Musings of a Cardiologist

• Bend: Barbell Straight-Leg Deadlift

Grab a barbell with an overhand grip that’s just beyond shoulder width, and hold it at arm’s length in front of your hips. Without changing the bend in your knees, bend at your hips and lower your torso until it’s almost parallel to the floor. Pause, then raise your torso back to the starting position.

• Squat: Body-Weight Squat

Stand as tall as you can with your feet spread shoulder-width apart. Lower your body as far as you can by pushing your hips back and bending your knees. Pause, then slowly push yourself back to the starting position.

• Push: Pushup

Get down on all fours and place your hands on the floor so that they’re slightly wider than and in line with your shoulders. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor. Pause at the bottom, and then push yourself back to the starting position as quickly as possible.

• Lunge: Dumbbell Lunge

Grab a pair of dumbbells and hold them at arm’s length next to your sides, your palms facing each other. Step forward with your right leg and slowly lower your body until your front knee is bent at least 90 degrees. Pause, then push yourself to the starting position as quickly as you can. Repeat on the other side.

• Twist: Kneeling Rotational Cop

Attach a rope handle to the high pulley of a cable station. Kneel down next to the handle so that your left side faces the weight stack. Rotate your body to grip the rope with both hands. Your torso should be turned toward the sable machine. Keep your torso upright for the entire movement. In one movement, pull the rope down and past your right hip as you simultaneously rotate your torso. Reverse the movement to return to the starting position. Repeat on the right side.