10 exercises to get lean
GETTING that lean, trim body is everyone’s ultimate goal, but once you enter the gym or embark on a fitness journey, you want to be certain that you’re doing the right exercises. Indeed, according to personal trainer Lennox Richards, to get lean, it’s important to focus on a combination of strength training, cardiovascular exercises, and a balanced diet.
Here are 10 effective exercises he suggests for women aiming to get lean:
Squats
Targeting the lower body, squats engage the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles.
Deadlifts
This compound exercise works multiple muscle groups including the legs, glutes, lower back, and upper back.
Push-ups
Great for strengthening the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core, push-ups can be modified to suit different fitness levels.
Planks
An excellent core-strengthening exercise that also engages the shoulders, back, and glutes.
Lunges
Like squats, lunges work the lower body, focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
Burpees
A full-body exercise that combines elements of strength training and cardio, promoting calorie burning and muscle engagement.
Pull-ups or assisted pull-ups
These engage the upper body, particularly the back, shoulders, and arms.
Bicycle crunches
An effective core exercise that also engages the obliques and hip flexors.
Kettlebell swings
This dynamic movement targets the posterior chain (lower back, glutes, and hamstrings) and helps build power and endurance.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
While not a specific exercise, HIIT involves alternating short bursts of intense activity with periods of rest. It’s highly effective for burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness.
“Remember, along with exercise, a balanced diet is crucial for achieving a lean physique,” Richards said.
