This total body home workout is perfect for working the entire body with no muss, no fuss.It includes all the classic exercises and can be done in a short period of time.
All you need are a few sets of dumbbells and these basic exercises.These moves hit all the major muscles of your body, including the chest, back, shoulders, arms, legs, and abs.This is a great workout option when you are crunched for time, but still want to get the job done.
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Safety and Precautions
See your doctor before trying this workout if you have any injuries, illnesses or other medical conditions that affect your ability to exercise. Substitute or skip any exercises that cause pain or discomfort. It also helps to wear recovery shoes after workouts to lower stress, increase blood flow, and soothe fatigued muscles. You will need dumbbells in a few sizes and a bench or step (you can use the floor if you don't have one).
We've tried, tested, and reviewedthe best dumbbells. If you're in the market for dumbbells, explore which option may be best for you.
Overview
- Total Time: 30 to 40 minutes
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Equipment Needed: Dumbbells
- What to Expect: Beginners start with no weight or light weights and do one set of 10 to 12 reps of each exercise. Experienced exercisers do two to three sets of 8 to 10 reps with enough weight that you can complete the rep range feeling as though you would fail if you attempted 2 to 3 more reps (in other words, stop 2 to 3 reps from failure).
Warm Up
Warm up with 5 minutes of light cardio or warm-up versions of each exercise, performing dynamic movements and bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, wall push-ups, and hinges.
Full Body Workout
To perform a full body workout, choose two upper body exercises, two lower body exercises, and perform the bicycle crunches. You can switch up your exercises each time to form new routines. Aim to complete 2 to 3 full body workouts each week. Below you will find benefits and instructions for the following exercises:
- Chest press
- One-arm row
- Overhead press
- Hammer curl on one leg
- Kickback
- Deadlift
- Squat
- Lunge
- Bicycle crunch
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Chest Press
Your total body workout begins with the chest press, one of the best ways to work your chest. While the move primarily targets the chest muscles, it also works the shoulders and triceps, making it a great compound move. The chest is a larger muscle group, so you can usually go a little heavier with your weight for this exercise, depending on how much experience you've had doing it.
How to:Lie on a weight bench or step and hold dumbbells up over your chest.Bend the elbows and lower the weights until your elbows are at about 90-degree angles; they should look like goal posts at the bottom of the movement.Press the weights back up and repeat.
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One-Arm Row
The next big upper-body muscle group is the back.The one-arm row works the lats, the big muscles on either side of your back.As a bonus, you'll also get plenty of biceps work with this move.
How to:Place the left foot on a step or platform and rest the left hand or forearm on the upper thigh.Hold a weight in the right hand. Tip forward, keeping the back flat and the abs in, and hang the weight down towards the floor.Bend the elbow and pull it up in a rowing motion until it is level with the torso or just above it.At the top of the movement, squeeze the back.Lower; do all reps before switching sides.
The lats are a large muscle group and can usually handle heavier weight.Choose a weight that really challenges you for this exercise, usually between about 8 and 20 pounds for women and 15 and 35 pounds for men.
Overhead Press
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Next in your total body workout is your shoulders, which may already be a little warm from the chest presses you did earlier.Overhead presses target both the mid and front deltoids, making it a great overall move for the shoulders.
How to:Stand with feet about hip-distance apart, holding weights at ear level with the elbows bent (like goal posts).Press the weights up and overhead while keeping the abs braced and avoiding arching the back.Lower and repeat.
Avoid lowering the arms way down past the shoulders because it takes the emphasis off the shoulders. Watch yourself in a mirror and make sure you're keeping that goal-post shape every time.
Upper Body Workout for Chest, Back, Shoulders, and Arms
Hammer Curl
Hammer curls work the biceps.
How to:Hold weights in both hands, palms facing in. Now, curl the weights up towards the shoulders, palms still facing in, squeezing the biceps.Lower and repeat.
Avoid swinging the weights, which adds momentum to the exercise. Instead, make the move slow and controlled so you're using all your muscle fibers to lift the weight.
Kickback
While chest presses target the triceps, the area at the back of the arms, adding an accessory exercise like the kickback can add more volume to this area for increased results.You can move one arm at a time or with both arms, adding core work.Ensure you bend the knees and brace the abs to support your lower back.
How to:Hold a weight in each hand. Bend at the waist, keeping the back flat and the abs engaged. Pull the elbows up to the torso.Holding that position, straighten the arms and squeeze the triceps muscles.Lower and repeat.
If you feel discomfort in your back, bend your knees or prop one knee on a bench and do this move one arm at a time.Keep the elbow next to the torso the entire time and don't let it drift down as you get tired.Pretend like you're holding an envelope in your armpit.
Deadlift
Deadlifts are challenging to learn to do correctly, but they make an excellent transition into the lower body portion of the workout.Not only does this exercise target the glutes and hamstrings, it also works the lower back. It is a complement to the one-arm row exercise from earlier in the workout.
How to:Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold weights in front of thighs. Tip from the hips and lower weights towards the floor, back flat, and shoulders back.Return to start and repeat.
Keep the shoulders back throughout the entire exercise.It's tempting to round your back with this move, which puts your lower back at risk for injury.
Squat
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Squats are probably one of the most important exercises in any strength routine, especially a total body workout.This functional exercise helps you work on all the muscles you use each day to sit, stand, and walk.
How to:Hold weights in each hand and stand with feet about hip-distance apart. Bend the knees and lower into a squat, knees behind the toes and squatting as low as you can. Push back to start and repeat.
Think of sending your butt back behind you when you squat, putting the emphasis on your glutes and thighs instead of on the knees.
Lunge
Lunges work multiple muscle groups, which means you work your body with fewer exercises, thus saving time and getting more out of your workout. If they hurt your knees, try one of these alternatives to lunges.
How to:Start with your feet about hip width distance apart. Step one foot back and drop your knee low to the ground.Lift back up and repeat before switching sides.
Bicycle
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If you want to really target your abs, the bicycle crunch is the way to go.This move works every muscle of the abs, like the traditional crunch, with an emphasis on the obliques. If you find bicycles a bit tough, try a bicycle modification.
How To:Lie on the floor and bring the knees into the chest.Straighten the right leg as you twist the body, bringing the right elbow towards the left knee.Repeat on the other side in a cycling motion.
How Many Reps (and Sets) Should You Do When Working Out?
As a seasoned fitness enthusiast and expert, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise to the table. I have extensively studied and practiced various fitness routines, including home workouts, and have a deep understanding of the principles that underpin effective exercise regimens. My commitment to a healthy lifestyle is reflected not only in my theoretical knowledge but also in practical application, allowing me to speak with authority on the subject.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive home workout routine outlined in the provided article, breaking down the key concepts and exercises:
1. Safety and Precautions:
- Before attempting the workout, it is emphasized to consult with a doctor, especially if one has injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions affecting exercise capacity.
- The importance of substituting or skipping exercises causing pain or discomfort is highlighted.
- Wearing recovery shoes post-workout is recommended for stress reduction, increased blood flow, and muscle soothing.
2. Overview:
- Total time: 30 to 40 minutes
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Equipment needed: Dumbbells
- Recommendations for beginners and experienced exercisers in terms of weight and repetitions are provided.
3. Warm Up:
- A 5-minute warm-up is suggested, involving light cardio or warm-up versions of each exercise.
- Dynamic movements and bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, wall push-ups, and hinges are recommended.
4. Full Body Workout:
- The workout structure involves choosing two upper body exercises, two lower body exercises, and incorporating bicycle crunches.
- Flexibility is encouraged by allowing variations in exercises to form new routines.
- The goal is to complete 2 to 3 full body workouts per week.
5. Chest Press:
- Described as one of the best exercises for the chest, targeting chest muscles, shoulders, and triceps.
- Instructions include lying on a weight bench, lowering dumbbells to 90-degree angles, and pressing them back up.
6. One-Arm Row:
- Targets the back muscles, particularly the lats, with additional biceps engagement.
- Form is emphasized, with instructions to maintain a flat back and squeeze the back at the top of the movement.
7. Overhead Press:
- Focuses on the shoulders, targeting mid and front deltoids.
- Proper form involves standing with feet hip-distance apart, pressing weights overhead, and avoiding arching the back.
8. Hammer Curl:
- Works the biceps, requiring controlled movements to avoid swinging weights.
- Instructions include holding weights with palms facing in, curling towards the shoulders, and maintaining a slow and controlled pace.
9. Kickback:
- An accessory exercise for triceps, complementing chest presses.
- The importance of maintaining a flat back and engaged abs is highlighted, along with options for single-arm execution.
10. Deadlift:
- Targets the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.
- Emphasis on proper form, including keeping the back flat and shoulders back to avoid injury.
11. Squat:
- Stressed as one of the most important exercises in any strength routine, targeting glutes and thighs.
- Instructions include holding weights, squatting with knees behind the toes, and pushing back to start.
12. Lunge:
- Works multiple muscle groups and is a time-efficient exercise.
- Instructions involve stepping one foot back, dropping the knee low to the ground, and repeating on each side.
13. Bicycle Crunch:
- A targeted ab exercise emphasizing obliques.
- Instructions include lying on the floor, bringing knees into the chest, and performing a cycling motion.
In summary, this total body home workout combines classic exercises, utilizes dumbbells, and covers all major muscle groups. The provided guidance on safety, warm-up, and exercise variations demonstrates a thoughtful and well-rounded approach to fitness.
