Top 10 Full Body Workouts for Beginners: Simple Moves to Get Started
Top 10 Full Body Workouts for Beginners: Simple Moves to Get Started
Are you a busy professional feeling overwhelmed by the thought of starting a workout routine? Maybe you’re worried about gym intimidation or simply don’t have time to fit in a lengthy session. The good news is you can achieve an effective full body workout right at home without any equipment! This guide provides ten simple exercises that target all major muscle groups, perfect for beginners looking to get started on their fitness journey.
Quick Stats Box
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes including warm-up
- Equipment Needed: No equipment
- Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly
- Calories Burned: Approximately 150-250 calories depending on intensity
Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Start with a quick warm-up to prepare your body. Aim for 30 seconds each exercise:
- Arm Circles: 30 seconds forward, then 30 seconds backward.
- High Knees: 30 seconds.
- Leg Swings: 30 seconds per leg.
- Torso Twists: 30 seconds.
- Bodyweight Squats: 30 seconds, focusing on form.
Full Body Workout Routine
1. Bodyweight Squats
- Reps: 12 reps
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Keep your chest up and knees behind your toes.
- Modification: Perform squats to a chair for support.
2. Push-Ups (Knee Push-Ups)
- Reps: 10 reps
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Keep your body in a straight line from head to knees.
- Modification: Perform on your knees for an easier version.
3. Glute Bridges
- Reps: 15 reps
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Squeeze your glutes at the top for 2 seconds.
- Modification: Hold a pillow for added support under your lower back.
4. Plank
- Duration: 30 seconds
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Keep your elbows directly under your shoulders.
- Modification: Drop to your knees for an easier version.
5. Standing Calf Raises
- Reps: 15 reps
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Squeeze at the top for 1 second.
- Modification: Perform seated calf raises if standing is difficult.
6. Forward Lunges
- Reps: 10 reps per leg
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Keep your front knee aligned over your ankle.
- Modification: Step back instead of forward to reduce intensity.
7. Bicycle Crunches
- Reps: 12 reps per side
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Keep your lower back pressed into the mat.
- Modification: Perform regular crunches if needed.
8. Wall Sit
- Duration: 30 seconds
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Keep your back flat against the wall.
- Modification: Reduce the angle by sitting higher.
9. Side Leg Raises
- Reps: 12 reps per side
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Keep your body straight and lift your leg with control.
- Modification: Perform lying down for less intensity.
10. Supermans
- Reps: 12 reps
- Sets: 3 sets
- Rest: 45 seconds between sets
- Form Cue: Lift arms and legs simultaneously, squeezing your lower back.
- Modification: Lift one arm and opposite leg for less intensity.
Complete Workout Summary Table
| Exercise | Reps/Duration | Sets | Rest | |-----------------------|-----------------|------|------------------| | Bodyweight Squats | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Push-Ups | 10 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Glute Bridges | 15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Plank | 30 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | | Standing Calf Raises | 15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Forward Lunges | 10 reps per leg | 3 | 45 seconds | | Bicycle Crunches | 12 reps per side| 3 | 45 seconds | | Wall Sit | 30 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | | Side Leg Raises | 12 reps per side| 3 | 45 seconds | | Supermans | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds |
Cool-Down (3-5 minutes)
Finish your workout with some gentle stretching to promote recovery. Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds:
- Child’s Pose
- Standing Forward Bend
- Seated Hamstring Stretch
- Shoulder Stretch
Conclusion
You can complete this full body workout in approximately 25-30 minutes, making it perfect for busy professionals. Aim to perform these exercises 3 times per week with rest days in between. As you become more comfortable with these movements, consider increasing the reps, sets, or duration for additional challenge.
If you're looking for personalized coaching with real-time feedback, check out HipTrain for live 1-on-1 sessions. You can save 30%+ with HSA/FSA eligible expenses, making it an affordable option to stay fit in 2026!
Get Personalized Coaching with Real-Time Feedback
Live 1-on-1 sessions with certified trainers. HSA/FSA eligible. Try your first session free.