3 Beginner Bodyweight Workout Routines Without Equipment

If, like most people, you are stuck indoors due to the Corona virus then here are 3 beginner bodyweight workout routines you can use which don’t require any equipment.

Using bodyweight exercises builds a safe foundation of strength, mobility, flexibility and cardio.

Below I have listed 3 bodyweight workouts for you to use starting with an absolute beginners workout and progressing to a more advanced one.

Let’s get started:

How to Use these Bodyweight Workout Routines?

Below I have listed 3 bodyweight workouts each progressing and building on the strength and skills you learn from the previous workout.

I suggest that everyone begin with workout 1 and only progress onto workout 2 when you can complete the workout comfortably for 3 circuits.

If you cannot complete the workout then do what you can remembering to stop whenever your technique feels like it is about to break down. Don’t develop bad habits!

You should aim to complete the workout 3 – 5 times per week depending on how quickly you recover from the previous workout. If in doubt take a days rest.

Beginners Bodyweight Workout 1

Bodyweight Workout 1

Y Squats x 10 reps
Shoulder Taps x 10 reps
Reverse Lunge x 10 reps
Skydivers x 10 reps
Rest 60 seconds and repeat for 3 circuits

Frequently asked questions about this workout:

1. My knees hurt when I lunge what should I do?

Sore knees are often down to weak and unsupportive legs. The Y squats will help to strengthen the legs but the lunges may be too much. Try holding onto a post, wall, or chair to help take some of your weight. Do what you can. Persevere and the lunges should get easier.

2. Should I do skydivers with a bad back?

If you suffer from a slipped disc, herniated disc, or other spinal issue then the skydivers may not be good for you. Be careful and avoid this exercise if necessary.

3. Help, I’m not strong enough to lift my arm for the shoulder taps

With time your strength and core muscles will develop so you can support yourself on just one hand. Practice just holding the top push up position without the shoulder tap first before progressing to tapping the shoulder.

Learn more: 5 bodyweight exercises every beginner should master

Beginners Bodyweight Workout 2

Bodyweight Workout 2

Yoga Squats x 10 reps
Slow Mountain Climbers x 10 reps
Forward Lunges x 10 reps
Swimmers x 10 reps
Rest 60 seconds and repeat for 3 circuits

Frequently asked questions about this workout:

1. Do I need to straighten my legs when performing the yoga squat?

Many people lack the flexibility to straighten the legs fully while the hands are on the floor. If you can’t straighten your legs due to your hamstring flexibility then you can hold your ankles or shins in order to straighten the legs fully. With time work closer and closer to the floor with the fingers.

2. I cannot manage all 10 reps of an exercise, what should I do?

Do what you can with good form and technique. You will be surprised at how quickly your body gets stronger and you are able to complete a few more reps each time.

3. Can I change the rest period at the end of each circuit?

Yes, absolutely. Your ultimate goal is to get through 3 circuits with as little rest as possible. Try to reduce your rest periods even if by a few seconds each workout.

Beginners Bodyweight Workout 3

Bodyweight Workout 3

Burpees x 10 reps
Push Ups x 10 reps
Side Lunge x 10 reps each side
Dirty Dogs x 10 reps
Rest 60 seconds and repeat for 3 circuits

Frequently asked questions about this workout:

1. How deep do I need to go for the side lunges?

The deeper you can get for the side lunge the better as it activates your buttocks more effectively. You will need good flexibility to lunge deeply so start slowly and allow your flexibility to improve as your body warms up.

2. Help, I can’t perform a full push up.

The best method for improving your push up strength in to reduce the weight on your upper body by performing the push up with your hands on a bench, table or even against the wall. You can also improve your strength by practicing just the lowering aspect of the push up, try a 5 second lower.

3. The dirty dogs hurt my lower back, what should I do instead?

Just as with any back extension based exercises including the Skydivers, Swimmers or Dirty Dogs if you suffer from a slipped or herniated disc then this exercise may not be good for you. You can still perform the Dirty Dogs just stop when you hips drop inline with your body.

Discover more bodyweight exercises: