Full Body Workouts

9 Best Full Body Workouts for Beginners: Start Your Fitness Journey

By HipTrain Team4 min read

9 Best Full Body Workouts for Beginners: Start Your Fitness Journey

Are you a busy professional feeling overwhelmed by the idea of starting a fitness journey? You’re not alone. Many beginners struggle with finding the time, space, and the right approach to get started. With gym intimidation, limited time, and the fear of injury, it’s easy to feel stuck. That’s why we’ve compiled the 9 best full-body workouts that require no equipment and can be done from the comfort of your home in 2026.

Quick Stats

  • Total Time: 20-30 minutes including warm-up and cool-down
  • Equipment Needed: No equipment required
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly
  • Calories Burned: Approximately 150-250 calories depending on intensity

Warm-Up (5 Minutes)

Before diving into the workouts, it’s crucial to warm up your muscles to prevent injury. Here’s a quick routine:

  1. Arm Circles: 30 seconds (15 seconds forward, 15 seconds backward)
  2. High Knees: 30 seconds
  3. Leg Swings: 30 seconds (15 seconds per leg)
  4. Torso Twists: 30 seconds
  5. Bodyweight Squats: 1 minute (slow tempo, 2 seconds down, 1 second pause, 2 seconds up)

Full Body Workout Routines

1. Bodyweight Squats

  • Reps: 12 reps
  • Sets: 3 sets
  • Rest: 45 seconds between sets
  • Form Cue: Keep your chest up and push through your heels.
  • Modification: Use a chair for support (easier) or jump squats (harder).

2. Push-Ups (Knee or Standard)

  • Reps: 8-10 reps
  • Sets: 3 sets
  • Rest: 45 seconds between sets
  • Form Cue: Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
  • Modification: Do push-ups on your knees (easier) or decline push-ups with feet elevated (harder).

3. Plank

  • Duration: 30 seconds
  • Sets: 3 sets
  • Rest: 45 seconds between sets
  • Form Cue: Elbows directly under shoulders, keep your body straight.
  • Modification: Plank on your knees (easier) or side plank (harder).

4. Glute Bridges

  • Reps: 12 reps
  • Sets: 3 sets
  • Rest: 45 seconds between sets
  • Form Cue: Squeeze your glutes at the top for 2 seconds.
  • Modification: Single-leg glute bridges (harder).

5. Reverse Lunges

  • Reps: 10 reps per leg
  • Sets: 3 sets
  • Rest: 45 seconds between sets
  • Form Cue: Keep your front knee aligned with your ankle.
  • Modification: Step back to a chair (easier) or add a jump (harder).

6. Bicycle Crunches

  • Reps: 15 reps per side
  • Sets: 3 sets
  • Rest: 45 seconds between sets
  • Form Cue: Bring your elbow to your opposite knee while extending the other leg.
  • Modification: Keep feet on the ground (easier) or hold the crunch position (harder).

7. Mountain Climbers

  • Duration: 30 seconds
  • Sets: 3 sets
  • Rest: 45 seconds between sets
  • Form Cue: Drive knees towards your chest quickly but maintain a flat back.
  • Modification: Slow down the pace (easier) or do a cross-body mountain climber (harder).

8. Superman

  • Reps: 10 reps
  • Sets: 3 sets
  • Rest: 45 seconds between sets
  • Form Cue: Lift arms and legs simultaneously, hold for 2 seconds at the top.
  • Modification: Lift one arm and opposite leg (easier) or hold for longer (harder).

9. Standing Calf Raises

  • Reps: 15 reps
  • Sets: 3 sets
  • Rest: 45 seconds between sets
  • Form Cue: Squeeze at the top for 2 seconds before lowering.
  • Modification: Do seated calf raises (easier) or single-leg calf raises (harder).

Workout Summary Table

| Exercise | Reps/Duration | Sets | Rest | |-----------------------|----------------|------|-------------| | Bodyweight Squats | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Push-Ups | 8-10 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Plank | 30 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | | Glute Bridges | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Reverse Lunges | 10 reps/leg | 3 | 45 seconds | | Bicycle Crunches | 15 reps/side | 3 | 45 seconds | | Mountain Climbers | 30 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | | Superman | 10 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Standing Calf Raises | 15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds |

Cool-Down (3-5 Minutes)

Finish your workout with these stretches to help with recovery:

  1. Child’s Pose: 1 minute
  2. Seated Forward Bend: 1 minute
  3. Figure Four Stretch: 30 seconds per leg
  4. Cat-Cow Stretch: 1 minute

Complete in: 25-30 minutes

Conclusion

Starting your fitness journey doesn’t have to be daunting. These nine full-body workouts are designed for beginners and can be done anytime, anywhere. As you progress, consider increasing your reps, sets, or intensity. Remember, consistency is key—aim to complete these workouts 3x per week with rest days in between.

For additional support, consider personalized coaching with real-time feedback to help you stay motivated and correct your form.

Get Personalized Coaching with Real-Time Feedback

Live 1-on-1 sessions with certified trainers. HSA/FSA eligible. Try your first session free.

Try For Free

Ready to transform your fitness?

Start your personalized fitness journey with elite 1-on-1 personal training from just $14 per session.

View Pricing
Full Body Workouts

Best 10 Bodyweight Full Body Workouts You Can Do at Home

Best 10 Bodyweight Full Body Workouts You Can Do at Home Finding time to fit in a workout can feel impossible, especially for busy professionals. Gym intimidation, long commutes, a

Apr 11, 20264 min read
Full Body Workouts

How to Maximize Your Full Body Workout for Weight Loss in Just 30 Minutes

How to Maximize Your Full Body Workout for Weight Loss in Just 30 Minutes Finding time to work out is a challenge for many busy professionals. With long work hours and personal com

Apr 11, 20264 min read
Full Body Workouts

How to Master Full Body Resistance Band Workouts: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Master Full Body Resistance Band Workouts: A StepbyStep Guide Struggling to fit a gym visit into your busy schedule? Intimidated by heavy weights or crowded fitness classes?

Apr 11, 20264 min read
Full Body Workouts

Best 15-Minute Full Body Workouts for Beginners in 2026

Best 15Minute Full Body Workouts for Beginners in 2026 Struggling to find time for a workout? You’re not alone. Busy professionals often feel overwhelmed by their schedules, making

Apr 11, 20263 min read
Full Body Workouts

Full Body Workouts vs Targeted Muscle Training: Which Yields Better Results?

Full Body Workouts vs Targeted Muscle Training: Which Yields Better Results? Finding the right workout for your fitness goals can be overwhelming, especially for busy professionals

Apr 11, 20263 min read
Full Body Workouts

How to Maximize Your Full Body Workout: 7 Essential Tips for Beginners

How to Maximize Your Full Body Workout: 7 Essential Tips for Beginners Are you a busy professional struggling to fit in effective workouts? You’re not alone. Many beginners find it

Apr 11, 20264 min read