Upper-Body Challenge 4 | Adapt to Perform
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Upper-Body Challenge 4

Session overview

Upper-Body Challenge 4 is a 15-minute For Time workout using resistance bands to do this we are going to go through 5 different exercises doing 20 reps on each exercise, this will be 1 round. Repeat for the allocated number of rounds. there is no rest between each round as it is straight through.

On this be sure to start the timer and see how long it takes you to perform the session if you go through the session again you can compare it to the time you did last time but essentially it's doing it as fast as you can with the full range of motion.

Session details
Whiteboard
Resistance
Upper Body
Total rounds
2
00:00:00
1. Band Chest Press - Single Arm
Reps: 20
Exercise 1

Band Chest Press - Single Arm

Reps
20
Description

First, securely attach a band to something that won’t move or break. Be sure to attach it at shoulder height.

You should position yourself facing away from the anchor point and grab the band in one hand. Also make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack when your hand is at shoulder height and your elbow is slightly behind you pointing backwards.

This is the starting position.

From here extend your hand forward, by extending at the elbow until the arm is fully extended or as far as you can. After this, slowly return the arm back to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Tips

By not completely locking out the elbows, keep your pecs more taut.
Make sure your shoulder blades are somewhat retracted if you're experiencing pain in the shoulder joint itself, especially at the front, and work to keep your shoulder girdle "packed."
Make careful to keep some tightness in your abs and avoid letting your lower back arch too much.

2. Band Pull Apart
Reps: 20
Exercise 2

Band Pull Apart

Reps
20
Description

First, grab your band in both hand slightly wider than shoulder width apart and raised so they are shoulder height and in front of you. Make sure you that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

From here pull your hands apart until they are at your sides but elevated throughout. Then return the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount. Once you’ve done all the reps on one arm, if required in the program and you are able to do so, repeat the exercise and the repetitions with the other arm.

If you can’t pull the band fully apart then you may need to play around with holding the band wider to get an effective workout.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Tips:

As you pull the band apart, make sure to exhale. This will keep your spine in a neutral position and prevent you from compensating by hyperextending as you perform the repetitions.
Focus on pushing the hands apart once the band is completely pulled apart at chest height to improve the exercise even more. This will aid in engaging the serratus anterior, a tiny muscle located just beneath your armpit.
As you pull the band apart, watch out for the head protruding forward.
You can target more of the upper back if you keep your elbows slightly bent.

3. Band Bicep Curl
Reps: 20
Exercise 3

Band Bicep Curl

Reps
20
Description

First, grab one end of a band in one hand, wrap it around something that won’t move or break and grab the other end in the other hand. Be sure to attach it at about your chest height.

You should position yourself facing the anchor point. Also make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack with your arms out straight pointing at the anchor point and your palms facing up.

This is the starting position.

From here curl your hands towards you, by bending at the elbows until the arms are fully flexed or as far as you can. After this, slowly return the arms back down to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Resistance Band Bicep Curl Tips:

Focus on only allowing your forearms to move.
Keep the rep timing slow and control the band throughout the set - don't let the band return quickly.

4. Band Tricep Kickback - Single Arm
Reps: 20
Exercise 4

Band Tricep Kickback - Single Arm

Reps
20
Description

First, securely attach a band to something that won’t move or break. Be sure to attach it at shoulder height.

You should position yourself facing the anchor point. Bend forward by hinging at your hips. Also make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack when your elbows are tucked in at your side and your hands pointing towards the floor and your palms facing inwards.

This is the starting position.

From here extend your hand behind you, by extending at the elbow until the arm is fully extended or as far as you can. After this, slowly return the arm back down to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount. Once you’ve done all the reps on one arm, if required in the program and you are able to do so, repeat the exercise and the repetitions with the other arm.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Exercise Tips

Focus on moving the weight with your triceps, keeping control of the weight as you slowly return back to the starting position.
Keep your body as still as possible, moving only your forearms.

5. Band Face Pull - Single Arm
Reps: 20
Exercise 5

Band Face Pull - Single Arm

Reps
20
Description

First, securely attach a band to something that won’t move or break. Be sure to attach it at chest height and grab with one hand.

You should position yourself facing toward the anchor point and with your hands straight in front of you pointing at the anchor. Make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

First, pull your shoulder back followed by your elbow and hand so your hand comes up towards your ear, Keep pulling through the full range of movement or as far as you can with the elbow and hand high throughout. Then return the arm back to their original position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Tips

As you pull, try not to arch your back or lean back.
Make sure your elbows remain raised and your hands remain at eye level as you pull.
Make sure not to thrust your head forward to meet your hands; instead, concentrate on contracting the rear delts.
Make sure the anchor is set at face height and not higher as this could over-recruit the lats and counteract some of the advantages of scapular upward rotation.
Don't rely on momentum; instead, keep the motion controlled and smooth from beginning to end.

6. Band Around The World
Reps: 20
Exercise 6

Band Around The World

Reps
20
Description

This is the Band Around the World

First, securely attach a band to something that won’t move or break. Be sure to attach it at waist height.

You should position yourself facing toward the anchor point and grab the band in one hand with a straight arm in front of you pointing at the anchor. Make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

Keeping the arm straight through the whole movement first, pull the band down to your side. Next, Raise the arm up, out to the side and above your head. From here, lower it down back to the starting position. After this, do the same movement but in reverse. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount. Once you’ve done all the reps on one arm, if required in the program and you are able to do so, repeat the exercise and the repetitions with the other arm.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Tips

Your back must remain straight at all times. Your torso should be kept still throughout the entire set.
Don't let your shoulders hunch over when your arms are extended.
Use the shoulder muscles to move the weight - do not lean forward and use momentum to swing the weight back.