Why is Accessory Work so Important?
What is accessory work?
When it comes to strength training, true mastery lies not only in the core lifts but in the accessory work. These supplementary exercises, often overshadowed by the glamor of major lifts like heavy squats and bench presses, play a super important role in a well-rounded physique.
Accessory exercises are the “behind the scenes” heroes of strength training, focusing on specific muscle groups or movements that complement the primary compound lifts. While lifts like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses lay the foundation, accessory work hones in on individual muscles, addressing imbalances, enhancing stability, and weak points.
So what are accessory exercises?
Let’s take resistance bands for an example. Back in 2017 I tore my labrum in my shoulder. After surgery I had to rehab this correctly to avoid re-injury. Here I am over 7 years later and am CONSTANTLY doing accessory work for it. I do external and internal rotations with a resistance band before every workout to strengthen the ligaments and tendons within my shoulder joint. This is super important for me not only to not reinjure myself, but to maintain a healthy shoulder while performing more intense exercises like handstand pushups.
Another example is something as simple as a cable tricep extension. Isolating the tricep muscle may increase its strength allowing you to perform better on a bench press. Or maybe you feel one tricep is stronger than the other, you could isolate each side separately in hopes of them evening out.
Both of the examples above are considered accessory work. They are things you do to avoid injury, isolate specific muscles, and possibly even getting rid of any muscle imbalances or weak points.
It’s 100% necessary whether you’re someone just trying to stay healthy or you’re looking to have that god-like physics with every muscle being prominent.
You Got This!
Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to find out about new articles.
