Gym Workout Names: Exercise List With Pictures & Muscles Worked

Most gym enthusiasts go for gym workout and sessions, but interestingly, very few know the different gym workout names that they are expected to attempt in their gym depending on their fitness schedule. When you know these gym workout names and how they are performed in a gym, it becomes far easier to refine your aim and build a plan. The knowledge you acquire while knowing about these workouts, also help you establish a balanced workout schedule helping you understand more about the muscles targeted by each movement.

You may browse through gym exercise name list with pictures for a better understanding of the workout. Here is the workout name list that you can go through.

Chest Exercises

Bench Press

Bench press is among the most common exercises for the chest. It mainly targets the chest and simultaneously helps work the front shoulders and the triceps. Triceps, chest, and deltoids are targeted. The benefit of this workout is that it allows each arm to work independently.

Incline bench press

As the gym exercise name suggests, this kind of exercise is performed on an inclined bench. The emphasis is more on the upper portions of the chest. Shoulders, triceps, and the upper chest are the muscles focused here.

Dumbbell fly

Training of the chest takes place with the help of a wide arc movement. The exercise can be conveniently performed on an incline and a flat bench. The chest is the major muscle stressed here. You can browse gym workout names with images to understand this workout better.

 Dumbbell Bench Press

This one, among the many gym workout names focuses on the dual-dumbbell setup than working around only a barbell. Each arm gets room for independent movement, and the muscles targeted are chest, shoulders, and triceps.

Push-ups

These are bodyweight exercises that one can perform anywhere, without going the gym, and is a well-known gym exercise name. They target not just the chest but also the core and the arms.

Back Exercises

Bent-over rows

Hips are to be hinged, and the knee bend should be slight. Hold the barbell and the dumbbells. After this, you need to just pull the weight in the direction of your lower abdomen.

Lat Pulldowns

Grab the wide bar of the cable machine, and let it be pulled down to the upper portion of your chest. You are supposed to squeeze the shoulder blades together.

Deadlifts

A barbell full of weight should be lifted from the floor. Drive it through your heels, extend your hips, and let the neutral spine of your body target the entire posterior half of your body.

Pull-ups

It is one of the most common gym workout names most of us know about. The overhand pull-up bar should be grabbed, the grip should be wide, with body pulled up, your chin should clear the bar till then.

Bird dog

Take the help of your knees and hands. It is to be performed by extending your right arm t the front and the left leg to the back. Hold on for seconds, the sides should be switched with process repeated to help lower back strengthen up.

Shoulder Exercises

Seated dumbbell press

Do not lock the elbows. Press two dumbbells overhead from the height of your shoulders. It helps build the strength for a foundation across the shoulder heads.

Arnold press

Let your palms face yourself at the height of your shoulder. Rotate your wrists and press up. Rotation should be in an outward direction that would help multiple upper body muscles engage well.

Standing lateral raise

Light dumbbells should be lifted up to the sides. They must be parallel to the floor. It helps create isolation for the middle part of the deltoid and widens it.

Bent-over rear delt fly

Bend forward. Either support your head on a bench and bend at the waist. The weights must be lifted to the sides. It would then target the rear parts of the deltoids.

Biceps Exercises

Barbell curl

This is a classic form of exercise that is performed by curling a barbell towards the shoulder. The arms must stay stable. Forearms and the biceps are targeted.

Dumbbell Curl

Arms are made to work independently. Balanced strength of the body is improved between sides. Forearms and the biceps are targeted.

Hammer curl

Palms face inward, and neutral grips are utilized. Biceps are targeted along with the forearms and the brachialis.

Preacher Curl

Upper arms get support in this form of exercise against the padded surfaces. The movement is largely focused on the biceps.

Concentration curl

This exercise is performed with a single arm at a time. Controlled movement of the body is encouraged, and the targeted muscles are the biceps.

Cable curl

This exercise offers consistent resistance throughout the movement. They are performed using the grips and the handles. Forearms and biceps are targeted.

Triceps Exercises

Cable pushdown

A rope or a bar should be attached to a high pulley on the cable machine. Elbows must be placed closer to the sides of the body. The attachment should then be pushed down. Continue this until the arms are straight.

Skull Crusher/ Lying Triceps Extension

Hold dumbbells or an EZ bar and lie down on a bench; extend your hands in an upward direction, and your elbows should be bent. The weight should be lowered to your forehead. Lateral head mass building is the primary target.

Overhead Dumbbell Extension

Both hands should be overhead. The weight right behind head can be lowered by bending your elbows. Press back up. Arm thickness is targeted.

Diamond Push-Up

Use your index fingers to slip into plank position. Thumbs must touch the lower portion of your chest so that a diamond shape forms. Chest should be lowered in the direction of the floor. Push back up. Triceps are targeted.

Leg Exercises

Squats

Squats are the most commonly performed among other gym workout names. Use your feet shoulder width to stand, hips must be pushed back, knees are to be bent such that you lower the body as if you are sitting in chair. Target the front thighs, back thighs, and the buttocks.

Lunges

Backward and forward steps should be attempted with a single leg. Hips should be lowered until both knees can properly bend at an angle of 90 degrees. Push up and restart. Glutes, quads, and the calves are targeted.

Calf raises

Stand on your toes and rise. Gradually, the heels should be lowered back down right on the floor. It helps build calf strength in the lower portion of your body.

Glute Bridges

Lie on your back. Get your knees bent with feet lying flat on the floor. Hips should be lifted in the direction of ceiling and let your glutes squeeze. It would help strengthen hamstrings and the glutes.

Glute Exercises

Hip Thrusts

Use a bench and sit against your upper back. A weight or barbell must be placed across hips; the pelvis should be lifted upward, accompanied by the squeezing of the glutes.

Squats

Feet shoulder-width apart must be placed while standing. Hips must be lowered back and down as you do when you sit in a chair. Use your heels to push against and stand back up. Repeat the sets.

Romanian Deadlifts (RDL)

Barbells or dumbbells must be held right in front of your thighs. Hips are to be pushed back and straight. There should be slight bending of the knees. Go back and stand again with the help of squeezing your glutes. Repeat the sets.

Bulgarian Split Squats

Place your foot on a chair or bench in the backward direction. Back knee should be lowered in the direction of the floor. Attempt to push up with the front heel. Repeat the sets for better results.

Glute Bridges

Keep your knees in the bending position and the feet should be kept flat on floor. You must lie on back and lift up hips in the direction of the ceiling. It is usually performed by pressing through heels. Repeat the sets.

Ab and Core Exercises

Crunches

Crunches - the most common form of workout among the multiple gym workout names that target abdominal muscles. Lie your body flat on back, knees should be bent, shoulder should be lifted towards knees. It targets abdominal muscles and also helps in building the core strength of the muscles.

Planks

The body should be held straight on the forearms as well as toes. The core must be kept tight. The exercise should help strengthen the core with the help of adequate isometric hold. Side planks can also be done by lying on the side.

Reverse Crunch

Lie on your back with knees bent; hips should be curled in the upper direction towards the chest. The idea is to help target abdominal muscles, further enhancing control of the hip movement.

Bicycle Crunch

Lie flat on back and in alternate ways you should lift each elbow towards opposite knee as if you are riding a bicycle. Target is on oblique and the abs through rotation and flexion.

Russian twist

Sit and let your knees bend; with slighter leaning back, allow your torso be rotated from sides. In this exercise, the core and the obliques can be engaged, enhancing controlled rotation of the torso and surrounding muscles.

Hanging leg raise

Hang your body from the pull-up bar, gradually raise your legs but keep them in a controlled position. Muscles targeted are hip flexors and the abs.

Full-Body Exercises

Squats

Works and supports muscles around your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and the core. One should use either body weight or hold weights to perform squats.

Push-ups

These are designed to engage shoulders, chest, triceps, and core stability.

Rows

The exercises are designed to work the lats, upper back, as well as the biceps.

Deadlifts

Deadlifts help target your glutes, lower back, core, and the hamstrings.

Overhead Press

These are designed to strengthen the upper back, shoulders, triceps, and the core of the body.

Burpees

A smart combination of planks, squats, push-ups, as well as the jump for intensive cardio with a focus on strength. It’s a common one among the workout name list.

Cardio Exercises

Treadmill

One must begin with a comfortable and steady pace and slowly boost the incline or the speed, and comfort can be guaranteed with the best gym clothing, like the Gym compression T-shirt available at Alllofficials for gym enthusiasts. Treadmill workout helps body improve its endurance and strength through jogging, walking, and running and is one of the most preferred workout names in gym.

Cycling

Pedalling should start at a steady pace, and the resistance should be adjusted as per the fitness level of the individual. It helps build cardiovascular endurance and supports the body working out around the legs.

Burpees

This exercise is a higher-intensity workout that supports the entire body. You should squat down, kick feet in the backward direction, get back to the squats and jump in the upward direction.

Jumping jacks

This involves the full body and helps raise your overall heart rate. While you jump, the arm movement should be overhead, and the legs should be outward. Repeat the process after you return to the starting position.

Rowing

Rowing helps support a complete body cardio workout. It helps build endurance in the body. Push with the help of your legs; the handle should then be pulled towards your chest. Gradually, you return to the starting position. Look through the gym workout names with images to find out what rowing looks like.

Gym Exercises by Muscle Group

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How to Choose the Right Gym Exercise

Let your body movements, schedule, and endurance decide your most suitable gym exercise pattern. Here are the factors that should motivate you to make an informed decision:

Define goals

Choose exercises that are focused on building muscle strength first. Add aerobics; focus on fat loss and improvement of cardio. The workout should also help you relieve stress and move with better flexibility, balance, and overall control.

Match experience

Beginners must start with resistance machines, and as you advance, you transition into free weight lifting, challenging your balance and core stability. As a beginner, you also need to avoid the risk of injury.

Safety and sustainability

Form should always take priority over weight so strains can be prevented and joints can be protected. Start with activities that you enjoy the most. In case of medical conditions or past injuries, it is crucial to consult a doctor before you start. Choose the best gym apparel, such as a ribbed vest, keeping safety and comfort in mind. Browse the best gym collection at Allofficials.

Before you choose the best gym pattern that suits your body and fitness goals, know and educate yourself on different gym workout names and how they can benefit your body.

FAQs on gym workout names

What are the most common gym exercises?

Most common exercises performed in the gym are lunges, squats, push-ups, bench presses, pull-ups, shoulder presses, rows, planks, and curls.

How many types of gym exercises are there?

There are multiple types of gym workout names , and the major ones include cardio, strength, bodyweight, flexibility, compound, and isolation-related workouts.

What are the main gym workout names?

Major gym workout names include lat pulldown, deadlifts, squats, biceps, triceps extensions, shoulder press, curls, and crunches.

What exercises should beginners do at the gym?

Beginners must know about most, if not all, gym workout names. Beginners may start with lunges, bodyweight squats, chest press, seated rows, shoulder press, lat pulldown, and other forms of basic core exercises.

Which exercises work multiple muscle groups?

Deadlifts, squats, pull-ups, bench press, overhead press, and rows are the kinds of exercises that are known to work multiple muscle groups.