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Bodybuilder Three Day Split

Bodybuilder Three Day Split

Gym Workout3-day split19 exercises

The Classical Bodybuilder Three Day Split is designed to target major muscle groups on separate days, allowing for maximum focus and recovery. Day 1 focuses on chest and triceps, Day 2 on back and biceps, and Day 3 on legs and core. This split routine emphasizes hypertrophy through high-volume training, ideal for building muscle mass and achieving a well-balanced physique. Rest days between sessions ensure proper recovery, making this routine perfect for bodybuilders looking to optimize muscle growth.

1

Day 1: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps

7 exercises
Bench press (regular grip) with barbell

The barbell bench press is a foundational strength-training exercise that offers numerous benefits. It primarily targets the pectoral muscles (chest), deltoids (shoulders), and triceps, promoting upper body strength and hypertrophy. This exercise also engages stabilizing muscles in the back and core, enhancing overall balance and stability. Athletes can profit from the Barbell Bench Press as it increases pushing power, essential for various sports, and improves upper body endurance, contributing to better performance and physical conditioning.

ChestBarbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

51kg

Avg. weight

112lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Lie with your back on a flat bench. The bar should be on the level of your eyes.
  2. 2Place your feet firmly on the ground. Grasp the bar with both hands, your hands should be shoulder-width apart.
  3. 3Straighten your wrists when holding the barbell. Push the bar upwards until your arms are almost fully extended.
  4. 4Inhale as you lower the barbell to your chest.
  5. 5Exhale as you press the barbell back up to the starting position.
  6. 6You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Arch Your Back: Maintain a slight arch in your lower back to engage your chest muscles more effectively and protect your spine.
  • Foot Placement: Firmly plant your feet on the ground. This stability allows you to generate more power throughout the lift.
  • Grip Width: Use a grip that’s slightly wider than shoulder-width. A narrower grip can put more strain on your shoulders, while a very wide grip can limit your range of motion.
Bench press with dumbbells (inclined)

The inclined bench press with dumbbell is a powerful exercise that targets the upper chest, shoulders, and triceps, promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength. Elevating the bench to an incline angle shifts focus to the clavicular head of the pectorals, enhancing upper chest development and improving muscle symmetry. This exercise also activates stabilizing muscles, contributing to overall shoulder stability and functional strength. Athletes benefit from this exercise by gaining increased upper body power and enhanced aesthetics, which are crucial for performance in various sports.

ChestDumbbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

38kg

Avg. weight

83lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Hold a dumbbell in each hand, sit on a bench inclined at a 45 degrees angle and rest one dumbbell on each knee.
  2. 2While you lie back on the bench, kick each dumbbell up into position resting on your chest, one at a time.
  3. 3Position the dumbbells to the sides of your chest and place your feet firmly on the ground.
  4. 4Exhale as you press the dumbbells upward and inward until your arms are almost fully extended and the dumbbells nearly touch above the center of your face.
  5. 5Inhale as you slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position. For an extra pump, lower the dumbbells beyond the starting position until you feel a slight stretch in your chest.
  6. 6You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Consistent Angles: Ensure the bench is set at a 30-degree to 45-degree angle. This helps target the upper chest while minimizing strain on the shoulders.
  • Controlled Movement: Lower the dumbbells slowly and with control to maximize muscle engagement and reduce the risk of injury. Avoid letting the weights drop quickly.
  • Elbow Positioning: Keep your elbows at a 45-degree angle to your body. This helps protect your shoulder joints and place more emphasis on the pectoral muscles.
Cable cross over (medium)

The cable crossover is a versatile exercise effective for developing the pectoral muscles, specifically the upper, middle, and lower chest regions. It also engages the anterior deltoids, triceps, and stabilizing muscles. Benefits include improved chest symmetry, enhanced muscle definition, and increased strength. For athletes, this exercise enhances upper body power, aiding in sports requiring push movements like basketball, football, and martial arts. Moreover, it promotes shoulder stability and functional strength, crucial for overall athletic performance.

ChestCableStrengthWeight

Community Averages

40kg

Avg. weight

89lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Set Up: Stand midway between two pulleys, holding a handle in each hand. Place one foot in front of the other for stability.
  2. 2Body Position: Bend forward slightly at the hips, keeping your back straight throughout the exercise.
  3. 3Arm Position: Extend your arms out to your sides with a slight bend at the elbows. Your palms should be facing forward.
  4. 4Perform the Fly: Exhale as you slowly draw the handles together in an arcing motion until they are positioned in front of your abdomen.
  5. 5Squeeze and Hold: Hold at the front for a count of two, squeezing your chest muscles.
  6. 6Return to Start: Inhale as you slowly return the handles to the starting position or until you feel a mild stretch in your chest.
  7. 7Repeat: Complete the recommended number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Form: Ensure your torso is bent forward at the hips throughout the movement. This targets the chest more effectively and alleviates unnecessary strain on your lower back.
  • Control the Movement: Focus on slow, controlled movements both on the contraction and the release. This maximizes muscle engagement and reduces the risk of injury.
  • Adjust Cable Height: Experiment with different cable heights to find which angle activates your chest most. Generally, starting with the pulleys at shoulder height is a good middle ground.
Overhead press or military press with barbell

The standing military press (with barbell) is an effective compound exercise ideal for developing upper body strength. Key benefits include enhanced shoulder muscle hypertrophy, improved core stability, and better lifting performance. This exercise primarily targets the deltoids, triceps, and upper pectorals while also engaging the core for stabilization. Athletes profit from the Standing Military Press due to its functional strength gains, which translate into improved performance in various sports activities and daily tasks requiring upper body power and coordination.

ShouldersBarbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

33kg

Avg. weight

72lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Set up a barbell on a squat rack at chest height. Select appropriate weights.
  2. 2Stand under the bar and grasp it with a pronated grip, wider than shoulder-width apart.
  3. 3Slightly bend your knees and position the barbell on your collarbone.
  4. 4Lift the barbell to rest on your chest, then step back and position your feet shoulder-width apart.
  5. 5Press the barbell overhead by extending your arms until they are locked, with the bar slightly in front of your head.
  6. 6Lower the barbell to your collarbone slowly while inhaling.
  7. 7Press the barbell back up to the starting position as you exhale.
  8. 8Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Engage Your Core: Tighten your core muscles throughout the movement to maintain stability and support your lower back. This prevents excessive arching and potential injury.
  • Grip Width: Ensure your grip is slightly wider than shoulder-width. This helps in better activation of the shoulder muscles and improves the range of motion.
  • Wrist Alignment: Keep your wrists straight and in line with your forearms to avoid unnecessary strain and reduce the risk of injury.
Lateral raise with dumbbells

The dumbbell lateral raise primarily targets the lateral deltoids, providing definition and strength to the shoulders. Additionally, it involves the anterior deltoids, trapezius, and rotator cuff muscles. Benefits include enhanced shoulder width, improved posture, and better shoulder stability, crucial for athletic performance. Athletes profit from this exercise as it contributes to stronger and more balanced shoulder muscles, reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall upper body strength and aesthetics. It's an essential move for building a robust shoulder profile and enhancing athletic capabilities.

ShouldersDumbbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

16kg

Avg. weight

34lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Stand upright and hold a dumbbell in each hand with the dumbbells hanging down by your sides. Keep your elbows slightly bent during the whole exercise.
  2. 2Exhale as you raise both arms to the sides until your arms form one line with your shoulders.Inhale and lower the dumbbells into the starting position.
  3. 3You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Form: Keep a slight bend in your elbows to reduce the strain on your elbow joints. This will help maintain tension in your shoulder muscles.
  • Neutral Wrist Position: Keep your wrists in a neutral position-avoid letting them bend forward or backward. This helps to protect your wrists and ensure that the focus remains on your shoulders.
  • Controlled Movement: Lift and lower the dumbbells slowly and with control. Avoid using momentum to lift the weights, which can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury.
Skull crusher with EZ bar (declined)
ArmsEzbarStrengthWeight

Community Averages

23kg

Avg. weight

51lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Position a loaded EZ bar by the head of a declined bench.
  2. 2Hook your feet firmly under the foot pads of the bench and lie supine (on your back).
  3. 3Grasp the EZ bar using a close pronated grip (palms facing away from you) and press it up over your chest until your arms are straight.
  4. 4Allow your arms to tilt backwards a little. (Note: This is not expressed in the illustration, in which the arms are kept vertical.)
  5. 5Keeping your upper arms fixed, inhale as you flex your elbows and carefully lower the EZ bar toward your face in a circular motion.
  6. 6Exhale as you extend your elbows and return the EZ bar to the starting position.
  7. 7Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Control the Descent: Lower the bar slowly and with control to avoid any unnecessary strain on your elbows. This will also help to maximize the engagement of your triceps.
  • Elbow Positioning: Keep your elbows as close together as possible throughout the movement. Flared elbows can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury.
  • Range of Motion: Ensure you're using a full range of motion by lowering the bar until your forearms are parallel to the ground. This will fully engage your triceps for a better workout.
Triceps push down with ropes

The cable triceps pushdown is a powerful exercise for enhancing upper-arm strength. This move primarily targets the triceps brachii, engaging all three heads for balanced development. Secondary muscles include the shoulders and core, providing stabilization. Athletes benefit from this exercise by improving arm strength and definition, aiding performance in sports that require powerful arm movements like basketball, tennis, and swimming. Enhanced triceps strength also contributes to better performance in chest and shoulder workouts, offering comprehensive upper-body conditioning.

ArmsCableStrengthWeight

Community Averages

27kg

Avg. weight

59lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Attach a rope to a high cable pulley. Grasp the rope with your palms facing each other. Lean forward and keep your elbows close to the sides of your body. This is your starting position.
  2. 2Exhale as you extend your elbows and push the rope downwards until your arms are almost fully extended. Twist your wrists at the end of the movement so that your palms are facing the floor as your arms are extended.
  3. 3Inhale as you reverse the movement and return to the starting position.
  4. 4You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Posture: Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise. Avoid leaning forward or backward as this can reduce the effectiveness and put unnecessary strain on your lower back.
  • Keep Elbows Close: Ensure that your elbows are tucked close to your sides throughout the movement. Flaring them out can transfer the focus away from your triceps and reduce the efficiency of the exercise.
  • Full Range of Motion: Extend your arms fully downwards, and let them return to about a 90-degree angle at the top of the movement. Don't let the weight stack touch down or rest between repetitions to keep constant tension on the muscles.
2

Day 2: Back and Biceps

6 exercises
Row with cable (seated)

The cable seated row is a strength training exercise that primarily targets the back muscles, specifically the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and trapezius. It also engages the biceps and forearms. This exercise is highly beneficial for improving posture, enhancing upper-body strength, and stabilizing the core. Athletes can profit from the Cable Seated Row as it increases pulling power, crucial for sports like climbing, swimming, and rowing. Improved back strength aids in overall athletic performance and injury prevention by ensuring balanced muscle development.

BackMachineStrengthWeight

Community Averages

52kg

Avg. weight

114lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Sit facing the cable row machine and place your feet securely on the foot rests.
  2. 2Grasp the double-row bar with both hands, then slide your bottom backward until your knees are nearly straight.
  3. 3Lean your torso forward and allow your arms and shoulders to stretch forward.
  4. 4Exhale as you lean backward, straighten your back, and pull the v-bar toward your abdomen, keeping your elbows close to your body.
  5. 5At the top of the movement, pull your shoulders back, stick out your chest, and squeeze your back muscles. Hold for a count of two.
  6. 6Inhale as you slowly lean forward and return the double-row bar to the starting position, stretching your arms and shoulders forward.
  7. 7Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Posture: Keep your back straight and avoid rounding your shoulders to prevent injuries and maximize muscle engagement.
  • Controlled Movements: Perform the exercise in a slow and controlled manner to ensure you engage your muscles properly and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Grip Variation: Experiment with different grips, such as a wide grip, narrow grip, or underhand grip, to target different parts of your back muscles.
Lat pull down (wide grip)

The cable lat pulldown (wide grip) is an effective exercise for building upper body strength and enhancing muscle definition. This movement primarily targets the latissimus dorsi, but it also engages the biceps, rear deltoids, and upper back muscles. Athletes benefit by developing a powerful and balanced upper body, crucial for activities requiring pulling strength and stability. Additionally, this exercise improves posture and can aid in the prevention of shoulder injuries by bolstering supportive muscles around the joint. A versatile addition to any strength training regimen!

BackCableStrengthWeight

Community Averages

45kg

Avg. weight

100lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Choose a weight that you are comfortable with and sit on the lat pull-down machine. Adjust the machine so that your thighs fit under the supports.
  2. 2Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, with your hands more than shoulder-width apart.
  3. 3Exhale as you slowly pull the bar down towards your upper chest. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together and hold for a count of two.
  4. 4Inhale as you slowly return the bar to the starting position, keeping your movements controlled.
  5. 5Repeat this motion for the recommended number of repetitions, keeping proper form and technique throughout the exercise.

Tips & Tricks

  • Grip Control: Ensure your grip is wide enough to activate your lats effectively but not so wide that it strains your shoulders. A wider grip typically targets the upper part of the lats more intensely.
  • Elbow Position: As you pull down, focus on bringing your elbows down and back. Avoid letting them flare out to maintain tension on your lats.
  • Mind-Muscle Connection: Concentrate on contracting your lats as you pull the bar down. This can help enhance muscle activation and growth.
Bent over lateral raises with dumbbells
BackDumbbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

20kg

Avg. weight

45lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Start by holding a dumbbell in each hand, with your arms hanging in front of you and your palms facing inwards.
  2. 2Bend at the hips and knees, lowering your torso until it is parallel to the floor. Make sure to keep your back straight.
  3. 3While keeping your elbows slightly bent, raise both arms out to the sides until the dumbbells are level with your shoulders. Exhale while performing this movement.
  4. 4Hold this position for a count of two.
  5. 5Inhale as you lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
  6. 6Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Form: Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight. Avoid arching your back to prevent injury and ensure you're targeting the right muscles.
  • Engage Your Core: Tighten your core muscles to help maintain stability and proper posture throughout the exercise.
  • Control the Movement: Avoid swinging the weights. Lift and lower the dumbbells in a slow, controlled manner to maximize muscle engagement and reduce the risk of injury.
Hyperextension with plate

The plate hyperextension is a potent exercise for strengthening the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings. Key benefits include enhanced spinal stability, improved posture, and reduced risk of lower back injuries. This exercise targets the erector spinae muscles and promotes core strength. Athletes profit significantly from the Plate Hyperextension due to its capacity to develop crucial posterior chain muscles, leading to better performance in sports requiring sprinting, jumping, and lifting. Incorporating this exercise can result in a stronger, more resilient back and enhanced overall athletic performance.

BackPlateStrengthWeight

Community Averages

19kg

Avg. weight

42lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Setup: Lie face down on a hyperextension bench. Secure your ankles under the footpads.
  2. 2Adjust Pad: Adjust the upper pad so that your upper thighs lie flat across it, leaving enough room to bend at the waist freely.
  3. 3Body Position: Keep your body straight and hold a weight plate in front of you.
  4. 4Bend Forward: Slowly bend forward at the waist, keeping your back flat. Go as far as you can without rounding your back, feeling a stretch in your hamstrings.
  5. 5Return to Start: Slowly raise your torso back to the starting position.
  6. 6Repeat: Follow your training plan, repeating the exercise for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Start with a Light Plate: If you're new to this exercise, start with a lighter plate to ensure that your form is correct before increasing the weight.
  • Engage Your Core: Keep your core muscles engaged throughout the movement. This helps stabilize your spine and prevents unnecessary strain on your lower back.
  • Controlled Movements: Focus on slow and controlled movements. Avoid using momentum to lift the weight as this reduces the effectiveness of the exercise and increases the risk of injury.
Bicep curl with barbell (regular grip)

Barbell curls are a prime exercise for enhancing bicep strength and muscle size, primarily targeting the biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis. This movement additionally engages the forearms and shoulders to a lesser extent. Athletes benefit significantly from barbell curls as they improve upper arm endurance and grip strength, which are crucial for various sports activities. Consistent practice of barbell curls can lead to better lifting performance, enhanced arm aesthetics, and increased functional strength, making it a vital addition to any strength training regimen.

ArmsBarbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

25kg

Avg. weight

55lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Stand up straight, holding a barbell with a shoulder-width supinated grip (palms facing upward). Your arms should be almost fully extended, and the barbell should rest against your thighs.
  2. 2Keep your body still and exhale as you curl the barbell up towards your shoulders until your elbows are fully flexed.
  3. 3Once your elbows are fully flexed, allow them to move forward slightly, just until your forearms are vertical.
  4. 4Hold this position for a count of two and squeeze your biceps.
  5. 5Inhale as you slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
  6. 6Repeat for the recommended number of reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Keep your back straight and chest up.
  • Avoid swaying or leaning backward as you lift; this ensures that your biceps do the work, not your back.
Hammer curl with dumbbells

The dumbbell hammer curl is a versatile strength training exercise that primarily targets the brachialis, brachioradialis, and biceps brachii muscles. By maintaining a neutral grip throughout the movement, this exercise effectively isolates the forearm and upper arm muscles, promoting balanced development and increased overall arm strength. Athletes benefit from enhanced grip strength and improved performance in sports requiring arm and hand power. Additionally, this exercise supports injury prevention by fortifying the muscles and tendons surrounding the elbow joint. Ideal for boosting arm functionality and aesthetics.

ArmsDumbbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

24kg

Avg. weight

54lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand using a neutral grip (palms facing in).
  2. 2Keep your elbows by your sides throughout the exercise.
  3. 3Exhale as you curl one dumbbell up towards your shoulder, contracting your biceps fully.
  4. 4Hold for two seconds and squeeze your biceps.
  5. 5Inhale as you slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
  6. 6Repeat the movement with your opposite arm.
  7. 7Keep alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.
  8. 8Remember to breathe throughout the exercise and maintain proper form.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Posture: Stand tall with your chest up and shoulders back. This will help you engage the right muscles and avoid strain on your back.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows close to your torso throughout the movement. This isolates the biceps and forearms, ensuring effective muscle engagement.
  • Controlled Movement: Avoid swinging the weights. Lift and lower the dumbbells in a controlled manner to maximize muscle tension and avoid injury.
3

Day 3: Legs and Core

6 exercises
Squat with barbell

The barbell squat is a foundational exercise that offers multiple benefits, including improved strength, power, and muscle mass. Key muscle groups activated during this exercise include the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. For athletes, incorporating barbell squats can enhance performance by promoting better balance, agility, and explosiveness, which are crucial for sports like football, basketball, and track. Additionally, squats improve core stability and support injury prevention by strengthening connective tissues and joints.

LegsBarbellStrengthWeight

Community Averages

55kg

Avg. weight

122lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Load a barbell on a rack at upper-chest level. Step under the barbell so that it rests on the back of your shoulders, and grasp the bar at each side. Hands are slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. 2Dismount the barbell and step backward. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and must slightly point outwards.
  3. 3Inhale as you squat down by simultaneously pushing the hips back and bending your knees and hips to lower the torso. Keep your torso upright, and descend at least until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
  4. 4Be careful that your knees do not extend beyond an imaginary line drawn vertically upward from your toes. Instead, push your butt backwards to avoid this.
  5. 5Exhale as you push your body back up to the starting position, still keeping your torso upright.
  6. 6You have completed your first repetition. Repeat the motion in a controlled way and count your reps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Warm-Up Thoroughly: Always start with a comprehensive warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints. This can include dynamic stretches and light cardio to get your blood flowing.
  • Head Position: Keep your head facing forward and eyes fixed on a point in front of you. This helps maintain balance and keeps your spine aligned.
  • Chest Up: Ensure your chest is up and your back is neutral throughout the movement. Avoid rounding your back to prevent spinal injuries.
Leg press

The machine horizontal leg press is a powerhouse exercise perfect for building lower body strength and muscle mass. This exercise predominantly targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. It also engages the core for stabilization. The benefits of incorporating the machine Horizontal Leg Press into your routine include enhanced lower body power, greater muscle hypertrophy, and improved joint stability. Athletes can profit from this exercise by increasing their explosive strength, essential for sports like sprinting and jumping. Furthermore, its controlled movement reduces the risk of injury, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

LegsMachineStrengthWeight

Community Averages

103kg

Avg. weight

228lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Sit in the leg press machine with your back firmly against the back support.
  2. 2Place your feet hip-width apart on the platform.
  3. 3Release the safety bars and hold onto the side handles for support.
  4. 4Extend your legs without locking your knees, creating a 90-degree angle between your torso and legs.
  5. 5Inhale and bend your legs, lowering the platform until your knees are almost fully flexed.
  6. 6Drive with your heels and press the platform back up to the starting position while exhaling.
  7. 7Repeat the exercise for desired number of repetitions.
  8. 8After finishing, lock the safety bars to prevent the platform from sliding down.

Tips & Tricks

  • Foot Placement: Vary your foot placement to target different parts of your legs. A higher foot position emphasizes the glutes and hamstrings, while a lower position targets the quadriceps more.
  • Controlled Movements: Control the tempo of your reps-avoid rapid, jerky motions. Slow and controlled movements ensure maximum muscle engagement and minimize injury risk.
  • Maintain Proper Form: Keep your back flat against the seat and ensure that your knees stay in line with your feet. This helps in avoiding undue stress on your joints.
Leg curl on machine (seated)

The machine seated leg curl is a highly effective exercise focusing primarily on the hamstrings, with secondary activation of the calf muscles. This exercise is pivotal for athletes as it enhances lower body strength, contributes to muscle balance, and reduces the risk of injury. Efficiently targeting the hamstrings, it aids in improved sprinting speed, jumping ability, and overall leg endurance. The machine's controlled motion ensures proper form, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes aiming to optimize their performance and athletic capabilities.

LegsMachineStrengthWeight

Community Averages

43kg

Avg. weight

94lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Adjust the Machine: Ensure the machine’s pads are set up so they sit comfortably against your lower back when seated.
  2. 2Position Your Legs: Place your legs on the padded lever so it rests just below your calf muscles.
  3. 3Secure the Lap Pad: Adjust the lap pad so it sits securely on your thighs, just above the knees.
  4. 4Lift and Grip: Straighten your legs out in front of you and grasp the side handles of the machine.
  5. 5Execute the Movement: Pull the padded lever down and back towards you using your legs as far as you can.
  6. 6Hold and Return: Hold the position for a second, then slowly return the lever back to the starting position.
  7. 7Repeat the movement in a controlled manner for your desired number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the pad is adjusted to rest comfortably against the back of your lower legs just above the ankles. This helps in maximizing the range of motion.
  • Breathe out as you curl the weight towards you and breathe in as you slowly return to the starting position. Controlled breathing can enhance your focus and performance.
  • Perform each repetition through a full range of motion to effectively target your hamstrings. Avoid partial reps to prevent muscle imbalances.
Standing calf raise on Smith machine

The Smith machine standing calf raise is a beneficial exercise for strengthening and building the calf muscles, particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus. By performing this movement, athletes can improve lower leg strength, enhance explosive power, and stabilize the ankles, which are crucial for activities requiring running, jumping, and sudden directional changes. This exercise also contributes to better balance and overall athletic performance, making it a valuable addition to any athlete's training regimen.

LegsMachineStrengthWeight

Community Averages

39kg

Avg. weight

85lbs

Avg. weight

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Setup: Place a block or weight plate below the bar on the Smith machine to stand on. Adjust the bar to match your height. Load the bar with the desired weight.
  2. 2Positioning: Step onto the plate with the balls of your feet. Position the bar on the back of your shoulders and grip it with both hands facing forward.
  3. 3Starting Position: Rotate the bar to unrack it. This is your starting position.
  4. 4Execution: Raise your heels as high as possible by pushing off the balls of your feet. Flex your calves at the top of the movement. Keep your knees extended throughout.
  5. 5Contraction & Descent: Hold the top position for a second. Slowly lower your heels back to the starting position while breathing in.
  6. 6Repetitions: Repeat the movement for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Proper Foot Positioning: Ensure that your toes are pointed forward and your heels are slightly hanging off the edge of the platform. This maximizes the range of motion and engages the calf muscles fully.
  • Controlled Movements: Focus on a slow and controlled tempo. Avoid bouncing or using momentum to lift the weight. This ensures that your calf muscles are doing the work and reduces the risk of injury.
  • Full Range of Motion: Lower your heels as far as comfortably possible before raising them. A complete range of motion will help in fully engaging and stretching the calf muscles.
Plank

The front plank is a fundamental core exercise offering numerous benefits. Engaging the abdominals, lower back, glutes, hips, and shoulders, it enhances stability and strength in the core region. This exercise is crucial for athletes as it improves posture, reduces the risk of back injuries, and enhances overall athletic performance by providing a solid foundation for movement. Planks also bolster body awareness and coordination, essential for maintaining proper form and efficiency in various sports and physical activities.

CoreBodyweightStrengthDuration

Community Averages

0:01:15

Avg. duration

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Rest your knees, feet and elbows on a gym mat.
  2. 2Extend your feet backward and straighten your whole body so that only your toes and your elbows touch the ground. Your feet should be close together and your elbows should be positioned directly under your shoulders.
  3. 3Make sure that your lower back sags or your butt rises. Instead, ensure that your body is straight and rigid. Your core muscles must be contracted during the whole exercise.
  4. 4Hold this position for the desired period of time.
  5. 5Then go back to the starting position to rest. You have completed your first repetition.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain Proper Alignment: Make sure your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your heels. Avoid letting your hips sag or rise too high.
  • Engage Your Core: Tighten your abdominal muscles as if bracing for a punch. This helps to stabilize your spine and maintain proper form.
  • Avoid Neck Strain: Keep your neck in line with your spine by looking at a spot on the floor just a few inches in front of your hands.
Crunch

The floor crunch targets the core muscles, especially the rectus abdominis, which is crucial for building a strong and chiseled midsection. Benefits include improved core strength, better posture, and enhanced athletic performance. For athletes, a strong core enhances balance, stability, and power, helping in virtually every sport. The exercise is simple yet effective, making it an essential addition to any fitness regimen. It also reduces lower back strain when performed correctly.

CoreBodyweightStrengthRepetitions

Community Averages

417

Avg. reps/set

* Based on data from the Blaze community

Description

  1. 1Lie supine (on your back) with your legs bent and your feet flat on the ground.
  2. 2Place your hands lightly either behind or by the sides of your head, keeping your elbows out.
  3. 3Keeping your lower back flat on the floor, raise your head and shoulders a few inches off the ground by flexing your abdomen. Exhale as you do so.
  4. 4Hold the contracted position for a count of two.
  5. 5Inhale as you lower your head and shoulders to the starting position.
  6. 6Repeat.

Tips & Tricks

  • Mind-Muscle Connection: Focus on feeling your abs work throughout the entire range of motion. Visualize your abdominal muscles contracting and stretching with each rep.
  • Breathing: Exhale as you crunch up to ensure better engagement of your core muscles. Inhale as you lower back down.
  • Avoid Using Momentum: Perform the exercise slowly and in a controlled manner to prevent using momentum. This ensures that your abs do most of the work.

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