Not all effective strength-training workouts require a fully-stocked gym. In fact, there are a myriad of exercises you can do right in the comfort of your home. Our list of the top 10 strength-training exercises unveils simple yet effective workouts to help you stay fit and toned without needing to step foot in the gym.
1. Push-Up Variations
No home workout is complete without the tried and true push-up. Targeting your chest, triceps, and deltoids, this is one exercise that provides full upper body workout. Begin with a standard push-up and as you gain strength, try more challenging variations like the Spiderman push-up or the pike push-up.
2. Bodyweight Squats
Bodyweight squats are a fantastic lower body exercise that targets your quads, glutes and hamstrings. As you squat, make sure to keep your chest up and drive your weight through your heels. For an extra challenge, try jump squats or pistol squats.
3. Lunges
Lunges are another excellent lower body workout. While lunges primarily target your quads, they also involve your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. To do a lunge, step forward with one foot and bend at the knee, keeping your back straight.
4. Planks
Planks are a versatile core exercise that strengthen your entire torso. Aim to hold a standard plank for one minute, then explore variations like the side plank, reverse plank, and walking plank as you get stronger.
5. Mountain Climbers
This high-intensity cardio exercise is also a great strength-training move. Mountain climbers target your quads, core, and shoulders. They not only enhance strength but also boost cardiovascular fitness.
6. Burpees
Another high-intensity move, burpees offer a full-body workout, targeting your chest, shoulders, triceps, quads, and hamstrings. Even better, they also help you burn great amounts of calories.
7. Russian Twists
Russian twists target your obliques and abdominals, providing an intense core workout. Add a weight to make them even more challenging.
8. Glute Bridges
If you want to target your glutes specifically, the glute bridge is a fantastic exercise. It also strengthens your hamstrings and lower back.
9. Jumping Jacks
Not only are jumping jacks a great cardio workout, but they also target several muscles in your body including your deltoids, quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Bonus: They can be modulated for intensity by speeding up or slowing down.
10. Wall Sits
Last but not least, wall sits are a great way to target your lower body and core. Aim to hold a wall sit for one minute, and as you grow stronger, try adding a weight.