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We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

5 Strength Exercises That Build Muscle Without Lifting Weights, According to a Top Trainer

One expert reveals his go-to exercises

Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 26, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Mr America Jason Kozma mramericajasonkozma
Copyright mramericajasonkozma/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 26, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Fitness & Workouts

Most health experts, including the Mayo Clinic, recommend strength training as an effective form of exercise to help reduce body fat, preserve and build lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Many exercises involve lifting weights of some sort, ranging from free weights and barbells to kettlebells and ankle weights. However, you don’t need to lift weights to use muscle—you can use bodyweight. Body Network asked Mr. America himself, Jason Kozma, a Los Angeles personal trainer at High Performance Personal Training, to come up with a handful of strength training exercises that build muscle without requiring any weights. Here are his top 5 strength moves.

Push-Ups

Workout Exercise. Closeup Of Healthy Handsome Active Man With Fit Muscular Body Doing Push Ups Exercises. Sporty Athletic Male Exercising At Beach, Training Outdoor. Sports And Fitness ConceptShutterstock

The first exercise he recommends to build muscle without lifting weights? The classic push-up.

How to do it: Start in a plank position with hands under shoulders. Lower your body until your chest is just above the floor, then push back up.

What it works: Chest, shoulders, triceps, and core.

Bodyweight Squats

Fitness young woman working out core and glutes with bodyweight workout doing squat exercises on beach. Asian sporty girl squatting legs as part of an active and fit life.Shutterstock

He is also a fan of bodyweight squats, which require no added weight.

How to do it: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your hips as if sitting into a chair, then stand back up.

What it works: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core.

Glute Bridges

Attractive blonde woman in sports beige leggings and tank top, practicing yoga, doing Glute bridge exercise, dvi pada pithasana pose, home workout.​5. Glute BridgesShutterstock

Glute bridges are another effective exercise that doesn’t involve lifting weights.

How to do it: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Press through your heels to lift your hips up, then lower back down.

What it works: Glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.

Plank Holds

Concentrated beautiful young sportswoman doing plank exercise on mat in gymShutterstock

He also recommends a variation of the plank, plank golds.

How to do it: Hold a straight-body position on your forearms and toes, keeping your core tight and hips level.

What it works: Core, shoulders, and back.

Wall Sits

wall sit exercise​2. Wall Angel SquatsShutterstock

The final bodyweight exercise he recommends? Wall sits.

How to do it: Lean against a wall and slide down until your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Hold for 30–60 seconds.

What it works: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and endurance.

And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

muscleexercisesstrength-training

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Fitness & Workouts

5 Strength Exercises That Build Muscle Without Lifting Weights

Mr America Jason Kozma mramericajasonkozma
Copyright mramericajasonkozma/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 26, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Most health experts, including the Mayo Clinic, recommend strength training as an effective form of exercise to help reduce body fat, preserve and build lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Many exercises involve lifting weights of some sort, ranging from free weights and barbells to kettlebells and ankle weights. However, you don’t need to lift weights to use muscle—you can use bodyweight. Body Network asked Mr. America himself, Jason Kozma, a Los Angeles personal trainer at High Performance Personal Training, to come up with a handful of strength training exercises that build muscle without requiring any weights. Here are his top 5 strength moves.

Push-Ups

Workout Exercise. Closeup Of Healthy Handsome Active Man With Fit Muscular Body Doing Push Ups Exercises. Sporty Athletic Male Exercising At Beach, Training Outdoor. Sports And Fitness ConceptShutterstock

The first exercise he recommends to build muscle without lifting weights? The classic push-up.

How to do it: Start in a plank position with hands under shoulders. Lower your body until your chest is just above the floor, then push back up.

What it works: Chest, shoulders, triceps, and core.

Bodyweight Squats

Fitness young woman working out core and glutes with bodyweight workout doing squat exercises on beach. Asian sporty girl squatting legs as part of an active and fit life.Shutterstock

He is also a fan of bodyweight squats, which require no added weight.

How to do it: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your hips as if sitting into a chair, then stand back up.

What it works: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core.

Glute Bridges

Attractive blonde woman in sports beige leggings and tank top, practicing yoga, doing Glute bridge exercise, dvi pada pithasana pose, home workout.​5. Glute BridgesShutterstock

Glute bridges are another effective exercise that doesn’t involve lifting weights.

How to do it: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Press through your heels to lift your hips up, then lower back down.

What it works: Glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.

Plank Holds

Concentrated beautiful young sportswoman doing plank exercise on mat in gymShutterstock

He also recommends a variation of the plank, plank golds.

How to do it: Hold a straight-body position on your forearms and toes, keeping your core tight and hips level.

What it works: Core, shoulders, and back.

Wall Sits

wall sit exercise​2. Wall Angel SquatsShutterstock

The final bodyweight exercise he recommends? Wall sits.

How to do it: Lean against a wall and slide down until your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Hold for 30–60 seconds.

What it works: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and endurance.

And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

6 Strength Exercises That Reverse Muscle Loss After 50

Josh York joshyorkgg
Copyright joshyorkgg/Instagram
Josh York
By Josh YorkApr 21, 2025
Josh York
Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ
Josh York is a Certified Personal Trainer, Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ.
See Full Bio
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✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

As a Certified Personal Trainer, I've helped thousands of clients maintain their strength as they age. Many people don't realize that muscle loss begins in our 30s and accelerates after 50, affecting everything from metabolism to mobility. The good news? It's never too late to rebuild. These six exercises are designed specifically for adults over 50 who want to regain strength, improve balance, and enhance overall quality of life.

Why Your Muscles Need Extra Attention After 50

Happy elderly woman celebrating her fitness achievement after a great outdoor workout session, flaunting her strong bicep. Fit senior woman expressing , mature, muscles5 Best Low-Impact Exercises That Transform Your Body After 50Shutterstock

As people age, they face multiple natural, age-related challenges that include muscle loss, reduced protein synthesis, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle factors like inactivity and poor nutrition. These challenges make it difficult to both gain muscle and maintain strength.

In order to combat these challenges as a trainer, it is important to create personalized, targeted strategies. This has shaped my approach by taking the time to carefully evaluate each client's starting health level to get a baseline and learn their goals. I then meticulously create a plan that strategically incorporates strength training with a balanced nutrition, lifestyle changes, and a high-level of motivation.

How Strength Training Benefits Your Aging Body

Portrait of senior woman lifting dumbbells, matureShutterstock

Strength training is particularly important to fight the natural muscle-loss that comes with aging by increasing muscle mass and strength. It additionally aids in improving balance, maintaining bone density, enhancing overall physical fitness, and reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Consistent strength training can also help with enhanced metabolic health to reduce the potential risk of diabetes and improved cardiovascular health.

1. Squats: The Foundation Builder

Elderly couple doing squats together at home. Cheerful grey-haired spouses doing exercises, look to each other and smiles, mature​Practice Tips for SquatsShutterstock

How to do it step-by-step:

  • Stand with your feet straight and shoulder-width apart.
  • Place your hands either on your hips or hold your arms straight in front of you at shoulder-height.
  • Bend your knees while keeping your back straight.
  • Lower to a 90-degree angle.
  • Slowly stand back up and repeat.

How often and how many reps/sets: Aim to do squats two to three times per week with completing three sets of 10 to 15 reps each session.

Why it works: Squats are great because they engage major lower muscle groups that include the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. They also aid in strengthening the core and lower back. This is an exercise that challenges the body to work harder through resistance, creating increased muscle mass and strength.

Mistakes to avoid: Remember to not lean forward or arch your back throughout the exercise as these mistakes can lead to injuries.

2. Lunges: Balance and Strength Combined

Elderly men, training and stretching for morning workout in the park or forest. Senior, lunges exercise and motivation for wellness, fitness and healthcare strong legs cardio or running outdoorsShutterstock

How to do it step-by-step:

  • Begin with your feet together and shoulder-width apart.
  • Place your hands on your hips.
  • Take a step forward with one leg.
  • Bend your knees until at a 90-degree angle.
  • Raise your body back up.
  • Bring the front foot back to the start position.
  • Repeat with the opposite leg.

How often and how many reps/sets: Like squats, lunges should be worked on two to three times a week with two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps each side.

Why it works: Lunges work the same muscle groups as squats, but instead this contributes to overall muscle maintenance and gains. These are also helpful to improve balance and stability, crucial in avoiding falls as we age.

Mistakes to avoid: Mistakes to avoid with lunges include taking too short or long of a step, leaning too far forward, and having your front knee push out over your toes.

3. Tricep Dips: Upper Body Strength Builder

Side view of a determined middle-aged man exercising tricep dips or triceps extension with a chair as workout routine for the arms at home during pandemic

Shutterstock

How to do it step-by-step:

  • Sit on the ground in front of a chair or bench.
  • Place your feet flat on the ground.
  • Put your palm on the chair or bench with your fingers facing forward.
  • Lift your hips off the ground.
  • Lower your body back down by bending your elbows.
  • Press down on your hands to straighten your arms back to the raised position.

How often and how many reps/sets: For the most effective results, perform tricep dips with two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps from two to three times per week.

Why it works: Similar to squats, this is a resistance exercise for the upper-body that targets the triceps, a muscle that naturally weakens with age. Tricep dips help to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and spark muscle growth.

Mistakes to avoid: Maximize the exercise by not rounding or shrugging your shoulders and completing the full range of motion.

4. Push-Ups: Total Upper Body Strengthener

Strong senior man making strength workout, doing push ups on sports mat, exercising at home, copy space. Sporty elderly man training his body, leading active lifestyle​Push-UpsShutterstock

How to do it step-by-step:

  • Lie flat on your stomach.
  • Put your hands next to your chest.
  • Press up on your hands to lift off the ground.
  • Bend your elbows to lower back to the ground and repeat.

How often and how many reps/sets: Work on push-ups two to three times per week with sets of eight to 12 reps. You should be looking to complete three to five sets during each session.

Why it works: Push-ups are another resistance workout to stimulate muscle growth and repair. The challenge of push-ups forces your muscles to adapt and become stronger, assisting in slowing down or reversing the natural decline in muscle mass.

Mistakes to avoid: It is important to avoid flaring your elbows out as your lower to the ground. You also want to keep from sagging or raising your hips in order to target the proper muscle groups.

5. Sit-Ups: Core Power Builder

Fitness determined mature woman lying doing crunches at home. Healthy mid woman doing exercises on gym mat. Concentrate middle age lady doing daily exercises lying on the floor in the living sit ups room.5 Ways to Get a Toned Upper Body in Just 30 Minutes, From Pro BodybuilderShutterstock

How to do it step-by-step:

  • Lie on your back.
  • Bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor.
  • Cross your arms and place your hands on the opposite shoulder or interlock your hands behind your head.
  • Curl your body up towards your knees.
  • Slowly control your body back down to the ground.

How often and how many reps/sets: Look to complete two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps from three to five days a week when it comes to sit-ups.

Why it works: Sit-ups are effective in strengthening your rectus abdominis, obliques, and hip flexors – improving core stability and reducing the risk of falls with age. These can additionally help with muscle endurance improvement.

Mistakes to avoid: Avoid arching your back or pulling on your neck when doing sit-ups. Focus on engaging your core and controlling the movement to properly do this workout.

6. Plank: Full-Body Stability Master

Home training concept. Smiling senior woman doing elbow plank on yoga mat in living room. Positive mature lady doing her workout routine, exercising indoors, strengthening her core musclesShutterstock

How to do it step-by-step:

  • Lie flat on the floor with your stomach down.
  • Place your hands or elbows under your shoulders.
  • Push up off the ground to raise your body.
  • Hold the position for a pre-selected duration.

How often and how many reps/sets: Planks should be completed two to three times per week with three sets of eight to 12 reps and a one-minute rest between each set.

Why it works: Work on planks to improve balance, posture, and overall body function by activating your core, glutes, hamstrings, and lower back to maintain and build strength.

Mistakes to avoid: The most common mistakes to avoid are sagging or raising your hips. Keep your body in a straight line to get a proper workout completed

Your Weekly Workout Plan for Optimal Results

Home Workout. Smiling Senior Woman Doing Squats While Training In Living Room, Sporty Elderly Lady Exercising On Fitness Mat, Older Female Making Weight Loss Exercises, Enjoying Active Lifestyle1. Squat Pulse with Calf RaiseShutterstock

Split the days into muscle-group specific sessions. For example, day one would be lower body and core, day two is for upper body, day three is rest or light activity, day four is full body, day five is rest or light activity, day six is core and upper body, then day seven is for rest.

An example of the breakdown would be:

Day 1 – Lower Body and Core

  • Squats: 3 sets of 10-15
  • Lunges: 2-3 sets of 10-15 per side
  • Sit-Ups: 2-3 sets of 10-15
  • Planks: 3 sets of 8-12 30-second holds

Day 2 – Upper Body

  • Push-Ups: 3-5 sets of 8-12
  • Tricep Dips: 2-3 sets of 10-15
  • Plank: 3 sets of 8-12 30-second holds

Day 3 – Rest or Light Activity

Day 4 – Full Body

  • Squats: 3 sets of 10-15
  • Lunges: 2-3 sets of 10-15 per side
  • Push-Ups: 3-5 sets of 8-12
  • Tricep Dips: 2-3 sets of 10-15
  • Sit-Ups: 2-3 sets of 10-15
  • Plank: 3 sets of 8-12 30-second holds

Day 5 – Rest or Light Activity

  • Walking, yoga, stretching, mobility

Day 6 – Core and Upper Body

  • Push-Ups: 3-5 sets of 8-12
  • Tricep Dips: 2-3 sets of 10-15
  • Sit-Ups: 2-3 sets of 10-15
  • Plank: 3 sets of 8-12 30-second holds

Day 7 - Rest

What Results to Expect From Your New Routine

Mature couple having a workout together in the park​1. Walking LungesShutterstock

Constancy is the key to any workout routine and generating the best results.

After four weeks, people would experience increased energy and stamina, better joint mobility and flexibility, improved balance and stability, slight strength improvements, and more muscle awareness.

At the end of eight weeks, there will be noticeable strength gains and visibly leaner muscle tone to go along with better endurance and recovery and potential weight loss or body composition changes.

Committing to this routine for 12 weeks will lead to consistent and sustainable strength improvements, better functional fitness, enhanced body confidence, reduced join pain or stiffness, lower risk of injury, and improved mental health.

One Final Tip for Getting Started

Positive athletic senior woman doing runner's lunge yoga pose on home workout, copy space. Sporty mature lady stretching her legs, exercising in living room. Domestic training during covid lockdownShutterstock

Start by focusing on form over weight. Mastering the movements first with controlled reps will lead to amplified results over time and reduce injury risk. As you begin feeling more comfortable, you can gradually increase the resistance to challenge yourself. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

7 Bodyweight Exercises to Stay Lean Over 50

Jason Kozma mramericajasonkozma mr america jasonkozma
I’m Mr. America and Here Are 7 Bodyweight Exercises I Use to Stay Lean Over 50
Copyright mramericajasonkozma/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 03, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Are you over fifty, and aren’t sure what exercises to do? Does the gym overwhelm you? Or, do you just want to get a quick workout in, but don’t have any equipment? There are exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home, no extra weights needed. Body Network chatted with Mr. America himself, Jason Kozma, a Los Angeles personal trainer, High Performance Personal Training, and asked him for his expert opinion: What are the best moves to get fit after 50 that you can do at home? “Here are seven effective bodyweight exercises that can help you stay lean and strong over 50, focusing on strength, mobility, and joint-friendly movement,” he says.

Bodyweight Squats

Elderly couple doing squats together at home. Cheerful grey-haired spouses doing exercises, look to each other and smiles, mature​Practice Tips for SquatsShutterstock

The first move he recommends? Bodyweight squats.

Targets: Legs, glutes, and core

Why: Builds lower-body strength and supports mobility and balance.

Wall Push-Ups

Sporty woman doing press ups against a white wall outside.​ Mistake 1: Starting with Wall Push-upsShutterstock

Next up? Wall push-ups. “Or Knee push-ups for more challenge,” he says.

Targets: Chest, shoulders, and arms

Why: Strengthens the upper body without stressing joints.

Glute Bridges

On a yoga mat, an Asian woman does a bridge abduction training. Bridge pulses are used in a fitness studio to tone glute muscles.​ 8. The Total Core BridgeShutterstock

Glute bridges are another effective bodyweight exercise to build muscle, according to Kozma.

Targets: Glutes, hamstrings, and lower back

Why: Supports hip health and improves posture.

Step-Ups

Back view of sporty athlete having a step aerobics in a gym. Woman doing c\ufffdorner knee step​Nice to Haves: Step Benchshutterstock

Kozma is also a fan of step-ups. He recommends doing them “using stairs or a sturdy platform” if you don’t have a step tool.

Targets: Quads, hamstrings, and glutes

Why: Great for leg strength and balance.

Bird-Dog

Beautiful woman doing bird dog yoga pose and stretching her body at the park in the morning, healthy lifestyle and activity conceptShutterstock

Bird dogs are another great exercise you can do at home without any weights.

Targets: Core and lower back

Why: Enhances stability and supports spine health.

Plank

Home training concept. Smiling senior woman doing elbow plank on yoga mat in living room. Positive mature lady doing her workout routine, exercising indoors, strengthening her core muscles​6. Plank: Full-Body Stability MasterShutterstock

He also recommends planks, either on elbows or hands. The brutal exercise is great for multiple areas of your body.

Targets: Core, shoulders, and back

Why: Builds core strength and endurance.

Standing March or High Knees

Female athlete doing high knee march during drills​Beginning with Proper PreparationShutterstock

His final recommendation is the standing march or high knees, a low-impact move.

Targets: Core, legs, and cardiovascular system

Why: Boosts heart rate and coordination without jumping.

How Many Reps Should You Do?

Stay home alone to workout. Fit mature man in sportswear doing squats in living room interior, exercising his legs on domestic training during coronavirus isolation, free space​The Sit Back SquatShutterstock

How many reps do you need to do to see results? “For beginners, it’s best to start with one set of 10 repetitions daily,” suggests Kozma. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

I’m a Trainer and These 6 Everyday Habits Will Keep You Fit Without the Gym

Josh York joshyorkgg
5 Simple Exercises That Transform Your Body in 30 Days
Copyright joshyorkgg/Instagram
Josh York
By Josh YorkMay 04, 2025
Josh York
Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ
Josh York is a Certified Personal Trainer, Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ.
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Life gets busy, and sometimes getting to the gym feels impossible. As a certified personal trainer and founder of GYMGUYZ, I've seen countless people struggle to maintain their fitness when they can't make it to a traditional gym. The good news? You don't need fancy equipment or a gym membership to stay in shape. With just a few minutes each day and some floor space, you can build strength, boost your cardio, and improve your overall health. Try these six daily habits and see real results, no gym required.

Your Biggest Fitness Challenges Without a Gym

Within gym with modern fitness equipment for fitness events and more. Modern of gym interior with equipment. Sports equipment in the gym.Dealing with SetbacksShutterstock

Staying fit without a gym presents real challenges. Finding motivation can be tough when you don't have a dedicated space for exercise. Without trainers or workout partners, accountability disappears, making it easy to skip workouts. Time constraints in busy schedules often push fitness to the bottom of your priority list. Additional obstacles include limited variety in home workouts, minimal guidance, and unrealistic expectations leading to quick burnout.

Why Small Daily Movements Make a Big Difference

Young adult woman walking up the stairs with sun sport background.​You Don’t Move EnoughShutterstock

Those seemingly small choices—taking the stairs instead of the elevator or standing during meetings—create significant fitness benefits over time. These simple activities increase your daily calorie burn while improving heart health, building muscle strength, and supporting bone density. Even better, they boost your mental well-being without requiring extra time in your schedule or special equipment.

1. Burpees: Your Full-Body Cardio Solution

Jump up burpee. Sport exercises. Stage and release of squat. Exercises with free weight. Mixed race black man workout jump exercise on sport ground outdoor with urban cityscape on background.​5. Burpees: The Ultimate Fat MelterShutterstock

How to do it: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Squat down with hands on the floor. Kick your feet back to a push-up position. Perform a push-up. Pull your feet back toward your chest. Jump straight up with hands overhead.

How often: Perform 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps, 2-4 times weekly.

Why it works: This high-intensity exercise burns calories quickly while building strength in your core, legs, arms, and chest.

Pro tip: Break the movement into individual steps until you build coordination and strength.

2. Walking Lunges: Strengthen Your Lower Body

Strong woman walking uphill, Walking Lunges

Shutterstock

How to do it: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Step forward and bend both knees to 90-degree angles. Push up and bring your back foot forward to repeat on the opposite side.

How often: Aim for 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg, 2-3 times weekly.

Why it works: This exercise combines strength and cardiovascular benefits while improving balance, flexibility, and joint mobility.

Pro tip: Keep your front knee over your ankle (not pushing forward) and take appropriately sized steps.

3. Bicycle Crunches: Target Your Core

Crunches, High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT​Progress to Gentle CrunchesShutterstock

How to do it: Lie on your back with knees bent in tabletop position. Interlock hands behind your head. Twist to bring one elbow toward the opposite knee while extending the other leg straight. Switch sides in a pedaling motion.

How often: Complete 2-3 sets of 12-20 reps, 3-5 times weekly.

Why it works: Bicycle crunches engage multiple core muscles while improving balance and coordination.

Pro tip: Keep your core engaged and back pressed against the floor, without pulling on your neck.

4. Leg Raises: Strengthen Your Lower Abs

Fit muscular man lies on back on yoga mat in living room, performing abdominal exercises with legs raised. His black cat sleeps on sofa. Home workout.​Leg RaisesShutterstock

How to do it: Lie flat on your back with legs extended. Place arms at your sides. Engage your core as you raise your legs straight up to a 45-degree angle, then slowly lower until they hover just above the floor.

How often: Perform 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps, 2-3 times weekly.

Why it works: This move strengthens your core, hip flexors, and back muscles to improve stability and posture.

Pro tip: Avoid arching your back or swinging your legs—control the movement with your core.

5. Squat Jumps: Power Up Your Lower Body

Jumping squats in park. Yang man exercise.Shutterstock

How to do it: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended or on hips. Lower into a squat until your knees reach 90 degrees. Explode upward into a jump, landing softly with knees slightly bent.

How often: Do 2-3 sets of 5-8 reps, 3-5 times weekly, gradually increasing intensity.

Why it works: This high-intensity plyometric exercise combines strength and cardio benefits in one efficient move.

Pro tip: Keep your knees aligned (not caving inward) and heels on the ground during the squat portion.

6. Mountain Climbers: Elevate Your Heart Rate

,,Fitness,Female,,mountain, climber,exercise,workout,healthShutterstock

How to do it: Begin in a push-up position with shoulders over hands. Drive one knee toward your chest, then switch legs in a running motion, gradually increasing speed.

How often: Complete 3-4 sets of 45-60 seconds each, at least 3 times weekly.

Why it works: This high-intensity movement engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously while strengthening your core.

Pro tip: Maintain a straight line from shoulders to heels, avoiding hip or back arching.

How to Fit These Habits Into Your Busy Day

Young Caucasian men using Smart Watch measuring heart rate during walk. Runner fixing time at sports smart watch. Young athletic man using fitness tracker or smart watch before run training outdoors.Shutterstock

Create a schedule that works for your life. Look for small windows of time where you can perform quick high-intensity interval training. Even 10-15 minutes can be effective when you combine these exercises into a circuit. The key is consistency—find times that realistically fit your day rather than trying to completely reorganize your schedule.

How Nutrition and Recovery Support Your Fitness

Sleeping,sleep,snooze,bed,asleep,night,dreamShutterstock

Fitness doesn't exist in isolation. Proper nutrition provides essential fuel for your workouts and recovery. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and remove waste products. Quality sleep allows your muscles to repair and rebuild while regulating hormones that affect energy, mood, and appetite. When these elements work together, your fitness results multiply.

What Results to Expect in Just a Few Weeks

Woman trying dress in looking in mirror cheerful and happy.How to Lose Weight Fast for a Special Occasion, According to an ExpertShutterstock

Stick with these habits and you'll notice increased endurance and stamina within just a few weeks. Your cardiovascular health will improve alongside greater muscle strength. Many people also experience weight management benefits, improved body composition, better sleep quality, elevated mood, reduced stress levels, and a lower resting heart rate.

Staying Motivated for the Long Run

Two female buddies doing partner side plank giving high five while training in the forestShutterstock

Set achievable short-term goals that lead to your larger fitness vision. Build these exercises into your regular schedule to create lasting habits. Celebrating small victories keeps motivation high, while having a consistent routine eliminates the daily decision of whether to exercise. Remember that even small efforts compound over time into significant results. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

4 Strength Moves to Transform Your Body in 30 Days, Says Expert

Luisana Carrero luisana nutritioncoach
Copyright luisana_nutritioncoach/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 03, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you ready to achieve all of your fitness goals in 2025 but aren’t sure what exercises to do? Keep it simple, urges one expert. Luisana Carrero is a nutrition coach and social media influencer who knows how to lose weight and keep it off from personal experience. In fact, she ended up losing 28 pounds in 4 months. In a new post, she reveals that a few targeted exercises can help transform your figure. “If I could only choose 4 exercises to dramatically change your shape, these are your picks,” she says. “Here they are!”

These Exercises Target Multiple Muscle Groups at Once

What makes these four exercises great to add to your routine? “These are super effective because they target multiple muscle groups at once,” she explains. What makes them so great? They work by “helping you build strength, burn more calories and transform your body composition,” Louisiana says in her post.

RELATED: She Lost 45 Pounds in Her Garage by Doing These 3 Things

Squats

The first exercise she recommends? Squats, “any variation,” she says. “They work your quads, glutes, and hamstrings while improving mobility and overall strength.” Her go-tos are: “Back Squats, Front Squats & Bulgarian Split Squats.”

Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldowns

Next up are pull-ups or lat pulldowns. “Amazing for building upper body strength, target your back, shoulders, and biceps. They help create a strong V-shape (giving the illusion of a smaller waist,” she says.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Walking Burns More Fat Than Running, “Your Body Actually Prefers It”

Bench Press or Push-Ups

The third option of exercises? Bench press or push-ups. “These are great for working you chest, shoulders, and triceps while also engaging your core,” she says.

Deadlifts or RDLs

She also does deadlifts or Romanian deadlifts (RDLs). “Builds strength in your back, glutes, hamstrings and core. This is one of the best exercises for building strong, toned legs and glutes,” she says.

RELATED: This Coach Lost 100 Pounds Without Dieting by Focusing on These 4 Basic Rules

Do Them 2 to 3 Times a Week

How often should you do these exercises? “Aim to include each of these exercises 2-3 times per week in your workout routine,” she recommends, adding that they can be done with either dumbbells or barbells. “Just remember: Master proper form first. Gradually increase the weight every other week to continue challenging your muscles. For fat loss, pair these with eating in a calorie deficit and watch your body transform.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These Popular Foods

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

Copyright Tara Collingwood

“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Nutrition & Diet

20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

Different sugar on dark tableShutterstock

Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

Pop,Tarts,Toaster,Pastry,processed,food,sugar​2. Processed FoodsShutterstock

Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

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Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

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Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

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Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

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Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

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Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

Man in the kitchen pouring a mug of hot filtered coffee from a glass pot. Having breakfast in the morningShutterstock

“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

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It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

Bartender pours alcoholic drink into small glasses on bar​Don’t Drink as Much AlcoholShutterstock

Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

Montreal, CA - 16 November 2023: Ozempic semaglutide injection pens. Ozempic is a medication for obesityMost Women on GLP-1s Are Making a Few Common MistakesShutterstock

Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

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Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

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If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

Poached,Egg,Toast,breakfast​Eat BreakfastShutterstock

Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

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While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

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Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

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Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levels​The Drugs Mimic the GLP-1 Hormone Naturally Produced by the BodyShutterstock

Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

French fries in hot fat in a deep fryer​3. Deep-Fried ItemsShutterstock

Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.

Fitness & Workouts

Sophie van Oostenbrugge Shares Her Routine

Sophie van Oostenbrugg gainsbybrains
Copyright gainsbybrains/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 11, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to get your glutes sculpted for summer? Sophie van Oostenbrugg is a fitness trainer and the founder of the Gains with Brains app. She regularly shares workouts with her 2.4 million Instagram followers on how to burn fat and build muscle. “I grew up hearing that women should be as small as possible. That’s why I loved being able to share my bulking journey on social. I’ve done 2 bulks so far.. and I was thinking about starting and sharing a 3rd one,” she wrote in a recent post. She also revealed her “medium leg day” workout, which will help you tone up fast.

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

“I have good news today..it’s a medium leg day!!!🫣🤭sooo I split my leg workouts & currently have lighter, medium and heavier days. this helps me with recovery, train through a variety of rep ranges and make it more enjoyable,” she explains in the post.

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

In the video she explains that she has “multiple leg days per week.” She goes onto reveal all of the exercises she does with “rep ranges from 8 to 12.”

RDLS

“I started with RDLs, four sets of eight,” Sophie reveals. To do Romanian deadlifts, start with both legs pressed evenly on the floor. “Slightly bend knees while bending over,” says The Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Keep your arms pointing down toward the floor and lower with you almost touching the floor. Keep hips and shoulders square facing forward throughout the exercise. Return to standing.” She suggests repeating 10 to 12 times with the right leg and repeating on the left side. “Progression includes holding a weight in the arm pointing toward the floor,” she adds.

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

“Then I moved on to a sumo squat with kettlebell. You know the deal, form over everything, so go slow and control the weight,” she says. Sumo squats are similar to regular squats, only you point your toes outward.

Glute Bridges

“Then I did glute bridges,” Sophie continues. You can do glute bridges with or without weights.

Cable Step Up

Next up? Cable step ups, using an exercise block. “These are great as they help with balance and therefore they're easier to overload,” she says.

Seated Leg Curl

She sits down at a machine. “Then I did a seated leg curl,” she says.

Core Exercise

“I finished with some core exercises,” Sophie concludes. “I want to get my core as strong as humanly possible so I can keep recording more intense ab workouts.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try splitting up your workouts into light, medium, and intense days to allow your body ample time needed to recover.

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