These compound exercises leave no muscle behind.

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Lets start with the basics: What are compound exercises?

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a certified personal trainer and owner ofDo More Fitness

What are the benefits of compound exercises?

Given its popular usage among personal trainers, Slowley breaks down the key benefits of bodyweight compound exercises.

The bench press, for example, works your chest, shoulders, and triceps.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

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They improve movement efficiency

Compound exercises put your muscles through a greater range of motion.

The best compound exercises to add to your routine

Slowley shares his favorite compound exercises below.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

It also helps improve hip hinge mechanics, which are crucial for movements like deadlifts and squats.

This exercise promotes better posture and spinal alignment.

Thegood morningis a great option for anyone who wants to work on power and explosiveness.

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a certified personal trainer and owner ofDo More Fitness

How to do it:

2.

Try this move if youre looking to increase core stability and upper-body strength.

Reverse lunge with knee drive

This move primarily aims to improve lower-body strength, stability, and balance.

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(Your calves and hip flexors are also working during the knee drive.)

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Bodyweight squat

The bodyweight squat is designed to enhance lower-body strength, particularly targeting your quads and glutes.

It also helps improve hip mobility, balance, and overall functional fitness.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Push-up

Push-upsprimarily focus on upper-body strength, particularly targeting your chest, shoulders, and triceps.

The move also engages your core muscles, making it a full-body exercise that enhances overall strength and stability.

TIP

To modify this move, drop down to your knees for a knee push-up.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Step-up

Step-upsimprove your lower-body strength, particularly focusing on your glutes, quads, and hamstrings.

The exercise is ideal for those looking to improve lower-body strength and balance.

Focus on maintaining a neutral spine and engaging your core during every compound exercise you do.

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