Five exercises you couldn't do without.

1. Shoulder Press
2. Bench Press
3. Squats
4. Lat Pulldown
5. Pullups
 
1. Squats. Total love/hate relationship with them but when they're not part of my routine it seems to slow muscle growth in other areas down - probably because they're awesome for releasing testosterone. Split squats great to supplement with.
2. Hip thrusts. Can't do without them for a muscly, defined butt ;)
3. Bench presses.
4. Skull crushers.
5. E-Z bar curls - nothing gets my biceps pumping more.
 
Reading folks lists here tells me one could have a great workout with just their 5 faves. I could think one could even narrow down to 3 for a "desert island" list and still get a great workout.
Absolutely. If you consistently pull something toward your body or pull your body toward something, squat something from the ground, and press something away from your body or press your body away from the ground, you’d be strong and fit.
 
These are my personal favorites, not what I think are the most “essential” lifts:

1) Pecs: Dumbbell Incline Bench Press
2) Back: Close Grip Pull Down
3) Biceps: Incline Hammer Curl
4) Legs: Trap Bar Squat
5) Shoulders: Seated Barbell Press
 
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