If you’re not in the know aboutfunctional strength exercises, it’s time to get familiar.
These movements mimic activities of daily living and helpimprove overall physical performance and mobility.
I recommend these functional strength exercises for beginners to help boost strength, coordination, and functional fitness.
Photo: Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!
Incorporating these exercises into your workout routine can help you build a strong foundation.
Keep reading for the 10 best functional strength exercises for beginners.
They also engage the core for stability and balance, making them an excellent exercise for beginners.
Shutterstock
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and toes slightly turned out.
Press through your heels to return to the starting position, squeezing your glutes at the top.
Alternately, place your hands under your shoulders, and stay on your knees.
Shutterstock
Lower your body toward the ground by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your body.
Push through your palms to lift your body back to the starting position.
Focus on maintaining proper form and engaging the chest muscles.
Shutterstock
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and hold a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your body.
Lower the weight with control.
They also improve balance and coordination, making them an excellent exercise for beginners.
Shutterstock
Stand in front of a sturdy bench or platform with your feet hip-width apart.
Step onto the bench with your right foot, pressing through your heel to lift your body.
Step back down with your left foot, returning to the starting position.
Shutterstock
Repeat on the opposite side, continuing to alternate.
Beginners can start with a basic plank and progress to more challenging variations as they build strength and stability.
It improves balance and coordination, making the lunge an excellent exercise for beginners.
Shutterstock
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
Push off your right foot to return to the starting position.
Repeat on the opposite side, alternating legs.
Shutterstock
Grip the pull-up bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and palms facing away from you.
Lower your body with control until your arms are fully extended.
Repeat for a set number of repetitions, focusing on proper form and controlled movement.
Shutterstock
Continue alternating sides in a controlled motion.
It can be performed using dumbbells or a resistance band for added resistance.
Extend your arms straight toward the ceiling with a slight bend in your elbows.
Shutterstock
Push the weights back up to the starting position, squeezing your chest muscles at the top.
It helps improve spinal stability and posture, making it an ideal addition to any functional strength routine.
Lie face down on the floor with your arms extended overhead and your legs straight.
Shutterstock
Hold this position for a few seconds, then lower with control.
Maintain proper form and engage the muscles of the lower back and glutes.
