The 8 most important exercises for overall health and fitness are squats, deadlifts, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups, planks, bent-over rows, and overhead presses.
Squats are an important exercise for improving leg strength and mobility. They also help build core stability and balance. To perform a squat, stand with feet shoulder-width apart and lower your hips back and down as if sitting in a chair. Be sure to keep your chest up and your weight in your heels, and come back up to standing.
Deadlifts are another essential exercise used to strengthen the lower body and core. To perform a deadlift, stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a barbell in front of your thighs. Hinge your hips back and lower the barbell to the ground, keeping your back flat and your chest up. Return to standing, pushing through your heels.
Lunges are a unilateral exercise used to target the muscles of the lower body, such as the quads and glutes. To perform a lunge, stand with feet hip-width apart and take a large step forward with one leg. Bend both knees to lower your hips down and back, and then push off your front foot to return to standing.
Push-ups are a great exercise for strengthening the chest, shoulders, and triceps. To perform a push-up, start in a plank position with your hands directly beneath your shoulders. Lower your body down and then push back up to the starting position.
Pull-ups are an important exercise for developing upper body strength. To perform a pull-up, hang from a bar with an overhand grip and pull your chest up to the bar. Be sure to keep your elbows close to your sides and your head up.
Planks are a great exercise for strengthening the core and improving posture. To perform a plank, start in a push-up position and lower your elbows to the ground, keeping your elbows directly beneath your shoulders. Hold this position for 30 seconds or more.
Bent-over rows are a great exercise for strengthening the back muscles. To perform a bent-over row, stand with feet hip-width apart and hinge at the hips to lower your torso until it is parallel to the ground. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and pull the weights up to your sides, keeping your elbows close to your sides.