Feeling stuck between rehab and peak performance? Accessories and accessory timing might be the missing link in your training program.
These targeted exercises aren’t just filler –
they’re a strategic tool to complement your lifts and transition smoothly from recovery to
progress. Imagine this: you’ve been dealing with pesky low back pain with squats, and your practitioner prescribed glute bridges to help ease the discomfort. But what if you could take it further?
Zoom out and look at your program. Let’s say your primary squat lands on Saturday, with
your secondary squat on a Wednesday. How do we progress your glute bridges and slot in your accessories that specifically prepares your body for these lifts?
Think hip joint extension. This is the primary joint action of glute bridges. This can be found in exercises such as back extension. So, with this in mind, consider adding them into your program at the right time – perhaps the last training day before your primary squat, for example.
This way, you’re priming your body for what’s to come and you can progress this exercise much easier than continually adding a heavy dumbbell on your lap. While nothing is a magic bullet, strategically placed accessories can make a real difference.
Now it’s your turn – take a look at your program. Can you tweak the timing of your accessories to better serve your next big lift? Or even add in an accessory that fits the same joint model that you have previously been given to help resolve pain?
If you’re stuck or want to brainstorm ideas, reach out on Instagram.
Let’s chat and level up your training!
