Additional Bench and Upper Support
(Week 3, Strength Forge)Day Overview
This session reinforces bench press strength with accessory work targeting supporting muscles. High intensity with low reps to maximize overload and muscle recruitment, aiding overall pressing power.
Exercises
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• Close-Grip Bench Press
Perform a bench press with a narrow grip to emphasize the triceps.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 3-5 reps at RPE 9, focusing on triceps and inner chest activation for strength transfer.
Working Sets:
4
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• Dumbbell Flyes
Lie on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing each other. Keep a slight bend in your elbows and lower the dumbbells out to the sides in a wide arc until you feel a stretch in your chest. Keep your shoulders stable and avoid shrugging. Then, bring the dumbbells back together above your chest by squeezing your chest muscles, maintaining the slight elbow bend throughout. Focus on controlled movement and proper form to maximize chest activation and minimize shoulder strain.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps at RPE 8-9, emphasizing controlled eccentric and stretch to support chest development.
Working Sets:
3
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• Seated Dip Machine
Sit in dip machine, push handles down.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps at RPE 8. Focus on full range of motion and triceps engagement.
Working Sets:
3
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• face pull
cable face pull with external rotation
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps at RPE 8. Prioritize scapular retraction and shoulder 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 8-12 reps at RPE 8. Strengthen core for stability during pressing.
Working Sets:
3
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• Russian Twist
Sit and rotate your torso side to side to work your obliques and core.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 15 reps per side to enhance rotational core strength.
Working Sets:
3
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• Battle Ropes (Waves)
Creating wave patterns with heavy ropes.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 20 seconds at high effort (RPE 8-9) for shoulder conditioning.
Working Sets:
3
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• Calf Raises (Standing or Seated)
Stand upright with feet hip-width apart, ensuring balance. For standing calf raises, lift your heels off the ground by pushing through the balls of your feet, engaging your calf muscles, then slowly lower back down. For seated calf raises, sit on a bench or chair with feet flat on the ground, place weight on your knees if desired, then raise your heels by pushing through the balls of your feet, and lower back down slowly. Keep your knees slightly bent or straight depending on variation. Maintain a controlled movement, avoid bouncing, and focus on squeezing the calf muscles at the top of the movement.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps at RPE 8, focusing on full extension and control.
Working Sets:
3