The 10-Week Strength-Training Program You Need To Get Strong Fast
Women's Health and Men's Health are teaming up to create a strength-training challenge for TODAY anchors Dylan Dreyer and Craig Melvin. Try the challenge yourself by following the workout plan below!
Time: 10-week program
Equipment:
Good for: Total-body
Instructions: You’ll do two 30-minute workouts every week, and attend one fitness class a week. Take at least one day off between workouts, so your body can recover.
You’re building basic fundamental strength during these first two weeks. The mobility moves may feel unfamiliar, but by the second week, don’t be surprised if you look forward to them. The strength moves may feel easy-the key is locking in your form.
DAY 1
MOBILITY:
Week 1: Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
Week 2: Do each move for 50 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
CHILD’S POSE ALTERNATING T-SPINE STRETCH
Sitting up straight on your hands and knees, knees wide and big toes touching. Exhale then lean forward, draping your torso between your thighs and extending your arms forward, palms down. Push your butt back as you reach your arms forward as far as possible. This is your starting position. Keep pushing your butt back as you lift your right arm off the ground; thread it under your left armpit, reaching to the left as far as possible. Pause and feel the stretch, then, continuing to push your butt back and keep your left hand on the ground, reach your right hand toward the ceiling. Pause, then return your right hand to the start position. Repeat on the other side. That’s 1 rep.
SUPERMAN HOLD
Lie your your belly, arms and legs extended. Squeeze your butt, lifting your legs, from thighs through feet, off the ground. As you do this, also squeeze your upper back muscles, lifting your arms off the ground; your chest may come off the ground slightly as you do this. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower to the ground. That’s 1 rep.
PLANK WALKOUT
Start standing, then bend at the waist, working to keep your knees as straight as possible (it’s OK if they bend though), and place your hands on the ground ear your feet. Keeping your core tight, walk your hands forward until you’re in pushup position. Pause for 1 second once you’re in good pushup position, then walk your hands back toward your feet, again trying to keep your knees as straight as possible. That’s 1 rep.
STRENGTH:
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
RESISTANCE BAND KNEELING ROW
Grab a medium-heavy looped resistance band and set it up around a post of some sort so it’s at shoulder-height. Kneel facing the band, thighs perpendicular to the ground, and grab an end of the band in each hands. Move away from the band enough that there’s tension on both ends. Squeeze your shoulder blades, then bend at the elbows and shoulders, pulling the band toward the bottom of your chest. Pause when you thumbs touch the bottom of your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING DUMBBELL FLOOR PRESS
Lie on your back on the floor, feet flat on the floor and knees bent. Hold medium-weight dumbbells directly over your shoulders, arms straight. This is the start position. Squeeze your shoulder blades, then bend at the elbows and shoulders, lowering the dumbbells until your upper arms are on the ground. Pause, then press back up to the start. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets.
DUMBBELL INCLINE BENCH ROW
Lie with your belly and chest on an incline bench set to a 40-degree incline, holding dumbbells in both hands, arms hanging naturally. Squeeze your shoulder blades, then pull the dumbbells up toward your lower chest, aiming to drive your elbows as high as possible. Lower the dumbbells with control. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets.
KETTLEBELL SWING
Place a kettlebell on the floor in front of you, and spread your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Push your hips back and slightly bend your knees, and grab the kettlebell handle with both hands. Start your swing with a “hike pass” to optimally load your hamstrings, insuring the handle of the bell is higher than your knees. Then explosively snap your hips forward, squeezing your glutes and lifting your chest; as you do this, the kettlebell will swing forward. As it falls back down, guide it back between your legs and, in one fluid motion, perform another swing. Do 3 sets.
FRONT RACK ALTERNATING REVERSE LUNGE
Stand with medium-weight dumbbells held at your shoulders, elbows pointing forward, core tight. Keeping your core tight and your chest up, lunge backwards with your right knee, stepping backwards then lowering that knee until it touches the ground or until your left thigh is parallel with the ground. Pause, then drive back up and repeat the process on the other leg. Alternate legs until time expires. Do 3 sets.
CORE
PLANK SHOULDER-TAPS
Set up in pushup position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your core tight.
Keeping your right arm fully straight and your core tight, lift your left hand from the ground and touch your right shoulder. Return to pushup position, then repeat the motion on the other side. Focus on keeping your hips square with the ground as you do each tap. Do 4 sets. Work for 40 seconds then rest for 20 seconds during each set for Week 1. During Week 2, work for 50 seconds, the rest for 10 seconds.
DAY 2
MOBILITY:
Week 1: Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
Week 2: Do each move for 50 seconds, then rest 10.
CHILD’S POSE ALTERNATING T-SPINE STRETCH
Sitting up straight on your hands and knees, knees wide and big toes touching. Exhale then lean forward, draping your torso between your thighs and extending your arms forward, palms down. Push your butt back as you reach your arms forward as far as possible. This is your starting position. Keep pushing your butt back as you lift your right arm off the ground; thread it under your left armpit, reaching to the left as far as possible. Pause and feel the stretch, then, continuing to push your butt back and keep your left hand on the ground, reach your right hand toward the ceiling. Pause, then return your right hand to the start position. Repeat on the other side. That’s 1 rep.
SUPERMAN HOLD
Lie your your belly, arms and legs extended. Squeeze your butt, lifting your entire legs, from thighs through feet, off the ground. As you do this, also squeeze your upper back muscles, lifting your arms off the ground; your chest may come off the ground slightly as you do this. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower to the ground. That’s 1 rep.
PLANK WALKOUT
Start standing, then bend at the waist, working to keep your knees as straight as possible (it’s OK if they bend though), and place your hands on the ground ear your feet. Keeping your core engaged, walk your hands forward until you’re in pushup position. Pause for 1 second once you’re in good pushup position, then walk your hands back toward your feet, again trying to keep your knees as straight as possible. That’s 1 rep.
STRENGTH:
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
KETTLEBELL SWING
Place a kettlebell on the floor in front of you, and spread your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. Push your hips back and slightly bend your knees, and grab the kettlebell handle with both hands. Start your swing with a “hike pass” to optimally load your hamstrings, insuring the handle of the bell is higher than your knees. Then explosively snap your hips forward, squeezing your glutes and lifting your chest; as you do this, the kettlebell will swing forward. As it falls back down, guide it back between your legs and, in one fluid motion, perform another swing. Do 3 sets.
FRONT RACK ALTERNATING REVERSE LUNGE
Stand holding medium-weight dumbbells at your shoulders, elbows pointing forward, core engaged. Keeping your core tight and your chest up, lunge backwards with your right knee, stepping backwards then lowering that knee until it touches the ground or until your left thigh is parallel with the ground. Pause, then drive back up and repeat the process on the other leg. Alternate legs until time expires. Do 3 sets.
BODYWEIGHT SINGLE-LEG HIP THRUST
Sit with both feet about hip-width apart on the ground, feet flat on the floor. Your shoulder blades should be against a bench, arms wide for stability. Lift your right foot off the ground, raising it as high as you can and bending your knee. This is the start. Now brace your core, and use your left glute to press your entire torso off the ground, driving your torso and left thigh so they’re parallel to the ground. Pause here, then return to the start. That’s 1 rep; do 2 sets per leg.
RESISTANCE BAND KNEELING ROW
Grab a medium-heavy looped resistance band and set it up around a post of some sort so it’s at shoulder-height. Kneel facing the band, thighs perpendicular to the ground, and grab an end of the band in each hands. Move away from the band enough that there’s tension on both ends. Squeeze your shoulder blades, then bend at the elbows and shoulders, pulling the band toward the bottom of your chest. Pause when you thumbs touch the bottom of your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets.
CLOSE-GRIP PUSHUP
Get in pushup position, core tight. Your hands should be slightly narrower than shoulder-width. Keeping your elbows close to your body lower your torso until your chest almost touches the ground. Pause, then push back up. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets. Struggling to do these? Start with your knees on the ground.
CORE
PLANK SHOULDER-TAPS
Set up in pushup position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your core tight.
Keeping your right arm fully straight and your core tight, lift your left hand from the ground and touch your right shoulder. Return to pushup position, then repeat the motion on the other side. Focus on keeping your hips square with the ground as you do each tap. Do 4 sets. Work for 40 seconds then rest for 20 seconds during each set for Week 1. During Week 2, work for 50 seconds, the rest for 10 seconds.
Your body should be in a groove now, and you’ll be feeling looser, especially in the upper back area. If you tried a plank now, you’d have a much easier time with that too. Time to amp things up a bit!
DAY 1
MOBILITY
Week 3: Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
Week 4: Do each move for 50 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
PLANK TO ALTERNATING SPIDERMAN LUNGE, 1 MINUTE
Start in pushup position, hands directly below your shoulders, feet slightly wider than hips-width apart. Now lift your right foot off the ground and place it just outside your right hand. Bend your right knee as you do this and try to keep your left leg straight. Feel the stretch along your hips, then return to plank position and repeat on the other side. Thats 1 rep.
SUPERMAN HOLD, 1 MINUTE
Lie your your belly, arms and legs extended. Squeeze your butt, lifting your entire legs, from thighs through feet, off the ground. As you do this, also squeeze your upper back muscles, lifting your arms off the ground; your chest may come off the ground slightly as you do this. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower to the ground. That’s 1 rep.
PLANK TO DOWNWARD DOG, 1 MINUTE
Start in pushup position, hands directly under your shoulders, feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. Raise your hips high, bending at the waist. (Shift your feet forward if you need to.) Keep your legs straight as you do this, stretching your hamstrings, and try to form a straight line with your arms and torso. Return to pushup position. That’s 1 rep.
STRENGTH
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
GORILLA KETTLEBELL ROW
Grab a pair of kettlebells, and set up with your feet just outside both bells. Hinge at the hip so you’re able to grab the handles of both bells; this should put you in a position similar to a deadlift position, and your hips should be lower than your shoulders. Tighten your glutes slightly and brace your core. Working to keep your back flat and rotating your hips only slightly, lift the right kettlebell and row it toward your lower chest, while still gripping the left kettlebell. Return the right kettlebell to the ground, then repeat on the left side. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets.
GLUTE BRIDGE FLOOR PRESS
Lie on the floor holding medium-weight dumbbells, upper arms on the floor, elbows bent 90 degrees. Tighten your glutes and push your hips upward. Press the dumbbells upward. Pause, then lower them back to the start. That’s 1 rep; do 3 sets.
TALL KNEELING BICEPS CURL
Kneel on your shins, thighs perpendicular to the floor. Hold medium-weight dumbbells at your sides, palms facing each other. Curl the right dumbbell toward your chest, rotating your palm as you do. Squeeze, then return to the start. That’s 1 rep. Alternate reps on both sides during each set. Do 3 sets.
LATERAL STEP KETTLEBELL SWING
Get in position for a kettlebell swing, except this time, as you hike the weight back, take a small step to the right with your right leg. Shift your left leg as well. As soon as the left leg lands, forcefully drive your hips forward, initiating the kettlebell swing. Repeat the pattern, this time taking a step with your left leg. Alternate reps on both sides. Do 3 sets.
GOBLET SQUAT WITH HALFWAY PAUSE
Hold a medium-weight kettlebell or dumbbell at your chest, core tight, feet about shoulder-width apart. Keeping your core tight and chest up, lower into a squat, going as deep as is comfortable. Stand back up, but pause when your thighs are parallel with the ground. Hold for one second, then stand all the way up, squeezing your glutes. That’s 1 rep; do 3 sets.
CORE
PLANK REACH
Start in plank position, shoulders directly over elbows, forearms and hands on the ground, core and glutes squeezed tight. Now lift your right arm off the ground and reach your hand forward. Pause for 1 second then return to the plank position. Repeat on the other side. Work to keep your hips as square as possible as you do this. Alternate reps on each side for 4 sets. Work for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 on each set during Week 3. During Week 4, work for 50 seconds, then rest for 10.
DAY 2
MOBILITY:
Week 3: Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
Week 4: Do each move for 50 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
PLANK TO ALTERNATING SPIDERMAN LUNGE, 1 MINUTE
Start in pushup position, hands directly below your shoulders, feet slightly wider than hips-width apart. Now lift your right foot off the ground and place it just outside your right hand. Bend your right knee as you do this and try to keep your left leg straight. Feel the stretch along your hips, then return to plank position and repeat on the other side. Thats 1 rep.
SUPERMAN HOLD, 1 MINUTE
Lie your your belly, arms and legs extended. Squeeze your butt, lifting your entire legs, from thighs through feet, off the ground. As you do this, also squeeze your upper back muscles, lifting your arms off the ground; your chest may come off the ground slightly as you do this. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower to the ground. That’s 1 rep.
PLANK TO DOWNWARD DOG, 1 MINUTE
Start in pushup position, hands directly under your shoulders, feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. Raise your hips high, bending at the waist. (Shift your feet forward if you need to.) Keep your legs straight as you do this, stretching your hamstrings, and try to form a straight line with your arms and torso. Return to pushup position. That’s 1 rep.
STRENGTH
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
LATERAL STEP KETTLEBELL SWING
Get in position for a kettlebell swing, except this time, as you hike the weight back, take a small step to the right with your right leg. Shift your left leg as well. As soon as the left leg lands, forcefully drive your hips forward, initiating the kettlebell swing. Repeat the pattern, this time taking a step with your left leg. Alternate reps on both sides. Do 3 sets.
GOBLET SQUAT WITH HALFWAY PAUSE
Hold a medium-weight kettlebell or dumbbell at your chest, core tight, feet about shoulder-width apart. Keeping your core tight and chest up, lower into a squat, going as deep as is comfortable. Stand back up, but pause when your thighs are parallel with the ground. Hold for one second, then stand all the way up, squeezing your glutes. That’s 1 rep; do 3 sets.
BODYWEIGHT BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUAT
Place your right foot on a bench or box that’s about knee height, bending your knee slightly, and step your left foot about 18 inches away. Your left leg should be almost straight. Bend your left knee, sitting back; your right knee will bend more as you do this and nearly touch the floor. Hold when your left thigh is parallel to the floor, then stand back up. That’s 1 rep; do 2 sets per leg.
GORILLA KETTLEBELL ROW
Grab a pair of kettlebells, and set up with your feet just outside both bells. Hinge at the hip so you’re able to grab the handles of both bells; this should put you in a position similar to a deadlift position, and your hips should be lower than your shoulders. Tighten your glutes slightly and brace your core. Working to keep your back flat and rotating your hips only slightly, lift the right kettlebell and row it toward your lower chest, while still gripping the left kettlebell. Return the right kettlebell to the ground, then repeat on the left side. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets.
GLUTE BRIDGE FLOOR PRESS
Lie on the floor holding medium-weight dumbbells, upper arms on the floor, elbows bent 90 degrees. Tighten your glutes and push your hips upward. Press the dumbbells upward. Pause, then lower them back to the start. That’s 1 rep; do 3 sets.
CORE
PLANK REACH
Start in plank position, shoulders directly over elbows, forearms and hands on the ground, core and glutes squeezed tight. Now lift your right arm off the ground and reach your hand forward. Pause for 1 second then return to the plank position. Repeat on the other side. Work to keep your hips as square as possible as you do this. Alternate reps on each side for 4 sets. Work for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 on each set during Week 3. During Week 4, work for 50 seconds, then rest for 10.
You’re halfway through! You’ve built stability in your mid-back, and you challenged your legs over the last two weeks, while continuing to build plank strength. And thanks to those spiderman lunges, your hips should be feeling loose. We’ll introduce some overhead work this week and keep pushing your plank game.
DAY 1
MOBILITY
Week 5: Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
Week 6: Do each move for 50 seconds, then rest 10 before moving onto the next exercise.
LUNGE TO T-SPINE STRETCH, 1 MINUTE
Start in pushup position, hands directly below your shoulders. Keeping your left leg straight, bring your right foot forward so that it’s just outside your right hand. Pause, then lift your right hand from the floor and raise it toward the ceiling, reaching as high as you can. Reverse the movements and repeat on the other side. That’s 1 rep.
SUPERMAN HOLD, 1 MINUTE
Lie your your belly, arms and legs extended. Squeeze your butt, lifting your entire legs, from thighs through feet, off the ground. As you do this, also squeeze your upper back muscles, lifting your arms off the ground; your chest may come off the ground slightly as you do this. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower to the ground. That’s 1 rep.
PLANK THREAD THE NEEDLE TO SIDE PLANK, 1 MINUTE
Start in pushup position, hands directly below your shoulders. Lift your right hand off the ground, then reach it under your torso to the left; reach as far as you can. Bring your right hand back from under your torso then reach your right arm toward the ceiling, rotating your torso as you do this. Repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time’s up.
STRENGTH:
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
BENT-OVER ALTERNATING DUMBBELL ROW
Hold light-to-medium-weight dumbbells at your sides, then brace your core and hinge at your hips until your torso is at about a 45-degree angle with the ground. Let your arms hang naturally with the weights. Squeeze your shoulder blades and continue bracing your core. This is the start. Keeping your shoulder blades squeezed, row the right dumbbell upwards, driving your elbow up high and pulling the dumbbell to your ribcage. Pause then return to the start. Repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING DUMBBELL BENCH PRESS
Lie with your back on a bench, glutes squeezed and feet flat on the floor. Hold medium-weight dumbbells directly over your shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades. Keeping your left arm straight, lower the right dumbbell to your chest; pause when it’s an inch from your chest then drive it back up. Repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
UNDERHAND GRIP LAT PULLDOWN
Sit in a lat pulldown station, and grip the bar above you with an underhand, shoulder-width grip. Keep your core braced, and squeeze your shoulder blades. Pull the bar down to your chest, pause for a moment, then slowly return it to the start position. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING PENDULUM LUNGE
Stand holding medium-weight dumbbells at your sides. Keeping your chest up and core braced, perform a reverse lunge with your right leg, stepping your right leg back, bending your knee and lowering your torso until your left thigh is parallel with the ground. Drive off your right leg to return to standing, then step forward with your right leg, bend both knees and lower your torso until your right thigh is parallel with the ground. Press back to standing, then repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING LATERAL SQUAT
Stand with your feet about two times shoulder-width apart, holding light-to-medium-weight dumbbells in your hands. Shift your weight to one leg and push your hips back as you lower your torso as far as you can. Keep your other leg straight and your foot flat on the floor. Press back to standing, then repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
CORE
PUSHUP TO PLANK SHOULDER-HOLD
Start in pushup position, with your hands directly beneath your shoulders. Tighten your core and glutes and perform a pushup, lowering your torso to an inch from the ground. Press back to the start, and as you do this, remove your right arm from the ground and touch your right hand to your left shoulder. Pause for one second in this position tightening your core and trying to keep your hips level, then return to the starting pushup position. Repeat the process on the other side. This move will challenge you, but you’re continuing to build core stability. Alternate reps on each side for 4 sets. During Week 5, do the move for 40 seconds during each set, then rest for 20. During Week 6, work for 50 seconds, then rest for 10.
DAY 2
MOBILITY
Week 1: Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
Week 2: Do each move for 50 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
LUNGE TO T-SPINE STRETCH, 1 MINUTE
Start in pushup position, hands directly below your shoulders. Keeping your left leg straight, bring your right foot forward so that it’s just outside your right hand. Pause, then lift your right hand from the floor and raise it toward the ceiling, reaching as high as you can. Reverse the movements and repeat on the other side. That’s 1 rep.
SUPERMAN HOLD, 1 MINUTE
Lie your your belly, arms and legs extended. Squeeze your butt, lifting your entire legs, from thighs through feet, off the ground. As you do this, also squeeze your upper back muscles, lifting your arms off the ground; your chest may come off the ground slightly as you do this. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower to the ground. That’s 1 rep.
PLANK THREAD THE NEEDLE TO SIDE PLANK, 1 MINUTE
Start in pushup position, hands directly below your shoulders. Lift your right hand off the ground, then reach it under your torso to the left; reach as far as you can. Bring your right hand back from under your torso then reach your right arm toward the ceiling, rotating your torso as you do this. Repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time’s up.
STRENGTH
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
ALTERNATING PENDULUM LUNGE
Stand holding medium-weight dumbbells at your sides. Keeping your chest up and core braced, perform a reverse lunge with your right leg, stepping your right leg back, bending your knee and lowering your torso until your left thigh is parallel with the ground. Drive off your right leg to return to standing, then step forward with your right leg, bend both knees and lower your torso until your right thigh is parallel with the ground. Press back to standing, then repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING LATERAL SQUAT
Stand with your feet about two times shoulder-width apart, holding light-to-medium-weight dumbbells in your hands. Shift your weight to one leg and push your hips back as you lower your torso as far as you can. Keep your other leg straight and your foot flat on the floor. Press back to standing, then repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
BODYWEIGHT BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUAT
Place your right foot on a bench or box that’s about knee height, bending your knee slightly, and step your left foot about 18 inches away. Your left leg should be almost straight. Bend your left knee, sitting back; your right knee will bend more as you do this and nearly touch the floor. Hold when your left thigh is parallel to the floor, then stand back up. That’s 1 rep; do 2 sets per leg.
BENT-OVER ALTERNATING DUMBBELL ROW
Hold light-to-medium-weight dumbbells at your sides, then brace your core and hinge at your hips until your torso is at about a 45-degree angle with the ground. Let your arms hang naturally with the weights. Squeeze your shoulder blades and continue bracing your core. This is the start. Keeping your shoulder blades squeezed, row the right dumbbell upwards, driving your elbow up high and pulling the dumbbell to your ribcage. Pause then return to the start. Repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING DUMBBELL BENCH PRESS
Lie with your back on a bench, glutes squeezed and feet flat on the floor. Hold medium-weight dumbbells directly over your shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades. Keeping your left arm straight, lower the right dumbbell to your chest; pause when it’s an inch from your chest then drive it back up. Repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
CORE
PUSHUP TO PLANK SHOULDER-HOLD
Start in pushup position, with your hands directly beneath your shoulders. Tighten your core and glutes and perform a pushup, lowering your torso to an inch from the ground. Press back to the start, and as you do this, remove your right arm from the ground and touch your right hand to your left shoulder. Pause for one second in this position tightening your core and trying to keep your hips level, then return to the starting pushup position. Repeat the process on the other side. This move will challenge you, but you’re continuing to build core stability. Alternate reps on each side for 3 sets. During Week 5, do the move for 40 seconds during each set, then rest for 20. During Week 6, work for 50 seconds, then rest for 10.
You’re almost at the finish line, and by this point, you’ve developed major core stability (we really challenged you last week), and you’ve strengthened your postural back muscles greatly. Get ready to build on those gains in the final countdown.
DAY 1
MOBILITY
Week 7: Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
Week 8: Do each move for 50 seconds, then rest 10.
ALTERNATING 90-90 STRETCH AND REACH
Sit on the ground, with your right leg directly in front of you, bent 90 degrees at the knee, knee flat on the ground. Your left leg should be behind you, also bent 90 degrees at the knee, knee flat on the ground Your thighs should also form a 90-degree angle with each other. Now place your hands on the floor on each side of your right leg; slowly lower your chest toward your knee. Go only as low as you can while keeping your shoulders square. Pause and feel the stretch. Return to the start position, then swivel your hips so your left leg is now directly in front of you and repeat the process.
HALF-PIGEON WITH THORACIC SPINE STRETCH
Start in downward dog position (hips high, bending at the waist, trying to keep your arms and torso in the same line), then lift your right leg off the ground and shift your right knee so it’s beside your right wrist. Your right shin should face forward. Keeping your left leg straight, slowly lower your hips toward the floor as far as you can; this flexibility will be different for every person and different on both sides of your body. This is the start position. Now lower your chest toward the ground as far as is comfortable. Lift your right arm off the ground and thread it past your left armpit, then reach it toward the ceiling. Repeatedly thread it past your left armpit and reach it toward the ceiling until time’s up, then repeat the process on the other side.
STRENGTH:
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
DUMBBELL INCLINE BENCH ECCENTRIC-FOCUSED ALTERNATING ROW
Lie with your belly and chest on an incline bench set to a 40-degree incline, holding dumbbells in both hands, arms hanging naturally. Squeeze your shoulder blades, then pull the dumbbells up toward your lower chest, aiming to drive your elbows as high as possible. Continue to hold the left dumbbell in this position as you lower the right dumbbell back to the start slowly. Then slowly lower the left dumbbell back to the start. Do another rep, this time lowering the left dumbbell back to the start first. Do 3 sets.
PUSHUP TO SIDE PLANK
Start in pushup position, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width. Perform a pushup, lowering your chest to an inch from the ground, then press back up. As you press back up, lift your right arm off the ground and reach it toward the sky, turning your torso to face the right side (you may need to shift your feet as you do this. Hold for 1 second, then return to pushup position and perform another rep, lifting your left arm off the ground this time. Alternate reps until time’s up for each set. Do 3 sets.
SINGLE-LEG DUMBBELL DEADLIFT
Hold two light-to-medium-weight dumbbells with an overhand grip and let them hang at arm’s length in front of your thighs. Lift your left leg a few inches off the floor behind you; this is the starting position. Keeping your lower back naturally arched, hinge at your hips and lower your torso until it's almost parallel to the floor. Let your left leg stretch out behind you with your toes pointed down to the floor the entire time. The dumbbells should travel straight down toward the floor. Return to the starting position without letting the toes of your left foot touch the floor. That’s 1 rep. Do 2 sets per leg.
ALTERNATING SINGLE-ARM KETTLEBELL SWING
Hold a light-to-medium-weight kettlebell in your right hand and stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder width. Perform a kettlebell swing, hold the weight only in your right hand. As you complete the swing, when the kettlebell is out in front of you, shift it into your left hand for the next rep. Alternate reps back and forth until time’s up. (If you’re not comfortable shifting the kettlebell between arms on every rep, do 5 single-arm kettlebell swings with your right arm, then place the kettlebell on the ground and do 5 single-arm swings with the left; alternate those two moves until time’s up.) Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING REVERSE LUNGE TO SHOULDER PRESS
Start standing, holding light-to-medium-weight dumbbells at your shoulders, chest up, core braced. Step your right foot back, then bend at both knees, lowering your torso until your left thigh is parallel to the ground. Press back up to standing, then press the dumbbells straight overhead. Lower them back to your shoulders and do a lunge rep with your left leg. Alternate legs on every rep until time’s up. Do 3 sets.
CORE
HOLLOW BODY HOLD
Start lying on your back, arms and legs extended. Tighten your abs, pressing your lower back into the floor as you do so. This should lift your legs off the floor; work to keep them straight. Lift your shoulder blades off the floor as well; keep extending your arms back as you do this. Do 4 reps. During Week 7, try to maintain the hollow hold for 40 seconds, then rest for 20. During Week 8, aim for 50-second holds, then rest for 10 seconds between reps. Can’t hold that long? Hold for as long as you can, then come out of the hold and get right back into it until time’s up.
Day 2
MOBILITY
Week 7: Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
Week 8: Do each move for 50 seconds, then rest 10.
ALTERNATING 90-90 STRETCH AND REACH, 1 MINUTE
Sit on the ground, with your right leg directly in front of you, bent 90 degrees at the knee, knee flat on the ground. Your left leg should be behind you, also bent 90 degrees at the knee, knee flat on the ground Your thighs should also form a 90-degree angle with each other. Now place your hands on the floor on each side of your right leg; slowly lower your chest toward your knee. Go only as low as you can while keeping your shoulders square. Pause and feel the stretch. Return to the start position, then swivel your hips so your left leg is now directly in front of you and repeat the process.
HALF-PIGEON WITH THORACIC SPINE STRETCH, 1 MINUTE PER SIDE
Start in downward dog position (hips high, bending at the waist, trying to keep your arms and torso in the same line), then lift your right leg off the ground and shift your right knee so it’s beside your right wrist. Your right shin should face forward. Keeping your left leg straight, slowly lower your hips toward the floor as far as you can; this flexibility will be different for every person and different on both sides of your body. This is the start position. Now lower your chest toward the ground as far as is comfortable. Lift your right arm off the ground and thread it past your left armpit, then reach it toward the ceiling. Repeatedly thread it past your left armpit and reach it toward the ceiling until time’s up, then repeat the process on the other side.
STRENGTH
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
SINGLE-LEG DUMBBELL DEADLIFT
Hold two dumbbells with an overhand grip and let them hang at arm’s length in front of your thighs. Lift your left leg a few inches off the floor behind you; this is the starting position. Keeping your lower back naturally arched, hinge at your hips and lower your torso until it's almost parallel to the floor. Let your left leg stretch out behind you with your toes pointed down to the floor the entire time. The dumbbells should travel straight down toward the floor. Return to the starting position without letting the toes of your left foot touch the floor. That’s 1 rep. Do 2 sets per leg.
ALTERNATING SINGLE-ARM KETTLEBELL SWING
Hold a light-to-medium-weight kettlebell in your right hand and stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder width. Perform a kettlebell swing, hold the weight only in your right hand. As you complete the swing, when the kettlebell is out in front of you, shift it into your left hand for the next rep. Alternate reps back and forth until time’s up. (If you’re not comfortable shifting the kettlebell between arms on every rep, do 5 single-arm kettlebell swings with your right arm, then place the kettlebell on the ground and do 5 single-arm swings with the left; alternate those two moves until time’s up.) Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING REVERSE LUNGE TO SHOULDER PRESS
Start standing, holding light-to-medium-weight dumbbells at your shoulders, chest up, core braced. Step your right foot back, then bend at both knees, lowering your torso until your left thigh is parallel to the ground. Press back up to standing, then press the dumbbells straight overhead. Lower them back to your shoulders and do a lunge rep with your left leg. Alternate legs on every rep until time’s up. Do 3 sets.
DUMBBELL INCLINE BENCH ECCENTRIC-FOCUSED ALTERNATING ROW
Lie with your belly and chest on an incline bench set to a 40-degree incline, holding dumbbells in both hands, arms hanging naturally. Squeeze your shoulder blades, then pull the dumbbells up toward your lower chest, aiming to drive your elbows as high as possible. Continue to hold the left dumbbell in this position as you lower the right dumbbell back to the start slowly. Then slowly lower the left dumbbell back to the start. Do another rep, this time lowering the left dumbbell back to the start first. Do 3 sets.
CLOSE-GRIP PUSHUP
Start in pushup position with your hands slightly narrower than shoulder-width. Keeping your core and glutes tight, lower your torso until it’s an inch from the ground. Press back to the start. Do reps until time’s up. Do 2 sets.
CORE
HOLLOW BODY HOLD
Start lying on your back, arms and legs extended. Tighten your abs, pressing your lower back into the floor as you do so. This should lift your legs off the floor; work to keep them straight. Lift your shoulder blades off the floor as well; keep extending your arms back as you do this. Do 3 reps. During Week 7, try to maintain the hollow hold for 40 seconds, then rest for 20. During Week 8, aim for 50-second holds, then rest for 10 seconds between reps. Can’t hold that long? Hold for as long as you can, then come out of the hold and get right back into it until time’s up.
You’re in the home stretch! You’ve challenged your body but you should notice many feel-good benefits: Better posture, and less soreness and tension in your upper back and your hips. Now finish this 10-week challenge strong, by owning your planks, pushing your mobility just a little bit more, and lifting your heaviest weights yet!
DAY 1
MOBILITY
Week 9: Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.
Week 10: Do each move for 50 seconds, then rest 10.
PLANK TO ALTERNATING SPIDERMAN LUNGE
Start in pushup position, hands directly below your shoulders, feet slightly wider than hips-width apart. Now lift your right foot off the ground and place it just outside your right hand. Bend your right knee as you do this and try to keep your left leg straight. Feel the stretch along your hips, then return to plank position and repeat on the other side. Thats 1 rep.
SAMSON LUNGE
Stand tall and look straight ahead, then step your right foot forward and lower into a lunge until your right thigh is parallel to the ground. Keep your core tight and your chest up; your left knee should be on the ground. Raise your arms overhead and clasp your hands together, leaning back slightly. You should feel a stretch in your hamstrings and hip flexors; feel free to shift your torso to the left or right a little bit. Return to the start, then repeat on the other side. Alternate side until time expires; do this drill for 2 minutes.
STRENGTH
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
SINGLE-ARM SQUAT TO PRESS
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, holding a light-to-medium-weight dumbbell at your right shoulder, core braced and chest up. Keeping your chest up, bend at the knees and push your hips back, lowering into a squat; squat down as low as is comfortable or until your thighs are parallel with the ground, whichever comes first. Work to keep your shoulders square and balanced as you do this. Pause for a moment, then stand back up. As you stand, straighten your right arm upwards, pressing the dumbbell overhead. That’s 1 rep. Repeat reps until time’s up. Do 2 sets per arm.
ALTERNATING REVERSE LUNGE TO SHOULDER PRESS
Start standing, holding light-to-medium-weight dumbbells at your shoulders, chest up, core braced. Step your right foot back, then bend at both knees, lowering your torso until your left thigh is parallel to the ground. Press back up to standing, then press the dumbbells straight overhead. Lower them back to your shoulders and do a lunge rep with your left leg. Alternate legs on every rep until time’s up. Do 3 sets.
DUMBBELL ROMANIAN DEADLIFT TO ROW
Stand holding medium-weight dumbbells at your sides, feet hip-width apart, core braced, knees slightly bent. This is the start. Hinge at your hips and push your butt backward, lowering your torso. Hinge until you feel a slight stretch in your hamstrings; focus on keeping your core braced as you do this. From this position, squeeze your shoulder blades and row the dumbbells to your ribcage. Pause, then lower the dumbbells and stand up, squeezing your glutes. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING DUMBBELL BENCH PRESS
Lie with your back on a bench, glutes squeezed and feet flat on the floor. Hold medium-weight dumbbells directly over your shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades. Keeping your left arm straight, lower the right dumbbell to your chest; pause when it’s an inch from your chest then drive it back up. Repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING PLANK ROW
Start in pushup position with your feet wide, and each hand gripping a light-weight dumbbell. Your hands should be directly beneath your shoulders. Keeping your core and glutes tight, lift the right dumbbell off the ground and toward your right ribcage, driving your right elbow up high. Squeeze for a moment, then lower it back to the start. Repeat with the left arm. On all reps, focus on doing everything possible to keep your hips and core square to the ground. They will shift a little bit (that’s OK!), but fight for good form. Alternate reps until time’s up. Do 3 sets.
CORE
ALTERNATING PLANK DRAG
Get in pushup position with a light dumbbell outside your left arm. Tighten your core and squeeze your glutes. Doing everything to keep your torso steady, grab the dumbbell with your left hand, lift it an inch off the ground, and move it so it’s now on the outside of your right arm. Return to plank position, then repeat the process with your right arm. Work for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds each set in Week 9. In Week 10, Work for 50 seconds, and rest for 10 seconds each set. Do 3 sets.
DAY 2
MOBILITY
Do each move for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise during Week 9. During Week 10, do each move for 50 seconds, then rest 10.
PLANK TO ALTERNATING SPIDERMAN LUNGE
Start in pushup position, hands directly below your shoulders, feet slightly wider than hips-width apart. Now lift your right foot off the ground and place it just outside your right hand. Bend your right knee as you do this and try to keep your left leg straight. Feel the stretch along your hips, then return to plank position and repeat on the other side. Thats 1 rep.
SAMSON LUNGE
Stand tall and look straight ahead, then step your right foot forward and lower into a lunge until your right thigh is parallel to the ground. Keep your core tight and your chest up; your left knee should be on the ground. Raise your arms overhead and clasp your hands together, leaning back slightly. You should feel a stretch in your hamstrings and hip flexors; feel free to shift your torso to the left or right a little bit. Return to the start, then repeat on the other side. Alternate side until time expires; do this drill for 2 minutes.
STRENGTH
During each set, do reps for 30 seconds. Rest 60 seconds after each set. Rest 60 seconds between exercises. Aim to do as many reps as you can during each set, but focus on form first.
DUMBBELL ROMANIAN DEADLIFT TO ROW
Stand holding medium-weight dumbbells at your sides, feet hip-width apart, core braced, knees slightly bent. This is the start. Hinge at your hips and push your butt backward, lowering your torso. Hinge until you feel a slight stretch in your hamstrings; focus on keeping your core braced as you do this. From this position, squeeze your shoulder blades and row the dumbbells to your ribcage. Pause, then lower the dumbbells and stand up, squeezing your glutes. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING DUMBBELL BENCH PRESS
Lie with your back on a bench, glutes squeezed and feet flat on the floor. Hold medium-weight dumbbells directly over your shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades. Keeping your left arm straight, lower the right dumbbell to your chest; pause when it’s an inch from your chest then drive it back up. Repeat on the other side. Alternate reps on both sides until time is up. Do 3 sets.
ALTERNATING PLANK ROW
Start in pushup position with your feet wide, and each hand gripping a light-weight dumbbell. Your hands should be directly beneath your shoulders. Keeping your core and glutes tight, lift the right dumbbell off the ground and toward your right ribcage, driving your right elbow up high. Squeeze for a moment, then lower it back to the start. Repeat with the left arm. On all reps, focus on doing everything possible to keep your hips and core square to the ground. They will shift a little bit (that’s OK!), but fight for good form. Alternate reps until time’s up. Do 3 sets.
SINGLE-ARM SQUAT TO PRESS
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, holding a light-to-medium-weight dumbbell at your right shoulder, core braced and chest up. Keeping your chest up, bend at the knees and push your hips back, lowering into a squat; squat down as low as is comfortable or until your thighs are parallel with the ground, whichever comes first. Work to keep your shoulders square and balanced as you do this. Pause for a moment, then stand back up. As you stand, straighten your right arm upwards, pressing the dumbbell overhead. That’s 1 rep. Repeat reps until time’s up. Do 2 sets per arm.
ALTERNATING REVERSE LUNGE TO SHOULDER PRESS
Start standing, holding light-to-medium-weight dumbbells at your shoulders, chest up, core braced. Step your right foot back, then bend at both knees, lowering your torso until your left thigh is parallel to the ground. Press back up to standing, then press the dumbbells straight overhead. Lower them back to your shoulders and do a lunge rep with your left leg. Alternate legs on every rep until time’s up. Do 3 sets.
CORE
ALTERNATING PLANK DRAG
Get in pushup position with a light dumbbell outside your left arm. Tighten your core and squeeze your glutes. Doing everything to keep your torso steady, grab the dumbbell with your left hand, lift it an inch off the ground, and move it so it’s now on the outside of your right arm. Return to plank position, then repeat the process with your right arm. Work for 40 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds each set in Week 9. In Week 10, work for 50 seconds, and rest for 10 seconds each set. Do 3 sets.
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