Accessory and Core
(Week 3, Starter Powerlift Progression)Day Overview
This day supports overall strength development with accessory work targeting weak points, core stability, and muscular balance. Exercises are chosen to complement main lifts and prevent injury.
Exercises
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• 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 6-8 reps at an RPE of 7, focusing on full range of motion and scapular control to strengthen upper back and grip.
Working Sets:
3
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• Seated Row
The Seated Row is performed by sitting on a rowing machine or a seated cable row station. Begin by sitting with your feet firmly placed on the footrests and your knees slightly bent. Grasp the handles with an overhand or neutral grip, keeping your back straight and chest up. Pull the handles towards your torso by retracting your shoulder blades and bending your elbows. Keep your elbows close to your body as you pull. Pause briefly when the handles reach your torso, then slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 7, emphasizing scapular retraction and mid-back engagement.
Working Sets:
3
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• 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 at an RPE of 6, focusing on controlled crunching to strengthen the core.
Working Sets:
3
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• 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 6-7, targeting lower back and glutes for posterior chain support.
Working Sets:
3
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• Side Plank
Hold body in straight line supported on one forearm and side of foot.
Prescribed Sets:
Hold each side for 30 seconds per set with an RPE of 6, enhancing lateral core stability.
Working Sets:
3
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• Calf Raises (using Calf Raise Machine)
To perform calf raises on a calf raise machine, stand with your shoulders under the pads and place the balls of your feet on the platform, allowing your heels to hang off. Keep your core engaged and maintain a slight bend in your knees. Push through the balls of your feet to raise your heels as high as possible, squeezing your calf muscles at the top. Lower your heels back down in a controlled manner until you feel a stretch in your calves. Focus on a full range of motion and controlled movements to maximize muscle engagement. This exercise primarily targets the calf muscles, specifically the gastrocnemius and soleus.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps at an RPE of 6, supporting overall leg strength.
Working Sets:
3