The Ultimate Full Body Workout Anyone Can Do
A full body workout does not have to be something that is super laborious to complete. This article compiles a list of full body exercises that anyone can do, even if you are just starting out. Remember, it’s okay if you have a difficult time completing these exercises. Everyone is different with how quickly or slowly they do their workout. Do not get discouraged and keep pushing!
1. Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are one of the best full body workout exercises. Not only are jumping jacks simple in the fact that you don’t need weights and can basically do them anywhere, but they work your heart, lungs, and muscles. Jumping jacks are classified as a plyometric exercise. Plyometric exercises are also called jump training. These types of exercises use the maximum force that is exerted by the muscles for short periods of time in order to increase strength. Jumping Jacks specifically work your arm and shoulder muscles, your booty muscles, your hip flexors, and your quads, which are located in the front of your thigh.
Here’s how to do a jumping jack: First, stand with your feet together and your arms down at your sides. Then, jump. When you jump, spread your legs so that when you land they are shoulder-ish length apart. Also when you jump, bring your arms out until they are straight up and down. Next, you will jump again. This time when you jump you will bring your legs and arms back to the position you started in.
We suggest doing 20 in this full body workout.
2. Squats
Squats themselves aren’t necessarily a full body workout but are a great exercise to input into any workout routine. Squats mainly target your calves, quads, lower back, and core. Squats can also be done with or without weights.
Here’s how to do a squat: First, stand with your feet shoulder length apart. You can choose to have your hands hanging loosely down at your sides or out in front of your body. Next, squat down as if you are going to sit down in a chair. Make sure that you aren’t letting your knees go forward. The only thing that should go back is your booty. Hold for a couple seconds. Finally, return to your starting position.
We suggest doing 25 squats in this full body workout.
3. Step-Ups
The next exercise in our full body workout are step-ups. You will need a bench, sturdy box, or even a kitchen chair. Also, if you would like to use weights in this exercise you can but don’t feel that you have to. Step-ups are a great way to tone your legs, but they also can help with posture issues and back alignment. This exercise is also a great way to help your balance improve.
Here’s how to do a step-up: First, Stand facing your bench or chair. Then, put on foot on top of that bench and push up, bringing your other leg up so that your thigh is parallel to the bench. Hold this position for a couple seconds. Finally, bring the leg that is up down so that it is on the floor and return to your starting position. Once you do one side, switch to the other side.
We suggest doing 10 on each leg, bringing it to a total of 20 in this full body workout.
4. Tricep Dips
Tricep dips are a great addition to this full body workout. Not only does this exercise mainly target your triceps, or the back of your upper arms, but it also engages your core and the muscles in your back. To do this exercise you will need some type of bench or chair that is sturdy and won’t slide out from underneath you.
Here’s how to do tricep dips: First, facing away from your bench, put your hand on the edge of its surface so that you have a good grip on the bench and put your legs out in front of you. Don’t overextend your legs out. Just extend them enough so that it is comfortable. Then, lower your body down until your shoulders are level with your elbows behind you. Hold this position for a couple seconds. Finally, push up until you are back in the position that you started.
We suggest starting with 10, but if you don’t feel anything or need more of a challenge bump it up to 15.
5. Push-Ups
Push-ups are a great full body workout. They mainly target your arms, shoulders, chest, and back. However, they also work your legs and engage your core muscles while doing a push-up. There are many variations on push-ups but for this exercise, we are just going to do the normal push-up with your hands shoulder-width apart.
Here’s how to do push-ups: First, get into plank position. This is on your hands with your arms straight and your legs straight out behind you. Really engage your core here and throughout the entire exercise. Next, lower your body down until your shoulders are level with your elbows. Hold for a couple seconds in this position. Finally, push yourself back up into the starting position. If this version is too challenging for you, don’t worry! Just drop your knees to the floor and do push-ups on your knees, but make sure to still engage your core.
We suggest doing 10 push-ups in this full body workout.
6. Burpees
Ahh, burpees, the bane of many people’s existence. Yes, burpees aren’t the most fun exercise for a full body workout, but boy are they one of the best for a full body workout. Burpees are a great exercise that targets your core, chest, arms, thighs, and booty.
Here’s how to do a burpee: First, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms down at your sides. Then, squat down and put your hands on the ground in front of your feet, then kick your legs out so that you are in a plank position. Now, here is where you insert a push-up if you would like but don’t worry about that right now. Hold the plank position for a couple seconds then bring your knees into your chest. Finally, explode up in a jump.
We suggest doing 10 burpees in this full body workout.
