01/15/2026
When people “graduate” from physical therapy, one of the most common questions I get is:
“So… what exercises should I keep doing forever?”
And while I’d love to hand out a laminated lifetime exercise list, the truth is—your body doesn’t work that way. It thrives on variety. Your activities change season to season, year to year, and your exercise choices should evolve right along with them.
That said, these are my current personal top 5 exercises that I make sure to work in at least once a week:
1️⃣ Dumbbell sn**ch
2️⃣ RDL (double or single leg)
3️⃣ Side plank
4️⃣ Pigeon pose
5️⃣ 3-way pec stretch on a foam roller
Why these?
• #1 & #2: Big, efficient compound movements—maximum bang for your buck using multiple major muscle groups.
• #3: Targets the side body, which is often ignored but absolutely essential for stability and injury prevention.
• #4 & #5: Because everyone needs more stretching in their life—especially hips and chest (yes, even you).
Now I’m curious—what are your non-negotiable exercises?
Drop them in the comments 👇🏼
