Deadlift

The deadlift is perhaps the most misunderstood movement in the trainer's arsenal. Most fear it, some avoid it, and nearly everyone does it wrong. But it is the quintessential "hinge" movement and there are few exercises that build more raw strength not mention build all the muscles that make you hotter (The woman in the picture is over 50 years old). It's also one of the basic human movements that you will need until the day you die (anytime you pick up something off the floor you are deadlifting). I have videos here of PhDs doing it with dumbbells, models doing it with kettlebells, and a 14 year old girl doing it with an old-school barbell. And in case you want to nerd out, there's Bret Contreras breaking the move down for a full 7 minutes.

Coach Stevo's Top Tips

• Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pack your shoulder before you touch the bar.
• Push your butt way back and load the hamstrings.
• Lock your core.
• Hinge at the hips.
• Lift with your hamstrings and glutes, stabilize with your upper back.
• As soon as the weight crests your knees, drive your hips forward HARD.

Dumbbells (PhD)

Kettlebells (Model)

Barbell (14 year-old girl)

Complete Form Breakdown

Overhead Press

Also known as the "military press," this exercise can be performed with kettlebells, dumbbells, or a barbell. Dumbbells is the most foolproof, barbell the most dangerous, but kettlebells require more range of motion and mobility.

Coach Stevo's Top Tips

• Do not perform seated.
• Squeeze your glutes and abs hard.
• Pack your shoulders
• Always lock out at the top.

Single-Leg Deadlift

The Single-Leg Deadlift (SLDL) is a weird exercise that will require patience and balance. It also won't feel "hard" until you wake up in the morning. Keep your shoulder blades pinched together and your hips and shoulders in the same plane. Make sure you are pushing your butt back (especially you ladies!) and only bending your knee a little so as to better load up the hamstring.

Coach Stevo's Top Tips

• Don't let your raised foot pivot out.
• Lower slowly and pop up quickly with purpose.

Bodyweight

Weight in One Arm

Weight in Two Arms

Goblet Squat

The Every (Wo)Man's Squat. Pull yourself into the squat by inhaling the whole way down and sitting back so the weight is always on your heels. Pry your hips open with your elbow. Take a sharp inhale through your nose and feel the tension build in your core. Squeeze the bell as hard as you can, grunt loudly and pop your head a little to initiate the upward phase. Push your hips all the way through and continue to exhale slowly even when you reach the top.

Coach Stevo Top Tips

• Weight always on your heels.
• Chest always up.
• If it gets hard, squeeze the bell harder