Chest Exercises

  • Incline Bench Press

    • Set the bench at 30–45° for chest focus.

    • Keep feet flat on the floor and core engaged.

    • Hold dumbbells above the chest with palms facing forward.

    • Lower until elbows are just below bench height, keeping wrists straight.

    • Press back up under control, chest lifted and shoulders anchored.

  • Flat Bench Press

    • Lie flat on the bench with feet planted firmly on the floor.

    • Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width, palms facing forward.

    • Keep shoulders retracted and chest lifted throughout the movement.

    • Lower the bar to mid-chest under control, elbows at about 45° to the body.

    • Press the bar back up in a straight line, extending arms without locking elbows.

  • Flat Dumbbell Press

    • Lie flat on the bench with feet planted for stability.

    • Hold dumbbells above the chest with palms facing forward.

    • Keep wrists straight and elbows at about 45° to the body.

    • Lower the dumbbells slowly until elbows are just below bench height.

    • Press the dumbbells back up together, extending arms without locking elbows.

  • Incline Dumbbell Press

    • Set the bench to a 30–45° incline and sit with feet planted firmly.
    • Hold dumbbells above the chest with palms facing forward.
    • Keep core braced and shoulders anchored to the bench.
    • Lower dumbbells slowly until elbows are just below bench height.
    • Press dumbbells back up together until arms are extended without locking elbows.

  • Flat Dumbbell Flyes

    • Lie flat on the bench with feet planted and core engaged.

    • Hold dumbbells above the chest with a slight bend in the elbows.

    • Open arms wide in a controlled arc until elbows are level with the bench.

    • Keep wrists neutral and avoid dropping too deep at the bottom.

    • Squeeze the chest as you bring the dumbbells back together above the chest.

  • Dumbbell Pullover

    • Lie across bench, upper back supported, feet planted.

    • Hold one dumbbell above chest, palms on underside of top plate.

    • Keep slight bend in elbows, core braced.

    • Lower in an arc behind head until stretch is felt.

    • Return dumbbell above chest without locking elbows.

  • DB Pullover (Legs raised)

    • Lie across a flat bench with upper back supported, legs raised to 90° and knees bent.

    • Hold one dumbbell above chest with palms pressed against the top plate.

    • Keep elbows slightly bent, core braced, and lower back flat on the bench.

    • Lower dumbbell in an arc behind head until chest and lats stretch.

    • Pull back over chest in same arc, stopping above sternum.

  • Press Ups

    • Start in a high plank with hands under shoulders, body forming a straight line from head to heels.
    • Engage your core and squeeze glutes to keep hips level.
    • Lower your chest towards the floor by bending elbows at about 45° from your sides.
    • Keep elbows tucked slightly in — avoid flaring them out.
    • Push through your palms to return to the start without locking elbows.

Triceps Exercises

  • Overhead Tricep Extensions

    • Stand tall (or sit upright) holding one dumbbell with both hands above your head, palms on the underside of the top plate.
    • Keep elbows close to your ears and upper arms still throughout.
    • Brace your core and avoid arching your lower back.
    • Lower the dumbbell behind your head in a controlled arc until you feel a stretch in your triceps.
    • Extend your arms to return the dumbbell overhead without locking elbows.

  • Tricep Press Up

    • Start in a high plank with hands directly under shoulders.
    • Keep body in a straight line from head to heels, core braced.
    • Bend elbows close to your sides as you lower your chest towards the floor.
    • Press back up by driving through the palms, keeping elbows tucked in.
    • Maintain control and avoid letting hips sag or flare.

  • Straight leg tricep dips

    • Sit on the edge of a bench or chair, hands gripping beside your hips, fingers forward.
    • Walk feet forward and straighten legs, heels on the floor.
    • Slide hips off the edge, keeping your back close to the bench.
    • Bend elbows to lower your body until arms are about 90°.
    • Press through your palms to return to the start, keeping elbows tucked in.

  • DB Tricep Press

    Dumbbell Tricep Press

    • Lie on a bench or the floor, holding a dumbbell in each hand, arms extended above your chest.
    • Turn palms to face each other and lock shoulders back and down.
    • Bend elbows to lower the dumbbells toward the sides of your head.
    • Keep upper arms still and elbows pointing slightly in.
    • Press the dumbbells back up to the start, squeezing the triceps at the top.

  • Rope Triceps Extension

    • Stand tall holding the rope attachment on a high pulley, elbows tucked close to your sides.

    • Start with your forearms bent at 90°, palms facing each other.

    • Extend your arms by pushing the rope down until elbows are straight.

    • At the bottom, spread the rope ends apart for a full tricep contraction.

    • Pause briefly, then return slowly to the starting position under control.

Leg Exercises

  • Barbbell Back Squats

    • Position the barbell across your upper back, hands just outside shoulder-width.
    • Stand with feet about shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
    • Keep chest lifted and core braced as you initiate the squat.
    • Bend knees and hips together, lowering until thighs are parallel (or just below).
    • Drive through your heels to stand tall, keeping knees tracking over toes.

  • Dumbbell Step ups

    • Hold a dumbbell in each hand by your sides with arms relaxed.
    • Place one foot firmly on the bench or box, keeping chest lifted.
    • Drive through the front heel to step up, bringing the back foot to meet the lead foot.
    • Lower back down slowly with control, keeping the same lead leg throughout the set.
    • Keep core engaged and avoid pushing off too much with the back leg.

  • Weighted glute bridge

    • Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
    • Place a barbell or weight plate across your hips and hold it securely.
    • Brace your core and press through your heels to lift hips toward the ceiling.
    • Squeeze glutes at the top, keeping shoulders and upper back on the floor.
    • Lower hips slowly under control and repeat.

  • Dumbbell calf raises

    • Hold a dumbbell in each hand by your sides with arms relaxed.
    • Stand tall with feet about hip-width apart.
    • Push through the balls of your feet to lift your heels off the ground.
    • Pause briefly at the top, keeping knees straight but not locked.
    • Lower heels back down slowly under control to the floor.

  • Leg Extension Machine

    • Sit upright with your back against the pad and hands holding the side handles.

    • Place shins behind the padded bar just above the ankles.

    • Keep core braced and knees aligned with the machine’s pivot point.

    • Extend legs smoothly until they are almost straight without locking out.

    • Lower the weight under control until knees return to 90 degrees.

  • Dumbbell Front Squat

    • Hold dumbbells or kettlebells at shoulder height with elbows pointing forward.

    • Stand with feet about shoulder-width apart, chest tall and core braced.

    • Sit hips back and down, keeping elbows lifted and weight in the heels.

    • Lower until thighs are at least parallel to the floor without rounding the back.

    • Drive through heels to stand tall, squeezing glutes at the top.

  • Hamstring Curl Machine

    • Sit with back against the pad and grip the handles firmly.

    • Place lower legs on the padded lever just above the ankles.

    • Keep core braced and knees aligned with the machine’s pivot.

    • Curl heels down toward the seat in a smooth, controlled motion.

    • Lower the weight back slowly until legs are almost straight without locking out.

  • Wall Squat

    • Stand with back against a wall and slide down until knees are at 90°.
    • Position feet shoulder-width and slightly forward, knees over ankles.
    • Press lower back gently into the wall and keep core braced.
    • Hold chest tall, shoulders relaxed, and eyes looking forward.
    • Breathe steadily and maintain the position without shifting weight.

  • Barbell Front Squat

    • Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, barbell resting across the front of your shoulders.
    • Use a clean grip (elbows high, fingertips under the bar) or cross-arm grip if preferred.
    • Brace your core and keep chest lifted, elbows pointing forward.
    • Sit hips back and down, keeping knees tracking over toes and heels grounded.
    • Lower until thighs are at least parallel to the floor.
    • Drive through your heels to stand tall, keeping torso upright and elbows high throughout.

  • Alt. Back Stepping Lunges

    • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, hands by your sides or holding dumbbells.
    • Step one foot straight back, lowering your back knee towards the floor.
    • Keep your front knee above your ankle and chest upright throughout.
    • Push through the front heel to return to standing, bringing the back foot forward.
    • Repeat on the opposite leg, alternating sides each rep.

  • Romanian Deadlift

    • Stand tall holding a barbell in front of your thighs with feet hip-width apart.

    • Keep a slight bend in your knees and brace your core.

    • Push your hips back while keeping the bar close to your legs.

    • Lower the bar until you feel a strong stretch in your hamstrings, keeping your back neutral.

    • Drive your hips forward to stand tall again, squeezing your glutes at the top without leaning back.

Back Exercises

  • Underhand bent over rows

    • Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold the barbell with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width.
    • Hinge forward at the hips until your torso is about 45° to the floor, keeping back flat.
    • Brace your core and let the bar hang at arm’s length just below the knees.
    • Row the bar towards your lower ribs, keeping elbows tucked close to the body.
    • Lower the bar slowly under control, maintaining posture and tension throughout.

  • 2. Cable upright row

    5 × 8–12 reps each side – 4010 tempo

    • Attach a rope handle to the high cable and stand facing the machine.
    • Hold the rope with arms straight and palms facing in, just above shoulder height.
    • Brace your core and keep a slight bend in the knees.
    • Pull the rope down in a controlled arc until hands reach your thighs, keeping arms straight.
    • Return slowly to the start position without letting shoulders shrug forward.

  • 3. Rope straight arm pulldown

    5 × 8–12 reps – 4210 tempo

    • Attach a rope to the high pulley and stand facing the machine.
    • Hold the rope with arms straight and palms facing in.
    • Keep core braced and chest lifted, with a soft bend in the knees.
    • Pull the rope down to the thighs in a controlled arc, arms straight throughout.
    • Return slowly to the start, avoiding shoulder shrug or swinging.

  • 4. Seated turning dumbbell curls

    5 × 8–12 reps – 4210 tempo

    • Sit tall on a bench with feet flat and dumbbells held by your thighs, palms facing in.
    • Keep elbows close to your sides and core braced.
    • Curl one dumbbell upward, turning the palm to face up as you lift.
    • Squeeze the biceps at the top without letting elbows drift forward.
    • Lower slowly under control, turning the palm back in as you return.

  • Wide Bar Pulldown

    • Sit tall with thighs secured under the pads and core braced.
    • Grip the bar wider than shoulder-width with palms facing forward.
    • Pull the bar down smoothly to the top of your chest, elbows driving wide.
    • Keep chest lifted and avoid leaning back or shrugging shoulders.
    • Control the bar back up until arms are straight without locking out.

  • Dumbbell Shrugs

    • Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand by your sides, palms facing in.
    • Keep chest lifted, shoulders relaxed, and core braced.
    • Lift shoulders straight up toward ears in a smooth motion.
    • Hold briefly at the top, then lower under control.
    • Avoid rolling shoulders or using momentum.

  • Seated Cable Rows

    • Sit tall on the bench with feet on the platform and knees slightly bent.
    • Grip the handle with both hands, arms extended, and brace your core.
    • Pull the handle toward your torso, driving elbows straight back.
    • Squeeze shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
    • Extend arms slowly to return without leaning forward.

  • Narrow Grip Pulldowns

    • Sit tall with thighs secured under pads, chest lifted.
    • Grip the narrow (V-bar) handle with palms facing each other.
    • Start with arms extended overhead and shoulder blades elevated.
    • Pull the handle down to upper chest, leading with elbows and squeezing lats.
    • Control the return to full extension without locking elbows.
    • Keep core braced and avoid leaning back excessively.

Biceps Exercises

  • Dumbbell Turning Curls

    • Stand tall with dumbbells by your sides, palms facing thighs.
    • Keep elbows close to your ribs and shoulders relaxed.
    • Curl one dumbbell up while rotating palm outward (supinating) as you lift.
    • Squeeze biceps at the top, palm now facing shoulder.
    • Lower under control, rotating palm back to start position.
    • Alternate sides or perform both arms together.

  • Rope Hammer Curls

    • Stand tall holding the rope attachment on a low pulley, palms facing each other.

    • Keep elbows tucked close to your sides throughout the movement.

    • Curl the rope upward by bending at the elbows until your hands reach chest level.

    • Pause briefly at the top, squeezing your biceps.

    • Lower the rope slowly back to the starting position under control.

Shoulder exercises

  • Seated DB shoulder press

    • Sit upright on a bench with back supported and feet flat on the floor.
    • Hold dumbbells at shoulder height, palms facing forward.
    • Keep core braced and elbows slightly forward of shoulders.
    • Press the dumbbells overhead until arms are straight but not locked.
    • Lower the dumbbells slowly back to shoulder height under control.

  • Military shoulder press

    • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and the barbell resting at shoulder height.
    • Grip the bar just wider than shoulder-width, palms facing forward.
    • Keep chest lifted, core braced, and avoid leaning back.
    • Press the bar overhead in a straight line until arms are fully extended but not locked.
    • Lower the bar slowly back to shoulder height under control.

  • Dumbbell side raises

    • Stand tall with dumbbells held by your sides, palms facing in.
    • Keep a slight bend in the elbows throughout the movement.
    • Lift the dumbbells out to the side until they reach shoulder height.
    • Pause briefly at the top without shrugging your shoulders.
    • Lower the dumbbells slowly back to your sides under control.

  • Dumbbell rear deltoids

    • Hinge forward at the hips with dumbbells hanging beneath your shoulders, palms facing in.
    • Keep back flat, core braced, and neck neutral.
    • With a slight bend in the elbows, lift dumbbells out to the side until level with shoulders.
    • Squeeze shoulder blades together at the top.
    • Lower slowly under control to the start position.

  • Band side raises

    • Stand tall with a resistance band secured under your feet, arms by your sides.

    • Keep a slight bend in the elbows throughout the movement.

    • Raise your arms out to the sides until they reach shoulder height.

    • Pause briefly at the top, keeping shoulders down and traps relaxed.

    • Lower your arms slowly back to the starting position under control.

  • Cable side raises

    • Stand tall with a cable handle held by your side, pulley set to the lowest position.

    • Keep a slight bend in the elbow throughout the movement.

    • Lift the handle out to the side until your arm reaches shoulder height.

    • Pause briefly at the top without shrugging your shoulders.

    • Lower the handle slowly back to your side under control.

  • Behind the head shoulder press

    • Sit or stand tall holding a barbell across your upper back, hands just wider than shoulder-width.

    • Keep your chest up and core engaged throughout the movement.

    • Press the barbell upward in a straight line until your arms are fully extended.

    • Pause briefly at the top without locking out your elbows.

    • Lower the barbell slowly behind your head to just below ear level under control.

Core Exercises

  • Back raises arms by sides

    • Lie face down on the floor, forehead resting lightly on the mat.

    • Keep arms by your sides, palms facing in, legs long and relaxed.

    • Gently brace the core and squeeze the glutes before lifting.

    • Lift the chest a few centimetres only, arms staying by your sides, neck neutral.

    • Lower back down slowly with control, no swinging or momentum.

  • Bridge Roll Downs

    • Lie on your back with knees bent, feet hip-width and close to the glutes.

    • Keep arms by your sides, palms down, shoulders relaxed.

    • Gently brace the core and squeeze the glutes to lift the hips.

    • At the top, ribs stay down and weight is through shoulders, not the neck.

    • Slowly roll the spine back to the floor one vertebra at a time, hips lowering last.

  • Rollouts

    • Start kneeling with hands on the wheel/bar, shoulders stacked over wrists.

    • Brace the core first — ribs down, glutes lightly squeezed.

    • Roll out slowly, keeping a straight line from head to knees.

    • Only go as far as you can without losing core tension or arching the lower back.

    • Pull back in under control using the abs, not momentum.

  • Vertical Knee Lift

    • Set forearms firmly on the pads, back supported against the rest.

    • Grip the handles and keep shoulders down away from ears.

    • Brace the core first — ribs down, pelvis slightly tucked.

    • Lift knees up under control, initiating the movement from the abs.

    • Lower the legs slowly, maintaining tension and avoiding any swing.

  • The Dish

    • Lie on your back with arms extended overhead and legs long.

    • Brace the core first — press lower back gently into the floor.

    • Lift shoulders and legs off the ground, keeping the body in a curved “dish” shape.

    • Keep ribs down, chin slightly tucked, eyes looking toward knees.

    • Hold with steady breathing, maintaining tension without arching the lower back.

  • Slow Sit Ups (arms above head)

    • Lie on your back with legs long and arms extended overhead.

    • Brace the core and press the lower back gently into the floor.

    • Begin by curling the chin and shoulders, peeling the spine up one vertebra at a time.

    • Keep arms long and overhead as you slowly roll through the mid-spine.

    • Control the movement back down, reversing the roll and keeping tension throughout.

  • Bicycle Sit Ups

    • Lie on your back with hands lightly supporting the head, elbows wide.

    • Lift shoulders off the floor and bring knees to tabletop.

    • Rotate the torso, bringing opposite elbow toward knee while extending the other leg.

    • Keep the movement slow and controlled, rotating from the ribs not the elbows.

    • Alternate sides smoothly, keeping lower back gently pressed into the floor.

  • Full Sit Up

    • Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor.

    • Extend arms fully overhead, reaching long through fingertips.

    • Brace the core and press the lower back gently into the floor before moving.

    • Roll up smoothly through the spine to a seated position, maintaining control.

    • Lower back down slowly and fully stretch arms overhead again before the next rep.

  • KB or DB Side Raises

    • Stand tall holding a KB or DB in one hand, feet hip-width apart.

    • Keep chest lifted, shoulders level, and core lightly braced.

    • Slowly bend to the weighted side, sliding the weight down the thigh.

    • Pause briefly, then return to upright using the obliques — no momentum.

    • Keep hips square and movement controlled throughout; switch sides after set.

  • Plank Side Toe Taps

    • Start in a press-up position, hands under shoulders, body in a straight line.

    • Brace the core and squeeze glutes before moving.

    • Keeping hips level, tap one toe out to the side under control.

    • Return foot to centre, then alternate sides.

    • Move slowly and steadily, avoiding any hip sway or weight shift.

  • Plank With Shoulder Taps

    • Start in a press-up position, hands under shoulders, body in a straight line.

    • Brace the core and squeeze glutes before lifting a hand.

    • Tap one shoulder lightly with the opposite hand, keeping hips level.

    • Return hand to the floor under control, then alternate sides.

    • Move slowly and deliberately, minimising any weight shift or rotation.

  • Reverse Crunch

    • Lie on your back with arms by your sides, legs bent and feet lifted.
    • Brace the core and press the lower back gently into the floor.
    • Draw knees towards the chest, lifting hips slightly off the floor.
    • Lower hips back down under control, keeping tension through the abs.
    • Move slowly, avoiding any swinging or momentum.

  • Pilates Crunch

    • Lie on your back with hips and knees bent to 90° (tabletop position).

    • Extend arms long by your sides, hands resting on the floor.

    • Brace the core and draw ribs down toward hips.

    • Curl head and shoulders up, sliding hands along the floor toward your heels.

    • Lower back down slowly with control, keeping legs steady at a right angle.

  • Swiss Ball Jackknife

    • Start in a press-up position with shins resting on the Swiss ball, hands under shoulders.

    • Brace the core and squeeze glutes to set a strong plank.

    • Pull knees toward the chest, rolling the ball in under control.

    • Keep hips level and shoulders stacked over hands throughout.

    • Slowly extend legs back to plank, maintaining tension and control.

  • Plank opposite elbow to knee

    • Start in a press-up position, hands under shoulders, body in a straight line.

    • Brace the core and squeeze the glutes to stabilise the hips.

    • Draw one knee towards the opposite elbow under control.

    • Return to the plank position without letting the hips rotate or drop.

    • Alternate sides, moving slowly and deliberately throughout.

  • Side Plank With Straight Arm

    • Start on your side with the bottom hand directly under the shoulder, arm straight.

    • Stack feet (or stagger for support) and lift hips off the floor.

    • Brace the core and squeeze glutes to form a straight line head to heels.

    • Keep chest open and shoulders stacked vertically.

    • Hold steady without letting hips drop or rotate.

  • Walk Outs With Shoulder Taps

    • Stand tall, hinge at the hips and place hands on the floor.

    • Walk hands forward until you reach a strong plank position.

    • Brace the core and tap one shoulder, then the other, with control.

    • Keep hips level and body in a straight line throughout.

    • Walk hands back toward feet and stand tall before the next rep.

  • Walk Outs With Slow Mountain Climbers

    • Stand tall, hinge at the hips and place hands on the floor.

    • Walk hands forward until you reach a strong plank position.

    • Brace the core and slowly drive one knee toward the chest.

    • Return that foot to plank, then drive the other knee in with control.

    • Walk hands back toward feet and stand tall before the next rep.

  • Back raise with Scapular Squeezes

    • Lie face down on the floor, forehead lightly resting on the mat, arms long by your sides.

    • Gently brace the core and squeeze the glutes before lifting.

    • Lift the chest a few centimetres, keeping the spine long and neck neutral.

    • At the top, squeeze shoulder blades together and down (scapular squeeze).

    • Lower chest and arms back to the floor slowly with full control.

  • Russian Twist (Feet Down)

    • Sit on the floor with your knees bent and heels resting lightly on the ground. Keep your chest lifted and back straight.

    • Lean back slightly until you feel your core engage — you should feel this before you even start twisting.

    • Clasp your hands together or hold a light weight, then rotate your torso to one side, allowing your shoulders and ribcage to turn together.

  • Russian twist (feet lifted)

    • Sit tall with knees bent and feet lifted off the floor.

    • Lean back slightly, keeping chest open and spine long.

    • Brace the core before moving — ribs down, no rounding.

    • Rotate the torso side to side with control, moving from the ribs.

    • Keep legs steady and movement smooth, avoiding momentum.

  • Side plank on elbow

    • Lie on your side with the elbow directly under the shoulder.

    • Stack feet (or stagger for support) and place free hand on hip.

    • Brace the core and lift hips to form a straight line head to heels.

    • Keep chest open and shoulders stacked vertically.

    • Hold steady without letting hips drop or rotate.

  • Bridge roll down (arms above head)

    • Lie on your back with knees bent, feet hip-width and close to the glutes.

    • Extend arms long above the head, resting on the floor.

    • Brace the core and squeeze the glutes to lift the hips.

    • At the top, keep ribs down and weight through shoulders, not the neck.

    • Slowly roll the spine back to the floor one vertebra at a time, arms staying overhead.

  • Assisted slow sit ups

    • Start lying on your back with knees bent, feet flat, and arms reaching forward

    • Brace your core and tuck your ribcage as you begin to roll down through the spine slowly, one vertebra at a time

    • Focus on control rather than speed — this is about building strength, not momentum

    • Use an elbow to help push yourself back up if needed — the aim is to move with awareness, not force

    • Over time, you’ll rely less on assistance as your core control improves