Not all exercises are created equal. Some exercises isolate single muscles, while others work the entire body. If the thought of burning more calories in less time appeals to you, then you’re going to love full-body exercises. The best part is that you can do many full-body exercises just about anywhere. If you’re traveling or constantly on-the-go, you’ll be able to do these seven moves with just yourself, a little space, and maybe a chair, a step, or a park bench to help.
Burpees
Requiring nothing but your own bodyweight, burpees are a fantastic overall body strengthener that will condition you like no other exercise can.
Squats
You might normally think of squats strictly as a lower body exercise. But the fact of the matter is that squats also work your core and back. You can do squats using just your own body weight, adding them to the full-body exercises that rock list.
Step ups
Step ups are a super way to work your legs and core muscles, build endurance, and get your heart rate up all with one swift step at a time. All you’ll need is something to step up on – a step, bleachers, park bench, etc.
Push ups
If you’re regularly on the go, push ups will help keep you in shape when you can’t make the gym. These amazing full-body exercises work your arms, back, chest, core, butt and legs muscles. You can do them with just your body weight, or you can add a bit of challenge by inclining yourself with a bench, chair or bleacher.
Dips
Work your chest, triceps, shoulders, and abs all at once with dips. If you’re at the park, use the parallel bars or a bench. If you’re at home or in a hotel room, grab a chair or two. When you’re ready to bump up the intensity, raise your feet to increase the effectiveness of using your bodyweight.
Handstands
Handstands might sound like a silly exercise you did when you were a kid, but they are terribly underrated. Besides helping you build a strong upper body, they also target your core and increase your balancing abilities. If it’s been a while since you’ve tried a handstand, start out by doing them against a wall. You’ll be surprised by all of the muscles you work!
Planks
Just because it’s last on our list, don’t take any credit away from it. Planks are one of the best full-body exercises out there. They engage your core, glutes, and hamstrings. They also aid proper posture and balance. Getting all of that out of one move is dynamite!
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