Open Gym Strength and Conditioning – Functional bodybuilding

Warm-up

Shoulder and glute warmup (No Measure)

Crossover Symmetry

and

Hip Halo Warmup

Athletes Notes

Focus: Move with intention and focus on each movement you are performing

Shoulder Press (5×8)

5 sets: 8 reps

Focus: Take barbell from the rig. Keep abs and glutes engaged to prevent over-extension of the low back. Use a slightly staggered stance if needed to prevent over extension. Barbell should make contact with the upper chest/shoulders between reps but you should not lose tension between reps by resting the bar in the front rack. Attempt to add a small increase from previous week’s loading.

Double db z press (4×10)

4 sets: 10 reps

Focus: From a seated position with legs extended in front, press both DB’s overhead. Choose a weight that will allow quality range of motion without cheating by leaning, etc. This movement can be very challenging so don’t go heavier without attempting a few reps with lighter weight first.

bent over lateral raises (4×10)

4 sets: 10 reps

Focus: While standing, bend over to a 45-80 degree angle of the torso with a dumbbell in each hand. Be sure to load the posterior chain when setting up for this movement to create a stable base and avoid placing all stress on the low back. Lift the dumbbells out to the side, ensuring that you don’t go above the level of the shoulder with the hands. Keep the arms extended (but not locked out) during the entirety of the rep and imagine the arms being pulled up by the elbows rather than the hands to help place emphasis on the rear delts.

GHD hip raise (5×20)

5 sets: 20 reps; unloaded or holding a plate or DB

GHD Hip Raise

weighted hip thrusts (5×10)

5 sets: 10 reps

Focus: Set up and brace a bench to prevent it from tipping. Using either a barbell or heavy dumbbell across the hips, place the upper back on the bench. Place feet squat width apart and drive through the heels to elevate the hips until extension is reached. Keep the glutes engaged during entire extension to prevent overextension of the lower back. Use an extra t-shirt or towel to provide padding if barbell/dumbbell is uncomfortable when loaded.

Bulgarian Split Squat (4×10)

4 sets: 10 reps (each side)

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