Having a balanced level of physical fitness is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. To help you reach your full potential, there are 7 basic exercises that are key components of any total-body fitness program. From improving balance and strength to increasing flexibility and endurance, these yoga-inspired exercises will help you become your strongest, healthiest self.
1. Plank
The plank is an isometric exercise that strengthens your core and upper body muscles, as well as your hamstrings. This pose is excellent for increasing strength and stability in the middle of your body, which then helps with movements in other areas.
2. Push-up
Push-ups engage the chest, shoulder, and arm muscles in addition to the spine, which is excellent for improving posture. Push-ups work the upper body and core at the same time, helping you to develop strength and balance.
3. Lunge
Lunges strengthen all the muscles in your legs, from the hips to the ankles. This pose also works your core and helps to improve your balance, making it a terrific addition to any exercise regimen.
4. Squats
Squats are one of the best exercises for total-body strength and balance. Working your core, lower back, hamstrings and quadriceps, this exercise is perfect for increasing your lower body strength and mobility.
5. Mountain Climber
The mountain climber is an effective full-body exercise that works your core, arms, and legs. It requires balance and strength, making it an excellent addition to any fitness routine.
6. Hip Bridge
The hip bridge works your core, hips, and glutes and is an excellent pose for improving stability, balance, and core strength. This pose also helps to open up your hips and lengthen your spine.
7. Yoga Squat
The yoga squat is an ideal pose to build strength in the lower body, while also improving flexibility. By incorporating this pose into your workout, you can stretch and strengthen the hips and thighs, while improving balance and stability.
These 7 total-body exercises are essential for any fitness program. By integrating them into your routine, you can improve strength, balance, and endurance, as well as increase flexibility. With a little bit of practice and dedication, you’ll be able to reap the many benefits of a focused, full-body workout.
What muscles do the 7 essential exercises for total-body fitness work?
1. Squats: glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves
2. Push-Ups: chest, shoulders, triceps
3. Lunges: Glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps
4. Deadlifts: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, core
5. Core Plank: Core (abdominals, lower back, hip flexors)
6. Pull-ups: Latissimus dorsi, biceps, back
7. Bent-Over Rows: Latissimus dorsi, back, biceps, forearms, core
What exercises should I do to achieve total-body fitness?
1. Push-Ups
2. Squats
3. Lunges
4. Burpees
5. Pull-Ups
6. Step-Ups
7. Planks
8. Shoulder Presses
9. Sit-Ups
10. Kettlebell Swings
11. Deadlifts
12. Mountain Climbers
13. Hip Bridges
14. Yoga Squats
15. Jump Rope
What type of equipment do I need to do total-body fitness exercises?
Total-body fitness exercises can be done with a variety of equipment, such as kettlebells, resistance bands, medicine balls, dumbbells, and a mat. Other equipment that could be used include an exercise ball, a power rack, and a pull-up bar. Decide which exercises you want to do, and purchase the necessary equipment.
What type of bodyweight exercises can I do for a total-body workout?
1. Push-Ups
2. Squats
3. Lunges
4. Planks
5. Sit-Ups
6. Burpees
7. Pull-Ups
8. Spider Crawls
9. Jumping Jacks
10. Dips
11. Mountain Climbers
12. Glute Bridges
13. Tricep Dips
14. Reverse Crunches
15. Single Leg Deadlifts
16. Single Leg Balance
17. Side Planks
18. Crunches
19. Squat Jumps
20. Incline Push-Ups
What kind of bodyweight exercises can be done in a small space?
1. Lunges
2. Squats
3. Push ups
4. Mountain climbers
5. Burpees
6. Tricep dips
7. Reverse crunches
8. Glute bridges
9. Leg raises
10. Single leg deadlifts
11. Jumping jacks
12. Plank hold
13. Bicycle crunches
14. Wall sits
15. Step ups
16. Side planks
17. Squat jumps
18. High knees
19. Calf raises
20. Scissor kicks
What exercises can you do without any equipment?
1. Push-ups
2. Squats
3. Lunges
4. Burpees
5. Mountain climbers
6. Step-ups onto a stable chair or stool
7. Wall sits
8. Planking
9. Tricep dips
10. High knees
11. Jumping jacks
12. Walking/jogging in place
13. Leg raises
14. Sit-ups
15. Superman exercise
16. Glute bridges
17. Single leg balance
18. Balance exercises
19. Squat jumps
20. Arm circles
What kind of bodyweight exercises can I do at home?
1. Push-Ups
2. Squats
3. Lunges
4. Plank
5. Burpees
6. Step-Ups
7. Jumping Jacks
8. Tricep Dips
9. Donkey Kicks
10. Mountain Climbers
11. Glute Bridges
12. Jump Squats
13. Sit-Ups
14. Box Jumps
15. Reverse Crunches
16. Crunches
17. Wall Sits
18. Shoulder Taps
19. Hip Bridges
20. Spiderman Push-ups
What kind of equipment do I need for bodyweight exercises at home?
You don’t need any special equipment for bodyweight exercises; all you need is your own bodyweight. However, if you want to add some resistance, you may want to invest in an exercise mat, some resistance bands, and/or some adjustable weights. You can also use items you have at home such as a chair, a floor pillow, or even cans of food for added resistance.