Are you feeling stagnant in your current workout routine? Are you struggling to see results despite putting in the effort? If you’re looking to rev up your fitness game and take it to the next level, there are a few proven exercises that can help you do just that. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, these moves will help you blast through plateaus and achieve your fitness goals.

Deadlifts

Deadlifts are one of the most effective exercises for building full-body strength. This compound movement targets your glutes, hamstrings, quads, back, and core in one fell swoop. It’s also a great exercise for improving your posture and reducing your risk of injury.

To perform a deadlift, stand with your feet hip-width apart, with the barbell in front of you. Squat down and grip the bar with an overhand grip, with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width. Keep your back flat and pull the bar up towards your hips, pushing your hips forward as you stand up tall. Lower the bar back down to the starting position and repeat for your desired number of reps.

Bench Press

The bench press is a classic exercise for building upper body strength, particularly in your chest, shoulders, and triceps. It’s also a great way to improve your push mechanics, which can translate to activities like swimming, boxing, and martial arts.

To perform a bench press, lie flat on a bench with your feet on the ground and the barbell racked above you. Grip the bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width and lift it off the rack. Lower the bar to your chest, keeping your elbows tucked in at a 45-degree angle. Push the bar back up to the starting position and repeat for your desired number of reps.

Pull-Ups

Pull-ups are one of the best exercises for building back and bicep strength. They’re also a great way to build grip strength, as you’ll be holding onto the bar for dear life. If you’re new to pull-ups, start with assisted pull-ups by using a resistance band or a machine that helps you lift your bodyweight.

To perform a pull-up, hang from a sturdy bar with your palms facing away from you and your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width. Engage your back and arms and pull your body up towards the bar until your chin is over the bar. Lower your body back down to the starting position and repeat.

Squats

Squats are a compound exercise that target your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. They’re also a great way to improve your balance and stability, as well as your overall lower body strength. If you’re new to squatting, start with bodyweight squats before progressing to weighted squats.

To perform a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly outward. Hold a weight, such as a barbell or dumbbells, in front of your body or on your shoulders. Lower your body down as if you’re sitting in a chair, keeping your chest up and your weight in your heels. Return to the starting position and repeat for your desired number of reps.

Planks

Planks are an excellent exercise for building core strength and stability. They target all the muscles in your abdominal region, including your rectus abdominis, your obliques, and your transverse abdominis, which is the deeper layer of muscle that helps support your spine.

To perform a plank, start in a push-up position, with your hands placed shoulder-width apart on the ground and your feet hip-width apart. Lower your body down onto your forearms, keeping your elbows directly under your shoulders. Engage your core and hold your body in a straight line for as long as you can.

Push-Ups

Push-ups are a classic exercise for building upper body strength, particularly in your chest, shoulders, and triceps. They’re also a great way to improve your push mechanics and your overall body control.

To perform a push-up, start in a plank position, with your hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart on the ground and your feet hip-width apart. Lower your body down until your chest touches the ground, keeping your elbows tucked in at a 45-degree angle. Push your body back up to the starting position and repeat for your desired number of reps.

Summary

If you’re looking to blast through your fitness plateaus and take your workout to the next level, the exercises listed above are a great place to start. Whether you’re looking to build full-body strength, improve your core stability, or build upper body muscle, these exercises are tried and true methods for achieving your fitness goals. Remember to always warm up properly before each workout, and progress gradually as your strength improves. With consistency and dedication, you can achieve the results you’re looking for.

Luna Miller