Before beginning any exercise, ensure you are dressed in comfortable clothing and have supportive footwear. It’s best to exercise in a spacious and uncluttered area. If you have knee or ankle concerns, consider using a gym mat or performing exercises on a grassy surface.

How to do a burpee exercise:

  1. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Drop into a squat position and place your hands on the floor in front of you.
  3. Kick your feet back to get into a plank position, with your body in a straight line from head to heels.
  4. Perform a push-up by lowering your chest to the floor and then pushing back up.
  5. Jump your feet back to the squat position.
  6. Explosively jump up into the air, reaching your arms overhead.
  7. Land softly and immediately go into the next repetition.

Tips:

  • Keep your core engaged throughout the movement.
  • Perform the exercise at a pace that suits your fitness level.
  • If you’re a beginner, you can modify the burpee by stepping back one foot at a time instead of jumping back.
  • It’s a high-intensity exercise, so make sure to maintain proper form and listen to your body. Start with a few repetitions and gradually increase as you get more comfortable with the movement.

The muscles that benefit from burpees include:

  1. Chest: The chest muscles (pectoralis major) are engaged during the push-up portion of the burpee.
  2. Shoulders: The deltoid muscles in the shoulders are activated during both the push-up and jump phases.
  3. Triceps: The back of the upper arms (triceps) are involved during the push-up part of the burpee.
  4. Core: The entire core, including the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and obliques, is engaged to stabilize the body during the movement.
  5. Quads: The quadriceps muscles in the front of the thighs are activated during the squat and jump phases of the burpee.
  6. Hamstrings: The back of the thighs (hamstrings) work during both the squat and plank phases.
  7. Glutes: The gluteal muscles in the buttocks are engaged during the jump and plank portions of the exercise.
  8. Calves: The calf muscles are involved during the explosive jumping phase.
  9. Hip Flexors: The hip flexors assist in the squat and plank positions.
  10. Cardiovascular System: Burpees are a high-intensity, full-body exercise that can greatly benefit cardiovascular health and endurance.

Due to their dynamic nature, burpees are an effective exercise for improving overall strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. They provide a comprehensive workout that targets various muscle groups simultaneously.