Quick, intensive bodyweight exercise program that targets essential muscle groups within the human body, and can be completed in merely 20 minutes, according to a fitness trainer.
Looking to get started with a full-body workout at home? This 20-minute routine, structured into three circuits, is perfect for beginners and requires minimal equipment. Here's a breakdown of the exercises and their instructions:
Workout Structure
- Perform each exercise in the circuit one after the other without resting between moves, if possible.
- Complete all exercises in one circuit, then repeat the circuit two more times (for a total of three rounds).
- Take breaks as needed to maintain good form.
Exercises and Repetitions per Circuit
- Bodyweight Squats (20 reps):
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Lower hips back and down as if sitting in a chair, keeping chest up and knees tracking over toes.
- Return to start.
- Push-ups (10 reps):
- Start in a high plank position with hands under shoulders.
- Lower chest to the floor, keeping a straight line from head to heels.
- Push back up. (Modify by dropping to knees if needed.)
- Walking Lunges (10 reps each leg):
- Step forward with one leg.
- Bend both knees to 90 degrees, lowering hips.
- Push off front leg and step forward with the other leg.
- Keep torso upright.
- Mountain Climbers (30 seconds):
- Maintain a high plank position.
- Rapidly alternate bringing each knee toward the opposite elbow.
- Stand tall and sprint on the spot while lifting your knees up as high as possible toward your ribcage to engage the body and support balance during the exercise.
- High Knees (30 reps):
- Jump with knees raised to waist height while maintaining a standing position.
- Plank (Hold for 15 seconds):
- Elbows under shoulders, body in a straight line from head to heels.
- Engage core and glutes, avoiding sagging hips.
Additional Tips
- Focus on form rather than speed during the exercises.
- Take breaks when necessary instead of pushing through poor form.
- This beginner circuit workout is effective for building strength, endurance, and improving mobility without equipment.
For a visual demonstration, there are video resources available for these exercises that show proper form, which can be very helpful for beginners. This workout can be done at home and is a solid foundation for full-body conditioning using only your bodyweight and minimal or no equipment.
Exercise Details (Continued)
- Triceps Dip (3x10):
- Sit on the edge of a chair, place hands flat on the seat beside hips.
- Slide bum off the chair, bend elbows to lower body, and push through hands to rise back up.
- Shoulder Tap (3x5 on each side):
- Engage the core.
- Maintain a stable body in a high plank position.
- Tap one shoulder with the opposite hand, return the hand to the floor, and repeat on the other side.
- Reverse Lunge (3x10 on each leg):
- Step back with one leg.
- Bend both knees until the back knee hovers just above the floor.
- Push up through the front heel to return to standing.
- Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift (2x10 on each side):
- Stand with feet hip-width apart.
- Hinge at the hips to lower the torso.
- Extend the right leg behind, and return to standing again by hinging at the hips.
- Dead Bug (2x10):
- Lie on the back, knees bent at a 90° angle.
- Extend the left arm and right leg while keeping the core engaged.
- Lower the left arm and right leg toward the floor, then return to the starting position.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
Rest for 15 to 20 seconds between sets and 30 seconds between exercises to allow for recovery. It's important to keep the lower back pressed into the ground throughout the squat, single-leg Romanian deadlift, and dead bug exercises to activate the core muscles.
This routine targets the arms, core, and legs and is designed for beginners. Enjoy your workout!
Engage in yoga sessions alongside this home workout for a holistic health-and-wellness approach. The science of fitness and exercise reveals that incorporating yoga can improve flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity.
In the realm of fitness-and-exercise, yoga complements workouts like the one described, providing a much-needed balance between strength and flexibility, further contributing to overall health and well-being.