EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES

The Best 11 Deadlift Alternatives (+ How to Videos)

The Best 11 Deadlift Alternatives (+ How to Videos)

The deadlift is often called the king of the compound exercises. And for a reason. It’s a whole-body exercise that works your posterior chain muscles – your hamstrings, glutes, upper and lower back. Also, your quads, core, forearms, and shoulders get activated too. Still, a lot of people have negative connotations to the deadlift. Deadlift … Read more

12 Highly Effective Belt Squat Alternatives & Variations

12 Highly Effective Belt Squat Alternatives & Variations

Sometimes using a heavy-loaded barbell just isn’t doable. You might be fatigued, feeling back pain, or just bored of doing barbell squats. It’s times like these that a belt squat machine can come in handy.  Unfortunately, not all gyms see the benefit of investing in a belt squat machine leaving some of us to look … Read more

12 Best Leg Press Alternatives (+ How to Videos and Guide)

12 Best Leg Press Alternatives (+ How to Videos and Guide)

So, you may agree that the leg press is an AWESOME exercise for building or “toning” the legs. Here at musclelead.com we absolutely love it, due to its complexity and ability to tap into so many different muscle groups including; the core, quadriceps, calves, gluteus and hamstrings to some extent (1). However, there are some … Read more

11 Best Front Squat Alternatives (+ How to Videos)

11 Best Front Squat Alternatives (+ How to Videos)

The front squat is a great exercise that not only builds your legs, but improves your sports performance, posture and strength. However, it takes some time to learn the proper front squat mechanics and to do it with good technique. Also, a high level of mobility is required as well.  Having proper wrist, shoulder and thoracic … Read more

Top 10 Lat Pulldown Alternatives (+How to Videos)

Top 10 Lat Pulldown Alternatives (+How To Videos)

Developing a muscular and V-shaped back is the dream of many people. Lats are the largest muscle groups in your back and contribute the most to that desirable V-shape look. Strong lats make you appear wider while making your waist look smaller.  Not only do lats have an important role on aesthetics, but strong lats … Read more

12 Best Overhead Press Alternatives (+ How to Videos)

12 Best Overhead Press Alternatives (+ How to Videos)

The overhead press is a fundamental movement essential to any athlete’s routine who prioritize strength and size. It is a timeless exercise advocated by some of the great natural bodybuilders such as Steve Reeves and a crucial accessory to any Olympic weightlifter’s program. I believe the overhead press is a great exercise that should be … Read more

10 Best Face Pull Alternatives For A Strong Mid Back

10 Best Face Pull Alternatives For A Strong Mid Back

Pulling exercises are not great only for building your back, but also for improving posture, shoulder health, and staying injury-free. Most people in their training tend to focus more on the muscles they can directly see in the mirror. This means they like to train their pecs, arms, delts, and abs more than their back … Read more

11 Best Romanian Deadlift Alternatives (Tips and How To Guide)

11 Best Romanian Deadlift Alternatives (Tips and How to Guide)

Key Points If I was to describe the Romanian Deadlift with one word it would be ‘AWESOME’. Why do I say that? Because the Romanian Deadlift targets multiple muscles of the upper and lower extremities. In fact, it is one of the best, if not the best for stimulating the muscles of the hamstrings. [2] … Read more

Rack Pull vs Deadlift: Differences, Benefits, Muscles, How To Guide

Rack Pull vs Deadlift Differences, Benefits, Muscles, How To Guide

Key Points If you’ve been in the gym and have noticed some people doing deadlifts in the squat rack, you may have wondered what they were doing. In this article, we’re going to explain the differences between rack pull vs deadlift, so you can figure out if it’s something great to add to your workout … Read more

9 Best Sumo Deadlift Alternatives – How to Perform

9 Best Sumo Deadlift Alternatives - How to Perform

Key Points The deadlift is one of the best compound exercises to strengthen your posterior chain muscles and develop strength. The same goes for the sumo deadlift. But what if you can’t do the sumo deadlift properly because of an injury, travel, or something else? Is there a sumo deadlift substitute? To answer the question, … Read more