Get With The Program: The Weak Link Workout
Hello again friends, it’s Get With The Program time again.
In light of my recent lower back injury I thought I’d share a workout that focuses on the most commonly neglected muscle groups that can create weak links, and may contribute to a potential injury.
So today’s workout focuses on the lower back, glutes, upper back and rotator cuff muscles with a touch of calisthenics (I couldn’t resist). The low back and glutes are seriously deconditioned in most people – even exercise junkies. This is due to sitting most of our lives which literally shuts down these muscles.
Many people also suffer from rounded shoulders because so often they mostly focus on pushing and pressing movements without compensating by strengthening the pulling muscle groups. With overdeveloped musculature on the front of the body, the shoulders get pulled forward and a hunched back isn’t far behind.
There’s more to your shoulders than just the outward muscles that give a nice appearance. Inside the shoulder joint sits four complex muscles that help to support and stabilize the joint, and of course add strength to the bigger outer muscles. And they need specific movements to keep them tuned and in shape.
Here we go.
Warm-up
Perform these in succession with no rest between
1. Reverse Sitting x 15
2. V-ups x 15
3. Jumping Jacks
4. Resistance Band Torso Twist x 15 each side
5. Jump Squats-50% effort x 15 reps
*rest 60 seconds and then repeat 1 more time
Circuit #1
* Perform these 4 exercises in succession with 15 seconds rest between
1. Resistance Band External Rotation x 15 reps
2. Swiss Ball Hamstring Roll – Ins x 15 reps
3. Roman Chair Hyper-Extensions x 15 reps S L O W L Y
4. Squat Thrusts x 20
*rest 45 seconds and repeat one more time
Circuit #2
* Perform these 4 exercises in succession with 15 seconds rest between
1. Resistance Band Y,T,W’s x 10 reps each movement
2. Barbell Straight Legged Deadlifts x 15 reps S L O W L Y
3. Kettle Bell Hip Drive x 15 reps (really squeeze the glutes)
4. Jumping Jacks x 30 seconds
*rest 45 seconds and repeat one more time
Circuit #3
* Perform these 3 exercises in succession with 15 seconds rest between
1. Single Leg Dumbbell Deadlift x 12 each leg
2. Cuban Press x 15 reps Click here for a video.
3. Plank Lift off x 15 reps each side Click here for a video.
And that’s it!
Seriously, try using these moves in your workout and they’ll eliminate many of the usual weak links. You’ll also notice by increasing the strength in these areas, you’ll feel a little different and have additional strength in other exercises.
I’ve said before – “You’re only as strong as your weakest link”, so get moving and attack those overlooked muscles!
So, how’d it go? What do you think of the Weak Link Workout? Challenging? How did you feel when you finished? I want to hear all about it.
All information contained within this site, Angry Trainer Fitness.com, is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or on any opinions expressed within this website. Please see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.
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about 2 years ago
I’d like to try one of these ATF sequences, but I don’t exercise at the gym. I usually workout at home or outdoors. Does anyone have any subs for the following exercises?:
1) Swiss Ball Hamstring Roll
2) Roman Chair Hyper-Extensions
Thanks in advance for any ideas!
about 2 years ago
Hey Renelle. A Swiss Ball is available and super cheap- maybe $20 or so. It’s a worthwhile investment as you can do many different exercises on it including both the roll in’s and hyper extensions.
about 2 years ago
I have one and use it a lot.
If I get tired I just lie on it, with my shoulder, arms wide and then roll the ball towards the glutes. Go back and forth while holding balance.
It relaxes and also opens up the chest. ….. mmmmm nice!!
about 2 years ago
Oh …. and nice to see someting as informative as this (this Get With The Program) comming from something bad (your injury)! Hope its getting better already!!
I wil defenitly take this one and work with it as well
about 2 years ago
Ok! This is my first sequence after a tedious three-day skirmish between me and a stomach bug. Because I am temporarily accessory impaired, I made some substitutions just for today:
- Equipment Subs: Bands/free weights, Kettle bell, barbell/weighted bag
- Exercise Subs: Swiss hamstring/One-legged hip extensions with chair; Roman chair/Pillow humpers
- Total time/Place: 38 minutes/home
Impressions: A strong and engaging sequence. I particularly felt the Y,T,W’s and the deadlifts. The Plank Lift Off at the end was pure and brilliant mischief =D I laughed at myself as I struggled to preserve balance and form with the aid of nothing but burning and dead tired shoulders and core. I’m glad I tried this sequence (well, a version of it) and once I get a couple more toys, I’ll definitely come back to it in the future. Thanks!
about 2 years ago
The Plank Lift Off is a B*tch!!
Every time I have to do this one I’m glad if I survive to do four or five reps in good form. Love it though because it works your “Everything”!
about 2 years ago
Glad to see you and Renelle like the workout. I especially like the line “it works your everything!”
about 2 years ago
Well it does …. AUW!!
about 2 years ago
“The Plank Lift Off is a B*tch!! : **lol** You said it better, Ingrid! =D Loved your accuracy =D
I slept like a rock – nay, BOULDER – after the workout.
about 2 years ago
I can imagine!!
about 2 years ago
Oh … I sometimes Google the exercises to see how it’s done, like on youtube. Guess what I found when I looked for reverse sitting? (apart from the naughty stuff that is)
I will give you a hint, it has to do with “motorcyclecruiser” Haha Looking Good!!!
about 2 years ago
Ha, funny Ingrid. Did you see this one as well? This is a motorcycle I built several years ago and I had hair!!! http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/harley_davidson_vrod_custom/index.html
about 2 years ago
No I didn’t, but now I have. What a Difference the hair makes
Do you still have the bike? I like it a lot!!
My husband has a custom made bike aswell, but he didn’t make it himself he just bought it (himself).