Men's Health Workout Routines

Proper diet and regular exercise are undisputed by all but a few as the healthiest path to physical fitness. Reducing the risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and depression are only a few of the many benefits of being physically fit, according to the University of Minnesota. Workout routines can include activities that strengthen muscles, such as weightlifting, or aerobic activities, which intensify your breathing, heart rate and blood flow, such as swimming, running or even walking briskly.

Bicep Curls

If you want big arms, developing the bicep muscles is essential. The barbell curl is the mainstay of bicep exercises. Alternate your grip using both wide and narrow for best results. Perform four sets of six to eight repetitions each.

Incline Curl with Dumbbell

Using dumbbells isolates the bicep muscle on each arm, helping correct any imbalances between the biceps. The incline seating position helps eliminate incorrect form, such as rocking the torso back and forth, which reduces the effectiveness of the exercise. The incline relative to the inclined position of the body works the outside, long head of the biceps muscle. Do four sets of eight to ten repetitions apiece.

Sissy Squats

Sissy squats are an effective way to develop your quadriceps muscles, and you do not need weights or a gym to do them. Use a Swiss ball, chair or table that comes to about waist height for stabilization during the movement. With your feet spread hip width apart, slowly begin to squat down toward the floor, shifting your weight onto the balls of your feet as much as possible. You want your shins to be parallel with the floor. When you feel the burn in your quadriceps, return to the starting position. Focus on maintaining a straight back, resisting the urge to bend at the waist. Do three sets of 12 repetitions.

Lunges

Lunges are an effective exercise that works your leg, abdominal, back and buttock muscles. You can do lunges in or out of the gym---with or without weights. Balance is essential while performing lunges, so use a Swiss ball for stability if needed. Stand erect, one leg 24 inches out in front of the other. Be certain to keep your toes pointed forward. Slowly bend at the knee of your forward leg, touching the floor with the knee of your rear leg. Keep your weight on the heel of the front foot. Do three sets of 12 repetitions each.

The Plank

The plank exercise is a simple exercise that you can do in the gym or at home; no weights are used. The plank works the abdominal, back, chest and many other secondary muscles. Lie on the floor flat, your hands on the floor---palms facing down. Raise your entire body off the floor, supporting your weight on your toes and forearms. Contract your abdominal muscles and keep your body level throughout the exercise. Hold for up to one minute before lowering yourself to the floor. Do three sets lasting up to 60 seconds each.