NOTE:
Feel free to substitute any of the exercises above with at-home variations, either by using dumbbells or by simulating resistance (e.g. by pulling a towel in between your hands). It's hard to specify these exactly as people have different equipment available to them, though feel free to google "[Exercise Name] at home variation" and there should be lots of alternatives listed there. This holds true for all future resistance training days.
1. Deadlift
- Holding dumbbells in each hand, keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight with your chest puffed outwards.
- Hinging from your waist, bend down towards the floor as far as possible while keeping your back straight and your knees slightly bent.
- At the climax of the movement (when you get as low as possible, hold for .5 - 1 seconds).
- Using your legs and butt, straighten your knees until your body comes to a standing position.
- Repeat the movement to complete the set.
![1a. Clam Opener](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1585/6091/files/Deadlift_450x.png?v=1541404878)
2. Hip Thrust
- Using a barbell or heavy dumbbell, use an amount of weight you’re comfortable with.
- Place your body under the barbell or put the dumbbell on the upper part of your thighs, and use a bench to support your back, neck, and head behind you.
- Keep your feet on the floor, put your feet directly under your knees so that when you extend, you’ll make a 90% angle.
- Raise the barbell up from the floor primarily using your glute muscles.
- Repeat the motion until the set is complete.
*It is VERY important to focus on contracting your glute muscles throughout this movement - make use of the mind-muscle connection! If you need to, slightly move your feet to see if you can get your glutes to fire.
*Make sure to maximize the full range of motion, going all the way up with your hips before coming back down slowly!
*If you’re unsure what weight you’re comfortable with, start off with something very light and see how it feels. Add to it until you find that comfortable but difficult weight level.
*You can use a pad or a towel under the bar for comfort
![1a. Clam Opener](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1585/6091/files/Hip_Thrust_450x.png?v=1541405543)
3. Squat
- Set a bar (barbell or Smith Machine) on the height that best works for you.
- Step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (just under your neck) across the bar.
- Hold on to the bar with both arms, palms facing forward.
- Lift up to unlock the bar by pushing your legs up and raising your torso.
- Twist your hands back to completely unlock the bar.
- If you’re not already, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent for a squat position.
- Bend your knees straight down as low as possible, and step straight back up while keeping your knees in line with your heels.
*If you’re unsure what weight you’re comfortable with, start off with something very light and see how it feels. Add to it until you find that comfortable but difficult weight level.
![1a. Clam Opener](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1585/6091/files/Squat_a6d32df0-4b58-4726-b7ca-bd0d417c0fe5_450x.png?v=1542283976)
4. Alternating Step Up
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand, while keeping your core engaged and squeezing your glutes, step up onto a platform with your right foot (at a height that’s comfortable for you,) step down, and then alternate sides.
- Repeat.
![1a. Clam Opener](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1585/6091/files/Alternating_Step_Up_450x.png?v=1541406330)