Top 5 Exercises For Beginners

Finally ready to begin your journey to a healthier, happier you? We all know how daunting it is to find the best routine or exercises that work best for you, as the 'unknown' can often impact your motivation to start - trust me, we've all been there. That's why we're here to lend a helping hand! We've curated our top 5 beginner friendly exercises to help kick off this next chapter of your life. The best part of these exercises is that they can be achieved in the comfort of your home with minimal equipment, that way you can maximise the most out of reaching your fitness and health goals. Not only does exercise support weight loss, but helps maintain body weight, improves hormones, sleep and may reduce the risk of diseases long term. 

1. Cardio

Any exercise of low or high intensity levels that elevates your heart rate is referred to as aerobic exercises, also known as cardio. This can encompass any activity and exercise such as swimming, running, cycling, walking and dancing. It is a fantastic way to improve your endurance and keep your heart healthy. For beginners, we recommend 30 minutes of cardio 3 days per week. 

2. Squats 

Squats can be done with or without equipment, which makes it a super convenient and beneficial exercise to improve lower body strength, support joints, balance, posture and cardio performance. Incorporating squats into your routine uses major muscle groups that build muscle, burn fat and crush those calories. To all newbies doing squats, aim for 3 sets of 10-12 reps.

3. Deadlift

A useful exercise for beginners to help build on strength are deadlifts. This strength exercise uses a weighted barbell that is lifted hip-length and then placed back onto the ground. Deadlifts engage many muscle groups including your back, core, hamstrings, glutes and overall muscle development. For beginners, we recommend practising your form with a kettlebell or a dumbbell before moving onto the barbell. 

4. Lunges 

Reduction in weight, stability, alignment, balance and a more toned body are all benefits associated with lunges. It is a resistance exercises that utilises your calves, quads, glutes and back muscles to get stronger and enhance your physical performance. Examples you can implement into your routine includes: side lunges, walking lunges and lunges and squats. You may also add dumbbells to further challenge yourself. 

5. Side Plank 

An easy ab workout for any fitness level that we recommend is a side plank. This is a simple yet super effective way to achieve a stable more toned core, as well as protecting your spine, strengthening your hips, glutes and shoulders. Use a yoga mat or a soft surface before starting your side plank as this will help with any stress to your body.