Strengthen your entire body with general exercises that target multiple muscle groups. Strength training uses your body weight, resistance bands and weights to achieve stronger muscles. General strengthening exercises provide benefits for your body including strong bones, weight control and increased stamina, according to information from MayoClinic.com.
Yoga for Strength
Use the classic yoga position "downward facing dog," also called adho mukha shvanasana, to gain strength by using your own body weight. This general strengthening exercise targets your arms, back, butt and legs. Start on your hands and knees. Your palms should be flat on the floor, directly under your shoulders with your fingers spread apart. Lift into downward facing dog by curling your toes under, straightening your legs and lowering your heels towards the floor. Your body should form a triangle with the floor. Take three to five deep breaths here and return to the starting position. Repeat up to 10 times.
Squats with Dumbbells
Try doing your squats with dumbbells, as suggested by ACE Fitness, for a general strengthening exercise for your entire body, especially your back, butt, hips and legs. Hold your dumbbells with your arms bent so your pinky fingers face the front of the room. Place your feet slightly wider than your hips with your toes facing front. Lower your body slowly by bending your knees up to 90 degrees and hinging at the waist as if to sit down in a chair. Stand up to complete the repetition. Keep your knees behind the tips of your toes to prevent knee strain. Work up to three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.
Push-Ups with a Stability Ball
Take out your stability ball for push-ups, as recommended by Fitness Magazine. This general strengthening exercise makes your arms, chest and core muscles stronger. Performing this classic exercise with the ball activates your core muscles and guards against deltoid strain. Lie on top of your ball. Place your hands on the floor and walk them forward until your thighs rest on top of the ball. Contract your abdominal muscles and bend your arms to lower your body to the floor. Maintain this position for 3 seconds and push up. Work up to 15 repetitions and then add another set.
Lunge with Dumbbells and a Resistance Band
Combine dumbbells and a resistance band for strength results two to three times faster than using dumbbells alone, according to information from Fitness Magazine. Place your left foot over the center of your elastic. With dumbbells in-hand, grab the ends of your elastic. Step back into a lunge with your right foot keeping the heel off the floor, arms at your sides. Extend your arms behind you, keeping the muscles activated and your chest lifted. Work up to 4 to 6 repetitions and change sides.
