# Compound exercise

A compound exercise works several joints and muscle groups at once, such as a squat, deadlift, push-up or row.

Compound movements give the most training effect per minute and form the base of most beginner programmes, with isolation exercises added for specific muscles.

Related: [Progressive overload](https://revns.com/dictionary/progressive-overload.md), [Calisthenics](https://revns.com/dictionary/calisthenics.md)

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