Pressed for time? Looking for your next workout challenge? A comprehensive exercise routine targeting all areas of your body may be exactly what you’re looking for. Of course, nailing your next gym session comes down to having the right tools on your side, helping you target all major muscle groups, boosting your cardiovascular health and improving flexibility — all in one session.
If you’re building a home gym from scratch or want to expand your existing set-up, we’ve listed some of our must-have full-body workout equipment to guarantee an effective workout. That said, it’s always wise to consult a fitness or health professional to ensure proper form and technique, which can minimise the risk of injury.
- Dumbbells
Dumbbells are one of the most versatile and staple pieces of equipment for any gym lover. With a good set of dumbbells, you can engage in a wide range of exercises that target every muscle group. From squats and lunges for the lower body to chest presses and rows for the upper body, dumbbells provide resistance that helps build muscle strength and endurance.
Some of the most common full-body exercises you can complete with dumbbells include:
- Dumbbell squat to press — This dynamic and effective movement is excellent for targeting the legs, glutes, shoulders and core.
- Bent-over rows — Simple to perform, these focus on the back, shoulders and biceps.
- Lunges — Works the quads, hamstrings and glutes while engaging the core for balance.
- Kettlebells
Kettlebells have gained popularity among gym junkies, as they effortlessly combine strength training with cardiovascular conditioning. Their unique shape allows dynamic movements like swings, snatches and cleans, which engage the entire body. These exercises are not only good for building muscle but also elevating your heart rate — two components that make up the perfect full-body workout.
Here are two simple but effective exercises to get you started:
- Kettlebell swings — Targets the hamstrings, glutes, lower back and core while providing a cardiovascular challenge.
- Goblet squats — Focuses on the quads, glutes and core, with an emphasis on maintaining proper posture.
- Barbells
If you’re looking to build strength and increase muscle mass, barbells are an essential piece of full-body workout equipment. Compound lifts such as deadlifts, squats and bench presses are best performed with barbells and are among the most effective exercises for working multiple muscle groups — let’s take a closer look at the type of muscles you can target with these moves:
- Deadlifts — Engages the entire posterior chain, including the hamstrings, glutes, lower back and traps.
- Barbell squats — One of the most effective exercises for building lower body strength while engaging the core and back.
- Bench press —Targets the chest, shoulders and triceps, with secondary engagement of the core and back for stabilisation.
- Resistance bands
Resistance bands are a versatile option for a comprehensive exercise routine. They provide different levels of resistance and can be used to perform a wide range of exercises. They even make for the perfect accessory for muscle activation at the start of your workout. Bands are particularly effective for working smaller muscle groups that might be neglected with heavier weights, and are excellent for adding resistance to body-weight exercises.
Some fantastic resistance band exercises include:
- Resistance band pull-aparts — Strengthens the upper back, shoulders and arms.
- Resistance band squats — Great for adding resistance to traditional squats by targeting the quads, glutes and hamstrings.
- Band-resisted push-ups — Increases the difficulty of standard push-ups, engaging the chest, shoulders, triceps and core.
- Resistance band fire hydrants or clams — Two fantastic moves that activate and prepare your glutes for a heavy lower body session.
- Medicine balls
Medicine balls are great for adding an element of explosiveness to your workout. They can be used for a variety of exercises that target multiple muscle groups while also improving your coordination and power. Medicine balls are particularly useful for getting your core fired up and working on your functional training.
Once you start building your comprehensive exercise routine, don’t forget to add these moves into your routine:
- Medicine ball slams — A fan-favourite among gym lovers, this explosive movement works the entire body, particularly the core, shoulders and back.
- Russian twists — A challenge for your core, focusing on challenging your obliques and improving overall core stability.
- Wall balls — These involve a combination of squats and overhead presses, working the lower body, shoulders and core.
- Rowing machine
The rowing machine is one of the best gym machines for a full-body workout. Rowers provide a low-impact exercise that simultaneously works the legs, core and upper body. Rowing is also great for building endurance and cardiovascular fitness while strengthening the back, shoulders and arms.
Depending on your endurance and stamina levels, try these movements:
- Steady-state rowing — A continuous row at a moderate pace for 20–30 minutes, focusing on maintaining good form and consistent breathing.
- Intervals — Alternating between high-intensity sprints and slower recovery rows to build cardiovascular endurance and power. For example, 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off.
For quality fitness equipment you can rely on, choose Life Fitness
With over 50 years of innovation, Life Fitness is proud to be an industry leader in premium home fitness equipment. We have everything you need to build a comprehensive exercise routine you’ll stay happy and consistent with. From durable ellipticals and rowers to dumbbells, cables and more, we can offer some of the best gym machines on the market.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, Life Fitness is here to help support you with your fitness goals. Browse our range of full-body workout equipment or contact us today for more information about our products.
