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
Adjust the seat height so the handles align with your shoulders when seated
Position your back flat against the backrest and engage your core muscles
Grasp the handles with a neutral grip, keeping your wrists straight and aligned
Press the weight up in a smooth, controlled motion without locking out your elbows completely
Lower the weight slowly back to shoulder level, maintaining control throughout the descent
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
Adjust the seat height so your arms are parallel to the floor when gripping the handles
Position your chest firmly against the pad and maintain an upright posture throughout the movement
Grip the handles with a neutral grip, keeping your wrists straight and aligned
Pull the handles back by driving your elbows behind your body and squeezing your shoulder blades together
Hold the contracted position briefly, then slowly return to the starting position
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
Start in a high plank position with hands flat on the ground directly under your shoulders
Keep your core engaged and maintain a straight line from head to heels throughout the movement
Bring your right knee across your body toward your left elbow, then return to plank position
Immediately bring your left knee across your body toward your right elbow, then return to plank position
Continue alternating sides in a controlled, rhythmic motion
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
Start in push-up position
Drive one knee toward chest
Quickly switch legs
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
Start in push-up position
Drive one knee toward chest
Quickly switch legs
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
Start in push-up position
Drive one knee toward chest
Quickly switch legs
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
Start in high plank with straight body alignment
Drive right knee toward chest explosively
Return right foot to starting position
Drive left knee toward chest explosively
Continue alternating legs in rapid succession
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
Start in push-up position
Drive one knee toward chest
Quickly switch legs
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
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart.
Distribute your weight evenly across both feet.
Engage your thighs, tuck your tailbone slightly, and lift your chest.
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
Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and engage your core muscles
Place your left hand on your left hip for support and stability
Extend your right arm straight up overhead, reaching toward the ceiling
Slowly lean your entire torso to the left while reaching your right arm over your head
Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds while breathing deeply
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
Jump or use assistance to reach the top position with chin above the bar and arms fully contracted
Grip the bar with hands shoulder-width apart using an overhand grip
Engage your core and maintain a straight body line throughout the movement
Slowly lower yourself down taking 3-5 seconds to reach full arm extension
Control the descent by actively engaging your back muscles and biceps
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
Adjust the knee pad to secure your legs and prevent your body from lifting during the movement
Grasp the neutral grip handles with arms fully extended overhead, maintaining a slight forward lean of your torso
Initiate the pull by depressing your shoulder blades and drawing your elbows down and back toward your sides
Pull the handles to your upper chest level while keeping your chest up and shoulders back
Squeeze your lat muscles at the bottom of the movement for a brief pause
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
Grip the bar with hands shoulder-width apart using an overhand grip, ensuring a secure hold
Hang with arms fully extended in a dead hang position, engaging your core and keeping shoulders active
Pull yourself up by driving your elbows down and back, leading with your chest
Continue pulling until your chin clears the bar completely
Lower yourself slowly and under control back to the starting dead hang position
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
Lie on your back with knees bent at 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor
Place hands lightly behind your head without interlacing fingers, or cross arms over your chest
Engage your core and lift your shoulder blades slightly off the ground
Crunch up and rotate to one side, bringing your right elbow toward your left knee
Lower back down to the starting position with control
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
Lie on your back with knees bent at 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor
Place hands lightly behind your head with elbows pointed out to the sides
Engage your core and lift your shoulder blades off the ground
Rotate your torso to bring your right elbow toward your left knee while keeping the right elbow stationary
Return to center and repeat on the opposite side, bringing left elbow toward right knee
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
Set up on a flat bench with feet firmly planted on the floor and core engaged for stability
Hold one dumbbell with a neutral grip, starting with arm fully extended above your shoulder
Lower the weight slowly toward the outside of your chest while allowing a slight torso rotation toward the working side
Keep your shoulder blade pulled back and down throughout the movement
Press the dumbbell back up to starting position while rotating your torso back to center
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
Lie flat on the floor with your back pressed against the ground and knees bent at 90 degrees
Hold one dumbbell with a firm grip, arm fully extended above your chest while keeping your shoulder blade pulled back
Lower the weight in a controlled motion until your upper arm gently touches the floor
Press the dumbbell back up to the starting position using your chest muscles
Switch the dumbbell to the opposite hand and repeat the movement
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
Lie flat on a bench with feet planted firmly on the floor for stability
Hold one dumbbell with a neutral grip, arm extended directly above your chest
Keep a slight bend in your elbow throughout the entire movement to protect the joint
Lower the weight slowly in a wide arc until you feel a deep stretch in your chest muscle
Squeeze your chest muscle as you bring the dumbbell back up along the same curved path
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
Position yourself with one knee and matching hand on the bench, keeping your back straight and parallel to the floor
Plant your opposite foot firmly on the ground for stability and hold the dumbbell with a neutral grip
Initiate the movement by pulling your shoulder blade back and driving your elbow toward the ceiling
Pull the dumbbell up toward your hip, keeping it close to your body throughout the movement
Squeeze your back muscles at the top of the movement for a brief pause
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
Clean the kettlebell to shoulder height with the bell resting on the back of your wrist and your elbow tucked close to your ribs
Engage your core and maintain a neutral spine with feet planted firmly shoulder-width apart
Press the kettlebell straight up overhead following a slight arc path, keeping your wrist straight and strong
Fully extend your arm at the top while keeping your shoulder packed down and back
Lower the kettlebell with control back to the starting position at shoulder height
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