ActiveThis full-body workout for beginners builds functional strength and boosts longevityAnd all you need is a single dumbbellWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

ActiveThis full-body workout for beginners builds functional strength and boosts longevityAnd all you need is a single dumbbellWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

And all you need is a single dumbbell

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A woman doing a bodyweight squat in her living room

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you want to move better, live longer and feel better in your body, then strength training is one of the best forms of exercise (sorry for sounding like a broken record, but it’s true). But, where on earth do you start? Contrary to what you see on social media, strength training doesn’t have to be complicated, or even require a gym membership. Fitness Coach,James Stirling, more commonly known as ‘The London Fitness Guy’, says this is the strength workout beginners need to save, and all you’ll need is onedumbbell.

For this workout you’re going to need your one dumbbell (orkettlebell), something soft beneath you, and a chair or sofa. What we really like is that it focuses on the four main movement patterns: squat, hinge, push and pull. James suggests aiming for 10-15 reps per exercise, using a moderately heavy weight, and ensuring you’re lifting under control. Basically, don’t rush your reps, we only want good movement to avoid injury. Aim to complete three to four rounds in total and rest as and when you need to. Here’s your workout:

We’ve got plenty more beginner workouts here at T3, like thisfive-move dumbbell workoutthat’ll only take you 30 minutes. If you want to focus on a specific area, like your core strength, thesefive PT-approved exercisesare a great place to start. Alternatively, if you’d like to try a different style of training altogether, like Pilates, thiseight-move workoutis brilliant for your posture and building full-body strength.

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