General
accessory
What does accessory mean?
Accessory (or assistance) exercises that support and strengthen the main lifts like squat, bench and deadlift.
"After heavy squats he does accessory work for hamstrings."
Origin
Strength-programming term for supplementary movements.
Frequently asked questions
What is an accessory lift?
It's a smaller supporting exercise done to strengthen weak points and build the main compound lifts like the squat, bench and deadlift.
What's the difference between accessory and main lifts?
Main lifts are the big barbell movements you build a program around; accessories are the supplementary exercises that assist and support them.
Are accessory and assistance exercises the same thing?
Yes, the terms are used interchangeably to mean supplementary movements that back up the primary lifts.
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