Mark’s top 3 absolute favourite exercises

By Mark Glanville, Movement HQ Co-Founder, Strength and Mobility Coach, Personal Trainer

As a gym owner with over 21 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of exploring countless training methods and exercises. 

From strength training to conditioning, bodyweight workouts, and functional fitness, I’ve experienced first-hand what truly works. 

While there are endless options out there, a few exercises stand out to me for their versatility, effectiveness, and ability to build strength and resilience.

Here are my top three favourites from the vast world of training possibilities – all tried, tested, and proven to deliver real results.

1. Kettlebell Turkish get-up

This has to be a piece of everyone’s arsenal. Here are some pretty cool reasons why I highly rate this exercise.

Now I’m keeping this relatively brief as I’m sure you don’t have the time to sit and read everything I could possibly write about this beast of a movement. 

Here we go….

• Promotes cross lateralisation which in lame terms means that we are getting the right brain to work with the left, the benefits are huge but aid massively in attaining the coordination of this exercise
• Gets us working in a contra-lateral manner, patterning the right leg to the left arm and vice versa
• The building of strength in the shoulders, trunk and legs/hips is massive and the skill of getting from the ground to a standing position under load with the arm holding a Kettlebell in a vertical position throughout makes this one of the most all-round beneficial exercises a human can possibly do.

2. Chin-ups or Pull-ups

Why……? Because man this gives anyone killer bragging rights. Pulling your body vertically from a hanging position for reps and potentially with added load, boom!

Seriously who hasn’t had the question thrown at them “can you do a chin up?” My answer: “My friend I can do multiple haha” and I say it with pride.

Want good grip strength, muscular arms and a jacked upper back? Then do chin-ups, done correctly they can even help correct poor posture and build amazing core and abdominal strength as a by product.

3. Squat jumps or split squat jumps

I love the explosive properties of these exercises, they give me a sense or real power and I love the challenge of jumping further or higher whether it be into the air or onto a box.

This is a great way to finish my lower body training and the acceleration and deceleration properties help you become a better athlete and build fantastic resilience in both the muscles and tendons which in return will lower the risk of injury in explosive or fast twitch sports like sprinting, tennis, or basketball and soccer etc.

CHAT TO MARK ABOUT HOW TO BEST INCORPORATE THESE EXERCISES IN YOUR TRAINING