Pullups, Pushups, and Barbell Squats, Three Exercises For a Complete Workout

Recently I was asked if I could only do three exercises, what would they be?  After some consideration, I said I would do pullups, pushups, and barbell squats.  I explained that if you combined these three exercises in a workout you would hit all the major muscle groups of your body
Let's look at these three exercises and see if they would be a complete whole body workout.

Pullups target the major muscles of the upper back, the biceps, and the forearms.  The core muscles also work to stabilize your body to keep you from swing as you pull your body up and lower it down.  Take a look at the video below to see a properly executed pullup. Please click here to see the entire article.

Inspitation over 50, Walt

Recently while working out, I looked across the gym and  I saw a guy doing hand stand pushups.  This has always amazed me, so I walked over to compliment this guy on the total body strength that it took to perform that movement.  I was even more amazed when I found out that he was over 50 years old!  So, let me introduce you to Walt, a great inspiration to all the Baby Boomers.

 

Me: Where were you born and where did you grow-up?

Walt:. I was born in Pittsburgh,Pa,but moved to Ambler,Pa when I was around 2. I grew up in Ambler,and moved to North Carolina in 1976.
Me: What's your age? Walt: 55


Me: How do you stay in such great physical condition?Walt: I routinely do core exercises like pull-ups,sit ups,leg lifts,hand stand push-ups,and dips.I supplement those exercises with some cable work ,and bench press.I also stay in shape through the warm months by waterskiing.

Me: What advice would you give someone in their 50s trying to get in-shape?
Walt: My advice for someone in their 50's is just get up and do something! Push ups are a great way to start an exercise regimen.Then progress to weights if so inclined ,or stay with core like pull ups. Stretching is also a necessary key to a successful,and safe exercise regimen.
 
Me: What would be your advice to anyone who wants to start an exercise program on matter their age? Walt: I would say the same thing for anyone as above.
 
Me: Who has been the greatest influence in your life and why? Walt: The greatest influence in my life would be Richard Landis. I grew up with,and was best friends with his son Rick. He was a Naval fighter pilot in the Korean war,and I have always respected him for everything that he is. I have learned so much from him,and have him to thank for getting me on track to be fit for life. When I was a freshman in college,I put on a few pounds.He noticed it ,and commented on that fact. I respected him so much,and did not want to disappoint him in any way. I went back to school and hit the gym hard 5-7 days a week. I haven't looked back since then,and never stopped working out

Me: What is your profession?
Walt: I am a Pharmacist.
 
Me: What's your biggest dream? Walt: My biggest dream is for my wife and I to be the best grandparents we can be for my son's kids one day.


Me; What's your greatest accomplishment?
Walt: My biggest accomplishment is my son. I could not be prouder of him as he is an accomplished athlete,scholar,and just an outstanding person through and through.


Walt, thanks for the interview and for being an inspiration to everyone.

My Three Staple Exercises

Image by United States Marine Corps Official Page via FlickrRecently,  a client asked me if I could only do three exercises, what would they be?  After some consideration, I said I would do pullups, pushup, and barbell squats.  I told the client that he could target all the major muscle groups with these three exercises.

Let's look at these three exercises and see if they would be a complete whole body workout.

Pullups target the major muscles of the upper back, the biceps,  and the forearms.  The core muscles are also worked as long as pullups are done in a smooth and controlled manor.

Pushups target the major muscles of the chest, the shoulders, and the triceps.  The core muscles are also strongly used when pushups are done with strict form.

Barbell Squats target the quads, hamstrings, and the glutes.  Squats are also one of the best exercises there is for developing core strength when done properly.

There you have it.  These are the three exercises I would do if I was limited to doing only three.  What three exercises would you do?