December 21, 2023

Top 20 Best Exercises for Full Body Workouts

Age Is Just a Number: Physical fitness is not limited to any particular age group. In fact, staying active as you age is essential for maintaining strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. Whether you are in your 20s or enjoying your golden years, these 20 exercises mentioned below can be tailored to your fitness level and needs. Whether it’s cardiovascular health, strength and muscle building, or flexibility and mobility, understanding your objectives and selecting the right exercises will lead you to optimal results.

20 Best Full Body Workouts

Let’s dive right in!

Cardiovascular Endurance:

Brisk Walking: A low-impact, joint-friendly exercise that gets your heart rate up and improves circulatory health.
Cycling: Great for boosting endurance while being gentle on the joints.
Swimming: An excellent full-body workout that enhances lung capacity and stamina.

Strength Training:

Bodyweight Squats: Target your lower body and maintain leg strength.
Push-Ups: Strengthen your chest, shoulders, and triceps with this classic exercise.
Dumbbell Rows: Enhance your back and bicep strength with this weight-based exercise.
Lunge: Focus on your core strength and abdominal muscles.

Functional Fitness:

Step-Ups: Mimic everyday movements to enhance leg strength and agility
Kettlebell Swings: A dynamic exercise to build overall strength and endurance.
Crunches: A fantastic exercise for targeting your core muscles, leading to improved stability and posture.
Resistance Bands: Incorporate resistance bands for full-body training that suits all fitness levels.

Flexibility and Balance:

Yoga: Improve flexibility, balance, and mental well-being through a variety of poses and stretches.
Tai Chi: A low-impact exercise that enhances balance, coordination, and relaxation.
Pilates: Strengthen your core and improve posture with controlled movements.

Low-Impact Options:

Elliptical Trainer: A joint-friendly alternative for circulatory fitness.
Water Aerobics: Gentle on the joints, yet effective in improving overall fitness.

Yoga and Stretching:

Child’s Pose: A calming stretch that releases tension in your lower back and hips.
Cobra Pose: Enhance spine flexibility and strengthen the back muscles.
Hamstring Stretch: Promote better leg flexibility and alleviate muscle tightness.
Quad Stretch: Focus on your thigh muscles, improving overall leg mobility.

Brisk Walking

Brisk walking is a highly effective and accessible form of exercise that can be easily incorporated into one’s daily routine. It involves walking at a faster pace than a leisurely stroll, thereby elevating the heart rate and promoting circulatory health. Not only does brisk walking help shed unwanted pounds by burning calories, but it also helps to build strength and endurance. By engaging multiple muscle groups and bearing the body weight, brisk walking strengthens the legs, core, and upper body.

Additionally, it is a low-impact exercise that puts minimal stress on the joints, making it suitable for people of different fitness levels and ages. Whether performed outdoors or on a treadmill, brisk walking is a great exercise for improving overall fitness, increasing energy levels, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Cycling

Cycling is not only a fun way to exercise, but it also offers numerous health and fitness benefits. Whether you prefer riding outdoors or using a stationary bike, cycling provides a fantastic workout that gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing. It is a low-impact activity that puts minimal stress on the joints, making it suitable for people of various fitness levels and those recovering from injuries. It engages major muscle areas throughout the body, particularly the legs, helping to tone and strengthen them.

Moreover, it promotes balance and stability, as it requires coordination to maintain control of the bike. Regular cycling can improve cardiovascular endurance, boost lung capacity, and enhance overall fitness levels. Additionally, it is an excellent exercise choice for weight management, as it burns calories and helps to reduce body fat. By incorporating cycling into your exercise routine, you can enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits that come with this enjoyable and rewarding activity.

Swimming

Swimming engages almost all major groups of muscle in the body, including the back, arms, shoulders, chest, core, and legs. Different strokes, such as freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, target specific muscle areas, ensuring a complete whole workout. Swimming is particularly beneficial for back strength and posture. The movements involved in swimming, such as the backstroke or maintaining a streamlined body position, engage the back muscles, helping to develop a strong and stable back and improve posture.

It is also a non-weight-bearing exercise, meaning it puts minimal stress on the joints, reducing the risk of impact-related injuries. It is often recommended for those recovering from injuries or individuals with joint conditions. Incorporating swimming into your fitness routine can help you achieve a well-rounded workout while enjoying the unique experience of being in the water.

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Bodyweight Squats for strength training

Bodyweight squats are a highly effective strength training exercise that can be performed anywhere without the need for equipment. To perform a bodyweight squat, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back as if you are sitting down on an imaginary chair. Keep your chest up and back straight and your weight distributed evenly on your feet. Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor or as close as possible, and then push through your heels to return to the starting position.

Bodyweight squats are considered one of the best exercises for a full-body workout, as they engage various muscle groups simultaneously. They primarily target the muscles in the lower body (quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes). They activate the core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back, to stabilise the body during the movement. By performing bodyweight squats regularly, you can build muscle strength and endurance throughout your entire body and enhance overall functional fitness. Moreover, since bodyweight squats are a compound exercise, they stimulate the release of growth hormones, promoting muscle growth and fat burning.

Push-Up Position

The push-up position is a fundamental exercise that focuses on various muscle groups and provides a total body workout. To perform a push-up, start in a high plank position with your hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, arms fully extended, and toes on the ground. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, engaging your core and glutes. Lower your body by bending your elbows until your chest is close to the ground, then push through your palms to straighten your arms and return to the starting position. Push-ups engage the muscles in the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core while also activating stabiliser muscles throughout the body.

This exercise is highly effective for building upper body strength, enhancing muscular endurance, and improving overall functional fitness. It can be modified to suit different fitness levels by performing push-ups on your knees or elevating your hands on an elevated surface. The push-up position is a versatile exercise that can be easily incorporated into any workout routine.

Dumbbell Rows

Dumbbell rows are a highly effective full-body exercise that targets the muscles in the back and biceps. To perform a dumbbell row, start by placing one knee and the same-side hand on a bench or sturdy surface. Hold a dumbbell in the opposite hand, allowing it to hang straight down with your arm fully extended. Keeping your back straight and core engaged, pull the dumbbell up towards your lower ribs while squeezing your shoulder blades together. Lower the dumbbell back down with control and repeat for the desired number of repetitions before switching sides.

Dumbbell workouts are beneficial and considered one of the best full-body workouts because they engage multiple muscle groups, including the back, biceps, and core, while also improving posture and stability. This exercise allows for a greater range of motion compared to other rowing variations, promoting muscle development and strength. Dumbbell rows can be performed with a single dumbbell or a set of dumbbells, making it a versatile workout that can be easily incorporated into any strength training routine.

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Lunge

Lunges are one of the best exercises for full body training due to their compound movement and engagement of different muscle areas. To perform a lunge, start by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart. Take a step forward with one foot, keeping your upper body upright and your core engaged. Lower your body by bending both knees until your front thigh is parallel to the floor and your back knee is hovering just above the ground. Push through your front heel to return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

Lunges primarily target the muscles in the legs, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, while also engaging the core and stabiliser muscles for balance and coordination. They promote functional strength, improve lower body flexibility, and can be easily modified by adding dumbbells or variations such as walking lunges or reverse lunges. Incorporating lunges into your workout routine can help build muscle, improve overall body strength, and enhance athletic performance.

Step-Ups

Step-ups are a highly effective total body exercise that can be done with a sturdy step or platform. To perform a step-up, stand facing the step and place one foot firmly on top of it. Push through the heel of the elevated foot and lift your body up onto the step, fully extending the knee and hip. Lower yourself back down with control and repeat the movement, alternating legs. Step-ups are a great full-body exercise as they engage the muscles in the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, while also activating the core for stability.

They promote functional strength, improve balance, and enhance cardiovascular fitness. Step-ups are a time-efficient workout option as they can be easily incorporated into any exercise routine and require minimal equipment. By incorporating step-ups into your workout, you can effectively target multiple muscle groups and achieve a challenging and efficient full-body workout plan.

Crunches

Crunches are a popular exercise for targeting the abdominal muscles and core strength. To perform a crunch, lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head or crossed over your chest. Engage your core and lift your upper body off the ground, curling your shoulders towards your knees. Make sure to keep your lower back pressed into the floor throughout the movement. Crunches are considered one of the best exercises for the abdominal muscles.

They help strengthen the core, improve posture, and enhance overall body stability. Crunches are a time-efficient workout option as they can be easily incorporated into any exercise routine and require no equipment. However, it’s important to note that crunches alone are not enough for a complete full-body workout routine. To avoid muscle imbalances, it is essential to include other exercises that target different muscle groups and to lower the weight during crunches if necessary.

Kettlebell Swings

Kettlebell swings are a dynamic and effective exercise that provides an ultimate full-body workout. To perform a kettlebell swing, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and grip the kettlebell with both hands. Hinge at the hips and slightly bend your knees while maintaining a flat back. Swing the kettlebell back between your legs, then forcefully drive your hips forward, using the momentum to swing the kettlebell up to chest height. Allow the kettlebell to swing back down between your legs and repeat the movement in a fluid motion.

Kettlebell swings engage more than one muscle group, including the glutes, hamstrings, core, and shoulders, making it a fantastic exercise for building strength, power, and endurance. The explosive nature of the movement also promotes fat-burning fitness. Kettlebell swings are time-efficient since they engage large muscle areas and require coordinated whole-body movement. However, it is essential to maintain proper form and start with a manageable weight to prevent muscle imbalances and injury.

Also Read: 10 Best kettlebell back exercises to ease your pain

Resistance Bands

Resistance band exercises are versatile and effective for body exercises. To use resistance bands, start by securing one end of the band to a stable anchor point. Hold the other end of the band with your hands or place it around a body part, such as your feet or thighs. Perform various exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, squats, or lateral leg raises by pulling or pushing against the resistance of the band. Resistance bands allow for a wide range of body movements and can be used to target different muscle groups.

They provide continuous tension throughout the exercise, engaging muscles throughout the entire range of motion. Resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and affordable, making them a convenient option for home workouts or when travelling. They can be incorporated into a variety of workout routines and are suitable for individuals of all fitness levels. Resistance band exercises offer a low-impact workout that helps build strength, improve muscle tone, and increase flexibility.

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Yoga

Yoga is widely regarded as one of the best full-body exercises, offering numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Various yoga poses and sequences require strength, flexibility, and balance, which collectively work the muscles in the arms, shoulders, chest, back, core, hips, and legs. Holding challenging poses, such as Plank, Warrior, or Chair pose, requires engaging and activating the muscles, leading to increased muscle tone and definition over time. Regular practice can contribute to the development of lean muscle mass.

Yoga is a low-impact exercise that places minimal stress on the joints and bones. This makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those with joint issues or injuries. The gentle and controlled movements in yoga allow for a challenging workout without the risk of high-impact strain. This mind-body connection will enhance overall exercise performance and well-being.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is a gentle exercise that combines slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and mindfulness. It is often practised in a standing position and involves a series of coordinated movements and postures. The practitioner moves through a sequence of fluid and continuous motions, shifting weight from one leg to the other while maintaining a relaxed and upright posture. Tai chi is considered one of the best exercises due to its numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being. It helps improve balance, flexibility, and strength, especially in the lower body.

The slow and controlled movements of tai chi promote mindfulness and relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. It is a low-impact exercise suitable for all fitness levels, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals. Unlike traditional workout exercises that focus on building muscle with heavier weights, tai chi emphasises the flow of energy, promoting harmony and balance within the body. Incorporating tai chi into a fitness routine can enhance overall body awareness, promote inner calmness, and improve overall physical and mental health.

Pilates

Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and overall body alignment. It involves performing a series of controlled movements and exercises that focus on various muscle groups. Pilates exercises can be done on a mat or with specialised equipment such as a reformer. The practice emphasises proper breathing techniques and precise movements to engage the deep core muscles. Pilates is considered one of the best full body workouts because it offers a wide range of exercises that target different muscle groups, including the core, back, arms, and legs.

It helps improve posture, enhance muscular strength and endurance, and increase flexibility. The controlled and deliberate movements in Pilates allow for lighter weights and minimal impact on the joints, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels. Incorporating Pilates into your fitness routine can provide an effective total body exercise while also serving as a rest day activity to promote active recovery and relaxation.

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Elliptical Trainer

The elliptical trainer is a popular exercise machine that provides a low-impact full-body workout. To use an elliptical trainer, step onto the pedals and grip the handles. Begin by pushing the pedals and moving your legs in an elliptical motion while simultaneously moving the handles back and forth. This coordinated movement engages the muscles in both the upper and lower body, including the legs, glutes, core, and arms. The elliptical trainer offers a low-impact workout that is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for individuals with joint issues or those recovering from injuries. It provides one of the best full-body exercises that helps improve endurance and burn calories.

The elliptical trainer allows for adjustable resistance levels and incline settings, providing options to challenge different fitness levels. Additionally, the machine typically includes various pre-set workout programs that cater to different goals, such as weight loss or interval training. The elliptical trainer offers a convenient and time-efficient way to engage various muscle groups and achieve an effective full-body workout.

Water Aerobic Exercise

Water aerobic exercise is a form of exercise performed in water, typically in a shallow pool. It involves a variety of movements and exercises that focus on different muscles in the body. To engage in water aerobic exercise, individuals can perform activities such as water jogging, jumping jacks, arm circles, and leg kicks. The water provides resistance, making each movement more challenging and engaging multiple muscle areas simultaneously. Water aerobic exercise is particularly beneficial because it offers a low-impact workout that is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for individuals with joint pain or those recovering from injuries.

The buoyancy of the water reduces the impact on the body, making it an excellent option for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Additionally, water aerobic exercise provides a cardiovascular workout, improves endurance, and increases muscle strength and flexibility. It is a compound movement exercise that focuses on various muscle areas, providing an overall and effective full-body workout.

Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose is a restorative yoga pose that is simple to perform and offers numerous benefits. To assume the Child’s Pose, start by kneeling on the floor and bringing your big toes together while keeping your knees hip-width apart. Sit back on your heels and gently lower your torso forward, resting your forehead on the mat or a prop. Extend your arms forward or alongside your body, relaxing your shoulders and allowing your spine to lengthen.

Child’s Pose is considered one of the best training because it promotes relaxation, stress relief, and increased flexibility. It gently stretches the muscles in the back, hips, and thighs, providing relief from tension and tightness. This pose also helps to calm the mind and enhance mindfulness, making it an ideal choice for rest and recovery. Child’s Pose is a compound movement that engages multiple muscle areas, including the back, shoulders, and hips, while promoting a sense of calm and rejuvenation.

Cobra Pose

The Cobra Pose, also known as Bhujangasana, is a yoga posture that is performed by lying on your stomach with your legs extended and palms placed on the ground near your chest. As you inhale, gently press your palms into the floor and lift your upper body, arching your back and keeping your lower body grounded. Cobra Pose is considered one of the best overall body exercises as it targets the muscles in the back, including the spine, shoulders, and abdominals. It helps improve posture, strengthen the back muscles, and increase flexibility.

Cobra Pose is also known to open the chest and stretch the front of the body, promoting deeper breathing and stimulating the abdominal organs. Incorporating Cobra Pose into a time-efficient routine is a great way to engage multiple muscle groups and promote overall body strength and flexibility. This versatile workout can be done on its own or as part of a larger yoga sequence, providing a well-rounded and effective workout for the body and mind.

Hamstring Stretch

The Hamstring Stretch is a simple yet effective exercise that focuses the muscles in the back of the thighs. To perform this stretch, start by sitting on the floor with one leg extended straight in front of you and the other leg bent with the sole of the foot resting against your inner thigh. Lean forward from your hips, reaching towards your extended leg while keeping your back straight. You should feel a gentle stretch in the hamstring of the extended leg.

The Hamstring Stretch is one of the best overall exercises for promoting flexibility and relieving tightness in the hamstrings. It also helps improve posture, prevent lower back pain, and enhance overall lower body mobility. Incorporating the Hamstring Stretch into a regular exercise routine or stretching regimen can help alleviate muscle imbalances and promote better movement patterns. This compound move engages multiple muscles in the lower area of the body, making it an effective exercise for maintaining optimal muscle balance and promoting functional strength.

Quad Stretch

The Quad Stretch is a simple exercise that targets the muscles in the front of the thighs, specifically the quadriceps. To perform this stretch, stand upright and bend one knee, bringing your foot towards your glutes. Reach back with the same-side hand and grasp your ankle or foot, gently pulling it closer to your body. You should feel a stretch in the front of your thigh. The Quad Stretch is one of the best training exercises to promote flexibility and relieve tightness in the quadriceps. It is particularly beneficial for those who engage in activities that involve a lot of running, jumping, or squatting.

By incorporating this Stretch into your routine, you can help prevent muscle imbalances, improve mobility of the lower part of the body, and enhance overall performance in activities that rely on strong quadriceps. While core exercises and compound moves are important for a well-rounded workout routine, it is equally crucial to include exercises that focus on specific muscle areas to maintain optimal muscle balance and flexibility.

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