Compound exercises are a great addition to any workout routine because they work multiple muscle groups at the same time, making your workouts more efficient and effective. Here are eight of the best compound exercises to consider adding to your routine
Squats target your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. They are a fundamental lower-body exercise and can be performed with a barbell, dumbbells, or bodyweight.
Squat
Deadlifts work your lower back, glutes, hamstrings, and also engage your core and upper body. Proper form is crucial to prevent injury when performing this exercise.
Deadlift
The bench press primarily targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps. It's one of the most popular upper-body compound exercises and can be done with a barbell or dumbbells.
Bench Press
These bodyweight exercises target your back, biceps, and shoulders. Pull-ups are performed with a wide grip, while chin-ups use a narrow grip and focus more on the biceps.
Pull-Ups/Chin-Ups
Also known as the shoulder press, this exercise targets your shoulders, triceps, and upper chest. You can perform it with a barbell or dumbbells.
Overhead Press
Bent-over rows work your upper back, lower back, and biceps. They can be done with a barbell or dumbbells.
Bent-Over Rows
Dips primarily engage your triceps, shoulders, and chest. You can do them using parallel bars or a bench.
Dips
Lunges target your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and also engage your core for stability. You can perform lunges with bodyweight or add weights for added resistance.
Lunges
Incorporating these compound exercises into your routine can help you build strength, improve muscle balance, and burn more calories since they require more energy compared to isolation exercises.
Always prioritize proper form and start with a weight that you can lift with good technique to avoid injuries. Additionally, it's essential to consult a fitness professional or trainer if you're new to these exercises to ensure you perform them correctly and safely.