Starting position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, core engaged, and left arm hanging naturally at your side while right hand is placed on hip or behind back. Execution: Raise your left arm out to the side until it reaches shoulder height, then slowly lower it back to the starting position with control.
Instructions
Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart and engage your core muscles
Place your right hand on your hip or behind your back for stability
Keep your left arm straight but not locked, with a slight bend in the elbow
Raise your left arm out to the side until it reaches shoulder height, leading with your pinky finger
Hold briefly at the top position, then slowly lower your arm back to starting position
Complete all repetitions on the left side before switching to the right arm
Important points
Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning away from the working arm during the movement
Control the descent phase of the movement to maximize muscle engagement and prevent momentum
Avoid raising your arm above shoulder height to prevent shoulder impingement
Focus on initiating the movement from your shoulder rather than using your back or torso to swing the arm
Maintain steady breathing throughout the exercise, exhaling as you raise your arm and inhaling as you lower it
One-Arm Side Laterals (R)
intermediate
full_body
dumbbellstrength
Starting position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left hand on hip for stability, right arm hanging at your side. Execution: Raise your right arm out to the side until it reaches shoulder height, then slowly lower back to starting position.
Instructions
Stand tall with core engaged and feet planted firmly on the ground
Place your left hand on your hip to maintain balance and stability
Keep your right arm straight but not locked, with a slight bend at the elbow
Raise your right arm out to the side in a controlled arc until it reaches shoulder height
Hold briefly at the top position, feeling the contraction in your shoulder
Lower your arm slowly back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement
Important points
Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning away from the working arm
Focus on lifting with your shoulder muscles rather than swinging or using momentum
Maintain a controlled tempo with a 2-second lift and 3-second lowering phase
Stop at shoulder height to avoid impingement and maintain proper form
Complete all repetitions on the right side before switching to the left arm
Open and close jumping jacks
intermediate
full_body
bodyweightcardiowarmup
Starting position: Stand upright with feet together and arms at your sides. Execution: Jump while simultaneously spreading your legs shoulder-width apart and raising your arms overhead, then jump back to the starting position.
Instructions
Stand tall with feet together, arms relaxed at your sides, and engage your core
Jump up while spreading your feet apart to shoulder-width distance and simultaneously raise both arms overhead
Land softly on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent to absorb impact
Immediately jump again while bringing your feet back together and lowering your arms to your sides
Maintain a steady rhythm and controlled breathing throughout the movement
Continue for the desired number of repetitions or time duration
Important points
Land softly on the balls of your feet to reduce joint impact and prevent injury
Keep your core engaged throughout the exercise to maintain proper posture and stability
Maintain a controlled pace rather than rushing through the movements to ensure proper form
If you experience knee or ankle discomfort, step side to side instead of jumping
Keep your knees slightly bent during landing to act as natural shock absorbers
Over and under
intermediate
full_body
bodyweightfunctionalmobility
Starting position: Stand facing an imaginary horizontal barrier at waist height with feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides. Execution: Alternate between stepping over the imaginary barrier by lifting one knee high, then immediately ducking under by squatting low and stepping forward, creating a continuous over-under movement pattern.
Instructions
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and establish your imaginary waist-high barrier in front of you
Lift your right knee up high as if stepping over the barrier, then step forward
Immediately squat down low and take another step forward as if ducking under a barrier
Rise back to standing position and repeat the sequence with your left leg leading the over movement
Continue alternating the over-under pattern while moving forward in a controlled manner
Maintain steady breathing throughout the movement sequence
Important points
Keep your core engaged throughout both the high knee lift and low squat portions
Land softly on the balls of your feet to reduce impact on joints
Maintain good posture even when squatting low - avoid rounding your back
Control the tempo to ensure proper form rather than rushing through the movement
Visualize the actual barriers to maintain consistent movement heights
Over and under (Left)
intermediate
full_body
bodyweightfunctionalmobility
Starting position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing an imaginary or real obstacle at waist height. Execution: Step over the obstacle with your left leg leading, then immediately duck under by bending at hips and knees, alternating between stepping over and ducking under in a continuous flowing motion.
Instructions
Begin in an athletic stance with knees slightly bent and core engaged
Step over the imaginary obstacle by lifting your left knee high toward your chest, then step through
Immediately transition to ducking under by bending at your hips and knees while keeping your back straight
Return to standing position and repeat the over-under sequence
Maintain a steady rhythm throughout the movement
Keep your head up and eyes forward to maintain balance and coordination
Important points
Focus on smooth transitions between the over and under movements to maximize coordination benefits
Engage your core throughout the entire exercise to maintain stability and protect your lower back
Start slowly to master the movement pattern before increasing speed or intensity
Ensure adequate clearance when stepping over to avoid losing balance
Keep your weight centered over your feet during the ducking motion
Overhead Cable Rope Extension
intermediate
triceps
cablestrength
Starting position: Stand with your back to a high pulley with a rope attachment, elbows bent overhead. Execution: Extend your elbows to bring the rope forward, keeping your elbows fixed in place.
Instructions
Set the cable machine to the highest pulley position and attach a rope handle
Stand facing away from the machine with feet shoulder-width apart for stability
Grasp the rope with both hands using a neutral grip, positioning your hands at the end knots
Lean slightly forward at the hips and position your upper arms parallel to the floor
Extend your forearms forward and down in a controlled arc until your arms are fully straight
Slowly return to the starting position by allowing your forearms to bend back overhead
Important points
Keep your upper arms completely stationary throughout the movement to isolate the triceps
Maintain a slight forward lean and engage your core to prevent excessive back arching
Control the weight on both the extending and returning phases to maximize muscle engagement
Avoid using momentum or swinging the weight to prevent injury and ensure proper muscle activation
Keep your wrists straight and maintain a firm grip on the rope throughout the entire exercise
Overhead Lunge
intermediate
quads
bodyweightstrengthfunctional
Starting position: Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, arms extended straight overhead. Execution: Step one foot forward into a lunge position while maintaining arms overhead, then return to starting position and alternate legs.
Instructions
Stand with feet hip-width apart and extend both arms straight up toward the ceiling
Keep your core engaged and shoulders pulled back throughout the entire movement
Step forward with one leg, lowering your body until both knees are bent at approximately 90-degree angles
Keep your front knee aligned over your ankle and avoid letting it drift inward
Push through your front heel to return to the starting position with arms still overhead
Alternate legs with each repetition, maintaining controlled movement
Important points
Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning forward as you lunge
Maintain straight arms overhead to challenge your core stability and shoulder mobility
Land softly on your front foot and control the descent rather than dropping quickly
Keep most of your weight on your front leg during the lunge phase
If balance is challenging, start without the overhead arm position until you master the movement pattern
Overhead Squat
intermediate
quads
bodyweightstrengthfunctionalmobility
Starting position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended overhead with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width, palms facing forward. Execution: Lower into a squat by pushing hips back and bending knees while keeping arms overhead and chest up, then return to starting position.
Instructions
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and raise both arms straight overhead with palms facing forward
Keep your core engaged and chest up throughout the entire movement
Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back and bending at the knees while maintaining arm position
Lower until your thighs are parallel to the floor or as low as your mobility allows
Drive through your heels to return to the starting position while keeping arms overhead
Maintain control throughout both the descent and ascent phases
Important points
Keep your arms locked out overhead throughout the entire movement to challenge stability and core strength
Focus on pushing your knees out in line with your toes to prevent knee valgus
Maintain an upright torso position - avoid leaning forward excessively as this indicates mobility restrictions
Start with partial range of motion if you lack the flexibility to perform a full overhead squat safely
This exercise requires significant shoulder and ankle mobility - warm up thoroughly before attempting
Pec Deck Fly
beginner
chest
machinestrength
Starting position: Sit on the pec deck machine with your back firmly supported and grip the handles with slightly bent elbows. Execution: Bring the handles together in front of your chest, then return slowly to the starting position.
Instructions
Adjust the seat height so your upper arms are parallel to the floor when grasping the handles
Sit with your back flat against the pad and plant both feet firmly on the ground
Grasp the vertical handles with a neutral grip or position your forearms against the arm pads
Keep a slight bend in your elbows throughout the entire movement
Bring your arms together by squeezing your chest muscles, not pulling with your arms
Control the weight on the return phase, resisting the machine's pull back to starting position
Important points
Keep your shoulders back and down against the pad to prevent shoulder impingement
Focus on squeezing your chest muscles rather than just moving the weight
Maintain consistent tension throughout the full range of motion without locking out completely
Use a weight that allows you to control the movement in both directions
Keep your core engaged to maintain proper posture throughout the exercise
Pike hold knee bends
intermediate
full_body
bodyweightcalisthenicsbalance
Instructions
Start in a pike position with hands planted firmly on the ground, arms straight, and hips raised high to form an inverted V-shape
Engage your core and maintain straight legs with feet hip-width apart
Slowly bend one knee and draw it toward your chest while keeping your weight balanced on your hands
Hold the knee bend for 2-3 seconds, maintaining the pike position with your hips elevated
Slowly extend the leg back to the starting position with control
Repeat with the opposite leg, alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions
Important points
Keep your shoulders directly over your wrists and maintain straight arms throughout the movement
Engage your core muscles to prevent your hips from dropping or swaying
Start with shorter hold times and fewer repetitions, gradually increasing as you build strength
If you experience wrist discomfort, perform the exercise on your fists or use push-up handles
Focus on controlled movements rather than speed to maximize muscle engagement and maintain proper form
Pike push ups
intermediate
chest
bodyweightstrengthcalisthenics
Starting position: Begin in a downward dog position with hands shoulder-width apart on the floor and feet elevated on a bench or box, creating an inverted V-shape with your body. Execution: Lower your head toward the floor by bending your elbows, then press back up to the starting position, focusing the movement on your shoulders and upper chest.
Instructions
Position your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor with fingers spread wide for stability
Elevate your feet on a sturdy bench or box, walking your hands closer to create a steep downward angle
Keep your core engaged and maintain a straight line from your hips to your head throughout the movement
Lower your head toward the floor by bending your elbows until your head nearly touches the ground
Press through your palms to return to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the entire range of motion
Keep your legs straight and avoid sagging at the hips during the exercise
Important points
This exercise primarily targets the anterior deltoids and upper chest rather than the full chest like traditional push-ups
Start with feet on a lower surface and gradually increase height as you build strength and mobility
Maintain proper shoulder blade stability by keeping them pulled down and back throughout the movement
Stop immediately if you experience any neck pain or dizziness from the inverted position
Progress slowly as this exercise places significant load on the shoulders and requires good shoulder flexibility
Plank
core
bodyweightcoreisometric
Starting position: Begin in a plank position with hands placed directly under shoulders, body forming a straight line from head to heels, and feet hip-width apart. Execution: Hold this static position while maintaining proper alignment and engaging the core muscles throughout the duration of the exercise.
Instructions
Place hands directly under shoulders with fingers spread wide for stability
Position feet hip-width apart with toes tucked under
Create a straight line from head to heels by engaging your core and glutes
Keep your neck in neutral position by looking down at the mat
Breathe steadily while holding the position for the desired duration
Lower to knees when you can no longer maintain proper form
Important points
Keep hips level and avoid sagging or piking up
Engage your core muscles throughout the entire hold
Distribute weight evenly between hands to avoid wrist strain
Stop the exercise if you feel lower back pain or cannot maintain proper form
Start with shorter holds and gradually increase duration as strength improves
Plank
abs
bodyweight
Starting position: Lie face down then rise onto forearms and toes. Execution: Hold static position maintaining straight body line.
Instructions
Position forearms on ground with elbows under shoulders
Rise onto toes creating straight line from head to heels
Engage core muscles and squeeze glutes tight
Hold position while breathing normally
Lower to knees when form begins to break
Important points
Keep hips level with shoulders to avoid sagging or piking
Maintain neutral spine by looking at floor slightly ahead
Breathe steadily throughout the hold rather than holding breath
Start with shorter holds and gradually increase duration as strength improves
Plank elbow to knee
core
bodyweightcorefunctional
Starting position: Begin in a plank position with hands planted firmly on the ground, body in a straight line from head to heels. Execution: Bring one knee forward toward the corresponding elbow while maintaining the plank position, then return to starting position and repeat on the other side.
Instructions
Start in a high plank position with hands directly under shoulders and body forming a straight line
Keep your core engaged and hips level throughout the movement
Draw one knee forward toward the same-side elbow in a controlled motion
Return the leg back to plank position without letting the foot touch the ground
Alternate legs and maintain steady breathing throughout the exercise
Keep your weight evenly distributed between your hands and supporting leg
Important points
Maintain a neutral spine and avoid letting your hips sag or pike up
Keep your shoulders stable and directly over your wrists
Focus on controlled movements rather than speed to maximize core engagement
Breathe steadily and avoid holding your breath during the movement
Stop if you feel strain in your lower back and check your form
Plank in and outs
core
bodyweightcorecardio
Starting position: Begin in a plank position with hands planted firmly on the ground, body in a straight line from head to heels. Execution: Pull both knees toward your chest simultaneously, then extend them back out to return to the starting plank position.
Instructions
Start in a high plank position with hands directly under shoulders and body forming a straight line
Engage your core and keep your back flat throughout the movement
Pull both knees toward your chest simultaneously while maintaining upper body stability
Pause briefly when knees are pulled in toward your torso
Extend both legs back out to return to the starting plank position
Maintain control throughout the entire range of motion
Important points
Keep your hands firmly planted and avoid shifting weight during the knee pull
Maintain a neutral spine and avoid letting your hips pike up or sag down
Focus on controlled movement rather than speed to maximize core engagement
Keep your shoulders stable and directly over your wrists throughout the exercise
Breathe steadily and avoid holding your breath during the movement
Plank jack into jumping jacks
core
bodyweightcorecardiohiit
Starting position: Stand upright on a mat with feet together and arms at your sides. Execution: Perform continuous jumping jacks by jumping your feet apart while simultaneously raising your arms overhead, then jumping back to the starting position with feet together and arms at your sides.
Instructions
Stand with feet together and arms relaxed at your sides
Jump both feet out to shoulder-width apart while simultaneously raising both arms overhead
Land softly on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent
Immediately jump feet back together while lowering arms to your sides
Maintain a steady rhythm and continue the jumping motion
Keep your core engaged throughout the entire movement
Important points
Land softly on the balls of your feet to reduce impact on joints
Keep knees slightly bent when landing to absorb shock
Maintain an upright posture with chest up and shoulders back
Coordinate arm and leg movements in a smooth, rhythmic pattern
Start at a comfortable pace and gradually increase intensity as you warm up
Plank jacks
core
bodyweightcorecardio
Starting position: Begin in a plank position with hands planted firmly on the ground, arms straight, and feet together. Execution: Jump both feet apart to shoulder-width distance, then immediately jump them back together while maintaining the plank position throughout the movement.
Instructions
Start in a high plank position with hands directly under shoulders and body in a straight line
Keep your core engaged and maintain a neutral spine throughout the entire movement
Jump both feet out wide to about shoulder-width apart, landing softly on the balls of your feet
Immediately jump your feet back together to the starting position
Maintain steady breathing and keep your upper body stable during the jumping motion
Continue the jumping motion for the desired number of repetitions or time duration
Important points
Keep your core tight and avoid letting your hips sag or pike up during the movement
Land softly on your feet to reduce impact on joints
Maintain proper plank form with hands firmly planted and shoulders stable
Start with a slower pace and gradually increase speed as you master the movement
Stop immediately if you feel strain in your lower back or cannot maintain proper form
Plank kick out
core
bodyweightcorefunctional
Starting position: Begin in a plank position with hands placed directly under shoulders, body in a straight line from head to heels, and feet hip-width apart. Execution: While maintaining the plank position, alternate bringing each knee toward the chest in a controlled kicking motion, then return to starting position.
Instructions
Start in a high plank position with hands directly under shoulders and body in a straight line
Engage your core and maintain neutral spine alignment throughout the movement
Bring one knee toward your chest in a controlled motion while keeping the other leg extended
Return the working leg back to starting position with control
Alternate legs, bringing the opposite knee toward chest
Maintain steady breathing and avoid rushing the movement
Important points
Keep hips level and avoid rotating the pelvis during the knee drive
Maintain strong plank form throughout - don't let hips sag or pike up
Focus on controlled movement rather than speed to maximize core engagement
Keep hands firmly planted and shoulders stable over wrists
Engage core muscles continuously to protect the lower back