One of the biggest mistakes new weightlifters make is only doing exercises they like — and that almost always means their hamstrings, glutes, and lower back get neglected. This rookie training mistake could lead to a host of problems down the road, including muscle imbalances and, as a result, back pain. But there’s good news: It doesn’t take too much work to get back on track toward developing a strong and stable backside.
Try this program twice a week on non-consecutive days (Mondays and Thursdays work great) for the next four weeks. Here’s a follow-along tutorial to get a sense of how it should look:
Before You Begin
Start with a core-focused dynamic warm-up to raise body temperature, lubricate joints, and mentally prepare you for a robust workout. You’ll also fire up the nerve impulses shuttling information between brain and muscles, or “priming the nervous system.” This situation, similar to turning on a computer, helps you recruit more muscle fibers so you’ll be faster, stronger, and more focused during the session.
Perform these four core-focused moves as a back-to-back circuit for two minutes per exercise:
The Workout
Complete these squat and deadlift variations, plus a few unconventional exercises, in a paired style — that’s “A” followed immediately by “B,” repeating until all sets for the pair are complete. Rest 45 seconds between exercise pairs.
1A. Trap-Bar Deadlift: 3 sets, 6 reps
1B. Glute-Ham Raise: 3 sets, 10 reps
2A. Barbell Split Squat: 2 sets, 10 reps per leg
2B. Single-Leg Box Squat: 2 sets, 10 reps per leg
3A. Barbell Snatch-Grip Shrug: 3 sets, 10 reps
3B. Dumbbell Suitcase Row: 3 sets, 10 reps Protect Your Back with These 4 Moves – Men’s Journal
