7 Best Exercises to Build Strength ...

Why bother going to the gym if you're not going to break a serious sweat doing the best exercises to build strength? One of the most essential parts of going to the gym, or exercising at all, is to build strength, right? Strength helps you lose fat more efficiently, and also helps you in other aspects in life like running faster, or building endurance. This article will give you the know-how on 8 best exercises to build strength... and get bikini ready.

1. Squats

There’s no way we could forget about squats! Squats are a pain, but they are great, because they exercise the entire body. They target the abdominals, the muscles of your hips, thighs, lower back and buttocks. They're also awesome for strengthening your entire core. The exercise starts by moving the hips back and bending the knees and hips to lower the torso then returning to the upright position you started with. There’s no better way to get that beach body you want, without trying out one of the best exercises to build strength: trusty ol’ squats!

2. Deadlifts

Lifting weights is not only for men! If you want to sculpt your arms into perfection, and strengthen the rest of your body at the same time, look no further. Deadlifts are the solution! Deadlifts are usually performed by using things like dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells. You can choose to either use one hand or two hands & with one leg or two legs to get variation on your workout. It is definitely one of the best exercises to build strength in my book.

3. Bench Press

The bench press is an exercise that works out the upper body. It mainly serves the triceps, chest, and back. It’s important to start off slow, and lift a smaller weight, if you’ve never done it before. A bench press is done while lying on your back, and the weight is lowered close to your chest, and then pushed all the way up, until your elbow has straightened. You have to make you have a spotter, and that you have the correct form, or there could be some serious injuries, ladies!

4. Shoulder Press

Ah, shoulder press. One of the great exercises to make your arms the center of attention if that’s what you’re looking for. Shoulder presses work out your biceps, triceps, and of course, shoulders. They are usually done using dumbbells held in both hands by your side, and they are pressed upwards and over your head until they touch. Be careful not to use dumbbells that are too heavy, or else you’ll strain something. If done properly, you’ll be on your way to doing one-handed pushups in no time.

5. Crunches

The list could not go on without crunches. They are one of the best exercises to build strength and to make your tummy look amazing. Crunches mainly target the abdominals. While lying on the floor, and your knees bent, you curl your shoulders towards your pelvis. You can keep your hands at your side, across your chest, or behind your head. But, make sure not to push or you could cause injury!

6. Pushups

Pushups, pushups, pushups… oh, how I remember they used to terrorize me back in grade school. I remember a time when I could only do three during one set. Now, along with the other exercises, I can do a bunch more. Pushups target your arms, chest, and shoulders, and if your keep your abdominal muscles tight, those will get a workout too! By getting into a position where your legs are straight, and off the floor, and your hands are placed shoulder-width apart on the floor, you raise and lower your body with your arms. It seems hard at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. It’s one of the best exercises to build strength and you might even be lucky enough to impress and snag a military man with all your womanly strength. (Wink, wink)

7. Pull Ups

What’s that you say? You can’t do pull ups? Nonsense! You can, in fact, do pull ups, and lift your own body weight. With the proper form and training that is. Most women have little upper body strength, and pull-ups could change that! Pull ups work on your shoulders and arms. But, you have to be super careful not to over exert yourself. Because you’re grabbing hold of a pull up bar, and lifting your own weight, I suggest you start with a machine that assists you. After you’re strong enough, and more comfortable, then you’re ready to test it out on your own!

These may be difficult to execute at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be the strongest person you know! These exercises not only help you build strength, but it also makes for a more fit and healthier you! These are the 8 best exercises to build strength that I can think of. Are there any strength-building exercises you like?