls.
Substitutions
DB Curls; Single Arm Cable Curl; Barbell Curls; Concentration Curls; EZ Bar Curls; Hammer Curls
Banded Deadbugs
Lay on your back with a band anchored above your head, holding the band with both hands. Keeping your arms straight, pull the band until your arms are stacked directly over your shoulders (perpendicular to the floor). Focus on keeping your ribs tucked down, as if you were actively performing a crunch and pressing your lower back into the floor.
Next, raise your legs with knees bent at 90-degrees until your knees are stacked over your hips and shins are parallel to the floor. You can opt to extend legs for a more difficult variation. Maintain your arm and torso position (actively contracting your abdominals), and begin lower one leg down towards the floor. Control the descent and do not make contact with the ground, instead stopping just before touching. Maintain contact with the lower back on the floor and squeeze the abdominals to hold the position. Slowly return your leg to the start position, then perform the same movement with the other leg — you’ve now done 1 rep per side.
Substitutions
Deadbugs; Birddogs; V-situps; Hollow body holds; Bear Crawls
Banded Deadlift
Standing on a long band, grab a loose end in each hand. Ideally, you should be able to grab the band so that there is tension when you are in your start position (at the lowest part of the lift). With a slight bend at the knee, hinge at the hip and maintain a solid torso position (engaged trunk), descending until you have a mild stretch in your hamstring — your hands should be 10-16″ off the floor here. Return back to the start position, focusing on maintaining that trunk position and pushing your hips through to lockout. Remember: this is a deadlift, not a squat. Better to overemphasize the hip hinge and turn this into more of a Stiff Leg or Romanian Deadlift (both with little if any change in knee angle throughout the range of motion) than to turn this into a banded squat.
Substitutions
Deadlift; Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, sumo, trap bar); Other posterior chain compound exercises (Good Mornings, Romanian Deadlifts, Stiff-Leg Deadlifts)
On an incline bench, hold a DB in each hand and press until your arms are extended above your shoulders. Keep a slight bend in your elbow, and slowly begin descending the weight without breaking at the elbow (as you would in a press). By maintaining the same elbow angle throughout the entire range of motion, your movement should be controlled by your pecs.
Substitutions
Single Arm Banded Front Curl
Anchor a band in front of you in a low position. Step back until there is tension in the band, and hold it in one hand. Begin performing curls with your banded arm for the prescribed reps. Aim to maintain a neutral posture (keeping your elbow by your sides, and hips & shoulders square facing towards the anchor), with the only movement coming from flexing your bicep. Complete for the prescribed reps, then repeat on the other side before taking any rest.
Substitutions
Single Arm Banded Away Curl; Single Arm Banded Curl; Single Arm Banded Reverse Grip Curl; Single Arm Banded Hammer Curl; Single Arm Preacher Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Alternating DB Curl; Hammer Curl; DB Iso-Hold Curl
Single Arm Banded Away Curl
Anchor a band in front of you in a low position. Turn around, so that you are now facing away from the anchor. Step away from the anchor until there is tension in the band, and hold it in one hand. Begin performing curls with your banded arm for the prescribed reps. Aim to maintain a neutral posture (keeping your elbow by your sides, and hips & shoulders square facing towards the anchor), with the only movement coming from flexing your bicep. Complete for the prescribed reps, then repeat on the other side before taking any rest.
Substitutions
Single Arm Banded Front Curl; Single Arm Banded Curl; Single Arm Banded Reverse Grip Curl; Single Arm Banded Hammer Curl; Single Arm Preacher Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Alternating DB Curl; Hammer Curl; DB Iso-Hold Curl
Single Arm Banded Curl
Anchor a band below your feet, and hold one end in your hand. Adjust your stance width (or the amount of excess band between your feet) until you feel tension in the band when holding it with your arm down by your side. Begin performing curls with your banded arm for the prescribed reps, using a supinated (palm facing up) grip. Aim to maintain a neutral posture (keeping your elbow by your sides, and hips & shoulders square facing towards the anchor), with the only movement coming from flexing your bicep. Complete for the prescribed reps, then repeat on the other side before taking any rest.
Substitutions
Single Arm Front Curl; Single Arm Banded Away Curl; Single Arm Banded Curl; Single Arm Banded Reverse Grip Curl; Single Arm Banded Hammer Curl; Single Arm Preacher Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Alternating DB Curl; Hammer Curl; DB Iso-Hold Curl
Single Arm Banded Reverse Grip Curl
Anchor a band below your feet, and hold one end in your hand. Adjust your stance width (or the amount of excess band between your feet) until you feel tension in the band when holding it with your arm down by your side. Begin performing curls with your banded arm for the prescribed reps, using a pronated (palm facing down) grip. Aim to maintain a neutral posture (keeping your elbow by your sides, and hips & shoulders square facing towards the anchor), with the only movement coming from flexing your bicep. Complete for the prescribed reps, then repeat on the other side before taking any rest.
Substitutions
Single Arm Front Curl; Single Arm Banded Away Curl; Single Arm Banded Curl; Single Arm Banded Hammer Curl; Single Arm Preacher Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Alternating DB Curl; Hammer Curl; DB Iso-Hold Curl
Single Arm Banded Hammer Curl
Anchor a band below your feet, and hold one end in your hand. Adjust your stance width (or the amount of excess band between your feet) until you feel tension in the band when holding it with your arm down by your side. Begin performing curls with your banded arm for the prescribed reps, using a neutral (thumb facing up) grip. Aim to maintain a neutral posture (keeping your elbow by your sides, and hips & shoulders square facing towards the anchor), with the only movement coming from flexing your bicep. Complete for the prescribed reps, then repeat on the other side before taking any rest.
Substitutions
Single Arm Front Curl; Single Arm Banded Away Curl; Single Arm Banded Curl; Single Arm Banded Reverse Grip Curl; Single Arm Preacher Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Alternating DB Curl; Hammer Curl; DB Iso-Hold Curl
Banded Glute Kickback
Start on the floor in a quadruped position (hands and knees down), with your arms shoulder-width apart. Place a long band around one foot, anchoring the loose end with your hands. Start your repetition by raising one leg just off the floor, and then contract that glute while kicking your heel back and up until your leg is fully extended, holding and squeezing your glutes at the top. Return to the starting position and repeat the process for the prescribed number of reps. Switch legs, and repeat to complete your set.
Substitutions
Glute Kickback; Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
Heel Elevated Goblet Squat
Elevating your heels will create greater forward knee travel as you maintain your upright torso, meaning more quad-focus and knee flexion during your repetition. This can also be performed at home without a DB/KB by hugging or holding by the straps a loaded backpack to your chest.
Substitutions
Goblet Squat, Band Abducted Goblet Squat, Goblet Squat w Adduction, Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat; Leg Extensions
Band Abducted Goblet Squat
For a Band Abducted Goblet Squat variation, set up with a glute band just above the knees. Perform squats to depth while keeping an upright torso and maintaining tension on the band throughout the repetition (so that your knees do not collapse inwards).
Substitutions
Goblet Squat; Heel Elevated Goblet Squat; Goblet Squat w Adduction; Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat; Leg Extensions
Goblet Squat w Adduction
For a Goblet Squat with Adduction, place a block or rolled towel in between the knees. Press into the block. Perform squats to depth while keeping an upright torso with bodyweight or with a light kettlebell. Perform with feet flat on the ground, unless specified otherwise (e.g. Heel Elevated Goblet Squat, as demonstrated above).
Substitutions
Goblet Squat; Heel Elevated Goblet Squat; Band Abducted Goblet Squat; Front loaded (DB, KB, barbell) squat; Belt Squats; Leg Press or Hack Squat; Leg Extensions
Banded Good Morning
Set up in a standing position, with a long resistance band looped under your feet and over your shoulders. Begin your rep by hingeing at the hips — focus on not only dipping your chest down, but by pushing your hips back, all while maintaining a straight torso position. Allowing a little bend in the knees is good (not stiff-legged), but aim to maintain that same knee angle as you hip hinge, as opposed to actively squatting or flexing at the knees. Once your torso is near parallel to the ground, reverse the movement and return to an upright position.
Substitutions
Good Morning; Banded Sumo Good Morning; Supermans or Back extensions; Reverse hyperextensions; Stiff-Leg or Romanian Deadlifts
Banded Sumo Good Morning
Set up in a standing position, with a long resistance band looped under your feet and over your shoulders. Widen your stance and angle your toes out until you are in a sumo position. Begin your rep by hingeing at the hips — focus on not only dipping your chest down, but by pushing your hips back, all while maintaining a straight torso position. Allowing a little bend in the knees is good (not stiff-legged), but aim to maintain that same knee angle as you hip hinge, as opposed to actively squatting or flexing at the knees. Once your torso is near parallel to the ground, reverse the movement and return to an upright position.
Substitutions
Good Morning; Banded Good Morning; Supermans or Back extensions; Reverse hyperextensions; Stiff-Leg or Romanian Deadlifts
Cable Rope Hammer Curls
Set up in front of a cable machine with the pulley set in the low position, and a rope handle attached to the pulley. Grab one end of the rope with both hands, and stand upright so there is tension on the rope when your arms are extended down by your sides. Perform curls using while maintaining a neutral grip. Keep your palms facing together throughout the entire movement. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions, focusing on squeezing and contracting with your biceps to drive all movement — movement of the upper arm should be limited, and elbows should remain in generally the same position throughout your range of motion.
Substitutions
Hammer Curls; Neutral Grip Curls; Cable Curls; Machine Curls; Any other bicep variation
Modified Slider Hamstring Curl
Find a stretch of floor that is relatively low friction (something like wood or turf, not rubber or asphalt). Start by lying down face up, with sliders or small towels below your feet (or wearing just socks). Raise the hips into a glute bridge, and perform a hamstring curl with one leg at a time by pushing your heel out away from the body, then back to the start position, all while maintaining your bridge position as best you can. Alternate legs, and perform the prescribed repetitions on each side.
To scale this version to an harder variation, perform this exercise with both legs at the same time.
Substitutions
Any Hamstring Curl or Hamstring Isolation machine; Other hamstring focused exercises (Glute Ham Raise, Romanian or Stiff-Leg Deadlift, etc.)
Eccentric Nordic Hamstring Curl
Start in a kneeling position with your feet anchored (under a rack, a heavy piece of furniture, heavy DBs/medicine ball/plates, or having a partner hold them down). As you maintain a straight position at the hips (aiming for a straight line from knee to shoulders), begin to lean your torso forward, controlling your descent with your hamstrings. Keep your hands in front of your body to support and catch yourself as you get closer to the floor.
In the eccentric-only version, descend as far as you can as slowly as you can, while lengthening the hamstrings until your arms catch yourselves. From this position, walk your hands backwards until you return to your start position. In the full version, also raise your body back up to the start position by actively contracting your hamstrings. This is a fairly advanced exercise, and you may find it helps to press yourself up with a push-up to get some momentum going from the beginning.
If you are unable to perform these, that’s okay! We recommend a Glute Ham Raise as a great substitute, or any other hamstring curl with a slow eccentric (negative), such as slider hamstring curls.
Substitutions
Glute Ham Raises, Slider Hamstring Curls, Any Hamstring Curl or Hamstring Isolation machine; Other hamstring focused exercises (Glute Ham Raise, Romanian or Stiff-Leg Deadlift, etc.)
High Knees – Running
With a bit of space in front of you, perform high knees by driving one knee up to wards your torso, then alternate and perform the same movement with your other leg before the first foot touches the floor. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions or time. Can be performed in place, or inching forward.
Substitutes
Any other cardiovascular movement that helps you raise your heart rate and increase blood flow.
Wide Grip Inverted Rows
With a barbell fixed in a low position in a squat rack, hang underneath the bar with your feet on the floor and your hands spaced slightly wider than shoulder-width apart (aim for 2-4 inches wider than shoulder-width per hand). Starting with your arms extended and your body in a straight line (with an engaged core), pull your chest towards the bar maintaining the same straight body positioning and then lower back to an extended start position. To scale this movement, bring your feet closer (easier) or further away/elevated (harder). Can also be performed with a TRX or Rings.
Substitutions
Inverted Row (Regular Grip); Pronated Grip Inverted Rows (At-Home version); DB Row; Cable Row; Chest Supported Row; Machine Row; Pull Up; Chin Up; Lat Pull Down
Supinated Grip Inverted Rows
With a barbell fixed in a low position in a squat rack, hang underneath the bar with your feet on the floor and your hands spaced bench press-width apart, holding the bar with a supinated (underhand) grip. Starting with your arms extended and your body in a straight line (with an engaged core), pull your chest towards the bar maintaining the same straight body positioning and then lower back to an extended start position. To scale this movement, bring your feet closer (easier) or further away/elevated (harder). Can also be performed with a TRX or Rings.
Substitutions
Inverted Row (Regular Grip); Supinated Grip Inverted Rows (At-Home version); DB Row; Cable Row; Chest Supported Row; Machine Row; Pull Up; Chin Up; Lat Pull Down
3-Position Inverted Rows
With a barbell fixed in a low position in a squat rack, hang underneath the bar with your feet on the floor and your hands spaced slightly wider than shoulder-width apart (wide grip). Starting with your arms extended and your body in a straight line (with an engaged core), pull your chest towards the bar maintaining the same straight body positioning and then lower back to an extended start position. Start by performing rows using this wider grip for the prescribed repetitions. Then, flip your hands so you are using a supinated (underhand) grip, and repeat your rows for the prescribed repetitions. Finally, return to an pronated (overhand) grip at a normal position shoulder-width apart, completing the final amount of prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Inverted Rows (Regular Grip); Pronated Grip Inverted Rows (At-Home version); Supinated Grip Inverted Rows (At-Home version); DB Row; Cable Row; Chest Supported Row; Machine Row; Pull Up; Chin Up; Lat Pull Down
Pronated Grip Inverted Rows (At-Home Version)
Set up under a strong, sturdy table or desk (if possible, ask a partner or family member to spot by supporting the table and ensuring it doesn’t tip). Lie down underneath the table, with your feet on the floor underneath the table, and your shoulders lined up under the edge of the table. Reach up and hold onto the table, with your hands spaced shoulder-width apart. Starting with your arms extended and your body in a straight line (with an engaged core), pull your chest towards the lip of the table, maintaining the same straight body positioning and then lower back to an extended start position.
Substitutions
Supinated Grip Inverted Rows (At-Home version); DB Row; Seated Banded Row; Pull Up; Chin Up; Banded Lat Pullover; Half Kneeling or Quadruped Banded Lat Pulldown
Supinated Grip Inverted Rows (At-Home Version)
Set up under a strong, sturdy table or desk (if possible, ask a partner or family member to spot by supporting the table and ensuring it doesn’t tip). Lie down underneath the table, with your feet on the floor facing away from the table, and your shoulders lined up under the edge of the table. Reach up and hold onto the table, with your hands spaced shoulder-width apart. Starting with your arms extended and your body in a straight line (with an engaged core), pull your chest towards the lip of the table, maintaining the same straight body positioning and then lower back to an extended start position.
Substitutions
Pronated Grip Inverted Rows (At-Home version); DB Row; Seated Banded Row; Pull Up; Chin Up; Banded Lat Pullover; Half Kneeling or Quadruped Banded Lat Pulldown
Half Kneeling Windmill
For the kneeling variation, start in a half kneeling position. Hold a KB/DB overhead, in the same hand as your upright knee. Keep your eyes on the kettlebell. Rotate your trunk towards the ground on your kneeling side. Touch the floor with your free hand. Reverse the movement by raising the torso and punching the kettlebell back up to the ceiling. Can also be performed with a DB. This progression is a great developer of strength and coordination for the Turkish Getup.
Can also be performed at home by substituting a KB/DB for a water bottle or small backpack weighted with books or other objects. Since this exercise is so technically demanding, the absolute load used is less important
Substitutions
Suitcase Walk, Side Plank variations, Turkish Getup, Half Turkish Getup
Banded Isometric Bicep Curl
Holding a band (pinned under your feet, or attached to a low anchor), set up so there is light tension in the band while your arms are straight down by your side. Increase tension by standing on more of the band, and decrease tension by allowing for more slack on the band between your feet and hands. Begin your rep by contracting your biceps, curling to a 90-degree bend at the elbow, making sure you have tension and resistance from the band. Focus on squeezing and flexing your biceps as you resist the band tension, holding for the prescribed time.
Substitutions
Banded Bicep Curl; Banded Hammer Curl; Banded Reverse Grip Curl; Banded Bicep 1.5-Rep Curl; Banded Bicep Curl 21’s;
DB Curl; Barbell Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Concentration Curls; EZ Bar Curls; Hammer Curls
Banded Hammer Curls
Holding a band with a neutral grip (band pinned under your feet, or attached to a low anchor, palms facing together), set up so there is light tension in the band while your arms are straight down by your side. Increase tension by standing on more of the band, and decrease tension by allowing for more slack on the band between your feet and hands. Begin your rep by contracting your biceps, curling to a 90-degree bend at the elbow, making sure you have tension and resistance from the band. Focus on squeezing and flexing your biceps as you resist the band tension, holding for the prescribed time.
Substitutions
Banded Bicep Curls; Banded Isometric Bicep Curls; Banded Reverse Grip Curl; Banded Bicep 1.5-Rep Curl; Banded Bicep Curl 21’s;
DB Curl; Barbell Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Concentration Curls; EZ Bar Curls; Hammer Curls
Banded Reverse Grip Curl
Holding a band with a pronated, overhand grip (band pinned under your feet, or attached to a low anchor, palms facing the floor), set up so there is light tension in the band while your arms are straight down by your side. Increase tension by standing on more of the band, and decrease tension by allowing for more slack on the band between your feet and hands. Begin your rep by contracting your biceps, curling to a 90-degree bend at the elbow, making sure you have tension and resistance from the band. Focus on squeezing and flexing your biceps as you resist the band tension, holding for the prescribed time.
Substitutions
Banded Bicep Curls; Banded Isometric Bicep Curls; Banded Hammer Curl; Banded Bicep 1.5-Rep Curl; Banded Bicep Curl 21’s;
DB Curl; Barbell Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Concentration Curls; EZ Bar Curls; Hammer Curls
Banded Bicep 1.5-Rep Curls
Holding a band with a supinated grip (band pinned under your feet, or attached to a low anchor, palms facing away from you), set up so there is light tension in the band while your arms are straight down by your side. Increase tension by standing on more of the band, and decrease tension by allowing for more slack on the band between your feet and hands. Begin your rep by contracting your biceps. For each prescribed repetition, perform a rep with a full range of motion, then perform an additional half rep (from the bottom until your elbows reach 90-degrees) — that’s considered one “1.5” rep.
Substitutions
Banded Bicep Curls; Banded Isometric Bicep Curls; Banded Hammer Curls; Banded Reverse Grip Curls; Banded Bicep Curl 21’s;
DB Curl; Barbell Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Concentration Curls; EZ Bar Curls; Hammer Curls
Banded Bicep Curl 21’s
Holding a band with a supinated grip (band pinned under your feet, or attached to a low anchor, palms facing away from you), set up so there is light tension in the band while your arms are straight down by your side. Increase tension by standing on more of the band, and decrease tension by allowing for more slack on the band between your feet and hands. Begin your rep by contracting your biceps. Perform 7 reps for the bottom half Range of Motion (elbows straight to elbows at 90-degrees), then 7 reps for the top half Range of Motion (elbows at 90-degrees to fully bent), then 7 reps full Range of Motion (elbows straight to fully bent) — note that the demo shows 3+3+3.
Substitutions
Banded Bicep Curls; Banded Isometric Bicep Curls; Banded Hammer Curls; Banded Reverse Grip Curls; Banded Bicep 1.5-Rep Curls;
DB Curl; Barbell Curl; Single Arm Cable Curl; Concentration Curls; EZ Bar Curls; Hammer Curls
3-Position Banded Curl
Set up a single band to a low and sturdy anchor point in front of you. Start by facing away from the anchor, and take ~3 steps away so that the pulley is behind your body, and your upper arm is behind your torso (position 1). Perform curls for the prescribed rep range. Then, turn around so that you face the anchor and your upper arm is then in front of your torso (position 2), and perform the prescribed rep range. Finally, step closer to the anchor until you are almost standing above the fixed point, and keep your upper arm directly by your torso perpendicular to the floor (position 3). Perform the prescribed reps. Now you’ve completed one set on one side – repeat all three positions with the other arm for each set as well.
Each position of this exercise group trains the biceps, however we are now biasing fibers along different areas of the muscle, by achieving peak resistance at different shortened/lengthened states (i.e. resistance profile is hardest in the lengthened position for Position 1, and hardest in the shortened position in Position 2). If substituting for another curl variation, aim to complete in sets of 15+ reps, and pushing to technical failure.
Substitutions
3-Position Cable Curl; 3-Position DB Curl; Any Bicep Burnout of 15+ reps to failure; Barbell Curl, Concentration Curl, Cable Curls (V-Bar or EZ Bar attachment), Preacher Curls, Alternating DB Curls, Hammer Curl
3-Position DB Curl
Set up with an adjustable bench and a pair (or more) of Dumbbells. With the bench upright angle set at ~45 degrees, begin by performing Seated Incline DB Curls for the prescribed reps (Position 1). Then, without rest, turn over and perform Prone Incline DB Curls for the prescribed reps (Position 2). Finally, stand up and immediately without rest perform DB Hammer Curls for the prescribed reps (Position 3). At the end of your hammer curls, you’ve completed one set or round of this exercise grouping.
Each position of this exercise group trains the biceps, however we are now biasing fibers along different areas of the muscle, by achieving peak resistance at different shortened/lengthened states (i.e. resistance profile is hardest in the lengthened position for Position 1, and hardest in the shortened position in Position 2). If substituting for another curl variation, aim to complete in sets of 15+ reps, and pushing to technical failure.
Substitutions
3-Position Cable Curl; 3-Position Banded Curl; Any Bicep Burnout of 15+ reps to failure; Barbell Curl, Concentration Curl, Cable Curls (V-Bar or EZ Bar attachment), Preacher Curls, Alternating DB Curls, Hammer Curl
3-Position Tricep Burnout
1. Banded Tricep Pushdown Demo
2. Banded OH Tricep Extension Demo
3. Banded Tricep Kickback Demo
This is a three-exercise giant set, intended to be performed continuously with no rest in between exercises. Start by performing Banded Tricep Pushdowns for the prescribed reps/time, then immediately grab a dumbbell and perform Banded OH Tricep Extensions for the prescribed reps/time, followed by Banded Tricep Kickback for the prescribed reps/time. Once you’ve completed one round of each exercises, you can then rest (or move onto the next exercise). If substituting for another tricep variation, aim to complete in sets of 15+ reps, and pushing to technical failure.
You can perform this 3-Position Tricep Burnout with any number of variations, but we recommend picking 3 exercises with different tricep (humerus) positions relative to your torso. Start with something in front of your torso (e.g. Rope Pushdowns or Skullcrushers), then something overhead (e.g. DB, Cables or EZ Bar OH Extension), then something behind your torso (e.g. Bench Dips or Tricep Kickbacks).
Substitutions
Any Tricep Burnout of 15+ reps to failure; Rope Pushdowns; OH Tricep Extensions, Skullcrushers, Dips; Close Grip Pressing Variations, etc.
3-Position Banded Delt Burnout
This is a three-exercise giant set, intended to be performed continuously with no rest in between exercises. Start by performing Band Pullaparts for the prescribed reps/time, then immediately fix your band under your feet (grabbing one side in each hand), and perform Banded Lateral Raises for the prescribed reps/time. Maintaining this position, finish with Banded Front Raises for the prescribed reps/time. Once you’ve completed one round of each exercises, you can then rest (or move onto the next exercise). If substituting for another delt variation, aim to complete in sets of 15+ reps, and pushing to technical failure.
Substitutions
Any Delt Burnout of 15+ reps to failure; DB Lateral Raises; Prone Incline Y-Raises; Band Pullaparts; Face Pulls; DB or Plate Front Raises
Neutral Grip Lat Pull Downs
On cable pulldown machine, choose a neutral (parallel) grip handle, and hold with both hands. Keeping your torso upright, chest tall, and elbows pointed down, squeeze the lats/armpits and lower the handle to roughly your collarbone level. Try to keep your elbows tucked tight to your torso as you pull the handle down, better engaging your lats.
Substitutions
Lat Pull Over (DB or Cable); Vertical Pulling movements (Pull Ups, Chin Ups); Horizontal Pulling movements (DB Rows, Barbell Rows, Inverted Rows, Chest Supported Rows, etc.); Any other back or lat focused exercises.
Supinated Grip Lat Pull Downs
On cable pulldown machine, choose a straight bar attachment, and hold with both hands using a supinated (underhand) grip. Keeping your torso upright, chest tall, and elbows pointed down, squeeze the lats/armpits and lower the handle to roughly your collarbone level. Try to keep your elbows tucked tight to your torso as you pull the handle down, better engaging your lats.
Substitutions
Lat Pull Over (DB or Cable); Vertical Pulling movements (Pull Ups, Chin Ups); Horizontal Pulling movements (DB Rows, Barbell Rows, Inverted Rows, Chest Supported Rows, etc.); Any other back or lat focused exercises.
Half Kneeling Banded Single Arm Lat Pulldown
Set up a band wrapped to a high anchor (bannister, door hinge, pull up bar, etc.). Taking a half kneeling position (right knee down, left knee upright), grab the handle with the same side hand that is kneeling on the ground. As you reach up and extend your arm to grab the band, there should be some tension on the band before you begin your pull — adjust further from or closer to the anchor as needed. Perform a single arm lat pulldown, aiming to pull your right elbow in towards your right hip while keeping your torso upright and holding the rest of your body as steady as possible. Perform the prescribed number of repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.
Substitutions
Any unilateral pulling or rowing movements (DB Rows, Cable Rows, Hammer Strength Rows); Lat Pull Over (DB or Cable); Vertical Pulling movements (Pull Ups, Chin Ups, Lat Pull Down); Horizontal Pulling movements (Barbell Rows, Inverted Rows, Chest Supported Rows, etc.); Any other back or lat focused exercises.
Quadruped Single Arm Lat Pull Down
Set up a band or cable pulley with a single handle attachment in a low position. Grabbing the handle or loose end of the band with one hand, back away from the anchor and enter a quadruped position. Extend your arm overhead, ensuring there is some tension on the band before you begin your repetitions (adjust further from or closer to the anchor if needed). Perform a single arm lat pull down, aiming to pull your elbow in towards your hip while holding the rest of your body as steady as possible. Perform the prescribed number of repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.
Substitutions
Any unilateral pulling or rowing movements (DB Rows, Cable Rows, Hammer Strength Rows); Lat Pull Over (DB or Cable); Vertical Pulling movements (Pull Ups, Chin Ups, Lat Pull Down); Horizontal Pulling movements (Barbell Rows, Inverted Rows, Chest Supported Rows, etc.); Any other back or lat focused exercises.
2-Up, 1-Down Leg Extension
For 2-Up, 1-Down Leg Extensions, perform a normal (concentric) leg extension with both legs, then using a single leg, perform a slow controlled eccentric (from extended leg to bent knee) over 3-4 seconds back to the start position. Use both legs to extend the weight back out again, and repeat the single leg negative using the same leg, unless specified otherwise (i.e. Alt 2-Up, 1-Down Leg Extension, as demonstrated in the GIF above).
Substitutions
Other quadriceps focused exercises (goblet squat, leg press, etc.)
Leg Extension 21’s
Leg Extension 21s (demoed above as 3+3+3) are performed as prescribed reps for the first half of Range of Motion, then prescribed reps for second half of Range of Motion, then prescribed reps for the full Range of Motion, typically prescribed as 7+7+7.
Substitutions
Other quadriceps focused exercises (goblet squat, leg press, etc.)
Reps in Reserve (RIR)
Reps in Reserve, or RIR, is a method of evaluating training effort or prescribing load in a flexible and self-determined manner. This is a useful tool in prescribing loads based on how challenging a set feels to the lifter, and helps account for the ebbs and flows of life. Sometimes stress and fatigue can be super high, so using an explicit percentage may be over-exerting relative to your capacity on that day. In other circumstances, you may feel exceptionally strong and well-rested, in which case an explicit percentage may be underestimating your potential in that session. By incorporating RIR into your programming, we can be a bit more nimble and allow for some flexible auto-regulation in your training.
The concept of RIR is pretty straight forward, and refers to how many repetitions away from failure you were with a given weight for a given number of reps. Something that is a 0 RIR would be a truly maximal effort, where no more weight could be added or reps could be performed at the given load and rep scheme. An exercise prescribed with 3 RIR would be a solid effort, but the set would be less challenging and the lifter would have ~3 reps left in the tank at the end of their set. If you’ve ever used RPE, you can think of RIR as “10 – RPE”, so a lift prescribed at RPE 7 is the same as 3 RIR (where 10-7=3).
For example, if we are prescribing an exercise as “1×1 @ 3 RIR”, that means we want to do one set of one repetition, using a weight that we could perform ~4 total reps if pushing to true failure (the ~4 reps comes from the 1 completed rep + the 3 reps in reserve). If an exercise is prescribed as “3×6 @ 4 reps left in the tank”, that means we want to perform 3 sets of 6 repetitions using a weight that we could do for ~10 total reps if pushing to true failure (6 completed reps + 4 RIR).
If you’re not too sure, we recommend not trying to overthink things – it definitely gets easy with just a bit of practice, and it’s fair game to err on the conservative side. For your first time performing a set to a prescribed RIR, your goal should be to establish a baseline, evaluate how things felt on that set, and adjust as needed for subsequent sets or sessions if things felt easier or harder than the description. You won’t mess up your progress if you’re closer to 3 or 5 RIR when the program calls for 4, but getting in the ballpark will ensure you have room to push your training as we progress over the following weeks.
Low Ceiling Pulse Lunges
Starting with feet together, take a step forward and begin to perform a walking lunge. Rather than fully contracting and reaching a tall, upright position between steps, perform a partial split squat repetition (this is the “pulse”), then take the next steps while maintaining the low, engaged position, as if there were a low ceiling. Can be performed bodyweight or loaded (goblet with a KB, with DBs in each hand, or with a Barbell on your back or in a front rack position).
Substitutions
Split squat variations; Lunge variations; Step Ups; Any other unilateral lower body movement (single leg press, single leg glute bridge, etc.)
Walking Lunges
Starting with feet together, take a step forward and perform a lunge. For walking lunges, as you come back up, bring your rear foot forward to meet your front foot. Repeat with the alternate leg leading. Can be performed bodyweight or loaded (goblet with a KB, with DBs in each hand, holding a plate, or with a Barbell on your back or in a front rack position).
Substitutions
Split squat variations; Lunge variations; Step Ups; Any other unilateral lower body movement (single leg press, single leg glute bridge, etc.)
Overhead Walking Lunges
Grab a weight (KBs, DBs, holding a plate/medicine ball, or for the most advanced and challenging, with a barbell) and lift it overhead, aiming to maintain a stacked vertical position between wrists, elbows, shoulders, and hips. Perform your lunges by taking a step forward with one leg, dropping into a 90-90 lunge position while maintaining your upright torso. As you come back up, squeeze your front leg glute as you bring your rear foot forward to meet your front foot. Repeat with the alternate leg leading. If limited on space, perform as alternating rather than walking.
Substitutions
Split squat variations; Lunge variations; Step Ups; Any other unilateral lower body movement (single leg press, single leg glute bridge, etc.)
Forward-to-Backward Lunges
In the Forward-to-Backward variation, perform one lunge forward, then press back up and step back straight into a reverse lunge — that is one rep. Continue for the prescribed reps.
Substitutions
Split squat variations; Lunge variations; Step Ups; Any other unilateral lower body movement (single leg press, single leg glute bridge, etc.)
Single Arm Banded Chest Press
Set up with a band anchored at chest height (can be performed standing or half kneeling, as demonstrated in the GIF). Hold the band in one hand and turn around and take a step to the side of your free hand. Step away from the anchor until there is some tension in the band when your arm is out to your side and your elbow is bent 90-degrees. Begin your banded chest press by squeezing and contracting your pec while pressing the band until your arm is straight in front of you. Perform for the prescribed repetitions, then repeat on the other side.
Substitutions
Cable Flyes; Banded Flyes; DB Flyes; Incline DB / Barbell Bench Press; Push-ups; Pec Deck Machine
Single Arm Banded Lateral Raise
Stand upright with your foot pinning down a long band, holding the loose end in one hand. With a slight bend in the elbow and your palm facing towards your midline, slowly raise your arm out to the side until your arm is parallel to the floor and your palm is facing down. Lower back down and repeat. There should be a moderate amount of tension on the band while your arm is at your side, but not so much that you can’t perform the repetition to a full range of motion. Adjust tension by changing how much or little of the band you stand on.
Substitutions
Cable Lateral Raise; DB Lateral Raise; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
DB Lat Pullover
To perform a DB Lat Pullover, lay on a flat bench, hold a dumbbell with arms extended over eye level and a slight bend in the elbow. Lower the weight down over your head until your arms are parallel to your head, while maintaining your elbow angle through the entire range of motion, then return to the start position. If a pause is prescribed, pause at the bottom with your arms overhead, resisting the weight by using your lats to control the load before returning the weight to the start position.
Substitutions
Cable Lat Pullover; Banded Lat Pullover; Lat Pull Down variations (wide grip, single arm, etc); Pull-Ups, Chin-Ups, Rows
Banded Lat Pullover
Attach a band to a high anchor point. Standing facing the anchor, holding the band with both hands. Extend your arms overhead and in front of you with a slight bend in the elbow, and step back until there is tension in the band. While maintaining a slight elbow angle, pull the band down towards your waist. Think about leading the pull with your elbows, tucking your arms back to your torso throughout the repetition. When your elbows reach parallel with your torso, perform a slight pause to avoid any momentum (unless a specific pause or tempo is prescribed) and control the movement back to the starting position.
Substitutions
Lying Banded Lat Pullover; Cable Lat Pullover; DB Pullover; Lat Pull Down variations (wide grip, single arm, etc); Pull-Ups, Chin-Ups, Rows
Lying Banded Lat Pullover
Attach a band to a low anchor point, 6-12″ off the ground. Lie on the floor face up, with the band in both hands and your arms extended overhead with a slight bend in the elbows. You should be far enough away from the anchor that there is some tension in the band even at rest with arms overhead. While maintaining a slight elbow angle, pull the band down towards your waist. Think about leading the pull with your elbows, tucking your arms back to your torso throughout the repetition. When your elbows reach parallel with your torso, perform a slight pause to avoid any momentum (unless a specific pause or tempo is prescribed) and control the movement back to the starting position.
Substitutions
Standing Banded Lat Pullover; Cable Lat Pullover; DB Pullover; Lat Pull Down variations (wide grip, single arm, etc); Pull-Ups, Chin-Ups, Rows
Supinated Grip Cable Row
Sit on the floor or a seated cable machine and hold a straight bar attachment with an underhand grip. Set up far enough away from the pulley so that there is tension on the cable when your arms are extended. Start your rep by pulling the handle back towards the lower abdomen. Return to the starting position and repeat. Focus on driving your elbows back, squeezing your shoulder blades together during the contraction, and allowing the cable to return to a deep and reaching start position, protracting your shoulders and stretching your lats. If you do not have access to cables, you can perform these variations with bands.
Substitutions
Banded Rows; Barbell Row; Pendlay Row; Dumbbell Row; Inverted Row; Any other horizontal pull/row
Wide Grip Cable Row
Sit on the floor or a seated cable machine and hold a straight bar attachment with a wide overhand grip. Set up far enough away from the pulley so that there is tension on the cable when your arms are extended. Start your rep by pulling the handle back towards the lower abdomen. Return to the starting position and repeat. Focus on driving your elbows back, squeezing your shoulder blades together during the contraction, and allowing the cable to return to a deep and reaching start position, protracting your shoulders and stretching your lats. If you do not have access to cables, you can perform these variations with bands.
Substitutions
Banded Rows; Barbell Row; Pendlay Row; Dumbbell Row; Inverted Row; Any other horizontal pull/row
Single Arm Cable Row
Sit on the floor or a seated cable machine and hold a single handle attachment. Set up far enough away from the pulley so that there is tension on the cable when your arms are extended. Start your rep by pulling the handle back towards the lower abdomen. Return to the starting position and repeat. Focus on driving your elbow back, retracting your shoulder blade during the contraction, and allowing the cable to return to a deep and reaching start position, protracting your shoulder blade and stretching your lat. If you do not have access to cables, you can perform these variations with bands.
Substitutions
Single Arm Banded Row; Chest Supported Row, Single Arm Lat Pull Down, DB Row
Elevated Pike Hand Stand Push-Up
Set your feet on a stable surface with your hands on the floor so that you’re bent over in a 90 degree position, with your legs extended and your hips as stacked above your shoulders as possible. Lower yourself toward the ground as far as possible, aiming to keep the 90 degree angle. The closer you are to being vertical, the harder the push up will be. Scale accordingly.
Substitutions
Push-Ups, Modified Hand Stand Push Ups, DB Bench Press, DB Chest Flys
Isometric Pull-Up
Perform as a static hold at the top of your pull-up position for max time.
Substitutions
jumping pull-ups, assisted negative pull-ups, negative chin-ups, negative pull-ups
Dead Hang Pull-Up
Set up under a pull-up bar, with a pronated (overhand) grip. Grab the bar just outside of shoulder width. Hold your body in a straight line for max time, with your feet off the ground.
Substitutions
jumping pull-ups, assisted negative pull-ups, negative chin-ups, negative pull-ups
Cable Overhead Tricep Extension
Set up a cable machine with the pulley set in the low position, using a rope handle or V-bar attachment. Grab the attachment with both hands, and raise the weight above your head with your arms bent and hands behind your head. Extend your arms by contracting your triceps, until you lockout overhead. Lower the weight with control again behind your head to return the weight to the start position.
Substitutions
Banded or DB OH Tricep Extension; Cable push downs; Skullcrushers; any other tricep-specific exercise
Banded Overhead Tricep Extension
Set up a long resistance band anchored to a low position. Grab the loose end of the band with both hands, and raise the band above your head with your arms bent and hands behind your head. Extend your arms by contracting your triceps, until you lockout overhead. Lower the weight with control again behind your head to return the weight to the start position.
Substitutions
DB or Cable OH Tricep Extensions; Cable push downs; Skullcrushers; any other tricep-specific exercise
Cable Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
Set up a cable machine with the pulley set in the low position, using a rope or single handle attachment. Grab the attachment with one hand, and raise the weight above your head with your arm bent and hand behind your head. Extend your arm by contracting your triceps, until you lockout overhead. Lower the weight with control again behind your head to return the weight to the start position.
Substitutions
OH Tricep Extension (DB/Band/Cable – with both arms); Single Arm Cable Push Downs, Single Arm DB Skullcrushers; Single Arm DB/Band OHP
Banded Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
Set up a long resistance band anchored to a low position, or stand on one end. Grab the loose end of the band with one hands, and raise the band above your head with your arms bent and hand behind your head. Extend your arm by contracting your triceps, until you lockout overhead. Lower the weight with control again behind your head to return the weight to the start position.
Substitutions
OH Tricep Extension (DB/Band/Cable – with both arms); Single Arm Cable Push Downs, Single Arm DB Skullcrushers; Single Arm DB/Band OHP
Copenhagen Plank Raise
Lay on your side with your feet under a bench or elevated surface. Place your top foot on top of the bench. Place your bottom elbow and forearm directly under your shoulder and, lift your hips off the ground by driving your top foot down into the bench — you should feel the adductor and groin muscles of your top leg working hard. Lift your bottom leg up until it touches the bottom of the bench. Unless a specific time is prescribed, hold this position for 1-2 seconds, maintaining a straight line from shoulder to hip to to knee to ankle, before lowering back to the start position with control.
Substitutions
Copenhagen Plank; Modified Copenhagen Plank; Modified Copenhagen Plank Raises; Cossack Squat; Side Lying Adduction; Hip Adduction Machines; Goblet Squat with Adduction; Hip Thrust with Adduction
Modified Copenhagen Plank
Lay on your side with your feet under a bench or elevated surface. Place your top leg on top of the bench. Unlike a traditional Copenhagen Plank where your foot/ankle is the point of contact on top of the bench, a Modified Copenhagen Plank is scaled easier by instead anchoring at the knee (bent 90-degrees), and placing your shin along the bench – shortening the lever arm created by your body. Place your bottom elbow and forearm directly under your shoulder and, lift your hips off the ground by driving your top leg down into the bench — you should feel the adductor and groin muscles of your top leg working hard. Lift your bottom leg up until it touches the bottom of the bench. Hold this position for the prescribed duration, maintaining a straight line from shoulder to hip to to knee to ankle, before lowering back to the start position with control.
Substitutions
Copenhagen Plank; Modified Copenhagen Plank; Modified Copenhagen Plank Raises; Cossack Squat; Side Lying Adduction; Hip Adduction Machines; Goblet Squat with Adduction; Hip Thrust with Adduction
Modified Copenhagen Plank Raise
Lay on your side with your feet under a bench or elevated surface. Place your top leg on top of the bench. Unlike a traditional Copenhagen Plank where your foot/ankle is the point of contact on top of the bench, a Modified Copenhagen Plank Raise is scaled easier by instead anchoring at the knee (bent 90-degrees), and placing your shin along the bench – shortening the lever arm created by your body. Place your bottom elbow and forearm directly under your shoulder and, lift your hips off the ground by driving your top leg down into the bench — you should feel the adductor and groin muscles of your top leg working hard. Lift your bottom leg up until it touches the bottom of the bench. Unless a specific time is prescribed, hold this position for 1-2 seconds, maintaining a straight line from shoulder to hip to to knee to ankle, before lowering back to the start position with control.
Substitutions
Copenhagen Plank; Copenhagen Plank Raise; Modified Copenhagen Plank; Cossack Squat; Side Lying Adduction; Hip Adduction Machines; Goblet Squat with Adduction; Hip Thrust with Adduction
Cable Belt Squat
Setup in front of a cable machine wearing a dip belt around your waist, and with the pulley set to the lowest position. Straddle the pulley, and clip the dip belt to the cable. Perform belt squats to depth for the prescribed reps, focusing on keeping an upright torso. Can also be performed on a Belt Squat machine if available, or by attaching weight plates to dip-belt, while straddling two blocks.
Substitutions
Leg Press; Front Squat; Goblet Squat; Zercher Squat; Heel Elevated Goblet Squat
Modified Clapping Push-Up
Set up in a push-up position. If you are able to perform more than 5-6 regular push-ups, we recommend performing these in a regular push-up position, and if you can preform fewer than 5-6 regular push-ups, we recommend setting up in a modified (knees down) position. Descend from the top to the bottom of a push-up position as normal. When you press into the floor to drive your body back up to the top, press as explosively as possible, lifting off the ground where possible. While at the peak of your rep (and in the air), clap your hands together, then return them to the position and catch yourself before you descend into your next rep.
Substitutions
Regular or Modified Push-Ups, DB Bench Press, Machine Chest Press, BB Bench Press variations; Subs for Close Grip or Diamond Push Ups include more tricep dominant exercises (Skullcrushers, Rope Pushdown, Dip variations, etc).
Plyo Push-Up
If you are uncomfortable performing a full clap in between reps, you can try a plyo push-up, or modified plyo push-up. In these variations, you still press as explosively as possible and even aim for your hands to come off the ground, but you do not move them away from their position under your shoulders between reps.
Substitutions
Regular or Modified Push-Ups, DB Bench Press, Machine Chest Press, BB Bench Press variations; Subs for Close Grip or Diamond Push Ups include more tricep dominant exercises (Skullcrushers, Rope Pushdown, Dip variations, etc).
Modified Plyo Push-Up
If you are uncomfortable performing a full clap in between reps, you can try a plyo push-up, or modified plyo push-up. In these variations, you still press as explosively as possible and even aim for your hands to come off the ground, but you do not move them away from their position under your shoulders between reps.
Substitutions
Regular or Modified Push-Ups, DB Bench Press, Machine Chest Press, BB Bench Press variations; Subs for Close Grip or Diamond Push Ups include more tricep dominant exercises (Skullcrushers, Rope Pushdown, Dip variations, etc).
Barbell Reverse Lunge
Set up a barbell in a squat rack at the same height as you would for a traditional back squat. Unrack the bar, and take a slight step back, enough to clear the J-hooks. Standing upright with feet roughly hip-width apart, reach one foot back approximately ~2-3 feet, landing on the ball of your foot, and perform a lunge. Use your front leg to drive you back up to the start, thinking about pushing that foot into the ground and squeezing that glute. Return both feet together, and then repeat with the other foot. Alternate for the prescribed repetitions.
This exercise can be scaled easier by substituting the barbell for another weight implement (DBs or KBs), or performed bodyweight.
Substitutions
Lunge variations; Split Squat variations; Box Step Ups; Split Stance or Single Leg Deadlift; Single Leg Press, Extension, or Curl; any other unilateral lower body movement.
Deficit Reverse Lunge
Can also be performed off a deficit if specified (as demonstrated above). For these, start standing upright with feet together on an elevated surface (roughly 2-6″). Reach one foot back and perform a lunge. Return both feet together, and then repeat with the other foot. Alternate for the prescribed repetitions. Can be performed bodyweight or weighted (typically with DBs or KBs).
Substitutions
Lunge variations; Split Squat variations; Box Step Ups; Split Stance or Single Leg Deadlift; Single Leg Press, Extension, or Curl; any other unilateral lower body movement.
Modified (Knees Down) Push-Up
Start in a plank position with palms on the floor, slightly wider than shoulder width apart (unless grip width is specified) and knees down on the floor. Aim to maintain a straight line in your body, from knees to hips to shoulders. Bend elbows to descend the torso, hips and chest to lower your chest to the floor, coming close to touching the ground. Keep your body in a straight line, making sure not to raise or sink the hips. Press the palms through the floor, activating the chest, shoulders and triceps and returning to the start position. This is a scaled version of the traditional Push-Up, and is one of our suggested variation (along with the Hands Elevated Push-Up) to develop broader pushing strength if unable to perform 6+ traditional push-ups.
Substitutions
Modified (Hands Elevated) Push-Up; Traditional Push-Ups; Single Arm Banded Chest Press; Modified Handstand Push-Ups; Bench Dips; DB Bench Press, Machine Chest Press, Barbell Bench Press variations
Modified (Hands Elevated) Push-Up
Start in a plank position with palms on an elevated surface (bench, plyo box, stacked bumper plates, staircase, wall), slightly wider than shoulder width apart (unless grip width is specified) and balls of the feet on the ground. Aim to maintain a straight line in your body, from feet to knees to hips to shoulders. Bend elbows to descend the torso, hips and chest to lower your chest, coming close to touching the elevated surface. Keep your body in a straight line, making sure not to raise or sink the hips. Press the palms down to push your body up, activating the chest, shoulders and triceps and returning to the start position. This is a scaled version of the traditional Push-Up, and is one of our suggested variation (along with the Knees Down Push-Up) to develop broader pushing strength if unable to perform 6+ traditional push-ups. The higher the elevated surface, the easier this variation will be scaled.
Substitutions
Modified (Knees Down) Push-Up; Traditional Push-Ups; Single Arm Banded Chest Press; Modified Handstand Push-Ups; Bench Dips; DB Bench Press, Machine Chest Press, Barbell Bench Press variations
Feet Elevated Push-Up
Start in a plank position with feet on an elevated surface (bench, plyo box, stacked bumper plates, staircase, etc), with hands slightly wider than shoulder width apart (unless grip width is specified – e.g. Close Grip Push-Ups can be scaled harder by elevating feet). Aim to maintain a straight line in your body, from feet to knees to hips to shoulders. Bend elbows to descend the torso, hips and chest to lower your chest, coming close to touching the elevated surface. Keep your body in a straight line, making sure not to raise or sink the hips. Press the palms down to push your body up, activating the chest, shoulders and triceps and returning to the start position.
This is a more advanced version of the traditional Push-Up, and is a suggested variation to continue to develop pressing strength when a traditional push-up with your bodyweight alone is insufficient stimulus. The higher the elevated surface, the harder this variation will be scaled. As mentioned above, this variation can be used to increase the difficulty of different push-up variations (e.g. wide or close grip push-ups).
Substitutions
Traditional Push-Ups; Single Arm Banded Chest Press; Modified Handstand Push-Ups; Bench Dips; DB Bench Press, Machine Chest Press, Barbell Bench Press variations
Wide Grip Push-Up
Start in a plank position with palms on the floor, aiming for ~0.5-1 hand-width per side wider than your normal push-up grip, and balls of the feet on the ground. Aim to maintain a straight line in your body, from feet to knees to hips to shoulders. Bend elbows to descend the torso, hips and chest to lower your chest, coming close to touching the elevated surface. Keep your body in a straight line, making sure not to raise or sink the hips. Press the palms down to push your body up, activating the chest, shoulders and triceps and returning to the start position. Unlike a Close Grip Push-Up variation, expect your arms to flare out slightly wider than the usual “tucked-close-to-the-torso” position we aim for. With that said, we still suggest keeping some angle less than 90-degrees between arms and torso.
Substitutions
Traditional Push-Ups; Single Arm Banded Chest Press; Modified Handstand Push-Ups; Bench Dips; DB Bench Press, Machine Chest Press, Barbell Bench Press variations
Diamond Push-Up
Start in a plank position with palms on the floor, with your hands together under your chest — index finger to index finger and thumb to thumb, creating a diamond between your hands — and balls of the feet on the ground. Aim to maintain a straight line in your body, from feet to knees to hips to shoulders. Bend at the elbows to descend the torso, aiming to keep your elbows as tucked as possible as you lower your chest to the floor, coming close to touching the ground. Keep your body in a straight line, making sure not to raise or sink the hips. Press the palms through the floor, activating the chest, shoulders and triceps and returning to the start position.
This is one of the most advanced Push-Up variations we will cover, and is very tricep dominant. To scale easier, you can either modify your setup (knees down or hands elevated) while maintaining the diamond position, or you can slightly widen your hand width as needed, while still aiming to keep your elbows tucked close to your torso.
Substitutions
Close Grip Push-Ups; Traditional Push-Ups; Close Grip Bench Press; Skullcrushers; Rope Pushdown; Bench Dips; Chest Dips
Close Grip Push-Up
Start in a plank position with palms on the floor, just barely outside shoulder width apart and balls of the feet on the ground. Aim to maintain a straight line in your body, from feet to knees to hips to shoulders. Bend elbows to descend the torso, hips and chest to lower your chest to the floor, coming close to touching the ground. Keep your body in a straight line, making sure not to raise or sink the hips. Press the palms through the floor, activating the chest, shoulders and triceps and returning to the start position. With this hand position, we should be aiming to keep your arms as close to the torso as possible, aiming for roughly 10-30-degrees of angle between arms and torso at the bottom to maintain more emphasis on the triceps in this variation.
This is a more advanced Push-Up variations we will cover, and is very tricep dominant. To scale easier, you can either modify your setup (knees down or hands elevated) while maintaining the close grip position, or you can slightly widen your hand width as needed, while still aiming to keep your elbows tucked close to your torso.
Substitutions
Diamond Push-Ups; Traditional Push-Ups; Close Grip Bench Press; Skullcrushers; Rope Pushdown; Bench Dips; Chest Dips
DB Iso-Hold Lateral Raise
With a dumbbell in each hand and a slight bend in the elbow, lift one arm out to the side and slightly in front (elbows coming 10-30 degrees in front of your torso) until it is parallel to the floor, and hold this position (an isometric contraction) while performing the prescribed repetition with your other arm. Without lowering the DBs, switch which arm is holding the isometric contraction and perform the prescribed reps with the other arm. Then, perform the final amount of prescribed reps with both arms at the same time. See the demo link above for more detail, as an example of 3+3+3 Iso-Hold Lateral Raises.
Substitutions
Banded Lateral Raise; Prone Incline DB Lateral Raise; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Cable Lateral Raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Prone Incline DB Lateral Raise
Setup facing an adjustable bench set to a high incline position (45-85 degrees of angle). With a dumbbell in each hand and a slight bend in the elbow, hold your torso against the upright of the bench. Lift the weights out to the side and slightly in front (elbows coming 10-30 degrees in front of your torso) until your arms are parallel with the floor (not allowing your torso to move off the bench and rely on momentum). Lower back down with control and repeat. Can also be programmed as a hold, in which case you would maintain your top position for the prescribed amount of time.
Substitutions
Banded Lateral Raise; Prone Incline DB Lateral Raise; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Cable Lateral Raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Banded Lateral Raise
Stand upright with your foot pinning down a long band, holding one side of the loose end in each hand. With a slight bend in the elbow and your palm facing towards your midline, slowly raise both arms out to the side until your arms are parallel to the floor and your palms are facing down. Lower back down and repeat. There should be a moderate amount of tension on the band while your arm is at your side, but not so much that you can’t perform the repetition to a full range of motion. Adjust tension by changing how much or little of the band you stand on. If you are unable to perform holding one end of the band in each hand, you can try standing on just one side of the band (allowing the other half to loop freely between your hands), or opt for the looser tension single arm banded lateral raise variation.
Substitutions
Cable Lateral Raise; DB Lateral Raise; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Seated Incline DB Lateral Raise
Setup with an adjustable bench set to a high incline position (45-85 degrees of angle) and sit with your back against the upright. With a dumbbell in each hand and a slight bend in the elbow, lift the weights out to the side and slightly in front (elbows coming 10-30 degrees in front of your torso) until your arms are parallel with the floor (not allowing your torso to move off the bench and rely on momentum). Lower back down with control and repeat. Can also be programmed as a hold, in which case you would maintain your top position for the prescribed amount of time.
Substitutions
Banded Lateral Raise; Prone Incline DB Lateral Raise; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Cable Lateral Raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
EZ Bar Curl 21s
To perform EZ Bar Curl 21’s, grab an EZ Curl Bar with an underhand grip and start by completing 7 partial reps through the bottom half of the range of motion, 7 reps for the top half of the range of motion, then 7 reps as full range of motion — this is one set. See demo link above (shown as 3+3+3 using a straight bar rather than 7+7+7 with an EZ bar). Can also be performed on a barbell bar, with DBs, or on cables. May also be prescribed with different rep ranges (e.g. 8+8+8 would be 8 bottom half, 8 top half, 8 full ROM).
Substitutions
Barbell Curl, Cable Curls (V-Bar or EZ Bar attachment), Alternating DB curls, Hammer Curl
Reverse Grip EZ Bar Curls
Stand and hold an EZ Curl barbell with an overhand (pronated) grip, palms facing down/towards your body. Keep the upper arms stationary, and curl the bar forward and up while contracting the biceps. Lower and repeat for reps.
Substitutions
Zottman Curls; Hammer Curls; Barbell Curl; Cable Curls (V-Bar or EZ Bar attachment); Alternating DB curls
Toes Elevated KB Romanian Deadlifts
Start standing upright with a single KB in both hands, and feet roughly hip width apart. Standing in front of a weight plate or similar, aim to elevate your toes by 1-3″. Begin the rep by reaching your hips back while allowing your torso to tip forward, focusing on maintaining a strong and rigid trunk as you descend. Continue descending until you feel a light to moderate stretch in your hamstrings and/or glutes. Then, return to the start position by driving your hips forward and squeezing your glutes. This variation can add a greater hamstring and posterior stretch, as well as better reinforce hingeing mechanics as you start in a biased position that naturally encourages you to push your hips back during the repetition.
Substitutions
Barbell RDLs, Split Stance RDL, Hamstring Curls
B-Stance Banded RDL
Set up in a staggered stance, with one foot’s toe in line with the other heel. Wrap a long resistance band under your front foot flat on the floor, and hold each loose end in each hand. Soften the front knee slightly. Put your weight on the front foot and hinge at the hip and push your hips back. The back foot should support like a kickstand (we recommend only using the ball of your foot for balance), with most of the weight should be on your front leg. Control your slow negative and keep your back flat. Keep your arms long throughout the repetition, allowing the band do add resistance as you squeeze your front foot glute and drive your hips forward and shoulders up. Perform for the prescribed repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.
Substitutions
Split Stance/Single Leg RDL, Single Leg Press, Split squat variations, Lunge variations, Single Leg Hamstring Curls, other unilateral lower body work
Standing DB Overhead Press
For standing DB OHP, set up in a stance shoulder-width apart, clean the DBs up to your shoulders, and press overhead. Do your best to keep your ribs down, hips forward, and glutes squeezed (so that your pelvis is stacked under your torso), rather than arching back.
Substitutions
Barbell OHP; Seated Cable OHP; (Modified) Handstand Push-Up; Overhead Pressing Machines
Single Arm DB Overhead Press
For the single arm DB OHP, set up similar to the regular DB version, but use your free hand to balance and support on a bench, rack, or other sturdy piece of equipment. Do your best to maintain an upright torso and avoid tilting, leaning, or twisting.
Substitutions
Barbell OHP; Seated Cable OHP; (Modified) Handstand Push-Up; Overhead Pressing Machines
Single Arm Banded Overhead Press
For the single arm banded OHP, set up similar to the regular banded version, but use just one hand to press against the band. Do your best to maintain an upright torso and avoid tilting, leaning, or twisting.
Substitutions
Barbell or DB OHP; Single Arm DB OHP; Banded Front Raises; Banded Lateral Raises; Machine Overhead Press
Seated L-Sit Walk
For the L-Sit Walk variation, press both hands into the floor and raise hips and inch hips and heels backwards. Put hips down and bring hands to meet them.
Substitutions
Bodysaw, Hanging Leg Raises, Bear Crawls, Side plank, L-Sit Hold, V-Ups
Seated EZ Bar Shrug
Sitting on a box or bench with a slight torso angle forward, perform shrugs for the prescribed number of repetitions, pinching your shoulder blades back and together and aiming to reach your shoulders up to your ears. Can be performed with a DB or EZ Curl Bar behind your legs.
Substitutions
Standing or Machine Shrug variations; Heavy Farmer Walks or Yoke Carries
DB Skullcrushers
Laying on a bench, hold a DB above your body directly above your shoulders. Without moving your upper arm, hinge at the elbow and lower the weight in a controlled manner towards your skull, stopping a few inches above your face. Then reverse the movement and return the weight to the start position.
Substitutions
Tricep push-downs; OH Tricep Extension; Dips; Any other tricep exercises
Terminal Knee Extension Split Squat
Loop a band around a sturdy upright at knee height, and loop the other end around the back of your front knee. Step back so there is some resistance at the top of your split stance position. Perform your split squat as normal, allowing the band to pull your front knee forward. As you drive back up to the top, squeeze your front quad while resisting the band.
Substitutions
Walking/Alternating/Reverse Lunge variations; Box step-ups; Flat or Front Foot Elevated Split Squat variations
Feet Up Spoto Press
For a Feet-Up Spoto Press variation, set up with your competition style (regular) bench press grip. Rather than placing your feet on the floor, bend your knees and place feet flat on the bench to remove your leg drive and place greater emphasis on your upper body pressing muscles.
Substitutions
Board Press, T-shirt press, DB or Machine Bench Press variations
Banded Face Pull
Set up a band to an anchor at or slightly above your shoulder-level, holding the band with both hands in a pronated (overhand) grip. Pull the band directly towards your face while keeping the upper arms parallel to the floor. Control the band on the way back to the start position. Note that the higher you pull (band or rope towards your eye-level), the more you will train your overall upper back, including your shoulders and external rotators. The more that you pull in line with your shoulders, the more directly you will target your rear deltoids. Neither are inherently right or wrong, and we recommend training a combination or alternating (for balance), or whichever is more comfortable for you.
Substitutions
Blackburns; Banded Face Pull; Band Pullaparts, Prone I-T-W-Y, Rear Delt Flyes
Banded Face Pull with External Rotation
Loop a band around a squat rack or sturdy alternative at approximately shoulder height, or slightly above, and hold the band with both hands in a pronated (overhand) grip. Keeping your arms at 90-degrees abducted (flared) from your torso, pull the band directly back while keeping the upper arms parallel to the floor. Once your elbows are bent at 90-degrees, externally rotate your shoulders while holding your upper arms in position (making an L-shape with your elbows). Do your best to not allow any movement other than rotation here — your elbow should ideally not move up, down, forward or backwards. Once your forearms have reached a vertical position, pause, and reverse the movement, controlling the resistance on the way back to the start position. Prioritize movement quality and control on this exercise, rather than weight/resistance. Can be performed with both arms or single arm, as demonstrated above. Can also be performed using Cables and pulley handles rather than bands.
Substitutions
Blackburns; Banded Face Pull; Band Pullaparts, Prone I-T-W-Y, Rear Delt Flyes
Banded Face Pull with External Rotation
Loop a band around a squat rack or sturdy alternative at approximately shoulder height, or slightly above. Hold the loose end of the band in one hand, and step back until there is light tension on the band when your arm is extended in front of you. Keeping your arm at 90-degrees abducted (flared) from your torso, pull the band directly back while keeping the upper arm parallel to the floor. Once your elbow is bent at 90-degrees, externally rotate your shoulder while holding your upper arm in position (making an L-shape with your elbow). Do your best to not allow any movement other than rotation here — your elbow should ideally not move up, down, forward or backwards. Once your forearm has reached a vertical position, pause, and reverse the movement, controlling the resistance on the way back to the start position. Prioritize movement quality and control on this exercise, rather than weight/resistance. Can be performed with both arms or single arm, as demonstrated above. Can also be performed using Cables and pulley handles rather than bands.
Substitutions
Blackburns; Banded Face Pull; Band Pullaparts, Prone I-T-W-Y, Rear Delt Flyes
Front Plate Raise
Standing upright, hold a weight plate with hands parallel (palms together, hands on either side of the plate). Maintain an extended arm position and raise the weight from in front of your hips/thighs to up over your head. Keep constant tension here, and try to avoid resting the weight on your thighs at the bottom. Can also be performed seated. Resistance implement can be substituted if needed — if a plate, band, or pair of DBs are unavailable, you can substitute for a loaded book bag for resistance.
Substitutions
Banded Front Raise; Seated DB Shrug; Seated EZ Bar Shrug; DB Front Raise, Cable Front Raise; DB Overhead Press
Front Plate Raise Hold
Standing upright, hold a weight plate with hands parallel (palms together, hands on either side of the plate). Maintain an extended arm position and raise the weight from in front of your hips/thighs until you reach shoulder height. Hold this position, resisting the weight isometrically for the prescribed time. Do your best to keep constant tension here, maintaining your arms extended and parallel to the floor. Can also be performed seated. Resistance implement can be substituted if needed — if a plate, band, or pair of DBs are unavailable, you can substitute for a loaded book bag for resistance.
Substitutions
Banded Front Raise; Front Plate Raise, DB Front Raise; Cable Front Raise; DB Overhead Press
Banded Front Raise
Standing upright, place your feet on top of a long resistance band, and hold the loose end with a parallel (palms together) grip. Maintain an extended arm position and raise your arms from beside your torso to shoulder height (arms parallel with the ground). If a pause is prescribed, pause at shoulder height.
These can also be prescribed isometrically as a Banded Front Raise Hold. Set up the same as a traditional Banded Front Raise, but hold the weight or resistance isometrically at shoulder height (arms extended) for the prescribed time.
Substitutions
Front Plate Raise, DB Front Raise, Cable Front Raise; DB Overhead Press
Cable Front Raise
Face a cable setup with a rope handle attached to a low pulley. Standing upright and facing the pulley, hold the rope with hands parallel (palms together, hands on either side of the plate). Maintain an extended arm position and raise the weight from in front of your hips/thighs to roughly face height. Keep constant tension here, and try to avoid resting the weight on your thighs at the bottom. Can also be performed seated.
Substitutions
Banded Front Raise; Front Plate Raise, DB Front Raise, Cable Front Raise; DB Overhead Press
Glute Bridge with Abduction
Lie on floor with feet flat on the ground and a band just above the knees. While maintaining a constant tension on the band, squeeze your butt and drive your foot through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Aim to keep your shins near vertical throughout the repetition to better target your glutes. Press yourself the the end of the range of motion, pause for one second and return to the start position.
Substitutions
Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
Glute Bridge Against Band
Lie on floor with feet flat on the ground and a long resistance band hooked around your feet and drawn out across your hips. Squeeze your butt and drive your foot through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso and resisting the band tension. Aim to keep your shins near vertical throughout the repetition to better target your glutes. Press yourself the the end of the range of motion, pause for one second and return to the start position.
Substitutions
Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
Elevated Single Leg Glute Bridge
Lie on floor with feet flat on the ground, with a box, bench, chair, stair or stack of plates in front of you. Extend one leg fully, and place the other foot flat on the elevated surface. Press into the elevated foot to raise the hips. Squeeze your butt and drive your foot through the elevated surface, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Aim to reach a 90-degree angle at the knee at full hip extension to best target your glutes. Press yourself to the end of the range of motion, pause for one second and return to the start position. The elevated surface will increase the effective range of motion of your repetitions.
Substitutions
Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
Hamstring Curl 21’s
Set up on a hamstring curl machine (seated or lying). Hamstring Curl 21s (demoed above as 3+3+3) are performed as prescribed reps for the first half of Range of Motion, then prescribed reps for second half of Range of Motion, then prescribed reps for the full Range of Motion. These are typically prescribed as 7+7+7 (21s, get it?!), but could be prescribed for different rep ranges.
Substitutions
Banded Hamstring Curls; 2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curl; Glute Ham Raise; Romanian Deadlift; Stiff-Leg Deadlift
KB Stiff Leg Sumo Deadlift
Set up with a KB with a wide stance (feet externally rotated) and hands inside of your legs. Hinge at the hip with minimal bend at the knee to get in a pulling position. Tighten the upper back, brace the core, then pull the KB from the ground up to the hips. Think about pushing the feet through the floor while squeezing your glutes and pushing your hips forward, hingeing at the hips. Lower the KB in the same movement pattern.
Substitutions
Sumo KB/DB deadlifts, other Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, trap bar)
DB Stiff Leg Sumo Deadlift
Set up with a wide stance (feet externally rotated) and hands inside of your legs, with a DB standing vertically between your feet. Hinge at the hip with minimal bend at the knee to get in a pulling position. Tighten the upper back, brace the core, then pull the DB from the ground up to the hips. Think about pushing the feet through the floor while squeezing your glutes and pushing your hips forward, hingeing at the hips. Lower the DB in the same movement pattern.
Substitutions
Sumo KB/DB deadlifts, other Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, trap bar)
Banded Stiff Leg Sumo Deadlift
Set up with a wide stance (feet externally rotated) and hands inside of your legs, standing on a long resistance band. Hinge at the hip with minimal bend at the knee to get in a pulling position, and reach down and grab the band. Tighten the upper back, brace the core, then pull the band from the ground up to the hips. Think about pushing the feet through the floor while squeezing your glutes and pushing your hips forward, hingeing at the hips. Lower the band in the same movement pattern, and repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
DB/KB Stiff Leg Sumo Deadlift; Sumo KB/DB Deadlifts, Other Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, trap bar)
Banded Stiff Leg Sumo Good Morning
Set up with a wide stance (feet externally rotated) and hands inside of your legs, with a long resistance band looped around your feet and pulled up over your head and resting on your shoulders/upper back. Tighten the upper back, brace the core, then push your hips back and hinge — tipping your torso towards the floor with minimal bend at the knee until you feel a light stretch in your posterior chain (hamstrings, glutes, and even adductors). Return to the start position by pushing the feet through the floor while squeezing your glutes and pushing your hips forward, driving your upper back into the band until you are standing upright again. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Sumo KB/DB deadlifts, other Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, trap bar)
Standing Paloff Press
In a standing position, use a cable machine or a band and bring the handle to the torso. From there, extend your arms out and away from the body. The start position should be difficult to hold, and you should feel resistance as the band/cable try to pull (rotate) you. Your goal throughout the entire range of motion is to keep your hips and shoulders facing square in front of you and resist the rotation.
While maintaining extended arms, bring the handle/band up to roughly nose height with control. Once you reach nose height, lower the handle/band to belly button height with control, then return to starting position (chest height). That is one repetition — repeat until you’ve completed the prescribed number of reps.
Substitutions
DB Windmill, Turkish Getup, Half Turkish Getup, Russian Twist
2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curl
For 2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curls, set up on a hamstring curl machine (seated or lying). Perform a normal (concentric) hamstring curl by actively contracting the hamstrings with both legs on the pad until your knees are fully bent, then using a single leg, perform a slow controlled eccentric (from bent to knee to extended leg) over 3-4 seconds back to the start position. Use both legs to curl the weight back again, and repeat the single leg tempo negative using the same leg, unless specified otherwise (i.e. Alt 2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curl, as demonstrated in the GIF above).
Substitutions
Banded Hamstring Curls; Hamstring Curl 21’s; Glute Ham Raise; Romanian Deadlift; Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Banded Single Leg Hamsting Curl
Set up sitting on a stable surface (e.g. bench or chair), with a long resistance band setup to a low anchor in front of you. Loop the free end of the band around one ankle, and ensure you are set up far enough away from the anchor so that there is tension on the band when your leg is fully extended. Starting with a straight leg, lift your banded foot up off the ground by 1-3″, and begin performing your hamstring curls by actively squeezing your hamstring, resisting the band, and driving your heel back, without moving your upper leg at all. Once you reach a full contraction, pause momentarily to avoid any rebound off the band’s elasticity, and return to the start position with control.
Substitutions
Standing Banded Hamstring Curls; Hamstring Curl 21’s; 2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curl; Glute Ham Raise; Romanian Deadlift; Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Standing Single Leg Hamsting Curl
Standing upright with a long resistance band setup to a low anchor in front of you. Loop the free end of the band around one ankle, and ensure you are set up far enough away from the anchor so that there is tension on the band when your leg is fully extended. Starting with as straight of a leg as possible begin performing your hamstring curls by actively squeezing your hamstring, resisting the band, and driving your heel back, without moving your upper leg at all. Once you reach a full contraction, pause momentarily to avoid any rebound off the band’s elasticity, and return to the start position with control.
Substitutions
Prone Banded Hamstring Curls; Hamstring Curl 21’s; 2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curl; Glute Ham Raise; Romanian Deadlift; Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Prone Single Leg Banded Hamstring Curl
Setup a long resistance band to a low anchor, and loop the free end of the band around one ankle. Then, lie on a bench (or on the floor) in front of and facing away from the band. Ensure you are set up far enough away from the anchor so that there is tension on the band when your leg is fully extended. Starting with as straight of a leg as possible, begin performing your hamstring curls by actively squeezing your hamstring, resisting the band, and driving your heel back, without moving your upper leg at all. Once you reach a full contraction, pause momentarily to avoid any rebound off the band’s elasticity, and return to the start position with control.
Substitutions
Standing Single Leg Banded Hamstring Curls; Hamstring Curl 21’s; 2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curl; Glute Ham Raise; Romanian Deadlift; Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Prone Banded Hamstring Curl
Setup a long resistance band to a low anchor, and loop the free end of the band around both ankles. Then, lie on a bench (or on the floor) in front of and facing away from the band. Ensure you are set up far enough away from the anchor so that there is tension on the band when your legs are fully extended. Starting with your legs as straight as as possible, begin performing your hamstring curls by actively squeezing your hamstrings, resisting the band, and driving your heels back, without moving your upper legs at all. Once you reach a full contraction, pause momentarily to avoid any rebound off the band’s elasticity, and return to the start position with control.
Substitutions
Standing Single Leg Banded Hamstring Curls; Hamstring Curl 21’s; 2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curl; Glute Ham Raise; Romanian Deadlift; Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Swiss Ball Hamstring Curl
Lying on the ground with a swiss ball at your feet, set up with your heels on the ball and your legs fully extended. Bridge up by squeezing your glutes until you are in a straight line, from shoulders to hips to knees to ankles. Begin performing your curls, focusing on squeezing your hamstrings as you pull the ball in towards your hips, all while maintaining the same torso position. Perform these with a slow and controlled tempo for the prescribed reps.
Substitutions
Banded Hamstring Curls; 2-Up, 1-Down Hamstring Curl; Hamstring Curl 21’s; Glute Ham Raise; Romanian Deadlift; Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Hanging Knee Tuck
Hanging from a pull-up bar, raise your knees until your quads are parallel with the floor, then lower them to the floor again. Throughout the repetition, aim to keep your scapula depressed (shoulders down, lats engaged) and maintain a tucked rib cage, allowing your abs to control the movement.
This is an intermediate and fairly challenging movement. To scale easier, perform on a Captain’s Chair rather than hanging from a pull-up bar. To scale harder, perform with extended legs.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Hollow Body Holds; Barbell or Ab-Wheel Rollouts; Planks; Sit-up/Crunch variations; Other Abdominal Flexion movements.
Captain’s Chair Knee Tuck
Setting up supporting your bodyweight in a Captain’s Chair (feet off the ground), raise your knees until your quads are parallel with the floor, then lower them to the floor again. Throughout the repetition, aim to maintain a tucked rib cage, allowing your abs to control the movement.
To scale to a more challenging intermediate variation, perform Hanging Knee Tucks on a pull-up bar. To scale to the most challenging advanced variation, perform Hanging Leg Raises from a pull-up bar with extended legs.
Substitutions
Other Knee/Leg Raises; Hollow Body Holds; Barbell or Ab-Wheel Rollouts; Planks; Sit-up/Crunch variations; Other Abdominal Flexion movements.
Modified (Novice) Hollow Body Hold
Laying on your back, keep your arms down at your sides and extend your legs. Place one foot flat on the floor (bending that leg at the knee and hip). Press the low back into the floor and raise your extended leg ~3-6 inches off the floor, while also lifting your head off the floor and keeping a tucked chin. Maintain tension in your core and brace your abs. Focus on keeping your ribs tucked down and continue pressing the low back into the floor. Hold the position for the total prescribed time (e.g. 20 seconds), or if prescribed as reps (e.g. 3 sets of 6 reps), hold the position for 2-3 seconds for each repetition before returning to the floor. Alternate legs each set.
Option to scale up by to the modified (intermediate) variation by keeping your hands down by your side rather than overhead. Or, perform the traditional (advanced) variation with arms extended overhead, lifting both arms and feet at the same time.
Substitutions
Other Modified Hollow Body Hold; Hollow Body Rocks; Plank; Birddogs; V-situps; Deadbugs;
Modified (Intermediate) Hollow Body Hold
Laying on your back, keep your arms down at your sides and extend your legs. Engage your abs while pressing your low back into the floor, and hover your feet and hands ~6 inches over the floor. Maintain tension in your core and brace your abs. Focus on keeping your ribs tucked down and continue pressing the low back into the floor. Hold the position for the total prescribed time (e.g. 20 seconds), or if prescribed as reps (e.g. 3 sets of 6 reps), hold the position for 2-3 seconds for each repetition before returning to the floor.
Option to scale down to an easier variation of this movement (novice) would be keeping your arms on the floor during the repetition, or keeping your hands on the floor while only lifting one leg at a time. Or, perform the traditional (advanced) variation with arms extended overhead, lifting both arms and feet at the same time.
Substitutions
Modified Hollow Body Hold; Hollow Body Rocks; Plank; Birddogs; V-situps; Deadbugs;
Hollow Body Rock
Laying on your back, raise arms overhead and extend your legs and feet. Engage your abs while pressing your low back into the floor, and hover your feet and hands ~6 inches over the floor. Maintain tension in your core and brace your abs. Focus on keeping your ribs tucked down and maintaining your hollow body position throughout the motion while rocking back and forth.
Option to scale down by using the modified variation by tucking your knees and holding them to your chest while performing your rocks.
Substitutions
Hollow Body Hold; Modified Hollow Body Rocks; Plank; Birddogs; V-situps; Deadbugs;
Modified Hollow Body Rock
Laying on your back, tuck your knees and hold them to your chest. Engage your abs while pressing your low back into the floor, and begin your rocks. Maintain tension in your core and brace your abs. Focus on keeping your ribs tucked down and maintaining your hollow body position throughout the motion while rocking back and forth.
Option to scale up by using the traditional Hollow Body Rock variation by tucking your knees and holding them to your chest while performing your rocks.
Substitutions
Hollow Body Hold; Hollow Body Rocks; Plank; Birddogs; V-situps; Deadbugs;
Wide Grip Lat Pull Downs
On cable pulldown machine, choose a long handle, and grab with a grip that is noticeably wider than your shoulder width. Keeping your torso upright, chest tall, and elbows pointed down, squeeze the lats/armpits and lower the handle to below your chin. Try to tuck your elbows in towards your ribs as you pull the bar down, better engaging your lats. Perform these with an overhand grip unless specified otherwise, such as neutral grip or supinated (underhand) grip.
Substitutions
Lat Pull Over (DB or Cable); Vertical Pulling movements (Pull Ups, Chin Ups); Horizontal Pulling movements (DB Rows, Barbell Rows, Inverted Rows, Chest Supported Rows, etc.); Any other back or lat focused exercises.
Banded Tricep Pushdowns
Set up a band in a high anchor or overhead position. Starting with your arms to your side or very slightly in front of you and your elbows pointed down, grab the band with both hands at a height near your shoulders with elbows bent. There should be tension on the band at this height. Without moving your upper arm, contract your triceps and hinge at the elbow, pressing down in a controlled manner until your arms are straight and elbows extended. Pause slightly to avoid any bounce (or for the prescribed tempo), then reverse the movement with control and return the weight to the start position.
Substitutions
Cable Tricep Pushdowns; Skullcrushers; OH Tricep Extension; Dips; Any other tricep exercises
Single Arm Plank
In pushup position with forearms and balls of your feet on the ground, modify your traditional plank setup by internally rotating one forearm until it is almost 90-degrees (so your fist sits below your opposite shoulder), then raise the unused arm off the ground and hold it straight down by your thigh. Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from heels to knees to hips to shoulders. Maintain that position for prescribed amount of time, performing only on one side per set (alternating arms with each passing set). If the prescribed time is too long for your current strength, consider modifying by dropping your point of contact from the balls of your feet, to your knees.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Lateral Walking Plank
Set up in a pushup position with hands and balls of your feet on the ground. Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain a neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from heels to knees to hips to shoulders.
Here comes the fun part: using your opposite side hand and leg, move 3-6″ in one direction. If you’re moving to the right, then take your right hand and your left leg, and shift them both to the right while your other hand/leg remain planted. Then, move the remaining two appendages (left hand and right leg) to follow suit. Repeat for the prescribed time or reps, moving back and forth if space is limited.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Low-to-High Plank
Set up in a pushup position with forearms and balls of your feet on the ground. Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain a neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from heels to knees to hips to shoulders. Now that you are in position, transition from forearm to hand on one side, followed by the other — you’re now in High Plank. Repeat in reverse, moving one arm then the other from hand to forearm back to Low Plank. Continue in a deliberate and controlled manner for the prescribed time, doing your best to avoid any excessive tipping or rotating.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Modified Plank Shoulder Taps
Set up in a modified pushup position with hands and knees on the ground. Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain a neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from knees to hips to shoulders. Now that you’re in your modified high plank position, with controlled, intentional movement, lift one hand off the ground and bend at the elbow until that hand touches your opposite shoulder. Replace that hand to the ground, then repeat on the other side. Do your best to maintain level shoulders and hips here — there should be minimal swaying or rotational movement even as you lift one hand off the ground. This exercise can be scaled harder by raising from your knees to your feet, in a regular Plank Shoulder Taps variation.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Plank Pull Across
Set up in a pushup position with hands and balls of your feet on the ground, with a light DB, KB, or other small object (e.g. Shaker Cup from the GIF) by one hand. Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain a neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from heels to knees to hips to shoulders. Now that you’re in your high plank position, reach across your body with whichever hand is further from the implement, and place it behind where that hand would be set when you return to high plank. Repeat with the other hand, bringing the implement back to it’s starting point. Continue alternating sides for the prescribed duration or repetitions.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Plank Shoulder Taps
Set up in a pushup position with hands and balls of your feet on the ground. Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain a neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from heels to knees to hips to shoulders. Now that you’re in your high plank position, with controlled, intentional movement, lift one hand off the ground and bend at the elbow until that hand touches your opposite shoulder. Replace that hand to the ground, then repeat on the other side. Do your best to maintain level shoulders and hips here — there should be minimal swaying or rotational movement even as you lift one hand off the ground.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Modified (Knees Down) Plank
Set up in a modified pushup position with forearms and knees on the ground. Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain a neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from knees to hips to shoulders. Maintain this position for the prescribed time. Can be scaled harder by switching your point of contact from your knees to the balls of your feet.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
KB Romanian Deadlifts
Start standing upright with a single KB in both hands, and feet roughly hip width apart. Begin the rep by reaching your hips back while allowing your torso to tip forward, focusing on maintaining a strong and rigid trunk as you descend. Continue descending until you feel a light to moderate stretch in your hamstrings and/or glutes. Then, return to the start position by driving your hips forward and squeezing your glutes.
Try to maintain constant tension throughout the set, not resting the DBs until all reps are completed. Can also be performed holding a one kettlebell in each hand, or a pair of DBs instead.
Substitutions
Barbell RDLs, Split Stance RDL, Hamstring Curls
Toes Elevated DB Romanian Deadlifts
Start standing upright with a dumbbell in each hand, and feet roughly hip width apart. Standing in front of a weight plate or similar, aim to elevate your toes by 1-3″. Begin the rep by reaching your hips back while allowing your torso to tip forward, focusing on maintaining a strong and rigid trunk as you descend. Continue descending until you feel a light to moderate stretch in your hamstrings and/or glutes. Then, return to the start position by driving your hips forward and squeezing your glutes. This variation can add a greater hamstring and posterior stretch, as well as better reinforce hingeing mechanics as you start in a biased position that naturally encourages you to push your hips back during the repetition.
Substitutions
Barbell RDLs, Split Stance RDL, Hamstring Curls
KB Stiff-Leg Deadlifts
Set up in a conventional deadlift position, with a kettlebell between your feet. With a slight bend in the knees, push your hips back and tip your torso forward (maintaining a strong trunk and straight back), reaching your arms down until you grab the kettlebell. Grab the kettlebell with both hands, and return to a standing position by pushing your hips forward and driving your shoulders back. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions. Your hips should remain at the same height through the entire repetition.
Do not completely lockout knees, but take note to keep legs more intentionally straight and maintain the same knee angle and a vertical shin during the entire repetition. Unlike a Romanian Deadlift, we tend to think of this lift as bottom-up (starting from the floor), focused on reaching the butt back, maintaining a constant knee angle, and focusing on hinging at the hip.
Substitutions
Romanian Deadlifts, Good Mornings, Reverse Hypers
Banded Tricep Kickback
Set up with a long resistance band anchored in a medium- to low position in front of you (at or below waist level), with a slight bend at the hips so that your torso is somewhat leaning towards the band. Hold the band with one hand, pointing your elbow directly behind you so that your humerus (upper arm) is parallel to the floor and positioned behind your torso). Contract your tricep and push the band back to straighten the arm. Pause and flex your tricep while holding the position at the top, then return to the start position and repeat. Can also be performed with a cable & rope attachment (or a band) rather than a DB.
Substitutions
DB Tricep Kickbacks; Bench Dips; Tricep Push Down; Skullcrushers
Single Arm DB Upright Row
Stand up straight and hold a dumbbell in one arm, with the weight in front of the thighs. Squeeze your delt and lift the weight up toward the chin, leading with the elbow and keeping the weight close to the body. Stop at parallel and return to the start position. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions, then repeat on the other arm.
Substitutions
Front Plate Raise, Cable lateral raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Cable Upright Row
Set up at a cable machine with the pullet in a low position, using a straight or EZ-bar attachment. Grab the attachment with both hands, and stand upright, with arms down and the weight in front of the thighs. Lift the weight straight up toward the chin, leading with the elbows and keeping the weight close to the body. Stop at parallel and return to the start position. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Front Plate Raise, Cable lateral raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Single Arm Cable Upright Row
Set up at a cable machine with the pullet in a low position, using a single handle attachment. Grab the attachment with one hand, and stand upright, with arm down and the weight in front of the thighs. Lift the weight straight up toward the chin, leading with the elbow and keeping the weight close to the body. Stop at parallel and return to the start position. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions, then repeat on the other arm.
Substitutions
Front Plate Raise, Cable lateral raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Banded Upright Row
Stand up straight, with a long resistance band looped around your feet and holding the loose end with both hands. Start with your arms down in front of your thighs. Lift the band straight up toward the chin, leading with the elbows and keeping the band close to the body. Stop at parallel and return to the start position. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Front Plate Raise, Cable lateral raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Single Arm Banded Upright Row
Stand up straight, with a long resistance band looped around your feet and holding the loose end with one hand. Start with your arm down in front of your thighs. Lift the band straight up toward your shoulder, leading with the elbows and keeping the band close to the body. Stop at parallel and return to the start position. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions, then repeat on the other arm.
Substitutions
Front Plate Raise, Cable lateral raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Alternating V-Ups
Laying on your back, raise arms overhead and extend hands and feet, creating a starfish position. Pressing your low back into the ground, contract your abdominal and oblique muscles and crunch while bringing opposite hand and foot together (i.e. left arm and right leg; or right arm and left leg). Lower back to the ground with control, and repeat on the other side, continuing until you’ve completed the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Hollow Body variations; Planks; Birddogs; Dead Bugs
V-Sit In-and-Out
Sitting on your butt with your knees bent and arms to your side, engage your abdominal muscles and hold your torso so that you are leaning back 45-degrees off the floor while lifting your feet off the ground as well (your only point of contact with the ground should be your butt). While holding this engaged trunk/core position, extend your legs out in front of you while spreading your arms wide, then bring your knees to your chest as your wrap your arms forward around your knees. Legs and arms go out at the same time, then legs and arms come in at the same time. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions or duration. Can also be scaled to a modified version by keeping your hands on the ground, extending and drawing in your legs for the prescribed reps/time.
Substitutions
Modified V-Sit In-and-Out; Hollow Body variations; Planks; Birddogs; Dead Bugs
V-Sit In-and-Out Modified
Sitting on your butt with your knees bent and arms to your side and planted into the ground, engage your abdominal muscles and hold your torso so that you are leaning back 45-degrees off the floor while lifting your feet off the ground as well (your only point of contact with the ground should be your butt and hands). While holding this engaged trunk/core position, extend your legs out in front of you, then returning your knees to your chest.
Substitutions
Hollow Body variations; Planks; Birddogs; Dead Bugs
V-Sit Hold
Laying on your back, raise arms overhead and extend hands and feet, creating a starfish position. Contract your abdominal muscles and crunch while bringing your torso upright (between 45-degrees and vertical), reaching your arms overhead, and lifting your feet off the ground. Hold for the prescribed duration, then lower back to the ground with control. This variation can be scaled harder by extending your legs further, or easier by modifying and reaching your arms out towards your ankles, with bent knees.
Substitutions
Hollow Body variations; Planks; Birddogs; Dead Bugs
V-Sit Hold Modified
Laying on your back, extend your legs in front of you with a slight bend in the knees, and keep your arms down by your side. Contract your abdominal muscles and crunch while bringing your torso upright (between 45-degrees and vertical), lifting your feet off the ground with a bend in the knees, and reaching your arms down towards your ankles. Hold for the prescribed duration, then lower back to the ground with control. This variation can be scaled harder by extending your legs further.
Substitutions
Hollow Body variations; Planks; Birddogs; Dead Bugs
Low-to-High Wood Chop
In a standing position, set up a band in a low position. This can also be performed on a cable machine using a rope attachment and a low pulley position. Stand a few feet away from the anchor, facing sideways, orienting yourself 90-degrees from the resistance. Grab the band (or rope) with a double overhand grip. Keeping your arms extended, pull the band/rope across your body from shoulder to hip (high-to-low) or hip to shoulder (low-to-high).
Unlike any type of oblique twist (where you actively are rotating your torso), our goal with these is anti-rotation, similar to a Paloff Press. With that in mind, we want to think about keeping our entire torso square, with our shoulders in line with our hips. Focus on minimizing movement of your body, allowing your shoulders and arms to pull the band/rope and using your trunk to resist any rotation or twisting of the torso while the band tries to pull you towards the anchor.
Substitutions
Paloff Press, DB Windmill, Turkish Getup, Half Turkish Getup, Russian Twist
Half Kneeling High-to-Low Wood Chop
Set up a band in a high position, and, a few feet away from the anchor, face sideways so that you are oriented 90-degrees from the anchor. Take a half kneeling position (with your foot closest to the anchor flat on the floor, and your far side knee down). Grab the band with a double overhand grip. Keeping your arms extended, pull the band/rope across your body from shoulder to hip (high-to-low) or hip to shoulder (low-to-high).
Unlike any type of oblique twist (where you actively are rotating your torso), our goal with these is anti-rotation, similar to a Paloff Press. With that in mind, we want to think about keeping our entire torso square, with our shoulders in line with our hips. Focus on minimizing movement of your trunk, allowing your shoulders and arms to pull the band and using your trunk to resist any rotation or twisting of the torso while the band tries to pull you towards the anchor.
This movement can also be performed on a cable machine using a rope attachment.
Substitutions
Paloff Press, DB Windmill, Turkish Getup, Half Turkish Getup, Russian Twist
Modified Side Plank
Laying on the ground on your side, bend your knees 90-degrees while maintaining extended hips — you should have a straight line from knees to hips to shoulders. Place your forearm on the ground with your elbow directly under your shoulder, then raise your hips off the ground. Aim to maintain a neutral spine and maintain that straight line from your shoulders through your head. Hold that position for prescribed amount of time. Can be further scaled easier by raising from your forearm up to your hand (with a straight arm and locked elbow).
Substitutions
Plank, Windmills, Turkish Getups, Suitcase Carries
Side Plank Raise
Laying on the ground on your side, extend your knees so your whole body is in a straight line from knees to hips to shoulders. Place your forearm on the ground with your elbow directly under your shoulder, then raise your hips off the ground. Aim to maintain a neutral spine and maintain that straight line from your shoulders through your head. Hold that position for 2-3 seconds (unless explicitly prescribed), then lower your hips back to the ground — that’s 1 rep. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Can be scaled easier by bending your knees 90-degrees, shortening the length between contact points (from feet-to-forearm to knees-to-forearms). Can be further scaled easier by raising from your forearm up to your hand (with a straight arm and locked elbow). Can be scaled harder by elevating your feet on a bench or unstable surface (bosu ball, TRX, etc.).
Substitutions
Plank, Windmills, Turkish Getups, Suitcase Carries
Modified Side Plank Raise
Laying on the ground on your side, bend your knees 90-degrees while maintaining extended hips — you should have a straight line from knees to hips to shoulders. Place your forearm on the ground with your elbow directly under your shoulder, then raise your hips off the ground. Aim to maintain a neutral spine and maintain that straight line from your shoulders through your head. Hold that position for 2-3 seconds (unless explicitly prescribed), then lower your hips back to the ground — that’s 1 rep. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions. Can be further scaled easier by raising from your forearm up to your hand (with a straight arm and locked elbow).
Substitutions
Plank, Windmills, Turkish Getups, Suitcase Carries
One Arm Plank to Side Plank
Set up on the floor with a light dumbbell, shaker cup, or other small implement by one of your hands. Keep your legs extended and palms pressed down into the floor, then raise your hips and hold a high plank position. Balance your weight on both feet and the hand closest to your weight, and with your unweighted hand, reach across your body and lift the weight until it is extended as high as possible, rotating your torso and hips and rolling from the balls of your feet to the sides of your feet. Lower the weight back to the ground with control, then repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Side Plank; Paloff Press Wood Chops; KB Windmills; Turkish Getups; Suitcase Carries
Raise Your Heart Rate
Raise your heart rate and warm up your body for your session with some light cardio. The goal here is to start your workout with some general movement, and get a little sweaty and breathy before we move onto our heavier lifts for the day. Walk, jog, skip, bike, row, elliptical… If it makes you breathe a little harder, it’s fair game!
High-to-Low Cable Flyes
Set up in a cable rack with a single handle attachment anchored at the high position. With a handle in each hand, step forward so there is some tension in each arm. From an extended position with your arms starting away from your body and a slight bend in the elbow, bring your arms together until they meet in front of you. Then with control, return them to their starting position.
This movement can be performed in a number of different planes, (high-to-low, parallel, and low-to-high, labeled from where the pulley is set to where your hands finish the movement). If no plane is specified, perform the variation most comfortable for you.
Substitutions
Single Arm Banded Flyes; DB Flyes; Incline DB / Barbell Bench Press; Push-ups; Pec Deck Machine
Low-to-High Cable Flyes
Set up in a cable rack with a single handle attachment anchored at the low position. With a handle in each hand, step forward so there is some tension in each arm. From an extended position with your arms starting away from your body and a slight bend in the elbow, bring your arms together until they meet in front of you. Then with control, return them to their starting position.
This movement can be performed in a number of different planes, (high-to-low, parallel, and low-to-high, labeled from where the pulley is set to where your hands finish the movement). If no plane is specified, perform the variation most comfortable for you.
Substitutions
Single Arm Banded Flyes; DB Flyes; Incline DB / Barbell Bench Press; Push-ups; Pec Deck Machine
Banded Pull-Throughs
Set up a band to a low anchor. Standing with your back to the anchor, straddle the band, and pull the handles through your legs and lockout the hips by squeezing your glutes. Pause to remove any momentum (or for prescribed duration, if specified), then return to the start position with control, focusing on hingeing at the hips. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Hip thrusts, Glute Kickback, Back Extensions (shoulders rounded)
Ab Rollouts
Demo Here
Set up on your knees with your hands on an ab wheel. Start in a kneeling position with enough room to extend forward. Engage your abs by tucking your ribcage down, then initiate by pushing the wheel forward away from your thighs while maintaining a neutral pelvis. Control the speed and distance the roller travels by engaging the core. You should feel a light stretch in the abdominals. Keep ribs down and glutes tucked, being sure not to get into a hyperextended spine position. Attach a band to the handles and fixed to an anchor behind you to scale this movement easier, and a band to the bar fixed to an anchor in front of you to scale this movement harder.
Substitutions
Planks; Hanging Leg Raises; L-Sit; Sit-Ups; Cable Crunches; Any other abdominal flexion exercise
Banded Bird Dog Row
Start in a quadruped position, with a band anchored to a low position in front of you. Tuck the ribs and the hips, ensuring you do not hyperextend the spine. Extend one arm out in front of you, and grab the band with one hand — ensuring there is tension on the band at full extension. At the same time, extend the opposite leg out behind you while maintaining a neutral spine. Row the band in towards your shoulder as you engage your abs to pull the knee of your elevated leg until it is back under your hips, holding here for 1-2 seconds unless explicitly prescribed. Return to the starting position. Continue for the prescribed repetitions, then switch to the opposite arm/opposite leg.
Substitutions
DB Bird Dog Row
Start in a quadruped position on a bench holding a dumbbell in one hand. Tuck the ribs and the hips, ensuring you do not hyperextend the spine. Extend one arm down to your side and grab the DB with one hand – at the same time, extend the opposite leg out behind you while maintaining a neutral spine. Row the DB (thinking about driving your elbow back) while maintaining your extended leg, and keeping your torso as neutral as possible. Return to the starting position. Continue for the prescribed repetitions, then switch to the opposite arm/opposite leg.
Substitutions
Cable Bird Dog Row
Start in a quadruped position in front of a cable machine with a single handle attachment set to a low position in front of you. Tuck the ribs and the hips, ensuring you do not hyperextend the spine. Extend one arm out in front of you, and grab the handle with one hand. Ensure you are far enough away from the machine so that there is tension on the cable at full extension. At the same time, extend the opposite leg out behind you while maintaining a neutral spine. Row the handle in towards your shoulder as you engage your abs to pull the knee of your elevated leg until it is back under your hips, holding here for 1-2 seconds unless explicitly prescribed. Return to the starting position. Continue for the prescribed repetitions, then switch to the opposite arm/opposite leg.
Substitutions
Incline Bench Press
Set up on an incline bench in a squat rack, or use a fixed incline bench press rack. If possible, set your adjustable back to a low angle, roughly 15- or 30-degrees (this is usually the first or second notch), as well as adjust the seat so that the front is elevated. Ensure that when seated, your eyes are below the foot-end of the barbell. Keep your head, shoulders, and butt on the bench and your feet on the floor. Unrack the barbell, and pull it out until it is over your shoulders. Bench Press the bar by bringing it down towards your chest (arms roughly 45-degrees from your torso), then returning to lockout. If it does not feel comfortable, no need to make contact between the bar and your chest — just aim to get your upper arms parallel to the floor.
Substitutions
Incline Barbell Bench Press; Pushups; and Cable Crossover variations
Calf Raise on Leg Press
Set up on a leg press machine, with your feet near the bottom of the platform, and the balls of your feet firmly pressed into the platform. If possible, keep the safety racks engaged. Contract your calves and push the weight rack away from you by extending at the ankles. Hold for a moment at the top. Then, lower yourself down so that your heels reach below the platform and you feel a light (but not painful) stretch in your calves.
Substitutions
Calf Extensions in Leg Press; Calf Raises in Hack Squat; Seated Calf Raise Machine
Calf Raise on Machine
Set up on a calf raise machine (standing, seated, or donkey – whichever is available), with your feet near the bottom of the platform, and the balls of your feet firmly pressed into the platform. If possible, keep the safety racks engaged. Contract your calves and extend at the ankles, raising up to your tip-toes. Hold for a moment at the top. Then, lower yourself down so that your heels reach below the platform and you feel a light (but not painful) stretch in your calves.
Substitutions
Calf Extensions in Leg Press; Calf Raises in Hack Squat; Seated Calf Raise Machine
Quadruped Banded Shoulder Abduction
Setting up on the ground in a quadruped position, loop a small elastic rubber or fabric band around your wrists. While keeping your trunk neutral, take one hand and resist the band by tapping 6-12″ outside of shoulder width apart. The band will add pressure to your forearms to adduct (come towards your midline), and your goal is to resist that pressure (through abduction) throughout the range of motion.
Substitutions
Band Pullaparts; Scap Wall Walks; Rear Delt Flyes;
Modified (Hands Elevated) Plank
Set up in a modified pushup position with feet on the ground and hands on a stable, elevated surface (a box, bench, stairs, etc. work well here). Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain a neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from knees to hips to shoulders. Maintain this position for the prescribed time. Can be scaled harder by switching your point of contact from your knees to the balls of your feet.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Modified High Plank
Set up in a modified pushup position with hands and knees on the ground. Lift your hips off the ground, and maintain a neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. You should have a straight line from knees to hips to shoulders. Maintain this position for the prescribed time. Can be scaled harder by switching your point of contact from your knees to the balls of your feet.
Substitutions
Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Squat with Safety Bar
Place a Safety Bar in the rack, at roughly the same height as your regular squat rack height (some adjustment may be necessary). Place the bar on your traps. Lift the bar up straight out of the squat rack, and step back in a few steady, stable steps. Take a breath into the pit of your belly, think of expanding your trunk (creating 360-degrees of pressure around your abs and lower back), and begin your descent by breaking at the knees and hips at the same time. Descend (aiming to keep the bar in as straight and vertical of a bar path as possible) until you reach depth, which is the point at which your hip crease has descended below the horizontal plane made by the top of your knee. From there, squat back up until you are fully upright. Breathe, brace your core, and repeat.
Substitutions
Barbell squat variations (low bar squat, high bar squat, front squat, safety bar or other specialty barbell variations); Other compound lower body exercises (Belt Squats, Leg Press, Hack Squat Machines, etc.)
Trap Bar Deadlift
Set up a trap bar on a deadlift platform or other area with clear space. Many trap bars are reversible, with a pair of handles that protrude from the regular height of the barbell, as well as another pair of handles that are in line with the weights. If your bar has multiple grip options like this, we recommend setting the barbell so that the handles are lowest to the ground, allowing for the longer range of motion. Loaded with full size plates if possible, approach or step into the barbell so that your midfoot (aim for you mid-shoelaces) lines up with the center of the weights. Lower into your start position by reaching down with your arms straight down, hinging at the hip, and bending slightly at the knee. At the start of the pull, you will likely find that you have slightly lower hips and a bit more knee angle than a conventional deadlift (where your hips tend to be higher). This will incorporate your quads more, as your hands and straight barbell no longer have to navigate around your shins. Tighten the upper back, brace the core, then pull the bar from the ground up to lockout. Think about pushing the feet through the floor while keeping the barbell as close to your body as possible. Lower the weight with control, allowing the bar to reset completely on the ground before taking your next rep.
Substitutions
Banded Deadlift; Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, sumo, trap bar); Other posterior chain compound exercises (Good Mornings, Romanian Deadlifts, Stiff- leg Deadlifts)
Suitcase Deadlifts
Start standing upright with a single KB beside one foot, and feet roughly hip width apart. Begin the rep by pushing your hips back , bending at the knee, and allowing your torso to tip forward, focusing on maintaining a strong and rigid trunk as you descend. Continue descending until you can reach the KB with your closest hand. Then, stand up with the weight, ensuring to maintain a strong, square torso. The asymmetric loading of this movement will try to pull your body out of position in lateral flexion. Engage your trunk (focusing on your obliques and transverse abdominis especially) to prevent any movement — your hips and shoulders should remain in a square, stacked parallel over top of one another. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions, lowering with control and touching the ground softly, then repeat on the other side.
Substitutions
Barbell RDLs, Split Stance RDL, Hamstring Curls
Plank with Alt Single Leg Hip Extension
In pushup position with forearms on the ground, maintain neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. Once stable, raise one leg off the ground 12-24″ (pausing if prescribed), without allowing the rest of your body to move. Return the elevated leg back to the ground, then perform on the other leg. Alternate for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Regular Plank; Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Plank with Alt Single Leg Hip Abduction
In pushup position with forearms on the ground, maintain neutral spine by tucking the ribs and squeezing the glutes and abdominals. Once stable, raise one leg off the ground and abduct (move away from the midline of your body), tapping the ground roughly 8-12″ away from your starting position without allowing the rest of your body to move. Return the abducted leg back to your starting position, then perform on the other leg. Alternate for the prescribed repetitions.
Substitutions
Regular Plank; Hanging Leg Raises; Bear Crawls; Side Plank; L-Sit
Glute Bridge with Adduction
Lie on floor with feet flat on the ground and place a small block, foam roller, rolled towel, or similar object between your knees. While maintaining a constant tension on the object, squeeze your butt and drive your foot through the floor, extending until your hips are in line with your torso. Aim to keep your shins near vertical throughout the repetition to better target your glutes. Press yourself the the end of the range of motion, pause for one second and return to the start position.
Substitutions
Goblet Squat with Adduction; Side Lying Single Leg Adduction; Cossack Squats; Glute bridge variations (banded, single leg, etc.); Leg Press variations (especially glute focused, such as wide stance or feet further in front of you); Step Up, Lunge, or Split Squat variations
DB Isometric Lateral Raise
With a dumbbell in each hand and a slight bend in the elbow, lift weights out to the side and slightly in front (elbows coming 10-30 degrees in front of your torso) until your arms are parallel with the floor. Hold this top position for the prescribed amount of time, scaling weights lighter if needed – good options here can be holding smaller DBs than usual, holding light change plates (2.5lbs / 1kg or less), or holding a pair of filled water bottles.
Substitutions
Banded Lateral Raise; Prone Incline DB Lateral Raise; Prone Incline Y-Raise; Cable Lateral Raise; Overhead Pressing variations; any other shoulder exercises
Cable Hammer Curl
Set up in front of a cable machine with the pulley in the lowest position, with a rope handle attached. Grab each end of the rope with one hand, keeping your palms facing one another. Perform curls for the prescribed reps, including any noted tempo (pausing at the top of the curl, if prescribed).
Substitutions
Barbell Curl; EZ Bar Curls; DB Curls; Hammer Curls; Machine Curls; Any other bicep variation
Prone Incline Rear Delt Flyes
Set up an adjustable bench with a 30-45 degree angle. With a dumbbell in each hand, approach the bench in a prone (face down) position, with your torso supported by the bench so that you cannot move at the waist. Holding your DBs in an overhand position, drive your arms back at a roughly 45ish degree angle away from your torso. Think about driving your pinkies and elbows back and out to initiate the movement. Pause at the top or perform any tempo as prescribed. Control the weight on the way back to the bottom.
Substitutions
ITWY, Band Pull Aparts, Face Pulls
High Incline Cable OHP
Set up an adjustable bench at a high incline (~60-80 degrees) facing away from a dual cable machine. Set the anchor on the lowest setting and connect handles. To find the starting position, grab both handles and bring them into an overhead press start position (arms bent, out to the side, but elbows slightly forward). Drive the cables up and together, slowly lowering on the way down. If this setup is impractical or unavailable, we suggest swapping for Machine Shoulder Press, Seated DB OHP, or Seated Cable OHP.
Substitutions
Seated DB OHP; Standing DB OHP; Barbell OHP; Viking or Landmine Press; Machine Shoulder/OHP; Front Plate Raise
Renegade Row
Grab a pair of dumbbells and set up in a high plank position, with the hands holding each dumbbell. Begin with a push up, then row one dumbbell and then the next. Can also be performed as alternating (push up, row with one arm, push up, row with other arm), performed as prescribed repetitions per side.
Substitutions
Devils Press; KB Swing; Burpee; Jumping Jacks; Barbell Thruster; Jumprope
DB Thruster
In standing position rest two dumbbells on your shoulders, palms facing one another. Squat down to parallel, and return to standing pushing through the floor and raising the dumbbells overhead at the end of the movement. Lower the dumbbells to continue into the next rep.
Substitutions
KB Swing; Jumprope; Goblet Squat; Barbell Thruster; DB Romanian Deadlifts
Cross Body Cable Tricep Extension
Stand upright in front of a cable machine, with the anchors set in a high position. Grab each handle (or the ball & carabiner attachment from each handle) with the opposite hand, so that the cable is pulled ~45-degrees from the anchor to your sternum. Keeping your elbows at your side and with a very slight downward angle of your torso and internal rotation of your arms, flex your triceps and extend your arms away from your body, allowing the cables to cross into an ‘X’ shape at extension. Pause slightly to avoid any bounce (or for the prescribed tempo), then reverse the movement with control and return the weight to the start position.
Devils Press
Begin with 2 matching dumbbells on the ground. Lower down to the ground, grab the dumbells and perform a burpee where your chest touches the floor. Next, jump your feet back in, and raise both dumbbells overhead, finishing with both arms locked out overhead and body at full extension.
Russian Twist
In a seated V position (torso reclined back 45-degress, butt and feet on the floor), take a moderate weight and, with control, bring the weight from side to side, lightly tapping the floor on either side of your hips. Aim for slow controlled movements – the slower, the more challenging (and the better!). Perform for the prescribed time or reps. Can also be performed bodyweight to scale easier, or with feet elevated to scale harder.
DB Stiff Leg Sumo Deadlift
Set up in a conventional deadlift position, with a dumbbell in each hand. With a slight bend in the knees, push your hips back and tip your torso forward (maintaining a strong trunk and straight back), reaching your arms down. Return to a standing position by pushing your hips forward and driving your shoulders back. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions. Your hips should remain at the same height through the entire repetition.
Do not completely lockout knees, but take note to keep legs more intentionally straight and maintain the same knee angle and a vertical shin during the entire repetition. Unlike a Romanian Deadlift, we tend to think of this lift as bottom-up (starting from the floor), focused on reaching the butt back, maintaining a constant knee angle, and focusing on hinging at the hip.
Substitutions
Sumo KB/DB deadlifts, other Barbell deadlift variations (conventional, trap bar)
KB Swing
Hold the kettlebell with both hands, hanging between the legs. Keep a slight bend in your knees and hinge at the hip to swing the weight back through the legs. Find some momentum to stand and swing the kettlebell out in front of your body up to shoulder height.
Substitutions
DB Thruster; Jumprope; Goblet Squat; Barbell Thruster; DB Romanian Deadlifts
Cross Body Single Arm Cable Tricep Ext
Stand upright in front of a cable machine, facing 90-degrees away from the cable and the anchor set in a high position. Grab the handle (or the ball & carabiner attachment from the handle) with the opposite hand, so that the cable is pulled ~45-degrees from the anchor to your sternum. Keeping your elbows to the side of your torso, flex your triceps and extend your arms away from your body. Pause slightly to avoid any bounce (or for the prescribed tempo), then reverse the movement with control and return the weight to the start position. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions, then perform on the other side to complete your set.
Prone Incline Rear Delt Flyes
Perform these lying face down on an Incline bench. Start with your arms down by your side, then raise them out at a ~45-60 degree angle down and away from your body. Focus on driving your elbows up and your pinkies out towards the wall. Pause at the top of your rep if prescribed, otherwise lower back down to start position with control. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions, then rest.
Back Extensions (Glute Focused)
Set up on a Glute Ham Developer, lying face down. Keep your legs straight and engage your glutes as you lift your torso toward the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement. Slowly lower your torso back down and repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions. If it helps to increase sensation, you can try rounding your upper back to help focus on driving your hips into the pad and reaching extension by squeezing your glutes, rather than extending at the lower back.
3-Position Bodyweight Tricep Burnout
This is a three-exercise giant set, intended to be performed continuously with no rest in between exercises. Start by performing Bench Dips for the prescribed reps/time, then immediately perform Bodyweight Tricep Extensions for the prescribed reps/time, followed by Close Grip Push-Ups for the prescribed reps/time. Once you’ve completed one round of each exercises, you can then rest (or move onto the next exercise). If you are unable to perform more than 5 Close Grip Push-Ups, we suggest performing as modified (knees down, or hands elevated) to achieve the prescribed reps. If substituting away from this burnout for another tricep variation, aim to complete in sets of 15+ reps, and pushing to technical failure.
You can perform this 3-Position Tricep Burnout with any number of variations, but we recommend picking 3 exercises with different tricep (humerus) positions relative to your torso. Start with something in front of your torso (e.g. Banded Tricep Pushdowns or Skullcrushers), then something overhead (e.g. Banded, DB, Cables or EZ Bar OH Extension), then something behind your torso (e.g. Bench Dips or Tricep Kickbacks).
Reverse Hack Squat
To perform a reverse hack squat, stand on the platform of a hack squat machine facing towards the backrest. Place your shoulders against the pads, then grasp the handles or sides of the machine for stability. Inhale and create 360-degrees of tension through your trunk, then initiate the rep by breaking at both the knees and hips at the same time. Descend into your squat while keeping your chest up and back straight, until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground, then push through your entire foot to return to the starting position. Repeat for the prescribed repetitions.
Cassandra Bigelow (verified owner) –
I just renewed my subscription and the workouts looks weird. Is bench and squat supposed to be on the same day, OHP and DL on the same day, then 2 upper/lower body accessory days? The splits seem like a glitch in the system
Vicky (verified owner) –
Hi,
I’m able to access my account on the web browser but not the app.
I deleted and reinstalled the app and it doesn’t register my account. Is there a way of fixing this?
Thanks for the help!
Vicky
strongadmin –
Hi there! Thank you for your comment. For all account related issues, please email sales@strongstrongfriends.com so that they may assist you further. Thank you!
Jess (verified owner) –
I’ve been really loving this program so far. I like the way it’s presented and broken into. I appreciate the substitutions available if you can’t do a certain workout (this comes in handy in a commercial gym, if a certain piece of equipment is being used). It’s my 3rd week of training and have seen results. Especially in my legs!. Plus you have a support system through a facebook group. I’m super excited for my journey, can’t wait to make more progress and get stronger!.
Darbie (verified owner) –
Great program! I’m seeing visible results and increases in strength just a few weeks in. The only thing that is sometimes inconvenient is the time it takes. Mom of three and I don’t always have 2 hours to be in the gym.
Madi Rivera –
This program has absolutely changed my life. I’ve been following it for 2 years and seen substantial growth in not only my physical strength, but my mental strength. My body composition has also changed drastically. I am always so excited to go to the gym and never feel as though it’s a chore. I am obsessed and never want to leave. Meg is my queen!!!
Krystal T. (verified owner) –
I’ve lifted for a couple years (one year with a coach) and I never saw the results then than I’ve seen now being on this program. It’s amazing. You really do get stronger by the DAY. Little by little every day adds up to big gains. It pushes me to be better. The videos are amazing (because even though I’m not new to lifting, some things on this program are new to me in the best way). I also love how every so often we’ll have different muscles we target and it allows me to concentrate on one area to make it more stronger and work on my form for that lift. I can’t recommend this program enough!!!!! Best few dollars I spend each month!!
Iriana Sosnowski (verified owner) –
I am just getting back to the gym. I have a lot of trouble going on my own and doing things other than class focused stuff. Thankfully I am comfortable with a barbell so I dove straight in. I am really enjoying the directions but at the same time I am proud of my discipline. I find that the program has done a lot for my confidence and helps me gain strength every day. That is what I want at this point in life, to be strong and feel great. I can’t wait for the app, but find the website to work great on safari. The GIFs are a great way to quickly be refreshed on proper form.
Maria Elena –
After watching Megs YouTube videos for 8 months, i finally signed up for this program. I’ve never tried another. I’ve never felt the need to try another. This program, all the site offers, the FB group, and now the mobile app! is complete. The entire team provides incredible support. Since August 2019 I’ve stuck with her program. I love the well designed blocks, the deload weeks, the Home Program that carried me through gym closings and travel, the gifs!, the bonus knowledge drops on Instagram. And finally the price. You truly can’t beat it for everything you get back. High ROI! Sure, there have been weeks when life got in the way, but I never felt nervous about diving back in because the work I out in every week through these meso and macro cycles builds a solid foundation. From her mission to get every woman under a barbell to her every day messaging, Meg and her team and this community she’s built are the most supportive and inspiring group I’ve ever met in the athletic world. And truly isn’t just for women but it’s definitely one of the safest places for female powerlifters. Everyone starts somewhere and you are your own competition. There’s no better time to start than yesterday. Second best is today!
Caitlin (verified owner) –
This program provides the structure needed to grow stronger and achieve new PRs while staying fun with engaging workouts that are as fresh and varied as they are challenging. There are also helpful gifs provided for all lifts and exercises. So far the best program I’ve ever used!
Sofia (verified owner) –
Stronger by the day is awesome!! I really appreciate how true the team is in their mission of getting a barbell in every woman’s hand. It’s refreshing to see a program focus on confidence through strength as opposed to only weight loss. Not only that, but the team knows what they’re doing. The programming is really thought out and I’ve definitely noticed progress.
Sofia (verified owner) –
Stronger by the day is awesome!! Not only is this program really thought out to maximize your strength gains and results, but the overall message that the team portrays is great. It’s refreshing to see an app focus more on building confidence through strength as opposed to just focusing on weight loss.
Kali –
I’ve done a number of programs over the years, paid and unpaid, and attended classes and other things. For this price, nothing has come close to its value. You can tell thought has been put into it, and it takes the guess work out of everything. I love it!
Erin Najarro (verified owner) –
I switched to this program after trying a few others and I am so happy I did! This is a very balanced program where I am seeing progress and growth. I am getting stronger every week and I am seeing changes in my body that I am loving! The programming itself is very detailed with GIFs to show you how to do the moves. There are also substitutions and variations provided with GIFs as well — no need to turn to Google to figure out what you have to do. I also enjoy all the resources on form, lifts, etc. that we have access to as well. In addition to that, the support group on Facebook is amazing! Everyone is so positive and willing to help each other out. After having wrist surgery in December, I kept running into programming that just did not work for my recovery process and I ended up re-injuring myself which was not fun. Since the focus on this program is to train smart while also challenging yourself, I do not feel like I have to max myself out all the time. I also enjoy that there is a designated warm-up included. Very helpful. Overall, I recommend this program and really love it! If you are on the fence, try the sample week 😀 You have nothing to lose. I did and I ended up joining so that I could jump into the block because I loved what I saw.
Natalie Esquivel (verified owner) –
This is my second review for this program. I last reviewed it at 3 months in and now I’m coming up on one year. I’ve never followed a strength program for this long before. I’m still highly impressed with SBD. I will definitely keep running this program for as long as it exists. All my lifts are up since starting and I couldn’t be happier!
Ashley Davidson (verified owner) –
I’m new to lifting. Prior to finding Stronger by the Day, I was overwhelmed, confused, unsure, lost… I knew I needed a program and stumbled upon this program. Stronger the the Day programs are released weekly and accompanied by demonstrations, substitutions, and guidance for growing your practice. There are additional resources available that help break down the big lifts. And there is the ability to join the Facebook group, which is filled by wonderful women willing to share feedback and encouragement. I am loving Stronger by the Day so far and feel confident, focused, and strong already.
Reagan Clark (verified owner) –
I’ve been a member for several months now and I absolutely love this program! I’ve tried a couple of programs but this one is perfect for my strength goals. Having everything laid out like it is in SBTD makes it so easy to go to the gym and not have to plan anything and have an efficient lift. Meg and her team are amazing!
Jacinda Phan –
I’ve been on the Stronger by the Day program for about two months now, and I’ve been loving it!!
Prior to starting this program, I had been lifting for about four years, but I hadn’t always been consistent with my progression- meaning I wasn’t always seeing consistent progress.
For the longest time I was intimidated to started a strength program, but this program was super approachable and helpful!!
If you’re even considering starting a program, I would highly highly recommend this one!!
Lindsay Svendsen (verified owner) –
I can’t say enough good things about this program. Not only have I seen a tremendous amount of strength progress after going hard for 4 months, but switching my mindset to focusing on those gains and being able to track the progress has been so fun and exciting. I’ve recommended this program to so many of my friends because I love it so much.
Brittany Flanagan (verified owner) –
Love the program. Have been on it for over a year. It gives me structure in my workouts and routines. Seeing the progress is exciting
Briana (verified owner) –
Stronger by the Day gets me to the gym, which is more than I can say for any other program I’ve tried! I love feeling stronger each week over week, and training with Meg makes me feel like a real baddie. I can’t wait for the app!
Stella –
I love this program! Has made me so strong and saw a huge improvement pre-covid! Can’t wait to start again as it was exactly what I needed!
Krista –
I love this program. I had no clue what I was doing until a couple years ago when I stumbled on some MegSquats programs through a workout app. I hated the app I found it on so found their actual program and have been using it since. I probably should have started with Before the Barbell with my skill level but even this I managed to figure it out. I couldn’t even bench or lift the barbell when I first started and now have entered the triple digits! I love the variety but consistency you get and you can tell they didn’t just phone in the same routines week after week.
Stephanie Stute (verified owner) –
Absolutely love this program. The cost alone for what you get is amazing! I love the options of In-home or gym, the alternative exercises given for everything, the demo clips. In addition to what is provided by the team the community is so supportive and helpful!
Gina Hoefferle (verified owner) –
As a 41 year old with 3 kids, I was afraid I was discovering barbell training to late in life to make progress. This program is affordable and Meg is so engaged on social media, I decided to try it. After Before the Barbell, I went on to Stronger By The Day. I have gone from barely benching the bar to benching 100 lbs in less than 6 months! And I can do real push ups now!! I love this program. It’s easy to follow and scale to your level.
Jessica J (verified owner) –
I’ve been consistently doing Stronger by the Day for over 6 months now and I absolutely love it! I enjoy how the program is set up, it’s easy to understand/follow and the different block focuses are fun too. Also have been seeing some nice results as well 😉
Hannah (verified owner) –
I absolutely LOVE sbtd. It’s consistent, and has helped me achieve my goals without making me feel less than for not being where I want to be. This community is amazing and I would not be the buff chick I am without it!!
Hanna S –
I love the progression and built in scaling to your skill level! This program will push you no matter your lifting experience. Also — very excited for the app release!
Hannah Haws –
Love the variety, community and intensity of the workouts and weekly rotation. The Facebook group is positive and supportive with a strong support group varying from novice to master. I’ve become more confident in my strength and ability thanks to programming. GiFs help grow confidence in new movements. All around a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kelsey Foley (verified owner) –
I’ve only been doing SBTD for a few months after starting with Before the Barbell. I am feeling so much stronger and better than I have in years. I love that it is constantly changing and isn’t repetitive like many workout programs. Thanks Meg and team for this program
Erin Svec (verified owner) –
Loving this program! I only had to follow it for a week before signing up for the entire year! I love the variation in the programming while still focusing on the main lifts! Highly recommend it!
Katherine Hennessey (verified owner) –
I had been doing my own routine for a few months, but it just wasn’t keeping me motivated. I would go into the gym feeling lost. Then I found SBD! I haven’t missed a workout since I started this program about 9 weeks ago, and I’m already seeing my lifts get stronger. The demos as gifs are great because they are short and sweet and just what I need when I need to check the movement mid-workout. This is the best $10/month I’ve ever spent for anything fitness related!
Chandara Bramer (verified owner) –
I love SBTD! I’ve been doing the program for a few months and already I’ve seen gains in all my lifts. It keeps things interesting and challenging with a lot of opportunities for variation and progression. I highly recommend it!
Rachel –
I joined Stronger by the Day at the beginning of summer to return to strength training when my gym opened up again and so far I have loved it. I have seen progress on every lift, it makes me push myself in a way that I don’t usually when I program my own workouts and I’m having fun while doing it. I feel so strong and I can’t wait to continue and see what I can really do with good programming!
Meesh (verified owner) –
I started SBTD a couple of years ago and saw some AMAZING progress. My big lifts went up & I enjoyed every second of it. 2020 was kind of a wash for me, I strayed away from the program and ran a couple of different cycles/programs, but I always come back to SBTD. Starting up again this week because I’ve missed it so much. LFG baby!
Barbi Wells (verified owner) –
Best program ever
Kassity Hietala (verified owner) –
I started SBD in February after recovering from a surgery and I’ve been so impressed with it! I haven’t gotten bored with the program like I usually do and I’ve upped every single one of my max’s. I love how it cycles the main focus which helps change up the programing just enough. This program has me feeling stronger and way more confident in the gym.
Emily Neese –
I have been doing the Stronger By the Day for almost two years now and I can’t get enough! I started it at the beginning of 2020 to get back into lifting after a few years off due to a demanding job. I’m so glad I did! Not only am I stronger than I’ve ever been, I have so much confidence in the gym. I am still getting “newbie gains” even though I’ve been doing this program for awhile. I honestly couldn’t recommend it enough and takes the thinking out of my gym time. I’ve recommended it to so many!
Barbi Wells (verified owner) –
Amazing! I have more fun and training with this group than with my personal trainer!
Taylor Hoeg (verified owner) –
I love Stronger By The Day. I joined a few months ago when my gym opened up for the first time in several months due to the pandemic. During 2019 I competed in powerlifting, and I really missed heavy lifting however, I wasn’t able to get back into the swing of things until I found this program! It pushes me, keeps me accountable, and has me looking forward to each workout.
Taylor Hoeg (verified owner) –
I love Stronger By The Day. I joined a few months ago when my gym opened up for the first time in several months due to the pandemic. During 2019 I competed in powerlifting, and I really missed heavy lifting however, I wasn’t able to get back into the swing of things until I found this program! It pushes me, keeps me accountable, and has me looking forward to each workout.
Suzette (verified owner) –
Choosing this strength program has been the best decision I’ve made in my fitness journey! It has made me motivated to stay consistent and get stronger. I can’t recommend this program enough!
Heather Bisset (verified owner) –
This is a great program. Fantastic for getting strong. A variety of exercises with examples and alternatives. Great at home program too for those times you can’t get to the gym (lockdowns). Cannot recommend enough how important it is to have a program to hit your goals and this one is great!
Symbria Hansen –
I have been with SBD for a few years now and outside of the fact that I think Meg is just awesome, I love all of the incredible information she provides and the amazing workouts. Once Buff Chick Supplements came out I immediately bought my first pre-workout and it’s the only one I use still! I absolutely love all of their products and everything about this company. Can’t recommend them enough!
Melissa Grant (verified owner) –
Such a great program! Keeps things interesting and challenging at my home gym! The FB group is a wonderful community as well.
Shannon –
This program is fun, and easy to follow. For anyone wanting to get stronger, and feel amazing while doing it!
Lindsey (verified owner) –
Love this program! I am a personal trainer myself so I understand and appreciate the thoughtfulness put into the SBD programming. I was struggling with staying consistent and programming Progressive workouts for myself since I did it all day long for clients. This program is super affordable for the value received and I honestly probably would not have invested in anything at a higher price point at this time. I’m stronger than ever and only adding more plates from here 😊
Lindsey (verified owner) –
Love this program! I am a personal trainer myself so I understand and appreciate the thoughtfulness put into the SBD programming. I was struggling with staying consistent and programming Progressive workouts for myself since I did it all day long for clients. This program is super affordable for the value received and I honestly probably would not have invested in anything at a higher price point at this time. I’m stronger than ever and only adding more plates from here 😊
Lindsey (verified owner) –
Love this program! I am a personal trainer myself so I understand and appreciate the thoughtfulness put into the SBD programming. I was struggling with staying consistent and programming Progressive workouts for myself since I did it all day long for clients. This program is super affordable for the value received and I honestly probably would not have invested in anything at a higher price point at this time. I’m stronger than ever and only adding more plates from here 😊
Lindsey (verified owner) –
Love this program! I am a personal trainer myself so I understand and appreciate the thoughtfulness put into the SBD programming. I was struggling with staying consistent and programming Progressive workouts for myself since I did it all day long for clients. This program is super affordable for the value received and I honestly probably would not have invested in anything at a higher price point at this time. I’m stronger than ever and only adding more plates from here 😊
Stephanie Rivera (verified owner) –
I’ve program hopped for a year before I found SBTD and I’m so glad I did. I’ve made considerable GAINZ on this program and I’ve never been so confident in the gym before starting. I love that this program gives you a guide of how to manage my big lifts. Thank you to Meg and the rest of the SBTD for building such a badass program!
Stephanie (verified owner) –
I started SBD in 2019, within a year not only had I learned an astronomical amount but I increased my strength significantly. It is easy to follow and Meg is amazing. 100% worth more money than it costs. I recommend it to anyone who will listen ha
Chloe (verified owner) –
I did Before The Barbell and now have been on SBTD for almost 6 months and I love it! I feel so much more confident in the gym and I feel so much stronger.
Chloe (verified owner) –
I did Before The Barbell and now have been on SBTD for almost 6 months and I love it! I feel so much more confident in the gym and I feel so much stronger.
Savannah Burks –
This program has helped build my confidence in the gym and with lifting. I like the use of GIFs to demonstrate the movements, and the descriptions each movement has. Additionally, I love the cycles this program gives us because we’re able to focus on specific goals for each training cycle.
Beth –
Love this program! I’ve been running it since it first got released. Growing muscle every day!
Kimberly LaBruzza (verified owner) –
I can’t say enough good things about SBTD. I am a personal trainer and wanted a break from programming my own workouts. I enjoy trying other trainers programs because there is always something new to learn and get better at. I have a lot of respect for Meg and her approach to training, so I thought I’d give SBTD a try once I got my small garage gym set up. It’s beautifully programmed, and I’ve gained quite a bit of strength over the last almost year on the program. The explanations and gifs showing the exercises are genius. Highly recommend.
Joanna Kolkman (verified owner) –
Meg’s program has provided a progressive, enjoyable training program that has assisted my strength goals. The team is responsive, it’s affordable, and I can’t wait for the app to come out! It’s programed in mesocycles, with focuses. So far I’ve been training during a bench block and glute block. My bench went from 115 to 125, and my squats and DL only keep increasing.
Thanks strong strong team.
Alexis T (verified owner) –
Been doing sbtd for two weeks now and love it. Previously I was following my own programming and was getting bored and not seeing results. Each workout is well planned out and has clear instructions.
Sam (verified owner) –
Absolutely LOVE this program! I have seen myself progressing with my lifts . I love how easy it to to read the workout plus love how if you don’t know what the workout is, you can click and see a short gif of it . Amazing ! Highly recommend to anyone from just getting started or an experienced lifter !
Sarah Moreland (verified owner) –
LOVE this program! After years of pushing myself at 110% in every training session and never seeing the progress I wanted I gave in and tried SBD and WOW. This program cycles you through progressive overload and deload allowing you to both push yourself AND rest to maximize gains and progress. Cant wait to see how much further I go!
Shelby Caldwell (verified owner) –
Absolutely love this program. I have been doing it since April (it’s now august) and have seen massive gains. Great use of progressive overload. It prioritizes deadlifts, benching, squats & military press so if you don’t like those this isn’t for you (although if you want to get strong you should like those 4 lifts). My glutes and biceps look great and I’m so glad I found this program.
Stephanie Courts (verified owner) –
I can’t express how much I love this program! I have seen incredible strength AND physique gains since starting one year ago. The macro cycles keep it interesting by having a new focus each cycle while still working the main lifts consistently. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone comfortable with a barbell and looking for more direction in gaining strength!
Lauren –
I truly love this program. I am never bored in the gym and my numbers keep increasing. I have tried different things and nothing is as easy to stick with as SBTD. There is really nothing better than this at this price that you can find anywhere else.
Ashley (verified owner) –
Love having structure to my workouts and all of the helpful videos and explanations that come with the app! Can’t wait to continue my journey on the program!!
Dana (verified owner) –
This program is exactly what I needed! I’ve only been on it for a week and a half but I am loving the variety and intensity.
Kaytie Hodgemire (verified owner) –
This program is seriously amazing. The powerlifting format is my absolute favorite and it pushes you to have solid progression. I’ve been a member for about 3 years now and there’s no end in sight, and you can’t beat the price. Love Strong Strong Friends and Meg Squats is great and has the best tutorials and how to properly lift to prevent injuries as well as nutrition tips and guides. I highly recommend this program!
Julie Cox (verified owner) –
FINALLY a program that I can follow in the gym or my home gym that doesn’t end in 8 or 12 weeks. Ongoing progressive training that never gets boring. I’m so happy I found SBTD!
Johanna (verified owner) –
My favorite part of the program is that it is so easy to follow and to every exercise there’s a easy to fallow instruction and also videos that shows you how to do it.
I do recommend it to anyone who feels they need some easy guidance in the gym.
Kristina Tustin (verified owner) –
I started in November and mostly been doing the home program because of covid and gyms being closed in Canada
I really like being able to stay consistent, and follow a program each week. At home I don’t have much motivation, but the program really helps.
Plus having the Facebook page and the community is helpful 🙂
Kendra Richter (verified owner) –
In love with this training! Since the pandemic I had purchased myself a squat rack and a few other accessories, that is all I need to do the Gym Version of the workouts.
The workouts are great. Challenging in a good way. Honestly for this price I don’t think there is another program out there that comes close to the value here. If you want to get strong you’re in the right place.
Jenni (verified owner) –
I honestly have Stronger By the Day to thank for turning me on to powerlifting and overall bettering myself. I was always in the gym but without a path or real purpose and this program was the starting point providing guidance with great motivation, instruction, and an awesome community of SSFs that support one another no matter what stage each are in. Thanks MegSquats!!
Jeanette Pfrimmer (verified owner) –
I have been weight training for over 7 years now, but started SBTD program last June. I have made a lot of progress on the main lifts since starting and feel challenged each workout! This is a solid program for anyone wanting to make progress, no matter your current strength! Plus, it’s sooo affordable!
Brittany Flanagan (verified owner) –
I love SBTD, I’m going on almost 9 months on the program and have seen my numbers jump tremendously. On top of that the amazing fb group of fellow strong strong friends is the best.
raven.shutley –
I LOVE Stronger by the Day. I’d done a handful of lifting {and non-lifting} programs before finding Meg and SBD and they all paled in comparison. I’m in week 103, having been on SBD for over two years now and I can’t believe how fast the time has gone. The team keeps things interesting, it’s always changing up, and I’m constantly improving. It’s so important to me that the program I follow was both science-based and lifting-focused because there’s so much bullshit out there. I love this program!
Marisa Daneri (verified owner) –
This program is amazing! I have never been the strongest or most athletic person, but with this program, I have been gaining so much strength and, alongside that, confidence! I have been following this program for almost 2 years but have really focused the last year (thanks pandemic!). I am lifting more now than ever! I’m especially impressed with my upper body gains. Never thought I’d seen mini boulders on my shoulders. I even had a housemate who said I looked swole when I was putting my hair up (best compliment ever). I could go on and on about how amazing this programming is, but you should just try it out for yourself! It is easily the best $8 I spend every month.
Desirae Endres (verified owner) –
I absolutely love this program and have been doing it for a little under a year now. It always challenges me in the best way and I’ve seen so much progress from it! Love the intention that goes into these workouts!
Samantha Nemeth (verified owner) –
Amazing program. I had been lifting for years prior to SBTD, and I have gained so much more strength this past year. It’s a fantastic program that constantly nudges me out of my comfort zone. My form has also improved! The FB community is also excellent!
Samantha N. (verified owner) –
Going on my 1 Year Anniversary of this program and it has change my life. It keeps me pushing harder and farther than I could have imagined. Constantly being nudged out of my comfort zone!
Samantha N. (verified owner) –
Going on my 1 Year Anniversary of this program and it has change my life. It keeps me pushing harder and farther than I could have imagined. Constantly being nudged out of my comfort zone!
Ashley Betz (verified owner) –
One of the hardest things about working out at the gym is coming up with a workout plan every day. SBTD saved me on that, now it’s just on me to show up! Been doing this program for almost 2 months now and have already seen my strength increase. I plan on sticking with this program!
Anna Zeljazkow (verified owner) –
I’ve been using this program for the past few months. I’ve been going to the gym for years. This program increased my strength significantly versus when I would make up my own program. Even with a broken foot, I’ve been still able to keep up with the program (with a handful of modifications for leg days.)
Stephanie Williams (verified owner) –
After unsuccessfully sticking with CrossFit for about 2 years (I kept taking extended breaks and getting back for 2 or 3 months at a time), I found Meg’s program. It has completely changed how I feel about my body, I enjoy lifting now more than ever, and it has improved my mental health dramatically! I can’t say enough good things about this program, and I’m excited for where this will take me.
Kaitlin H. (verified owner) –
For the price of this program it can’t be beat! I switched to this because the program I was doing before was getting too expensive monthly for me. I’ve been making steady strength gains since I’ve started a few months ago, and the programming switches up just enough to keep you from getting bored but making sure you’re still gaining strength in your compounds! I love it and have recommended it to my friends.
Casey Brown (verified owner) –
I switched to SBD from a modified version of 5/3/1 because I was bored and not seeing strength gains. I love that I can expect some variations from week to week, love that there are substitutions for every exercises if I need them, and most importantly, love that my lifts are going up!!
Kelsey Sigala (verified owner) –
I am 4 days in and Stronger by the day is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. Challenging weight training that can be done effectively in my home weight gym. These workouts are structured, specific, and guided to take the guess work out of how to target different muscle groups.
I also have started to enjoy the Facebook community for encouragement and accountability.
Looking forward to seeing some real results with MegSquats!!!
Lauren Adamson-Jenkins (verified owner) –
This is the best strength programme I’ve tried, and I absolutely love the fact that it has both home and gym options. It’s been an absolute lifesaver through the panoramic!
samdane1986 (verified owner) –
I have been a member of this programme since day 1. When I started I was almost 2 years postpartum and had just flitted around different programmes, this has kept me consistent. I have achieved strength goals that I never thought possible, I have become stronger not only physically but mentally as well which in turn makes me a better mom and that for me holds no value.
I love the programming no matter the cycle but the community that has been achieved here is like none I’ve seen before, the form tips, motivation and support from everyone is incredible. So I thank Meg and Ryan for crating this programme, I can’t wait to see where my strength goes this year!
Yael Isler (verified owner) –
Started SBTD in March 2020- and well you know how that went. But then outdoor gyms reopened in my area and got to get back on the training train. I really love this program- it’s accessible, motivating, and the Facebook private group is so fun and uplifting. Highly recommend.
Reagan Clark (verified owner) –
I’ve been lifting for a couple years now but having a program like this makes it so much easier to progress!! Stronger By The Day is an amazing program!!
Brenda Mendoza (verified owner) –
I’ve been following this program for 4 months and love it. My deadlift has increased and just feel stronger overall. This program is tough but you get what you work for.
Anna Laura Hall Pacitti (verified owner) –
I started this program as my first program aimed towards powerlifting and it’s even better than I expected! I started in lockdown with the home program, and moved onto the gym program and they are both just so fun! It’s great to have a structured program so I don’t have to think about what to do, and the fact that every workout is different than before, using various techniques and different machines keeps it fresh and new. In just two months my lifts have already gotten stronger and I am seeing the progress on my body too!
This program is also extremely affordable as I am a broke uni student and this program has literally let me be able to follow my dreams and goals!
Shoutout to the Facebook group full of amazing hardworking and kind people. The added sense of community helps along the journey too. (Especially following the program from South Korea where I am all alone)
Meg is incredible and I highly recommend this program!
Ashley Kickbusch –
Great program with awesome variation. By the time anything begins to feel stale or repetitive, the programming switches it up. I’ve run 2 other programs in my time lifting and have found Stronger by the Day to be the easiest to follow that requires the least planning or thought on my part while being incredibly effective at increasing my strength gains. This program has been the push that’s given me the confidence to enter my first competition at 34 years old.
Pamela Caouette (verified owner) –
I tried so many different types of workout over the years but I’ve never been this motivated by a program. I started SBTD about a year and a half ago and I have enjoyed every single minute. Not only am I happy and looking forward to working out, but there’s the Facebook community that keeps me motivated on Rest days and the other members are always there to uplift each other. I’d recommend anyone to give this a try.
Alyssa Solbrekken (verified owner) –
I have been on SBTD for about 6 months now and am loving the program. I have made incredible gains in strength in that time, more so than I ever have before and I’ve been in and out of gyms for the past 10 years. The workouts are challenging but well programmed so that you have time to recover in between sessions. Would recommend!
Meghan Matt –
This program has been a lifesaver. Saves me so much time, totally affordable, and you get real personal trainers behind the scenes. Plus every exercise comes with a video, modifications, and substitutions. 100% recommend!
Isis Frausto (verified owner) –
I love structure and knowing why we’re doing certain exercises. SBD provides that and the lovely Facebook community that keeps you going even on days you don’t feel like working out. I’ve seen muscle gains over these past few weeks! Will definitely keep my subscription. 😊
Stephanie Thompson (verified owner) –
I’ve been on the at home version of this program since August, pausing briefly to complete Before the Barbell while gyms were open. Both programs are amazing. Since being able to follow the program more strictly I have gained so much strength. I can’t wait for gyms to open fully so I can start working with the barbell again!! You won’t regret joining.
Bryonna Anderson (verified owner) –
I’m the type of person who typically sticks to the same workout split and exercises because it’s comfortable to me. I started SBTD and got out of my comfort zone! It is simple enough for a rookie lifter like me to follow and each week is like a present I get to open😆 I’m loving the new things I’m learned along with the strength and gains💪🏼
Ariana Lutterman (verified owner) –
Truly the best value (and community!) for true badass, women-led programming. Hard to believe there is this much content, science, and videos/know-how for this price. Always feels like programming is intentional, just the right level of challenging, and I’ll be equipped with what I need to feel confident and like I understand correct form. Have upped my deadlifts over 70 pounds in two months and can’t wait to see what’s next. Thanks SBD team!
NoorEJahan Akbar (verified owner) –
I joined MegSquat’s program BECAUSE I really love what she does and I love her mission! I’m not one to pump pump pump my glutes like many of the IG fitness influencers. And I admired the fact that Meg is not like that, and she focuses more on powerlifting and some of the training in the program is nicely functional. Focused to increase strength. Not everything is about aesthetics!
I also love her personality, she’s funny, she’s sweet and she’s humble. Thank you so much.
And WHAT AN AWESOME LOGO!!!!! Just perfect 🙂
Arena See (verified owner) –
I’ve only been on this program for a few weeks but I’ve never felt so challenged in my life! The facebook community is a godsend and I’m always so excited to work out with new programming each week!
Kirsi O (verified owner) –
I’ve been on this program since July 2019, and it’s just awesome.
Being a personal trainer myself I don’t like writing my own program, I get too in my head and don’t stick to it. SBD takes all the guesswork out and sometimes even teaches me a thing or two.
I’ve gotten stronger, my technique is better, my physique is leaner, and it never gets boring.
This program is absolutely insane for the price. Next step up from this is a personal coach, and that would costs you hundreds or even thousands.
10/10
Amy Nichols –
Do it. Sign up. You’ll find strength of muscle and mind discipline.
You’re not too out of shape or old. Started at 44, overweight and now feel strong, challenged and have lost fat too!
The Facebook group will support you.
Rosalynn (verified owner) –
I’m on week 10 of following SBTD programming and I’m absolutely loving it. I can see myself running SBTD for a long time to come. I love how they incorporate progressive overload into every aspect of the program and I love being told exactly how much to progress by. All of my lifts have increased over the last 10 weeks (bench has gone up by 15lbs!), my biceps are popping, quad separation occured at week 8, and I feel strong as heck. I love the training blocks and how the whole program is organized.
Brittany Martinez (verified owner) –
I joined SBTD after joining before the barbell and it’s been amazing!
I committed myself and bought the 1 year!
After being on it for 3 months now I haven’t loved a program more! I love that each week the warm up is changing (you won’t get bored) and I love how everything is explained with videos and links! The Facebook community is so amazing and helpful!
Alexandria (verified owner) –
Love this program! I followed this program for about a year and saw great strength gains but took a break to try out another program and it just wasn’t the same. After a few months on the other program I bought a year membership for stronger by the day. The strength gains are unreal and I love that you work off your training max to continue to overload your lifts.
Alexandria Angst (verified owner) –
Love this program! I followed this program for about a year and saw great strength gains but took a break to try out another program and it just wasn’t the same. After a few months on the other program I bought a year membership for stronger by the day. The strength gains are unreal and I love that you work off your training max to continue to overload your lifts.
kari siegenthaler (verified owner) –
I love this program so much. I am a personal trainer and I hate to write my own workouts, simply because i’m writing so many for my clients. To have the guesswork taken out and easily supplied for me has been fantastic. Now all I have to do is go to the gym, get my workout in. I love the ways these workouts challenge my strength, and truly leave me feeling like a badass! HIGHLY recommend for beginners and experts.. 10/10!
Kassity Hietala (verified owner) –
I’ve been doing this program for just over 2 months now (started after recovering from a big surgery) and I’ve already been able to up my max on EVERY SINGLE ONE of my lifts from presurgery!! I actually enjoy every workout and can see the reasoning for all of them. It’s not just a thrown together program. Every workout has a specific purpose and works towards the goals of getting stronger!
I’m stronger than I’ve ever been, I have more confidence in my lifts, and I’m thoroughly enjoying what I’m doing. I can’t wait to see where the next year takes me with this program.
Ellie Gilbert (verified owner) –
I am absolutely loving Stronger by the Day and highly recommend it anyone who wants an affordable lifting programme! It’s easy to follow, super enjoyable and I’m having so much fun running it. I can’t wait to see how I progress!
Shannon (verified owner) –
Coming out of 2 gym lockdowns, a quarantine, 2 powerlifting meet cancellations, and a serious income drop in 2020, I was looking for a program that could help me reset my strength baseline and build new gains within my current budget. This one definitely ticked all the boxes. I believe the program to be newbie-friendly, while still being challenging enough for an experienced lifter, and is giving me some serious strength increases already. The variety of accessories is fun, but also consistent enough that you are able to set benchmarks and improve those numbers. As both a long-time lifter and personal trainer I can see the science behind their programming and it makes me excited to see what I can accomplish in the coming months. Though relatively new to SBtD, I anticipate maintaining my membership for quite some time to come.
Emma Sarovich (verified owner) –
I have only been doing this program for five weeks and already I have noticed a considerable increase in my strength and what I can lift. I have also gained muscle and definition and I feel fantastic. I love the variety within the workouts, including numerous exercises I have not done before. The cluster sets and giant sets are a fun approach and a great way to build strength and endurance. I have been recommending this program to a lot of people I know, both experienced and people just getting into the gym. The facebook group is also very supportive and uplifting. Cannot rate highly enough!
Kristina (verified owner) –
I like the exercises are easy to follow and the demos are perfect I was looking for a program change, I also like it gives me home options when my gyms close. you get so much more then you bargained for, for an amazing price
Amanda Tworkowski –
After many years in the gym trying different classes (Body Pump, KickBoxing, Spinning, Zumba, Bootcamps) and programs like BeachBody, I have FINALLY found the program that fits ME! I started power lifting 5 years ago and have never been able to find something I enjoy as much as SBD. I love the variety if offers for everyone and the fact that each exercise has a demo link to show you how to properly do it correctly without getting hurt. I also love the alternative options given in case you don’t have a certain piece of equipment. This is the REAL DEAL! I’m so glad I found this. Well worth it!
Kara Peninger –
One year later and this program has changed my life. I have never been able to stick with a program or consistently work out since graduating college, and now I’m consistently lifting 4 days a week and loving every second of it. This program is worth so much more than $8, but I love the low price allows me to invest in the whole health package.
Lauren Barnes (verified owner) –
I LOVE stronger by the day! I always wanted to get into lifting and first found Meg on the body builder app with a one month program. I was so excited when I found this program and I’ve been using it for over a year. I highly recommend it too all of my friends who start to consider lifting!
Andrea Montoya –
🌟THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!!🌟
Whether you have access to equipment or need a home based, body weight program, these expert coaches WILL provide what you NEED! I have never been stronger or felt better. These are the best informed coaches I’ve seen. PLUS, it is super affordable. I am an improved version of me bc of Strong Strong Friends. I invite you to BE ALL YOU CAN BE!
Terri Carney –
I really love the at home program. I’m still waiting to go back to the gym and start back on the gym program.
Alex Brooks-Schrauth –
After decades of “working out” for what ended up be the wrong reasons for me, I found Stronger By The Day. It has a great progressive program, verbal and visual hints/tips/demos, and involved community. This program allowed me to uncouple aesthetics from exercise. That alone was a game changer for me. I have not only built strength in lifting, but strength in my self talk and esteem. Great gains at the bar, and even more impressive gains in my identity and worth. I never knew what I was capable of before this program.
Mina Bolduc (verified owner) –
Currently I only do the at-home bodyweight path that I’ll add dumbbells or other items to, and let me just say, I’ve never followed a program that kicks my butt more than this one does. It feels so rewarding to finish each workout day, and it helps me sleep better at night. Plus, my partner interrupted me once and said “your shoulders look good” – which I can only attribute to SSF.
Sarah Bento-De Sousa –
I’ve gotten stronger and more confident running SBD! Going to follow it for years to come
Natalie Esquivel (verified owner) –
I’ve been using SBD for 3 months and as an intermediate lifter I highly recommend this program based on my results thus far. The program is highly recommended for beginner and advanced lifters. Highly detailed videos and explanations of each exercise. Macrocycles are thoroughly explained therefore you know the end goal for each cycle. For the price, I feel like I’m somehow scamming them. The programming is that good! I have no guilt supporting their other businesses because their program is so inexpensive. Glad I can support them! Truly worth the price!
Simi –
An awesome varied program that encourages progression and build up over the weeks and months! I love how challenging the workouts feel and the improvements that I am constantly seeing!
Thank you for bringing back my love of lifting!
Rachel –
I love this program so much! I have increased my strength so much over the last year. I love how the program changes every couple of months as well so you keep progressing!
Angela Wong –
I’ve been doing Stronger by the Day for about 6 months now. This program totally exceeded my expectations. I had lost a ton of weight through cardio and was feeling burnt out at the gym. SBD has totally helped rejuvenate that. I have a new passion for strength. My goals for myself are no longer appearance based but strength based. I love that we focus on something different each cycle and the community is great. I am so much stronger and confident. I’m super proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and incredibly excited for what I know I will be able to tackle.
Lauren Lavy (verified owner) –
Before joining Stronger by the Day, I was picking and choosing whatever I felt like doing at the gym without a set plan. After 5 weeks on SBTD, I have noticed a huge change in my strength, muscle development, and confidence in the gym. This was exactly the program I needed to guide me through workouts and challenge me to be better.
Layla Marefat (verified owner) –
What an amazing, fairly priced program! I have made it through 1.5 cycles and I improved my squat strength so much and feel like I’m well on my way to achieving my first pull up. The workouts are challenging and have plenty of instruction and modifications if needed. So glad I found this program!
Emily –
This is the first program I’ve been able to stick with, and it is the BEST. All my lifts have gotten stronger, I’m more confident in the gym, and I feel so great. Join this program, you will love it!!
Abigail –
This program has changed my life! I’ve been on Stronger by the Day for almost two years now, and I cannot get enough. Not only have a I put on a considerable amount of muscle, added 200lbs to my SBD total, and learned a better relationship with fueling my body, but I have also experienced an incredible mindset shift. This program will teach you to focus on what your body can DO rather than what it looks like.
Danielle Robbins (verified owner) –
I’ve been following this program for about 6 weeks now and I love it! I started with 2 weeks left in the squat block and still PR’ed my squat by 5lbs. Now, in the pull up block, I can honestly tell 4 weeks in that pull-ups are getting easier!
Although I have been lifting for several years and have been doing CrossFit for the last year, I am a novice when it comes to following a strength training program. This program is very easy to follow. All the resources you need are available on the website so you can actually understand the programming (I had never even heard of RPE before SBTD).
She has GIFs with explanations conveniently linked for each movement so you can make sure you are performing each movement correctly. Also, I love that she included substitutions and and alternative ways to perform the prescribed movement (cable v. band).
I have been telling all my Buff Chicks to try it out! Seriously, the programming is worth more than $8/month. GO TRY IT AND GET STRONG AF!💪
Danielle Robbins (verified owner) –
I’ve been following this program for about 6 weeks now and I love it! I started with 2 weeks left in the squat block and still PR’ed my squat by 5lbs. Now, in the pull up block, I can really tell 4 weeks in that pull-ups are getting easier! I’m also loving the cluster sets in this block of training.
Although I have been lifting for several years and I’ve also been doing CrossFit for the last year, I am a novice when it comes to following a program. This program is very easy to follow. All the resources you need are available on the website so you can understand the programming (I had never even heard of RPE before the program).
She has GIFs with explanations conveniently linked for each movement so you can make sure you have proper form. Also, I love that she includes substations for different movement or alternative ways to perform the prescribed movement (cable v. band).
I have been telling all my other Buff Chicks to try it out! Seriously, the programming is worth way more than $8/month. GO TRY IT AND GET STRONG AF!💪🏻
alyviasteenhoek (verified owner) –
STBD is the best program I’ve ever used. I loved the squat focused block (last training cycle) and having a clear plan of attack each day in the gym. Would 10/10 recommend to any level of lifter!!!
Anupama Saha –
This program is perfectly designed with different focus points each mesocycle, charted progressive overload, and substitutions for equipment. You will NOT find another program like this, and you definitely can’t beat the price! Join now and you will not regret it! <3
Laura –
I’ve been doing this program since September 2019 and I absolutely love it! As someone new to weightlifting this has taught me so much and helped me with my strength and confidence. Meg and the team are doing a great job in building a supporting community around this program and giving quality programmes that work with constant progression over time, building life long habits. I recommend SBD every time I get the chance and will continue to be a happy member of SSF family 😊
Jiovanna Rodriguez (verified owner) –
I can’t say enough how amazing this program has been for me! I am 5 months post baby and thought I would never feel strong like before but this program is definitely exceeding my expectations! I love the demo links especially because there are things I have never tried and I love feeling challenged every week! This program has helped my anxiety because I can leave it with the bar and I love that I am setting an example not just for my son but my baby girl that women are strong too. Thank you Meg for giving me a way to be strong and be the change!
Hannah Campbell –
Love this program! Not only is it cheap, but it comes with demos and variations! You also get a Facebook group to communicate and chat with other members in the same program!
Hannah Campbell –
I love this program! Not only is it super cheap, but it also comes with a Facebook group! Now I have a whole community of people
I can talk to about the program and all of our progress!
Feliciti Krug (verified owner) –
This is the best program! I don’t have to think (ok maybe just calculating 87.5% here and there lol) I just log in and follow along every week. Its very well put together and thought out. I have been consistent for 4 months and have gotten so much stronger, I can’t recommend it enough! Also, have you seen that price!? 10/10.
Mariana Livingston (verified owner) –
This program is AMAZING! I had been lifting before but just felt like I was taking too long to see any results after a while. I stumbled across this program and Megsquats several weeks ago and decided to give it a try. I LOVE it and totally recommend, and I plan to follow this for years to come! Thank you Megsquats and team!
Kristine Willis (verified owner) –
I have never actually looked forward to a workout the way I do following SBTD. I love that there’s a general formula & structure with plenty of variation – perfect way to get stronger without getting bored. And the FB community is invaluable!
Michelle (verified owner) –
I have been using this program consistently for the last two months. I graduated from playing college lacrosse lost my motivation and discipline for a year after. Once I started this program I fell in love. I have become the absolute strongest version of myself following this program and so excited to continue. I love supporting Meg’s brand because she wants women to feel strong and comfortable in the gym and this program has definetly propelled me into feeling more confident!
Stephanie Martinez –
Loved this program! It gives a proper warm up and strength training!
Ashley Haley –
Love this program so much! I love the strength based approach. The workout is challenging without overdoing it. I feel strong coming out of every session.
Joni Granados –
Absolutely LOVE this program. Its not too long or difficult that I cant get through it but not too easy so I’m able to push myself and see amazing results. The program switches up a bit every 4 weeks or so making it impossible to get bored. I also love the access to the facebook group. I have met so many amazing people with great advice and it makes me feel like we are all in this together. Normally I would have to pay $40/month for a program like this but at $8/month it is a huge bargain. Thanks MegSquats and the rest of the team at Stronger By The Day
Jenn Wakefield –
I have been following Stronger By The Day for over a year and love it. I have been lifting/strength training of almost 20 yrs (starting in my teens). I love the continuation of the program, with each mesocycle building on one another.
A program Not trying to reinvent the wheel. Just good old fundamental strength training, that brings results.
Jenn Wakefield –
I have been on the program for over a year and love it. I have been lifting/strength training of almost 20 yrs (starting in my teens). I love the continuation of the program, with each mesocycle building on one another.
A program Not trying to reinvent the wheel. Just good old fundamental strength training, that brings results.
Angie –
Stronger By the Day relieved my gym anxiety by providing a solid program that fits my strength goals. I’ve been doing both the gym and at home program for a year now and planning to renew for another year. I’ve also recommended the program to friends and family.
Thank you Meg and the SBD team!
Lauren Dvorak (verified owner) –
I am on month 18 of SBD and I love it! Lifting weights is one of my favorite forms of exercise and Meg’s program has helped me progress in more than just strength. I love the structure and the fact that there are exercises to sub in case you do not have the means for a specific movement. The FB community is so close knit and I love that I am able to support and represent such a great role model.
Kaylac (verified owner) –
I had been following previous powerlifting programs, switched to more stability and endurance work, then finally came across SSF. Seriously within 2 months I started to see myself making gains and really enjoying working out again. Everything is set out for you, love the demos included, and it always feels like such a good workout. Love how they help you keep track and move those training maxes up!
Kayla (verified owner) –
I had been following previous powerlifting programs, switched to more stability and endurance work, then finally came across SSF. Seriously within 2 months I started to see myself making gains and really enjoying working out again. Everything is set out for you, love the demos included, and it always feels like such a good workout. Love how they help you keep track and move those training maxes up!
Alexandria Vandall (verified owner) –
I started this program the beginning of November and I already feel stronger and have more confidence. The program supplies everything you need to know with gifs, videos, and instructions on how to do the exercises. Easiest program I’ve tried to follow yet. The support system with the group is also a huge plus!!
Alexandria Vandall (verified owner) –
I started this program the beginning of November and I already feel stronger and have more confidence. The program supplies everything you need to know with gifs, videos, and instructions on how to do the exercises. Easiest program I’ve tried to follow yet. The support system with the group is also a huge plus.
Shannon Jewell –
I’ve been doing the at home program for 5 months and have gained so much strength. More than other programs I spent years following. I really love how adaptable this program is.
Katherine Costantini –
I’ve been on SBTD for a year and a half now and I love it! It’s a great value for the price and comes with both an at home program and a gym version. What I like most is that the program is smartly designed, each block is programmed for a different goal (pull-ups, bigger squat, bigger deadlift, etc). This is the longest I’ve ever been on a program and I’m still excited and motivated!
taylor.ee.smith –
I love this program! I was on the gym program for about a year prior to Covid hitting and have really loved the at home program too.
Natalie Streeter (verified owner) –
This is a great program for building strength and at a price point anyone can afford. The links to gifs make it so easy when I’m not sure what a movement should look like. I have made huge progress with this program in just 3 months. The community is so supportive as well. It’s seriously the best!
irynapolto –
This program is amazing!!
When I first started working out I was not seeing the results I wanted as I wasn’t staying consistent and to be honest had no clue what I was doing. I was program jumping a lot as I was not seeing the results I wanted. Once I found Meg’s YouTube channel I was amazed seeing a strong woman and was inspired to start my own powerlifting journey but I had no clue where to even start. When Meg released this program I jumped on it, no questions asked. It was the best decision I have ever made. This program has allowed me to become stronger from the inside out and it allowed me to achieve my goals and I was able to compete in my first powerlifting competition. I am so grateful for Meg and the team and for the amazing supportive community they have created. This program has complete changed my outlook on the gym and fitness. I no longer workout just to “lose weight” (even tho there’s nothing wrong with that) But now I go to the gym everyday excited about picking up the barbell and getting stronger every time.
Emma Nunez –
When I started SBTD I had no muscle, no experience with a barbell and was cardio obsessed, focused on losing weight. I start SBTD 2 years ago and just went 9 for 9 in my first powerlifting meet! Meg has influenced my life in a huge way, but this program and the community of support it comes with has influenced me even more. 10/10 recommend!
irynapolto –
This program is amazing!!
It has allowed me to reach goals I never thought I would. When I first started working out it was just so I could lose some weight but I wasn’t staying consistent and was program jumping a lot because I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. Once I found Meg’s YouTube channel I fell in love with powerlifting and I decided that one day I will compete. Once she released this program I jumped on it, no questions asked. This was the best decision I have ever made. This program has empowered me and helped me change my whole outlook on the gym. With this program I was able to achieve my goal and competed in my first powerlifting program. I am so grateful for Meg and the team for helping me find my strength and for the amazing community they have created.
Holly Cammidge (verified owner) –
I am nine weeks into this program and am in love. I have lifted on and off but with no structure and am already feeling so strong and making gains. I adore the communities group – they are inspirational and supportive. Nicest group I have ever been apart of and I get so excited each Sunday when the program comes out.
Christen Lutz –
I started SBD when COVID hit and was doing the body weight program and loved it! When BTB came out I switched over to that and am also loving it. I don’t have a lot of barbell experience so I’m very excited to jump back into the full program with a lot more comfortability and ready to make more progress and strength gains!
Quinn M. –
I’ve been a member since it began, and this program has really helped me advance in ways I never could before. I’m a firefighter, and there’s so many different ways we’re expected to be strong. I tried this and the nutrition program and both have just improved my life so much.
During the COVID shutdowns, I panicked at first. Then they startled adding a bodyweight program as well. Now I can stay safe for those who depend on me and stay in shape for them as well.
11/10, definitely recommend this program.
Ramonette Parayno –
I love the program! You can definitely see yourself getting stronger with this program! I definitely recommend this program to all my friends!
Ilana (verified owner) –
I’ve been a member for almost 3 years now (wow can’t believe it’s been that long) and I truly love this program! I highly recommend for both people new to lifting and experienced lifters. The program is super diverse and is constantly evolving, which I love, and I really appreciate the videos and guidance on how to perform the exercises. An absolutely amazing program!
Bonnie –
I’ve been powerlifting for 10 years. I’ve never hired a coach; I’ve only done my own programming or paid programming. This is the BEST program I’ve used. I’ve been on SBTD for about a year and a half, and I freaking love it. There is so much planning, consideration, and thought put into this program. I never get tired of it. I love how the focus of the blocks change to keep things fresh. I don’t see myself ending this program any time soon. I’m in it for the long haul.
Adrienne Terrell (verified owner) –
I absolutely love this program! I love that it gives me direction for my training and pushes me harder than I would push myself if I write my own workouts. I love the gifs that demonstrate moves I’ve never done before. I love the Facebook group. The people there are helpful and supportive of everyone. I love that they have alternative exercises for each move! When my gym was closed, I was still able to do the program with limited equipment at home. I love the variety of exercises, it keeps me from getting bored- but it’s also focused, so that I know there is a reason for each prescribed exercise. I couldn’t ask for anything more!
Stephanie –
I’ve been doing SBTD since the beginning, and it continues to be my favorite program almost two years later. I’ve gained strength and a better grasp on what it takes to get stronger, but even better than that, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for what my body is capable of. Thanks to Meg for an accessible program that keeps me on my toes and getting stronger!
Valery –
I’ve been a member since day one and I absolutely love it!! I’ve noticed a difference on all my lifts. Over the months, I have been able to encourage some of my friends to join as well and they love it too! It’s awesome that there are both at home and gym programs to get us thru all the craziness. Thank you
Omara Bess-Rosa –
I’ve been on this program for about 2 years. It’s increased my confidence in barbell work and my strength has continued to go up. The explanations and videos help with form and make it easy to follow. I would 100% recommend this program! Honestly, with how cheap it is, it’s a steal. Other programs can be easily more expensive and have half of the support. You won’t regret joining!
Jessica Maldonado (verified owner) –
I’m new to this program, but I’m loving it! I feel challenged every workout, and I adore the Facebook group. Especially during covid, it’s great to have a group who’s as excited as I am about my lifts. In my first 4 weeks I’ve made significant strength gains as well.
Caitlin K. (verified owner) –
I’ve been following Stronger by the Day programming for about 5 months now. When I first joined, I was feeling really burnt out on exercise of any kind. The variety in the program and the support of the Facebook community got me excited about lifting again. I’m now consistently lifting again and it’s going great! My squat max jumped up 25 lbs during the squat focused cycle! I have an annual subscription now.
Tricia Kelley (verified owner) –
I love Stronger by the Day. I had to pause my membership between March and October of 2020, but I’m so happy to be back to the program and the community. I’ve already gained increases in my training maxes in the month I’ve been back. The programing is fun, but concise – no fluff. Moves and order are programed to maximize gains. You’ll sweat, you’ll push yourself, and you will get stronger.
Stephanie Courts (verified owner) –
This program has totally reshaped my outlook on the gym, nutrition, and my body! I’ve seen HUGE strength gains since starting 6 months ago. I’m more focused on strength, health, and performance. Before I was so focused on appearance and weight. I would recommend this program to anyone who is comfortable with a barbell and is looking to get strong AF! 10/10 💪🏼🔥
Brittany Flanagan –
I’ve been in and out of the gym for years. Struggled with gaining muscle and strength. Ive tried multiple programs and they never seemed to be inline with my goals. I actually did Meg’s program on Bodyspace and loved it. That’s when I followed Meg on IG and heard about SBD. I signed up with about 3 weeks left of the deadlift block and was still able to make gains. For me, this program is perfect! It keeps me engaged. I can still supplement and change things where I need to and I’m getting stronger. I recommend it to everyone who asks me fitness advice and all of my friends and family!
Kasey Hilton –
Gained a lot of strength and size while on this program! I love the goal of getting a barbell into every woman’s hands. This program taught me A LOT about strength training and the way I train will never be the same,
Kayla Nichols –
I adore this program! I’ve been running it for almost a year now and my strength has increased every month! Especially through COVID-19, having this program to follow has helped keep me sane.
km199623 –
I used to write my own programs prior to Stronger by the Day, and gym life has been so much easier since following this program! Each week is slightly different than the week before, so I don’t get bored with doing the same workouts. I’ve seen great progress in my strength also!
This program is friendly for all levels, and I love that there are demos of each lift/exercise. Alternatives to each exercise are given as well, so this program is adaptable.
You won’t find this quality of program for this price anywhere else.
Danielle –
I love Meg’s Stronger by The Day program.
It has helped me be confident in lifting, eliminates me figuring out what workouts to do, and I love that she has demos of each workout.
BONUS- the community group is amazing and supportive!
Erin –
I’ve been with this program from the beginning and still love it!! They have also provided the tools to get through this pandemic with home workouts. Big fan!
Moriah Colby (verified owner) –
Stronger By the Day is an amazing program. I’ve been on the program for a year, and am now just on a temporary break as I prepare for my first powerlifting meet! I’ve made astounding progress in my first year of powerlifting with this program. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to get into lifting!
Andi (verified owner) –
Love that you get the traditional and at home option each week. Lifesaver since this year has been crazy ❤
April Mcdermitt (verified owner) –
I’ve been following Mesquats for years on YouTube and Instagram. And due to 2020 and covid I started her program. If I would have actually looked into this sooner I would have joined sooner. Loving the workouts. Gym and home. And the Facebook community is awesome!
Liz K (verified owner) –
I’ve been lifting for about 3 years now. I found Megsquats on Instagram a few years ago, and loved seeing how strong women can really be. Meg’s YouTube video on how to get your first pull up really helped me get my first pull up after trying to get one for almost a year. Then, she made a video about who programs are for, and after not have been following a program for a while, I decided it was time to get back on one and was sold. Found hers, and love it so much! I love how she’s true to her beliefs, she doesn’t charge as much as most people do, because she really just cares about people getting stronger. I’m also excited for her supplements because I really love what she wants to do for the fitness industry and women!
Nicole Pearce –
This program has increased my PRs on every single lift. With focus on the three main lifts plus accessory workouts, it’s a very well rounded program. Don’t let the price fool you, you get so much more than $8 worth!!!
Lila Borden –
I LOVE this program!!! It has built my confidence in the gym so much and I feel myself getting stronger through each week. It is WELL worth the price and the community that comes with it is amazing!
Reecha Das (verified owner) –
I started SBD around 3 months ago during quarantine and it’s been an AMAZING experience! I’ve tried both the at-home and the gym workouts and they’re equally great! I used to do CrossFit but since I recently moved and needed a new routine, I thought I’ll try the sample SBD program. After one workout, I knew this is the program for me. Mainly because there’s so much thought put into the programming. I appreciate that Meg builds this as a long-term/lifestyle program as opposed to the many short-cut 8 week “change your body” programs. I also appreciate that the focus of the program is on getting stronger and is welcoming to people of all sizes and abilities. With each movement prescribed, there are several substitutes listed so if the gym is too busy or if you don’t have the equipment or you can’t do a particular movement, there are other ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your workout. The best part is that program for the week is updated on Sunday so there are always fun surprises to look forward to and it ensures that you don’t get bored!
Margaret C –
I’ve been a long time followed of Meg and on this program since it began. Her message of getting a barbell in every woman’s hands is what sent me into my passion of powerlifting. Every single major lift has gone up for me at least 100 pounds and I’m still hitting personal bests every new block. I couldn’t recommend this program to any more!
Christine (verified owner) –
I love this program and community. After I had my baby I was STRUGGLING to get back into working out because my motivation was just gone. I found Meg on YouTube and haven’t looked back! I’ve gotten so much stronger and I don’t have to worry about planning any programming myself which is great. I know when I get to the gym exactly what I need to do and it’s so convenient. I went from a 60 pound deadlift to 185 in just a couple months.
Cher (verified owner) –
Best strength program ever! I love Meg Squats and look forward to the weekly programming. This program has been a game changer for me and the price point cannot be beat! And now supplements?!? I cannot wait to try them!
Marie-Claude Santerre –
Perfect training with Perfect coach
Member since day 1☝️
Marie-Claude Santerre –
Perfect training with Perfect coach
Membre since day one☝️
Kristi McDowell –
I love everything about this program. I’ve only been doing it for a year and a half and I’ve added 150 pounds to my lifts. Awesome price and awesome community.
Alejandra Enriquez (verified owner) –
I’ve been using this program off and on for the last several months. With gyms closing, this program has been a lifesaver. The at-home workouts kicked my butt! Now that I have weights again, I already know that the lifting portion will turn me into the strong beast I’ve always wanted to be. The price is also so worth it too. Thanks, SBD team, for making this program accessible for folks!
Brittany Michaelson (verified owner) –
This program is the first one that I have tried that has me WANTING to go to the gym with 100% consistency. With a crew of strong strong friends to lean on through social media this program also provides an entire community that knows exactly what you’re going through and is never anything but helpful. Aside from that the gains have been insane, stronger by the day is truly spot on and the resources on the site as well as the videos on the megsquats youtube channel have me constantly achieving new PRs and feeling powerful. One side note is the GIFs and explanation for each exercise have been so much better than a whole video like many programs use, they load fast which makes them super convenient to check when you’re actually in the gym for a quick refresher. I truly recommend this to everyone I talk to especially someone who is looking to take their training to the next level by getting on a structured program in an environment that is supportive and is not intimidating.
LeighAnn (verified owner) –
Meg and the team have created an amazing program for such a low cost. It’s been such a weird and difficult year for so many folks but this program got me through a lot of that. I have to admit that I’m not always consistent and have missed months at a time which of course I know won’t provide optimal results for me but every time I get back on track and focus on how strong I feel when I’m lifting weights I feel my best self. I feel like I can always pick back up and continue to make the best progress for me I can. I know eventually I will get to where I want to be with this program! Having the GIFs as demos is amazing. The Facebook group is so supportive and a great benefit as well. The program is for anyone! My boyfriend loves to do it with me too!
Emma Oelkers –
I’ve been running SBTD since the start – I began immediately after finishing Meg’s bodybuilding.com program and I knew with the progress I made with that alone this was going to be good. In the ~1.5 years since I started I’ve added almost 200 lbs to my total and countless confidence to my ability. I always recommend this program to people wanting to get into something more structured and the extra community only adds to my rec. Regardless of level or experience I think you’re going to get amazing gains from this program.
Andrea (verified owner) –
I love SBTD! I’ve been doing the program for about 4 months and I feel so strong. My weights have increased in all exercises, and the program pushes me to progressively overload each week.
Annie layton (verified owner) –
I’ve been doing this program for a month and I LOVE IT. I have always had a hard time getting strong.. in fact I had a personal trainer tell me that I wouldn’t get very strong. Turns out he was wrong, and I’ve already been able to add weight to all of my lifts and improve my pull-up negatives. THANK YOU for this program!!!!
Katie Gilbert –
Strong by the Day is such an affordable and versatile resource. I appreciate knowing I can go into the gym with a plan and now that I can still get a workout at home. Both ways knowing I can grow in strength. Very grateful to the SBD team!
Jacqueline Ramos –
I came to this program after years of CrossFit and I never looked back. It updates every Sunday and it preps me for the week. It gives you scaling options(love this) great program!
Erin Breid (verified owner) –
I love SBTD! I’ve done both the gym and home programs and they’re both excellent. I like the fact that the workouts change every week – it does not get boring, and we keep getting stronger! The demonstration gifs are helpful, and I like that there are substitutions available (especially useful if you are working out at home with limited equipment). I would not hesitate to recommend SBTD to anyone who is looking to get stronger!
Daniel Erickson (verified owner) –
My wife and I both follow the program. It’s great to be working on various blocks with primary and accessory lifts.
This last block I really feel like all the hard work is coming together
Alyssa Casill –
I have been running this program since the beginning and my love for it has only grown! The home options during quarantine have been a lifesaver, I continued to make significant progress and once I got back in the gym I was back up to my old numbers in no time!
Nicole DiLeo –
Easily the best strength training program I’ve been on. Thanks, Meg!
T. –
SBTD has been a blessing during quarantine. After moving and no longer being able to see my trainer, I had been planning to start the program and then The pandemic hit. SBTD has given a needed dose of routine, as well as given me home workouts that are more challenging and varied than I would have been able to give myself. I joked I was going to come out of quarantine jacked but it’s looking more and more possible every day!
HEATHER SILVIOUS (verified owner) –
I have been a sbd member for over a year now. I love how varied the programming is. Each block is well designed and I never get a chance to get bored. I love the options of a home workout since gym access is inconsistent right now and even the gym workout is simplified for those of us with home gyms and no machines. I am almost forty and I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.
Amy Kurtz (verified owner) –
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for for quite some time. I had to leave 1:1 coaching a few years ago and never found a good fit with similar gains.
My friend told me to follow Meg on Instagram, which is how i stumbled on her program. I tried the sample week and was hooked. The challenges I’d been missing, the soreness i was craving – all here. After being a subscribed member for almost a year now, I’m finally achieving the gains I’ve been seeking. Even the at home program is good (I will always prefer the gym- but covid). And the online group is nice (even though I don’t interact too much)
My only feedback? Create an app/user friendly webpage! Otherwise, I don’t think you’ll find more bang for your buck.
As someone said above— from the bottom of my squat, thank you for being the positive in my quarantine life ☺️
Callie Hogan –
I have been following this program for over a year now and good not be more happy with my results! I am not one looking to lose weight but have a focus on gaining strength! This program has fit my needs perfect! I am never bored or tired out by the programming since it switches every block. I have enjoyed the variety of the program and the ability to fix on something different each block! I can’t wait to see all the pr’s I continue to make while on this program!!
Marj Askins (verified owner) –
I love this program!!! I’ve been training powerlifting on my own for a while but it’s so much better and more rewarding with a program laid out so thoughtfully and with challenging but achievable goals for each cycle. Not to mention, you just can’t beat the price.
Jessica –
Absolutely love this program. Extremely affordable, gets me to push myself, and I don’t need to think about what to do when I get to the gym.
Michaela Benton –
I just started recently, and I’m still building my home gym. I love the amount of alternative options this program gives. No matter what I always have an option. I already feel so much confident in my movements. Getting stronger by the day!
Wendy Hall (verified owner) –
There are a ton of programs out there but NONE come close to the strength gains I’ve earned while doing this program. The price – fantastic. The workouts – change Every Single Week! The community – 100/10, I highly recommend. Lastly, the Bubble Butt gains I received after yesterday’s Deadlift day, well, my husband is very very happy. I’m telling yah, you can’t go wrong with this program!
MC –
This program has been a total lifesaver for me during this crazy year! I came across SBTD when I wanted to focus more on building muscle and set back from the high intensity work I’d been doing for years.. I signed up in February, and I have gotten SO much stronger. The programming is super smart and provides progressive overload every week. I have yet to get bored with the programming here because every week is a bit different.
MC (verified owner) –
This program has been a total lifesaver for me during this crazy year! I came across SBTD when I wanted to focus more on building muscle and set back from the high intensity work I’d been doing for years.. I signed up in February, and I have gotten SO much stronger. The programming is super smart and provides progressive overload every week. I have yet to get bored with the programming here because every week is a bit different.
Chelsea Wright –
I LOVE THIS PROGRAM! I’ve been using this program since it first came out and I love it. I’ve gained strength, confidence and enjoy the workouts. The format is easy to read and understand.
I suffered from injury and had to have my appendix removed during this time. Meg and her team have made it easy to “jump back in” and be back to making gains as usual.
Thank you Team Megsquats! You are the BEST
Lisa Indish –
I have run Meg’s program since January. Since then, I’ve increased my 1RM by 50 lbs on squat and deadlift and by 25 lbs on bench. This program is amazing and very adaptable. I haven’t always been the most consistent and I’ve still seen significant gains. I cheated on her for two weeks and came crawling back begging for forgiveness. She should charge more, considering there are both a gym and home program, demo videos and a support Facebook group available. My only wish is an app but I can live without!
yaelsarigg –
I’m the strongest I’ve ever been on this program (after around a year or so on this program), but more than that, it’s a program that makes me truly look forward to lifting every day. It’s the perfect balance of a challenge—there are definitely some days I’d rather lay on the gym floor than do another set of step-ups—but I never feel like I’m working out without a purpose. Each movement is obviously selected with a lot of careful thought and planning, and overall the program structure itself is so easy to follow. It makes progressive overload so simple to achieve. And it’s well balanced between upper body and lower body, too, something many programs designed with women in mind fail to accomplish.
Ultimately, for the cost of the program, what you get in return is a steal. Grateful to have found this community of lifters (The SBD Facebook page is a nice bonus!) and to have a program that I can see myself staying on for life.
Isabelle Holmström (verified owner) –
I love that this program gets updated each Sunday, that way it adds the little bit of (good) stress to not want to fall behind, but not so much I get anxious and feel bad if I am sick or miss a workout-day. For the first time in well… ever I have consistently worked out 4 days/ week for more than 4 weeks in a row.
The program worked really well for me to get into as a very weak individual. It is quite a challenge especially the brutal supersets, but I love the progress I am seeing. I can see some small definitions on my arms now. I can’t wait to see where I am at in a year :3
I also appreciate the hell out of the small gifs that helps me understand how certain lifts are to be executed. I think the only current negative I have to say about this program as it is now is that the workout can be quite long, especially if you are diligent in completing the warm ups and the website is quite slow.
Mandy –
SBD has been a game changer for my training! I found Meg and SBD when I was looking to switch from HIIT/CrossFit style workouts to focus more on strength and muscle building. I’m on week 12 now, and it’s exactly what I needed. The programming is intelligent and provides progressive overload for any level of lifter. There’s focus on the major lifts with plenty of accessory work to make those aesthetic gains and fix weaknesses. I’m someone who gets bored easily with programming (SL 5×5, Starting Strength, etc bore me to death). I have yet to lose interest here because every week is different.
It’s awesome that the SBD team is offering a complete bodyweight program in addition to the regular workouts. I’m so glad I have these workouts and the SSFs in my life!
Ashley Haley –
I have been searching for a great program for a long time. I have done several short term programs. Some of them I liked, some of them were just ok but at the end of the program, I had to repeat it or find a new program. It is always while I am searching for the perfect program that I fall off the wagon and move fitness to the back burner.
Stronger by the day is exactly what I need. The program and lifts are the types of exercise that I love and it keeps going so I don’t have to repeat the program or look for the next one. I love that the goal is to get progressively stronger. The program easily fits any lifter level. I am so happy that I started Stronger by the Day! I wish I started sooner!
mr.wiskers24 –
This is the best program out there. Honestly I’ve tried a LOT! How can you go wrong for $8/month?? She is so real she even did an at home body weight workout for quarantine… helllooooo seriously guys?? Who else would do that for you? Oh yea and the best part? For me anyway.. is there are like gifs of her showing you how to do the moves. For ppl like me who need visuals it’s great! Takes a lot of waisted time away .. searching YouTube for demos… I mean I think it’s the best. LOVE IT! ❤️❤️❤️ 😊
mr.wiskers24 –
This is the best program out there. Honestly I’ve tried a LOT! How can you go wrong for $8/month?? She is so real she even did an at home body weight workout for quarantine… helllooooo seriously guys?? Who else would do that for you? Oh yea and the best part? For me anyway.. is there are like gifs of her showing you how to do the moves. For ppl like me who need visuals it’s great! Takes a lot of waisted time away .. searching YouTube for demos… I mean I think it’s the best. LOVE IT! ❤️❤️❤️
Sophie Hollis –
I cannot fault this program and the team! I am so impressed with the progress I have made over the past 3 months already and I couldn’t have done it without Stronger By The Day. Not only have I gained strength, but I have also gained confidence and a new perspective of seeing my body for what it’s capable of and what it can achieve – not just what it looks like. I was really nervous when I had to stop going to my gym during quarantine that I would lose my progress and momentum. But the incredible home workout section has kept me sane and still progressing! I am learning to handle my bodyweight in a new way of training and feel I am improving every week as well as burns in muscles I didn’t realise I had!
The value for money is insane and I am so happy to be a part of this Strong Strong Family. You can’t beat the motivation from other members on the Facebook group!
Kristen Honey –
If you’re thinking of following SSF, just so it!! SSF is nothing short of amazing! Meg and Ryan do a great job writing a program based on science that works and delivers results. Plus you can’t beat the Facebook community and interaction that’s included! 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liz Rylance –
I have been a Stronger By The Day subscriber for about 6 months now. I have been lifting weights for about 10 years and was feeling frustrated because I was just spinning my wheels and not making any progress. This program changed that. I love being confident that the program is designed to help me progress in all my big lifts, and all the exercises are easy to understand and perform. The fact that every day and every week are something new and different is awesome too because that means I never get bored.
Since the gyms closed, I have been following the at home workouts as recommmended. I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t think they would be challenging but they definitely are. I’m feeling doms in places is didn’t know existed and I love it. I feel like I will continue this program as long as it exists. The value for the price is amazing. I also love the Facebook group. The comraderie, positivity and helpfulness of the members can’t be beat. Never any drama there!
Virginie Desgreniers –
From someone who was already powerlifting before with expensive trainers (not that they weren’t worth it), this program is very very effective! I had less money because of starting school and was looking for alternatives since I love powerlifting so much. I had been following Meg for years and saw an instagram post and thought “why not try”. Before I thought it was geared for beginners, but quickly saw it was adapted to everyone and really worked on mobility and weaknesses too. They use many types of training techniques to make you stronger 🙂 Honestly I have improved so much on this program, especially in squats! I love that they make good training so affordable for those that don’t have many alternatives.
Recently I had to switch to bodyweight workouts and that alternative program is also surprisingly challenging and fun! I did not expect to like it and to actually feel challenged by bodyweight moves. Again it is varied and uses all types of variations to work on different types of muscles and mobility.
The community is amazing, I wouldn’t want to not be a part of it anymore. I’m part of many facebook groups and this one is by far the most helpful and positive. If you ask a question, chances are the commentors are actually knowledgeable 🙂
Branwen Maden –
I love this program! Been doing it for a while now, and when I was able to get into the gym, it was such a great workout. Loved how it was split!
Since everything closed, it’s been a challenge to get the same feeling. The bodyweight workouts are great! Most of the time I’m pretty taxed by the end and I’m feeling the workout the next day. Some are a lil less than that. They don’t seem to follow the weighted workouts which would be nice, but if you have some equipment, it’s easy to mix the two together. I’ve done that a few times so certain accessory exercises can give me that oompf I’m missing.
I’ve recommended it to many people and will continue to do so!
Natalie Thongrit –
This program is amazing! I love the 4-day per week structure and the obvious thought that is put into each workout. There are no random circuits and it’s clear that the goal is to help us get stronger and make real progress, not just to make us sore and sweaty. I’ve especially appreciated all the work Meg and her team have done in creating a bodyweight/at-home version of the program for those who don’t have gym access while self-quarantining. I still feel like I’m getting in a great workout from home, and these alternative workouts save me from the guesswork of having to figure out how I’m going to train on top of everything else I have going on right now. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who wants to increase their strength and performance in the gym and see results without having to dedicate hours to each workout!
Gillian Harvey –
I’ve recently joined Stronger by the Day for the Home Based/Bodyweight Program and I am super impressed! I am used to powerlifting in the gym but have no equipment at home and was very unfulfilled with other at home workouts I was trying during social distancing orders. I bit the bullet and paid for SBTD and I am so glad I did! After trying the first week I can say that the workouts are actually challenging even without equipment, and Meg has given multiple substitution options for exercises that you may not be able to do (I was very happy to have a substitution to make an exercise easier on my knee, but still challenging on my quads). After 5 weeks in isolation I FINALLY feel like I found something to scratch that strength training itch that is actually progressively programmed. SBTD Bodyweight program is what I needed in my life. THANK YOU MEG!!
Kristin Mcbride –
I’ve had a trainer for 3 years, but he has since moved on and all the gyms are closed! So now was the perfect time to build a home gym and to get Megs program! I just finished day one, and I know with out a doubt I made a good choice! The other thing I’d personally like is a printable version of it! Other than that, I’m very happy!
sonjaobradovic –
Honestly, I love it. I’ve been doing this program since it came out in Feb 2019 and I love how much stronger I’ve become & how much progress I’ve made. It taught me to stick to a routine and had me waking up at 530 4x a week but really it brightened up every single day and gave me energy. I haven’t had access to a squat rack in a while but I think that my numbers have definitely grown, which is why I love that the compound movements are set right in the middle of the sets. Now that we’re in isolation, it’s been tough to get the same type of exercise however keeping up with the bodyweight program has been very beneficial. The workouts are just as long & taxing, just different. I modify some exercises based on my needs & get creative with what heavy items I put in my backpack to use for lunges/goblet squats/front plate raises, and thankfully most exercises can be performed without equipment or with light household objects.
Kathleen Doherty17@gmail.com –
I really enjoy this program, And have been following it for just over a year. I find it well rounded and well structured, I’ve seen more strength gain from this plan than my half-hazard workouts I had done before. Having the % of training max as a guideline really helped me to not go off program and throw random weight on the bar.
Since the gyms have been closed I have been following the body weight version. I appreciate that there is a list of alternatives for every exercise and that there are video examples considering they got this up maybe a week after gyms closed. They only thing about the body weight program is there is only 4 days programmed (vs 5 for the regular program) and Im missing that 5th day (personally).
I would and have recommended this program to people who have lifted for years and who have never touched a barbell before. Can’t beat the quality of programming, quality of trainers, or the price!
Rachel –
I love this program so much! It’s great to have such a focus on strength and I love how the programs are cycled. I always feel like I am progressing and making changes. When gyms started closing they created a body weight program, so you could keep up with your workouts from home. I love that they adapted in this way and made it so I could still workout! These aren’t a bunch of jumping get your heart rate up type of exercises either, you are still building strength with difficult exercises while using your body weight. It’s been fun to have different challenges!
Anne A –
I have been lifting on and off for 10 years and have tried many of the popular programs. This program does a great job of mixing in a lot of great accessory moves without it feeling like you need every piece of equipment ever, but keeping it interesting and hitting smaller muscle groups. My primary goal with lifting is to get stronger for another sport and I was a little concerned about switching to a pre-set program from a PT and a sport-specific training plan, but this plan is so similar to what I was getting from my PT, I can’t believe it’s $8/mo. The only thing I’ve felt I need to supplement is core work BUT core strength is a KEY for my athletic performance and adding on is probably unnecessary for someone just trying to get fit. I love having the body weight option for when I’m traveling as well. Everything is so well planned and explained, substitutions are clearly listed, and I feel like I am completely in the loop about what we are working on and why.
Judith Morales –
I LOVE this program, I love the it has small clips on how to perform each movement, also now that they added the new body weight program it’s even easier to modify when you don’t have the equipment at home. I personally have a barbell and some equipment and always prefer to work using it, that’s just me but now I do a combination of both when I don’t have certain things. I absolutely would recommend!
shawnarcarter –
Love this program! I first started this program when it was launched. Admittedly I wasn’t super diligent because I worked out with a friend and did whatever they were doing but it didn’t seem to be consistent enough to see any gains. I finally started using what I was paying for and it’s been great! I still worked out with the friend when it lined up with whatever I was doing so to mix things up. Strongest I had ever been until CV-19 derailed that.
***One of the best things is that they have added an additional 4 day split of at home body weight exercises just like the gym program. This goes to show this isn’t just a plug and play template. They have adapted on the fly to help meet the needs of their customers and that is not something most others would do. Worth all $8
This program is for female or male looking to progress in their lifting but not quite sure how to put it together. Keeps you progressing and challenging yourself. Highly recommended and couldn’t be happier after a little over a year.
Hattie –
I’ve tried many training programs, starting out with bodyweight/HIIT focussed programs and gradually progressing to powerlifting and now using this program. It is without a doubt the best program I have used. Meg has completely changed my perception towards strength and physique, as well as my overall goals, for which I am so grateful.
Having done the gym program for 9 months, I have seen huge progress in my strength, form and phyique (although this is no longer my main concern) and have gained so much overall confidence.
Since the lockdown, I have begun using the bodyweight program. Although I miss lifting heavy, this program has enabled me to focus on different aspects of training other than compound lifts, such as my core and flexibility, which I think is going to really help when I get back into the gym.
Not only is the program great, the way in which it is run is wonderful, and unlike any other program I have tried. The ability to communicate with other members through the group is nice, but Meg and her team take this one step further and respond to feedback in order to continously improve their program which I think is amazing!
Also, Meg has adapted the program to enable members to train at home at no additional cost to by essentially doubling the amount of programming produced each week (as both programs are available to all members). The generosity of this is wonderful and I think it accurately represents the integrity and inclusivity of the program.
It’s also $8 a month – I mean what more could you want!?
Thanks Meg x
elizabethffion –
I’ve been following this program since day 1 (so over a year now!) and really enjoy the variety that it provides as well as structure and progressive overload while keeping things interesting. There are of course mesocycles that I’ve enjoyed more than others, but the fact that it’s not the same thing month after month makes me excited to log in each week and see what we get to do next 🙂
For the last 5 weeks I’ve been running the bodyweight program after the gyms closed and at first I found it very hard to motivate myself to do them – I really miss lifting heavy in the gym and trying to turn my bedroom into a space which can be used for sleep/relaxation, work and excercise was always going to be a challenge. Last week was the first week I completed all 4 workouts of the bodyweight program (previously I’d been doing about 2 a week) and even did one of the days again on Sunday! Really happy that I did and nw it’s been a few weeks since the gyms closed I feel like Ive reached a certain level of acceptance that was holding me back before and I’m just happy to be able to make some progress and stay active while in lockdown. I’ve had to make some alterations to the program given the limited space and equipment I have available (csn’t even do inverted rows as I don’t have two chairs to prop a broom between, or a broom come to that) but the alternative exercise suggestions are always helpful for that.
The Facebook community is also super supportive and fun to be a part of – definitely wouldn’t have managed to make the change to the home workouts without the support from all the lovely people over there!
Camilla Damgaard Christensen –
I was pretty nervous for my training and progressive overload when my gym closed due to Corona, and I wasn’t able to run the SBD program. BUT then the at-home program came, and I tried it out. Pretty skeptical, but I actually really like it. It’s hard as hell and you really don’t need much equipment to do the exercises. I’m pretty beat afterwards – feels good! And I’ll probably incorporate exercises to my normal program once the gym opens back op. Thumbs up!
Martina Matzova –
This program gave me back the enthusiasm to train again. I started with the free week and boy, that was something. I finally felt challenged again (and had the reason to dust off my lifters). I was doing mainly fullbody exercises for several months and this split was refreshing, that I decided to subscribe. I definitely became more confident in the gym and started to do exercises I wouldn’t go for before. I didn’t know how much I can actually deadlift:D The best thing on the program is the fact, that the load depends on you. Nobody will tell you, hey, grab the 100 kg and lift it. It works with the percentage from your max and can be adjusted based on the actual conditions. Works for both women and men 🙂
Shortly after I was a regular SBD member, the COVID madness started and I am sooooo grateful, that Meg and Ryan went back to the drawing board and came with the bodyweight option. Some people may be sceptical that these exercises or not challenging enough, but have you ever tried to do 18 almost one leg hip thrusts? Or bodyweight leg extensions or hamstring slider curls? Try it and let me know 😀
Niki Loen –
I love the Stronger by the Day Program! I’ve followed a few online programs and this is by far my favorite. I have progressed a ton doing this program. I enjoy that every few weeks there is a new training block, so the exercises change up a little bit and I don’t get bored. I love that it is a power lifting program that gives you guidance on when to increase weight and by what percentage. It’s an amazing price, especially now that you get two different programs with the addition of the body weight program. The only thing I don’t love about it is that the weekly programming disappears each week when the new program goes up. I understand why they set it up that way but sometimes it’s frustrating. Love everything Meg and her team does!!
Ashlee –
Somewhat experienced powerlifter and on my 5th month of SBD program. I have to say this is my favorite program that I have tried. I am extremely busy with work and life, and was looking for a flexible program to just get me back in the gym without paying an arm and a leg. I still can’t believe the monthly price is the same as a Starbucks espresso drink.. instead of hundreds of dollars. Even though I have bursts of inconsistency, I’m really proud of how my strength has improved. Really love the accessory exercises, but my favorite is that substitutions are listed with EVERY exercise AND referenced with text and gif instructions in the same window. When SBD members started being affected by gym closures, Meg and the team started including a bodyweight and home gym program. So far, I’ve also really enjoyed the SSF community. Just people that like lifting, sharing tips, motivating each other, and it’s super LOW to NO drama.
kateylederer –
I’ve been a member of SBTD since the beginning, and to say I love this program is an understatement. Training sessions in the gym were fun, but challenging. I always walked out of the gym feeling empowered, excited to see small pieces of progress each day. I’ve visibly put on muscle and have added 50lbs to my squat, and 65lbs to my deadlift while following this program, and had been powerlifting for 2 years prior, so not just newbie gains. Full disclosure on my end too– I made about 50-75% of training sessions in that last year, so I could only imagine how much I would have added to my lifts with 100% dedication. The bottom line is, the gym programming is worth so much more than $8/month. The programming is geniusly written, and I genuinely look forward to continuing as long as I’m able.
I was really nervous when the gyms closed down due to COVID19. I had just gotten back into the swing of things, and was really enjoying my gym sessions. I had no equipment at home except a 15lb kettlebell. I ordered large loop resistant bands, and have been following the “At Home” version of the program since it’s been released. Don’t get me wrong, I miss the barbell, but these workouts are also killer! My abs are sore day after day, and I’m constantly surprised with where else I’m sore after these workouts. I’m thankful for the variation in the at-home plan, and the scalable, but challenging exercises. While I’m itching to get under some heavy weight soon, I’m glad the “at home” version is here to stay, so I still have the option to do a quick and taxing workout at home even on my busiest days.
I’m pretty sure I could go on forever about how great this program is, especially because it costs per month less than what I spend on coffee in a week. Sign up, you will not regret it.
Cassandra Crumpton –
I joined SBTD after COVID shutdown my local gym. I am extremely grateful for my weeks of being able to participate in a solid af program in the comfort of my home. For those exercises I don’t have the proper equipment I’ve been able to sub Body Weight programming. I can say with absolute confidence that I feel this SBTD program completely EXCEEDS the program I was getting at my local gym (and for about $92 less a month!!). I feel challenged and look forward to each new week rolling out and I feel like I’m improving in areas I didn’t realize was being passed over by my previous program. The Facebook community is just another solid bonus. I don’t regret purchasing the 12 month program one bit!
Amy –
Love the workouts and how things are mixed up to keep me interested. The only thing that is kind of a negative is the site. I wish there was an app. But I’m getting stronger so what???
cmb397 –
I have leveled up because of this program, in my fitness and as a human. By using specific percentages I’ve been able to comfortably (ok, well maybe “comfortably” is the wrong word haha) increase my weights almost every week! This has hugely carried into my confidence in other areas of my life.
The body weight workouts have been a true life-saver, I would have panicked a bit without them. While I’ve been using this time outside of the gym to try some different training styles out, I still weave in the 4 days of bodyweight workouts… often adding bands for resistance (because I miss barbells and dumbbells 😢 ).
So I chose 5 stars because this program is AMAZING.
However, I would also LOVE to see why certain exercises are chosen/paired together. I really enjoy understanding the mechanics of things and the “why” behind them. I definitely realize this is next level, and plays into wanting to earn my training certification… but I’d totally pay extra for that feature if it existed!
Keep up the great work SSFs!
Shawna –
I have been working with Meg and Ryan since shortly after they started offering programming way back in the day. I started with their customized programming, and then worked with them for 1-on-1 coaching. When they suspended their 1-on-1 to focus on this program, I figured I would give it a try for a little while but was skeptical about how the transition would be from individual attention to a generalized program. I was so pleasantly surprised to find myself making consistent progress and have thoroughly enjoyed running this program so much that I’ve kept it up for the better part of a year now. Extra credit to the SSF team for how quickly they adjusted to the crazy pandemic gym closures and got home / body weight programming out to keep their members active and healthy during this crazy time. These guys and their programming are the best. Would recommend to anyone wanting to work with a great team to get strong.
Melanie Samaroden –
I started SSF 7 months ago to help me build strength in addition to my CrossFit program. I have seen HUGE gains!! I enjoy that the program changes week to week, so I never get bored. I’ve found the Facebook group supportive and a lot of fun. As a woman in my 40s, I’m often told things go downhill from here, but I’m stronger than I ever was in my 20s! I’m really excited to continue the journey getting stronger.
Lauren Dvorak –
I love love love SBD. I have made so much progress running this program both in numbers and in gains. I really appreciate that Meg writes a bodyweight version of the program for this time when all of the gyms are closed. I like to use the bodyweight program and mesh days together and do SBD inspired bodyweight a few times a week as I have been taking this time to work on my biking, running, and cross fit style workouts as well. 🙂
Kayla M Tucker –
I absolutely love this program. I have attempted many workout regimens over the years and nothing has motivated me like this program. I combination of having an easy-to-follow routine that changes every week (keeping me from getting bored), increasing my lifts regularly (making me feel badass), and having a huge supportive group of people to share wins and struggles with makes this a unique and amazing program. The bodyweight routine was great while I transitioned to a home gym during the pandemic. I recommend this program to all my friends who are looking for one.
nurin chatur –
I was using the regular program since the fall, and it has been great. My strength increased and I was seeing a lot of progress. Since the pandemic, I have been trying to follow the body weight program. The programming is good, they hit all the body parts and it can definitely be challenging. I’m less motivated to do it because I just don’t get the same sweat and exhilaration that I get from lifting heavy but that’s on me not on the bodyweight program so sometimes I’ve subbed a couple of the body weight days out for more HIIT focused work with some strength training.
Holly Hutson –
This program has been amazing, and I’ve seen so much progress so quickly. I’ve always focussed on SBD and overhead press, but was terrible at choosing accessories and ended up with weaknesses and imbalances. This program really pushes me to focus on all areas, and the cycles are fantastic for keeping you balanced.
The Facebook community is great, and all the support to help us all continue to make gains during this crisis and with minimal at home equipment has been amazing.
Melanie –
This program is awesome! I’m not new to lifting. In the past I’ve done strong lifts and starting strength but then got bored and couldn’t figure out what to do from there. This program fit the bill. I’ve made huge strength gains in just 6 weeks since I’ve started and I’m never bored. There’s so much variety and programed in deload weeks that keep me going and make me feel strong AF!
Kaitlin Mahoney –
I was doing this program for 3 months prior to starting the bodyweight program once gyms shut down and I can’t say enough great things! I was making huge strength gains each week with the regular program and am so thankful that the bodyweight program is available. I love this program, the body weight program is so well thought out I have been able to push myself with almost no equipment. The movements are creative yet simple and are a great substitute to barbell movements. I’ve shared this program with all of my friends and family- it is simple, challenging and affordable and comes with a community of strong strong friends. Meg includes an awesome breakdown description and gif of each movement. Can’t say enough good things. Love love love.
Jackie –
My husband and I started Stronger by the Day at the end of December 2019, and those months of powerlifting were glorious! We learned so much and had a lot of fun challenging ourselves. Now, since the quarantine has closed our gym, we have been doing the home bodyweight workouts and still feel extremely challenged. It actually is great to focus on all those things we’ve been wanting to work on but never give time to, and I have no doubt this will help when we return to powerlifting at the gym. My husband and I are continuing to improve fitness-wise during this pandemic, which says a lot since we have very limited equipment at home. Completely impressed by the quality of the programming!
Carinna Abraham –
Honestly the best online program! So affordable and truly get programming. Meg and her team go above and beyond to program a great, challenging body weight program for those of us who can’t get to the gym at the moment. A completely flexible and comprehensive program! Love it!
Michelle Ames –
Great program! I saw more improvement in my strength and overall self within weeks of doing this program than I did in 2 years of another program. I love that the work outs change periodically to keep you from getting bored.
JBR –
This program has both challenged me and saved me! Corny i know but its true i feel the strongest ive ever felt and i have been able to channel out bad energy by focusing on myself and how i feel through my lifts my family has had a really rough 10 months from not having someplace to live with a move and unexpected career changes and just crazy health scares everything is falling in place and the challenges with the program help me feel in control and health wise i have been able to make huge positive change! If you want a program thats challenging and willing to do the work you will feel so amazing thank you strong strong friends for the confidence strength and sense of community
Brittany Smith –
I’m a recent subscriber and ADORE this program. My strength has skyrocketed compared to the training I was doing before (7 months with a personal trainer) and I finally hit my squat goal (time to make a new one!). I LOVE that the warmup changes weekly and that I don’t have to worry about phasing my own training or paying out the butt for a program that does not change or learn or evolve.
I do recommend having a little experience in lifting, because I’ve been a gym rat for a few years and there were still a few things I hadn’t done or was very unsure of. But even if you’re totally new, Meg’s gif demonstrations and very specific descriptions are incredibly thorough and helpful. She even includes a good number of modifications or substitutions for everything!
Nicole Brieva –
I have been using Stronger By The Day for three months now and I am extremely happy with the program and my new gains. I have been seriously training for 4.5 years now and my style has always been bodybuilding. SBTD has allowed me to enter more of a powerlifting style of training for the first time with all the guidance I needed. At the beginning of each week you receive a note from Meg setting the goals and tone of the week which includes 4 strength training days and one bonus training day. These plans change their number of reps and sets every week and help you calculate a percentage of weight you will lift for each exercise with videos showing you how to complete every exercise. These percentages each week have helped me track my progress to a tee and have allowed me to focus on progressive overload and really see how strong I have been becoming every single day. SBTD holds a special place in my heart. This program unites men and women who support one another in becoming the best version of themselves via an online Facebook group. I have never lifted as much as I have on this program and I have never felt so good about myself, not just because of how I look, but because of how I feel on this program. I highly recommend this program to absolutely anyone!
Sara Kalan –
Hello my Strong Strong Friends!
I have been part of the team for two months now, lifting for a year now. Despite newbie gains a year ago, the last two months have brought me ahead SO MUCH. Not only am I progressing a lot – it is also fun, versatile, intuitive, and I feel strong and radiant.
Can recommend it to anyone!
Bridget Hetherington –
I LOVE this program, It’s the first program I’ve ever signed up to and committed to!
It’s so nice to be able to just go into the gym and focus on my strength and getting stronger by the day rather than going to achieve a certain look. I’ve been going to the gym for the last two years and I feel like I have made more progress from two months of this program than the last two years combined. There’s such a great supportive community as well on the Facebook page, always willing to help with advice on any questions you have whether it’s a form check or just a question about an exercise, there’s always someone willing to help.
DEFINITELY recommend this program to anyone who’s held a barbell before
Katrina Santillan –
Such an awesome program! It fits my lifestyle perfectly and guides me to achieve those strength goals while also leaving time to balance out sports goals. I love that I can just go into the gym and don’t have to think about what to do, but that variety is still offered. Best part: prescribed weights!! I have guidelines on when to go up, by how much, and I know if I’m on track for progress. Before this program, I was scared of trying to go for heavier weights but now I’m increasing (whether its weight or reps) almost every week at one lift or the other.
Note: I’ve been lifting for about 2 years, willy nilly before this program
Thea –
This is a prefect program for anybody who want to be strong and confident in the gym ? I think it’s also a fun program as I get to try something new all the time
Cassis Lumb –
I’ve been on the program for two months and have made significant strength gains. It has made me really commit to my training on a new level. The Facebook group is inspiring and supportive and I think is responsible for shifting my confidence in the gym. No slinking around in the corners for me anymore!
Samantha Wong –
Great program for anyone from beginner to experienced lifter! Videos of each exercise make it super easy to learn new movements & try things that you’ve never done before. There’s a perfect balance between structure and change (4 week cycles) so you never get bored but don’t sacrifice progress. This program has given me so much confidence in the gym – and for a great price. I technically have the knowledge to design my own training program but I just can’t be bothered to plan and execute it. I’ve gotten so much stronger in 3 months!
Ella –
SBTD is a fantastic program for building strength and makin’ those elusive gainz. Whether you are new to lifting or an old hand, Meg has devised a long term program that has an excellent focus but never makes you bored. She knows there are no shortcuts to strength, yet keeps things interesting.
I personally have some issues with adherance to programs but the burst of progress I’ve made on all major lifts (and accessory movements!) plus the physique changes have provided quite a bit of motivation. Every block is dynamic and fun. And the absolute joy and confidence I get out of achieving these intense workouts gives me long term confidence and has gotten me to stick to the program for a while and I don’t see myself stopping. I’m excited to go ever day. My lifts have gone up so fast. I’ve learned to love the lifts I struggle with.
For all people of all sizes and strengths, SBTD will allow you to progress and find a whole lot of power.
From the bottom of my squat, thank you Meg and team.
Nicholette Dyer –
LOOOOVE this program! I had been following Meg and seeing her mention it but I always went past it wondering “what if”. I was tired of not seeing progress in the gym and I loved all of Megs advice on her Instagram/YouTube so I decided to try it out. I actually look forward to my workouts ha like what!! I love having my workouts planned and not have to wonder what I’m gonna do in the gym today. I’ve only start about 2 months ago but I’ve gone up 50lbs in my deadlifts and 25lbs in bench. I feel so strong and love the support of the Facebook group. If you are debating on joining DO IT!!!
Jessica Lester –
Been on the program for a while and within weeks I was hitting prs. I’ve been slacking lately but hoping after the next deload I can get back to it!!
Laura Whetstone –
Started this summer and I’ve been making great strength gains! So great to have my programming all done for such a great price! I’m interested in getting into power lifting so this is supposed perfect for me
Ramya Kanlapuli Rajasekaran –
This is a great program! I’ve been on it for about 3 months and the programming really does make you stronger! I’m consistently increasing the weight on all of my big lifts and I feel stronger on the accessory lifts. The warm-up is super helpful, and the accessory work (and the warm-up) really does help round out the workout, and keep you injury-free! This program really has thought of everything, so you’re not neglecting any part of your body. The facebook group is also a great community that helps you with form, and other miscellaneous things, and it’s nice to chat with other people to get things cleared out! I don’t intend to powerlift, and I wanted a good weight training program that would help with strength for other activities (running, backcountry skiing, backpacking), and this does all that and more! It’s so versatile and can be incorporated for beginners as well as advanced lifters, and it’s affordable! And the youtube videos/channel is super helpful as well!
Grace Gumina –
This program is so much fun! Not only does it take the stress out of planning my own workouts, but the plan really helps you build strength quickly and smartly. The accessory movements/supersets are always a challenge and keep me pushing myself week after week. I’m coming into my first meet shortly, and I don’t think I would have built the strength I have or increased my lifts as much as I have without this program there to guide me. If you’re stuck in a rut with your workouts or just want to follow a great program, I highly recommend Stronger by the Day!
littlepedrozo –
I had been stuck in a rut and hit a plateau that I could not get out of. I started this program and after training consistently with it, all of my lifts have gone up and have gotten so much stronger! I even used this to prep for my first powerlifting meet and I was able to hit the platform with confidence so thank you Meg and Ryan for the great program!
Bianca Velazquez –
I absolutely love this program!!!! It’s helped me gain so much gains?after a knee surgery that I had a year ago I struggled to go back into working out, I used to always make my own workouts before hand and I would run out of things to do and after I had my surgery and I was given the go to come back to weightlifting I wanted some kind of guidance and this program has been perfect. I’m lifting numbers that I had NEVER lifted before my injury, and I didn’t think that was possible. Meg and Ryan are amazing.
Rebekah Heiland –
I LOVE this programming. I have been a competitive powerlifter for over 4 years now but had yet to find a program that was not over complicated or over priced. I became a Strong Strong Friend a few months ago, then competed in a powerlifting meet a few weeks ago and PR’d EVERY. SINGLE. LIFT. – AND I won Best Lifter! Coincidence? I think not. Thanks MegSquats and team!
Caitlyn O’Reilly –
I’ve been doing this program since July now and I’m in love!
My favourite part of it is all the variation from day-to-day and week-to-week. The last few powerlifting programs I tried got boring so quickly that I felt so unmotivated to continue that I’d eventually just stop going to the gym.
I’d recommend this program to anyone who’s bored of the same old routine and also looking for some real gains. The booty hasn’t looked this good in years!
Hailee Tracado –
I have never felt as good about myself, and as strong as I do while following SBTD. Before this program I lacked direction in the gym, and now I always walk in with a plan and great attitude. Highly highly recommended!!
Carinna Abraham –
I’ve only been doing SBTD for 4 weeks and I definitely consider myself a novice but I have loved it. The variety is ace and I feel so much stronger since beginning the program and have managed to increase all my PR’s something I haven’t done since being with a PT. A great program! Very effective and affordable!
Nicola May –
I’ve been lifting for a couple of years and for various reasons I’ve never fancied going to a gym. Because if this I’ve never had anybody to share my passion or ask advice…. Until now! I’ve been following this programme since June and I love everything about it. I’ve increased strength and I love the supportive community.
Sylvie –
Love this program! I’ve been struggling at the gym and now with this problem, I’ve been feeling amazing and way more confident. Plus the Facebook member group is amazing if you have any questions, other members are happy to help you and not make you feel stupid.
Abigail –
I’ve been running Stronger By The Day for 8 months and I have loved every second of this program! I’ve made huge improvements to my form, SBD, and overall physique. Along with adding loads of muscle, I added 40lbs to my squat max, 75lbs to my deadlift max, and 30lbs to my bench max.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced lifter, this is the perfect balance of autopilot and refreshing programming!
Rosie Spencer –
After cherry picking my workouts and following various short term programs, I decided to try SBD and I love it. I’ve been on the program since day 1 and as someone who was comfortable around a barbell when I started but definitely not an experienced lifter or expert, I found it to be perfect for me. The price of the program is an added bonus because so many other programs of this quality aren’t affordable for a student like me. In fact it’s so good, I’ve even got 4 of my friends now SBD members as they were so impressed by how well this program is helping me progress in all of my lifts.
The variety in programming combined with a focus on progressive overload has been really great in keeping me interested in the program but also seeing progress, not just in maxes but in rep PR’s etc.
The demo videos are really great and the mobile friendly format of the website makes it really easy to call up a demo in the gym if I’m unsure of an exercise. Overall, I would really recommend this program to anyone who is looking for an affordable and consistent way to get stronger.
Rosie Spencer –
After cherry picking my workouts and following various short term programs, I decided to try SBD and I love it. I’ve been on the program since day 1 and as someone who was comfortable around a barbell when I started but definitely not an experienced lifter or expert, I found it to be perfect for me. The price of the program is an added bonus because so many other programs of this quality aren’t affordable for a student like me. In fact it’s so good, I’ve even got 4 of my friends now SBD members as they were so impressed by how well this program is helping me progress in all of my lifts.
The variety in programming combined with a focus on progressive overload has been really great in keeping me interested in the program but also seeing progress, not just in maxes but in rep PR’s etc. I’ve found that not only have I progressed in powerlifting, but also in other sports I do such as dance.
The demo videos are really great and the mobile friendly format of the website makes it really easy to call up a demo in the gym if I’m unsure of an exercise. Overall, I would really recommend this program to anyone who is looking for an affordable and consistent way to get stronger.
Lea –
I have been lifting for about 3 years before starting the program and it is only now that I see results more quickly and that I am looking forward to every single session. It’s so much fun to have a new programming surprise every week and know that by following this program and trusting the process, results will come:)
drobinett321 –
Love the programming! I have PR’d on all my lifts! Seriously if you are wanting to focus on strength then this is the program for you!
Janet Lu –
This is a great program on so many levels. There are 4 main days of lifting per week plus 1 accessory day that is optional. Usually a training block is 4 weeks with the 4th week being deload. Each main day of lifting contains a powerlifting portion and bodybuilding/accessory portion.
1. The volume and intensity of the powerlifting portion are really effective for people who are serious about getting stronger.
2. I love that lower and upper body days are alternated (there are 2 each per week), which gives flexibility regarding which days of the week I train. Mon-Wed-Thurs-Sat? Fine. Mon-Tues-Thurs-Sat? Fine. Etc etc. You could even do them all on 4 consecutive days, though I wouldn’t recommend it because these lower body days are hard!
3. The program incorporates autoregulation: for the powerlifting portion, usually either the top set is an AMRAP or the sets are increase-as-you-feel-is-appropriate. This lets you take it easier when you haven’t slept well or eaten enough, and it lets you go hard when you feel up to it. I think this is vital for a program to be sustainable and helps prevent injury without slowing down gains.
4. The Facebook group is super nice and active. If I post a question, I get responses within minutes. People are pretty knowledgeable about form, so posting videos for form checks is a good idea and can be very helpful. It’s mostly women (though men are welcome), so it’s a very supportive and positive atmosphere.
5. The program incorporates a lot of important accessory work that most people would not think to include themselves (especially powerlifters that often skimp on accessory quantity/variety). There is a ton of core, rear delt, and glute work, which are important for keeping your lower back and shoulders healthy as you lift heavier and heavier weights. I was able to perform a handstand hold recently thanks to all the core work.
I can’t believe this is only $8/mo?! I love this program so much. THANK YOU Team Megsquats!
Brittany Fritz –
This program is pure perfection. I’d been struggling at being consistent in the gym and needed something to keep me on track & keep me consistent. I found Megs program & thought “why not. Let’s give it a try.” I can say that in the few months I’ve been following the program, I am consistently getting better and STRONGER every day. Meg makes it easy to follow and super easy to see examples of how to do an exercise if it’s something you’ve never done before. I LOVE this program and recommended it to anyone who needs something to follow that’ll push you & challenge you. 110% happy and 1000% feeling like a badass!!! Thank you Meg!
Ashley Nichols –
I started this program at the beginning of my deployment a month ago, and am absolutely loving the progress! I’m relatively new to lifting, but each day brings new challenges and ways of succeeding in the gym and I love that! I highly recommend for anyone needing structure (like me!), and with the goal of being stronger!
Laurel –
Stronger by the Day can be life changing. This program changes every week to get you stronger and to keep you interested. I have never stuck with one program very long, but here I am more than 5 months later. Stronger by the day helped me get stronger, even when I don’t PR. The number steadily get higher. The program is fun, but tough! Everything is customized for YOU though. The weights go off what YOU can do, no matter where you start. This made me feel less intimidated at the start. Something program has that many other online ones don’t? A freaking community. One where I have shared my success (or failures!) And have gotten validating replies and encouragement. This has helped me stick it out even when I have a tough week. I can also easily go on vacation, take a week off, and jump right back in. This program has no catching up, each week is a new week! I never feel bad when ‘life happens’ . I have never felt so strong and empowered and just HAPPY. Love this program, love getting to know what my body is capable of.
Ellie Molnar –
As a former personal trainer, I can not recommend this highly enough! Within a few weeks of starting I’ve made marked improvement in all of my main lifts, and planning out my week’s lifts on Sunday night keeps me motivated all week long. Meg and her team do an amazing job providing comprehensive information on the reasoning behind each training block, as well as demos and recommend modifications/subs for each exercise. I have to make a lot of modifications to my lifts due to a history of joint problems, and have NO problem following along with my personalized changes. Whether you’re new to lifting or a seasoned veteran, SBD is a great place to find renewed fire for your fitness and a community that shares that passion!
Yvonn –
This program has helped me keep up my habit of going to the gym as well as allowed me to make incredible progress in my lifts. The demos are extremely helpful and each day of this program challenges me but also allows me to remain consistent and dedicated. I love how it goes week by week and seeing other people work through the program as well on the FB group keeps me motivated!
Kelsey Rafferty –
LOVING this program! It’s so hard to find a good lifting program for women where you get to go heavy, but this is it! I love the variety and simplicity- I literally don’t have to think about it, I just go to the gym and lift heavy weights. I’ve never been stronger or felt better about myself, I cannot recommend Meg’s program enough.
jacobshort620 –
I have been using this program since it started and I am truly enjoying it. I have been able to stay consistent with a program for the first time in my life and I think that’s because i do feel stronger.
Rachel Frischeisen –
I have been on SBTD for about 8 months now and have seen amazing progress! The website is easy to use, the Facebook group is so supportive and helpful, and I truly do feel like I make gains (in one way or another) everyday! I joined because I was ready to be done with random workouts and work towards something. The progressive overload in this program takes the guesswork out of your weights and rep counts. Can’t recommend it enough!
My only suggestion would be to provide a spreadsheet where we can track and calculate weight percentages and training maxes! Everything else is perfect! Thank you SBTD team!! 🙂
krista –
Really happy with the value of this program! My lifts have definitely increased over the past few months. Here’s hoping there will be a hypertrophy block after this big strength 1 RM ends. I would personally love in the future if there were more weightlifting options (ie snatch/c j) but I understand the likeliness due to the market and accessibility.
Douglas Firth –
I’ve been with this program for a few months now and I am finally seeing new PRs after months of being on a plateau. The resources and community are great!
Kayla Juba (Belrose) –
All I’ve ever wanted to do was get strong and stronger and this program will get you there. Hitting PR’s regularly and still getting some of that bodybuilding style of training mixed in. This program regularly introduces new things, while also keeping it consistent enough to continue to make progress. This is the type of program I would dream about and now it’s real for only $8, mind blown. Thank you guys for lighting the fire under my ass again when it comes to training!
Brookes –
I just started stronger by the day about three weeks ago and I love it! I’m such a short amount of time I started to make real lifting gains. I have been lifting for about a year but never saw huge changes in the weight I could push. Now I went from 85lb squat to 120lb, 45lb bench to 90lb, and still around 145lb deadlift. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was 16 but now I have a greater relationship with my body. I don’t look so much at what’s changed physically (even thought the gains are amazing) but also at the weight I can push. I love how stronger by the day is programmed, I feel like it sets you up for amazing gains. The price is amazing, I struggled with creating my own workouts so it’s amazing to have weekly plans that I know will leave me feeling great at the end of each workout! I also love the Facebook group, it’s so empowering to be able to feed off such wonderful and strong individuals that are doing the same program! I’d highly recommend this program to anyone!
Amanda West –
I’ve been powerlifting for 3 years now and have gotten stuck in my progress, my bench press has been stuck over a year! I started Stronger by the Day back in July and saw immediate progress in all of my lifts and today my bench was tested with a 10lb increase since April. There is enough variety to keep you interested and the progression is written in a way to help you see the progress being made. $8 a month is a steal for this program. I’ve made more progress in the few months than I have with a personal powerlifting coach writing my programming. Definitely worth trying if you are thinking about it!
Brooke –
I just started stronger by the day about three weeks ago and I love it! I’m such a short amount of time I started to make real lifting gains. I have been lifting for about a year but never saw huge changes in the weight I could push. Now I went from 85lb squat to 120lb, 45lb bench to 90lb, and still around 145lb deadlift. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was 16 but now I have a greater relationship with my body. I don’t look so much at what’s changed physically (even thought the gains are amazing) but also at the weight I can push. I love how stronger by the day is programmed, I feel like it sets you up for amazing gains. The price is amazing, I struggled with creating my own workouts so it’s amazing to have weekly plans that I know will leave me feeling great at the end of each workout! I also love the Facebook group, it’s so empowering to be able to feed off such wonderful and strong individuals that are doing the same program! I’d highly recommend this program to anyone!
Stella Egan –
Oh how glad am I that I joined. I’ve been a gym go’er for years but I have never had such change as I have since being on this programme. I like to lift weights and was setting myself some things to do but since I’ve become a member I have gains galore that being in strength, numbers in the gym, confidence and muscle! Dont even hesitate just join for a structured plan and know you will love it!
Megan –
Absolutely love this program along with the amazing community that comes along with it!!
Aishwarya Tyagi –
I joined the program 4 weeks ago and have been loving it. I would say I am an intermediate lifter but this is the first time I have tried a structured program. I takes the mental aspect of deciding what to do out. I absolutely LOVE how affordable it is! Can’t wait to make some amazing strength gains.
Aishwarya Tyagi –
I joined the program 4 weeks ago and have been loving it. I takes the mental aspect of figuring out what to do out. I absolutely LOVE how affordable it is! Can’t wait to make some amazing strength gains.
Michelle Berube –
I’ve only been using this program for 2 weeks but I absolutely love it! I love that I can do the workouts in my garage gym! The FB community is fantastic!! I am looking forward to seeing how I improve on my lifts! It feels great to be lifting heavy again
Samantha Bullard –
I love this program. I was pretty new to weightlifting in general when I started and didn’t have any structure in my workouts, but this program has been really great and fun. It’s helped me a lot with my confidence at the gym as well, and I feel great about my gains. 🙂
AME GRECO –
Meg and the Stronger by the day crew make one heck of a program! I had been lifting for a little over a year with no specific direction prior to SBTD. I started the 2nd week of this programs roll out and have seen amazing gains in my lifts, my body composition and confidence. I even competed in a sanctioned powerlifting meet in July (I was that confident!). The program progressively overloads you over several weeks, peaks you for testing maxes and deloads (deload is every few weeks) to keep you fresh! The SBTD Facebook group is also a great group of positive like minded people. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to get strong and confident in the gym with a barbell!
Ellie –
I have struggled since college to find a work out that I can be consistent with, and this is the first program that I have followed for longer than 3 months. I love the variety, the challenge that it provides, and overall my body is thankful that I’ve done this program. $8 is a bargain for monthly programming. You won’t regret it!!
Emma Shirley –
As someone with a degree in the exercise sciences, I am extremely picky about training programs. Stronger by the Day is an excellent program. I have been with SBD for almost 3 months and have seen greater performance, strength, and overall wellness improvements versus my experience with other comparable web-based programs. There is a plethora of resources, scaling options, and step-by-step video tutorials perfect for those just starting out with lifting. However, it is also sufficiently challenging for the experienced athlete/lifter. I couldn’t recommend this program enough!!
shawnarcarter –
I’m really loving this program! Prior to this I would go to the gym and have a loose idea of what I would do but not quite focused. Over the past year I’ve seen so much progress in my strength and my routine that I’m extremely glad I signed up. I enjoy consistency of a routine and knowing exactly what I’m going to do for the day’s workout, it helps keep me progressing. The cost alone is worth it even if you only use it half the time. Highly recommend to new or seasoned lifters looking to have focus in their strength routine.
Alyssa –
I have been following this program since it started and I still love it. I have made some serious progress, and I love that there is enough variety to keep it interesting while still pushing forward with progressive overload on the important lifts! But my favorite thing about this program is the focus on longevity. I have always struggled with 8 or 12 week programs, feeling like if I missed a week, or even one workout, that I might as well stop the program entirely because I wouldn’t get the full effects. With this program, I have a much healthier, happier approach to lifting – I know that missing one workout or one week isn’t as big a deal, because I can just jump back in with the next week’s workouts and continue from there! The fact that there is “no end in sight” makes me feel like I can actually incorporate this into my lifestyle, and make some huge gains in the process! I can’t recommend this program enough.
Ana Cherepnalkovska –
This program is the reason that I still go to the gym. I was afraid of weights and now I love lifting heavy. It’s easy to follow and offers a lot of alternatives for the exercises. The Facebook group is the best. I started lifting with this program without any coaching and I appreciate that I can get a form check or tips from the members in the group. So I absolutely encourage people to join us to get stronger together.
Megan Ruth –
I’ve done quite a few programs and none have compared to Stronger by the Day. I tried a free week of training and was hooked. The program is focused on a long-term goal of strength and health versus a short-term goal that leaves you back to where you started when it’s over.
Gaining access to the Facebook group is an added perk as there is the most supportive community of strong strong friends to help with anything from form tips to nutrition and training recommendations. As a woman in the fitness community, it’s easy to find yourself immersed in the “leaner is better” groups, and having like-minded women (and men) to support and push you is priceless!
If you are truly looking to make a lifestyle change and work weightlifting in to your long-term overall health and wellness goals, THIS is the program you’re looking for.
Emmanuelle Paquet –
This program has been so much fun since the beginning! I can see real progress and the programmed deload week is extremely appreciated. The Facebook support group is also a game changer as we can post our questions, progress, or anything lifting related.
I can say I’m 110% satisfied with this program and thanks to Team Megsquats for all the PRs!!
michelle –
I’m a few weeks in but loving the program! The FB group is fun & helpful. The write ups for each WO is short & to the point but there is a lot of info available if you need it. Since I’m very new to powerlifting WOs I love being told the signs of when you can safely increase weight. My 1 suggestion is maybe a always available 1 week for newbies to get used to the style if they aren’t comfortable just jumpingin. But I also came in on a block of prepping for 1 rep max so I’m sure that was just not the ideal situation. That being said I was informed to start conservative & go up as able. Excited to see changes to myself the next year!
Danielle Calcara –
I had been lifting on my own for about 8 months before starting Meg’s training program. In short, I love it! It provides structure and direction while also giving us an amazing, supportive community to interact with. I look forward to seeing continued progress with Meg and her team!
smrauch1 –
I’ve been following this program since it launched! I figured I’d just give a try for a little bit and quit if it wasn’t working well for me. But here I am still working it. I love the variety and feel stronger than ever. The demos and instructions for each move are very helpful, as is the list of substitutions. Very easy to follow and very approachable for new lifters, but also easy to ramp up and push yourself if you’re an experienced lifter.
jamesgyms –
After years of training myself and not always progressing like I had hoped, I bought a year of SBD as soon as it came out as a birthday present to myself and I couldn’t be happier that I did.
I love that I can take a break from my own programming and let Meg and the Strong Strong Friends tell me EXACTLY what to do.
I have literally never been stronger. I’ve weighed less but again, I HAVE NEVER BEEN STRONGER THAN I AM NOW thanks to SBD.
I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone (and often do).
Snag a sample week if you can if you are extremely nervous, but honestly, I think you should just go for it. The only thing you have to lose is 8 dollars. But what you stand to gain from it is life changing.
Chantelle “Shani” House –
I absolutely LOVE this program! I am a new lifter – started with this program in June 2019 and I am just shook with the results! I was in a rut at the gym, hating my routines that I threw together, not really knowing what I was doing. SBD is structured to make you feel, look and be STRONG ($8 a month is seriously a STEAL). Every block has been fun and challenging. I’m quite impressed with how much weight I am pulling now and it’s hard to believe I’ve been consistently getting my workouts in since June (it’s because each exercise is easy to follow with gifs and explanations).
I love this program so much I’ve gotten a few friends to join with me because they can see my results and they just had to know what I was doing different. I am hoping to partake in a powerlifting meet in summer 2020!! I think one of the biggest worries I had was that I was getting older – (37) and I didn’t know if it was too late to start powerlifting, boy was I wrong! @Megsquats has a goal of getting a barbell in every woman/man’s hands and she achieved it with me!
Thanks so much for being such a pivotal part of my healthy lifestyle! I’m loving the gains, confidence and happiness I’ve developed with the program!
Kaitlyn Taylor –
I started this program back in February and I can honestly say that my strength had dramatically increased. Even if i am not perfect in following the program and fall off the program is amazing. The support group makes is such an important part because we can ask each other questions, celebrate everyones victories, raising each other up which is amazing as a solo lifter. I have recommended this program to so many people. 100% this program has helped me in so many ways.
Cristina –
Honestly, this is a great program. I always hate the gym, mainly because I didnt know what to do and didnt want to count reps and lose count or whatever. I made many excuses and mainly did cardio.
Anyway, I tried a popular program by a man and was more discouraged since I couldnt do have the things on it so had to substitute and get discouraged.
A friend of mine introduced me to SBD and after a week I was hooked. Easy to follow and reasonable for beginners so you womt get discouraged. After a few weeks you will consider yourself a gym buff and want more!
Stop reading, sign up, and get to the gym Strong Strong Friend!
Tara Stow Farmer –
I started this program about 3 months ago and I have to say I’ve been in live with it from day 1. I love that each exercise has a gif / video connected to it so that when you’re in doubt you can double check yourself. I feel like such a badass woman when I work out and I’m so much happier in my own skin and MUCH stronger. Meg and staff really kick ass!!
Paige M. –
SBD is an awesome program. I’m on my 4th week of the program and it really has made such a difference. Before I would go to the gym with kind of a plan, but with no real goal or reasoning behind the workouts. Now I go in and know exactly what I need to do. I’m going 4x/week whereas before I could only get myself to go once a week. This program really has worked wonders for my mental state in the gym and I’m so happy I bit the bullet and joined!
Alanna K –
I can’t say enough good things about this program! The layout and progression of exercises are well thought out and designed for maximum effectiveness. I’m just starting my 12th week and I can see so many positive changes in my body and feel stronger than I ever have.
Katherine Costantini –
I hit the end of my newbie gains on my previous plan and was excited to see what I could do with Stronger By The Day. I’ve been with the program for about three months now and I truly do feel stronger by the day! The program is thoughtfully written and has really gotten me to push my weights and helped me try new movements, like front squats and windmills! I wholeheartedly recommend this program for people who are interested!
Beth Weiner –
I am not new to lifting and have been a serial program hopper for as long as I can remember. I have been following this program since day 1 and haven’t felt the need to try anything else. I think that speaks for itself.
I love this program and highly recommend it. I have made strength PRs, rep PRs, and now a program adherence PR ?
Soraya Thibaut –
I have never been able to go further than 3-4 weeks into any program I tried ! But THIS ONE is just so cool and I’ve been doing so much progress since I started it 20 WEEKS ago ! This program is by far the absolute best I ever tried, and it is way cheaper than those I’ve done before… I just love it, I have nothing more to say 😀
Cassie Turner –
I’ve started a couple 8 week ‘workout guides’ from various fitness influencers, but always gave up a few weeks in because the workouts typically involved a plethora of seemingly random workouts. I’ve now been with SBD for three weeks and can’t see myself slowing down or stopping! I love that Meg’s guide focuses on performance over aesthetics, and I’m truly amazed with how strong I’m feeling. Each day’s exercises have a clear purpose and are easy to follow, and the notes with demos (and alternate exercises) are extremely useful! I haven’t been this excited about training in a while and am genuinely excited to walk into my gym every day! I’m also enjoying the FB community page where we can discuss the exercises as we work through each week together, give tips and build each other up. I can’t thank Meg enough for bringing together this community of folks who wanna lift heavy things for fun. ?
Megan Schluentz –
Coming from a complete powerlifting beginner, this program has everything I need. I didn’t even know what powerlifting was until I randomly had Meg’s nationals video pop up on my YouTube, and her and the team came up with this program exactly a week after I discovered the sport in the first place. I’d been casually weight lifting for a few years but was excited to have a little more direction so I signed up right away. Now I went from not knowing what the sport was to competing and placing in my first rookie meet just this past weekend (Oct 12). The program is laid out simply, has extensive directions and gifs if you’re ever confused about a movement, and keeps everything interesting. Like I said, I was here since the beginning and I never once got bored of the programming. Another aspect I love is the facebook group. They’ve helped answer any little question that’s popped into my head, and guided me on things like when to use equipment and what to look for in a peaking program. They are great at critiquing your form if you upload a video, as well as encouraging and supporting you when you do. Also, as a grad student, the program is so affordable. Overall, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Stella Gounari –
I love this program! After getting the personalised program from Meg, and seeing the most results I have in a long while from my training, I knew the stronger by the day program would be equally excellent. And it did not disappoint! When you see it, you might not think much of it, as it can look shorter than other programs, but oh my god, will it kick your bottoms!
You might wish you weren’t born when you’re doing it, but once you realise the progress you are making, you’d wish you’d started the program sooner!
I can’t wait for what’s next!
Jen –
I absolutely love this program. I’ve only been following it for about 4 months now and I’m the strongest I ever thought possible. Plus the programmes great to follow and thoroughly enjoy it, also meg is very inspiring and I love ssf fb group
Sarah Laughton –
I have been running this program for a few months now and I’m so so happy with it. Knowing exactly what I’m doing everything I work into the gym is so valuable and the variation makes this a really enjoyable program to run compared to other programs I’ve done that get very repetitive.
The team are great at listening to feedback and answering questions and the whole online community is a really awesome (and inspiring!) resource.
I’m honestly not sure you’ll find anything half as good at this price point, really worth the money!
Astrid Wetlesen –
This program is so solid and effective! I really recommend it to everyone who wants to get strong and build muscle.
The program is adjusted every week, so you don’t have to worry about progression or variations – that’s sorted for you! You will get access to so much extra information. This program will definitely take your lifting to the next level.
Bertha Chavez –
I love this SBD program. I’ve never thought I see myself squatting, deadlifting, and bench pressing. I find myself getting stronger and my family sees it too. I came across Megsquats YouTube videos last year and I have been following her ever since.
Alex –
This program has been perfect for me. When I first started lifting, I tried multiple strongman and power lifting workouts and i wasn’t satisfied with my progress or how I felt after doing my workouts. SBD workouts get those heavy lifts in but also raise your heart rate with accessory work. It feels really well rounded. ALSO, she has examples and descriptions of all the exercises if you are new or don’t know what it is. Super helpful!
Debbie Robinett –
Love this program! Workouts are challenging and very thought out! I have been able to PR many times on al 3 main lifts!
Debbie Robinett –
I have beed doing powerlifting for a few years and was ready for a program that would help me get stronger and this program is it! Love love Megs workouts! They are challenging and well thought out! I absolutely recommend this to anyone!!
Katelin Lott –
I had been jumping from program to program or trying (and failing) to make my own program. It’s so nice to go into the week knowing that I have a carefully crafted program that will keep me working hard and seeing progress! Also it’s so dang affordable. Meg and the team are very interactive with the group and responsive to feedback.
I can’t wait to see where SBD takes me!
Chelsea Lenamond –
I have LOVED this program. Not only does it make me excited to go to the gym everyday, but I love seeing my progress and how strong I can get!
Davis Green –
Meg and the team have created an amazing program. I have been on it since the beginning and after 3 years of program jumping and learning how to lift, this has been BY FAR the most I have progressed. Physically and mentally.
The cost of the program is unmatched. $8/month for thousands of people to help each other and review form. $8/month for intentional training that works towards goals in larger mesocycles – using blocks of time to achieve goals sustainability and with success. $8/month for variety and trust in a fantastic team.
I cannot say anything to express how much this program and community has meant to me this year (well, 9 months). I would suggest this to any person at any fitness level looking to get stronger, be apart of a community and ultimately make lifting a part of their life.
Thank you Meg x
(P.s. all my lifts have gone up 20-30lbs. These ain’t no newbie gains either. )
Amy Strabbing –
One month in and I’m loving this program! Recently switched from CrossFit to more bench/squat/deadlift weightlifting and this has been a great program to build up my lift strength. Love the demos and variation of accessory after the major lifts. Looking forward to seeing my progress throughout the next few months on the program! Not to mention, Meg is so informative and fun to watch on social media!
Joy Olin –
LOVE Stronger By The Day!!
It’s so nice to have everything programmed out for long term progress! This isn’t about a six week transformation; it has progress over the long term thought out!
I’ve always previously run free programs and didn’t think it was worth paying for one (5/3/1, nSuns, etc) and while those were good, they didn’t have the same well thought out progression AND I don’t have to worry about how much volume of accessories to do, since SBTD has it all planned out!
The FaceBook group is also super supportive and entertaining!
This is SO worth the $8/month! (And that’s coming from a penny pincher!)
I won’t be leaving anytime soon! (Or probably ever).
Krista Trimble –
Blown away! I expected more hands off, impressive on paper programming that would bore me with repetition or scare me with unrealistic movements/combos. I am finishing my 3rd month of this program, and I have never dreaded it. I look forward to each day and feel sufficiently challenged, frequently impressed by my abilities, and EXCITED to see the next week!
I’ve struggled with unhealthy relationships with exercising/food, and I don’t view it as a workout- it’s a challenge, and obstacle, and when I complete it, I feel incredible my whole day- how could you not?!
Meg, this is an amazing program. I never thought I’d stick with something so long. On top of that, I have PR’d squat (finally into triple digits- I did CrossFit for 2 years and couldn’t come close to my squat now!), deadlift, bench press, and overhead press- all with good form, no pain, and REAL excitement for what’s to come!
I love Stronger By The Day!
Jocelyn –
Absolute best program I’ve ever followed!!! As a personal trainer, I love having the perfect program that’s all ready to go for me. I’ve seen so many major gains in all my lifts and serious muscle gains as well! Can’t recommend this program enough!!
Andrea Riofrio Halford –
I have done TONS of programs and SBD is by far the best. I love how Meg stress on longevity. Her team is extremely smart and is not here to make it easy or just fun in order to sell the program.
There are reasons why (good, research based reasons) why the program is structured a certain way. Follow the process and don’t question it much. You WILL BE stronger by the day and you’ll lift heavy until you’re 100 years old.
Alex Briault –
I’ve been following the program for 4 weeks and the strength gains already are amazing. I love how the workouts are set up and how there’s a demo for everything. I’ve never followed a program with progressive overload written in and I love how straightforward it is – I’m not guessing about what weights to lift or trying to add too much weight too fast on this program. If you’re looking for a program to build strength and feel totally badass while doing it, I cannot recommend this one enough!
Savannah Burks –
I’m a newer lifter, and I really enjoyed this training block so far! The progressive overload has helped guide me and I’ve upped my bench by 30 pounds in 3 weeks. I didn’t think I would ever bench more than the bar! I can’t wait to finish this block, and see what the next one has in store!
Erin Pauley –
I absolutely love this program!! I have only been a member for 3 weeks but I already see so much growth in my bench press which is my weakest lift and I am beyond excitedited about it!! I love the demo links on the program, they’re so helpful! There’s an astounding amount of useful info on the site and the programming is thorough and effective. The substitutions listed are amazing for the days that I prefer to stay home instead of driving 30 minutes to the gym. Excellent program!
Melinda S. –
This program is amazing. I switched from a gym/class type routine to Stronger by the Day 22 weeks ago. I’m loving it. I am stronger for sure and see the gains as well. I have managed to keep up with four days a week even though I commute 185 miles a day and am a single mom of five boys (who join me from time to time) If you’re self motivated with a garage gym or gym membership and have a desire to get strong this program will work for you and when you need the reinforcement or pep talks then head to the Facebook group and everyone is always there for you
laura –
I’ve lost weight (and eating a lot!), grown muscle and increased my maxes in all my lifts by doing this program. I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to get stronger. It keeps you accountable but it’s not draining as you only workout 4/5 days a week.
Trish –
I love this program! It’s so thorough on the website, including gifs and information/resources for the workouts. It was really helpful for getting me more acquainted and comfortable working out, which has been historically a really big barrier for me in the gym. Thank you for creating this program!!!!
Jennifer Geisenhaver –
I can’t say enough good things about this program. Since I’ve been running SBD, I’ve added 40 pounds on to my squat, have hit deadlift numbers that I haven’t hit in years, and the program still seems fresh and not repetitive. It’s challenging and tests your limits and then lets you blow right past them. And the community that Meg and Ryan have created on Facebook is seriously the best – they are on there giving feedback and there are other lifters to help you out and encourage you. This is easily my most favorite program that I’ve ever run and I’m definitely planning on sticking with it as long as they keep it running.
Abbie Rose –
Obsessed with this programming. Fun, challenging workouts with the most badass support group ever.. not to mention only $8/ month!!! Literally can’t beat it!!!
Marie-Claude Santerre –
Best program i’ve ever try! I train 4 times a week since Day 1 of this program and i’s never borring! !
I love it?
Bella Luk –
I’ve been lifting 3-5x a week for about 2 years now, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen as much improvement as I have in the 2 months I’ve been on this program. Part of it may be because I’ve never had such a structured program, but I also just enjoy the challenge of pushing myself in new ways. I can tell that I’ve already made considerable gains. When I first started this program, I was recovering from some back pains, and the self-regulation of weekly Training Max adjustments have been so crucial in making me stronger but also letting me take my time in the process. I whole-heartedly recommend this program!
Beth Cocker –
I was hitting a wall with my current programming and decided to switch it up and try SBTD back when they launched in January. I am so glad I did, I have really enjoyed the programming these last 10 months! The leg days are great and always leave me feeling fatigued and challenged but not completely wiped. Some other programming goes way too hard with no concept of longevity which Meg & her team keep in mind. Sometimes the upper body days are a little “easy” and I’ll add in a WOD at the end to get my sweat on. The videos are really helpful and the Facebook group is nice for encouragement and general community support.
KAREN SCHILLING –
I’ve been a StrongStrongfriend since June. I have had so much fun and learned so much. I’m petite and I am now squatting more than my weight and almost benching my weight. I would never have believed I could. If you stick with the program you truly do get stronger by the day!! I’m in for the long haul!!
Anna Pushkin –
10/10 program (8/8? Cause it’s 8 bucks a month….lol @ me). But seriously, I have floundered in the gym for 3 years. I could always program a week, and my workouts were hard – but I wasn’t progressing because I wasn’t thinking long term. Let meg and everyone else do the long term thinking for you and finally move up in your lifts with this program! Plus you get to join a kickass community on Facebook in which to cry about B stance hip thrusts and box step ups (seriously guys, so glad we’ve stepped away from those. They’re just evil and I don’t need that in my life). Jokes aside, this is a sweet program and you should join it before they figure out they’re underselling themselves. ?
Nina –
I have only been doing this program for three weeks but have LOVED the structure it gives me and at a good price ! As a personal trainer myself It can get a lot to program my workouts on top of clients, so I’ve loved having this programming especially on the main compound lifts. I loved that the program is very detailed : with intensity of lifts being percentage based and videos for each exercise too 🙂
nina morales –
I have only been doing this program for 3 weeks and my lifts have progressed so much! My goal of the year is to squat 200 lbs and because of this program, I’m only 15 pounds away from that goal. Thank you meg squats for being such a supportive and inspirational online coach!
kenzers0003 –
This program is life changing for me. I never used to work out, but something about Meg made me really want to try. I have been doing SBTD for about 8 months now and my body composition has changed tremendously and I have gotten so much stronger. I used to hate my body, but I’ve changed so much and started to think more about what my body can DO rather than what it looks like (I think my body looks great now, thanks to SBTD) the way I see myself now is completely different. I cannot express this enough. If you’re looking for a change, whatever that means to you, try SBTD. I can’t imagine working out without it now.
Edith Burns –
I started Stronger by the day a few weeks ago and it was exactly what I needed to get motivated to be in the gym. I was struggling with being really unhappy with where I was at and struggling with not having direction. This program has helped me to overcome that and be super excited and confident in making progress with lifting. I’m happier with my body already and love the focus on being strong.
Andrea Ruff –
I am very easily bored at the gym. I love going and I love using a program but usually after about a month or two on a certain program I’m bored out of my mind and jumping into a new or different one.
BOREDOM IS NOW OVER. I’ve been using this program since May 2019 and I haven’t been bored ONCE. Every week is different while still working on the major lifts (squat, deadlift, bench) and I have gotten so much stronger than I ever thought I could.
I held myself back so much on other programs and stunted my progress. Meg and Ryan push us so well with this program and TEACH us how to go further.
I love this program and hope to continue gaining strength for a long time to come using it. <3
Cristell –
Don’t have to think about my strength training programming. Exercise demos always linked, a variety of accessories, and a fun Facebook community. Been a member since the beginning, so affordable, and accessible to anyone with an internet connection!
Highly recommend!
Jamie C –
This program has been a major game changer for me. I went from trying to create my own workouts based off of random Instagram I followed, to trying SBTD and I wish I found it sooner!
Vivian –
I’m loving this program! My strength has increased and I’m feeling healthy.
The program is easy to follow. The gif demos of the exercises are super helpful for someone without much experience in workout terminology – I can see what I am meant to do!!
The Facebook group is also super motivating. Seeing other strong strong friend’s progress and setbacks gives me something to relate to. It’s like having a bunch of virtual gym buddies!
Loving it.
Elliott –
I’ve been on this program since day one (Feb 2019) and I’ve never been stronger. The program has the right amount of variety and progressive overload to keep me interested, motivated to get to the gym week after week, and seeing gains month on month. Highly recommend.
Sidney Lumsden –
I love this program! It’s manageable and straight forward, challenging and also rewarding! I LOVE the quick link gifs for demos and the Facebook group is my new favourite. Always great, positive feedback and everyone is so helpful and supportive!!
Emma –
I have been running this program since the second cycle! Had to finish Uplifted first 😉 I have experienced AWESOME strength gains and a great new community with everyone else who is running it. I would recommend this to just about anyone I know who is looking for more structure.
Jessica D. –
I never thought I would be able to stay motivated doing a “solo” program. I’ve only every trained in a team environment and had little to no weightlifting prior to this (and it’s been a hot minute since I was on a team.) The amount of support, quality of the demos and instruction, and constant focus on looking forward is amazing. I’m lifting with confidence for the first time in my life and I couldn’t be happier about getting my “zen” back. I feel healthier and stronger than I have for the past five years. And this price will fit any budget.
Analisa –
Been running this program for about two months now, and it’s pretty much perfect for me. I struggle with consistency in the gym so even if I miss a day or (week) I can jump back in the next week and not feel like I’m behind. It makes it very hard to ever throw in the towel and give up since I can see everyone else in the Facebook group making gains and supporting each other.
Tiffany Anderson –
This program has been exactly what I needed after my “bootcamp” gym took away all of the barbell work, which is what I loved the most. I love lifting, I love getting stronger and I’m nerdy enough to love recording the data and seeing how I progress over the course of weeks and months. Stronger by The Day really pushes you each week to be better than you were before. I have smashed so many PRs that I had, especially at bench press which used to be my least favorite lift! I plan on continuing this program as long as they offer it!
Fallon –
I am not super experienced at weight lifting and this is perfect for me. It ischallenging, totally scaled and easy to find answers to any questions.
Amanda –
I’ve been lifting for years, but I tend to get bored, bouncing from program to program. I started this one when it first came out and I’ll be sticking with it as long as they continue! I’ve learned so much, increased my numbers, and I have no desire to switch anymore. I lift in my garage and they include alternative movements to machines you may not have (or moves you cannot do)! I highly recommend it! I’m currently 20 weeks pregnant and I’m still following it everyday. It really is for everyone!
Jennifer –
This program got me excited about going to the gym again after a long period of feeling burnt out. It takes the guess work out of planning. I’m very busy so I greatly appreciate the simplicity of being able to just show up and do the work. I know it’s working as the numbers don’t lie. My max has gone up for all of my lifts. I joined in July, it’s been well worth the price.
Jenna Luckow –
I have always loved lifting but never committed to more than 2-3 sessions a week, so I was nervous to get into 4-5 sessions. But this was SUCH a great way to both meet me at my starting level and push me to continue building. I’ve been on the program about 3 months now and have hit ascending PRs across the board, as well as learned how to cope with “off” days through an encouraging Facebook group and our lovely hosts. Such a great deal— I highly recommend this program to everyone who is ready to progress their skill set.
Jackie –
I’ve been lifting on and off for 16 years, and solidly for the last 4 years. I never had a program and just tried to split my time up to the different body parts. I’ve been part of Stronger by the day for 5 weeks now and have been LOVING every minute of it. It’s well thought out, challenging, and making me quite literally stronger by the day.
Michelle –
This program helps you gain strength in major compound moves , tone, and keeps you on your toes. The warm ups are awesome for muscle activation. This program is what some people pay hundreds of dollars for when they go to a real CrossFit gym that helps their athletes gain strength week by week. Best 8.00 investment I make each month.
Alexandria De La Rosa –
This is like the millionth program I’ve followed (exaggerating) and by far the best one (NOT exaggerating)!
I’ve been a member since day one and have gained so much confidence and strength in the gym. Prior to starting, I had been lifting for about 4 years but saw very slow progression. The movements utilized in this program combined with intensity and deload weeks have worked great for my body. For women especially, it’s hard to find programs that encourage you to lift heavy but this program does just that and more! I feel empowered in the gym, confident in my movements and finally found something that works for me ❤
Desmond –
I had my doubts about the program. But after two weeks I can say I love it. I cannot guarantee everyone will love it. However, I enjoy the challenge, the structure. Though I wish there was a standard 2 week new comer’s program to get you into it (Training Max, Exercise Variation Customization) but I still stand by this 5-Star review. If anything changes my mine, I’ll update my review.
Allison –
I’ve been following SBD since day 1 and I couldn’t be more happy. I feel challenged, but not burnt out. The programming is clearly done by people who know what they are doing. I start each week excited for my workouts and end my weeks feeling accomplished and recovered. I highly recommend becoming a strong strong friend with us!
Corrie –
I have been doing the program since day one..I am 44, barely lifting over a year and this is my first real program. I have not only gained strength but, knowledge, mobility and confidence. I am so happy I went for it.
Elizabeth Lunsford –
Love this program and have seen amazing progress in the weight I’m lifting, my body composition and the way I feel. I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie through the Facebook group although I’m not a frequent poster. I love that there are several exercises that I hadn’t done before but very clear explanations of how to do them.
Marilyn C –
So excited to start this program! Meg is a great athlete one of my favorite powerlifters that I follow. Can’t wait to see how this all goes very excited to start!
Rachel –
2 months in and I love this program. I’ve been able to progress in different ways and I almost always look forward to my workouts. It’s been a really fun and challenging program so far.
Kaitlyn –
1st training black was amazing I’m already feeling stronger and the community is a great place to have support from
Maria Siberon –
I’ve been a LONG TIME follower and support of #ssf and Megsquats! I am sooo excited to add some structure to my workouts !
Stevie Wielgosch –
Looks like a great program!!!
Stevie Wielgosch –
Looks like a great program! Can’t wait to check it out! 🙂