Dumbell/Barbell Hybrids

[Sonny]

I've been playing around with these lately and really like them. Basically they're a 2 exercise combo done in a circuit fashion kind of like a complex but you choose exercises that are similar in poundages.

For example, a complex that involves a deadlift, press, squat and clean etc. would be difficult because for the most part we can all deadlift way more than we can press etc. etc. So you're not really challenging yourself with the deadlift.

So for these combos you choose two exercises that enable you to use the same poundage for each and require similar amounts of effort.

Ex.
5 reps Romanian Deadlift w/5 reps Bent over Row

The possibilities with just this combination are endless. You could do 5 reps each for one cycle, rest and then do another cycle etc. Or you could use a lighter load and do 2-3 cycles in a row without rest. Or you could increase the load and lower the reps to 2 and do multiple cycles to work on your strength endurance.

Give them a shot.

[Revok]

Makes sense. Usually I'll go for explosiveness on the 'easy' lifts in a complex (squat, DL, BOR) to make them harder, but ultimately there's not a massive benefit you can get out of an 80lb squat.

[Regalius]

Here's and idea, on your squats, put your bench close to you and do one legged squats. (those ones where one leg is on the bench). Also do goodmornings, and stiff legged deadlifts instead of the regular deads.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by Regalius

Here's and idea, on your squats, put your bench close to you and do one legged squats. (those ones where one leg is on the bench). Also do goodmornings, and stiff legged deadlifts instead of the regular deads.

Nice suggestions.

[Urban]

I think this is a good rule of thumb for creating complexes actually.

Of course there are exceptions... take bears for example: tremendously taxing, but I can't help but feel it's primarily the large number of squats (front and back) that kill you. The press is really just for transition.

Some other fun no-brainer complexes:
Clean + front squat (ok odds are, unless you're a retard like me, these may be MILES apart from eachother, but for those of us that are squat impaired...)

Snatch + Overhead squat

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by Urban

I think this is a good rule of thumb for creating complexes actually.

Of course there are exceptions... take bears for example: tremendously taxing, but I can't help but feel it's primarily the large number of squats (front and back) that kill you. The press is really just for transition.

Some other fun no-brainer complexes:
Clean + front squat (ok odds are, unless you're a retard like me, these may be MILES apart from eachother, but for those of us that are squat impaired...)

Snatch + Overhead squat

Snatches and OH squats would be brutal.

[Urban]

I start all my sets of OH squats with a snatch...

Of course there's always the clean + thruster (squat + press)

[Standard]

Originally Posted by Urban

Of course there's always the clean + thruster (squat + press)

That combo just makes people gas like they can't believe, i always love watching people try it their first time.

[Poseidon9]

Originally Posted by Standard

That combo just makes people gas like they can't believe, i always love watching people try it their first time.

I'm gassed just thinking about it.