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.

Smith Machine Calf Raises

If you are looking for an effective way to strengthen your calf muscles, Smith Machine Calf Raises are an excellent choice. This exercise provides stability and the ability to train heavier without the risk of losing balance. Execution Set the Smith machine to the appropriate height so that the

Smith Machine Decline Bench Press

The Smith Machine Decline Bench Press is a powerful exercise designed to strengthen your chest muscles. The declined angle of the bench primarily targets the lower parts of your chest muscles, contributing to overall chest development. Execution Set the bench to a declined position under the S

Smith Machine Decline Press

The Smith Machine Decline Press is a powerful exercise that targets the lower part of your chest muscles. The angle of the exercise challenges your muscles in a unique way, which can lead to better definition and strength. Execution Set the bench to a decline position and place it under the Smit

Smith Machine Flat Bench Press

The Smith Machine Flat Bench Press is a powerful exercise for developing your chest muscles. This exercise provides stability and focus on the chest, allowing you to work on muscle growth and strength with precision. Execution Set the bench in the Smith Machine to a flat position. Lie on the b

Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

The bench press, or 'bench pressing', is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is also one of the three powerlifting exercises (alongside the squat and deadlift). It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and the front of the shoulder

Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

The Smith Machine Incline Bench Press is an effective strength exercise that targets the upper chest muscles. The incline angle also engages the shoulders and triceps, making this exercise an excellent choice for building a strong upper body. Execution Set the bench to an angle of approximatel

Smith Machine Incline Press

If you are looking for an effective way to train your upper body, the Smith Machine Incline Press is an excellent choice. This exercise combines the benefits of stability with the ability to lift heavy, challenging your chest muscles, shoulders, and triceps in a unique way. Execution Set the ben

Smith Machine Shoulder Press

The Smith Machine Shoulder Press is a fantastic exercise for strengthening and shaping your shoulders. The guided movement provides a unique way to train your shoulder muscles safely and effectively. Execution Set the bench in the Smith Machine to an upright or slightly reclined position. Sit

Smith Machine Shrug

Barbell shrugs target the upper and middle fibers of the trapezius, the diamond-shaped muscle in the upper back (between the shoulder blades). These fibers pull the shoulder blades upward and backward. The forearm flexors provide the necessary gripping strength in the fingers. The core muscles in th

Smith Machine Shrugs

Smith Machine Shrugs are an excellent exercise for strengthening the trapezius muscles. This exercise provides a stable environment, allowing you to focus fully on contracting the muscles without worrying about balance and stability. Execution Set the Smith machine to a suitable height so that

Smith Machine Squat

The Smith Machine Squat is a popular exercise focused on strengthening the lower body. The guided movement provides additional stability and safety, allowing you to focus on proper execution without worrying about balance. Execution Set the Smith Machine to the correct height so that the bar is

Smith Machine Wide-Grip Upright Row

The barbell upright row is an exercise targeting all heads of the deltoid (shoulder muscle). Although it is mainly performed for the rear head of the shoulder, studies show that the middle and front heads work approximately equally hard as well. Still, it is not surprising that this exercise is aime

Smith Shoulder Press

The shoulder press is an exercise that works all three heads of the deltoid (but not to the same extent). This is the deltoid-shaped muscle responsible for lifting the upper arm. The pectoralis major also helps lift the arms. This particularly applies to the fibers that run from the clavicle to the

Smith Upright Row

The barbell upright row is an exercise targeting all heads of the deltoid (shoulder muscle). Although it is primarily performed for the rear head of the shoulder, studies show that the middle and front heads work approximately equally hard as well. Nevertheless, it is not surprising that this exerci

Snatch

The snatch is a dynamic weightlifting exercise that provides a full-body workout. It is a technically complex movement that requires explosive strength, mobility, and coordination, and it is unique in its ability to engage so many muscle groups simultaneously. Execution: Begin with the barbell

Snow Angels

The Snow Angels exercise is an effective way to train your upper body, focusing on the shoulders, upper back, and core. This exercise, named for its resemblance to making angel wings in the snow, offers a unique combination of muscle activation and mobility training without requiring weights. Execu

Speed Skaters

The Speed Skaters exercise is a dynamic movement that helps improve your coordination, balance, and strength. This exercise simulates the lateral movement of a skater and offers a unique combination of cardio and strength training, targeting various muscle groups. Execution Begin in a position w

Spell Caster

The Spell Caster is a dynamic exercise that not only improves your muscular strength but also engages your coordination and balance. This unique movement simulates casting a spell, making it a fun and imaginative addition to your workout routine. Execution Begin in a standing position with your

Spider Bicep Cable Curls

Introduction: Spider Bicep Cable Curls are an excellent exercise for isolating and strengthening your biceps. This exercise uses a cable machine, providing constant resistance throughout the entire movement, resulting in better muscle activation. Execution: Begin by setting the cable machine with a

Spider Curl with Barbell

The barbell Spider Curl is an excellent exercise for isolating and strengthening your biceps. Its unique benefit is that it helps you maintain a strict position, allowing your biceps to be trained more effectively without other muscles taking over the work. Execution Start by setting an incline

Spider Curl with EZ Bar

If you are looking for an effective way to train your biceps, the Spider Curl with an EZ bar is an excellent choice. This exercise is unique because your body position during execution keeps constant tension on your biceps, leading to more intense muscle activation and growth. Execution Begin by

Spider Plank

Introduction: The Spider Plank is a dynamic variation of the traditional plank that not only improves your core stability but also challenges your obliques and shoulder muscles. By bringing your knee toward your elbow, you add an extra dimension to the exercise, creating a more intense workout. Exe

Spider Plank

The Spider Plank is a dynamic variation of the traditional plank that improves not only your core stability but also your flexibility and balance. This exercise adds a new dimension to your workout through the movement of your legs, activating more muscle groups. Execution Begin in a standard pl

Spider Plank

Introduction: The Spider Plank is a dynamic variation of the traditional plank that not only improves your core stability but also increases the flexibility and strength of your hips. This exercise incorporates leg movement, making it a challenging addition to your core routine. Execution: Begin in