EDIT: Check out my Top 10 Exercises Pt.2!
My favorite exercises changes every couple weeks but here are my favorite at the moment (not in order since they target different muscle groups). The first 3 are my absolute favorites and will always be on the list.
All these are compound exercises which works more than one muscle group in your body but I only noted one of the main ones. Click on the links to find out more. The most important thing when doing any exercise is POSTURE so make sure you know what you’re doing before you actually do it a.k.a. GOOGLE.
- Bench Dips (triceps)
My favorite compound + bodyweight exercise to work your triceps which is a muscle I’m obsessed with because I have a huge fear of turkey arms. It also works your pecs and delts.
- Planks (core)
Better for your posture than regular crunches but the only downside is that planks are HELLA boring so I have to make sure I have a good song playing on my iPod before starting one. A “strong” core should be able to hold a plank for at least 2 minutes.
- Stability Ball Hamstring Curls (hamstrings)
You want a nice ass? Then you should work your hamstrings… what do you think is holding it up? This exercise is way better than the Leg Curl machine; it uses your bodyweight and you’re also working your calves, glutes, abs, obliques. Compound exercises are the way to go!
- Jump Lunges (lower body)
This is a modified version of the lunge where you jump to each lunge position. It’s also a great fat-burning exercise because it’s an intense cardio workout. I absolutely DREAD doing these (even more than Burpees) but I feel so satisfied when I’m done.
Try adding dumbbells for an extra-challenge.
- Superman Back Extensions (back)
Great for stretching and strengthening your back as well if you have lower-back pain.
- Upright Row (shoulders)
Great for toning your shoulders and also works your biceps and traps. I like to use a bar over dumbbells though.
- Face-Down Bench Kickbacks (triceps)
Fight the turkey arms!!! :@
- Barbell Squats (lower body)
Can’t leave the good old squat out of the list. This compound exercise also works your core and back and should be essential in all workout routines.
- Mountain Climbers (full body)
These may seem easy at first but trying doing them more reps, a certain amount of time or in a tabata routine… I swear you’ll be dying in the corner afterwards but you will thank yourself for doing them. You can also try different variations like adding “twist” to work your lower abs.
- Hanging Leg Raises (lower abs)
When I’m bored, I hang out on Boyfriend’s pull-up bar… and add some leg raises while I’m on there. I wish my core was stronger though.
What are your favorite exercises?
KATY:
great tips hun! i’m trying to tone up myself! thank you!
REPLY
I love love love this post! I’m bookmarking it. I had been looking for exercises to do in the house and some of these work
REPLY
I love the bench dips b/c I can do them at work when I need a break..just close the door and do a few reps. haha. squats are good but i use the machine if do any.
i do tons of crunches especially on a bench and have it angled downwards and hold weights over my chest to add more resistance to build up the core.
you sure are loving fitness! i’m actually trying out pole dancing with a friend (yea yea i know) but it should be fun, entertaining, girls-only, AND it’s exercising but in a different way!
REPLY
I love the jump lunges. Also the jump squats too. It really gets my heart going and my legs are in pain for the rest of the day, which is great!
REPLY
Burpees are the worst EVER!!!!!!!
REPLY
I love #5 the superman. For all of you reading this make sure you keep your legs on the ground when your arms are up, or vice versa as it can hurt your lower back if you do it wrong!
My all time favorite is Triceps dips, because you can do them anywhere!
REPLY
Katy
April 29th, 2010 |
Hmm are you sure? I always lift both arms and legs and it doesn’t hurt my back.
I love tricep dips too… and any tricep workout actually. ♥
REPLY
I got worn out and tired just reading this
I probably should start exercising, but motivating myself is not that easy!
REPLY
Oh man… way to guilt trip me. I feel like I should start working out right this minute which is probably a good thing for a lazy bum like me.
REPLY
I love doing tricep/bench dips! I’m def gonna keep coming back to this entry lol.
REPLY
My favorite exercise is getting up to get a beer from the fridge
REPLY
[...] I always though ab rippers, rockers and other ab machines are a waste of time and money. Toned abs = diet, posture, genes and simple core-strengthening exercises like Planks. [...]
[...] CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY TOP 10 EXERCISES A YEAR AGO! [...]
Good post. Any pushing or pulling exercise will get you the best results because you use multiple muscle groups. Strength training is the best for anyone looking to lose fat because it’s best to speed up your metabolism.
REPLY
[...] out my Top 10 Exercises Pt. 1 and Top 10 Exercises Pt. [...]