Deadlift Focus Day

(Week 4, Strength Forge)
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Day Overview

Max effort deadlifts with attention to form and posterior chain development. Accessory work enhances grip, hamstring, and back strength to support deadlift performance.

Exercises

  • Deadlift

    The deadlift is a compound exercise that involves lifting a loaded barbell or bar from the ground to the level of the hips, then lowering it back to the ground. To perform a deadlift, stand with your feet hip-width apart, with the barbell over the middle of your feet. Bend at the hips and knees to grip the bar with your hands just outside your knees. Keep your back straight, chest up, and shoulders back. Engage your core and drive through your heels to lift the bar by extending your hips and knees. Stand fully upright with the barbell in front of your thighs. Reverse the movement to lower the bar back to the ground, maintaining control throughout.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 4 sets of 3-5 reps at RPE 8-9, progressively increasing weight weekly. Focus on proper setup, bar path, and hip drive for maximal strength.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • 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 3 sets of 6 reps at RPE 8, emphasizing back engagement and controlled movement to support deadlift pulling strength.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Pull-Ups

    To perform a pull-up, start by hanging from a pull-up bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, palms facing away from you. Engage your core and pull your body upward until your chin is above the bar. Keep your elbows close to your body and avoid swinging or using momentum. Lower yourself back to the starting position with control. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps at RPE 8, focusing on full range of motion and scapular retraction to strengthen lats and upper back.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Hip Thrusts

    Sit on the ground with your upper back resting against a bench or elevated surface, knees bent at approximately 90 degrees, and feet flat on the floor. Place a weight (such as a barbell or dumbbell) across your hips for added resistance if desired. Drive through your heels to lift your hips upward, squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees. Lower your hips back down in a controlled manner, maintaining tension in the glutes throughout. Keep your core engaged and avoid overextending your lower back during the movement.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 8 reps at RPE 8, targeting glutes and hamstrings for deadlift support.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Farmer's Walk

    Hold heavy dumbbells or farmer's walk handles at sides, walk for distance or time.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 30 seconds walk at RPE 7, enhancing grip and core stability.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Ab Wheel Rollout

    Kneel holding ab wheel, roll forward extending body, roll back contracting abs.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps at RPE 8, reinforcing core stability for deadlift performance.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Barbell/Dumbbell Calf Raise

    Perform standing calf raise with a barbell or a dumbell. Use a single leg if using a dumbbell.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 15 reps at RPE 7, supporting lower limb strength.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Reverse Hyperextensions

    To perform reverse hyperextensions, lie face down on a hyperextension bench with your hips positioned at the edge. Secure your legs under the pads or supports. Keep your arms crossed over your chest or behind your head. Engage your glutes and lower back muscles to lift your legs and hips upward, extending your hips and legs behind you in a controlled manner. Avoid using momentum; focus on muscle engagement. Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout. Keep your neck in a neutral position and avoid overarching your lower back during the movement.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 10 reps at RPE 7-8, focusing on posterior chain and lower back health.

    Working Sets:

    3

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