Chest, Shoulders, Triceps
(Week 4, Health & Strength Split)Day Overview
This session targets the pushing muscles with a focus on controlled, high-tension movements to support shoulder stability and chest development. Exercises are ordered to maximize muscle engagement while minimizing fatigue, emphasizing tempo control to reinforce stability and strength.
Exercises
-
• Chest Press Machine
Sit in a chest press machine, push handles forward until arms are extended.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8 on the first set, gradually increasing to RPE 10 on the last. Use a controlled tempo of 2-1-2 (eccentric, pause, concentric) to maximize mechanical tension and muscle awareness. Focus on full range of motion and scapular stability.
Working Sets:
4
-
• Shoulder Press Machine
The Shoulder Press Machine is designed to target the shoulder muscles, primarily the deltoids. To perform the exercise, sit on the machine with your back firmly against the backrest. Adjust the seat height so that the handles are at shoulder level. Grip the handles with your palms facing forward and elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. Press the handles upward until your arms are fully extended, ensuring to keep your back against the seat and not arching your lower back. Slowly lower the handles back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8, emphasizing slow, controlled movements with a 2-1-2 tempo. Keep core engaged and avoid locking elbows at the top to maintain tension and stability.
Working Sets:
4
-
• Assisted Dips
Stand on the assisted dip machine and grip the handles with your palms facing inward. Step onto the foot platform to support your body weight, reducing the load. Keep your torso upright and elbows close to your sides. Lower your body by bending your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the ground or slightly below. Push through your palms to extend your elbows and return to the starting position. Maintain a controlled movement throughout, keeping your core engaged and avoiding excessive swinging or leaning forward.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 8-12 reps with an RPE of 8, focusing on a controlled descent (eccentric) over 3 seconds, then push up explosively. Use assistance to keep reps within target range and maintain proper form.
Working Sets:
3
-
• Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise
To perform the Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise, start by standing upright with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a slight bend in your elbows. Engage your core and ensure your back is straight. Slowly raise the dumbbells out to the sides until your arms are parallel to the ground, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Hold for a moment at the top of the movement, then lower the weights back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Avoid swinging the weights and focus on using your shoulder muscles to lift.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps with an RPE of 7-8, emphasizing slow, deliberate lifts with a 2-1-2 tempo to target the deltoids' lateral fibers and improve shoulder stability.
Working Sets:
3
-
• Cable Overhead Tricep Extension
To perform the Cable Overhead Tricep Extension, start by attaching a rope or straight bar to the high pulley of a cable machine. Stand facing away from the machine and grasp the attachment with both hands, arms extended overhead. Your elbows should be close to your head, and your palms should be facing forward. Slowly lower the attachment behind your head by bending your elbows, keeping your upper arms stationary. Once your forearms are parallel to the ground or slightly below, extend your arms back to the starting position by straightening your elbows. Ensure to maintain a controlled movement throughout the exercise to effectively target the triceps.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8, focusing on a controlled eccentric phase over 3 seconds and a strong, controlled lockout to maximize tricep engagement.
Working Sets:
3