Legs and Back
(Week 2, Athletic Power Surge)Day Overview
This session targets lower body strength and posterior chain development, crucial for athletic performance. The focus is on compound lifts like squats and rows to build foundational strength, complemented by accessory work to improve muscular balance and resilience. Rest periods are maintained to ensure quality reps, with an emphasis on controlled movement to maximize muscular activation.
Exercises
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• Barbell Squats
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, positioning the barbell across your upper back and shoulders. Keep your chest up, core engaged, and back straight. Initiate the movement by hinging at the hips and bending the knees to lower your body as if sitting back into a chair. Keep your knees tracking over your toes and ensure your heels remain flat on the ground. Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor or slightly below, then drive through your heels to return to the starting position. Maintain proper posture throughout, avoiding forward leaning or rounding the back. Use the Smith machine or power rack to guide the bar's movement, providing stability and safety during the squat.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 6-8 reps with an RPE of 8 on the first set, gradually increasing to RPE 9 on the last set. Focus on maintaining proper depth and core stability to maximize power transfer and athletic utility. Rest 90 seconds between sets.
Working Sets:
4
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• Bent-Over Barbell Rows
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with an overhand grip. Bend at the hips while keeping your back flat and core engaged, allowing the barbell to hang at arm's length. Pull the barbell towards your lower chest or upper abdomen by squeezing your back muscles, keeping elbows close to your body. Lower the barbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Maintain a slight bend in the knees and avoid rounding your back throughout the movement. Keep your head in line with your spine and avoid using momentum to lift the weight.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 6-8 reps at an RPE of 8-9, emphasizing a strong back contraction and neutral spine. Use controlled tempo to enhance muscular engagement. Rest 90 seconds between sets.
Working Sets:
4
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• Walking Lunges with Dumbbells
Begin by standing upright with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. Step forward with your right foot, lowering your hips until both knees are bent at approximately 90 degrees, ensuring your front knee is directly above your ankle and your back knee is hovering just above the ground. Keep your torso upright and core engaged throughout the movement. Push through the heel of your front foot to stand back up and step forward with your left foot into the next lunge. Continue alternating legs, maintaining proper form and control. Keep your steps steady, avoid letting your knees cave inward, and ensure your movements are smooth and controlled.
Prescribed Sets:
Complete 3 sets of 10 reps per leg with a challenging weight, aiming for an RPE of 8. Focus on stability and controlled movement to improve balance and unilateral strength. Rest 60 seconds between sets.
Working Sets:
3
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• Back Extension
Perform a back extension to strengthen the lower back and glutes.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with RPE 7-8, focusing on glute and lower back activation. Maintain a controlled tempo, avoiding hyperextension. Rest 60 seconds between sets.
Working Sets:
3
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• Cable Row
Row the cable toward your torso to target your middle back muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
Execute 3 sets of 8-10 reps at RPE 8, emphasizing scapular retraction and full range of motion. Use controlled tempo to maximize engagement. Rest 60 seconds between sets.
Working Sets:
3
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• Seated Calf Raises
Sit on the calf raise machine with your feet positioned on the foot platform, ensuring the balls of your feet are supported. Place your thighs under the padded lever. Push through the balls of your feet to raise your heels as high as possible, squeezing your calves at the top. Slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position, feeling the stretch in your calves. Keep your knees stationary throughout the movement, and avoid using momentum by controlling the movement with your calf muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps with RPE 7, focusing on full extension and controlled lowering to develop ankle strength and power transfer. Rest 45 seconds between sets.
Working Sets:
3