The broad jump or standing long jump is an introductory plyometric exercise that can help improve explosive power. Although it is introductory plyometrics, I’ve categorised this as being advanced because you need to have some strong legs to control the landings for this one. You should already be very comfortable squatting and should be able to at least squat your own bodyweight before considering this as an explosive power exercise choice. 

The walking lunge is a fantastic lower body option for improving leg strength in a manner than transfers to many life and sporting contexts. The nature of transferring weight from one leg to the other through periods of being on only 1 leg for support mimics exactly the demands of walking and running. Good lunging technique and strength will help you walk, run, jump and generally be a lot more stable through your lower body.

The Alekna, named after a discus athlete, is a similar core exercise to the deadbug but is much greater in difficulty. It is a great option for training your core to work to maintain stability through your spine as you transfer force and movements through your legs and arms – exactly the way your core should be working. It is still a good option for beginners as you have the ground to use as feedback against your back but if you are a total beginner you should start with the deadbug before progressing.

The deadbug is a great core and ab exercise when executed with correct technique and control. It is a good starting point for raising awareness of the core and a neutral spine as you have the floor to brace your back against and use as feedback. Take care to use slow controlled movements and you can integrate the breath as you move too to learn how the breathing can help create tension and stability around your spine.

The box squat has a variety of uses within a training program. I most often find myself using it when teaching beginners to squat with the barbell but they struggle to get the same depth as when using a kettlebell for goblet squat. It gives you a target to sit onto and to make sure you hit depth meaning that you develop consistent technique but also have the extra confidence of the box to aim for. Start the box at the height you can get to comfortably and as your skill and confidence grows, take height off the box so that it gets lower over time. Once you can consistently hit your required squat depth then you can take the box away and try free back squat.

​If you are thinking about getting started with weight training but really have no idea where to begin then this article should be your starting point. You’ll learn everything from its role and benefits to how to get started right now.

As the Scottish Government unveils it's 4 phase approach to lifting lock-down restrictions, it looks like gyms and the leisure industry will be the hardest hit. 

Will we be allowed back into our beloved gyms before the end of the year?

Check out my review of the Born Tough Alfresco Parka Hoodie that I've been trialing out over the last few months. 

The Pendlay Row is a major upper body pulling compound exercise. It’s easily performed with a barbell and works the muscles of the upper back like the lats and rhomboids as well as the biceps and forearms. This differs from a bent over row as the bar is reset each time. Set it up on the floor or from a low rack depending on your proportions so that you can keep a nice tight back position with your chest just above the parallel line of the floor. It’s good for getting in extra upper back volume to help with your chin-ups and the reset allows you to work on generating speed off the floor to help fire those muscles a bit quicker.