Back, Biceps, Abs
(Week 7, Health & Strength Split)Day Overview
This session emphasizes pulling movements with a focus on mechanical tension and controlled reps to support posture, spinal health, and bicep strength. The exercises promote stability and endurance, crucial for functional movement and aging support.
Exercises
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• Lat Pulldown
Sit down and pull the bar down towards your chest to work your lats and upper back.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8, focusing on slow, controlled pulls (3 seconds down, 1 second up). Engage lats fully and avoid using momentum to maximize tension and safety.
Working Sets:
4
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• Seated Row
The Seated Row is performed by sitting on a rowing machine or a seated cable row station. Begin by sitting with your feet firmly placed on the footrests and your knees slightly bent. Grasp the handles with an overhand or neutral grip, keeping your back straight and chest up. Pull the handles towards your torso by retracting your shoulder blades and bending your elbows. Keep your elbows close to your body as you pull. Pause briefly when the handles reach your torso, then slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.
Prescribed Sets:
Complete 4 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8, pulling with a 3-second eccentric and 1-second concentric, emphasizing scapular retraction and core stability.
Working Sets:
4
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• Barbell Bicep Curls
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with an underhand grip (palms facing up), hands shoulder-width apart. Keep your elbows close to your torso and your back straight. Curl the barbell upward by bending your elbows, keeping your upper arms stationary. Continue to lift the barbell until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a brief moment, then slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position. Ensure you maintain control throughout the movement and avoid using momentum to lift the weight.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8, using a slow 2-3 second tempo on both phases to maximize bicep engagement and joint safety.
Working Sets:
3
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• Ab Crunch Machine
Sit on the crunch machine with your back flat against the pad and feet secured under the foot pads. Place your hands behind your head or across your chest. Engage your core and curl your upper body forward by contracting your abdominal muscles, bringing your chest closer to your knees. Keep your neck in a neutral position and avoid pulling on your neck with your hands. Exhale as you crunch, then slowly return to the starting position while inhaling. Maintain controlled movement throughout to maximize engagement of the abdominal muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
Execute 3 sets of 15-20 reps with an RPE of 7-8, focusing on slow, controlled crunches to strengthen the core and support spinal health.
Working Sets:
3
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• Ab Wheel Rollout
Kneel holding ab wheel, roll forward extending body, roll back contracting abs.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8, maintaining a slow, controlled movement to enhance core stability and reinforce posture.
Working Sets:
3