Open Gym Strength and Conditioning – Functional bodybuilding

Warm-up

Lower body push/pull (No Measure)

Hip Halo Activation

-into-

3 rounds

5 Alt. step through lunges (each side – perform a step-back lunge directly into a step-forward lunge)

5 Cossack Squats (each side)

10 Kang Squats (empty barbell)

Back Squat (5×10)

5 set: 10 reps

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

Deadlift (5×10)

5 set: 10 reps

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

Elevated heel goblet squat (4×12)

4 sets: 12 reps

Focus: Use a small plate or slant board under each heel. Hold a DB or KB in a goblet position. Focus on keeping tension in the legs throughout out sets. Stop just before full lockout at the top of each rep for added time under tension

Single leg db Romanian Deadlifts (4×10)

4 sets: 10 reps (each side)

Focus: Holding dumbbells in each hand, stand on one foot. Bend at the waist and allow the non-working leg to extend backwards for counter balance. Working leg should have a slight bend throughout rep. Continue forward with the dumbbells until the upper/lower back begins to round or right before contact is made with the dumbbells and the floor (whichever comes first). Aim for this movement is level, balance movement throughout rep (no leaning to left or right) and control of body and dumbbells throughout rep. Do not sacrifice either of these for an increase in weight. To stand, contract the glute on the working side. 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.

Db walking lunges (4×30)

Dual dumbbell walking lunges
4 sets: 30yds (unbroken)

Focus: Find an area that 30 yds can be lunged unbroken. Lunges should be done for quality, not for weight. Feel free to begin with only bodyweight and increase across sets. For walking lunges, attempt to keep tension in the legs during the entire rep, meaning you shouldn’t be resting/slamming the back knee into the floor. Keep loading to something that will allow for smooth, constant lunges throughout sets. Consider using straps during this movement so that grip is not a limiting factor for sets.

seated db calf raise (4×15)

4 sets: 15-20 reps

Focus: Elevate feet so that you can pass below parallel to the floor with the heels. Drive through the big toe at extension. If needed. Use dumbbells on the knees to load this movement *Make sure that platform you have toes on will not flip when loading on edge