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Best Beginner Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat For Women

About

This training program is designed to elevate your heart rate and actively engage your body during each session.

By incorporating both resistance exercises and movements tailored to boost calorie expenditure, it is geared towards enabling fat reduction while preserving muscle mass.

The exercises are selected for their beginner-friendly nature, utilizing accessible equipment and emphasizing safety with reduced weights to build confidence in the movements.

Specifically adjusted for women, the reps and weights are calibrated based on average physiological statistics (5’5", 140 lbs, 34 years old), though adjustments may be needed to suit individual capabilities.

With a focus on promoting a lean and toned physique, this workout is an excellent starting point toward achieving your fitness ambitions.

The 15 Best Beginner Exercises to Get Lean and Burn Fat for Women

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Air Squats

    Air Squats demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,829,470
    Quadriceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Air Squats are simple exercises that use your body weight to strengthen your legs, especially the quadriceps. They are perfect for beginners as they help build strength and prepare you for more challenging workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly pointing outward.
    2. Distribute your weight evenly on your feet.
    3. Push your hips back as you lower your body into a squat.
    4. Make sure your knees go over your toes and keep your core tight.
    5. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground while keeping your back straight.
    6. Push through your heels to return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 2. Dumbbell Fly

    Dumbbell Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    6,618,981
    Chest Strength
    98 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Fly is an effective exercise for strengthening and building the chest muscles. It also engages the shoulders for support. This exercise helps to develop muscle balance by working each side of the body independently.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on a bench, squeezing your shoulder blades together and keeping your feet flat on the ground.
    2. Ensure the bench supports your head, shoulders, and buttocks.
    3. Hold the dumbbells above your shoulders with palms facing inward and elbows slightly bent.
    4. Engage your core and slowly lower the dumbbells out to the sides in a wide arc, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
    5. When the dumbbells are level with your chest, exhale and lift them back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 3. Dumbbell Front Raise

    Dumbbell Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,823,163
    Shoulders Strength
    98 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Front Raise is an exercise that strengthens the front part of your shoulders. It helps build muscle and balance strength between both sides of your body using dumbbells.

    How to do it

    1. Stand upright holding a dumbbell in each hand at waist height, palms facing inward.
    2. Keep your arms slightly bent and lift the dumbbells in front of you to just above shoulder height.
    3. Lower the dumbbells back to waist height, maintaining a neutral back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    7.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    7.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    7.5lbs
  • 4. Dumbbell Lunge

    Dumbbell Lunge demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,322,067
    Quadriceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Lunge is a way to make lunges more challenging by adding dumbbells. It mainly works your thigh muscles (quads) while also helping with balance and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart, holding dumbbells at your sides.
    2. Shift your weight onto one leg and step forward with the other leg.
    3. Land heel-first and keep your back heel lifted.
    4. Lower your back knee towards the ground while keeping your front heel down.
    5. Once your front thigh is parallel to the floor, push off your front foot to return to standing.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 5. Dumbbell Row

    Dumbbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,648,581
    Back Strength
    99 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Row is a great exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and biceps while also engaging your core for stability. You can do this exercise using a flat bench and dumbbells, making it accessible even with limited equipment.

    How to do it

    1. Place a dumbbell on each side of a flat bench.
    2. Kneel on the bench with your right knee and place your right hand on the bench's edge.
    3. Keep your torso parallel to the ground and grab the dumbbell with your left hand, palm facing your torso.
    4. Pull the dumbbell up to your side, engaging your back; exhale as you lift.
    5. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 6. Dumbbell Shoulder Press

    Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    6,772,064
    Shoulders Strength
    99 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Shoulder Press is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the shoulders. Using dumbbells helps engage stabilizing muscles and can improve balance between both sides of the body.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on a bench with your back straight.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, just outside shoulder-width, palms facing forward.
    3. Bend your elbows and keep them close to your sides.
    4. Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists straight.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 7. Dumbbell Shoulder Raise

    Dumbbell Shoulder Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,935,648
    Shoulders Strength
    98 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Shoulder Raise is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the middle part of your shoulders. It helps improve muscle balance and can enhance shoulder strength by using dumbbells.

    How to do it

    1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing in at your hips.
    3. Tighten your core by breathing deeply and engaging your abs.
    4. With a slight bend in your elbows, raise the dumbbells to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    7.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    7.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    7.5lbs
  • 8. Dumbbell Squat

    Dumbbell Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,249,788
    Quadriceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Squat is a modified version of the standard squat that uses dumbbells instead of a barbell. This exercise mainly works your thigh muscles and offers more freedom of movement, making it easier for those with mobility issues. It also helps improve squat stability and build strength for advanced exercises.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width and point your toes slightly out.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, palms facing inward and elbows pointing forward.
    3. Keep your weight on your feet as you slowly bend your knees and push your hips back.
    4. Ensure your knees follow the direction of your toes as you lower yourself, keeping your core tight and back straight.
    5. Go down as low as you can while keeping your back neutral, then push back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 9. Dumbbell Squat To Shoulder Press

    Dumbbell Squat To Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,183,541
    Quadriceps Strength
    97 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Squat to Shoulder Press combines a squat and a shoulder press to strengthen your legs and shoulders. It helps build functional strength and is a good foundational exercise for more advanced movements.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with palms facing inward.
    3. Keep your weight balanced on your feet.
    4. Lower your hips back into a squat, keeping your knees aligned with your toes.
    5. Maintain a neutral spine; go as low as comfortable without losing form.
    6. Stand back up while pressing the dumbbells overhead until your arms are aligned with your ears.
    7. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 10. Lunge

    Lunge demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,165,912
    Quadriceps Strength
    95 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Lunges are a great exercise for strengthening your legs, especially the quadriceps. By stepping forward with one leg, you can focus on improving balance and strength on both sides of your body.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
    2. Shift weight to your right leg as you step forward with your left leg.
    3. Land on your left heel, keeping your back heel lifted off the floor.
    4. Lower your back knee towards the ground while keeping your front heel down.
    5. Once your front thigh is parallel to the floor, push off your front foot to return to standing.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 11. Mountain Climber

    Mountain Climber demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,930,231
    Quadriceps Strength
    62 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Mountain Climber is an exercise that strengthens your core while improving stability. You start in a plank position and alternate bringing your knees toward your chest, which makes the workout more intense.

    How to do it

    1. Start in a high plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart.
    2. Pull your right knee toward your chest while keeping your left leg straight.
    3. Quickly switch legs: push the right leg back and bring the left knee toward your chest.
    4. Continue alternating legs for the desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 12. Walking Lunge

    Walking Lunge demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,338,423
    Quadriceps Strength
    82 mScore
    Quadriceps

    Walking Lunges are a great exercise that works your thighs, glutes, and hamstrings. You step forward into a lunge, then continue walking, which helps improve your balance and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart and arms at your sides.
    2. Shift your weight to one leg as you step forward with the other leg.
    3. Land heel first with the stepping leg and lift your back heel off the floor.
    4. Lower your back knee towards the ground, keeping the front heel down.
    5. Raise your back knee once your front thigh is parallel to the ground, then step it forward, repeating with the opposite leg.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 13. Mini Loop Band Squat

    Mini Loop Band Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    133,352
    Quadriceps Strength
    52 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Squat is a squat variation that uses a mini loop band to strengthen your legs, especially the quadriceps. The band helps stabilize your knees while you squat, improving your form and preparing you for heavier squats.

    How to do it

    1. Put a mini loop band around your thighs, just above your knees.
    2. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, ensuring the band is tight.
    3. Slightly bend your knees and engage your core.
    4. Hinge your hips back and squat down, keeping knees aligned with toes and resisting the band.
    5. Pause at the bottom of the squat, evenly distributing your weight on your feet.
    6. Push through your heels and return to standing position by extending your legs.
  • 14. Bench Dip

    Bench Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,752,525
    Triceps Strength
    93 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Bench Dip is a simple bodyweight exercise that mainly works your triceps. It’s easier than regular dips because your feet stay on the ground, making it perfect for beginners to build strength towards full dips.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on a bench with your hands next to your hips, palms down.
    2. Move your body forward, lowering your hips off the bench while keeping your feet on the ground.
    3. Bend your elbows and lower your hips until your upper arms are parallel to the ground, keeping your chest up.
    4. Push back up by extending your elbows to return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 15. Dip

    Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,690,853
    Triceps Strength
    92 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dip (Parallel) Bar
    Dip (Parallel) Bar

    Dips are a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the triceps. You lift and lower your body using your arms while keeping your core engaged.

    How to do it

    1. Hold onto the dip bars with straight arms and slightly bent elbows.
    2. Suspended above the ground, brace your core and keep your back straight.
    3. Lean your body forward slightly and pull your elbows down to lower yourself.
    4. Keep your elbows close to your sides until they reach a 90-degree angle.
    5. Push back up to straighten your arms and return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps

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Alternative Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat for Women

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