What are the big 3 compound exercises?

Author: Dagmar Koepp  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

A chosen few are also known as the "big three." The bench press, squat, and deadlift are the "big three." These are the three lifts that powerlifters utilize to compare their strength to that of the competition using the combined total.

What are the main 3 compound exercises?

The squat, bench and deadlift are 'the king, queen and prince of compound exercises,' says Hendrick Famutimi, a personal trainer and powerlifter. Whether your goal is to build strength, power or size – or simply to move better – they'll get you there.

What are the big 3 exercises at the gym?

The 'Big 3' lifts refer to the barbell Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift. This workout will show you how to practice and get proficient with them quickly.

What are the golden 5 compound lifts?

The Buff Dudes will show you the essentials of the so-called ``Golden Five'' movements of the bench press, deadlift, squat, pull-up, and overhead press.

What are the big 3 lifts for everyday?

But nothing makes training as effective and simple as training the big 3 lifts: Squat, Bench, and Deadlift.

The ONLY Four Exercises You Need For MASS

What is the king of all lifts?

The reason the deadlift is considered the king of all the exercises is that it is a great indicator of strength. If you can deadlift an impressive weight, there is a good chance that you can handle heavyweight in general, as proven in previous points it works most of your body.

What is the big 4 in weightlifting?

Though there are thousands of different exercises we could do in the gym, barbell training comprises just four exercises, the so-called “Big Lifts.” These compound movements — the squat, press, deadlift, and bench press — should make up 90% of any athlete's strength program, regardless of their level of advancement.

What lift builds the most muscle?

Below, we've listed a compound workout that is the most effective in building muscle across all of your major muscle groups.
  • 1 - Squats.
  • 2 - Barbell hip raises.
  • 3 - Deadlifts.
  • 4 - Incline bench press.
  • 5 - Clean and press.
  • 6 - Parallel dips.
  • 7 - Pull ups.

How long should you rest between sets?

Rest between set durations should be based on sets/exercise (volume), and not load or training goal. General recommendations include moderate (2 min) rest between sets if performing 2 sets/exercise, long rest (3 min) if performing 3 sets/exercise, and very long rest (> 4 min) if performing 4 sets or more/exercise.

What is the 3 3 3 rule gym?

Understanding the 3 3 3 Approach

Among these, the 3 3 3 workout has carved a niche for itself with its straightforward, yet surprisingly effective strategy. The concept revolves around performing sets of three exercises, repeated three times, for a total of nine micro-sets.

Can I bench and squat the same day?

It's better to bench heavy on the first training day of the week, then squat the day after to get the most out of your upper body training AND give yourself extra recovery time (remember, you're taking a day off after squat day) before training upper body again.

What are the big 3 workouts for hypertrophy?

The squat, bench press, and deadlift reign supreme, earning their place as the Big 3.

What exercise builds the most muscle?

Some of the best exercises include:
  • Deadlifts: Deadlifts are a compound exercise that primarily works the muscles of the posterior chain. ...
  • Squats: Squats target multiple muscle groups. ...
  • Bench Press: The bench press is a classic upper body exercise. ...
  • Overhead Press: The overhead press is a shoulder-dominant exercise.

What is 3 3 3 exercise?

The 3-3-3 Exercise

With this technique, you can bring your attention back to the present moment and take back control when you feel anxious. You are supposed to pay attention to three things: three things you see, three things you hear, and three parts of your body that move slowly.

What are the key 3 exercises?

Hewitt, Ph. D., research director for exercise science at Canyon Ranch Health Resort in Tucson, created the strength-building Key 3® program as a minimal approach to strength work. The three exercises in the plan—wall squat, chest press and single arm row—take only about 10 minutes, twice a week.

Which muscle is toughest to grow?

What Are the Hardest Muscles To Build?
  • Calves and Forearms. You probably already have a good amount of strength in these muscles already because you use them in so many of your daily activities. ...
  • Abdominal Muscles. Any heavy workout involves the abdominal muscles to some extent. ...
  • Hamstrings.

Is it better to lift heavy or do more reps?

Research suggests lifting smaller weights and doing more repetitions (or, in gym parlance, “reps”) can have a role to play – but it all depends on your goals. In short: if your goal is to build serious strength and bone density, lifting heavy is an efficient way to do it.

What is the greatest lift of all time?

The Current Guinness Record for most weight lifted by a human is now held by the two-time Canada's Strongest Man winner Gregg Ernst. Having already been watched by over 1,000 people lifting two grown oxen, in July 1993, Ernst lifted 2,422.2kg (5340lb), making this officially the world's heaviest lift.

When should you stop 5x5?

Stop Madcow 5×5 if you can no longer lift more weight or do more reps from week to week. If you're stuck at the same weight, doing the same amount of reps, for 2-3 weeks, then stop the program.

How many reps for hypertrophy?

A moderate repetition scheme with moderate loads (from 8 to 12 repetitions per set with 60% to 80% of 1RM) optimizes hypertrophic gains. A high repetition scheme with light loads (15+ repetitions per set with loads below 60% of 1RM) optimizes local muscular endurance improvements.

Are the big 5 lifts enough?

Essential Big 5 Lifts

These foundational exercises are essential in any strength training program as they target multiple muscle groups through compound movements, making them efficient and effective for building overall strength and functional movements.

What is the best compound exercise?

Deadlifts are the king of compound exercises since you're forced to engage all the major muscle groups all over your body while performing your reps. Deadlifts are among the most effective exercises for improving muscle mass and strength.

What is BBB weightlifting?

5/3/1 Boring But Big (BBB) is a popular variation of Jim Wendler's famous 531 method for intermediate lifters to gain size and strength. It focuses on high volume accessories to induce hypertrophy after the main strength sets.

What is workout 4D?

Workout 4D brings fitness information and tips for people looking easy exercises and workouts to get in shape and lose weight at home without going to gym.

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