Compound Exercises 38
The bench press is a compound exercise that strengthens the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It builds upper body strength, enhances muscle mass, and improves pressing power.
Upper bodypectoralis major, triceps, deltoidsIntermediateBarbellBenchThis exercise isolates the upper chest, shoulders, and triceps, making it ideal for developing strength and muscle mass in the upper body.
Chestupper pectoralis major, anterior deltoids, triceps brachiiIntermediateDumbbellsIncline BenchThis exercise strengthens the shoulders and triceps by pressing dumbbells overhead in a stable, seated position. Ideal for improving upper body strength and stability.
Shouldersdeltoids, triceps brachiiIntermediateDumbbellsBenchPush-ups are a versatile bodyweight exercise that builds strength in the chest, shoulders, and triceps while improving core stability. Ideal for beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts alike.
Chestpectoralis major, shoulders, tricepsBeginnerBodyweightIncline barbell rows focus on the traps, rhomboids, and rear delts, helping to build strength and size in the upper back. This variation offers greater isolation and range of motion.
Backtrapezius, rhomboids, rear deltoidsIntermediateBarbellIncline BenchThe incline bench press targets the upper chest, shoulders, and triceps, enhancing strength and muscle development in the upper body. Perfect for a fuller chest appearance and increased pushing power.
Chestpectoralis major (upper), anterior deltoids, triceps brachiiIntermediateBarbellIncline BenchDips are a compound exercise that emphasizes the lower chest and triceps, improving strength and hypertrophy in the upper body.
ChestPectoralis Major (Lower)IntermediateParallel BarsThe decline bench press is a compound exercise that emphasizes the lower chest, improving strength and size in the pectoral muscles.
ChestPectoralis Major (Lower)IntermediateBarbellDecline BenchThe close-grip bench press is a compound exercise that focuses on the triceps and chest, ideal for building upper body strength and muscle mass.
Triceps Brachii, Pectoralis MajorIntermediateBarbellBenchThe deadlift is a full-body compound exercise that strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstrings, making it a cornerstone of strength training.
Hamstrings, Gluteus Maximus, Erector SpinaeIntermediateAdvancedBarbellThe Romanian deadlift is a compound exercise targeting the hamstrings and glutes, ideal for building lower body strength and improving flexibility.
Hamstrings, Gluteus Maximus, Erector SpinaeIntermediateBarbellThe farmer's walk is a simple yet effective exercise for enhancing grip strength, building forearm muscles, and improving overall endurance.
Lower armForearm Flexors, Forearm ExtensorsBeginnerIntermediateAdvancedDumbbellsKettlebellsBarbellsThe standard pull-up is a powerful compound exercise for building upper-body strength and improving endurance, focusing on the lats, biceps, and forearms.
Upper bodyLatissimus Dorsi, Biceps BrachiiIntermediateBodyweightPull-up barPull-ups are one of the best compound exercises for building upper-body strength and muscle mass, targeting the lats, biceps, and shoulders.
Upper bodyLatissimus Dorsi, Biceps, Biceps brachii, ShouldersIntermediateAdvancedBodyweightPull-up barChin-ups are a great compound exercise for building upper-body strength, focusing on the biceps and latissimus dorsi.
Upper bodyBiceps, Biceps brachii, Latissimus dorsiIntermediatePull-up barWide-grip pull-ups are great for increasing upper-body strength and width by placing greater emphasis on the latissimus dorsi.
Upper bodyLatissimus DorsiIntermediateAdvancedPull-up barNeutral-grip pull-ups are a great compound exercise for building upper-body strength while reducing strain on the shoulders.
Upper bodyLatissimus Dorsi, Biceps BrachiiIntermediatePull-up Bar with Neutral GripsCommando pull-ups are an advanced compound exercise that targets the lats and core while adding a rotational challenge.
Upper bodyLatissimus Dorsi, CoreAdvancedPull-up barA fundamental exercise for building shoulder strength and size, also engaging the triceps.
Upper bodyDeltoidsIntermediateDumbbellsBarbellCombines a shoulder press with rotation, targeting all parts of the deltoids comprehensively.
ShouldersAnterior Deltoid, Medial Deltoid, Posterior DeltoidIntermediateDumbbellsTargets the deltoids and trapezius muscles, enhancing shoulder and upper back strength.
ShouldersMedial Deltoid, TrapeziusIntermediateBarbellDumbbellsA go-to move for a V-shaped back, the lat pull-down works your lats and upper back for strength and muscle growth.
Upper bodyLatissimus DorsiBeginnerIntermediateCable MachineA bodyweight staple for building strong triceps and upper body.
Upper armTriceps brachiiIntermediateBodyweightDip BarsA high-intensity plyometric exercise designed to develop explosive power in the lower body.
Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Quadriceps, HamstringsAdvancedDumbbellsA staple compound exercise that targets multiple muscle groups in the lower body, promoting overall strength and hypertrophy.
Quadriceps, Glutes, HamstringsBeginnerIntermediateAdvancedBarbellDumbbellsBodyweightA versatile compound exercise ideal for targeting the major muscle groups in the lower body with reduced stress on the lower back.
Quadriceps, Glutes, HamstringsBeginnerIntermediateAdvancedLeg Press MachineA versatile compound exercise that strengthens the quads, hamstrings, and glutes while improving stability and coordination.
Upper legQuadriceps, Hamstrings, Gluteus MaximusBeginnerIntermediateAdvancedBodyweightDumbbellsBarbellA highly effective exercise for building back strength and size, focusing on the lats, rhomboids, and traps.
BackLatissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids, TrapeziusIntermediateBarbellDumbbellsAn essential exercise for developing back strength and thickness, targeting the middle and upper back.
BackLatissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids, TrapeziusIntermediateT-Bar MachineBarbellA simple and effective exercise for strengthening glutes and hamstrings, improving hip mobility and stability.
Upper legGluteus Maximus, HamstringsBeginnerBodyweightBarbellA great exercise for unilateral leg strength, improving balance and working the glutes, quads, and hamstrings.
Upper legQuadriceps, Hamstrings, Gluteus MaximusIntermediateBodyweightDumbbellsA front-loaded squat that focuses on building quads, glutes, and core strength, while also improving posture.
Lower bodyQuadriceps, Glutes, CoreIntermediateBarbellGood mornings are excellent for strengthening the posterior chain, improving flexibility, and building core stability.
Hamstrings, Gluteus Maximus, Erector SpinaeIntermediateBarbellSkater squats are excellent for improving unilateral strength, balance, and coordination.
Lower bodyQuadriceps, GlutesIntermediateBodyweightHalos are excellent for enhancing shoulder mobility and building upper body strength.
Upper bodyDeltoids, Triceps, Upper BackIntermediateKettlebellsStep-out lunges help to strengthen the glutes and thighs, while enhancing lower body flexibility.
Lower bodyGlutes, QuadricepsIntermediateBodyweightStep-back lunges are great for targeting the quadriceps and glutes while improving balance and lower body strength.
Lower bodyQuadriceps, Glutes, HamstringsBeginnerBodyweightStep-forward lunges are perfect for strengthening and toning the glutes and quads.
Lower bodyQuadriceps, GlutesBeginnerBodyweight