699 exercisespage 21 of 35

Machine Shoulder Press Neutral Grip

beginner
shoulders
machinestrength

Starting position: Sit in a shoulder press machine with a neutral grip (palms facing each other), adjusting the seat height so handles are at shoulder level. Execution: Push the handles upward until arms are fully extended, then slowly return to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Adjust the seat height so the handles align with your shoulders when seated
  2. Position your back flat against the backrest and engage your core muscles
  3. Grasp the handles with a neutral grip, keeping your wrists straight and aligned
  4. Press the weight up in a smooth, controlled motion without locking out your elbows completely
  5. Lower the weight slowly back to shoulder level, maintaining control throughout the descent
  6. Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground throughout the entire movement

Important points

  • Avoid pressing the weight behind your head as this can strain the shoulder joint
  • Keep your core engaged throughout the movement to maintain proper spinal alignment
  • Use a full range of motion but stop at shoulder level on the descent to prevent overstretching
  • Breathe out during the pressing phase and breathe in during the lowering phase
  • Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing to heavier loads

Mid Row Machine

beginner
back
machinestrength

Starting position: Sit on a rowing machine with a medium grip, adjusting seat height so handles are at abdomen level. Execution: Pull the handles toward the abdomen while maintaining an upright torso, then slowly return to starting position.

Instructions

  1. Adjust the seat height so your arms are parallel to the floor when gripping the handles
  2. Position your chest firmly against the pad and maintain an upright posture throughout the movement
  3. Grip the handles with a neutral grip, keeping your wrists straight and aligned
  4. Pull the handles back by driving your elbows behind your body and squeezing your shoulder blades together
  5. Hold the contracted position briefly, then slowly return to the starting position
  6. Maintain tension in your core and avoid using momentum or swinging motions

Important points

  • Keep your shoulders down and back throughout the entire movement to avoid shoulder impingement
  • Focus on pulling with your back muscles rather than your arms by initiating the movement with your shoulder blades
  • Avoid letting the weight stack touch between repetitions to maintain constant tension on the target muscles
  • Keep your chest pressed against the pad to prevent your torso from moving and ensure proper form
  • Control both the pulling and lowering phases of the movement for maximum muscle activation

Mountain climber cross body tuck

intermediate
core
bodyweightcardiocorehiit

Starting position: Begin in a high plank position with hands directly under shoulders, body in a straight line from head to heels. Execution: Alternate bringing each knee across your body toward the opposite elbow while maintaining the plank position, creating a twisting motion through the core.

Instructions

  1. Start in a high plank position with hands flat on the ground directly under your shoulders
  2. Keep your core engaged and maintain a straight line from head to heels throughout the movement
  3. Bring your right knee across your body toward your left elbow, then return to plank position
  4. Immediately bring your left knee across your body toward your right elbow, then return to plank position
  5. Continue alternating sides in a controlled, rhythmic motion
  6. Maintain steady breathing throughout the exercise

Important points

  • Keep your hips level and avoid rotating them excessively during the cross-body movement
  • Maintain strong wrist and shoulder stability by pressing firmly through your palms
  • Focus on controlled movement rather than speed to maximize core engagement
  • Avoid letting your hips pike up or sag down during the exercise
  • Stop if you feel strain in your lower back and reassess your form

Mountain climbers

core
bodyweightcardiocorehiit

Instructions

  1. Start in push-up position
  2. Drive one knee toward chest
  3. Quickly switch legs
  4. Continue alternating at pace

Important points

  • Keep hips down (don't pike)
  • Core stays engaged
  • Speed up for more cardio
  • Slow down for more control
  • Full body exercise

Mountain Climbers

core
bodyweightcardiocorehiit

Instructions

  1. Start in push-up position
  2. Drive one knee toward chest
  3. Quickly switch legs
  4. Continue alternating at pace

Important points

  • Keep hips down (don't pike)
  • Core stays engaged
  • Speed up for more cardio
  • Slow down for more control
  • Full body exercise

Mountain climbers

core
bodyweightcardiocorehiit

Instructions

  1. Start in push-up position
  2. Drive one knee toward chest
  3. Quickly switch legs
  4. Continue alternating at pace

Important points

  • Keep hips down (don't pike)
  • Core stays engaged
  • Speed up for more cardio
  • Slow down for more control
  • Full body exercise

Mountain Climbers

bodyweight
bodyweight

Starting position: Begin in a high plank position with hands under shoulders and body in straight line. Execution: Alternately drive knees toward chest in running motion while maintaining plank position.

Instructions

  1. Start in high plank with straight body alignment
  2. Drive right knee toward chest explosively
  3. Return right foot to starting position
  4. Drive left knee toward chest explosively
  5. Continue alternating legs in rapid succession
  6. Maintain steady breathing throughout the movement

Important points

  • Keep hips level and avoid bouncing up and down
  • Maintain tight core to prevent lower back sagging
  • Land softly on balls of feet to reduce joint impact
  • Keep hands firmly planted and shoulders stable over wrists

Mountain climbers into shoulder taps

core
bodyweightcardiocorehiit

Instructions

  1. Start in push-up position
  2. Drive one knee toward chest
  3. Quickly switch legs
  4. Continue alternating at pace

Important points

  • Keep hips down (don't pike)
  • Core stays engaged
  • Speed up for more cardio
  • Slow down for more control
  • Full body exercise

Mountain pose

beginner
full_body
bodyweightyogabalance

Instructions

  1. Stand with feet together or hip-width apart.
  2. Distribute your weight evenly across both feet.
  3. Engage your thighs, tuck your tailbone slightly, and lift your chest.
  4. Let your arms hang naturally with palms facing forward.

Important points

  • Stand tall through the crown of your head.
  • Relax your shoulders away from your ears.
  • This is the foundation for all standing poses.

My Side Bend Stretch (L)

beginner
core
bodyweightstretchingmobility

Starting position: Stand with feet hip-width apart, left hand on hip, and right arm extended overhead. Execution: Slowly lean your torso to the left side while reaching your right arm over your head, creating a gentle stretch along the right side of your body.

Instructions

  1. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and engage your core muscles
  2. Place your left hand on your left hip for support and stability
  3. Extend your right arm straight up overhead, reaching toward the ceiling
  4. Slowly lean your entire torso to the left while reaching your right arm over your head
  5. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds while breathing deeply
  6. Return to starting position slowly and controlled

Important points

  • Keep both feet planted firmly on the ground throughout the movement
  • Avoid leaning forward or backward - maintain the side bend in the frontal plane only
  • Focus on lengthening through the spine rather than compressing downward
  • Breathe steadily and avoid holding your breath during the stretch
  • Stop immediately if you feel any sharp pain or discomfort

Negative pull ups

intermediate
back
bodyweightstrengthcalisthenics

Starting position: Begin at the top of a pull-up position with your chin above the bar, either by jumping up or using assistance to reach this position. Execution: Slowly lower your body in a controlled manner until your arms are fully extended, focusing on the eccentric (negative) portion of the pull-up movement.

Instructions

  1. Jump or use assistance to reach the top position with chin above the bar and arms fully contracted
  2. Grip the bar with hands shoulder-width apart using an overhand grip
  3. Engage your core and maintain a straight body line throughout the movement
  4. Slowly lower yourself down taking 3-5 seconds to reach full arm extension
  5. Control the descent by actively engaging your back muscles and biceps
  6. Once arms are fully extended, either drop safely to the ground or jump back up to repeat

Important points

  • Focus on controlling the lowering phase rather than just dropping down quickly
  • Keep your shoulders pulled back and down to properly engage the latissimus dorsi
  • Maintain tension in your core to prevent excessive swaying or kipping
  • Start with shorter time periods and gradually increase the lowering duration as strength improves
  • This exercise is excellent for building strength to eventually perform full pull-ups

Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown

beginner
back
cablestrength

Starting position: Sit at a lat pulldown machine with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). Execution: Pull the bar toward your chest while keeping elbows close to your body, then slowly return to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Adjust the knee pad to secure your legs and prevent your body from lifting during the movement
  2. Grasp the neutral grip handles with arms fully extended overhead, maintaining a slight forward lean of your torso
  3. Initiate the pull by depressing your shoulder blades and drawing your elbows down and back toward your sides
  4. Pull the handles to your upper chest level while keeping your chest up and shoulders back
  5. Squeeze your lat muscles at the bottom of the movement for a brief pause
  6. Slowly return the weight to the starting position, maintaining tension throughout the eccentric phase

Important points

  • Keep your shoulders down and back throughout the entire movement to prevent shoulder impingement
  • Focus on pulling with your back muscles rather than your arms by thinking about driving your elbows behind your body
  • Maintain a controlled tempo, especially during the return phase, to maximize muscle engagement and prevent injury
  • Avoid leaning back excessively or using momentum to complete the movement
  • Keep your wrists straight and in line with your forearms to prevent strain

Normal grip pull ups (Full range of motion

intermediate
back
bodyweightstrengthcalisthenics

Starting position: Hang from a pull-up bar with hands shoulder-width apart using an overhand grip, arms fully extended, and feet off the ground. Execution: Pull your body upward until your chin clears the bar, then lower yourself back to the full dead hang position with control.

Instructions

  1. Grip the bar with hands shoulder-width apart using an overhand grip, ensuring a secure hold
  2. Hang with arms fully extended in a dead hang position, engaging your core and keeping shoulders active
  3. Pull yourself up by driving your elbows down and back, leading with your chest
  4. Continue pulling until your chin clears the bar completely
  5. Lower yourself slowly and under control back to the starting dead hang position
  6. Maintain tension throughout your body during both the ascending and descending phases

Important points

  • Avoid swinging or using momentum - maintain strict form throughout the entire movement
  • Achieve full range of motion by reaching complete arm extension at the bottom and chin over bar at the top
  • Keep your core engaged and maintain a slight forward lean to optimize lat activation
  • Focus on controlled eccentric lowering as this builds strength and prevents injury
  • Progress gradually by using assistance bands or negatives if unable to perform full bodyweight repetitions

Oblique Crunches

intermediate
core
bodyweightstrengthcore

Starting position: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hands placed lightly behind your head or crossed over your chest. Execution: Crunch up and to one side, bringing your elbow toward the opposite knee while keeping the other shoulder blade on the ground, then lower back down with control.

Instructions

  1. Lie on your back with knees bent at 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor
  2. Place hands lightly behind your head without interlacing fingers, or cross arms over your chest
  3. Engage your core and lift your shoulder blades slightly off the ground
  4. Crunch up and rotate to one side, bringing your right elbow toward your left knee
  5. Lower back down to the starting position with control
  6. Complete all repetitions on one side before switching to the other side

Important points

  • Keep your lower back pressed against the floor throughout the movement to protect your spine
  • Focus on rotating through your torso rather than just moving your arms
  • Avoid pulling on your neck with your hands - let your core muscles do the work
  • Exhale as you crunch up and inhale as you lower down to maintain proper breathing
  • Move slowly and controlled to maximize muscle engagement and prevent injury

Oblique Crunches

intermediate
core
bodyweightstrengthcore

Starting position: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hands behind your head with elbows wide. Execution: Lift your shoulder blades off the ground while bringing one elbow toward the opposite knee, alternating sides with each repetition.

Instructions

  1. Lie on your back with knees bent at 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor
  2. Place hands lightly behind your head with elbows pointed out to the sides
  3. Engage your core and lift your shoulder blades off the ground
  4. Rotate your torso to bring your right elbow toward your left knee while keeping the right elbow stationary
  5. Return to center and repeat on the opposite side, bringing left elbow toward right knee
  6. Continue alternating sides in a controlled manner

Important points

  • Keep your lower back pressed against the floor throughout the movement
  • Avoid pulling on your neck with your hands - let your core do the work
  • Focus on rotating through your torso rather than just moving your elbows
  • Maintain tension in your abs even when returning to the starting position
  • Breathe out as you crunch up and in as you lower back down

One Arm Dumbbell Bench Press - with rotation

intermediate
chest
dumbbellstrength

Starting position: Lie on a flat bench with one dumbbell held in your right hand directly above your shoulder, arm extended, while your left arm rests at your side or holds the bench for stability. Execution: Lower the dumbbell toward your chest while simultaneously rotating your torso slightly toward the working arm, then press back up while rotating back to center.

Instructions

  1. Set up on a flat bench with feet firmly planted on the floor and core engaged for stability
  2. Hold one dumbbell with a neutral grip, starting with arm fully extended above your shoulder
  3. Lower the weight slowly toward the outside of your chest while allowing a slight torso rotation toward the working side
  4. Keep your shoulder blade pulled back and down throughout the movement
  5. Press the dumbbell back up to starting position while rotating your torso back to center
  6. Complete all repetitions on one side before switching to the other arm

Important points

  • Keep the non-working arm either resting on your torso or gripping the bench for additional stability
  • Control the rotational movement - it should be subtle and natural, not forced or excessive
  • Maintain tension in your core throughout to prevent excessive twisting or losing balance on the bench
  • Use a lighter weight than you would for bilateral dumbbell bench press until you master the coordination and balance required

One arm Dumbbell Floor Press alternating

intermediate
chest
dumbbellstrength

Starting position: Lie flat on your back on the floor with knees bent and feet flat, holding a dumbbell in one hand with arm extended straight up over your chest while the other arm rests at your side. Execution: Lower the dumbbell slowly until your upper arm touches the floor, then press it back up to the starting position, alternating arms after each repetition.

Instructions

  1. Lie flat on the floor with your back pressed against the ground and knees bent at 90 degrees
  2. Hold one dumbbell with a firm grip, arm fully extended above your chest while keeping your shoulder blade pulled back
  3. Lower the weight in a controlled motion until your upper arm gently touches the floor
  4. Press the dumbbell back up to the starting position using your chest muscles
  5. Switch the dumbbell to the opposite hand and repeat the movement
  6. Maintain constant tension in your core throughout the entire exercise

Important points

  • Keep your shoulder blades pulled back and down against the floor to maintain proper shoulder positioning
  • Control the descent phase slowly to maximize muscle activation and prevent injury
  • Avoid bouncing your arm off the floor - just lightly touch and immediately press back up
  • Keep your core engaged and avoid arching your lower back excessively
  • Focus on feeling the stretch in your chest at the bottom position before pressing up

One arm dumbbell fly

intermediate
chest
dumbbellstrength

Starting position: Lie on a flat bench holding a dumbbell in one hand with arm extended above your chest, palm facing inward, while your other hand grips the bench for stability. Execution: Lower the dumbbell in a wide arc out to the side until you feel a stretch in your chest, then bring it back up along the same path to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Lie flat on a bench with feet planted firmly on the floor for stability
  2. Hold one dumbbell with a neutral grip, arm extended directly above your chest
  3. Keep a slight bend in your elbow throughout the entire movement to protect the joint
  4. Lower the weight slowly in a wide arc until you feel a deep stretch in your chest muscle
  5. Squeeze your chest muscle as you bring the dumbbell back up along the same curved path
  6. Complete all repetitions on one side before switching to the other arm

Important points

  • Maintain the same elbow angle throughout the movement to avoid turning this into a pressing motion
  • Use a weight that allows you to control the movement completely, as this exercise puts the shoulder in a vulnerable position
  • Focus on feeling the stretch and contraction in your chest rather than simply moving the weight from point A to point B
  • Keep your core engaged and maintain contact between your back and the bench throughout the exercise
  • Never lower the weight below the level of your torso to prevent excessive shoulder strain

One-Arm Dumbbell Row bench

intermediate
back
dumbbellstrength

Starting position: Place one knee and same-side hand on a flat bench for support, with the opposite foot planted firmly on the floor and a dumbbell in the free hand hanging straight down. Execution: Pull the dumbbell up toward your hip in a rowing motion, squeezing your shoulder blade back, then lower with control to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Position yourself with one knee and matching hand on the bench, keeping your back straight and parallel to the floor
  2. Plant your opposite foot firmly on the ground for stability and hold the dumbbell with a neutral grip
  3. Initiate the movement by pulling your shoulder blade back and driving your elbow toward the ceiling
  4. Pull the dumbbell up toward your hip, keeping it close to your body throughout the movement
  5. Squeeze your back muscles at the top of the movement for a brief pause
  6. Lower the dumbbell slowly and with control back to the starting position

Important points

  • Keep your core engaged and spine neutral throughout the entire movement to protect your lower back
  • Focus on pulling with your back muscles rather than your arm by initiating the movement with your shoulder blade
  • Avoid rotating your torso or using momentum to lift the weight
  • Keep your wrist straight and maintain a firm grip on the dumbbell throughout the exercise
  • Ensure full range of motion by allowing a complete stretch at the bottom and full contraction at the top

One-Arm Kettlebell Military Press

intermediate
shoulders
kettlebellstrength

Starting position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell at shoulder height in one hand with the bell resting on the back of your wrist and forearm. Execution: Press the kettlebell straight overhead in a controlled motion until your arm is fully extended, then lower it back to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Clean the kettlebell to shoulder height with the bell resting on the back of your wrist and your elbow tucked close to your ribs
  2. Engage your core and maintain a neutral spine with feet planted firmly shoulder-width apart
  3. Press the kettlebell straight up overhead following a slight arc path, keeping your wrist straight and strong
  4. Fully extend your arm at the top while keeping your shoulder packed down and back
  5. Lower the kettlebell with control back to the starting position at shoulder height
  6. Complete all repetitions on one side before switching to the other arm

Important points

  • Keep the non-working arm relaxed at your side or place it behind your back for better stability and core engagement
  • Avoid leaning away from the working side - maintain an upright torso throughout the entire movement
  • Focus on a smooth pressing path that moves slightly back over your head rather than straight up to maintain proper shoulder mechanics
  • Breathe out forcefully during the pressing phase and inhale during the lowering phase
  • Start with lighter weight to master the movement pattern before progressing to heavier kettlebells