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Strength Training: Exercises, Technique, and Equipment

Explore strength training exercises for pushing, pulling, squatting, and hinging, with practical guidance on technique, equipment, and progression.

Strength training uses resistance to challenge muscles through movements performed with body weight, dumbbells, barbells, cables, or machines. It includes foundational lifts as well as focused variations for different movement patterns.

What does strength training include?

This category covers pushing, pulling, squatting, and hip-hinge exercises, including bench presses, rows, squats, and deadlifts. Select equipment and variations that match your goals, experience, and available space. Braced positioning, controlled reps, and an appropriate load are central to sound practice; coaching can help when technique is uncertain.

Practical guidance

Start with a manageable resistance to learn the movement, then progress gradually. Adjust benches, cables, and machines before each set, and keep a clear area around free weights. Stop if you experience sharp pain or cannot control the movement, and seek qualified technique feedback.

Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press

Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press

The Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press is a powerful exercise aimed at strengthening your upper body, with a particular focus on your triceps and chest muscles. This variation of the traditional bench press places more emphasis on the inner chest and triceps, making it an excellent choice for building s

Triceps Strength Training
Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press

Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press

The Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press is a powerful exercise aimed at strengthening your upper body, with a special focus on the triceps and chest muscles. This variation of the traditional bench press places more emphasis on the triceps, providing a more intense workout for these muscles. Execution

Triceps Strength Training
Close-Grip Barbell Biceps Curl

Close-Grip Barbell Biceps Curl

The Close-Grip Barbell Biceps Curl is a powerful exercise aimed at strengthening and increasing the size of the biceps. The close grip stimulates your biceps in a unique way, which may lead to better muscle definition and growth. Execution Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and gr

Biceps Strength Training
Close-Grip Barbell Curl

Close-Grip Barbell Curl

The Close-Grip Barbell Curl is an effective exercise for intensely training the biceps. The narrow grip places more emphasis on the inner biceps and forearm muscles. Execution Grip a barbell with an underhand grip (palms facing up), with your hands approximately 15–20 cm apart. Stand upright w

Biceps Strength Training
Close-Grip Bench Press

Close-Grip Bench Press

The Close-Grip Bench Press is a powerful exercise that targets the development of your triceps, chest, and shoulders. The narrow grip makes your triceps work harder than in a standard bench press, giving this exercise a unique advantage for building arm strength. Execution Lie on a flat bench wi

Chest Strength Training
Close-Grip Bench Press in Smith Machine

Close-Grip Bench Press in Smith Machine

The close-grip barbell bench press is a modified version of the bench press. Bringing the elbows back alongside the body with the narrower grip places more emphasis on the triceps and less on the chest muscles. Performing the exercise in the Smith machine allows it to be performed more safely. It al

Chest Strength Training
Close-Grip Cable Row

Close-Grip Cable Row

The Close-Grip Cable Row is an effective exercise for strengthening and developing your back muscles. This exercise primarily targets the middle part of your back, but it also benefits your biceps and shoulders. Execution Set the cable machine to the desired resistance and attach a V-handle to

Shoulders Strength Training
Close-Grip Chin-Up

Close-Grip Chin-Up

The close-grip chin-up is a powerful way to train your upper body, focusing on your back and biceps. This variation of the traditional pull-up places extra emphasis on the inner back muscles, providing a more intense workout. Execution Begin by gripping a pull-up bar with an underhand grip, with

Lats Strength Training
Close-Grip EZ-Bar Preacher Curl

Close-Grip EZ-Bar Preacher Curl

If you are looking for an effective exercise to train your biceps, the close-grip EZ-bar preacher curl is an excellent choice. This exercise isolates the biceps in a unique way, allowing you to focus intensely on the muscle group. Execution Find a preacher bench and place an EZ bar with the desi

Biceps Strength Training
Close-Grip Lat Pulldown

Close-Grip Lat Pulldown

The Close-Grip Lat Pulldown is an effective exercise for strengthening your back muscles, with a focus on the latissimus dorsi. This variation of the lat pulldown provides a more intense workout for the mid-back and is an excellent way to add variety to your back routine. Execution Find a lat pu

Lats Strength Training
Close-Grip Preacher Curls

Close-Grip Preacher Curls

The Close-Grip Preacher Curl is an effective exercise for intensely training the biceps. The close grip and support of the preacher bench place more emphasis on the lower part of the biceps and the brachialis. Execution Set up the preacher bench and grab an EZ bar or a dumbbell with a weight you

Biceps Strength Training
Close-Grip Push-Up

Close-Grip Push-Up

The Close-Grip Push-Up is a powerful variation of the traditional push-up that targets the triceps, chest, and core. By placing your hands closer together, you increase the intensity of the exercise and place more emphasis on the triceps and the inner chest muscles. Execution Begin in a plank po

Chest Strength Training
Close-Grip Push-Up

Close-Grip Push-Up

The close-grip push-up is a variation of the traditional push-up that targets the triceps and the inner chest. By placing the hands closer together, the emphasis shifts from the chest to these specific areas, providing a more intensive triceps workout. Execution Begin in the standard push-up pos

Chest Strength Training
Close-Grip Reverse-Grip Chin-Up

Close-Grip Reverse-Grip Chin-Up

If you're looking for an effective way to strengthen your upper body, the close-grip reverse-grip chin-up is an excellent choice. This variation of the traditional chin-up emphasizes the biceps and upper back while also being an excellent exercise for improving grip strength. Execution Begin by

Lats Strength Training
Close-Reverse Grip Chin-Up

Close-Reverse Grip Chin-Up

The close-reverse grip chin-up is a powerful exercise targeting the upper body, with a particular focus on the biceps and back muscles. This variation of the traditional chin-up places additional emphasis on the forearms and biceps, providing a more intense workout. Execution Begin by standing u

Back Strength Training
Cluster Power Lifting

Cluster Power Lifting

Cluster Power Lifting is an advanced strength-training technique that helps increase your maximum strength and explosiveness. By taking short rest breaks between repetitions, you can lift more weight than with traditional sets. Execution Begin by setting the weight you would normally use for 3–5

Quads Strength Training
Cobra Full Push-Up

Cobra Full Push-Up

The Cobra Full Push-Up is a dynamic exercise that not only strengthens your upper body but also improves your flexibility and stability. This variation of the traditional push-up adds an extra dimension by emphasizing the back muscles and shoulders while also training the chest and triceps. Executi

Chest Strength Training
Cobra Push-Up

Cobra Push-Up

The Cobra Push-Up is a dynamic exercise that focuses on strengthening your upper body, with special emphasis on your chest, shoulders, and triceps. This variation of the traditional push-up adds another dimension by emphasizing back extension, helping you build strength while also improving flexibil

Chest Strength Training
Commando Plank Modification

Commando Plank Modification

Introduction: The Commando Plank Modification is a variation of the traditional plank that places additional emphasis on upper-body and core stability. This exercise strengthens not only your abdominal muscles but also your shoulders and arms while you work on your overall body balance. Execution:

Abs CrossFit
Commando Pull-Up

Commando Pull-Up

The Commando Pull-Up is a dynamic exercise that targets multiple muscle groups at once. This variation of the traditional pull-up adds a unique twist by rotating your body sideways, providing a more intense workout. Execution Begin by gripping a pull-up bar with both hands, keeping your hands cl

Back Strength Training
Commando Push-Up

Commando Push-Up

Introduction: The Commando Push-Up is a dynamic variation of the traditional push-up that places additional emphasis on your upper body and core. This exercise not only increases your strength but also improves your coordination and stability. Execution: Begin in a standard push-up position with yo

Chest Strength Training
Complete Workout

Complete Workout

Looking for an efficient and effective way to train your entire body? The Complete Workout is a comprehensive routine that targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, helping you achieve more results in less time. This workout is ideal for both beginners and advanced exercisers because it can eas

Shoulders Strength Training
Concentration Bicep Curl

Concentration Bicep Curl

The Concentration Bicep Curl is an effective exercise focused on isolating and strengthening the biceps. This exercise offers the unique benefit of targeted muscle activation, allowing you to experience a more intense muscle pump and improve the shape of your biceps. Execution Sit on the end of

Biceps Strength Training
Concentration Curl

Concentration Curl

The Concentration Curl is an effective exercise for isolating and strengthening the biceps. This exercise offers the unique benefit of targeted muscle activation, allowing you to focus intensely on the biceps without involving many other muscle groups. Execution Find a comfortable chair and sit

Biceps Strength Training