When you start strength training, it can be confusing about where to even begin. We spoke to certified personal trainers and coaches to find out the best way to start a workout program and the exercises they swear by. They narrowed down the best exercises for building strength and endurance. Every single exercise they chose can be modified to your current fitness level, so you can jump in no matter where you’re starting.
1. Deadlifts
The deadlift is a compound exercise that has you lifting heavy weight off the floor by bending at the hips and standing back up. There are plenty of variations to choose from, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned weightlifter. Some variations include the kettlebell deadlift, Romanian deadlift, conventional deadlift, stiff-legged deadlift, sumo deadlift and trap bar (or hex bar) deadlift.
“The deadlift is a great exercise because it helps strengthen the core, back, shoulders, arm muscles, as well as your glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves,” says John Gardner, a NASM-certified personal trainer. He explains that the deadlift is an essential exercise that stimulates the upper and lower body simultaneously, allowing more muscles to be engaged at the same time. “You’ll be burning more calories as well as making it an extremely time-efficient exercise,” he says. As a result of doing deadlifts, your posture will also improve because of the way it targets your back muscles and shoulders.
Advertisement
If you plan on deadlifting, have a personal trainer or experienced weightlifter observe your form. One common mistake people make when performing deadlifts is squatting (and bending the knees too much) instead of hinging at the hips. Another mistake is arching or rounding the back instead of engaging the upper body and core muscles. This can lead to a lower back injury because of the pressure it causes on your back. You also need to be mindful not to overextend your neck and head and should keep it in a straight line.
If you have a history of chronic back issues, a spine injury or are pregnant, it’s best to consult with your doctor or personal trainer first before doing this exercise.
2. Push-ups
The push-up is beneficial for building up your upper body strength and targets your chest, triceps, back and shoulders. Although it’s a well-known exercise, it’s also one that is commonly performed incorrectly — even by experienced exercisers.
“The nice thing about the push-up is that it can easily be modified to fit your skill level,” says Dr. Brittany Noel Robles, a certified personal trainer and OB-GYN. Some modifications include doing a push-up against the wall, or with your hands elevated on an incline to make it more challenging. Once you’ve mastered the push-up from these angles, you can take it to the floor and practice them through changing up the tempo or your hand positioning.
“Everyone should include push-ups in their workout because they are a functional exercise that translates into real-world situations,” says Robles. “Specifically, the push-up trains the functional movement pattern of horizontal pushing, or the ability to push objects away from you.”
Advertisement
3. Pallof press
The Pallof press is an anti-rotation movement that limits the rotation of your spine. It’s considered a core strength training exercise that can be easily done using a cable machine or resistance band. “Your transverse abdominis, or your internal belt, helps secure your low back as a deep muscle in your core,” says James Shapiro, an LA-based sports performance coach. “By activating it more and becoming stronger, you’ll be able to increase your strength in compound movements and increase activation in your rectus (your six-pack).”
There are variations that allow you to efficiently work out your core. To perform this motion you’ll need a resistance band tied to a power rack (or a sturdy base) or a cable machine with a handle set up depending on whether you’ll be standing or kneeling. You can do this movement by standing in a staggered stance, half-kneeling or tall-kneeling on the ground. If you have lower back issues, the Pallof press can be performed either seated or on your back on the floor. Shapiro recommends that beginners start with very light weight and hold the position as they breathe.
4. Inverted row
The inverted row is an exercise that beginners and advanced exercisers can do to strengthen their upper back. It also improves scapular retraction, which can help prepare you to do pull-ups if your goal is to master them. Typically the inverted row can be done using TRX suspension straps or using the bar from a barbell positioned on a rack above you while you’re in an angled horizontal position. Your arms should fully extend above you, while keeping your body hovered above the floor.
“To make the inverted row more challenging, you can lower the bar, walk your feet forward, raise your feet up on a box or add weight,” says Chris Matsui, a certified strength conditioning specialist and USA Weightlifting coach. If you need a modification, he suggests walking your feet further back, raising the bar up or bending your knees.
Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
Advertisement
5. Split squats
The split squat is a single leg exercise that forces you to use your core for balance. It targets your glutes, quads and hamstrings. There are also several ways to do them to make them easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. “It’s not a technical exercise, so it’s easier to do with less compensation patterns to worry about,” Matsui says.
The split squat can be done using dumbbells, a barbell, kettlebells or your own bodyweight. To make the exercise harder, you can place the back foot on an elevated surface to perform a Bulgarian split squat (another variation of the split squat) or to modify it, you can keep your back foot on the floor and use your own bodyweight.
6. Dumbbell squat to press
The dumbbell squat to press, also known as a thruster, is a compound exercise that starts in a front squat position and ends in an overhead press. This full body movement can be done using dumbbells, a barbell or kettlebells. It’s a power exercise intended to be performed quickly as you move from a squat to press.
“From a conditioning standpoint, with adequate weight and the right tempo, this full-body movement can really jack up the cardiovascular demand,” says Shinekwa Kershaw, a personal trainer at Blink Fitness. She suggests that if you have knee limitations make sure to only squat to parallel or just above that. This can also be performed as a seated squat on a box or chair. If you have issues overhead pressing, another option Kershaw suggests is doing a squat to bicep curl.
7. Squats
The traditional squat is an important exercise because it targets the muscles in your lower body, such as your glutes, quads, hamstrings, abdominals — even your upper body. You can load the squat using dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and sandbags. “Not only is the squat a functional move that mimics everyday life, such as sitting and standing in a chair, it increases our anabolic hormones and is important for spine and core strength,” explains LA-based fitness trainer Natalie Yco.
Advertisement
There are also different squat variations such as squat jumps, single leg squats, barbell back squats, front squats, goblet squats, sumo squats and more. “Squats strengthen the muscle around the knee to help prevent knee injuries and may help improve flexibility while moving through a deeper range of motion,” says Yco.
If you’re new to squats and have yet to master the move, Yco suggests trying out wall squats with a stability ball placed between your back and a wall. Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart and back against the ball, and lower into a seated position by bending your knees at a 90-degree angle. The goal is to keep your lower back firmly against the ball. This modification takes stress off your lower back and makes it easier to squat down.
8. Kettlebell swing
Kettlebell exercises have become popular even beyond the CrossFit crowd. One exercise in particular that is a favorite among fitness experts is the kettlebell swing. The full-body exercise uses your hips, core, hamstrings, glutes and upper body to produce an explosive movement. It’s an excellent way to get cardio in while also strengthening your posterior chain (the back of your body).
“I love the two-handed kettlebell swing because it is an exercise that builds total-body strength and also improves your cardiovascular fitness,” says Jennifer Conroyd, a certified ACE trainer and USA Track and Field Coach. Before performing the kettlebell swing (or any other kettlebell exercise), you should have an expert with kettlebell training teach you the proper technique. Kettlebell training is all about mastering the technique first before swinging or snatching heavy kettlebells.
“It is truly a phenomenal all-in-one exercise and It’s important to focus on good posture and using your hips to generate the movement,” says Conroyd. If you’re just learning to swing, she suggests modifying the move by decreasing the weight of the kettlebell until you feel comfortable with the movement. If you have shoulder or lower back injuries, you may not be the best candidate for kettlebell swings and should consult your doctor or physical therapist before trying them.
A Recent Study Suggests Evening Workouts May Offer Significantly Greater Longevity Benefits for Individuals with Obesity, Intensifying the Ongoing Scientific Discussion Over Whether Health Goals and Body Metabolism Dictate the Best Hour to Exercise. The question of the most beneficial time of day to exercise—a straightforward query—continues to yield frustratingly contradictory and complex answers in […]
Skiing can be a whole lot of fun when the snow starts flying. But your body can take a beating on the slopes if it’s not properly prepared.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Sports medicine specialist Molly McDermott, DO, shares how to get ready for ski season with some workouts and strategies.
Ski training routine
Some elite skiers start training at the tail end of spring — about six months before they ever hit the slopes. Others may need less time. In general, Dr. McDermott recommends training at least six to eight weeks before your first outdoor adventure.
Advertisement
As part of your routine, you’ll want to focus on ski workouts that build:
Strength
Endurance
Flexibility
Neuromuscular control (also known as muscular coordination)
Trying to jump into a sport when you haven’t intentionally trained is difficult and challenging, says Dr. McDermott. That’s especially true given the physical demands that come with skiing.
“You want to train your brain, nerves and muscles to really build stability and balance so you can have more control over how you jump and land,” she notes.
Ski exercises
Ski-focused training puts a strong emphasis on lower-body exercises, targeting everything from your glutes to your ankles. But you’ll want to take a full-body approach to ski exercises, which means working on your core and upper body as well.
“You’re going to have to make real-time decisions when you’re out on the slopes,” stresses Dr. McDermott. “You’ll need to strengthen your whole body to be able to do things like pivot or change direction, keep your balance, propel yourself forward and withstand the impact of skiing.”
Dr. McDermott recommends starting with just bodyweight exercises if this is your first go at it. More experienced athletes can focus on higher weights or machines. In general, she recommends doing three sets of 10 to 15 reps each. Then, as you work through your training, you can progressively load your weight, sets, reps or how long you exercise to continue building strength and endurance.
Advertisement
Here are some workouts that lend themselves to skiing.
Dynamic warm-up
Warming up before any workout is key, especially right before you hit the slopes. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation agrees. Dynamic warm-ups and cool-downs are highly effective for preventing injury and improving performance.
Consider starting and ending your ski workout with five to 10 minutes of:
Jogging
Using an elliptical
Walking on a treadmill
“You’re warming up your muscles and then stretching them, as opposed to static, cold stretching,” explains Dr. McDermott.
Squats
“Squat maneuvers help make sure you have the coordination of your nerves and your muscles working together so your muscles are strong and keep your body aligned — in particular, keeping your knees from turning in,” says Dr. McDermott. “As squats become easier, you can progress to squat jumps.”
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with your toes pointed slightly outward.
Hinge at your hips, bend your knees and slowly lower your body (as if sinking into a chair).
Lower until your thighs are parallel to the ground, keeping your knees in line with your toes and your weight on your heels.
Hold the position for three to five seconds.
Shoot up quickly to your starting position by pushing through your heels.
Repeat this process for 10 to 15 reps.
Side-lying hip abductors
Hip abductor exercises help with skiing because they focus on balance, control and building strength in your hips, glutes and thighs.
Lie down on your side with your legs extended straight. Your right leg should be on top of the other and you should rest your head on your left arm.
Keeping your hips steady, lift your right leg so your knees are no longer touching. You should feel a stretch in your upper thigh and hip.
Slowly lower your right leg.
Repeat for 10 to 15 reps, then switch sides and continue.
Calf raises
Calf raises help improve ankle mobility and calf strength — all needed for those quick turns while skiing.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with your arms hanging at your sides.
Slowly lift the back of your heels until you’re standing on the balls of your feet.
Hold this position for one to two seconds before lowering back down.
Repeat for 10 to 15 reps.
Skater hops
“Skater hops are single-leg hops from side-to-side,” describes Dr. McDermott. “These are really going to help you in certain ski maneuvers.”
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hips and knees bent at a 45-degree angle.
Push off the floor with your left leg so that you jump to the side, landing on your right leg.
Keep your knees bent and your left leg crossed behind your right (as if you’re skating).
Then, jump back to the opposite side, crossing your right leg behind your left.
Repeat this process in quick succession for 10 to 15 reps, jumping as fast and far as you’re able.
To maintain momentum, it helps to swing your left arm forward as you’re pushing off with your left leg and vice versa.
Shoulder shrugs
“Shoulder shrugs are a good ski exercise because they help build the upper trapezius muscles that connect with your neck,” says Dr. McDermott. “They really work on your posture.”
Start by standing tall, feet hip-width apart.
While looking straight ahead, lift both of your shoulders and slowly roll them backward in a circle for 10 seconds.
Repeat the process by circling your shoulders in the opposite direction for 10 seconds.
Chin tucks
Chin tucks involve a gentle range of motion to improve posture and strengthen neck muscles.
While sitting or standing in a relaxed position, look straight ahead and lightly touch the bottom of your chin with your index finger.
Gently pull your head and neck back so your chin moves away from your finger.
Hold this tucked-chin position for up to 10 seconds before slowly extending your head and neck forward to the starting chin position.
Repeat this process for 10 to 15 reps.
Push-ups
“Push-ups are good for strengthening your shoulders, chest and core, which helps with balance and stability when you’re skiing,” says Dr. McDermott.
Kneel on all fours with your palms flat on the floor in front of you and your fingers facing forward. Hands should be shoulder-width apart and directly below your shoulders.
Lift your knees off the floor and straighten your legs.
Bend your elbows and tuck them to your sides as you slowly lower your chest and chin to the floor.
Push through your palms until your arms are fully extended. Don’t let your hips or back dip to the ground — your head, spine and butt should all be aligned.
Repeat this process for 10 to 15 reps.
Planks
This exercise targets your wrists, forearms, core and upper body — all areas that promote stability and strength while skiing.
Get into a push-up position, with your legs extended and your elbows directly beneath your shoulders.
Hold this upright push-up position for 10 to 15 seconds, with your abs engaged and butt and back aligned.
For a modified challenge, you can lower your knees to the floor while holding this position.
For a deeper stretch, you can rock your hips back and forth, or lower down to your elbows for a low plank.
Bridges
Bridges help strengthen your glutes, which help guide and direct your skis.
Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet on the floor and arms at your sides.
Squeezing your butt and abdominal muscles, push through your heels to slowly lift your hips toward the ceiling.
Keep your back straight and your arms pressed into the floor at your sides.
Hold this position for a few seconds, before slowly lowering your hips to the floor.
Repeat this process for 10 to 15 reps.
Oblique twists
Also known as a Russian twist, this exercise focuses on your abdominal muscles and core strength. It helps with skiing because it supports your ability to rotate, turn and move quickly.
Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat.
Lean back at a 45-degree angle and squeeze your abdominal muscles.
Extend your arms out straight in front of you and clasp your hands together.
Engage your core as you twist slowly to the right as far as you feel comfortable, moving your arms in the direction you’re turning.
Return back to center, pause and then twist to the left side.
Repeat this process for 10 to 15 reps.
Cardio exercises
Skiers can also benefit from cardio exercises that get their blood flowing and build aerobic endurance, like:
Cycling
Running
Swimming
Rowing
“Build cardiovascular and low-impact activities into your training routine to help improve your performance and increase your endurance,” advises Dr. McDermott. “Some days you can break it up into sets or you can do 30 minutes straight.”
A note before hitting the slopes
A big part of ski training is getting your body acclimated to cold-weather exercises. For athletes who live in areas where winter runs strong, it helps to train early and get that outdoor exposure as temperatures begin to drop during the fall.
Advertisement
Others who live in warmer climates might benefit from taking cold showers, ice baths or lowering indoor temperatures weeks before heading out on a ski trip.
Once ski season begins, make sure you warm up before heading outdoors, stay hydrated and keep moving to keep your body warm.
“When you’re skiing, a lot of unexpected things happen,” cautions Dr. McDermott. “The weather changes and things happen really fast. So, you want to be physically and mentally prepared before you hit the slopes, making sure you’ve got the right equipment, the right clothing and you’re prepared in case of injury.”
One of the harder parts of committing to a training routine is knowing where to start, and that’s true of those who have never trained regularly before as well as more experienced people coming back after a break.
This 20-minute workout from fitness trainer Lindsey Bomgren, founder of Nourish Move Love on YouTube, is perfect for easing your way into a training routine, especially if you’re coming back from a break because of illness or any other reason.
The workout trains the whole body through two rounds of exercises that you can complete in 20 minutes, even with a quick warm-up and cool-down included.
You do need a set of dumbbells for the workout, with Bomgren suggesting 15-25lb weights as a rough guideline. If you have a set of the best adjustable dumbbells available, you can change the weight to suit each exercise as and when required.
20 Minute FULL BODY Comeback Workout (Easy Re-Entry After Sickness/Break) – YouTube
Watch On
The workout contains nine exercises, with some of those being done on both sides for 12 moves in total in each round. You do two rounds of the exercises, completing 10 reps of each move, or 10 on each side if appropriate.
Bomgren demonstrates each move and sets the pace for the session, so you can follow her when possible, or slow down if you need to. Bomgren’s fellow trainer, Rachel, is also on hand to offer easier modifications of some exercises you can do instead.
In order to work as many muscles as possible in 20 minutes, the workout is mostly made up of compound exercises that recruit several joints and muscle groups at once, like squats and lunges.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Advertisement
There are also some more focused moves like triceps extensions, and your core is also worked with some bicycle crunches and glute bridges.
It’s a fast-paced session that will not only get you fitter and stronger, but also help you prepare for longer, harder workouts if you are kicking off a regular workout routine.
Bomgren also includes a quick warm-up and cool-down in the video, which is invaluable and well worth doing. The warm-up will get you ready for the workout, so you can get the most out of the first few exercises, while the cool-down will help start your recovery and reduce any muscle soreness you might feel after the workout, especially if it’s your first session in a while.
If you are a beginner or finding it hard to match Bomgren’s pace throughout the session, you can also reduce the number of reps you do for each move to six or eight. This will give you a bit more time to complete your set, rather than rushing to do 10 reps and potentially sacrificing good form.
Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News andadd us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
