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 (1×1)

1 set: Heavy Single

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.

Seated DB Arnold Press (4×10)

4 sets: 10 reps

Focus: From a seated position, raise a dumbbell in each hand to the shoulders with palms facing the body. When pressing overhead, turn the hands during the press to finish with palms facing away from the body. Avoid overextending in the low back during this movement by keeping the core engaged throughout.

standing db lateral raises (4X10)

4 sets: 10 reps

Focus: While standing, hold a dumbbell in each hand with dumbbells slightly in front of the body. Raise the dumbbells to the side, focusing on leading the movement with the elbows and not the hands. Arms should stay slightly bent throughout the movement and hands should stop at the level of the shoulder/elbows. Keep weight on the lighter side so control can be shown throughout.

GHD hip extensions (5×20)

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

Close

weighted hip thrusts (5×12)

5 sets: 12 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.

Lateral band walk (4X15)

Step into band – place band around knees.

Stand tall – engage core. Allow slight flexion in knees.

Take a deep breath in – exhale and begin side stepping to right or left side.

Do not let opposite leg drag; keep flexion in knees throughout movement.

Repeat for desired number of reps, switch to other side.
4 set: 15yds (each direction)

Focus: Using a moderate weight resistance band around the legs (just above the knees), stand with knees slightly and bent and out against the band. Perform lateral steps for the required number of repetitions, insuring that the knees do not dip in during steps.