Squat Development
(Week 2, Starter Powerlift Progression)Day Overview
This day targets squat strength with a focus on proper depth and technique at 75-80% intensity. Accessories support hip, knee, and core stability, essential for improving squat performance and addressing weak points.
Exercises
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• 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:
Perform 4 sets of 3 reps at 75-80% of 1RM with an RPE of 8. Focus on depth, controlled descent, and explosive drive upward. Rest 2-3 minutes between sets.
Working Sets:
4
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• Bulgarian Split Squats
Stand with your back facing a bench or elevated surface. Place the top of your right foot on the bench behind you, keeping your other foot flat on the ground about two feet in front. Keep your torso upright, core engaged, and chest lifted. Lower your hips by bending your front knee until your thigh is parallel to the ground or slightly below, ensuring your front knee stays aligned over your toes. Push through your front heel to return to the starting position. Maintain proper posture throughout, avoiding leaning forward or arching your back. Switch legs and repeat. Keep movements controlled and steady, focusing on balance and muscle engagement.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 8 reps per leg with bodyweight or light dumbbells, RPE 7. Emphasize balance, knee tracking, and hip engagement to strengthen stabilizers.
Working Sets:
3
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• Glute Kickback Machine
To perform the glute kickback on the machine, start by adjusting the machine to fit your height. Position yourself facing the machine with your knees on the padded platform and your feet resting on the footrest. Secure your knees under the padded lever. Begin the exercise by extending one leg straight back, keeping your knee slightly bent and your foot flexed. Focus on squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement. Slowly return to the starting position without letting the weight rest completely. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions before switching to the other leg. Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement and avoid arching your back.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10 reps per leg at moderate weight, RPE 7. Focus on glute activation to improve hip extension strength.
Working Sets:
3
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• Standing Toe Raise
Stand upright with feet hip-width apart, keeping your legs straight but not locked. Raise your heels off the ground by pushing through the balls of your feet, lifting your heels as high as possible while maintaining balance. Hold briefly at the top, then slowly lower your heels back to the starting position. Keep your core engaged and avoid using momentum; focus on controlled movement. To increase difficulty, perform on one foot or add resistance with a dumbbell or calf raise machine.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 12 reps at moderate weight, RPE 7. Supports ankle stability and overall lower limb strength.
Working Sets:
3
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• Hanging Leg Raises
To perform Hanging Leg Raises, find a pull-up bar or any sturdy overhead bar. Grip the bar with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart. Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended and your legs straight. Engage your core and, keeping your legs straight, lift them up in front of you until they are parallel to the ground or higher, if possible. Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement. Avoid swinging or using momentum to lift your legs.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with controlled movement, RPE 7. Strengthens core for better squat stability.
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 for 30 seconds per side for 3 sets at RPE 7. Enhances lateral core stability.
Working Sets:
3