The Best Bodyweight-only Exercises

Top Exercises

Crunch Floor

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A classic abdominal isolation exercise. It targets the upper rectus abdominis by focusing on spinal flexion and controlled contraction.

Crunch Hold

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

An isometric abdominal exercise that builds core endurance and teaches the ability to maintain tension under load.

Bodyweight Wall Squat

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

An isometric exercise for lower-body endurance. It targets the quadriceps and glutes while teaching proper spinal alignment against a flat surface.

Bridge

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Glutes / hinge

A foundational posterior chain exercise. It activates the glutes and hamstrings while improving hip extension and lower back health.

Bodyweight Overhead Squat

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

A challenging mobility and strength exercise. It requires exceptional thoracic, hip, and ankle mobility to maintain an upright posture with arms overhead.

Squat Mobility Complex

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

A series of movements within a squat position to open the hips, ankles, and thoracic spine. It improves overall movement quality and warm-up readiness.

Single Leg Heel Touch Squat

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

A functional unilateral squat that emphasizes knee stability and glute control. It improves balance and corrects side-to-side muscle discrepancies.

Shrimp Squat

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat

An elite unilateral leg exercise targeting the quads and balance. It requires exceptional hip mobility and control compared to a standard squat.

Side Bridge Hip Abduction

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A complex exercise targeting the obliques and the glute medius. It builds lateral hip stability and a powerful core simultaneously.

Side Bridge with Bent Leg

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A modified side plank for beginners or high-repetition endurance work. It targets the obliques while reducing the load on the hips.

Shoulder Tap

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Shoulders / isolation

A high-intensity plank variation for core stability. It targets the transverse abdominis while improving shoulder and scapular stability.

Scapula Dips

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Shoulders / push

A shoulder health movement targeting the serratus anterior and lower traps. It improves scapular depression and stability for heavier pushing exercises.