Whole-body workout

If you’re new to movement or getting back into activity after some time away, start at a pace that feels right for you and gradually build up. This whole-body workout is designed to help you build strength, improve fitness and feel more confident moving in a way that works for you. 

Workout sequence

Recommended repetitions: 2–3 rounds

This workout can help you work towards meeting the Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, which recommend being physically active on most days and including muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days per week, and functional activities on at least 3 days per week.

Disclaimer: If you have been inactive for a while, have heart disease, or a close relative with heart disease or if you have other major health problems, or are pregnant, please check with your doctor before following these workouts.

1. Side lunges

Recommended repetitions: 10-15 each leg
Demonstration of a side lunge
  1. Start in a standing position with your feet slightly apart
  2. Step out to the side, keeping toes pointing forward
  3. Complete a lunge to the side by hinging back with the hips and bending at the knees to lower downwards
  4. Push off from your bent leg to return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side

2. Push ups on bench/wall/floor

Recommended repetitions: 10-15
Demonstration of a push-up

1. Position hands shoulder width apart on floor, knees bent, ankles crossed
2. Bending at elbows, lower yourself down
3. Keep back straight and core engaged
4. Push back up, straightening elbows. Tip – you can also complete this exercise on a bench or against a wall

3. Dips on floor/bench

Recommended repetitions: 10-15
Demonstration of a tricep dip using a bench
  1. Start by sitting on the edge of a bench/chair. Position your hands and feet shoulder-­width apart and bend your knees at 90 degrees
  2. Straighten your arms, lifting your hips off the bench/chair
  3. Bend elbows until 90 degrees, lowering body toward floor
  4. Push straight back up to the starting position

4. Press and plank

Recommended repetitions: 10-15 each side
Demonstration of a press plank, moving from forearms to hands
  1. Start in a modified side ­plank, resting on your left side with knees bent and in line with your hips
  2. Place your left elbow on the floor directly underneath your shoulder and in line with your body, having your forearm extended out in front of you to stabilise
  3. Hold a filled water bottle in your right hand, right elbow bent and weight resting against your bicep
  4. Lift your hips so your body is straight from knees to shoulders, while also pressing the water bottle up to the ceiling
  5. Lower hips back down to ground. Repeat on the opposite side

5. Superman

Recommended repetitions: 10-15
Demonstration of a superman hold lying face down
  1. Start on your hands and knees, with your back straight and core muscles activated
  2. Keeping your hips low, simultaneously raise your right arm and left leg, straightening at your elbow and knee
  3. Pause then lower to the starting position before alternating sides

6. Shoulder push-up

Recommended repetitions: 5
Demonstration of a shoulder push-up
  1. Start in a modified side ­plank, knees bent
  2. Hold a filled water bottle in your right hand, right elbow bent and weight resting against your bicep
  3. Lift your hips so your body is straight from knees to shoulders, pressing water bottle up to the ceiling
  4. Lower hips back down to ground. Repeat on the opposite side

7. Chair leg squats

Recommended repetitions: 10-15
Demonstration of a chair squat
  1. Stand in front of chair
  2. Slowly squat down until your bottom gently touches the chair
  3. Your knee should not pass over your toe
  4. Pause for 1 second and then slowly come back up again.

Physical Activity

Simple workouts for everyone

A great way to fit more movement into your day! Try these free workouts at home or work to improve your balance, strength and energy.

Workouts
Woman performing mountain climbers on a workout mat in the backyard

No running cardio

Get the cardio benefits your heart needs, without the running.
Workouts
Reverse warrior

Yoga for beginners

Yoga can help build strength, awareness, and harmony in both your body and mind. It’s also great for your flexibility.
Workouts
Man doing squat exercise in back yard

Whole-body workout

This whole-body workout requires nothing but a mat and chair and will leave you feeling invigorated and energised!
Workouts
Woman doing dead bug exercise outdoors in back yard

10 minute home workout

Don’t have time for a full 30-minute workout? No problem! This quick workout can be done in just 10 minutes
Workouts
Female doing lunges in lounge room for stability, strength and balance

Stability and balance

Part of ageing well involves maintaining your stability and balance. This workout is a great addition to cardio and strength
Workouts
Woman outside in back yard doing stretching and strength exercises

Total body strength

This workout engages multiple muscle groups and is designed to target full body muscle strength, stability and control.