Best 5 Full Body Bodyweight Exercises You Can Do at Home
Best 5 Full Body Bodyweight Exercises You Can Do at Home
Struggling to find time for the gym? Or perhaps you're feeling intimidated by equipment or crowded spaces? You're not alone. Many busy professionals face the same hurdles, but the good news is you can achieve an effective full body workout right at home using just your body weight. In this guide, we’ll explore the best five bodyweight exercises that can be done in a small space, require no equipment, and are suitable for beginners.
Quick Stats Box:
- Total Time: 20-25 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)
A proper warm-up is essential to prepare your body for the workout. Follow this routine:
- Jumping Jacks – 1 minute
- Arm Circles – 30 seconds forward, 30 seconds backward
- Leg Swings – 30 seconds per leg
- Bodyweight Squats – 1 minute
- High Knees – 1 minute
The Best Full Body Bodyweight Exercises
1. Push-Up (Standard and Knee Push-Up)
- Reps: 10-15 reps
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels and lower yourself until your chest almost touches the ground.
- Modification: Perform on your knees for an easier version.
2. Bodyweight Squat
- Reps: 12-20 reps
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Push your hips back and keep your chest up as you lower down, ensuring your knees don’t go past your toes.
- Modification: Use a chair for support if needed.
3. Plank
- Duration: 30-60 seconds
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Keep your body straight from head to heels, and engage your core.
- Modification: Drop to your knees for an easier version.
4. Glute Bridge
- Reps: 12-15 reps
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement for 2 seconds before lowering.
- Modification: Perform with feet elevated on a chair for added difficulty.
5. Mountain Climbers
- Duration: 30 seconds
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Maintain a strong plank position while driving your knees toward your chest quickly.
- Modification: Slow down the tempo for an easier version.
Exercise Summary Table
| Exercise | Reps/Duration | Sets | Rest | Modification | |-------------------|-------------------|------|------------------|----------------------------| | Push-Up | 10-15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Knee Push-Up | | Bodyweight Squat | 12-20 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Chair Support | | Plank | 30-60 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | Knee Plank | | Glute Bridge | 12-15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Feet Elevated | | Mountain Climbers | 30 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | Slower Tempo |
Cool-Down (3-5 minutes)
Finish your workout with these stretches to promote recovery:
- Child’s Pose – 1 minute
- Standing Quad Stretch – 30 seconds per leg
- Seated Forward Bend – 1 minute
- Cobra Stretch – 1 minute
Complete in: 20-25 minutes
Conclusion and Next Steps
These five bodyweight exercises are perfect for fitting a full body workout into your busy schedule, requiring no equipment and minimal space. Aim to perform this routine 3 times a week, with rest days in between to allow for muscle recovery. As you get stronger, increase your reps, sets, or duration to continue progressing.
Ready to take your fitness journey to the next level? Consider personal coaching with real-time feedback to ensure your form is spot-on and to customize your workouts.
Get Personalized Coaching with Real-Time Feedback
Live 1-on-1 sessions with certified trainers. HSA/FSA eligible. Try your first session free.