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Must-See for Fitness Beginners! 5 Simple Moves to Quickly Activate Your Whole Body

Starting Your Fitness Journey? These 5 Beginner-Friendly Exercises Will Set You Up for Success

By berry liPublished 9 months ago 3 min read

When you're just getting into fitness, your body needs time to adapt to the new physical challenges. Complicated moves can be hard to learn and may even lead to injuries if not done right. That’s why these 5 simple exercises are perfect for beginners—they’re easy to learn, safe, and target all the major muscle groups to help you build a strong foundation.

1. Bodyweight Squats

How to do it:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart (or a little wider), toes slightly pointed outward. Slowly lower your body as if sitting in a chair. Keep your back straight and make sure your knees don’t go past your toes. Stop when your thighs are parallel to the ground, then slowly return to standing.

Muscles worked:

Primarily works the front and back of your thighs (quads and hamstrings) and your glutes.

Pro tip:

If you're new, start with half squats and gradually go deeper as your strength improves. Avoid putting stress on your knees.

2. Plank

How to do it:

Get into a forearm plank position—elbows under shoulders, legs extended, and body in a straight line. Engage your core. Don’t let your hips sag or stick up.

Muscles worked:

Engages your core, including abs, back, and glutes.

Pro tip:

Holding a plank for even 20-30 seconds is a win when you're starting. With time, you’ll build the endurance to go longer.

3. Modified Push-Ups (Knees Down)

How to do it:

If standard push-ups are tough, drop your knees to the ground. Keep your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width. Lower your chest toward the floor, then push back up.

Muscles worked:

Chest, shoulders, and triceps.

Pro tip:

Keep your body stable—no rocking. Focus on that mind-muscle connection to really feel the burn.

4. Lying Leg Raises

How to do it:

Lie flat on your back with legs straight and together. Slowly lift your legs until they’re perpendicular to the floor, then lower them back down without letting them touch the ground.

Muscles worked:

Primarily targets your lower abs and legs.

Pro tip:

Place your hands at your sides for balance. Control is key—don’t let your legs drop too fast.

5. Inverted Rows (Low Bar Pull-Ups)

How to do it:

Find a low bar (like a Smith machine set low). Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width with palms facing away. Keep your body straight, feet on the floor. Pull your chest up toward the bar using your arms and back, then lower yourself with control.

Muscles worked:

Back (like your lats and traps), arms (biceps), and shoulders.

Pro tip:

If it’s too tough, raise the bar a bit higher to reduce difficulty. Avoid swinging—keep it smooth and steady.

💪 Beginner Workout Plan:

Start with 2–3 sets of each exercise, 10–15 reps per set, 3–4 times per week. As you get stronger, you can increase the intensity and reps gradually.

🔥 Bonus Tips:

Warm-Up First: Always do a light warm-up to prep your body and avoid injury.

Stretch After: Cool down with some stretching to help muscles recover and reduce soreness.

Breathe Right: Exhale during the hard part (pushing/lifting), inhale during the easier part (lowering/relaxing).

Eat Smart: Fuel your body with enough protein and quality carbs to support recovery and energy levels.

These five moves may look basic, but trust me—they pack a punch! Stick with them, stay consistent, and you’ll see real progress. They’re the perfect way to wake up your full-body muscle groups and kick off your fitness journey with confidence.

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