When it comes to building strength, a total body approach is key. That means working all the major muscle groups—upper body, lower body, and core—rather than focusing on just one area over and over.
Why does this matter? Because your body is designed to move as a whole. Strength in one area supports strength in another. And when we build a balanced foundation, we move better, feel better, and reduce the risk of injury.
Variety matters, too.
It’s easy to fall into a routine of doing the same exercises week after week, but mixing things up challenges your muscles in new ways and helps you break through plateaus. Plus, let’s be honest—it keeps things a whole lot more fun.
To help you stay strong and inspired, I put together a video of 16 of my go-to total body strength exercises. These are the ones I come back to again and again in my own workouts and the ones I often include in Faithful Workouts routines.
Each one trains multiple muscles at once, and many can be done with just your bodyweight or a simple pair of dumbbells. I also show different modifications for each move so you can choose the variation that works best with your body!
Mix & Match Tip:
Choose 5–6 exercises below to build your own total body circuit. Do 45 seconds of work, 15 seconds of rest, and repeat 2–3 rounds for an effective and efficient workout.
Your Turn:
Start by choosing 4–5 new exercises to try this week. Keep what challenges you, and rotate in new ones to keep it fresh. Strength training doesn’t have to be complicated, but you should remain consistent and intentional.
And remember: when we move our bodies with care, we honor the gift God has given us.
