fbpx

Ready to get in shape and transform your body? If you’re a beginner looking to start an exercise routine, it may be overwhelming trying to decide where to begin. That’s why I’ve created this ultimate full-body workout for beginners to give you some direction. With this program, you’ll be able to tone and strengthen your entire body in just four weeks.

Before we dive into the workout, it’s important to understand that exercise is just one part of the equation when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. A healthy diet and lifestyle habits, such as getting enough sleep and managing stress, are also crucial for success. That being said, practicing this full-body workout routine will make significant changes in your body in only four weeks.

Full body Workout Instructions

  • Perform each of the following exercises in the order listed below for 2-3 sets of 12-15 reps, depending on your fitness level.
  • Take a 30-60 second rest between sets.
  • Aim to complete the entire workout 3 times per week.
  • As you progress, you can increase the number of sets and reps, or add additional exercises.

Full-Body Workout for Beginners

Squats

Squats are a foundational exercise for strengthening and toning your lower body, including your glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. To perform a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward. Lower your body as if you were going to sit back into a chair, keeping your chest up and your weight in your heels. Push through your heels to return to the starting position. Increase the difficulty by holding dumbbells either in front of your shoulders or down by your sides.  

Push-ups

Push-ups are a classic body weight movement for the chest, shoulders, and arms. To perform a push-up, start in a plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. The space between your arms and body should make a 45 degree angle as you bend at the elbows and lower your body until your chest almost touches the ground. Keep your core engaged and your body in a straight line, while pushing through your hands to return to the starting position. If you’re new to push-ups, you can modify the exercise by performing it on your knees or against a wall.

Deadlifts

Deadlifts target the posterior chain muscles along the backside of your body, including your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. To perform a deadlift, stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a pair of dumbbells in front of your thighs. Hinge at the hips and lower your body until the dumbbells reach your mid-shins, keeping your shoulder back, chest up and your core engaged. Thrust your hips forward by squeezing your glutes to return to the starting position, and repeat.

Back Rows

Back rows hit the upper back, including your lats, rhomboids, and traps. To perform a bent over back row, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a pair of dumbbells in front of your thighs with your palms facing inwards or towards each other. Hinge at the hips to lean forward and bend your knees slightly. Keeping your back flat, pull the dumbbells up and back to the side of your body near the belly button, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position below the shoulders, and repeat. Make sure to keep your core engaged and avoid rounding your back while performing this exercise.

Lunges

Lunges incorporate more balance and control of the lower body, including your glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. To perform a lunge, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and take a step forward with one foot. Lower your body until your thigh is parallel to the ground, keeping your chest up and your weight in your front heel. At the bottom of the movement, the knee of the back leg should be under the hip. Push through your front heel to return to the starting position, and repeat on the other side.

Bicep curls

Bicep curls are an excellent exercise for isolating your biceps on the front of the upper arms. To perform a bicep curl, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a pair of dumbbells at your sides with your palms facing forward. Curl the dumbbells towards your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your sides. At the top of the movement, turn your palms away from you so that your pinky finger becomes slightly closer to your face to fully contract the bicep. Lastly, lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, and repeat.

Tricep Kickbacks

Tricep kickbacks are a great exercise for isolating the tricep muscles on the back of your upper arms. To perform a tricep kickback, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a pair of dumbbells at your sides with your palms facing towards the body. Hinge at the hips to lean forward, keeping your back flat and your core engaged. Bend your elbows to bring the dumbbells towards your sides. Once the upper arms are parallel to the ground, extend your arms straight behind you, by bending at the elbow and squeezing your triceps. Lower your arms back to the starting position while keeping the upper arms parallel to the ground, and repeat. Make sure to keep your elbows close to your body throughout the exercise to target the tricep muscles effectively.

Planks (optional)

Planks will strengthen your core and improve your posture. If your core is exceptionally weak, it may be beneficial to incorporate planks into your routine. To perform a plank, start in a push-up position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. The entire body from head to toe should be straight, while paying special attention to not raise the hips. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, keeping your core engaged. To make the exercise more challenging, you can try lifting one foot off the ground or holding the plank on your forearms instead of your hands.

With this ultimate full-body workout for beginners, you’ll be able to significantly tone and strengthen your entire body in just four weeks. Remember to focus on proper form and start with a weight that’s appropriate for your fitness level. As you progress, you can progressively increase the number of sets and reps or add additional exercises. By consistently practicing this workout routine, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals and transforming your body.

Ready to create a sustainable lifestyle and

build the body you want?

David Minishian, MPH

David Minishian, MPH

Fitness and Nutrition Coach

David is the owner and coach at Sculpt Fitness in Long Beach, CA. The mission he has started at Sculpt is to educate, equip, and empower the local community to make the best decisions for their health. He has been coaching exercise and nutrition for over 10 years, helping clients create sustainable lifestyle to build the body they want. When he's not training, coaching or cooking, David is on an adventure with his wife and daughter or teeing up his next shot on a golf course.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share This

Share this post with your friends!