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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.

Decline Diamond Pike Push-Up

Decline Diamond Pike Push-Up

If you are looking for a challenging variation on the traditional push-up, the Decline Diamond Pike Push-Up is an excellent choice. This exercise combines the intensity of a decline push-up with the precision of a diamond push-up and the unique position of a pike push-up, giving you a powerful worko

Triceps Strength Training
Decline Dumbbell Bench Press

Decline Dumbbell Bench Press

The Decline Dumbbell Bench Press is an effective strength exercise that targets the lower chest muscles. The decline position of the bench places unique stress on your muscles, which can lead to better definition and strength in the lower part of the chest. Execution Set the bench to a decline

Chest Strength Training
Decline Dumbbell Chest Press

Decline Dumbbell Chest Press

The bench press is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and the front of the shoulder muscles are used to pull the upper arm forward and inward. The triceps are used to extend the arms. Muscles i

Chest CrossFit
Decline Dumbbell Chest Press

Decline Dumbbell Chest Press

The Decline Dumbbell Chest Press is an effective exercise for strengthening and defining the lower chest muscles. This variation of the traditional chest press places greater emphasis on the lower part of the chest, supporting complete chest development. Execution Find a decline bench and lie on

Chest Strength Training
Decline Dumbbell Press

Decline Dumbbell Press

The Decline Dumbbell Press is an effective exercise for strengthening your chest muscles, with a focus on the lower part of the chest. This variation of the dumbbell press creates a unique angle in your training, engaging your muscles differently than the traditional bench press. Execution Find

Chest Strength Training
Decline Kneeling Push-Up

Decline Kneeling Push-Up

The Decline Kneeling Push-Up is a variation of the traditional push-up that focuses on strengthening your upper body, with additional emphasis on the upper chest and shoulders. By using the knees and positioning the body at a decline, the exercise is more accessible to beginners or those working to

Chest Strength Training
Decline Kneeling Push-Up on Box

Decline Kneeling Push-Up on Box

The Decline Kneeling Push-Up on Box is a variation of the traditional push-up that focuses on strengthening your upper body, with extra emphasis on the upper chest muscles and shoulders. The elevated position of your feet makes the exercise more intense than a standard push-up. Execution Find a

Chest Strength Training
Decline Machine Chest Press

Decline Machine Chest Press

The Decline Machine Chest Press is an effective exercise for strengthening and defining the lower chest muscles. This variation of the chest press specifically targets the lower portion of the chest, which is often overlooked in traditional chest exercises. Execution Adjust the machine seat so t

Chest Strength Training
Decline Pike Push-Up

Decline Pike Push-Up

The pike push-up falls somewhere between a shoulder press and a push-up as an exercise. In other words, between a handstand push-up and a regular push-up. A handstand push-up is essentially a shoulder press using body weight as resistance. The adjusted angle therefore places more emphasis on the sho

Shoulders Strength Training
Decline Push-Up

Decline Push-Up

The push-up is a well-known compound exercise for the upper body and core muscles. Because of the plank position, the muscles in the lower back, glutes, and legs (especially the hamstrings) must work to keep the back and legs aligned. These muscles therefore mainly have a stabilizing function, as th

Chest Strength Training
Decline Push-Up

Decline Push-Up

The decline push-up is a variation of the classic push-up that focuses on training your upper body more intensely. By placing your feet on an elevated surface, you increase the difficulty and place more emphasis on the upper chest muscles and shoulders. Execution Find a stable elevated surface,

Chest Strength Training
Decline Push-Up Against Wall

Decline Push-Up Against Wall

The Decline Push-Up Against Wall is a variation of the traditional push-up that focuses on strengthening your upper body from a unique angle. By positioning your feet higher than your hands, you increase the intensity and focus on the upper chest muscles and shoulders. Execution Find a stable wa

Chest Strength Training
Decline Push-Up on Stability Ball

Decline Push-Up on Stability Ball

The push-up is a well-known compound exercise for the upper body and core muscles. Because of the plank position, the muscles in the lower back, glutes, and legs (especially the hamstrings) must work to keep the back and legs aligned. These muscles therefore mainly have a stabilizing function, as th

Chest Strength Training
Decline Push-Ups

Decline Push-Ups

Decline push-ups are a variation of the traditional push-up in which your feet are elevated. This provides a more intense workout for the upper chest muscles and shoulders. Execution Find a stable surface on which you can place your feet, such as a bench or a step. Place your hands on the floo

Chest Strength Training
Decline Shoulder Tap

Decline Shoulder Tap

The Decline Shoulder Tap is a dynamic exercise that combines stability, strength, and coordination. By incorporating this exercise into your routine, you work not only your shoulders but also improve your core stability and balance. Execution Place your hands on the floor and your feet on an ele

Shoulders Strength Training
Decline Sit-Up

Decline Sit-Up

Active muscles: Abdominals: Rectus abdominis (straight abdominal muscle) External oblique (outer oblique abdominal muscle) Internal oblique (inner oblique abdominal muscle) Transversus abdominis (transverse abdominal muscle, or 'corset muscle') Pelvis: Psoas major Iliacus Legs: Rectus fe

Abs Strength Training
Decline Sit-Up

Decline Sit-Up

The Decline Sit-Up is a challenging exercise that targets the abdominal muscles. The declined position of the bench challenges your muscles in a unique way, which can lead to greater strength and definition. Execution Set the bench to a declined angle. Lie on your back on the bench and secure

Abs Strength Training
Decline Sit-Ups (Bodyweight)

Decline Sit-Ups (Bodyweight)

Decline sit-ups using only your body weight are a fantastic way to strengthen your core. This exercise adds an extra challenge to the traditional sit-up by making gravity work against you as you come up. This makes it an effective way to train your abdominal muscles. Execution Find a decline ben

Abs Strength Training
Decline Sit-Ups with Dumbbells

Decline Sit-Ups with Dumbbells

Want to take your abdominal muscles to the next level? Try decline sit-ups with dumbbells. This exercise combines the traditional sit-up with added resistance, making your core work even harder. The unique advantage of this variation is that you not only train your abdominal muscles, but also build

Abs Strength Training
Deep Push-Up

Deep Push-Up

The Deep Push-Up is an intense variation of the classic push-up that further challenges your chest muscles, triceps, and shoulders. By increasing the depth of the movement, you stimulate the muscles in a unique way, which can lead to improved strength and muscle definition. Execution Begin in th

Chest Strength Training
Depth Push-Up

Depth Push-Up

The push-up is a well-known compound exercise for the upper body and core muscles. Because of the plank position, the muscles in the lower back, glutes and legs (especially the hamstrings) must work to keep the back and legs aligned. These muscles therefore mainly have a stabilising function, as the

Chest Strength Training
Diagonal Arm and Leg Lift

Diagonal Arm and Leg Lift

Looking for an exercise that improves your balance while training multiple muscle groups at the same time? Try the Diagonal Arm and Leg Lift. This exercise is ideal for strengthening your core while also working your back, glutes, and shoulder muscles. Execution: Begin on your hands and knees wi

Abs Strength Training
Diagonal Cable Chop

Diagonal Cable Chop

The Diagonal Cable Chop is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, flexibility, and coordination. This exercise is unique because it challenges both your upper and lower body, making it an excellent addition to any workout routine. Execution Set the cable machine to the highest position with

Abs Strength Training
Diagonal Chop Left

Diagonal Chop Left

The Diagonal Chop Left is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, flexibility, and coordination. This exercise involves moving a weight or resistance band diagonally from above your right shoulder downward toward your left hip, making it a unique way to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneousl

Abs Strength Training