Muscle Memory digital Dec/Jan 2019 | Page 105

FITNESS T-REX TRAINING FEATURE BARBELL DEADLIFT STRAIGHT ARM CABLE PULLDOWN Set up: You will start by using the top pulley of a cable pulldown machine. Using a wider than shoulder-width pronated (palms down) grip. Step backwards two feet or so. Bend your torso forward at the waist by around 30-degrees with your arms fully extended in front of you and a slight bend at the elbows. If your arms are not fully extended then you need to step a bit more backwards until they are. Once your arms are fully extended and your torso is slightly bent at the waist, tighten the lats and then you are ready to begin. Action: While keeping the arms straight, pull the bar down by contracting the lats until your hands are next to the side of the thighs. Breathe out as you perform this step. While keeping the arms straight, go back to the starting position while breathing in. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions. 26   MUSCLE MEMORY | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2019 Set up: Approach the bar so that it is centered over your feet. Your feet should be hip-width apart. Bend at the hip to grip the bar at shoulder- width allowing your shoulder blades to protract. Typically, you would use an alternating grip. This will be your starting position Set up: Choose a flat bench and place a dumbbell on each side of it. Place the right leg on top of the end of the bench, bend your torso forward from the waist until your upper body is parallel to the floor, and place your right hand on the other end of the bench for support. Use the left hand to pick up the dumbbell on the floor and hold the weight while keeping your lower back straight. The palm of the hand should be facing your torso. This will be your starting position. Action: With your feet and your grip set, take a big breath and then lower your hips and flex the knees until your shins con- tact the bar. Look forward with your head. Keep your chest up and your back arched, and begin driving through the heels to move the weight upward. After the bar passes the knees aggressively pull the bar back, pulling your shoulder blades together as you drive your hips forward into the bar. Lower the bar by bending at the hips and guiding it to the floor. Action: Pull the resistance straight up to the side of your chest, keeping your upper arm close to your side and keeping the torso stationary. Breathe out as you perform this step. Lower the resistance straight down to the starting position. Breathe in as you perform this step. Repeat the movement for the specified amount of repetitions. Switch sides and repeat again with the other arm.