21 Amazing No Equipment Full-Body Workouts To Do At Home
Have you ever wondered if you can perform no equipment workouts at home? Well, here’s the good news. We will share a few effective calorie-burning bodyweight exercises that do not require any equipment. Lifting your own body weight is better than lifting weights in the gym.
Bodyweight exercises improve the cardiovascular system, strength, and stamina and strengthen various large and small muscle groups. They help tone the muscles and increase muscle power. They are also beneficial for the elderly to improve lean muscle mass (1).
A study reveals that lower body bodyweight exercises strengthen lower limb muscle force (2). You can, in fact, strengthen and tone your whole body with bodyweight exercises. Michael Garrico, a fitness trainer, says, “If you are a beginner, it is important to remember that the best workout routines are the ones that you can stick with. There are a lot of ways to get started with working out at home: you can do bodyweight exercises or push-ups and pull-ups on your own, or try doing an activity like jumping jacks or burpees while someone else holds your legs up high. You can also use exercise bands, resistance bands, or other tools that help you work out without equipment.”
You can practice full-body bodyweight workouts at home at your own convenience. Here are the 21 best no equipment workouts to do at home. Keep scrolling!
Warm-Up
You must warm-up for at least 10 minutes before you start with the exercises.
Warming up is important to elevate body temperature, metabolic rate, and oxygen uptake (3).
You can check the following warm-up routine:
- Neck tilt – 1 set of 10 reps
- Neck rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
- Shoulder rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
- Arm rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
- Waist circles – 1 set of 10 reps
- Side bends – 1 set of 10 reps
- Side lunges – 1 set of 10 reps
- Spot jogging – 3 minutes
- Ankle rotation – 1 set of 10 reps
Legs/Lower Body Exercises
Nội Dung Chính
1. Calf Raises
Target – Calves
How To Do
- Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart, chest out, shoulders rolled out, and abs engaged.
- Raise your heels and hold for 1 second. Feel the stretch at the back on your lower legs.
- Slowly lower your heels and raise them again.
- For the next set, do the exercise faster with your feet wider apart.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 20 reps
2. Squats
Target – Quads, hamstrings, outer thighs (vastus lateralis), and glutes
How To Do
- Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart.
- Draw your arms forward, perpendicular to the ground.
- Keep your entire body tight and flex your stomach.
- Breathe deeply and lower your butt as if you are sitting on a chair. Your thighs should be parallel to the ground.
- Ensure your bent knees are not overshooting your toes. Keep your body straight and firm.
- Come back to your original position and repeat from the beginning.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 20 reps
Quick Tip
Quick Tip
You can spice up your squats workout by adding lunges to it. Do a basic squat and then make a forward lunge one leg at a time. Do 3 sets of 5-10 reps.
3. Jump Squats
Target – Glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves
How To Do
- Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, chest out, shoulders relaxed, and abs engaged.
- Push your hips out, flex your knees, and get into a sitting posture. Your knees should not overshoot your toes.
- Get back up and jump. Throw your hands to the side to propel your body up.
- Land softly on the floor and squat down again.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 15 reps
4. Jump Lunges
Target – Quads, hamstrings, and glutes
How To Do
- Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, chest out, shoulders rolled back, and abs engaged.
- Take a step forward with your right leg.
- Flex both your knees and lower your body. Stop when your right thigh is parallel to the floor.
- Push your body up into a jump. Simultaneously, bring your left leg forward and right leg backward.
- Land softly on the floor.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 10 reps
5. Side Lunges
Target – Inner and outer thigh muscles, hip flexors, glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings
How To Do
- Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, shoulders relaxed, and palms together.
- Lift your right leg off the floor and place it wide apart, as shown in the image. Make sure your toes are facing forward, shoulders relaxed, chest out, and core engaged.
- Flex your right knee, keep your spine straight, and lower your body to the right.
- Make sure your left leg is fully extended, and your left foot is flat on the floor. Keep your palms together for support. Hold this pose for a second and feel the stretch in your left inner thigh.
- Get back to the starting position.
- Do the same with the other leg also.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 15 reps
6. Donkey Kicks
Target – Glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors
How To Do
- Get on all fours.
- Lift your right leg off the floor.
- Keeping the knee flexed, kick your leg up toward the roof.
- Do this 15 times and then switch legs.
- This completes one set.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 15 reps with each leg
7. Single-Leg Deadlifts
Target – Quads, hamstrings, core muscles, and calves
How To Do
- Stand straight with your feet together. Roll your shoulders back, pop your chest up, and engage your core.
- Take a small step ahead with your right leg. This is the starting position.
- Keep your left knee loose, bend forward, and lift your left foot off the floor.
- Extend your hands and try touching the floor.
- Hold this pose for a second and then come back to the starting position.
- Repeat with the other leg.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 8 reps
8. Frog Jumps
Target – Quads, glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors, and calves
How To Do
- Stand straight with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your chest up, shoulders rolled back, and core engaged.
- Flex your knees and do a full squat. Touch the floor with your fingertips.
- Get back up and take a small jump.
- Land softly on the floor and get into the full squat position.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 12 reps
9. Wall Sits
Target – Quadriceps, core muscles, hamstrings, and glutes
How To Do
- Stand with your back to the wall and your feet 2 feet away from it.
- Sink your bottom down as if you are squatting.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 2 reps each
Upper Body (Chest, Shoulders, Upper Back, And Arms)
10. Push-Ups
Target – Deltoids, chest, and triceps
How To Do
- Get into a plank position. Your elbows should be right below your shoulders, and hands slightly turned out. This is the starting position.
- Flex your elbows and lower your chest to the floor.
- Push your chest back up to the starting position.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 12 reps each
11. Decline Push-Ups
Target – Deltoids, traps, lats, and biceps
How To Do
- Place your feet on an elevation (stairs, box, etc.).
- Get into a plank position. Your elbows should be right below your shoulders, and hands slightly turned out. This is the starting position.
- Flex your elbows and lower your chest to the floor.
- Push your chest back up to the starting position.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 12 reps each
12. Plank Up And Down
Target – Deltoids, traps, core muscles, triceps, and biceps
How To Do
- Get into the arm plank position.
- Flex your right elbow, make a fist, and get down.
- Flex your left elbow, make a fist, and get down. Right now, you are in an elbow plank position.
- Extend your left hand and get up.
- Next, extend your right hand and get back into the arm plank position.
- This completes one rep.
- Start with your left arm again.
Sets And Reps
2 sets of 10 reps
13. Tricep Dips
Target – Triceps, lats, and deltoids
How To Do
- Sit in front of a sofa or a bench.
- Place your back against it and your palms on the sofa or the bench.
- Keep your legs straight and lift your buttocks slightly off the floor. This is the starting position.
- Push the bench and lift your body.
- Get back down to the starting position.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 8 reps
Abs
14. Russian Twist
Target – Obliques and abs
How To Do
- Sit on a mat with your knees slightly flexed, heels on the mat, and palms together.
- Lean back slightly and lift both your legs off the floor.
- Twist to your right and then to your left.
- Do this 20 times before taking a break of 10 seconds.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 20 reps
15. Plank Toe Touch
Target – Deltoids, lats, traps, biceps, abs, glutes, and hamstrings
How To Do
- Get into a plank position.
- Lift your left palm off the floor and touch your right foot. Push your hips up toward the ceiling while doing so.
- Get back to the starting position.
- Lift the right palm off the floor and touch your left toe.
- This completes one rep.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 12 reps
16. Double Leg Raises
Target – Lower abs and upper abs (rectus muscle) and hip flexors
How To Do
- Lie down on a mat. Place your palms beside your buttocks. Keep your abs engaged. This is the starting position.
- Lift both your legs until they are perpendicular to the floor.
- Slowly lower your legs.
- Right before your legs are about to touch the floor, lift them again.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 20 reps
17. Alternating Leg Drops
Target – Lower abs and upper abs (rectus muscle), glutes, and hamstrings
How To Do
- Lie down on a mat, place your hands close to your hips, and palms flat on the floor. Keep your knees soft.
- Lift both your legs straight up. This is the starting position.
- Drop your right leg.
- Bring it up again. Simultaneously, drop your left leg.
- This completes one rep.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 10 reps
Entire Body
18. Burpees
Target – Full Body
How To Do
- Keep your feet together and assume a squat down position. Place your arms on the ground in front of your feet.
- Keep your feet together and get ready to jump back so that you can land in a push-up position. Bend your forearms and perform a single push-up in this position.
- Jump back to the previous position and bring your feet beneath your body. Leap into the air.
- Land smoothly and bend your legs.
- Repeat these steps again and practice as long as you can.
Sets And Reps
Try to do 3 sets of 12 reps of burpees as fast as possible.
Quick Tip
Quick Tip
You can challenge yourself by adding a tuck to your burpee. Start the rep with a basic burpee. Then, jump up and bring your knees to your chest, tapping them with your arms. Do as many reps as possible.
19. Mountain Climbers
Target – Abs, lower back, glutes, hip flexors, hamstrings, quads, deltoids
How To Do
- Get into a plank position. Keep your core engaged.
- Flex your right knee and bring it close to your chest.
- Place your right leg back, hop, flex your left knee and bring it close to your chest.
- This completes one rep.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 25 reps
20. Bear Crawl
Target – Core and whole body, especially the deltoid muscle, arms, and glutes
How To Do
- Get down on all fours, with the hands and shoulders in one line, and knees at a 90-degree angle.
- Keep your head high and stretch your spine completely. Your back must be parallel to the ground.
- Raise both the knees so that your entire body weight is on your hands and shoulders.
- Crawl forward by putting one hand and the opposite foot forward.
- Repeat with the other hand and foot.
- Ensure your knees do not touch the ground. Keep your hips down.
- Crawl a longer distance.
Sets And Reps
Try to crawl for 1 minute (3 sets), forward and backward.
21. Inch Worm
Target – Deltoid muscles and core muscles
How To Do
- Stand straight with feet hip-width apart, keeping your spine straight. Stretch and roll back your shoulders.
- Bend forward and touch the floor with both hands.
- Walk your hands forward, keeping your legs straight. Keep walking until your entire body is in a plank position.
- Walk your hands backward. This way, you will come to the starting position.
Sets And Reps
3 sets of 12 reps each
These calisthenics exercises can keep you fit and healthy for a long time if done regularly. In addition, circuit training, tabata workouts, isometric exercises, plyometrics (that involves stair workouts), chair exercises, hip bridges, bicycle crunches, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), yoga, shadowboxing, supermans and dance workouts, and Russian twists may help you shed some extra weight and improve your overall fitness. But if you are a beginner, you must keep certain things in mind.
Things To Remember
- Do not try complex moves. Start with stretching and full-body workouts like jumping jacks, box jumps, and basic squats. This will help your body slowly adjust to the new regimen.
- Involve your entire body. This includes your lower body, the sides, the upper body, and the core. This way, you will engage all the muscle groups.
- Do not strain too much. If you are feeling any discomfort, stop. Allow your body to completely cool down.
- Lastly, do not forget to give your body a nice full stretch.
Infographic: Benefits Of No-Equipment Workouts
While many of you might like going to the gym for a proper fitness regimen, working out at home, without any equipment, has its own share of benefits. Have a look at the infographic below to know how an equipment-free workout at home can also be beneficial for you.
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Bodyweight exercises work on your whole body and help you save big on your time and gym expenses. The exercises discussed in this article work on almost all the major body muscles — calves, quads, outer and inner thighs, glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors, quadriceps, deltoids, lats, traps, biceps, triceps, abs, obliques, and lower back. Complement these exercises with the right diet and healthy lifestyle to bring out the fitter individual in you. If you face any difficulties, stop and let your body cool down. Once you are done with the session, go for stretching exercises to cool down your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best full-body workout at home?
According to Kim Preveza, a yoga instructor, the best full-body workout at home is a plank. She adds, “It works the whole body. It can be done on the knees if a full plank is a too much effort. It can also be done on the elbows if it is too much strain on the wrists or elbows. Also, it can be done on the wall or the kitchen counter if a plank on the floor is not accessible.”
Can you build muscle mass with bodyweight exercises?
Bodyweight exercises are meant to tone your entire body and shed extra fat. If you want to build muscle mass, you may practice these exercises with dumbbells.
Is it OK to do bodyweight exercises every day?
Yes, it is absolutely OK to do bodyweight exercises every day. But focus on different body parts each day instead of doing everything in one day. Try to include cardio and breathing exercises as well for better results.
How long should a bodyweight workout last?
It depends on what type of exercise you are doing. But any bodyweight exercise should not last for more than 3 minutes.
Do bodyweight exercises burn fat?
Yes, bodyweight exercises help burn extra fat and tone your body. As you are using your own body weight against gravity, they also help burn more calories.
Can you get a six-pack from bodyweight exercises?
No, you cannot get six-pack abs with bodyweight exercises. But the exercises will help to strengthen your core. For six-pack abs, you can combine these exercises with weight training and a diet plan.
How many days a week should I do bodyweight training?
You can do bodyweight training 3-4 days in a week.
Which bodyweight exercises burn the most calories?
The full-body bodyweight exercises can help burn the most calories.
Is bodyweight training cardio?
Yes, bodyweight training builds cardiovascular endurance. When you have your own bodyweight to move about with, you don’t need any expensive cardio equipment.
How long should you work out in a day?
Try to work out for at least 30 minutes a day. You may gradually increase the duration by a few minutes as you see yourself getting stronger. However, working out for 30 minutes every day is ideal for optimal health.
Does walking count as exercise?
Yes, walking 10,000 steps or for 30 minutes can be considered a simple form of exercise that helps you stay active and healthy.
What’s the 7 minute workout?
It is a high-intensity workout that alternates between 30 seconds of high-intensity exercise and 10 seconds of rest.
Key Takeaways
- Improve your strength and stamina without equipment but with bodyweight exercises.
- Some exercises like squats, lunges, plank variations, crunches, and push-ups keep you fit without equipment.
- You can combine cardio, strength training, and breathing exercises for effective results.
- Consistency and proper form are vital things for achieving results with bodyweight exercises.
Sources
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
- Slow Movement Resistance Training Using Body Weight Improves Muscle Mass in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29247985 - Effects of bodyweight-based exercise training on muscle functions of leg multi-joint movement in elderly individuals, Geriatrics & Gerontology International, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19702936 - Warm-Up Strategies for Sport and Exercise: Mechanisms and Applications, Sports Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26400696
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Rakesh Rathod
Rakesh Rathod is a certified fitness trainer and yoga instructor with more than 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. He also has a diploma in nutrition, level 1 in Krav maga, and is a bodybuilding contest coach. He specializes in weight loss training, knee pain and back pain rehabilitation, and prenatal and postnatal workouts. He has trained people… more
Charushila Biswas
Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information. After completing her master’s in biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology,… more
Michael Garrico
Michael Garrico is an ASCM and NCSF certified personal fitness trainer and nutritionist and has more than 14 years of experience in helping people shed excess weight and get into shape. He completed his education at Indiana State University in Physical Education.
Michael Garrico is an ASCM and NCSF certified personal fitness trainer and nutritionist and has more than 14 years of experience in helping people shed excess weight and get into shape. He completed his education at Indiana State University in Physical Education.
