Starting out in the gym can be intimidating, especially when you aren’t sure exactly which exercises you should be incorporating into your routine to actually see results. Not all of us have the luxury of affording our own personal trainer to tailor our exercise regime to our exact body needs, but celebrity trainer and CEO of Your House Fitness, Sergio Pedemonte has pulled together 9 exercises to build into your workouts to whip you into shape before the new year!
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Goblet Squat
This movement is perfect for working several different muscles in the lower body, from your glutes to your hamstrings and quads. Pedemonte notes that the goblet squat is excellent to strengthen not only your legs, but also your core, and will improve your balance and stability which will help build more strength over time.
Romanian Deadlift
The romanian deadlift is perfect for strengthening your glutes, core and hamstring muscles which will in turn build up your lower body and improve posture. As the move gets easier, increase your weight to continue building strength! RDL’s can be done with two dumbbells at home, or a barbell if you have access to a gym.
Step Up
A step up is another movement which will strengthen multiple muscles in your lower body, including your glutes, hamstrings, quads and core. This exercise is perfect if you’re working out at home and have minimal equipment, and according to Pedemonte, is useful for practicing explosive movements which will help with functional training in the future. Grab a chair or a bench and get stepping!
Push Up
A classic exercise that engages the body from chest to core, the pushup is a great addition to your routine as it builds upper body strength and can be modified for all levels of fitness. If you’re still building strength, start with an incline pushup or on your knees, and move to your feet as you get stronger.
Bent-Over Row
Bent-over rows hit several muscles in your back which, as you increase your muscle mass, will create the illusion of a small waist. Focus on your back to improve your posture and you will naturally look more fit and will feel stronger in other movements.
Shoulder Press
The shoulder press isolates your shoulder muscles, and the added strength will provide more stability. Soon you’ll be able to carry all of your groceries in one trip!
Modified Downward Dog
This exercise is great for yoga lovers, and requires no equipment so it can be done at home. Not only does it work your back muscles and lats, but it also puts tension on your glutes, quads and core. The modified down dog is a full body movement and is great for improving posture and strength across all muscles.
Static Bear Crawl
This core burner is perfect to fire up the entire abdominal wall, in turn increasing stability and chiseling those sought after abs. Another exercise which requires no equipment, the static bear crawl is perfect for your at home workout routine.
Plank
Another basic core movement, the plank calls for you to engage your entire body, strengthening your abs, lower back, hips and glutes. Focusing on core strength will also improve stability and make other exercises easier as you grow stronger. It’s important to give all parts of your body proper attention so that you can build an even base of strength and keep yourself protected from injury!
