Squat Assistance & Core

(Week 5, Strength Forge)
Back to Program

Day Overview

This day supports squat strength with accessory work focusing on hip, quad, and core stability. The aim is to reinforce weak points and improve technical consistency at high intensities.

Exercises

  • 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:

    4 sets of 3-5 reps at 90-95% 1RM, RPE 8. Focus on depth, bracing, and controlled movement. Increase weight weekly, rest 3-4 minutes.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • Lunges

    Lunges are a lower body exercise that involves stepping forward with one leg and lowering your hips until both knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. Ensure your front knee is directly above your ankle and your back knee hovers just above the ground. Push through the heel of your front foot to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other leg.

    Prescribed Sets:

    3 sets of 8 reps per leg, RPE 8. Emphasize stability and controlled movement.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Hip Abduction Machine

    To perform the hip abduction machine exercise, sit on the machine with your back against the padded support. Adjust the seat height and backrest to ensure comfort and proper alignment. Place your legs inside the padded levers, ensuring that your knees are aligned with the pivot point of the machine. Grip the handles or the sides of the seat for stability. Begin the movement by pushing your legs outward against the resistance, focusing on squeezing your glutes and outer thighs. Keep your feet flexed and avoid arching your back. Slowly return to the starting position while maintaining control. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Prescribed Sets:

    3 sets of 12-15 reps, RPE 7.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Plank

    Hold a plank position on your forearms to engage the core muscles.

    Prescribed Sets:

    3 sets of 60 seconds, RPE 7.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Ab Wheel Rollout

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

    Prescribed Sets:

    3 sets of 8-12 reps, RPE 7-8.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • seated calf raise

    seated calf raise machine

    Prescribed Sets:

    3 sets of 12-15 reps, RPE 7.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Hanging Leg Raise

    Hang from a bar and raise your legs to target your lower abdominals.

    Prescribed Sets:

    3 sets of 10-15 reps, RPE 7.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • 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:

    3 sets of 15-20 reps, RPE 7.

    Working Sets:

    3

Back to Program