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Cable Rope Workout

11 min
 · 
18 exercises
Cable Core Rotation
3 sets
12 reps
Upward Cable Wood Chops
3 sets
12 reps
Kneeling Cable Crunches
3 sets
12 reps
Overhead Cable Curl
3 sets
12 reps
Standing Bicep Cable Curls
3 sets
12 reps
Low Cable Back Rows
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns
Standing Cable Crossover Press
Tricep Cable Rope Push Downs
Cable Shrugs
Cable Upright Rows
Rear Delt Pull
Pull-ups
Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows
Jump Squats
Barbell Step-ups
Dumbbell Lunges
Donkey Kicks
This Cable Rope Workout 11 min-minute gym workout plan effectively targets your abs, arms, back and chest.... Easily follow this workout with confidence on your phone or printable exercise program with our clear exercise demonstrations. You can also look up step-by-step instructions for each of the 18 exercises and see which muscle groups they target. Enjoy!

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Cable Rope Workout
11 min
 · 
18 exercises
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Cable Core Rotation
3 sets
12 reps
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Obliques
  1. Adjust the pulley handle to chest height. Step out and away from the weight. Feet are shoulder-width. Stand with a tight core and flat back. Push the handle out in front of you. Keep elbows slightly bent.
  2. Twist from the hips. Move arms across the body, achieving a full extension.
  3. Return to starting position.
  4. Once complete, do the same amount of sets/reps on the other side.
Primary muscle group(s):
Hamstrings, Obliques, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Secure a firm grip with both hands on an appropriately weighted dumbbell. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Begin by moving the dumbbell up and over towards your right side.
  2. Twist your body to bring the dumbbell down and to the left. Bend at the knees and drop your hips slightly. Make the motion of placing the dumbbell on the ground.
  3. Repeat the movement, taking the dumbbell back up and overhead. Keep your arms straight throughout.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Obliques
Secondary:
Biceps, Forearms, Lower Back
  1. Sit on an exercise mat with your legs fully extended and your upper body upright.
  2. Grip a weight plate between both hands.
  3. Hold the plate out in front of your abdominals keeping your arms bent slightly.
  4. Cross your your ankles and raise them off the floor slightly.
  5. Bend your knees towards you slightly.
  6. Lean back about 15 degrees to balance your body. This is the start position.
  7. In a smooth motion,turn your torso to the left and touch the plate on the floor. Make sure you exhale as you do this.
  8. Return to the start position inhaling as you do so.
  9. Repeat the same movement, this time to your right side, again exhaling as you do so.
  10. Return to start position and repeat.

When performing this exercise, use smooth controlled movements. Jerking or using momentum to swing the weight can cause serious lower back injury.

Upward Cable Wood Chops
3 sets
12 reps
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Obliques
Secondary:
Shoulders
  1. Stand with your side to the cable machine. Grab the handle with the opposing hand first. Keep a flat back and tight core throughout the movement. Squat down by bending your knees and driving your hips back.
  2. Keeping your feet in position, rise and twist the weight to the opposite side of your body.
  3. Pause, contract the muscle and slowly return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Obliques
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Adjust the pulley lever to be above you. Stand next to a pulley machine with your left side. Grab the handle with both hands. Brace your core and separate your feet to outside of shoulder width.
  2. Begin the movement by twisting with your obliques to pull the handle down and across your body.
  3. Once the handle is on the right side of your body, pause and slowly return the handle to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Hamstrings, Obliques, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Secure a firm grip with both hands on an appropriately weighted dumbbell. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Begin by moving the dumbbell up and over towards your right side.
  2. Twist your body to bring the dumbbell down and to the left. Bend at the knees and drop your hips slightly. Make the motion of placing the dumbbell on the ground.
  3. Repeat the movement, taking the dumbbell back up and overhead. Keep your arms straight throughout.
Primary muscle group(s):
Obliques
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Stand with your feet no wider than shoulder width apart and hold the medicine ball with one hand at either side in front of your chest.
  2. Rotate your body from the waist up to the left side and raise the medicine ball over your left shoulder, not quite fully extending your arms. Be sure to get extra reach by pointing your right toe.
  3. Using a chopping motion, bring the ball diagonally across the front of your body so that the ball ends on the outer side of your right shin.
  4. Bring the ball straight up the right side of your body and again move diagonally across your body once again to complete the motion.
Kneeling Cable Crunches
3 sets
12 reps
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Kneel in front of a cable station with a rope attachment connected to the top pulley.
  2. Grip the rope attachment and place your wrists against your forehead.
  3. Flex your hips slightly to take the weight and to hyperextend your lower back.
  4. Keeping your hips stationary, bend at the waist so that your elbows travel down towards the middle of  your thighs. Hold for a count of one.
  5.  Return to the start position in a controlled movement and repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
  1. Lie flat on your back with your feet flat on the ground, with your knees bent at 90 degrees. Alternatively, you can place your feet up on a bench a few inches apart with your toes turned inwards and touching.
  2. Hold a plate, dumbbell, kettlebell, or medicine ball securely above your head.
  3. Keep your elbows locked.
  4. Push your back down flat into the floor to isolate your abdominal muscles.
  5. Gently curl your shoulders forward and up off the floor.
  6. Continue to push down into the floor with your lower back.
  7. Raise your shoulders about four to six inches only.
  8. Hold and squeeze your abdominal muscles for a count of one.
  9. Return to the start position in a smooth movement.

Make sure the weight is held very securely!

Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Lie face up on with a medicine ball between your hands and your arms extended behind you. Keep your arms and legs straight and then raise your feet an inch off the floor.
  2. Raise your torso and legs up at the same time and touch the medicine call to your feet. Hold for a moment.
  3. Lower down to starting position with arms and ball behind your head.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Lie flat on an exercise mat, extending your arms straight back behind your head.
  2. Fully extend your legs also. This is the start position.
  3. Bend at your waist and at the same time, raise your legs and arms to meet in a closed jackknife position. Exhale as you do this.
  4. At this point, your legs should remain fully extended at between 35-45 degrees from the floor.
  5. Your arms should be fully extended, parallel to your legs.
  6. Your upper body should be raised off the floor.
  7. Return to the start position by lowering your arms and legs back to the floor, exhaling as you do so.
  8. Repeat.
Overhead Cable Curl
3 sets
12 reps
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
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Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Set up a cable station by adjusting the pulley height on each side to a little higher than shoulder height.
  2. Attach a stirrup type handle to each pulley.
  3. Select aweight that is comfortable, making sure the weight is the same on both sides of the machine.
  4. Stand between the two weight stacks of the machine,with your feet shoulder width apart.
  5. Extend your arms fully to your sides and grip the handles with an underhand grip.
  6. Make sure your arms and shoulders are in a straight line and alligned with the handles. This is the start position
  7. Exhale and contract your biceps to curl your forearms towards your shoulders.
  8. Continue until your forearms and biceps touch. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your biceps.
  9. Return to the star position in a smooth action while inhaling.
  10. Repeat.

Only your forearms should move during this exercise. You can perform this exercise using one arm at a time.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Set up a preacher curl bench making sure that the seat is set at the right height for you. The seat shouldn’t be so low that you need to raise your shoulders, or so high that you need to lean over the support pad.
  2. Rest you arm on the support pad with your triceps near the top and your elbow midway down the pad.
  3. Grip the dumbbell with an underhand grip at shoulder width.
  4. Curl the dumbbell in towards your chin and upper chest in a single smooth arc. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your biceps.
  5. Lower the dumbbell by extending your arms back to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions then change to your other arm.

This exercise is designed to isolate and focus attention on the biceps. Therefore resistance is stronger at the start of each repetition. So when you begin each repetition, don't

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Sit on a flat bench with your legs spread, knees bent and your feet flat on the floor with a dumbbell between your feet.
  2. Use either arm to pick the dumbbell up and hold it with an underhand grip.
  3. Place the back of that upper arm on the top of your inner thigh on the same side. Your palm should be facing away from your thigh.
  4. Keep your arm fully extended downwards without letting the dumbbell rest on the floor. This is the start position.
  5. Curl the dumbbell forward and up in a smooth arc, contracting your biceps and exhaling.
  6. Continue curling the dumbbell upward until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbell is at shoulder level.  Hold for a count of one while squeezing your biceps.
  7. Return to the start position in a controlled, smooth arc inhaling as you do so. Do not swing the dumbbell down.
  8. Repeat for all the repetitions for that arm then switch and repeat the movement with your other arm.

Throughout this exercise, only your forearms should move. This exercise can be performed standing in a bent over position. Here there is no upper arm support so it's important to ensure there is no movement or swinging of the upper arm. This harder version of concentration curls isn't recommended for people who suffer lower back issues.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Set up a preacher curl bench making sure that the seat is set at the right height for you. The seat shouldn’t be so low that you need to raise your shoulders, or so high that you need to lean over the support pad.
  2. Rest you arms on the support pad with your triceps near the top and your elbows midway down the pad.
  3. Grip the EZ curl bar with an underhand grip at shoulder width.
  4. Curl the bar in towards your chin and upper chest in a single smooth arc. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Lower the bar by extending your arms back to the starting position.

This exercise is designed to isolate and focus attention on the biceps. Therefore, resistance is stronger at the start of each repetition. So when you begin each repetition, don't explode upwards too quickly!

Standing Bicep Cable Curls
3 sets
12 reps
Set 1 of 3
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar attachment connected to the low pulley.
  2. Stand close to the station, feet shoulder width apart either side of the pulley.
  3. Grip the bar with a shoulder width underhand grip.
  4. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
  5. Curls your arms upward from the elbows in a smooth arc.
  6. Continue until your forearms are vertical with your palms facing your shoulders. Hold for a count of one while flexing your biceps.
  7. Lower the bar back to the starting position in a smooth motion.
  8. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Stand straight holding a barbell with an underhand grip, your hands shoulder width apart and your arms fully extended towards the floor.
  2. Keep your elbows close to your sides.Your palms should be facing away from you. This is the start position.
  3. Keeping your upper arms stationary, curl the barbell forward and up in a smooth arcing motion while exhaling. Only your forearms should move.
  4. Continue upwards until  the bar is at shoulder level with your biceps fully contracted. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your biceps.
  5. Inhale as you return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed using a cable station, with a straight bar attachment connected to the lower pulley.<em><strong> </strong></em>

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
  1. Sit on a flat bench holding a dumbbell in each hand  with an underhand grip.
  2. Keep your back straight and shoulders back.
  3. Keep your arms fully extended with your elbows close to your sides.
  4. Rotate your palms so that they are facing in towards you. This is the start position.
  5. Keeping your upper arms upper arm stationary, start to curl the dumbbells upwards in a smooth arc.
  6. As you curl the dumbbells upwards rotate your wrists, so that your palms  face in towards you at the end of the movement.
  7. Continue the movement until  the dumbbells are at shoulder level and your biceps are fully contracted.
  8. Hold for a count of one as you squeeze your biceps.
  9. return to the start position, rotating your wrists back to an underhand grip position.
  10. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed by alternating between arms.

Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Let your arms hang by your side with your palms facing in to the side of your body.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
  4. Curl the dumbbells up towards your shoulders. Do not swing your hips to get the weight moving.
  5. Continue raising the dumbbells until they are level with your shoulders with your palms facing in. Your forearm should be in a vertical position.
  6. Squeeze or flex your bicep and hold for a count of one.
  7. Slowly lower the dumbbells to the starting position.
  8. Repeat.

You can also perform this exercise by alternating between left and right arms or one arm at a time.

Low Cable Back Rows
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Biceps, Shoulders, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Connect a V-bar attachment to the low pulley on a cable station or cable rowing machine.
  2.  Sit down at the station and place your feet on the foot pads or crossbar provided, while keeping your knees slightly bent.
  3. Lean forward, keeping your back straight and grip the V-bar handles with both hands.
  4. Keeping your arms fully extended pull back until your torso is at a 90-degree angle from your legs.
  5. Your back should be slightly arched, with your chest should be pushed out. This is the start position.
  6. Keeping your torso stationary, pull the handles back towards you while squeezing your back muscles.
  7. Keep your arms close to your sides until your hands reach your abdomen. Exhale as you perform this movement.
  8. Hold for a count of one.
  9. Inhale as you return to the start position in a smooth movement.
  10. Repeat.

Do not swing or rock back and forth as you perform this exercise. Doing so can cause lower back injury. <strong></strong> You can perform this exercise using a straight bar instead of a V-Bar. You can use an underhand or overhand grip.

Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Stand tall with a tight core and flat back. Hold a pair of dumbbells at your side with an overhand grip. Bend slightly at the knees as you push your hips back. Keep your chest and head up. Upper body should be almost parallel with the floor.
  2. With your elbows at a 60-degree angle, bring the dumbbells up. Pause when your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Contract the muscle then slowly return the dumbbells to the starting point.
Primary muscle group(s):
Middle Back / Lats, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Biceps
  1. Stand tall with a tight core and flat back. Hold a pair of water bottles at your side with an overhand grip. Bend slightly at the knees as you push your hips back. Keep your chest and head up. Upper body should be almost parallel with the floor.
  2. With your elbows at a 60-degree angle, bring the water bottles up. Pause when your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Contract the muscle then slowly return the water bottles to the starting point.
Primary muscle group(s):
Middle Back / Lats
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Bend slightly at the knees and forward at the hips. Maintain a braced core and flat back throughout.
  3. Leading with your elbows, pull the handles of the resistance band back, bringing your shoulder blades closer together. Hold this contraction and slowly release to the starting position.
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back, Middle Back / Lats
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar attached to the top pulley.
  2. Sit on the seat facing the station. Keep your feet flat and planted firmly on the floor.
  3. Using an overhand grip, hold the bar as wide as comfortable. (Your hands should be about 1 1/2 – 2 times body width apart.)
  4. Lean back slightly without arching your back.
  5. Pull the bar towards the top of your chest using your shoulders while arcing your elbows out to the sides of your body.
  6. At the end of the movement squeeze you shoulders together slightly and hold for a count of one.
  7. Return to the start position by arcing your elbows forward while relaxing your shoulders.
  8. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders
  1. Standing under a pull-up bar, reach up and hold onto the bar with an overhand grip. Make sure your hands are about twice your shoulder width apart.
  2. Keep your arms straight and hang from the bar so that your arms are taking all of your weight.
  3. Keeping your body straight and not swinging your weight, pull your body up towards the bar by pulling your elbows down towards your torso at an angle.
  4. Continue lifting until your chest is nearly touching the bar. You should feel a “squeeze” at the base of your lats (about midway down your back and to the side) as they contract.
  5.  Once your lats have completely contracted at the top of the movement, slowly lower your body to the starting position.
  6. Repeat.

By using a wide grip, your lats are doing most of the lift, rather than your biceps. It doesn't matter if you keep your legs straight or bent at the knees with your feet crossed. The important thing is that you do not use your legs to assist in lifting your body weight. As your strength increases, you can add weight by using a weight belt.

Standing Cable Crossover Press
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
Get ready
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Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Stand between two cable stations with the dumbbell grip handles attached to the high pulleys on each side of you.
  2. Hold the handles with an overhand grip. Your arms should be outstretched.
  3. Bend your knees and hips slightly so that you are leaning forward, but not too far.
  4. Bend your elbows slightly and rotate your shoulders in towards the centre of your chest a little. Your elbows should be slightly behind you.
  5. Use a hugging motion, keeping your elbows in a fixed, bent position to bring the grip attachments together in front of your chest.
  6. Slowly return to the starting position until you feel a slight stretch in your chest muscles.
  7. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
  • Holding a pair of dumbbells, sit on a flat bench and slowly lower yourself back.
  • Keep a tight core as you push the dumbbells above your chest. The dumbbells will be facing one another and held together.
  • With a slight bend in the elbow, open up your chest and slowly lower the dumbbells to the sides.
  • When the dumbbells are parallel with the ground, pause, and return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Shoulders, Triceps
  1. Sit on a pec deck machine with your back flat against the back rest.
  2. Grip the handles and make sure your arms are parallel to the floor. If not parallel,adjust the seat or handles accordingly. This is the start position.
  3. Exhale and slowly push the handles together  squeezing your chest to the middle as you do so. Hold for a count of one.
  4. Inhale as you return to the starting position in a controlled movement.
  5. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed using an exercise band or pulleys. There are a variety of  different machines with different placement of your forearms. With these,  place your forearms on the pad, with your elbow bent to 90 degrees. Perform the exercise by squeezing your elbows together.

Tricep Cable Rope Push Downs
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
Get ready
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Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar on attached to the top pulley.
  2. Grip the bar with an overhand grip,with your hands slightly less than shoulder width apart.
  3. Position your feet shoulder width apart,with knees slightly bent for stability.
  4. Pull the bar down until your forearms are parallel to the floor with your elbows close to your body and your wrists locked in a straight position. This is your staring point.
  5. Moving only your forearms, push the bar down towards the floor until your arms are fully extended and you feel a stretch in your triceps. Hold for a count of one and squeeze your triceps.
  6. Return to the start position moving your forearms only. Hold for a count of one then repeat.

Do not move your elbows or swing your hips for momentum during this movement.

Primary muscle group(s):
Triceps
Secondary:
Abs, Lower Back
  1. Holding a pair of dumbbells with an overhand grip, stand tall with your chest up and core braced. Bend at the hips while keeping your back completely flat.
  2. Once your upper body is parallel with the floor, bring your upper arms to your sides. Begin by pushing the dumbbells back and behind you.
  3. Pause at the top of the movement and feel the contraction in your triceps. Slowly lower the dumbbells and begin again.
Cable Shrugs
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
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Primary muscle group(s):
Neck & Upper Traps
Secondary:
Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Stand in front of a cable pulley. Feet are shoulder-width. Your core is tight and lower back is flat. Hold the cable bar and let it hang in front of you. Keep the weight close to your body.
  2. Without using your arms, exhale and bring your shoulders towards your ears.
  3. Hold the movement at the top then slowly bring the weight back down.
Primary muscle group(s):
Neck & Upper Traps
Secondary:
Shoulders, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Place your feet shoulder width apart and using an overhand grip at a little more than shoulder width, hold a barbell in front of you.
  2. Your arms should be fully extended towards the floor, palms facing in towards your thighs. This is the start position.
  3. Exhale and raise or shrug your shoulders up in a slow controlled movement. Do not use your biceps to assist in lifting the barbell.
  4. Continue as high as possible then hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the start position in a smooth movement, inhaling as you do so.
  6. Pause then repeat.

You can rotate your shoulders when performing this exercise. However this is not recommended for people with shoulder problems.

Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
  1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and a dumbbell in each hand.
  2. Keep your arms extended and by your sides and with your palms facing in.
  3. Relax your shoulders so they hang as low as possible.
  4. Raise the dumbbells by slowly lifting your shoulders in a shrugging motion. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Slowly relax your shoulders to return to the start position.
  6. Repeat.

You can also rotate your shoulders in a circular movement during this exercise. One direction on the lift, the opposite direction when lowering to the start position.

Cable Upright Rows
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
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Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Attach a straight bar to the low pulley on the cable station.
  2. Stand facing the station with your feet shoulder width apart either side of the pulley.
  3. Grip the bar with an overhand grip, with your hands shoulder width apart and arms fully extended.
  4. Keep your shoulders back.
  5. Raise the bar straight up in one smooth movement, until it is just below your chin.
  6. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your biceps and forearms.
  7. Slowly lower to the start position and repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Neck & Upper Traps
  1. Stand with your back straight, holding a barbell with an overhand grip slightly less than shoulder width apart.
  2. The bar should be level with the tops of your thighs.
  3. Keep your arms extended with a slight bend at the elbows. This is the start position.
  4. Exhale and using the sides of your shoulders lift the bar.
  5. As you do so, raise your elbows up and out to the side.
  6. Keep the bar close to your body as you raise it.
  7. Continue  lifting the bar until it is just below your chin. Pause for a count of one.
  8. Return to the start position in a single smooth movement. Inhale as you do so.
  9. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed using a straight bar attached to a low pulley or using dumbbells.

Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps, Forearms, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand,stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. The dumbbells should be resting on your thighs with your palms facing in.
  3. Lift the dumbbells straight up in single smooth movement until they are just below your chin making sure to keep your shoulders back and your elbows out.
  4. At the top of the movement, flex or squeeze your biceps and forearms. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the starting position slowly to keep tension on the muscles.
  6. Repeat.

This exercise can be performed using a barbell,EZ bar or a cable station with a straight bar or EZ bar attachment.

Rear Delt Pull
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
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Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Stand tall facing a pulley that has been adjusted to higher than head-height.
  2. Attach a rope or dual handles to the pulley and grab hold of each end with your palms facing your head.
  3. Engage your abs and pull the weight towards your face. Separate your hands as you pull.

Try to keep your arms parallel to the floor.

Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Biceps, Shoulders, Upper Back & Lower Traps
  1. Connect a V-bar attachment to the low pulley on a cable station or cable rowing machine.
  2.  Sit down at the station and place your feet on the foot pads or crossbar provided, while keeping your knees slightly bent.
  3. Lean forward, keeping your back straight and grip the V-bar handles with both hands.
  4. Keeping your arms fully extended pull back until your torso is at a 90-degree angle from your legs.
  5. Your back should be slightly arched, with your chest should be pushed out. This is the start position.
  6. Keeping your torso stationary, pull the handles back towards you while squeezing your back muscles.
  7. Keep your arms close to your sides until your hands reach your abdomen. Exhale as you perform this movement.
  8. Hold for a count of one.
  9. Inhale as you return to the start position in a smooth movement.
  10. Repeat.

Do not swing or rock back and forth as you perform this exercise. Doing so can cause lower back injury. <strong></strong> You can perform this exercise using a straight bar instead of a V-Bar. You can use an underhand or overhand grip.

Primary muscle group(s):
Middle Back / Lats
Secondary:
Biceps
  1. Attach a V-bar / Triangle Bar to the Lat Pulldown machine. Sit on the bench and make sure your knees are secure. Reach up and grab the V-bar with an overhand grip. Be sure to brace your core.
  2. Begin the movement by leaning back slightly while pulling down on the V-bar. Be sure to engage your middle back during the movement.
  3. Once the V-bar is at your chest, pause, contract the muscle, and slowly release to the starting position.
Pull-ups
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
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Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders
  1. Standing under a pull-up bar, reach up and hold onto the bar with an overhand grip. Make sure your hands are about twice your shoulder width apart.
  2. Keep your arms straight and hang from the bar so that your arms are taking all of your weight.
  3. Keeping your body straight and not swinging your weight, pull your body up towards the bar by pulling your elbows down towards your torso at an angle.
  4. Continue lifting until your chest is nearly touching the bar. You should feel a “squeeze” at the base of your lats (about midway down your back and to the side) as they contract.
  5.  Once your lats have completely contracted at the top of the movement, slowly lower your body to the starting position.
  6. Repeat.

By using a wide grip, your lats are doing most of the lift, rather than your biceps. It doesn't matter if you keep your legs straight or bent at the knees with your feet crossed. The important thing is that you do not use your legs to assist in lifting your body weight. As your strength increases, you can add weight by using a weight belt.

Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Rows
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps, Shoulders
  1. Place a dumbbell on each side of a flat bench.
  2. Place your right knee on the end of the bench.
  3. Bend your torso from the waist until your upper body is parallel to the floor, while placing your right hand on the bench in front of you for support.
  4. With your left hand, pick up the dumbbell with an overhand grip. The palm of your hand should be facing into you.
  5. Keep your lower back straight. This is the start position.
  6. Using your back muscles, pull the dumbbell straight up to the side of your chest, keeping your upper arm close to your side. Exhale as you do so.
  7. At the top of the movement, hold for a count of one and squeeze your back muscles.
  8. Return to the start position inhaling as you do so. Repeat.
  9. Complete all repetitions for one side before switching sides.

This exercise can be performed  using a cable station, with a stirrup handle attached to either the high or low pulley.

Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Stand tall with a tight core and flat back. Hold a pair of dumbbells at your side with an overhand grip. Bend slightly at the knees as you push your hips back. Keep your chest and head up. Upper body should be almost parallel with the floor.
  2. With your elbows at a 60-degree angle, bring the dumbbells up. Pause when your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Contract the muscle then slowly return the dumbbells to the starting point.
Primary muscle group(s):
Middle Back / Lats
Secondary:
Abs, Biceps
  1. Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
  2. Bend slightly at the knees and forward at the hips. Maintain a braced core and flat back throughout.
  3. Leading with your elbows, pull the handles of the resistance band back, bringing your shoulder blades closer together. Hold this contraction and slowly release to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Middle Back / Lats, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Biceps
  1. Stand tall with a tight core and flat back. Hold a pair of water bottles at your side with an overhand grip. Bend slightly at the knees as you push your hips back. Keep your chest and head up. Upper body should be almost parallel with the floor.
  2. With your elbows at a 60-degree angle, bring the water bottles up. Pause when your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Contract the muscle then slowly return the water bottles to the starting point.
Jump Squats
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Your toes should be pointing straight ahead or only slightly outward.
  2. Cross your arms in front of your body, place your hands behind your head or at the sides of your head.
  3. Keep your weight on your heels and bend your knees while lowering your hips towards the ground as if you are sitting down on a chair.
  4. Keep your back straight at all times.
  5. Continue until you feel a slight stretch in your quadriceps. Do not let your knees extend out beyond the level of your toes.
  6. Pause for a count of one.
  7. In an explosive movement, drive down through your heels pushing yourself up of the floor with your quads.
  8. At the same time extend our arms out above you.
  9. Land with your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.
  10. Repeat
Primary muscle group(s):
Calves, Hamstrings, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Begin standing tall with a tight core. Your chest will be up and your gaze will be straight ahead. Bend at the knees and drive your hips back as you lower yourself into a squat position.
  2. Launch yourself up while simultaneously twisting to the other side. Your body will perform a 180 degree turn in midair.
  3. Land with bent knees and immediately go right into another jump squat, turning to the starting position. Repeat this alternating pattern.
Primary muscle group(s):
Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Hamstrings
  1. Place your feet at shoulder width apart while keeping your chest up and your abdominals braced.
  2. Begin the movement by swinging your arms up towards your shoulders. At the same time, bend at the knees and drive your hips back like you’re sitting in a chair.
  3. Once your upper thighs are parallel with the ground, pause, then drive your hips forward to return to the starting position.
Barbell Step-ups
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves
  1. Set up a barbell in a rack at shoulder height.
  2. In front of the rack, place an aerobic or exercise step on the floor.
  3. Position yourself under the barbell so it is resting across your shoulder. Not on your neck.
  4. Stand up straight to lift the barbell from the rack and walk forward to the step.
  5. Place one foot on the step and push down through your heel while straightening your leg to lift yourself up onto the step and place your other foot flat on the step.Hold fora count of one.
  6. Step down with the opposite leg to the one you started the movement with.
  7. Repeat all the repetitions of the set for your chosen lead leg befor changing to the other.

For novices or people with balance problems, this exercise can be performed using only body weight or dumbbells until you are confident and your strength has increased. You can also perform this movement by alternating between legs.

Primary muscle group(s):
Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings
  1. Set up a  barbell on a rack  at just below shoulder level.
  2. Step under the bar placing the back of your shoulders under it. Do not rest the bar on your neck.
  3. Grip the the bar using an overhand grip with your elbows bent to90 degrees or slightly more. Less of an angle means your hands are too close together which can cause instability of balance.
  4. Lift the barbell clear of the rack by  pushing with your legs, while straightening your torso.
  5. Step away from the rack.
  6. Step forward with your right leg and squat down through your hips. Keep your back straight  and be careful to maintain your balance. Inhale as you lower yourself.
  7. Continue lowering your body until your left knee is nearly touching the floor.
  8. Return to the start position b pushing through your heel,exhaling as you do so.
  9. Complete all the repetitions for one leg before switching.

This exercise requires a great deal of balance. If you suffer from balance problems, it is best either avoid it, or just use your own body weight while holding on to a steady object. Never perform any exercise with a barbell on your back if you suffer from balance problems. For safety, this exercise is best performed inside a squat rack.

Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Keep your shoulders back. And your back straight.
  3. Take a long stride forward with your right leg. Your right foot should be in a position, that when you bend your right knee, your upper and lower leg form a 90 degree angle.
  4. Slowly bend both your knees, to lower your hips until your left (rear) knee is just above the floor. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the start position by slowly straightening your legs and raising your body back to a standing position.
  6.  Complete all the repetitions for one set full set, then switch legs, or you can alternate between legs for each rep.

Do not let your knee travel past your toes in the down position as this can cause instability and injury.

Primary muscle group(s):
Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Stand up straight while holding two dumbbells. Maintain a tight core and flat back as you carefully place your right foot on top of a bench behind you with toes facing down. 
  2. Bend at the front knee as you drop the back knee, maintaining perfect form. Front knee should not go over the toes.
  3. Allow your thigh to come to parallel with the floor.
  4. Pause then slowly return to the starting position without locking out your knee.
  5. Repeat then switch sides once set is complete.
Dumbbell Lunges
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Keep your shoulders back. And your back straight.
  3. Take a long stride forward with your right leg. Your right foot should be in a position, that when you bend your right knee, your upper and lower leg form a 90 degree angle.
  4. Slowly bend both your knees, to lower your hips until your left (rear) knee is just above the floor. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the start position by slowly straightening your legs and raising your body back to a standing position.
  6.  Complete all the repetitions for one set full set, then switch legs, or you can alternate between legs for each rep.

Do not let your knee travel past your toes in the down position as this can cause instability and injury.

Primary muscle group(s):
Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Hamstrings
  1. Stand up straight while holding two dumbbells. Maintain a tight core and flat back as you carefully place your right foot on top of a bench behind you with toes facing down. 
  2. Bend at the front knee as you drop the back knee, maintaining perfect form. Front knee should not go over the toes.
  3. Allow your thigh to come to parallel with the floor.
  4. Pause then slowly return to the starting position without locking out your knee.
  5. Repeat then switch sides once set is complete.
Primary muscle group(s):
Hamstrings, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Place a bench in front of you. Hold a pair of dumbbells and stand facing the bench. Brace your core and keep your gaze straight ahead.
  2. Bring your right knee up and step up on to the bench. Placing all of the effort in your right leg, bring your body up into a standing position on the bench.
  3. Slowly lower yourself to the starting position and switch legs.
Donkey Kicks
No sets / reps / duration specified
Sets/Reps not set
Get ready
321GO
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors
Secondary:
Abs
  1. Position yourself on all fours on a mat.
  2. Position your hands underneath your shoulders and place your knees under your hips.
  3. Keep your right knee bent at 90 degrees and flex the foot as you lift the knee until it is level with the hip.
  4. Lower the knee without touching the floor and repeat the lift.
  5. Once you’ve completed the reps on the right leg, switch legs.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Lower Back
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Position yourself on all fours with knees underneath the hips and wrists under the shoulders.
  2. Engage your abs and keep your spine neutral, pulling the shoulder blades towards the hips.
  3. Lengthen the left leg until it is straight out and in line with your hips while simultaneously raising and straightening your right arm until it is parallel to the floor. Keep your head and shoulders aligned at all times.
  4. Gently lower your arm and leg back to the starting position and alternate with the other arm and leg.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Lie face down on a flat bench with your hips on the edge of the bench. Fully extend your legs and raise your feet up from the floor so that they are in line with your body .
  2. Place your arms on top of the bench, using them to hold on to the front edge of the bench for stability.
  3. Squeeze your glutes and hamstrings and straighten your legs until they are level with your hips. This is the start position.
  4. Start the exercise by raising you left leg higher than your right leg.
  5. Then lower the left leg as you lift the right leg and so on.
  6. Alternate in this manner  until you have done all repetitions for each leg.

When performing this exercise, breathe normally. As your strength increases, you can add ankle weights.

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