4 most fundamental exercises

One of my favorite questions I was asked while speaking at @hpltraining was: What is the single best exercise to do❓

1️⃣ The deadlift, but it has to be progressed to your level of fitness. That could be a kettlebell, hex bar, or traditional barbell deadlift. Being able to pick something up off the ground is simply as functional as it gets.

2️⃣ The next best exercise in my opinion is the goblet squat, because you have to pick an object off the ground, bring it to your chest, brace properly, and then be able to bring it back down and up.

3️⃣ My third would be variations of carries, whether that’s a single-arm farmers walk or a single-arm overhead carry. This allows you to pick up an object from the ground, bring it to your chest, move from point A to point B with it, and even above your head. They all heavily emphasize good posture, different forms of mobility, and stability.

4️⃣ Then I think the fourth is pullups. This is a highly functional movement. You want to be able to control your own bodyweight. Who doesn’t want to be able to climb a tree or scale a mountain? People often neglect posterior chain, everyone is obsessed with abs and chest but the reality is it doesn’t get much more functional than training your back.

#hplt #functionalstrength #functionalfitness #muscle #fitness #fitnesstips #trainertips #deadlift #gobletsquat #pullups #singlearmcarry #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

Eileen Pallotta

Coach

"Habits make history."

Eileen is responsible for guiding clients through personalized coaching that delivers life-changing results through consistency, strategy, and accountability. She manages client progress, provides tailored nutrition guidance, and offers ongoing support and education to ensure every individual feels empowered, understood, and set up for long-term success.

When she’s not coaching clients, you’ll find Eileen throwing weights around in the garage or chasing step goals trying to keep pace with her husband and four kids… most often on the sidelines of various sports fields.

Specialities:

  • BA Journalism and International Business
  • 15+ years Fitness and Nutrition Coach
  • Precision Nutrition Level 1
  • Certified CrossFit Trainer
  • Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer
  • CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Level 2 Certification
  • CrossFit Kids Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Nutrition Certification
  • CrossFit Movement and Mobility Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Goal Setting Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Strongman Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Running Certification
  • CrossFit Lesson Planning Certification
  • CrossFit Scaling Certification
  • CPR and AED Certified

Elise Ladaw

Director of Coaching

“Science is Stronger”

Elise’s primary role as Director of Coaching is to ensure that the coaching business runs smoothly and is driven by science based principles concerning nutrition and exercise science. Her goal is to continually work to enhance the overall client experience, educate the clientele, monitor key performance indicators related to the coaching services, and foster a company culture of continuous learning among coaching staff.

When Elise is not helping the company with all things coaching she is either in the gym lifting weights or taking long walks through the grocery store finding new tasty and macro friendly nutrition products.


Specialities:

  • BAS Food Science 
  • NQ NPC Figure Competitor 
  • ACE CPT 
  • J3 University

Michelle Freedman

Chief of Operations

“Practice not perfection”

Michelle holds a crucial position in supervising the daily operations, aiming for operational efficiency, fostering growth, and contributing to the achievement of the organization’s strategic objectives. Beyond providing structure, Michelle is actively involved in coaching and managing social media activities.

Away from refining policies and operations at Jake Zemer, LLC, you’ll discover Michelle outdoors, often barefoot with her kettlebells, engaging in adventures alongside her husband, two children, and two bulldogs.

Specialities:

  • BFA Graphic Design 
  • 10 years Corporate Fitness Management 
  • ACE CPT & GFI 
  • ACE Nutrition Specialist 
  • Kettlebell Master Instructor 
  • FMS I & II
  • USA Weightlifting 
  • Pre/Post Natal Certified  
  • TRX 
  • Schwinn & Maddog Cycling