{"id":8361,"date":"2021-04-06T19:32:10","date_gmt":"2021-04-07T00:32:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vshred.com\/blog\/?p=8361"},"modified":"2021-04-07T10:59:19","modified_gmt":"2021-04-07T15:59:19","slug":"5-exercise-modifications-that-may-be-more-difficult-than-the-original","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vshred.com\/blog\/5-exercise-modifications-that-may-be-more-difficult-than-the-original\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Exercise Modifications That May Be More Difficult Than The Original"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are many reasons why you may not be able to do a specific exercise on your workout plan, but don\u2019t let this lead you to believe you can\u2019t achieve the same results.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just<\/span> because an exercise is labeled as a modification does not mean it\u2019s easier\u2026or less effective! If you make the RIGHT swaps\u2026 <\/span>you may end up with greater progress!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

A little later in this article, we will tell you why.<\/span><\/p>\n

But let\u2019s take a look at a few examples.<\/span><\/p>\n

5 Exercise Modifications
\n<\/b>(That May Be Harder Than The Original)\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

STANDARD PUSH-UP -VS- KNEE PUSH-UP
\n<\/b>A push up is often seen as only an \u201cupper body strength\u201d exercise, but your CORE also plays a significant role.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Weak core strength is what often results in hips sagging toward the floor when repetitions get tough. If you find this happening, due to lack of upper body or core strength, don\u2019t see using your knees as a weakness! Both variations will give you a solid core and upper-body workout!<\/span><\/p>\n

Knee push-ups can be even HARDER than the original because when you are on your knees, you are targeting your triceps a little bit more to stay in a good tempo. This means you take the load off the core a bit .. but you engage your arms more.<\/span><\/p>\n

BARBELL BACK SQUATS -VS- BARBELL FRONT SQUATS
\n<\/b>Back squats are a staple in most programs. The best modification is moving from a squat rack to a supported smith machine. You can also use machines or dumbbells when squatting.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are some situations where a back squat is not possible, even with a change in equipment. In this case, a front squat could be a great modification\u2026 especially if you have shoulder concerns or have really long legs. People with long legs sometimes find it challenging to stay upright in a standard back squat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Front squats are NOT any easier. Many people find them much more difficult. When done correctly, they require much more mobility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One thing to note if you are going to swap out a back squat for a front squat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Front squats hit the quads and upper back more. Back squats target the quads for sure, but also the hips, glutes, and lower back. Keep this in mind if you choose this modification.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PULL-UPS -VS- BANDED PULL UPS
\n<\/b>Pull-ups are no joke! Most people struggle to do ONE. Instead of struggling to get in a solid rep \u2026 try using bands. The lighter the band, the more like an original pull-up it will be!<\/span><\/p>\n

Start out with a band with more resistance, and as you progress, you can work your way to a lighter band\u2026 and then no band at all!<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Banded pull-ups also have a few distinct advantages over a body-weight or weighted pull-up. They allow you to fully execute the FULL pull-up movement instead of being tempted to do partial reps.<\/span><\/p>\n

BARBELL DEADLIFT -VS- DB or HEX BAR DEADLIFT
\n<\/b>The barbell deadlift is a very common exercise and often known as KING. But anyone with back issues, or who is new to deadlifting, may want to try deadlifting with dumbbells or a HEX bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each modification has its perks! With DBs, you may be able to control your range of motion and tempo better. With a HEX bar, because of the positioning of the bar, you will most likely be able to use a heavier weight than you would with a standard bar deadlift.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

V-UPS -VS- TUCKS
\n<\/b>V-Ups make an appearance in MANY of my ab workouts on our <\/span>YouTube Channel.<\/span><\/p>\n

They are not easy and require quite a bit of core strength. So rather than struggling and using bad form, try doing \u201ctucks\u201d instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of keeping both legs and arms straight when you raise up into a V\u2026 tuck your legs on the way up. This puts less pressure on your back if you\u2019re not quite strong enough yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take away your hands and make them \u201chands-free,\u201d and they can be just as challenging if not MORE challenging than doing them in that \u201cV.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Modifications ARE NOT a bad thing!!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/span>The Right Swaps Can Build More Strength<\/span>
\n<\/span>You get stronger by doing what you CAN DO instead of attempting to do what you CAN\u2019T DO with proper form and execution. If a lack of strength is why you need to do a modification, don\u2019t worry about it! Once you get good at the modified version, you will be able to advance to the \u201creal\u201d thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

They Can Keep You Injury-Free<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be modifying because you already have an injury. But if you are modifying because you aren\u2019t ready for the advanced movement\u2026 view this time as simply preparing your body for the harder version. If you try to jump in and do something your body isn\u2019t ready for \u2026 you are asking for an injury!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Focus on form and slowly building. You will protect your joints, nail down solid form, and ensure that when you are ready, you will be able to execute at the next level properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The patience will be worth it!<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

You Will Build Confidence and Remain Frustration-Free<\/span><\/p>\n

There is no quicker way to want to give up than being frustrated, and there is no faster way to be frustrated in the gym, than feeling like you \u201ccan\u2019t do\u201d an exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let ego or attitude hold you back from doing a modification. You will feel better about your lift and enhance your \u201cmental game\u201d \u2026 which is more than half of the gym battle!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I GET IT\u2026.<\/i><\/b>YOU WANT TO DO THE \u201cREAL\u201d THING\u2026.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

But never fear modifications…you may discover they yield BETTER results than the original!<\/span>
\n<\/span>In fact, I prefer some of<\/span> these exercises <\/span>over the original!!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have any confusion about how you should be training to achieve your goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A great starting point is to take our <\/span>BODY TYPE QUIZ<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

When you follow a training plan and diet that is best for your genetics, you will see both faster and better results!<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s only 5 questions and will get you started in the right direction! <\/span>
\n<\/span>We hope these modification ideas helped you out!<\/b><\/p>\n

If there is another exercise that you are unable to perform and would like to know a modification \u2026 comment and let us know!\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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