08/21/2026
Functional strength movements are much more productive for building longevity based strength and stability. These foundational movements require core stabilization in addition to prime mover strength. These are easily scalable to your current fitness level and can be infintely progressed. Focus on range of motion and tempo before increasing load or changing to a more challenging exercise.
1. Goblet Squat
This can be regressed by removing the weight, limiting range of motion or using a TRX to assist in the movement. Stay tall in the squat and think elbows to top of thighs.
2. Romanian Deadlift
This too can be regressed by limiting range of motion. Use caution if you have low back pain, tight hamstrings or poor core strength. This is the most technical so watch your form. This is a hip hinge movement. To visualize, pretend you are entering a room with your arms full, your back is to the door. To open the door you lean forward and push your hips to the door to open.
3. Dumbbell Row
This back exercise requires you stabilize your bodywhile you perform a single arm horizontal pull. Lock your hips and torso so you don't rotate.
4. Incline Push Up
Being able to do a regular body weight push up is a great indicator of relative body strength. To work towards that goal, use a bench, box or railing to regress the difficulty and focus on form, range of motion and tempo. Think of the push up as a moving plank. Hips stay locked, arms are at a 45 degree angle, lower the chest towards target, hover for a second, then push back up to the starting point. As you increase strength, move closer to the floor to increase difficulty.
5. Split Squat
This is a static lunge and great for developing glute and quad strength while challenging your core. Start in the split stance and focus on dropping the back knee to the floor. Keep your torso upright and don't let the front knee push forward. This can be body weight or assisted for beginners and as you progress you can vary where you load. Side load is easier, goblet load in harder and racked or overhead accelerates the difficulty.
6. Farmers Carry
Don't sleep on this one! Great for posture and grip strength, this total body strength exercise will not disappoint. Emphasize posture, foot placement and speed while moving. Pull shoulder blades back, walk with your feet straight off hips, don't let feet cross into midline and don't let the weights wove around. Slow and steady. 20 yards down and back should take a full minute to complete.