Strength Training: Exercises, Technique, and Equipment

Explore strength training exercises for pushing, pulling, squatting, and hinging, with practical guidance on technique, equipment, and progression.

Strength training uses resistance to challenge muscles through movements performed with body weight, dumbbells, barbells, cables, or machines. It includes foundational lifts as well as focused variations for different movement patterns.

What does strength training include?

This category covers pushing, pulling, squatting, and hip-hinge exercises, including bench presses, rows, squats, and deadlifts. Select equipment and variations that match your goals, experience, and available space. Braced positioning, controlled reps, and an appropriate load are central to sound practice; coaching can help when technique is uncertain.

Practical guidance

Start with a manageable resistance to learn the movement, then progress gradually. Adjust benches, cables, and machines before each set, and keep a clear area around free weights. Stop if you experience sharp pain or cannot control the movement, and seek qualified technique feedback.

Body Slide

Body Throw

The Body Throw is a dynamic exercise that helps you develop strength, speed, and explosiveness. This exercise simulates throwing a heavy object without actually throwing anything. It is a unique way to train your entire body, with a focus on the core and lower-body muscles. Execution Begin in a

Body-Up

The Body-Up is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, stability, and coordination. This exercise is unique because it challenges your entire body while also strengthening your core muscles. Execution: Begin in a standard push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Push yourself

BodyPump

Introduction: BodyPump is a group fitness program that uses light to moderate weights with high repetitions to provide a full-body workout. It is a form of resistance training focused on muscular endurance and strength. The unique benefits of BodyPump include training your entire body in a short tim

Bodyweight Bent-Over Rear Delt Fly

The Bodyweight Bent-Over Rear Delt Fly is an effective exercise for strengthening your shoulders, particularly the rear deltoids, without needing weights. This exercise also helps improve your posture and stability. Execution Begin by placing your feet shoulder-width apart. Slightly bend your

Bodyweight Calf Raises

Bodyweight Calf Raises are a simple but effective exercise for strengthening and toning the calf muscles. This exercise requires no equipment and can be performed almost anywhere, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced athletes. Execution Begin by standing upright with you

Bodyweight Curtsy Lunge

The Bodyweight Curtsy Lunge is a dynamic exercise that focuses on strengthening and toning your lower body, with special emphasis on the glutes and inner thighs. This exercise adds a unique twist to the traditional lunge by using a diagonal movement, providing a challenging variation that improves y

Bodyweight Forward Lunge

The Bodyweight Forward Lunge is an effective exercise that targets strengthening and toning your lower body. This exercise requires no equipment and can be performed almost anywhere, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced exercisers. Execution Begin in a standing position

Bodyweight Front Plank to Downward Dog

The Bodyweight Front Plank to Downward Dog is a dynamic exercise that promotes both strength and flexibility in your core and shoulders. This exercise combines the stability of the plank with the stretch of the downward dog, providing a comprehensive workout for multiple muscle groups. Execution

Bodyweight Front Slam

The Bodyweight Front Slam is a dynamic exercise that helps improve your strength, speed, and coordination. This exercise simulates powerfully slamming a heavy object into the ground, but without using additional weights. It is a unique way to train your entire body, with a focus on explosiveness. E

Bodyweight Full Squat With Overhead Press

The Bodyweight Full Squat With Overhead Press is a dynamic exercise that combines strength and flexibility. This exercise integrates the benefits of a deep squat with the powerful movement of an overhead press, providing a full-body workout without using weights. Execution Begin standing with yo

Bodyweight Full Squat With Overhead Press (Version 2)

Introduction The Bodyweight Full Squat With Overhead Press is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, flexibility, and coordination. By using your own body weight as resistance, it works not only your lower body but also your shoulders and arms. This exercise offers a unique combination of streng

Bodyweight Jump Squats

Bodyweight jump squats are a dynamic and powerful exercise that helps develop explosive strength and endurance in your legs. This exercise combines the traditional squat with a jump, challenging not only your lower body but also your cardiovascular system. Execution Start in a standing positio

Bodyweight Knee Thrust

Bodyweight Kneeling Hold to Stand

The Bodyweight Kneeling Hold to Stand is a versatile exercise that helps you build strength and stability without needing weights. This exercise is unique because it challenges your whole body and focuses especially on your lower body and core stability. Instructions Start kneeling with your fee

Bodyweight Kneeling Push-Up Row

The Bodyweight Kneeling Push-Up Row is a versatile exercise that combines strength and stability. This exercise is unique because it trains both your upper body and core without requiring weights. Execution Begin on your knees with your hands flat on the floor, slightly wider than shoulder-width

Bodyweight Kneeling Sissy Squat

To perform the Bodyweight Kneeling Sissy Squat, follow these steps: Kneel on a mat or a soft surface, with your knees and toes on the ground. Place your hands on the ground behind you, with your fingers pointing backward. Keep your back straight and your abdomen pulled in. Lift your hips and straigh

Bodyweight Kneeling Sissy Squat

The Bodyweight Kneeling Sissy Squat is an effective exercise that targets the strengthening and toning of your lower body, with particular emphasis on the quadriceps. This exercise, which you can perform without any equipment, is an excellent addition to your fitness routine, especially if you are l

Bodyweight Kneeling to Hand Tap

The Bodyweight Kneeling to Hand Tap is a dynamic exercise that helps improve core stability, coordination, and balance. This exercise requires no equipment and can be performed anywhere, making it an excellent choice for home workouts or as part of a warm-up routine. Execution Begin in a kneel

Bodyweight Kneeling to Hand Tap

The Bodyweight Kneeling to Hand Tap is a dynamic exercise that helps improve core stability, balance, and coordination. This exercise requires no equipment and can be performed anywhere, making it an excellent choice for home workouts or as part of a warm-up routine. Instructions Begin on your

Bodyweight Lunge Pulses

The Bodyweight Lunge Pulses exercise is a dynamic movement that focuses on strengthening and toning your lower body. This exercise offers a unique combination of strength training and endurance, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their fitness routine. Execution Begin in

Bodyweight Lunge Rotation Left and Right

The Bodyweight Lunge Rotation Left and Right exercise is a dynamic movement that challenges not only your lower body but also tests your core and balance. The rotational movement activates your muscles in a unique way, leading to improved flexibility and strength. Execution Begin in a standing p

Bodyweight Lying Leg Curl

The Bodyweight Lying Leg Curl is an effective exercise that helps strengthen the hamstrings without weights or machines. This exercise uses your own body weight, making it an accessible option for home or the gym. Execution Lie face down on a smooth surface, with your hands under your chin or al

Bodyweight Muscle-Up

The Bodyweight Muscle-Up is an impressive exercise that combines strength, coordination, and agility. It is an advanced movement that helps you transition from a hanging position to a supported position above the bar, using your own body weight. This exercise offers a unique challenge because it int