- The 12 Most Underrated Exercises for Building Strength at Home You Never Knew Existed
Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts
This exercise effectively targets the hamstrings and glutes. It's an excellent way to build lower body strength without needing heavy weights. Start by balancing on one leg and slowly bending at the hip while lowering a dumbbell or kettlebell towards the ground. Return to a standing position for maximum muscle engagement.
Wall Sits
Wall sits provide an intense burn for your quads and core. By simply sitting against a wall as if in a chair, you activate various muscle groups. Aim for 30 seconds to start and increase over time for added resistance. Including variations with arm positions can further enhance the workout.
Inverted Rows
Inverted rows are an underrated upper body exercise that primarily works your back and biceps. By utilizing a sturdy table or low bar, you can perform this bodyweight exercise to engage multiple upper body muscles. Simply lie underneath, grab the bar, and pull your chest towards it while keeping the body straight.
Side Lunges
Side lunges not only work out the inner thighs, but they also aid hip flexibility. This dynamic movement targets multiple leg muscles effectively. Start by stepping out to the side, lowering into the lunge position, and returning to the starting position. Increase resistance using a dumbbell for added challenge.
Handstand Holds Against a Wall
This unique exercise strengthens your shoulders and core while also improving balance. By practicing handstand holds against a wall, you engage and develop upper body strength. Start by kicking up gently and holding the pose; aim for 10 to 30 seconds, gradually increasing your duration as you improve.
Planche Push-Ups
For those looking to elevate their push-up game, planche push-ups are a game changer. This advanced exercise targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps uniquely. If you’re not ready for the full version, begin with elevated surfaces, gradually reducing height as strength increases. Remember to focus on form to avoid injury.
Pike Push-Ups
Pike push-ups are an effective way to work your shoulders combined with core stability. In this modified version of a push-up, you elevate your hips to form a V shape and lower your head towards the ground. This will improve your shoulder strength while also engaging your triceps effectively.
Donkey Kicks
Donkey kicks are a great exercise for your glutes and core stability. By positioning yourself on all fours and raising one leg toward the ceiling, you activate the glute muscles intensely. To increase difficulty, add a resistance band over your knees or perform the movement with a straight leg alternately.
Supermans
If you want to strengthen your back, supermans should be part of your routine. This exercise not only strengthens the lower back, but also engages the glutes and shoulders. By lying face down and lifting your arms and legs simultaneously, you create tension throughout your entire posterior chain.
Clapping Push-Ups
For an explosive workout, clapping push-ups are fantastic for building power. By pushing off the ground forcefully enough to clap your hands, you're not just building muscle but also increasing your agility. Start with standard push-ups and work your way to the clapping variation to avoid injury.
Bear Crawls
Bear crawls engage numerous muscle groups while improving mobility. This dynamic and challenging movement works your arms, legs, and core by navigating on all fours. Incorporate bear crawls into your routine for a full-body workout, enhancing both strength and cardiovascular endurance simultaneously.
Hollow Body Hold
The hollow body hold mainly strengthens your core while also enhancing coordination. By lying on your back and raising your arms and legs, the tension across your abs is remarkable. Start with shorter holds, aiming for 10-15 seconds, and gradually increase your time spent in the hollow position.
The 12 Most Underrated Exercises for Building Strength at Home You Never Knew Existed
To effectively build strength at home, consider these practical steps:
- Incorporate single-leg Romanian deadlifts for lower body strength.
- Add wall sits for core engagement.
- Perform inverted rows to strengthen the back.
- Include side lunges for inner thigh development.
- Practice handstand holds for shoulder strength.
- Advance with planche push-ups for chest definition.
- Use pike push-ups to enhance core stability.
- Engage glutes with donkey kicks.
- Utilize supermans for overall back strength.
- Introduce clapping push-ups for explosive power.
- Challenge yourself with bear crawls for full-body activity.
- Finish with hollow body holds for core tension.