Functional training Macrocycle 2

  • Weeks 17-21 of Macrocycle 2 for Functional training.
  • This is a twice a week resistance program.
  • Do 5-10 minutes of a dynamic warm-up.
  • Complete in supersets of 2-3 exercises with 60 seconds rest between exercises.
  • Rest 1-2 minutes between circuits.

leg rotary pull

1. Start by standing on one leg and holding a cable handle with the opposite hand.
2. Proceed to pull the cable handle towards your waist while maintaining your balance on one leg.
3. You will also rotate your body slightly to do this.
4. Complete the desired repetitions and repeat with the other arm and leg.

DB Squat

1) Grasp DB’s and let arms hang down at sides.
2) Start position: Stand with feet slightly wider than hip width apart. Knees should be slightly bent.
3) Lower body by flexing at the hips and knees. Upper body can flex forward at the hips slightly (~5°) during movement. Be sure to “sit back” so that knees stay over the feet.
4) Once thighs are parallel to floor, return to start position.
5) Remember to keep head and back straight in a neutral position - hyperextension or flexion may cause injury. Keep weight over the middle of foot and heel, not the toes.
6) DO NOT allow knees to go past the big toe or deviate laterally or medially throughout movement. Keep abdominals tight throughout exercise by drawing stomach in toward spine.

Free Motion Hamstring Curls

1. Start by standing on the platform and placing a foot in the foot harness. Step to the side so that your foot hangs off the edge of the platform.
2. Proceed to curl your foot back and up keeping your knee stabilized next to your other knee and bringing your foot all the way to your butt.
3. Return to the starting position and repeat according to the prescribed repetitions. Repeat with the other leg.

One Arm One Leg DB Chest Press

1. Start by lying on your back on the ball. Holding a dumbell in one hand with your elbow out raise the same leg or opposite leg off the floor.
2. Contract your abdominals to maintain stability and once you are stabilized press the dumbell up above your chest.
3. Continue for the required number of repetitions and then repeat with opposite arm and leg.

DB Bulgarian Split Squat

1. Start by holding dumbells at your side.
2. Place your back foot on a bench with your other leg out in front of you.
3. Proceed into a squat position by lowering your hips straight down.
4. Return to the starting position and repeat for the suggested repetitions.
5. Repeat with the other leg.

Preacher Curls

1) Adjust seat or arm support height so that, while seated, top of arm support pad is at chest level.
2) Position arms shoulder width apart with elbows and upper arm supported on pad.
3) Start position: Grasp bar with underhand grip (palms facing up) with elbows slightly bent. Choose a narrow or wide grip if applicable.
4) Flex at elbows and curl handle up until forearms are perpendicular to floor. Contract biceps at top of movement.
5) Return to start position.
6) Remember to keep shoulders stabilized - do not shrug shoulders forward on down (eccentric) phase of movement. Do not fully extend elbows at bottom of movement.

One Arm Cable Pushdown

1) Stand approximately 2-3 feet away from overhead pulley with feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. You may use a staggered stance for increased stability.
2) Start position: Grasp handle with shoulder width or medium overhand grip (palms down). Lower handle to chest level so that elbow is bent at 90°.
3) Keeping shoulder stabilized and elbow close to side, extend arm and lower bar to hip level.
4) Return to start position.
5) Remember to keep back and head erect and in a neutral position. Stabilize shoulders by squeezing shoulder blades together slightly.

Horizontal Calf Raise

1. Sit in the machine and place the balls of your feet on the foot plate.
2. Keeping your legs straight extend the balls of your feet and toes out away from you.
3. Return to the starting position and repeat.

Close Grip Chinup (assisted)

1) Position hands shoulder width to slightly narrower than shoulder width apart with underhand grip (palms facing towards body).
2) Start position: Hang with arms fully extended and elbows forward. Feet may be crossed with knees bent or place feet on platform
3) Pull body up until bar is below chin level.
4) Return to start position.
5) Remember to keep the movement controlled with the body stable to minimize momentum and body sway. If the bar is too high, it is advisable to use a step to ensure proper hand placement as well as safety. Pick a weight that allows you to fatigue at the prescribed repetitions.

Wood Chop with band or cable

1. Start by standing parallel to the band or cable.
2. Hang onto the handle in front of your body but up above your head and over the shoulder. Keeping your arms semi straight rotate your body down and away from the band.
3. Keep your feet planted and twist from your trunk or core. Remember to keep your arms semi straight throughout the movement.
4. Return to the starting point and repeat according to the required repetitions.
5. Repeat with the other side.