699 exercisespage 16 of 35

Incline Dumbbell Row

intermediate
back
dumbbellstrength

Starting position: Lie face down on an incline bench with a dumbbell in each hand hanging downward. Execution: Pull the dumbbells toward the sides of your chest while keeping your back straight, then slowly lower to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Set an adjustable bench to a 30-45 degree incline and lie face down with your chest supported against the pad
  2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip, allowing your arms to hang straight down
  3. Plant your feet firmly on the floor for stability and engage your core
  4. Pull the dumbbells up by driving your elbows back and squeezing your shoulder blades together
  5. Hold the contraction briefly at the top, then slowly lower the weights back to the starting position
  6. Maintain control throughout the entire range of motion

Important points

  • Keep your chest pressed against the bench throughout the movement to maintain proper spinal alignment
  • Focus on pulling with your back muscles rather than your arms by initiating the movement with your shoulder blades
  • Avoid using momentum or swinging the weights - control the tempo on both the lifting and lowering phases
  • Keep your shoulders down and back, avoiding any shrugging motion during the exercise
  • Choose a weight that allows you to maintain proper form for all repetitions

Incline Machine Press

beginner
chest
machinestrength

Starting position: Sit in an incline press machine, adjusting the seat height so the handles are at chest level. Execution: Push the handles forward until your arms are fully extended, then slowly return to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Adjust the incline bench to 30-45 degrees and set the appropriate weight on the machine
  2. Sit on the bench with your back flat against the pad and feet firmly planted on the floor
  3. Grip the handles with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, palms facing forward
  4. Press the handles up and slightly forward in a smooth arc until your arms are fully extended
  5. Slowly lower the weight back to the starting position with control, feeling a stretch in your chest
  6. Repeat for desired number of repetitions without locking out your elbows completely

Important points

  • Keep your core engaged and maintain contact between your back and the bench throughout the movement
  • Focus on squeezing your chest muscles at the top of the movement for maximum muscle activation
  • Control the negative (lowering) portion of the lift - don't let the weight drop quickly
  • Breathe out during the pressing phase and breathe in while lowering the weight
  • Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing to heavier loads

Incline Machine Shoulder Press

beginner
shoulders
machinestrength

Starting position: Sit on an incline shoulder press machine, adjusting the seat height so the handles are at shoulder level. Execution: Push the handles upward until arms are fully extended, then slowly return to starting position.

Instructions

  1. Adjust the seat height so the handles align with your shoulders when seated
  2. Set your back firmly against the pad and plant your feet flat on the floor for stability
  3. Grasp the handles with a full grip, positioning your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width
  4. Press the weight up in a smooth, controlled motion without locking your elbows aggressively
  5. Lower the weight slowly with control, stopping when your elbows reach about 90 degrees
  6. Maintain steady breathing throughout the movement, exhaling on the press and inhaling on the descent

Important points

  • Keep your core engaged and avoid arching your lower back excessively during the press
  • Focus on pressing the weight up and slightly forward following the natural arc of shoulder movement
  • Use a full range of motion but avoid lowering the weight too far to prevent shoulder impingement
  • Start with lighter weight to master the movement pattern before progressing to heavier loads
  • Maintain control throughout the entire range of motion, especially during the lowering phase

Inclined diamond push up

intermediate
chest
bodyweightstrengthcalisthenics

Starting position: Place hands on an inclined surface (bench, step, or sturdy platform) forming a diamond shape with thumbs and index fingers touching, body in straight plank position with feet on the ground. Execution: Lower your chest toward the diamond formed by your hands, then press back up to starting position while maintaining rigid body alignment.

Instructions

  1. Find a stable inclined surface at an appropriate height for your fitness level
  2. Place hands on the surface forming a diamond shape with thumbs and index fingers touching
  3. Step feet back until your body forms a straight line from head to heels
  4. Lower your chest slowly toward the diamond formed by your hands until chest nearly touches
  5. Press through your palms to return to starting position while keeping core engaged
  6. Maintain controlled movement throughout the entire range of motion

Important points

  • Keep your core tight and body in a straight line throughout the movement to prevent sagging hips
  • The diamond hand position targets the triceps more than regular push-ups while still working the chest
  • Start with a higher incline and progress to lower angles as you build strength
  • Avoid flaring elbows too wide - keep them at roughly 45 degrees from your torso
  • Control the descent to maximize muscle engagement and prevent injury

Inclined push up

beginner
chest
bodyweightstrengthcalisthenics

Starting position: Place hands on an elevated surface like a bench or step, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with body in a straight line from head to heels. Execution: Lower your chest toward the elevated surface by bending your elbows, then push back up to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Position hands on a stable elevated surface with fingers pointing forward and arms fully extended
  2. Step feet back until your body forms a straight line from head to heels
  3. Keep your core engaged and maintain neutral spine alignment throughout the movement
  4. Lower your body by bending elbows until chest nearly touches the elevated surface
  5. Push through your palms to return to starting position with control
  6. Maintain steady breathing throughout the entire range of motion

Important points

  • Keep your body in a straight plank position without letting hips sag or pike upward
  • The higher the surface, the easier the exercise becomes for beginners
  • Maintain a controlled tempo rather than rushing through repetitions
  • Keep elbows at approximately 45-degree angle from your torso to protect shoulders
  • Ensure the elevated surface is stable and can support your body weight safely

Inclined wide push up

intermediate
chest
bodyweightstrengthcalisthenics

Instructions

  1. Place your hands on an elevated surface (bench, step, or sturdy chair) wider than shoulder-width apart, with fingers pointing forward
  2. Step your feet back until your body forms a straight line from head to heels, engaging your core
  3. Lower your chest toward the elevated surface by bending your elbows outward at roughly 45 degrees from your body
  4. Descend until your chest nearly touches the surface or you feel a stretch across your chest
  5. Push through your palms to return to the starting position, keeping your body in a straight line
  6. Repeat for desired repetitions while maintaining proper form throughout

Important points

  • Keep your core tight and avoid letting your hips sag or pike upward
  • The higher the surface, the easier the exercise becomes - adjust height based on your fitness level
  • Focus on controlled movement rather than speed, taking 2-3 seconds to lower and 1-2 seconds to push up
  • Stop if you feel pain in your wrists, shoulders, or lower back
  • Wide hand placement targets the outer chest muscles more than standard push-ups

Jacks with high knees

intermediate
full_body
bodyweightcardiohiitwarmup

Starting position: Stand upright with feet together and arms at your sides. Execution: Alternate between jumping jacks and high knee marches, combining the arm movements of jumping jacks with alternating knee lifts to chest height.

Instructions

  1. Stand with feet together, arms at your sides, and engage your core
  2. Jump feet apart while raising arms overhead, then immediately bring feet back together while lowering arms
  3. Without pausing, lift your right knee up toward your chest while keeping arms in jumping jack motion
  4. Lower right leg and immediately lift left knee toward chest, continuing the arm movements
  5. Continue alternating between jumping jacks and high knee lifts in a fluid, rhythmic pattern
  6. Maintain controlled breathing throughout the entire movement sequence

Important points

  • Keep your core engaged throughout to protect your lower back and maintain balance
  • Land softly on the balls of your feet to reduce impact on joints
  • Drive knees up to at least hip height for maximum effectiveness
  • Maintain an upright posture and avoid leaning forward during knee lifts
  • Start at a moderate pace and increase speed only when you can maintain proper form

Jump get ups

intermediate
full_body
bodyweightplyometriccardiofunctional

Starting position: Lie flat on your back with arms at your sides and legs extended. Execution: Explosively sit up while simultaneously bringing your knees to your chest, then place your feet on the ground and jump straight up with arms overhead before returning to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Lie flat on your back with arms relaxed at your sides and legs fully extended
  2. Engage your core and explosively sit up while pulling your knees toward your chest
  3. Plant your feet firmly on the ground shoulder-width apart as you transition to a squat position
  4. Drive through your heels and jump straight up, reaching your arms overhead
  5. Land softly with bent knees and immediately lower back down to the starting lying position
  6. Control the descent to avoid jarring your back against the floor

Important points

  • Keep your core engaged throughout the entire movement to protect your lower back
  • Land softly on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent to absorb impact
  • Maintain smooth, controlled transitions between each phase of the movement
  • Start slowly to master the coordination before increasing speed or intensity
  • Stop immediately if you experience any back pain or dizziness

Jump knee tucks

intermediate
full_body
bodyweightplyometriccardio

Instructions

  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides, and engage your core
  2. Jump straight up explosively while simultaneously bringing both knees toward your chest
  3. Grab your shins or knees briefly with your hands at the peak of the jump
  4. Release your legs and extend them downward to prepare for landing
  5. Land softly on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent to absorb impact
  6. Immediately reset to starting position and repeat for desired repetitions

Important points

  • Land softly with bent knees to protect your joints and reduce impact stress
  • Keep your core engaged throughout the entire movement to maintain stability
  • Focus on jumping straight up rather than forward to maintain proper form
  • Start with lower intensity and gradually increase speed as you master the technique
  • Stop immediately if you experience knee or ankle pain

Jump squat to backward lunge

quads
bodyweightplyometricstrengthfunctional

Starting position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended forward for balance. Execution: Perform a jump squat by squatting down and explosively jumping up, then immediately transition into a backward lunge upon landing.

Instructions

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and extend arms forward for balance
  2. Lower into a squat position by bending knees and pushing hips back
  3. Explosively jump straight up from the squat position
  4. Land softly on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent
  5. Immediately step one foot back into a lunge position
  6. Return to starting position and repeat the sequence

Important points

  • Keep your chest up and core engaged throughout the entire movement
  • Land softly to reduce impact on joints and maintain control
  • Maintain proper squat depth with knees tracking over toes
  • Use your arms for balance and momentum during the jump phase
  • Control the transition between jump squat and lunge to prevent injury

Jump squats

quads
bodyweightplyometricstrength

Instructions

  1. Start in squat position
  2. Explode up, jumping off floor
  3. Land softly with bent knees
  4. Immediately descend into next squat

Important points

  • Land softly (quiet landings)
  • Absorb impact with legs
  • Don't lock knees on landing
  • Power comes from legs and hips
  • Great for explosive power

Jump Squats - Squat Jumps

quads
bodyweightplyometricstrength

Instructions

  1. Start in squat position
  2. Explode up, jumping off floor
  3. Land softly with bent knees
  4. Immediately descend into next squat

Important points

  • Land softly (quiet landings)
  • Absorb impact with legs
  • Don't lock knees on landing
  • Power comes from legs and hips
  • Great for explosive power

Jumping jacks

intermediate
full_body
bodyweightcardiowarmup

Starting position: Stand upright with feet together, arms at your sides, and core engaged. Execution: Jump while simultaneously spreading your feet shoulder-width apart and raising your arms overhead, then jump back to the starting position in one fluid motion.

Instructions

  1. Stand tall with feet together and arms relaxed at your sides
  2. Jump up while spreading your feet wider than shoulder-width apart
  3. Simultaneously raise both arms out to the sides and overhead in an arc motion
  4. Land softly on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent
  5. Jump again while bringing feet back together and lowering arms to starting position
  6. Maintain a steady rhythm throughout the exercise

Important points

  • Land softly on the balls of your feet to reduce impact on joints
  • Keep your core engaged throughout the movement to maintain stability
  • Start at a comfortable pace and gradually increase speed as you build endurance
  • Avoid locking your knees when landing to prevent joint stress
  • Breathe rhythmically - exhale on the jump out, inhale on the jump in

Jumping lunges

intermediate
quads
bodyweightplyometricstrength

Starting position: Stand with feet hip-width apart, then step one foot back into a lunge position with both knees bent at 90 degrees. Execution: Explosively jump up while switching leg positions mid-air, landing softly in a lunge with the opposite leg forward.

Instructions

  1. Begin in a standard lunge position with your front knee directly over your ankle and back knee hovering just above the ground
  2. Engage your core and prepare for an explosive upward movement by loading through both legs
  3. Jump straight up powerfully, driving through your front heel and back toe simultaneously
  4. While airborne, quickly switch your leg positions so the back leg moves forward and the front leg moves back
  5. Land softly on the balls of your feet, immediately sinking into the lunge position with the opposite leg now forward
  6. Maintain control throughout the movement and pause briefly before repeating the jump

Important points

  • Land softly with bent knees to absorb impact and protect your joints from excessive stress
  • Keep your torso upright and core engaged throughout the entire movement to maintain proper alignment
  • Ensure your front knee tracks over your toes and doesn't cave inward during landing
  • Start with smaller jumps and focus on form before progressing to higher, more explosive movements
  • Allow adequate rest between sets as this is a high-intensity plyometric exercise that requires full recovery

Jumping Ropes skips

intermediate
full_body
bodyweightcardiowarmup

Starting position: Stand upright with feet together, holding the jump rope handles at your sides with elbows close to your body. Execution: Rotate the rope overhead using wrist movement while jumping lightly off both feet, landing softly on the balls of your feet as the rope passes underneath.

Instructions

  1. Hold rope handles with a relaxed grip, positioning hands at hip level with elbows bent at your sides
  2. Start with the rope behind your heels and swing it overhead using primarily wrist rotation rather than arm movement
  3. Jump only high enough for the rope to pass under your feet, maintaining a slight bend in your knees
  4. Land softly on the balls of your feet with each jump, keeping your core engaged and posture upright
  5. Begin with short intervals of 30-60 seconds and gradually increase duration as coordination improves
  6. If you miss or trip, simply restart the rhythm without stopping your workout momentum

Important points

  • Keep jumps low and controlled - only lift feet 1-2 inches off the ground to reduce impact on joints
  • Focus on wrist rotation rather than using your entire arms to turn the rope for better efficiency and less fatigue
  • Maintain an upright posture with shoulders relaxed and eyes looking forward, not down at your feet
  • Start slowly to develop rhythm and coordination before increasing speed or attempting advanced footwork patterns
  • Choose appropriate rope length by standing on the center - handles should reach approximately armpit height

Kettlebell Clean

ketllebell
kettlebellstrengthfunctional

Starting position: Stand with feet hip-width apart, kettlebell on floor between feet. Execution: Explosively drive hips forward to pull kettlebell up and catch it at shoulder level.

Instructions

  1. Stand over kettlebell with feet hip-width apart
  2. Hinge at hips and grab kettlebell handle
  3. Drive hips forward explosively while pulling kettlebell upward
  4. Guide kettlebell around wrist as it rises
  5. Catch kettlebell in rack position at shoulder
  6. Lower kettlebell back to starting position with control

Important points

  • Keep your back straight and chest up throughout the movement
  • Use hip drive, not arm pull, to generate power
  • Let the kettlebell flip around your wrist smoothly into rack position
  • Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back
  • Practice the hip hinge movement before adding explosive power

Kettlebell Deadlift

ketllebell
kettlebellstrengthfunctional

Starting position: Stand with feet hip-width apart, kettlebell on floor between feet. Execution: Hinge at hips to grip kettlebell, then drive through heels to stand tall.

Instructions

  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart behind the kettlebell
  2. Hinge at hips and bend knees to grip kettlebell handle
  3. Keep chest up and shoulders back throughout the movement
  4. Drive through heels and extend hips to lift kettlebell
  5. Lower kettlebell by pushing hips back and bending knees
  6. Return to starting position with control

Important points

  • Keep the kettlebell close to your body throughout the entire movement
  • Initiate the movement by pushing your hips back, not by bending your knees first
  • Maintain a neutral spine and avoid rounding your back
  • Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement for full hip extension
  • Your knees should track in line with your toes during the movement

Kettlebell Farmer Carry

ketllebell
kettlebell

Starting position: Stand tall holding kettlebells at your sides with arms straight. Execution: Walk forward maintaining upright posture while gripping the kettlebells.

Instructions

  1. Grip kettlebells firmly with neutral wrists
  2. Stand tall with shoulders back and core engaged
  3. Begin walking with controlled, deliberate steps
  4. Keep kettlebells close to your body
  5. Maintain steady breathing throughout the walk
  6. Set kettlebells down with control when finished

Important points

  • Keep your shoulders level and avoid leaning to one side
  • Maintain a tight grip to prevent the kettlebells from slipping
  • Walk with your normal stride length to avoid compensation patterns
  • Stop immediately if your grip begins to fail for safety

Kettlebell Farmer Carry

ketllebell
kettlebellstrengthfunctional

Starting position: Stand upright holding kettlebells at your sides with arms extended. Execution: Walk forward in a straight line while maintaining proper posture and grip.

Instructions

  1. Grip kettlebells firmly with neutral wrists
  2. Stand tall with shoulders back and core engaged
  3. Begin walking forward with controlled steady steps
  4. Keep kettlebells close to your body sides
  5. Maintain upright posture throughout the walk
  6. Set kettlebells down gently when finished

Important points

  • Keep your shoulders pulled back to prevent rounding forward
  • Engage your core throughout to protect your lower back
  • Take controlled steps rather than rushing the movement
  • Grip strength will fatigue before other muscles typically do

Kettlebell Figure-8

ketllebell
kettlebellfunctionalcore

Starting position: Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width, holding kettlebell in one hand between legs. Execution: Pass the kettlebell in a figure-8 pattern around and between your legs.

Instructions

  1. Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart
  2. Hold kettlebell in right hand between your legs
  3. Pass kettlebell around right leg to back
  4. Switch hands behind right leg
  5. Bring kettlebell forward around left leg
  6. Switch hands in front and repeat pattern

Important points

  • Keep your back straight and chest up throughout the movement
  • Bend at hips and knees to maintain proper posture
  • Control the kettlebell smoothly without letting it swing wildly
  • Keep the kettlebell close to your body during hand switches
  • Start with lighter weight to master the coordination pattern