Bench Press Day

(Week 7, Strength Forge)
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Day Overview

Focus on maximal effort bench presses to push strength boundaries. Accessories target triceps, shoulders, and chest to support pressing power and address weak points, with low volume to facilitate recovery.

Exercises

  • bench press

    barbell bench press

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 4 sets of 2-3 reps at an RPE of 9-10, aiming for near-max loads. Increase weight slightly from last week, focusing on explosive drive and strict form. Rest 3-4 minutes between sets.

    Working Sets:

    4

  • incline db press

    incline dumbbell bench press

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 6-8 reps with an RPE of 8, emphasizing upper chest and shoulder stability. Use challenging weights, progressing gradually. Rest 2-3 minutes.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Dips

    Lower and raise your body using parallel bars to work the triceps and chest.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8, focusing on triceps and lower chest activation. Use assistance if necessary to maintain proper form. Rest 1-2 minutes.

    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 8-10 reps with an RPE of 7-8, targeting triceps for lockout strength. Rest 1-2 minutes.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • face pull

    cable face pull with external rotation

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps with an RPE of 7, focusing on rear delts and scapular stability. Rest 1 minute.

    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, emphasizing shoulder health and stability. Rest 1 minute.

    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:

    Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps with an RPE of 7, supporting core strength for pressing stability. Rest 1 minute.

    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 10-12 reps with an RPE of 7, strengthening lower back and posterior chain. Rest 1-2 minutes.

    Working Sets:

    3

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