Have you started going to the gym? Or maybe you’re just thinking about it because you’re unsure of what to do once you’re inside?
Either way, read on because we are covering three exercises that will give you a full body workout when starting your training journey.
Let’s dive in.
1. The Squat
The squat is a lower body exercise that strengthens several major muscles, including the quadriceps and glutes. Performing squats leads to whole-body strength, balance, and athleticism. The movement also involves your upper body and works your core, which improves your stability.
Plus, squats are great because once you learn the movement pattern, you can pick from numerous effective variations, including back and front squats, goblet squats, single-leg squats, etc.
2. Romanian Deadlift
Romanian deadlifts are a hip hinge exercise that strengthens the two powerful hip extensor muscles: the hamstrings and glutes. The movement also works your entire back and midsection.
Learning to hinge properly through Romanian deadlifts is beneficial for your athletic performance and ability to do other great movements like the regular deadlift, glute-ham raise, reverse hyperextension and bent-over row.
Aside from that, Romanian deadlifts are beneficial because their overloading potential is excellent, and you can use the movement to keep getting stronger for a long time.
3. Push-Up
The third essential movement pattern you should master early on is the push-up. Learning to perform push-ups correctly is vital for developing pressing strength and growing your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Aside from these muscles, push-ups also develop the serratus anterior––the boxer’s muscle. It is located on the upper lateral side of your ribcage and plays an important role in shoulder protraction.
Performing push-ups also develops core stability and plays an essential role in shoulder health. Plus, the movement pattern is similar to that of many pressing movements, and mastering it will get you one step closer to doing safe and effective bench and overhead presses.
