Open Gym Strength and Conditioning – Functional bodybuilding

Warm-up

Upper Body Anterior (Chest & Bicep) Warm-up (No Measure)

Crossover Symmetry Warmup

-into-

3 rounds

10 Perfect Pushups (controlled form)

15 band pull-a-parts

5 PVC Around the Worlds (each way)

10 wall angels

5 scorpions (each side)

Strict pull-ups (5×5)

-Hands outside shoulder width

-Full grip on bar

-Start hanging with arms extended

-Chest stays up with eyes forward

-pull until chin is higher than bar

-Complete at full arm extension
5 sets: 5 reps

Focus: Control should be shown across sets. Athlete should keep core engaged and avoid kipping. Band across rig is encouraged if strict reps are not possible and should be set at a height that allows for desired number of rep but no more. If using a band, make note of the hole that you are placing the back across the rig to keep consistency on resistance assistance across workouts.

Bent Over Row (4×10)

4 sets: 10 reps

Focus: With a double overhand grip, deadlift bar to waist and then lower to a hang position (right above the knees) to start each set. Aim to pull with the elbows (rather than the hands) and bringing the bar to the hips (do not pull high towards the upper abdomen). Focus on getting a strong back contraction with each rep. Minimize the amount of kipping used between reps and feel the stretch in the lats/upper back when lowering the bar back to the hang position with each rep.

Seated Neutral Grip Banded Row (4×10)

4 sets: 10 reps

Focus: Seated on the floor, using CO symmetry bands, position body so that legs are extended but not locked out. Strong contraction of the back/pulling back with the elbow not the hands. Handle should come to the lower torso. A slight lean back is acceptable with the row portion of this movement. When returning the arms to extension, allow the back/lats to go into a slight stretch rather than just stopping at full arm extension. If you do not have access to a seated row, attach a PVC pipe to a rig via two bands and perform this movement. ALWAYS INSPECT BANDS FOR SIGNS OF POTENTIAL BREAKAGE BEFORE USING.

lying DB pull overs (4×12)

Lying DB Pullover on Bench

Lying on a bench, hold a dumbbell by the upper head in both hands. Keeping a slight bend in the arms, lower the dumbbell back towards the floor. Engagement should be felt in the lats/upper back. Only go back as far as control in the lift is still felt and start light to get a feel for the movement. Avoid overarching the back to facilitate a greater range of motion; core should remain engaged throughout. Suggested lying on the bench sideways so the upper back is the supported area by the bench (just ensure that bench is secured to prevent tipping over).
4 sets: 12 reps

Focus: Lying on a bench, hold a dumbbell by the upper head in both hands. Keeping a slight bend in the arms, lower the dumbbell back towards the floor. Engagement should be felt in the lats/upper back. Only go back as far as control in the lift is still felt and start light to get a feel for the movement. Avoid overarching the back to facilitate a greater range of motion; core should remain engaged throughout. Suggested lying on the bench sideways so the upper back is the supported area by the bench (just ensure that bench is secured to prevent tipping over).

Barbell skull crushers (4×10)

4 sets: 10 reps

Focus: Lie on a bench with barbell extended towards the ceiling. Movement works best with an EZ curl bar but a straight will work as well. Keeping the elbow tucked, bring the bar down towards the top of head (around the hairline region). Elbows should stay pointed towards the ceiling. Adjust grip as needed to find the best balance between comfort and power. Do not sacrifice form for weight and focus on a solid contraction with each rep.

single arm tricep ext with band (4×10)

4 sets: 10 reps (each side)

Focus: Resistance should allow for control throughout the extension. ALWAYS INSPECT BANDS FOR SIGNS OF POTENTIAL BREAKAGE BEFORE USING. Avoid going to complete lockout at the bottom: focusing on stopping just before full extension. Focus on engagement of triceps with each rep and stop before failure is reached. Keep free hand behind tricep to stabilize arm and minimize swing.