You don’t always need dumbbells, barbells or machines to build a stronger, fitter body. Bodyweight exercises are incredibly effective tools for improving strength, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness – and you can do them anywhere, with zero equipment.
Here are nine of the best bodyweight exercises we recommend at Admac Fitness – and exactly why you should be doing them…
1. Chin Ups
Why they work: Chin ups are a powerful upper-body exercise that build strength in the back, arms, and core. They’re one of the best ways to develop pulling strength and grip endurance. Can’t do one yet? That’s okay – build up with assisted versions and watch your progress soar.
2. Dips
Why they work: Dips target the chest, shoulders and triceps, giving you serious upper-body bang for your buck. They’re also great for building control and stability through the shoulders. Perform them on parallel bars or rings for added challenge.
3. Jump Squats
Why they work: Want to increase leg power and burn calories? Jump squats combine strength and explosiveness, making them a top choice for improving athletic performance and boosting your metabolism. Great for legs, lungs and coordination.
4. Back Extensions
Why they work: This underrated move strengthens the spinal erectors and glutes – vital for posture, injury prevention, and core support. You can do them lying face-down on the floor or using a stability ball or bench for extra range.
5. Walking Lunges
Why they work: Walking lunges challenge your balance, coordination, and leg strength all in one go. They hit your quads, hamstrings and glutes hard, while also giving a bit of core activation – making them perfect for functional strength.
6. Push Ups
Why they work: The classic push up trains the chest, triceps and shoulders, while also engaging the core. Push ups can be regressed or progressed easily, making them suitable for all ability levels. Form is key – quality beats quantity every time.
7. Hanging Leg Raises
Why they work: This core crusher strengthens your abdominal muscles and hip flexors while also challenging your grip. Done correctly, hanging leg raises help build a strong, functional core and improve body control.
8. Burpees
Why they work: Love them or hate them, burpees are brilliant for boosting cardiovascular fitness, burning calories, and building full-body strength. They’re also a mental test – and finishing a set always feels like a win.
9. Side Plank Clam Shells
Why they work: Combining the stability of a side plank with the glute activation of a clam shell, this move is fantastic for hip strength and core control. It’s especially useful for runners and anyone looking to improve lower body resilience.
Ultimately, bodyweight training is more than just a stopgap – it’s a smart, effective way to build strength, control and coordination, no matter your fitness level. Try adding these exercises into your weekly routine and experience the benefits for yourself.
Want to improve your health and fitness? Let the AdMac Fitness Personal Trainers help…
AdMac Fitness has been helping the people of East London transform their health and fitness for nearly a decade.
We help people using tried and tested fitness approaches. Our expert team of personal trainers, based in both Bow and South Woodford can help you get a grip of your health forever. With our guidance and experience, you can relax knowing that your fitness journey is going to be guided by some of the best personal trainers in East London.
For more information on who we are, what we do and how we can help you achieve your health and fitness goals, contact us on… 07921465108 or email us at admacfitness@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Our locations are…
AdMac Fitness: Arch 457 Robeson St, London E3 4JA
AdMac Fitness South Woodford: Unit 4 Marlborough Business Centre, 96 George Lane, South Woodford, London, E18 1AD