699 exercisespage 23 of 35

Plank on elbows

core
bodyweightcoreisometric

Instructions

  1. Forearms on floor, elbows under shoulders
  2. Body straight from head to heels
  3. Hold position
  4. Keep core tight, don't let hips sag

Important points

  • Squeeze glutes
  • Keep neck neutral
  • Breathe normally
  • Don't raise hips too high
  • Build time gradually

Plank pose

beginner
core
bodyweightyogacoreisometric

Instructions

  1. Start on all fours, then step your feet back to straighten your legs.
  2. Align your body in a straight line from head to heels.
  3. Stack your shoulders directly over your wrists.
  4. Hold, engaging your core and legs.

Important points

  • Do not let your hips sag or pike up.
  • Press firmly through your hands and spread your fingers.
  • Keep your neck neutral, gazing at the floor.

Plank SeeSaw

core
bodyweightcoreisometric

Starting position: Begin in a plank position with forearms on the ground, elbows under shoulders, and body in a straight line from head to heels. Execution: Rock forward and backward in a controlled seesaw motion while maintaining the plank position and core engagement.

Instructions

  1. Start in a forearm plank with elbows directly under shoulders and forearms flat on the ground
  2. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels with core engaged
  3. Slowly rock your body forward, shifting weight toward your hands and moving shoulders past your elbows
  4. Rock back to the starting position by shifting weight back toward your feet
  5. Continue the seesaw motion in a slow, controlled rhythm
  6. Maintain the plank position throughout without letting hips sag or pike up

Important points

  • Keep your core tight throughout the entire movement to protect your lower back
  • Move slowly and with control - avoid quick or jerky motions
  • Breathe steadily and don't hold your breath during the rocking motion
  • Stop if you feel your form breaking down or if your hips start to sag
  • Focus on the quality of movement rather than speed or duration

Plank shoulder taps

core
bodyweightcorebalance

Starting position: Begin in a high plank position with arms extended, hands directly under shoulders, and body in a straight line from head to heels. Execution: Alternately lift one hand to tap the opposite shoulder while maintaining plank position and core stability.

Instructions

  1. Start in a high plank position with hands placed directly under your shoulders and feet hip-width apart
  2. Engage your core and maintain a straight line from your head to your heels
  3. Shift your weight slightly to one side and lift the opposite hand to tap the opposite shoulder
  4. Return the hand to the starting position and repeat the movement with the other hand
  5. Continue alternating shoulder taps while keeping your hips as stable as possible
  6. Maintain steady breathing throughout the entire movement

Important points

  • Keep your hips level and avoid rotating or swaying from side to side during the shoulder taps
  • Maintain a strong plank position with engaged core muscles throughout the entire exercise
  • Place hands directly under shoulders to maintain proper alignment and stability
  • Keep the movement controlled and deliberate rather than rushing through the taps
  • Distribute weight evenly when lifting one hand to prevent excessive stress on the supporting arm

Plank shoulder taps into reaches

core
bodyweightcorebalance

Starting position: Begin in a high plank position with hands planted firmly on the ground, arms straight, and body in a straight line from head to heels. Execution: Lift one hand to tap the opposite shoulder, then extend that same arm forward in a reach before returning to plank and repeating on the other side.

Instructions

  1. Start in a high plank position with hands shoulder-width apart and body in a straight line
  2. Engage your core and keep hips level as you lift your right hand
  3. Tap your left shoulder briefly, then extend that same arm straight forward
  4. Return your right hand to the starting position and repeat the movement with your left hand
  5. Continue alternating sides while maintaining proper plank form
  6. Keep your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart for better stability

Important points

  • Keep your hips square and avoid rotating your torso during the shoulder taps and reaches
  • Maintain a strong plank position throughout the entire movement without sagging or piking
  • Move with control rather than speed to maximize core engagement
  • Distribute weight evenly on your supporting hand when performing the tap and reach
  • Keep your core tight to prevent excessive hip movement or swaying

Plank to knee tap

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: While maintaining the plank position, alternate bringing each knee down to lightly tap the ground beneath your torso, then return to the starting plank position.

Instructions

  1. Start in a high plank position with hands directly under shoulders and body in a straight line
  2. Engage your core and keep hips level throughout the movement
  3. Slowly lower one knee down to lightly tap the ground beneath your torso
  4. Return the knee back to the starting plank position with control
  5. Alternate to the opposite knee and repeat the tapping motion
  6. Maintain steady breathing and avoid rocking the hips side to side

Important points

  • Keep your core engaged throughout to prevent sagging in the lower back
  • Maintain a neutral spine and avoid lifting your hips too high
  • Control the movement - don't drop the knee heavily to the ground
  • Keep your hands firmly planted and shoulders stable over your wrists
  • Focus on minimal hip movement to maximize core activation

Plank toe touches

core
bodyweightcorefunctional

Starting position: Begin in a plank position with forearms on the ground, body in a straight line from head to heels. Execution: While maintaining the plank position, alternately bring each knee toward the opposite elbow in a controlled twisting motion.

Instructions

  1. Start in a forearm plank with elbows directly under shoulders and body in a straight line
  2. Engage your core muscles and maintain neutral spine alignment
  3. Bring your right knee toward your left elbow while rotating your torso slightly
  4. Return to plank position with control, then bring left knee toward right elbow
  5. Continue alternating sides in a slow, controlled rhythm
  6. Keep hips level and avoid excessive rotation or sagging

Important points

  • Maintain a strong plank position throughout the entire movement
  • Focus on controlled movement rather than speed to maximize core engagement
  • Keep your hips as stable as possible while performing the knee-to-elbow motion
  • Breathe steadily and avoid holding your breath during the exercise
  • Stop if you feel lower back strain and check your form

Plate Front Raise

beginner
shoulders
barbellstrength

Starting position: Stand holding a weight plate with both hands in front of the thighs. Execution: Raise the plate forward until it reaches shoulder height, then slowly lower.

Instructions

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and core engaged, holding the weight plate with both hands using an overhand grip
  2. Keep your arms slightly bent throughout the movement to reduce stress on the elbow joints
  3. Raise the plate smoothly in front of your body until it reaches shoulder height, maintaining control
  4. Pause briefly at the top position without swinging or using momentum
  5. Lower the plate back to the starting position in a slow, controlled manner
  6. Maintain proper posture with shoulders back and chest up throughout the entire movement

Important points

  • Keep the movement slow and controlled to maximize muscle engagement and prevent injury
  • Avoid using momentum or swinging the plate, as this reduces effectiveness and increases injury risk
  • Stop the upward motion at shoulder height to prevent impingement of the shoulder joint
  • Choose an appropriate weight that allows you to maintain proper form throughout all repetitions
  • Keep your core tight and avoid arching your back during the lifting phase

Plie Dumbbell Squat

intermediate
quads
dumbbellstrength

Starting position: Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out at 45-degree angles, holding a dumbbell with both hands at chest level. Execution: Lower into a squat by bending at the hips and knees while keeping the dumbbell close to your body, then drive through your heels to return to starting position.

Instructions

  1. Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart and turn your toes out at approximately 45-degree angles
  2. Hold a dumbbell vertically with both hands at chest level, gripping the top weight plate securely
  3. Keep your chest up and core engaged as you begin to lower by pushing your hips back and bending your knees
  4. Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor or as low as your mobility allows while maintaining proper form
  5. Drive through your heels and squeeze your glutes to return to the starting position
  6. Maintain the wide stance and turned-out toe position throughout the entire movement

Important points

  • Keep your knees tracking in line with your toes throughout the movement to prevent knee valgus
  • Maintain an upright torso and avoid leaning forward excessively to protect your lower back
  • Focus on pushing your knees out and engaging your inner thighs due to the wide stance
  • Control the descent and avoid bouncing at the bottom of the squat to maximize muscle engagement

Plow pose

beginner
hamstrings
bodyweightyogastretching

Instructions

  1. Lie on your back and lift your legs over your head.
  2. Lower your toes to the floor behind your head.
  3. Support your back with your hands or extend arms on the floor.
  4. Hold for several breaths, then roll down slowly.

Important points

  • Do not turn your head while in this pose.
  • Keep your weight on your shoulders, not your neck.
  • Skip this pose if you have neck issues.

Plyo Push-up

advanced
chest
bodyweightplyometricstrength

Starting position: Begin in a standard push-up position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, body in a straight line from head to heels. Execution: Lower into a push-up, then explosively push up with enough force to lift your hands off the ground, land softly, and immediately transition into the next repetition.

Instructions

  1. Start in a standard push-up position with proper alignment and engage your core
  2. Lower your body slowly and controlled until your chest nearly touches the floor
  3. Explosively push up through your palms with maximum force to propel your hands off the ground
  4. Keep your body rigid during the airborne phase and prepare for landing
  5. Land softly with hands returning to starting position and absorb the impact through your arms
  6. Immediately transition into the next repetition or rest briefly if needed

Important points

  • Land softly on your palms to reduce impact on wrists and shoulders
  • Maintain proper push-up form throughout the entire movement to prevent injury
  • Start with small explosive movements and gradually increase the height as you build strength
  • Avoid this exercise if you have wrist, shoulder, or elbow issues
  • Focus on quality over quantity - fewer perfect reps are better than many poor ones

Posterior upper arm (left)

intermediate
full_body
bodyweightstretching

Starting position: Stand with feet hip-width apart, extend your left arm overhead, then bend the elbow to lower your left hand behind your head toward your upper back. Execution: Use your right hand to gently pull the left elbow across your body while pressing the left hand down your back to stretch the posterior upper arm muscles.

Instructions

  1. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and shoulders relaxed
  2. Raise your left arm straight overhead, then bend the elbow to drop your left hand behind your head
  3. Place your right hand on your left elbow and gently pull it across toward the right side of your head
  4. Keep your left hand reaching down your back as far as comfortable
  5. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds while breathing normally
  6. Repeat on the right side for balanced flexibility

Important points

  • Apply gentle, steady pressure rather than bouncing or forcing the stretch
  • Keep your core engaged and avoid arching your back excessively
  • Stop immediately if you feel pain in your shoulder or elbow joint
  • Focus on feeling the stretch along the back of your upper arm, not in the joints
  • Maintain proper posture throughout the movement with chest up and shoulders square

Posterior upper arm stretch (right)

beginner
full_body
bodyweightstretching

Starting position: Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, raise your right arm overhead and bend the elbow so your right hand reaches toward your upper back between your shoulder blades. Execution: Use your left hand to gently pull the right elbow toward the center of your head, creating a stretch along the back of your right upper arm.

Instructions

  1. Stand with good posture and engage your core muscles
  2. Raise your right arm straight up overhead
  3. Bend your right elbow and let your right hand drop down behind your head toward your upper back
  4. Reach your left hand over and gently grasp your right elbow
  5. Apply gentle, steady pressure pulling the right elbow toward your head's center
  6. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds while breathing normally

Important points

  • Keep your head in neutral position and avoid pushing it forward during the stretch
  • Apply only gentle pressure - never force the stretch or cause sharp pain
  • Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning to compensate for tight muscles
  • Focus on feeling the stretch along the triceps muscle at the back of your upper arm
  • Stop immediately if you experience any shoulder joint discomfort

Power Snatch (ISSUE_ back on pick up a bit bend)

advanced
full_body
barbellstrengthfunctional

Starting position: Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms at sides, preparing to simulate the explosive snatch movement without equipment. Execution: Explosively jump upward while simultaneously pulling arms overhead in one fluid motion, landing softly in a partial squat with arms extended above head.

Instructions

  1. Begin in athletic stance with feet hip-width apart and slight bend in knees
  2. Initiate movement by explosively extending hips and knees while jumping upward
  3. Simultaneously pull arms up and overhead in one continuous motion
  4. Land softly on balls of feet with knees bent to absorb impact
  5. Finish with arms fully extended overhead and body in stable squat position
  6. Return to starting position by lowering arms and standing upright

Important points

  • Keep back straight throughout the entire movement to prevent injury during the pickup phase
  • Focus on explosive hip extension rather than using your back to generate power
  • Land with knees bent and weight evenly distributed to protect joints
  • Maintain core engagement throughout to support proper spinal alignment
  • Practice the movement slowly first before adding explosive speed

Preacher Curl

intermediate
biceps
machinestrength

Starting position: Sit on a preacher bench with your chest against the inclined pad and arms extended over it, holding a barbell (or dumbbells) with a supinated grip (palms up). Execution: Flex your elbows to lift the barbell (or dumbbells) toward your shoulders, keeping your arms in contact with the bench throughout, then slowly lower back to the starting position with controlled movement.

Instructions

  1. Adjust the preacher bench height so the angled pad sits comfortably under your armpits when seated
  2. Grip the barbell with an underhand grip, hands positioned shoulder-width apart
  3. Press your chest firmly against the pad and plant your feet flat on the floor for stability
  4. Keep your wrists straight and avoid locking out your elbows completely at the bottom of the movement
  5. Curl the weight up smoothly by squeezing your biceps, pausing briefly at the top
  6. Lower the barbell slowly and with control, maintaining tension throughout the descent

Important points

  • Keep your shoulders down and back throughout the movement to prevent compensation
  • Avoid using momentum or swinging the weight - focus on slow, controlled movements
  • Don't fully extend your arms at the bottom as this can put excessive stress on the elbow joint
  • Maintain constant tension on the biceps by not resting the weight at the bottom of the movement
  • Use a weight that allows you to complete the full range of motion with proper form

Preacher Curl Dumbbell

intermediate
biceps
dumbbellstrength

Starting position: Sit on a preacher bench with a dumbbell in one hand, resting your arm on the bench pad. Execution: Flex your elbow to lift the dumbbell toward your shoulder, then lower slowly.

Instructions

  1. Adjust the preacher bench height so the pad sits comfortably under your armpits when seated
  2. Hold the dumbbell with an underhand grip, allowing your working arm to extend naturally over the angled pad
  3. Keep your chest firmly pressed against the pad throughout the entire movement
  4. Curl the weight up smoothly by squeezing your bicep, avoiding any jerking or swinging motions
  5. Lower the dumbbell slowly and with control, stopping just short of full arm extension
  6. Complete all repetitions on one arm before switching to the other side

Important points

  • Never fully lock out your elbow at the bottom of the movement to avoid hyperextension and joint stress
  • Focus on the eccentric (lowering) portion of the movement as this provides significant muscle-building benefits
  • Keep your wrist straight and strong throughout the exercise to prevent strain and maximize bicep engagement
  • Use a weight that allows you to maintain strict form rather than going too heavy and compromising technique
  • Position yourself so your armpit aligns with the top edge of the preacher pad for optimal biomechanics

Preacher Curl EZ-Bar

intermediate
biceps
barbellstrength

Starting position: Sit on a preacher bench with an EZ-bar in your hands, resting your arms on the bench pad. Execution: Flex your elbows to lift the EZ-bar toward your shoulders, then lower in a controlled manner.

Instructions

  1. Adjust the preacher bench height so the pad sits comfortably under your armpits when seated
  2. Grip the EZ-bar with an underhand grip, hands positioned on the angled portions for wrist comfort
  3. Press your chest firmly against the pad and plant your feet flat on the floor for stability
  4. Begin with arms extended but maintain a slight bend in your elbows to protect the joint
  5. Curl the weight up smoothly by squeezing your biceps, avoiding any swinging or momentum
  6. Lower the weight slowly and under control, taking twice as long to lower as you did to lift

Important points

  • Keep your wrists straight and aligned with your forearms throughout the entire movement
  • Never fully lock out your elbows at the bottom position to prevent hyperextension injury
  • Focus on the negative portion of the lift by controlling the weight as you lower it
  • Avoid lifting your shoulders or leaning back during the curl to maintain proper form
  • Start with lighter weight than regular barbell curls since the preacher position provides less mechanical advantage

Preacher Hammer Curl

intermediate
biceps
dumbbellstrength

Starting position: Sit at a preacher bench with your chest against the pad, holding a dumbbell with a neutral (hammer) grip and your arm extended down the angled pad. Execution: Curl the dumbbell up by flexing your bicep while maintaining the neutral grip position, then slowly lower back to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Position yourself at the preacher bench with your chest firmly against the pad and feet flat on the floor
  2. Hold the dumbbell with a neutral grip (thumb up) and place your arm against the angled pad with a slight bend in your elbow
  3. Slowly curl the weight up by contracting your bicep, keeping your wrist straight and grip neutral throughout
  4. Squeeze your bicep at the top of the movement for a brief pause
  5. Lower the dumbbell back down in a controlled manner, maintaining tension in the muscle
  6. Stop just short of full arm extension to keep constant tension on the bicep

Important points

  • Keep your wrist in a neutral position throughout the entire movement to prevent strain
  • Maintain contact between your chest and the preacher pad to ensure proper positioning and support
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) portion of the movement to maximize muscle engagement and prevent injury
  • Avoid letting your elbow completely lock out at the bottom to maintain continuous tension on the bicep
  • Use a weight that allows you to maintain proper form throughout the entire range of motion

Preacher Hammer Curl Dumbbells

intermediate
biceps
dumbbellstrength

Starting position: Sit on a preacher bench with a dumbbell in each hand in hammer position (palms facing body). Execution: Flex elbows to lift dumbbells toward shoulders, then lower slowly.

Instructions

  1. Adjust the preacher bench seat height so your armpits align with the top of the angled pad
  2. Hold dumbbells with a neutral grip, palms facing each other throughout the entire movement
  3. Press your chest firmly against the pad and keep your feet flat on the floor for stability
  4. Curl the weights up smoothly by contracting your biceps, stopping just short of full contraction
  5. Lower the dumbbells slowly and under control, taking twice as long as the lifting phase
  6. Maintain slight bend in your elbows at the bottom position to avoid hyperextension

Important points

  • Keep your wrists straight and aligned with your forearms to prevent injury
  • Focus on squeezing your biceps at the top of the movement for maximum muscle activation
  • Avoid using momentum or swinging the weights - maintain strict form throughout
  • The neutral grip targets the brachialis muscle more effectively than traditional curls
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) portion of the movement to maximize muscle growth

Pseudo push ups

intermediate
chest
bodyweightstrengthcalisthenics

Starting position: Begin in a push-up position with hands placed wider than shoulder-width apart and positioned lower on the torso, closer to the ribcage area. Execution: Lower your body by bending the elbows while keeping them close to your sides, then press back up to the starting position.

Instructions

  1. Position hands wider than shoulders and lower on the torso near the ribcage area
  2. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels throughout the movement
  3. Lower your chest toward the ground by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides
  4. Press through your palms to return to the starting position
  5. Maintain core engagement to prevent sagging hips
  6. Control the descent and ascent with steady, deliberate movement

Important points

  • Hand placement is crucial - positioning hands lower and wider changes the muscle emphasis and difficulty
  • Keep elbows tucked close to your body rather than flaring them out wide
  • Maintain proper plank position throughout to protect your lower back
  • This variation places more emphasis on the triceps and requires greater strength than standard push-ups
  • Stop the movement if you cannot maintain proper form