The 10 Basic Exercises To Build An Awesome Workout

Don?t be fooled into thinking that you need a ton of equipment or fancy machines in order to have a great workout. Generally, the basic exercises continue to be the most effective ones out there. Building a workout around total body moves that involve using your chest, shoulders, arms and even your core, are all better than machines. From this, you can then add in tougher exercises as you become more accustomed to the routine.

Over at Men?s Fitness, there?s a great post which has the top basic moves that have been the foundations of strength for hundreds of gym goers. Here?s a short extract we’ve pulled out:

1. Bodyweight Squat

Squatting is a basic movement necessary for everyday function (think of getting in and out of a desk chair). The Bodyweight Squat is a great exercise to engrain proper mechanics with minimal risk of injury while strengthening the quads and glutes.

2. Push Up

The push up is traditionally known for building strength in the chest and shoulders. It does this very well, however it also doubles as a great pillar and shoulder stability exercise.

Simply holding the top of a push up position forces the body to work against gravity with the emphasis on stabilizing the scapula and spine

3. Kettlebell Deadlift

Picking items off the ground is a crucial movement for everyone to train. Using a light kettlebell can reinforce proper position that will hopefully transfer outside the gym to avoid injury when bending at the hips.

The key is to keep the spine straight and drive the glutes back, which loads the hips instead of the lumbar spine. If done correctly, the hamstrings, glutes, and back will all engage and strengthen.

Remember that mastering the fundamentals of each movement is vital to seeing gains in the gym. Failing to do this will be stopping you from getting the optimum results from each workout and increasing your chance of injury.