Best 10 Full Body Exercises for Beginners You Can Do at Home
Best 10 Full Body Exercises for Beginners You Can Do at Home
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of starting a workout routine? With gym intimidation, time constraints, and the need for equipment, it can be tough to know where to begin. The good news is that you don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to get fit. In fact, you can kickstart your fitness journey right at home with just your body weight.
Here's a comprehensive list of the best full body exercises for beginners that require no equipment, making them perfect for small spaces and busy schedules.
Quick Stats Box:
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down)
- Equipment Needed: No equipment
- Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly
- Calories Burned: Approximately 150-250 calories depending on intensity
Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Prepare your body for the workout with this quick warm-up to increase your heart rate and loosen your muscles.
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Arm Circles
- Duration: 30 seconds
- Form Cue: Keep your arms straight and make small circles, gradually increasing the size.
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High Knees
- Duration: 30 seconds
- Form Cue: Drive your knees up towards your chest quickly, engaging your core.
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Bodyweight Squats
- Duration: 1 minute
- Form Cue: Push your hips back as if sitting in a chair, keeping your chest up.
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Lateral Lunges
- Duration: 1 minute (30 seconds each side)
- Form Cue: Step out to the side, keeping your opposite leg straight.
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Torso Twists
- Duration: 1 minute
- Form Cue: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart; twist your torso side to side.
Full Body Exercises
Here are 10 effective full body exercises you can do at home. Each exercise is designed for beginners, focusing on proper form and technique.
| Exercise Name | Reps/Duration | Sets | Rest | Form Cue | Modification | |----------------------|---------------|------|-------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Bodyweight Squats | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Keep your weight in your heels. | Narrow stance squat (easier) | | Push-Ups (Knee or Standard) | 8-10 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels. | Knee push-ups (easier) | | Plank | 20-30 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | Keep your body straight like a plank of wood. | Forearm plank (easier) | | Glute Bridges | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Squeeze your glutes at the top for 2 seconds. | Single-leg bridge (harder) | | Standing Calf Raises | 15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Lift your heels slowly, controlling the movement. | Seated calf raises (easier) | | Reverse Lunges | 10 reps each leg | 3 | 45 seconds | Step back into the lunge, keeping your front knee behind your toes. | Forward lunges (easier) | | Bicycle Crunches | 12 reps each side | 3 | 45 seconds | Keep your lower back pressed into the floor. | Standard crunches (easier) | | Side Plank | 15-20 seconds each side | 3 | 45 seconds | Keep your body in a straight line. | Knee side plank (easier) | | Mountain Climbers | 20 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | Drive your knees towards your chest quickly. | Slow-paced mountain climbers (easier) | | Burpees | 5-8 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Jump explosively and land softly, engaging your core. | Step back instead of jumping (easier) |
Cool-Down (3-5 minutes)
Finish your workout with a cool-down to help lower your heart rate and stretch your muscles.
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Child's Pose
- Duration: 1 minute
- Form Cue: Sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward.
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Standing Forward Bend
- Duration: 1 minute
- Form Cue: Bend at your hips, keeping your knees slightly bent.
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Seated Hamstring Stretch
- Duration: 1 minute (30 seconds each leg)
- Form Cue: Reach for your toes while keeping your back straight.
Complete in: 25-30 minutes
Conclusion
These 10 full body exercises are not only beginner-friendly but also effective for building strength and endurance at home. Remember to focus on your form, take your time, and listen to your body. Aim to complete this workout 3 times a week with rest days in between for optimal recovery and progress.
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