When it comes to staying fit and healthy, exercising regularly is key. Not only do regular workouts help you maintain a healthy weight, but they also boost your energy, improve your mood, and reduce your risk of chronic illnesses.

But with so many different types of exercises out there, it can be tough to know where to start.

If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your body and improve your overall fitness, these ten exercises are a great place to start:.

1. Squats

Squats are one of the most effective exercises for building lower body strength and developing muscle tone in your legs and glutes. To perform a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your toes pointing forward.

Lower your hips back and down as if you’re sitting in a chair, making sure your knees don’t extend past your toes. Keep your chest up and your weight in your heels, then push back up to the starting position. Do three sets of 10-15 reps.

2. Bench press

The bench press is one of the most popular strength training exercises out there, and for good reason. It’s effective for building upper body strength and improving muscle definition in your chest, shoulders, and triceps.

To perform a bench press, lie flat on a bench with your feet on the floor and your hands gripping the barbell. Lower the barbell down to your chest, then press it back up to the starting position. Do three sets of 10-12 reps.

3. Deadlifts

Deadlifts are a compound exercise that target multiple muscle groups, including your legs, glutes, and back. This exercise is great for building overall strength and improving your posture.

To perform a deadlift, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your shins close to the bar. Bend down and grip the bar with both hands, then straighten your legs and lift the weight up to your hips. Lower the weight back down to the ground with control. Do three sets of 8-10 reps.

4. Lunges

Lunges are another great exercise for building lower body strength and developing muscle tone in your legs, glutes, and hips. To perform a lunge, step forward with one foot and lower your body down until your back knee is just above the ground.

Keep your front knee directly above your ankle, then press back up to the starting position. Complete the same number of reps on each leg. Do three sets of 10-12 reps.

5. Planks

Planks are a simple but effective exercise for building core strength and stability. Start in a push-up position, then lower your forearms to the ground so that your elbows are directly beneath your shoulders.

Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe, engage your core, and hold this position for as long as you can. Do three sets, holding for 30 seconds each.

6. Pull-ups

Pull-ups are an advanced exercise that challenge your upper body strength and improve your grip. If you’re new to pull-ups, you can start by using an assisted pull-up machine or resistance bands to help you perform the movement.

To perform a pull-up, grip the bar with your palms facing away from you and your hands wider than shoulder-width apart. Pull your body up until your chin is above the bar, then lower your body back down with control. Do three sets of as many reps as possible.

7. Push-ups

Push-ups are a classic exercise that are effective for building upper body strength and improving muscle definition in your chest, shoulders, and triceps. To perform a push-up, start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart.

Lower your body down until your chest touches the ground, then press back up to the starting position. Do three sets of 10-15 reps.

8. Standing overhead press

The standing overhead press is an effective exercise for building upper body strength and developing muscle tone in your shoulders and triceps.

To perform a standing overhead press, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell or dumbbells at shoulder height, palms facing forward. Press the weight overhead until your arms are fully extended, then lower back down to the starting position. Do three sets of 10-12 reps.

9. Bicep curls

Bicep curls are a simple but effective exercise for building arm strength and developing muscle tone in your biceps. To perform a bicep curl, hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing forward.

Keep your elbows close to your body as you curl the weight up towards your shoulders, then lower back down to the starting position. Do three sets of 10-12 reps on each arm.

10. Russian twists

Russian twists are a great exercise for building core strength and stability, as well as targeting your obliques. To perform a Russian twist, sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

Hold a weight or medicine ball in front of your chest, then lean back slightly and twist your torso to the left. Return to the center, then twist to the right. Do three sets of 10-12 reps on each side.

By incorporating these ten exercises into your fitness routine, you’ll be able to target multiple muscle groups and improve your overall strength and fitness levels.