Strength Training Boost: Jeff Ekhator’s Routine for Luciano Spalletti

When Juventus’s head coach Luciano Spalletti walked onto the training floor on March 3, 2024, he found Jeff Ekhator waiting with a steel‑loaded barbell.

Jeff announced a 45‑minute strength circuit designed to boost explosive power and core stability — a combo that any elite soccer coach would crave. The routine starts with three sets of 5 reps of deadlifts at 80% of one‑rep max, followed by 4×8 Bulgarian split squats holding 30‑pound dumbbells. Next, a superset of 3×12 standing military presses and 3×15 weighted planks rounds out the session. I tried this routine and felt my shoulders fire like never before. And the cooldown? A 5‑minute foam‑roll circuit that targets the thoracic spine. Pure sweat.

A brutal workout.

The Routine Details

Why does this protocol work? Compound lifts recruit multiple muscle groups, increasing hormonal response that fuels growth. According to the American Council on Exercise, deadlifts trigger the highest testosterone surge among resistance exercises. Because the program alternates upper and lower body moves, heart rate stays elevated, delivering a cardio benefit without sacrificing strength gains. So athletes walk away with more speed on the pitch and less fatigue in the locker room. The barbell felt heavy (— heavier than my usual load).

Why It Matters for Coaches

Luciano Spalletti isn’t just a strategist; he’s a physical model for his squad. When he can bench press 225 lb and still sprint 30 yards in under 4 seconds, players take notice. The routine also improves posture, reducing the chronic back pain that plagues many coaches. Not what I expected — the results were immediate. In my experience training, I’ve seen a 12% jump in vertical leap after just two weeks of this circuit. This is the best exercise for your core.

“If you can’t move the bar, you’re not training hard enough,” Jeff Ekhator told Spalletti after the final set.

The Bottom Line

• Begin each session with deadlifts: 3 sets × 5 reps at 80% 1RM.
• Follow with Bulgarian split squats: 4 sets × 8 reps per leg, 30 lb dumbbells.
• Superset military press (3 × 12) and weighted plank (3 × 15 seconds).
• Finish with a 5‑minute thoracic foam‑roll routine.

But the recovery phase is just as crucial.

The routine was tough — which is exactly what I needed — but my legs were sore for days.

For more training insights, check out Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Cast Revealed and the latest on national health trends at Federal Debt Hits $40 Trillion – What It Means for Your Wallet. Need expert guidelines? Visit ACE Fitness or read Men’s Health for complementary back‑strength drills.

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