Free-hand workouts

A home workout plan for your age

Pick your age, experience, goal and time. You get a full plan with warm-up, main exercises and stretches, and a timer that guides you through it.

This is a general idea for healthy adults. Stop right away if you feel chest pain, dizziness, breathlessness or sharp pain. With heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, bone loss, joint problems, pregnancy or recent surgery, ask your doctor before starting.

All exercises (51)

๐Ÿ”ฅ March in placeWhole body ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand tall with relaxed shoulders
  2. Lift your knees one at a time, as if walking fast
  3. Swing your arms naturally

๐Ÿ’ก Start slowly and speed up after 20 seconds.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Arm circlesShoulders ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stretch both arms out to the sides
  2. Make small circles forward for half the time
  3. Switch to backward circles

๐Ÿ’ก Keep the circles small and controlled.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Shoulder rollsShoulders, neck ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand or sit tall
  2. Lift both shoulders up toward your ears
  3. Roll them back and down in a smooth circle

๐Ÿ’ก Great for desk workers.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Hip circlesHips, lower back ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips
  2. Draw big slow circles with your hips
  3. Switch direction halfway

๐Ÿ’ก Hold a wall if you feel unsteady.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Torso twistsSpine, waist ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand with feet apart, arms bent at chest height
  2. Rotate your upper body to the right, then left
  3. Keep hips facing forward

๐Ÿ’ก Move smoothly; no jerking.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Gentle neck tiltsNeck ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Sit or stand tall
  2. Slowly tilt your ear toward your right shoulder
  3. Return to centre and tilt to the left

๐Ÿ’ก Never force or spin the neck fully.

๐Ÿƒ Jumping jacksFull body, heart โšก
  1. Stand with feet together, arms at your sides
  2. Jump feet apart while raising arms overhead
  3. Jump back to the start and repeat

๐Ÿ’ก Land softly on the balls of your feet.

๐Ÿƒ High kneesLegs, heart โšก
  1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart
  2. Run in place, lifting knees to hip height
  3. Pump your arms

๐Ÿ’ก Slow down to a march if you tire.

๐Ÿƒ Mountain climbersCore, shoulders, legs โšก
  1. Start in a straight-arm plank
  2. Drive one knee toward your chest
  3. Quickly switch legs

๐Ÿ’ก Keep hips level, not high.

๐Ÿƒ BurpeesFull body โšก
  1. Squat down and place hands on the floor
  2. Step or jump feet back to a plank
  3. Return feet in and stand up, adding a small jump if you can

๐Ÿ’ก Step instead of jumping to make it easier.

๐Ÿƒ Fast marchLegs, heart ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand tall
  2. March quickly, lifting knees higher than normal walking
  3. Swing arms firmly

๐Ÿ’ก A low-impact way to raise your heart rate.

๐Ÿƒ Side stepsLegs, hips ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand with feet together, knees slightly bent
  2. Step to the right, then bring your left foot to meet it
  3. Step back to the left and repeat

๐Ÿ’ก Add arm swings to raise the effort.

๐Ÿƒ Shadow boxingArms, shoulders, heart ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, fists up
  2. Punch forward alternately with each hand
  3. Keep your knees soft and move your feet lightly

๐Ÿ’ก Do not lock your elbows at full stretch.

๐Ÿƒ Step-upsThighs, glutes ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Face a low, sturdy step or bottom stair
  2. Step up with your right foot, then the left
  3. Step down one foot at a time; alternate the lead foot

๐Ÿ’ก Hold a rail if you need balance.

๐Ÿฆต Bodyweight squatThighs, glutes
  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
  2. Push hips back and bend knees as if sitting on a chair
  3. Press through your heels to stand

๐Ÿ’ก Keep your knees in line with your toes.

๐Ÿฆต Chair squat (sit-to-stand)Thighs, glutes ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Sit near the front of a sturdy chair, feet flat
  2. Lean slightly forward and stand up without using your hands
  3. Lower slowly back down

๐Ÿ’ก Put the chair against a wall so it cannot slide.

๐Ÿฆต Reverse lungeThighs, glutes, balance
  1. Stand tall with hands on hips
  2. Step one foot back and lower your back knee toward the floor
  3. Push through the front heel to return; switch legs

๐Ÿ’ก Hold a wall for balance at first.

๐Ÿฆต Glute bridgeGlutes, hamstrings, lower back ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat
  2. Press through your heels and lift your hips
  3. Squeeze at the top, then lower slowly

๐Ÿ’ก Do not arch your lower back.

๐Ÿฆต Calf raisesCalves, ankles ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand tall, one hand on a wall for support
  2. Rise onto your toes
  3. Lower slowly

๐Ÿ’ก Pause for a second at the top.

๐Ÿฆต Wall sitThighs, glutes ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Lean your back against a wall
  2. Slide down until knees are bent, as high as you like
  3. Hold, breathing normally

๐Ÿ’ก A higher position is easier and still works.

๐Ÿฆต Standing side leg raiseHips, outer thighs ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand tall holding a wall or chair
  2. Lift one leg out to the side without leaning
  3. Lower slowly; switch legs

๐Ÿ’ก Keep your toes pointing forward.

๐Ÿ’ช Push-upChest, arms, core
  1. Place hands slightly wider than shoulders, body in a straight line
  2. Lower your chest toward the floor
  3. Push back up without sagging hips

๐Ÿ’ก Switch to knee push-ups if form slips.

๐Ÿ’ช Knee push-upChest, arms
  1. Kneel, hands under shoulders, body straight from knees to head
  2. Lower your chest toward the floor
  3. Push back up

๐Ÿ’ก Use a folded towel under your knees.

๐Ÿ’ช Wall push-upChest, arms ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand an arm's length from a wall, palms on the wall
  2. Bend elbows and lean your chest toward the wall
  3. Push back to the start

๐Ÿ’ก Step further back to make it harder.

๐Ÿ’ช Chair dipsBack of arms (triceps)
  1. Sit on a sturdy chair edge, hands beside hips, then slide forward
  2. Bend elbows to lower your hips a little
  3. Press back up

๐Ÿ’ก Use a chair that cannot slide.

๐Ÿ’ช SupermanLower back, glutes ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Lie face down with arms stretched forward
  2. Lift arms and legs slightly off the floor
  3. Hold one second, then lower

๐Ÿ’ก Lift only a little; no need to go high.

๐Ÿ’ช Bird-dogBack, core, balance ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Start on hands and knees
  2. Stretch your right arm forward and left leg back
  3. Return and switch sides

๐Ÿ’ก Keep your back flat like a table.

๐ŸŽฏ PlankCore, shoulders
  1. Rest on forearms and toes, elbows under shoulders
  2. Keep your body in one straight line
  3. Hold, breathing steadily

๐Ÿ’ก Stop when your hips start to sag.

๐ŸŽฏ Knee plankCore ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Rest on forearms and knees
  2. Line up shoulders, hips and knees
  3. Hold, breathing steadily

๐Ÿ’ก A gentler start to plank.

๐ŸŽฏ CrunchesAbdomen
  1. Lie on your back, knees bent, hands by your ears
  2. Lift your shoulders slightly off the floor
  3. Lower slowly; do not pull on your neck

๐Ÿ’ก Small lifts are enough.

๐ŸŽฏ Dead bugDeep core ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Lie on your back, arms up, knees bent over hips
  2. Lower your right arm and left leg toward the floor
  3. Return and switch sides, back flat

๐Ÿ’ก Move slowly with steady breathing.

๐ŸŽฏ Bicycle crunchAbdomen, waist
  1. Lie on your back, hands by your ears
  2. Bring right elbow toward left knee while straightening the other leg
  3. Switch sides in a pedalling motion

๐Ÿ’ก Go slow; speed does not help.

๐ŸŽฏ Standing knee-to-elbowWaist, balance ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand tall, hands behind your head
  2. Lift your right knee and bring your left elbow toward it
  3. Switch sides

๐Ÿ’ก Hold a wall if unsteady.

๐ŸŽฏ Seated knee liftsLower abdomen, hip flexors ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Sit tall near the front of a chair, hands holding the seat
  2. Lift one knee toward your chest
  3. Lower and switch legs

๐Ÿ’ก Keep your back tall, do not slump.

๐Ÿง Wall angelsUpper back, shoulders ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand with your back, head and hips lightly on a wall
  2. Bend elbows and place arms against the wall like a goalpost
  3. Slide arms up and down slowly

๐Ÿ’ก Go only as far as you can without pain.

๐Ÿง Chin tucksNeck ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Sit or stand tall, looking straight ahead
  2. Gently draw your chin straight back, making a double chin
  3. Hold two seconds and release

๐Ÿ’ก Helps with 'phone neck'.

๐Ÿง Doorway chest stretchChest, front shoulders ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand in a doorway, forearms on the frame at shoulder height
  2. Step one foot forward
  3. Lean gently until you feel a stretch across your chest

๐Ÿ’ก Do not push into pain.

๐Ÿง Cat-cowSpine ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Start on hands and knees
  2. Breathe in, dip your belly and lift your chest
  3. Breathe out, round your back toward the ceiling

๐Ÿ’ก Move with your breath.

๐Ÿง Thoracic rotationMid back ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Start on hands and knees, right hand behind your head
  2. Rotate your right elbow down toward the left arm
  3. Then open it up toward the ceiling; switch sides

๐Ÿ’ก Follow your elbow with your eyes.

๐Ÿคธ Hamstring stretchBack of thighs ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Place one heel on a low step or the floor, leg straight
  2. Hinge forward from the hips with a flat back
  3. Hold until you feel a gentle stretch

๐Ÿ’ก Never bounce.

๐Ÿคธ Standing quad stretchFront of thighs ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Hold a wall for balance
  2. Bend one knee and hold your ankle behind you
  3. Keep knees close together and hold

๐Ÿ’ก Use a towel around your ankle if you cannot reach.

๐Ÿคธ Child's poseBack, hips ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Kneel and sit back toward your heels
  2. Stretch your arms forward on the floor
  3. Rest your forehead down and breathe slowly

๐Ÿ’ก Place a pillow under your knees if needed.

๐Ÿคธ Cobra stretchAbdomen, lower back
  1. Lie face down, hands under shoulders
  2. Gently press up, lifting your chest
  3. Keep hips on the floor and hold

๐Ÿ’ก Skip if it pinches your lower back.

๐Ÿคธ Standing side bendSides of the waist ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart
  2. Raise your right arm overhead
  3. Bend gently to the left and hold; switch sides

๐Ÿ’ก Do not lean forward or back.

๐Ÿคธ Wall calf stretchCalves ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Face a wall with hands on it
  2. Step one foot back, heel on the floor
  3. Bend your front knee until you feel a stretch in the back calf

๐Ÿ’ก Keep the back heel down.

๐Ÿคธ Cross-body shoulder stretchShoulders ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Bring your right arm across your chest
  2. Hold it with your left hand just above the elbow
  3. Hold and switch arms

๐Ÿ’ก Keep shoulders relaxed, not shrugged.

๐Ÿคธ Seated figure-4 stretchGlutes, hips ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Sit tall on a chair
  2. Rest your right ankle on your left knee
  3. Lean forward slightly with a straight back; switch sides

๐Ÿ’ก Great after long sitting.

๐Ÿคธ Neck side stretchNeck ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Sit tall, shoulders relaxed
  2. Tilt your right ear toward your right shoulder
  3. Hold gently; switch sides

๐Ÿ’ก No pulling with your hand.

๐Ÿคธ Slow deep breathingCalm the mind ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Sit or stand comfortably, one hand on your belly
  2. Breathe in slowly through the nose for 4 counts
  3. Breathe out gently for 6 counts

๐Ÿ’ก Also try the box-breathing timer on the Relax page.

โš–๏ธ Single-leg standBalance, ankles ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand next to a wall or sturdy chair
  2. Lift one foot slightly off the floor
  3. Hold and switch legs

๐Ÿ’ก Keep a hand near the support.

โš–๏ธ Heel-to-toe walkBalance, legs ๐ŸŒฟ
  1. Stand near a wall
  2. Place one foot directly in front of the other, heel touching toes
  3. Walk slowly in a straight line

๐Ÿ’ก Look ahead, not at your feet.

๐ŸŒฟ Low-impact, suitable for 51+ ยท โšก Jumping or high-impact

Staying safe

  • Not on an empty stomach or right after a meal; 1โ€“2 hours after eating is better.
  • Use a flat, non-slip surface and a mat or towel.
  • Mild effort is normal, but pain means stop.
  • 3โ€“5 days a week is plenty, with rest in between. WHO advises adults at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week plus muscle-strengthening on 2 days.

Calories are estimates (MET values: Compendium of Physical Activities). WHO โ€” Physical activity

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General information for healthy adults, not medical advice. If you have a condition, are pregnant or take medication, ask your doctor.

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