✨ 12-Week Integrated Movement & Strength Program

1. Program Goals & Context πŸ“„
  • Lifestyle: Sedentary, limited recent structured training
  • Postural Concerns: Rounded shoulders, tech neck, lordosis, rib flare
  • Mobility: Restricted ankle ROM, can’t deep squat without heels lifting
  • Family History: Bad knees, occasional knee pain
  • Goals: Correct posture, improve mobility, strengthen glutes/lats, build an athletic physique, longevity, grip strength
  • Constraints: 7 days/week (5 intense + 2 active recovery), 45–90 min sessions, daily posture breaks
2. High-Level Structure πŸ‹οΈ
Phases & Timeline ⏳

Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Foundation & Correction
- Light loads, higher reps, focus on movement quality & range of motion

Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Stability & Strength
- Moderate loads, unilateral emphasis, progressive overload

Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Integration & Complexity
- Heavier loads, advanced functional moves (Turkish Get-Ups, heavier KB swings, loaded carries)

Weekly Schedule πŸ—“
  • Day 1: Lower Body (Posterior Chain)
  • Day 2: Upper Body Pull + Core
  • Day 3: Active Recovery (Zone 2 cardio, mobility)
  • Day 4: Lower Body (Glutes/Quads)
  • Day 5: Upper Body Push + Posture
  • Day 6: Functional Full-Body + Conditioning
  • Day 7: Recovery / Yoga
3. Daily Home Mini-Sessions (5–15 min) πŸ’‘

Perform these near-daily (morning or evening) for posture, core stability, and mobility.

Layout Example:

  1. Vacuum Exercises β†’ 2–3 sets Γ— 5–10s
  2. Dead Bugs (or Hollow Body Holds) β†’ 2–3 sets Γ— 6–8 reps (or 10–30s hold)
  3. Neck Isometrics β†’ 1–2 sets each side Γ— 5–10s
  4. T-Spine Extensions (Foam Roller) β†’ 1–2 sets Γ— 5–8 reps
Why These Matter ❓
  • Vacuums: Targets transverse abdominis, reduces β€œbubble gut”
  • Dead Bugs / Hollow Body: Strengthens anterior core, addresses rib flare
  • Neck Isometrics: Counters tech neck, builds cervical stability
  • T-Spine Extensions: Improves upper back mobility, crucial for posture
4. Day-by-Day Overview πŸ—“οΈ

Each day’s main session is 45–90 minutes. Sets/Reps vary by Phase (see Phase table below). Warm-ups and cool-down included.

For technique instructions on specific exercises, see the Exercise Library at the end.

DAY 1: Lower Body (Posterior Chain) πŸ’ͺ

Warm-Up πŸ”₯

Main Exercises βš™οΈ

  1. Trap Bar Deadlift
    • Phase 1: 3Γ—12–15
    • Phase 2: 3Γ—8–10
    • Phase 3: 4Γ—5–8
  2. Hip Thrusts / Glute Bridges
    • 2–3Γ—12–15 (P1), 3Γ—10–12 (P2), 3Γ—8–10 (P3)
  3. Single-Leg RDL (light in Phase 1 for imbalances)
    • 2Γ—10–12 (P1), 3Γ—8–10 (P2), 3Γ—8 (P3)
  4. Reverse Nordics (1–2Γ—/week)
    • 2–3Γ—5–8 slow reps

Optional Finisher 🀸: Backward Treadmill (2–5 min) or Sled Pulls

Cool-Down 🧊: Light static stretch, foam rolling if needed

DAY 2: Upper Body Pull + Core 🏹

Warm-Up πŸ”₯

Main Exercises βš™οΈ

  1. TRX Inverted Rows (3Γ—12–15 / 3Γ—8–10 / 4Γ—6–8)
  2. One-Arm DB Row (2–3Γ— (10–12 / 8–10 / 8) each arm)
  3. Lat Pulldown (pause at peak) (2–3Γ— (10–12 / 8–10 / 8))
  4. Face Pulls / Cable External Rotations (2–3Γ— (12–15))

Core / Posture πŸ†: Pallof Press or McGill Curl-Up (2–3 sets)

Cool-Down 🧊: Sleeper stretch, pec minor stretch (1–2Γ—30s each side)

DAY 3: Active Recovery πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ

DAY 4: Lower Body (Glutes/Quads) 🦡

Warm-Up πŸ”₯

Main Exercises βš™οΈ

  1. Front Squat or Goblet Squat (3Γ—12–15 / 4Γ—8–10 / 4Γ—5–8)
  2. Bulgarian Split Squats (2–3Γ— (10–12 / 8–10 / 8) per leg)
  3. Leg Press or Step-Ups (2–3Γ— (10–12 / 8–10 / 8))
  4. Tibialis Raises (2Γ— (12–15))

Optional Finisher 🀸: Reverse Nordics or backward sled pull

Cool-Down 🧊: Quad & hip flexor stretch (30–60s each side)

DAY 5: Upper Body Push + Posture πŸ”₯

Warm-Up πŸ”₯

Main Exercises βš™οΈ

  1. Incline Dumbbell Press (3Γ—12–15 / 3Γ—8–10 / 4Γ—5–8)
  2. Overhead Press or Landmine Press (2–3Γ— (10 / 8 / 6))
  3. Push-Up Variations (scapular, standard, deficit) (2–3Γ— (10–12))
  4. Band Pull-Aparts (2–3Γ— (12–15))

Foundation / Posture 🧍: Founder (Eric Goodman) β†’ 1–2Γ— (30–45s hold)

Cool-Down 🧊: Pec minor stretch, scap stretch (30–45s each side)

DAY 6: Functional Full-Body + Conditioning πŸ€Έβ€β™‚οΈ

Warm-Up πŸ”₯

Main βš™οΈ

  1. Turkish Get-Ups (2Γ—3–5 reps each side in P1 β†’ 3Γ—3 in P2 β†’ 3–4Γ—2 in P3)
  2. Kettlebell Swings (3Γ—10–15, progress load across phases)
  3. Farmer’s Carries / Suitcase Carries (3Γ— (30–60s))
  4. Optional: Short HIIT (5 rounds, 20s on / 40s off)

Cool-Down 🧊: Light stretching (hip flexors, shoulders)

DAY 7: Recovery / Yoga 🧘

5. Phase-by-Phase Sets & Reps Quick Reference ⏱️
Detailed Table πŸ“Š
Phase Weeks Main Lifts Accessory Rest Focus
1 1–4 3Γ—12–15 (lighter load) 2–3Γ—10–12 60–90s Movement quality, full ROM,
unilateral intro
2 5–8 3–4Γ—8–10 2–3Γ—10–12 90–120s Strength emphasis, moderate load,
stable technique
3 9–12 3–5Γ—5–8 2–3Γ—8–10 90–120+ s as needed Heavier loads, advanced lifts
(TGU, heavier swings etc.)
6. Extra Mobility & Special Drills 🀼

Banded Ankle Dorsiflexion 🦢

Hollow Body Holds (GST) 🀸

Backward Treadmill Walking / Sled Pulls πŸŒͺ️

Reverse Nordics πŸ’₯

7. Daily/Weekly Logging πŸ—’οΈ

Inline Table: Example Template

Date Day Main Lift Sets/Reps/Load Notes
2024-01-01 Day 1 Trap Bar Deadlift 3Γ—12Γ—(60 lbs) Felt knee twinge β†’ foam roll quads post-workout
2024-01-02 Day 2 TRX Inverted Rows 3Γ—10 (BW) Good scap retraction, slight lower-back tightness
Recovery Markers πŸ‘€
  • Sleep (hrs)
  • Energy (1–10)
  • Soreness (1–10)
  • Mood/Stress (1–10)
8. Expert Methodologies Referenced πŸ“š
  • Dr. Stuart McGill: Spine health (Big 3, bracing)
  • Kelly Starrett: Mobility (banded distractions, foam rolling)
  • Ben Patrick: Knee/ankle mobility (tibialis raises, backward walking)
  • Christopher Sommer: GST (Hollow Body Holds)
  • Pavel Tsatsouline: Tension & KB swings (hardstyle approach)
  • Eric Cressey: Shoulder health & scap stability
  • Dr. Eric Goodman: Founder exercise, posture
  • Patrick McKeown: Breathwork, efficiency
  • Ido Portal: Movement complexity (90/90, varied movements)
  • Dr. Andreo Spina: CARs, joint centration
  • Dr. Andy Galpin: Bioenergetics, volume management
9. Final Notes & Tips πŸ’¬
Implementation & Consistency ⚑
  • Use Offline: Just open this HTML file in any browser to view/print.
  • Adjust Volume: If overly fatigued, remove 1 set or skip an accessory.
  • Form Checks: Occasionally film lifts (watch for scoliosis/leg-length shifts).
  • Heat Acclimatization: Train earlier in hot climates; track hydration/electrolytes.
  • Progress: Increase weight only when top reps are perfect in form.
πŸ“ Exercise Library Index

Create each as its own section or page if desired.

Modified Curl-Up (McGill)

Foundation Exercise | Core Stability | Difficulty: Beginner

Quick Stats

Setup & Position

  1. Lie on back with one leg straight, other knee bent
  2. Place hands under lower back (~1-inch gap)
  3. Head rests on floor initially
  4. Engage core by β€œbracing as if preparing for impact”

Execution

  1. Lift head and shoulders ~1 inch off floor
  2. Maintain hand gap under lower back
  3. Hold while breathing normally (6–8s)
  4. Return slowly

βœ… What You Should Feel

❌ What You Shouldn’t Feel

Common Mistakes

Progress Tracking

Trap Bar Deadlift

Compound Exercise | Lower Body & Back | Difficulty: Intermediate

Quick Stats

Setup

  1. Step inside trap bar, feet hip-width
  2. Hinge down, grab handles
  3. Brace core, retract shoulders
  4. Keep neutral spine

Execution

  1. Drive through heels, extending hips/knees
  2. Maintain neutral spine throughout
  3. Stand tall, lock out glutes at top
  4. Lower under control

βœ… Success Cues

❌ Common Mistakes

Notes