Lift Vault

Free Programs and Spreadsheets

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
  • Lift Vault Market
    • Buy Custom Programs
    • Buy Training Programs
  • Program Finder
  • Programs & Spreadsheets
    • Program Type
      • Powerlifting Programs
        • Peaking Programs
      • Bodybuilding Program
      • Strength Training Program
      • Powerbuilding Programs
      • Hypertrophy Programs
      • Bodyweight Workout Programs
        • Home Workouts
      • Lift Specific Program
        • Squat Programs
        • Bench Press Programs
        • Deadlift Programs
      • Olympic Weightlifting Programs
    • Number of Weeks
      • 3 to 9 Weeks
        • 3 Week Programs
        • 4 Week Programs
        • 5 Week Programs
        • 6 Week Programs
        • 8 Week Programs
        • 9 Week Programs
      • 10+ Weeks
        • 10 Week Programs
        • 11 Week Programs
        • 12 Week Programs
        • 13 Week Programs
        • 14 Week Programs
        • 15 Week Programs
        • 16 Week Programs
    • Workout Splits
      • 3 Day Workout Split
      • 4 Day Workout Split
      • 5 Day Workout Split
      • 6 Day Workout Split
      • Upper/Lower Split
      • 6 Day PPL Split
      • Full Body Workout Plan
      • Bro Split Workout
      • Arnold Split Workout
  • Reviews
    • Program Reviews
    • Equipment Reviews
      • IPF & USAPL Approved List of Gear
      • USPA Approved List of Gear
      • Best Deadlift Bars
    • Supplement Reviews
      • Pre Workout Reviews
        • Best Pre Workout 2023
        • Strongest Pre Workout
        • Best Stim Free Pre Workout
        • Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss
        • Best Pre-Workout for Beginners
        • Best Thermogenic Pre Workout
        • Best Pre Workout for Teens
        • Best Natural Pre Workout
      • Muscle Building
        • Best Cheap Protein Powder
        • Best Cheap Mass Gainers
        • Best Creatine for Bulking
        • Best Intra Workout Supplements
        • Best Creatine HCL
        • Best BCAA for Women
        • Best Protein Powders For Diabetes
        • Best Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners
        • Best Protein Powders for Teens
        • Best Protein Powders Without Heavy Metals
  • Learn
    • Resources
      • Powerlifting Meets Near Me
    • Exercises
      • Hammer Curl vs Bicep Curl
      • Bench Press vs Chest Press
      • Dumbbell vs Barbell Bench Press
      • Deadlift vs Romanian Deadlift
      • Long Head Bicep Exercises
      • Short Head Bicep Exercises
      • Cable Shoulder Exercises
  • Forum
  • Contact
    • About Lift Vault
    • Meet the Team
    • Submit a Program
Home » Heather Jacques

Posts by Heather Jacques

Heather Jacques

About Heather Jacques

Heather Jacques is a former collegiate athlete that graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. Along with writing content for Lift Vault, Heather works for one of the fastest growing sports nutrition companies, Axe & Sledge Supplements, as their product specialist. Heather is an avid lifter, snowboarder, and outdoor enthusiast. She was born in Colorado, raised in northern Michigan, and currently resides in Pennsylvania. Heather's primary goal is to help others achieve their health and fitness goals through education, motivation, and inspiration.

Hack Squat Muscles Worked and Benefits

By Heather Jacques
Last updated August 30, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The hack squat is a machine-based, compound exercise that adds strength and size to the lower body. While it’s often used as an accessory to the barbell back squat, the hack squat also serves as an alternative because it places greater demand on the quads, is safer to train to failure, and requires less mobility.

Although there are some hack squat variations, this article will cover the muscles the machine hack squat works and some of its primary benefits. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Hammer Curl Benefits and Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated August 30, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The hammer curl is a popular biceps exercise performed with the wrist in a neutral position. Unlike a standard bicep curl, this exercise targets more of the bicep peak and forearms. It requires minimal equipment to perform and is rather simple to learn.

The hammer curl is an effective exercise for increasing the size and strength of the upper arms. This article covers the top of hammer curl benefits and muscles worked. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The Top 6 Muscles Worked by Glute Bridges

By Heather Jacques
Last updated August 30, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The glutes are an important muscle group for almost every movement. Strengthening them through resistance training can improve your posture, performance, and aesthetics. Several exercises can be utilized to build your glutes, such as hip thrusts, glute kickbacks, and Romanian deadlifts.

If you’re new to glute training, getting proficient at the glute bridge is a great place to start. This exercise has  good carry-over to more advanced lower-body movements like the squat and deadlift.

Glute bridges are one of the few isolation exercises that can be heavily loaded, making them effective for building a bigger and stronger posterior chain. This exercise is easy to perform, simple to set up, and can be modified according to equipment availability.

The glute bridge primarily works the gluteus maximus in addition to various other leg muscles.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The Top 5 Bench Press Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated August 30, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The barbell bench press is a compound movement effective for gaining upper body strength and size. This exercise is extremely popular due to its minimalistic nature, prevalence in strength sports, and ability to train multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

This article will cover all of the muscles a traditional bench press works, and a few frequently asked questions about this exercise. While many multiple bench press variations exist, this article focuses on the flat barbell bench press.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The 5 Best Benefits of Planks

By Heather Jacques
Last updated August 30, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

A defined midsection and strong core are common hallmarks of an effective fitness routine. The core is made up of several muscles, including the rectus abdominis, external obliques, internal obliques, and transverse abdominus. In addition to flexing the torso, the core stabilizes and protects the spine.

The plank is one of the best exercises for the oft-neglected transverse abdominis and requires little to no equipment, is simple to learn, and can be scaled according to someone’s fitness level.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The Top 5 Leg Press Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated July 19, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The lower body is heavily judged in physique competitions and is rigorously trained in most comprehensive workout programs. Although fitness enthusiasts commonly joke about skipping leg day, training the lower body should be a priority regardless of a person’s goals. A popular exercise for lower-body training is the leg press.

The leg press is a machine-based, compound exercise that’s effective for increasing the size and strength of the lower body. A compound exercise means that multiple muscle groups are working at one time. 

The leg press primarily targets the quadriceps. However, stance can be adjusted to place more tension on the glutes and hamstrings. This exercise can also be performed one leg at a time to correct or prevent muscle imbalances.

Although the quads are the primary muscle worked by the leg press, read below to learn about other muscles involved in the movement.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Arnold Split Workout + Example Spreadsheet

By Heather Jacques
Last updated August 13, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Arnold Schwarzenegger, also known as the Austrian Oak, is a world-renowned actor, politician, and professional bodybuilder. At just 20 years old, Arnold became the youngest person to win the Mr. Universe title in the sport of competitive bodybuilding.

In 1968, Arnold made the move from Austria to America and ended up winning five Mr. Universe titles along with seven Mr. Olympia titles. To share his knowledge and love of bodybuilding, Arnold wrote a few books, including The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding: The Bible of Bodybuilding, first published in 1985.

Whether looking to step on stage, get in shape, or learn a thing or two about bodybuilding, many consider this book to be a must-have. Arguably the most popular feature of The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding is the training programs, including basic and advanced versions.

Although this article will not fully disclose the training programs, it will discuss the main principles of the legendary Arnold split. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bodybuilding Program, Programs
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The Best Way to Pick a Powerlifting Coach

By Heather Jacques
Last updated June 25, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Hiring a powerlifting coach can benefit both beginner and experienced athletes. Many considerations must be made when searching for the right coach.

Beginner powerlifters should find a coach willing to conduct in-person training to help master the technique and form of each lift. Since the big three (squat, bench press, and deadlift) are technical lifts, in-person feedback can reduce the risk of injury and developing poor movement patterns.

Experienced lifters can train with an online coach, where they send videos for form/technique analysis and virtual feedback. Social media and other online platforms make it possible for athletes to access a larger pool of coaches.

In either case, it’s important to note that an accomplished lifter doesn’t always equate to a skilled coach. As such, consider interviewing candidates to learn more about their coaching style and experience.

Use the following list of questions to help discover the right powerlifting coach before investing in a program.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Resources




The 8 Best Deadlift Benefits

By Heather Jacques
Last updated June 25, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Few exercises exist for increasing strength, performance, and muscle mass in the shortest possible time. The deadlift is a popular compound exercise that trains multiple muscle groups simultaneously. 

The deadlift is a universal exercise that’s used in several strength sports, including powerlifting, strongman, and CrossFit. Choose from a number of variations based on goals, equipment, body type, and preferences. In addition to strength, the movement is also very effective for building lower and upper body muscle.

Moreover, the deadlift can support various other movements and daily activity. This article will cover the top eight benefits of deadlifts as well as some frequently asked questions.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Seated Cable Row Benefits, Form, and Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated June 25, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The back is made up of several different muscles and numerous exercises can target them. The cable row is a popular choice for building a stronger and bigger back. 

This article will detail the muscles worked by the cable row, how to perform the movement with proper form, and a few of its primary benefits.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



How to Perform the Overhead Press with Proper Form

By Heather Jacques
Last updated June 9, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Adding the overhead press, also known as the military or strict press, to a workout routine increases upper body strength. The overhead press is a compound movement that targets the anterior and lateral delts, upper chest, and triceps. If performed standing, it also helps improve core strength.

The lift has great carry-over to other movements, such as the clean and jerk, snatch, push press, and bench press. Overall, the overhead press is a very functional exercise that can benefit athletics and daily activities.

It’s important to note that performing the military press with proper form requires good shoulder mobility before attempting to press a lot of weight overhead. 

The overhead press is safe when applying proper form. This article will explain how to apply correct technique, including tips and common mistakes to avoid. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Front Squat Benefits and Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated May 20, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The barbell squat is often considered to be the king of all exercises, and for good reason! The barbell squat trains nearly every muscle in the body simultaneously. Not to mention, it’s equally effective for building muscle and gaining strength. 

The front squat is a popular barbell squat variation. Like a barbell back squat, the front squat trains several muscle groups at once but places more emphasis on the quads.

Olympic weightlifters and CrossFit athletes commonly perform the front squat because it has a greater carry-over to the clean and jerk compared to back squats. With that said, the front squat is also included in powerlifting programs as an accessory lift to the barbell back squat. Bodybuilders often perform the front squat to place more tension on the quads and stimulate hypertrophy.

We will cover the benefits and the major muscle groups that are working during the movement. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Decline Bench Press Benefits and Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated May 20, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

The bench press is key to increasing chest size and upper body strength. The compound movement allows lifting the maximum amount of weight. Adjusting bench angle also helps target specific areas of the chest.

The three most common bench press variations are incline, flat, and decline. An incline bench press targets the upper chest, the flat targets the middle chest, and the decline targets the lower chest. 

The decline bench press, though not the most common variation, has several benefits which will be discussed in this article, along with the major muscle groups recruited for the movement.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The Best Push-Pull Workout Routine

By Heather Jacques
Last updated May 9, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

One of the most commonly asked questions for resistance training is … what’s the best workout split for gaining muscle? Although many workout splits exist to choose from, it can be challenging to know which is best for you. Before choosing which workout split to try, start by determining number of training days.

For most people, a four-day workout program is optimal because it allows for sufficient training volume and frequency to see progress, while also leaving time for activities outside of the gym.

In this article, we provide you with a definitive guide to a push-pull workout routine.

With just four days per week, an effective push-pull workout routine can be created that’s both enjoyable and effective. Keep reading to learn more.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Programs




The Top 10 Muscles Worked by Planks

By Heather Jacques
Last updated June 29, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

A strong core is crucial for nearly every physical movement. Many exercises exist for improving your midsection’s strength, stability, and definition. Most core exercises require minimal to no equipment and can be scaled according to experience or strength level.

The major muscle groups that the plank works include the core, glutes, hamstrings, upper back, and shoulder. Keep reading to discover why the plank is so effective for core strength.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Romanian Deadlift Benefits and Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated June 25, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Deadlifts are commonly found in most strength-building programs with several variations to choose from, including the Romanian deadlift.

The Romanian deadlift, more commonly referred to as “RDL,” is a variation of the conventional deadlift that builds and strengthens the posterior chain. The RDL targets more glutes and hamstrings, and less back than the conventional deadlift. 

Furthermore, the movement begins from a standing position, whereas conventional deadlifts start from the floor. Considered to be a compound exercise, working several muscles simultaneously, the Romanian deadlift has numerous benefits.

This article will discuss the top five benefits of the Romanian deadlift, as well as key muscles worked.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The Top 10 Pull-up Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated April 20, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

Although a well-equipped gym is ideal for building muscle strength and size, several bodyweight exercises are very effective and oftentimes underrated. They also require minimal to no equipment so that you can do them anywhere. One commonly used bodyweight exercise is the pull-up.

Not to be confused with chin-ups, the pull-up exercise involves pulling your chin or chest up to a bar from a dead hang with your palms facing away from you. The pull-up is well-known for increasing upper body strength and size and the only equipment needed is a pull-up bar. 

This article will review all of the muscles worked by the pull-up for determining best practice, form and execution to be included in any workout.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



Arnold Press Benefits and Muscles Worked

By Heather Jacques
Last updated April 25, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

In addition to being a world-renowned actor and politician, Arnold Schwarzenegger is arguably the most famous bodybuilder of all time. Like Arnold himself, the Arnold press is a well-known shoulder exercise. The movement takes the conventional dumbbell shoulder press and rotates it in extension to make it even more challenging and effective.

The Arnold press is a great addition to your routine if you want to build bigger and stronger shoulders. This article will cover the benefits of the Arnold press and which muscles it targets to help determine if the exercise is a worthy addition to a weightlifting program. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Exercise Overview



The 5 Best 6-Day Workout Splits

By Heather Jacques
Last updated June 29, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

For most people, it’s not realistic to go to the gym six days per week, which is why most workout programs only prescribe training 3-5 days per week. Not to mention, training nearly every day of the week may not be ideal or even necessary for beginners and intermediate trainees. And if you have an extremely busy schedule, it’s not even worth considering.

With that said, a 6-day workout split may be the best option for advanced trainees wanting to continue gaining size and/or strength. Let’s face it, some people enjoy the gym so much that they want to be there every single day. So if you’re a gym rat or an advanced lifter looking to maximize results, a 6-day workout split is something you should consider.

Since you’re training six days per week, following a well-structured workout program is essential because you can quickly overtrain. Two of the most popular 6-day workout splits include the upper/lower and push/pull/legs split. A 6-day workout split can be very effective for building muscle, gaining strength, and losing fat, as long as it’s programmed well.

To take the guesswork out of finding an excellent 6-day workout program and prevent wasted time or money, we’ve hand-selected 5 of the best ones that exist. Below you will find the five best 6-day workout programs and a link to their respective spreadsheets so you can download a copy for free!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Powerbuilding Program, Powerlifting Program, Programs, Strength Training Program




The 8 Best Ways to Grow Bigger Upper Abs

By Heather Jacques
Last updated April 25, 2023


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

A common saying in the fitness industry is that “abs are made in the kitchen.” Essentially, your diet is the key to getting a 6-pack. Although you must be lean to have visible abs, building and strengthening your abs will help them stand out even at a higher body fat percentage.

It’s quite common for people to train their core by only performing bodyweight exercises and doing an absurd number of repetitions. However, the core, more specifically the rectus abdominals, is like any other muscle. You need to progressively overload your abs to grow and get stronger.

A chiseled midsection is impressive from an aesthetics standpoint, but it’s also important for performance, especially if you are an athlete. The strong core plays a vital role in nearly every movement and will make a big difference inside and outside the gym.

A weak core drastically increases your risk for injury and negatively impacts your ability to do various tasks. If you’ve noticed that any area of your core is underdeveloped based on strength, stability, or muscular development, it’s a good idea to address that as soon as possible.

If your upper abs lag behind, you’ve come to the right place! This article specifically focuses on improving underdeveloped upper abs. Increasing the size and strength of your upper abs will enhance your aesthetics and performance. Keep reading to see what are the best training tactics to get your upper abs to respond!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Exercises
Tagged With: Underdeveloped Muscles



  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »

Copyright © 2023 All Rights Reserved · Lift Vault · Privacy Policy · Medical Disclaimer