Man Maker Guide: Master This Full-Body Compound Exercise

Learn how to perform the Man Maker with proper form. This comprehensive guide covers steps, common mistakes, and tips for this elite conditioning drill.

How to Perform

  1. Assume a high plank position while gripping the handles of two hex-shaped dumbbells placed on the floor.
  2. Perform a single push-up keeping your core tight and your elbows tucked at a forty-five degree angle.
  3. While holding the plank at the top of the push-up, row one dumbbell to your hip and return it to the floor before repeating on the opposite side.
  4. Jump your feet forward toward your hands to land in a deep squat position while still maintaining your grip on the dumbbells.
  5. Drive through your heels to stand up explosively while cleaning the dumbbells to your shoulders.
  6. Sink back into a deep squat and immediately drive upward while pressing the dumbbells directly overhead to a full lockout.
  7. Lower the weights back to the floor in a controlled manner to begin the next repetition.

Common Mistakes

  • Allowing the hips to rotate or sag during the rowing and push-up phases.
  • Using momentum or swinging the weights instead of controlled, rhythmic movements.
  • Rounding the lower back when transitioning from the floor to the standing position.
  • Selecting weights that are too heavy to maintain proper form through the multi-stage sequence.

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

  • Full Body

Stabilizers

  • Shoulders
  • Back
  • Quads
  • Core

Related Guides

Full Body · Full Body