10 Best Exercises to Build Strength and Confidence

From dynamic Thermo-Heat HIIT workouts to foundational Squats, this collection offers various options for individuals at any fitness level. Each exercise provides unique benefits, allowing you to select the ones that align with your goals. Additionally, for those seeking to push their boundaries further, we’ve included some advanced strength and conditioning drills to challenge yourself even more!

1. Cardio Sprint Interval Training

Cardio sprint interval training, also known as HIIT, is a form of cardiovascular exercise involving alternating between intense bursts of activity and rest periods. It is an effective way to improve fitness, burn calories, and boost endurance. Here’s a typical session:

1. Warm up for 5-10 minutes.
2. Perform short, intense sprints (e.g., running, cycling) for 20-30 seconds.
3. Take a 30-60 second recovery period.
4. Repeat the sprint and recovery cycle for 5-10 sets.
5. Cool down for 5-10 minutes.

Key considerations:

• Push yourself to the maximum during sprints, but avoid overexertion.
• Duration typically ranges from 15-30 minutes.
• Prioritize safety and proper technique.
• Customize the workout to your fitness level and gradually increase intensity.

Cardio sprint interval training is a time-efficient way to improve fitness and burn calories.

2. Weighted Squats for Glutes and Legs

Weighted squats are a beneficial exercise for strengthening the glutes and legs. Here’s a summary:

1. Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and hold weights.
2. Squat by pushing hips back and bending knees.
3. Lower until thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below.
4. Push through heels to return to starting position.
5. Breathe in while lowering, and exhale while pushing up.
6. Aim for 8-12 reps and 2-4 sets with proper form.
7. Rest between sets for 1-2 minutes.

Remember to warm up and consult a professional for guidance. Adjust weight and reps based on your level. Enjoy the benefits of weighted squats for the glutes and legs.

3. Eccentric Pull-Ups for Back Muscles

Eccentric pull-ups target the back muscles, especially the lats. Here’s a brief summary:

1. Start beneath a pull-up bar with an overhand or mixed grip.
2. If needed, use assistance or elevation to reach the top position.
3. Lower your body slowly and control, taking 3-5 seconds.
4. Reset and repeat for 3-5 reps.
5. Maintain good form and avoid swinging.
6. Progress by reducing assistance or increasing difficulty.

Eccentric pull-ups are effective for strengthening the back. Seek professional guidance for proper form.

4. Medicine Ball Slams for Core Power

Medicine ball slams are dynamic exercises that target core muscles while promoting power and explosiveness. Here’s a brief summary:

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a medicine ball at chest level.
2. Lift the ball overhead and slam it forcefully onto the ground before you.
3. Engage the core and use your entire body for power.
4. Catch the ball as it bounces back up, and repeat.
5. Breathe in as you lift, exhale as you slam.
6. Aim for 8-12 reps per set, gradually increasing intensity.
7. Take short rests between sets.

Focus on form, choose an appropriate weight, and consult a professional if needed.

5. Plyometric Push-Ups to Build Chest Strength

Explosive push-ups, known as plyometric push-ups, are advanced variations that strengthen the chest muscles. Here’s a brief summary:

1. Start in a push-up position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
2. Lower your body and explosively push off the ground, briefly lifting your hands.
3. Land softly and reset for the next repetition.
4. Begin with 5-8 reps and progress gradually.
5. Prioritize safety and modify as needed.
6. Rest between sets for recovery.

Engage in explosive power, maintain form, and gradually increase intensity.

6. Battle Ropes to Challenge Your Endurance

Battle ropes are a versatile tool for improving endurance and engaging multiple muscles. Here’s a brief summary:

1. Set up the battle ropes securely.
2. Hold the ropes with an overhand grip and maintain good posture.
3. Create waves in the ropes by lifting each arm alternately.
4. Increase the intensity and vary the exercises.
5. Breathe rhythmically and maintain proper form.
6. Start with shorter intervals and gradually increase duration.
7. Use padding or gloves for hand protection and ensure safety.

Enjoy challenging your endurance and engaging muscles with battle ropes.

7. Farmer’s Walk with Kettlebell Swings

Combining farmer’s walks and kettlebell swings creates an effective workout that targets multiple muscles and improves overall strength. Here’s a brief summary:

1. Farmers Walk:

• Hold kettlebells at the sides, engage the core, and walk steadily.
• Gradually increase weight and cover desired distance or time.

2. Kettlebell Swings:

• Hinge at hips and swing the kettlebell forward with powerful hip thrust.
• Focus on form, engage target muscles, and progress gradually.

Remember to maintain proper form, start with suitable weights, and consult a professional if needed.

8. Core V-Sits for Abdominal Stability

V-sits are effective for strengthening the core and improving stability. Here’s a brief summary:

1. Start seated with legs extended and back straight.
2. Lift your legs and lean back slightly, forming a “V” shape with your body.
3. Hold and engage the core while breathing deeply.
4. Lower with control and repeat for desired reps.
5. Modify as needed and gradually increase sets.
6. Maintain proper form and listen to your body.

9. Bear Crawl Exercises Develop Agility

Bear crawl exercises are beneficial for agility development. Here’s a brief summary:

1. Starting position: Begin on all fours with hands under shoulders and knees under hips.
2. Forward Bear Crawl: Move forward by stepping the right hand and left foot together, followed by the left hand and right foot.
3. Backward Bear Crawl: Reverse the movement pattern to move backward, stepping the right hand and left foot back together, followed by the left hand and right foot.
4. Lateral Bear Crawl: Move laterally by stepping right hand and right foot together, followed by the left hand and left foot.
5. Agility Variations: Increase difficulty with bear crawl jumps, explosively jumping forward or laterally while maintaining the bear crawl position.
6. Duration and Sets: Perform for a desired time or distance, gradually increasing as agility improves.
7. Safety: Maintain proper form, engage core muscles, and start with slower movements.

10. High-Intensity Intervals Increase Confidence

Engaging in high-intensity interval training can positively impact confidence levels. Here’s a brief summary:

1. HIIT workouts: Alternating between intense exercise and recovery periods.
2. Endorphins: HIIT releases mood-boosting endorphins, enhancing confidence and well-being.
3. Accomplishment: Overcoming challenges during HIIT fosters a sense of achievement and confidence.
4. Mental resilience: HIIT builds mental strength, boosting confidence in facing challenges.
5. Body transformation: HIIT can boost body image confidence by improving fitness and appearance.
6. Positive feedback loop: HIIT’s positive changes create motivation for continued progress.
7. Individual progress: Personalized HIIT workouts show individual progress, elevating confidence.

At Next Level Fitness, we believe strength and confidence go hand in hand. With consistency comes amazing results, so make sure you give these movements your all! Your well-earned progress will inspire self-confidence, leading to a greater sense of accomplishment—this makes the journey worth it!