10 Exercises to Tone Every Inch of Your Body

 Benefits of working out

We know daily exercise is good for optimizing health. But with so many options and unlimited information available, it's easy to get overwhelmed by what works. But don't worry. We've got your back (and body)!

Check out 10 exercises you can do for ultimate fitness. Combine them into a routine for a workout that's simple yet powerful and sure to keep you in shape for the rest of your life.

After 30 days – even though you can only do this twice a week – you should see improvements in muscle strength, endurance and balance.

Also, notice a difference in how your clothes fit — winner!

Why These 10 Exercises Will Rock Your Body

A surefire way to effectively attack your fitness regimen? Keep the fuss to a minimum and stick to the basics.

1. Lungs

Challenging your balance is an essential part of a well-rounded exercise routine. Lunges do just that, promoting functional movement and increasing strength in your legs and glutes.

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides.

Take a step forward with your right foot and bend your right knee as you do this, stopping when your thigh is parallel to the ground. Make sure your right knee does not extend past your right leg.

Push off from your right leg and return to the starting position. Repeat with your left leg. This one is representative.

Complete 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

2. Pushups

Drop in and give me 20! Pushups are one of the most basic yet effective bodyweight moves you can perform because of how many muscles are recruited to perform them.

Start in a plank position. Your core should be tight, shoulders pulled down and back, and your neck should be neutral.

Bend your elbows and begin to lower your body to the floor. When your chest hits it, extend your elbows and return to the start. Focus on keeping your elbows close to your body during the movement.

Complete 3 sets of as many reps as possible.

If you can't do a standard pushup with good form, drop to a modified position on your knees—you'll still get a lot of benefit from this exercise while building strength.

3. Squats

Squats increase lower body and core strength, as well as flexibility in your lower back and hips. Because they engage some of the largest muscles in the body, they also pack a big punch in terms of calories burned.

Start by standing straight, with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.

Brace your core and, keeping your chest and chin up, push your hips back and bend your knees as if you were about to sit in a chair.

Making sure your knees don't bend inward or outward, lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground, bringing your arms out in front of you in a comfortable position. Pause for 1 second, then extend your legs and return to the starting position.

Complete 3 sets of 20 repetitions.

4. Standing Overhead Dumbbell Press

Compound exercises, which use multiple joints and muscles, are perfect for busy bees because they work different parts of your body together. The standing overhead press is not only one of the best exercises you can do for your shoulders, but it also engages your upper back and core.

Equipment: 10-pound dumbbells

Choose a light set of dumbbells — we recommend 10 pounds to start with — and start standing with your feet shoulder-width apart or staggered. Move the weights overhead so that your upper arms are parallel to the floor.

Bracing your core, start pushing up until your arms are fully extended above your head. Keep your head and neck still.

After a short pause, bend your elbows and lower the weight until your triceps muscles are parallel to the floor again.

Complete 3 sets of 12 repetitions.

5. Dumbbell row

Not only will they make your backside look killer in that outfit, but dumbbell rows are also another compound exercise that strengthens multiple muscles in your upper body. Choose a medium weight dumbbell and make sure you are pressing at the top of the movement.

Equipment: 10-pound dumbbells

Start with a dumbbell in each hand. We recommend no more than 10 pounds for beginners.

Bend forward at the waist, so that your back is at a 45-degree angle to the ground. Make sure not to arch your back. Let your arms hang straight down. Make sure your neck is in line with your back and your core is engaged.

Starting with your right arm, bend your elbow and pull the weight straight up toward your chest, making sure to engage your lats and stop just below your chest.

Return to the starting position and repeat with the left arm. This one is representative. Repeat 10 times for 3 sets.

6. Single leg deadlift

This is another exercise that challenges your balance. Single-leg deadlifts require stability and leg strength. Hold light to medium dumbbells to complete this move.

Equipment: Dumbbells

Begin standing with a dumbbell in your right hand