Deadlift Focus Day

(Week 7, Strength Forge)
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Day Overview

Maximize deadlift strength with high-intensity pulls, emphasizing proper technique and posterior chain development. Accessories support hamstring, glute, and back strength, with low volume to facilitate recovery.

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 2-3 reps at an RPE of 9-10, pushing near maximal loads. Focus on perfect form, controlled descent, and explosive drive. Rest 3-4 minutes between sets.

    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 4-6 reps with an RPE of 8-9, emphasizing back engagement and controlled movement. Rest 2-3 minutes.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • glute ham raise

    bodyweight glute ham raise

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 6-8 reps with an RPE of 8, targeting hamstrings and glutes. Rest 2 minutes.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • Back Extension

    Perform a back extension to strengthen the lower back and glutes.

    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

  • Kettlebell Swing

    Swing a kettlebell between your legs and then up to shoulder height, hinging at the hips.

    Prescribed Sets:

    Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 7, focusing on hip drive and posterior chain activation. Rest 1 minute.

    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 with an RPE of 8, supporting core stability for deadlift lockout. Rest 1-2 minutes.

    Working Sets:

    3

  • 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 with an RPE of 7, supporting overall leg strength. 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, reinforcing core strength. Rest 1 minute.

    Working Sets:

    3

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