Compound exercise

How it is used

Common in strength programs and beginner routines. Squats, deadlifts, presses, and rows are often chosen for efficiency and overall development.

Example sentences

1. The trainer replaced three machine movements with one compound exercise so the beginners could learn bracing, balance, and force production together.

   Here, the term highlights one movement that trains several systems and body parts together, making the session more efficient.

2. Because time was short after practice, the program focused on a compound exercise like the deadlift instead of separate hamstring and back drills.

   In this example, compound exercise means a lift that covers several target areas in one set when training time is limited.

Common collocations

• compound exercise selection
• compound exercise routine
• major compound exercises

Related terms

• strength trainingExercise in which muscles work against resistance, such as weights, machines, bands or body weight, in order to become stronger.
• squatAn exercise in which you bend your knees and hips to lower your body as if sitting down, then stand up again; done with body weight or a load.

More terms: Exercises & Technique

• push-up
• stretch
• deadlift
• bench press
• plank
• lunge
• pull-up
• form
• bodyweight exercise
• isolation exercise
• eccentric phase
• concentric phase