8 Best Muscle-Building Exercises for Beginners

Squats

Build lower body strength with squats. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, lower hips as if sitting back in a chair, then return to standing position.

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Push-Ups

Target chest, shoulders, and triceps with push-ups. Start in plank position, lower body by bending elbows, then push back up.

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Pull-Ups

Strengthen back and arms with pull-ups. Grip a bar with hands shoulder-width apart, pull body up until chin reaches bar, then lower back down.

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Lunges

Enhance leg strength and balance with lunges. Step forward with one leg, lower hips until both knees form 90-degree angles, then return to standing.

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Dumbbell Rows

Target upper back muscles with dumbbell rows. Bend knees slightly, hinge forward from hips, pull dumbbells to sides of torso, then lower back down.

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Deadlifts

Build overall strength with deadlifts. Stand with feet hip-width apart, hinge at hips to lower torso, then lift back up by driving hips forward.

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Bench Press

Develop chest and arm muscles with bench press. Lie on bench, grip barbell with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, lower bar to chest, then press back up.

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Shoulder Press

Strengthen shoulders with shoulder press. Hold dumbbells at shoulder height, press weights overhead until arms are fully extended, then lower back down.

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