The Truth About Combo Exercises—and How We Use Them at TS Fitness

You’ve probably seen them on Instagram or in the gym: combo exercises that mash two moves into one. Think squat-to-press, lunge-to-curl, or burpee-to-row.

I recently shared some thoughts with Men’s Fitness about the rise of these hybrid movements and when they make sense.

Why We Use Combo Exercises (Sometimes)

At TS Fitness, we do use combo moves strategically. They’re great when:

• Time is tight and you want more work in less time

• You’re looking to add variety to your routine

• You want a fun coordination challenge that keeps things interesting

In those scenarios, combining movements can be efficient and engaging.

The Limitations of Combo Training

But let’s be real—combo moves aren’t the foundation of how we help people get stronger and leaner. Here’s why:

• You can’t load them as heavy as a single, focused lift

• You often lose tension in the muscle group you’re trying to target

• Form can break down faster, especially under fatigue

That’s not the most effective road to real, long-term progress.

What We Focus On Instead

Our programming is built around proven training principles:

• Progressive overload

• Proper mechanics

• Smart, structured training that builds strength, improves muscle tone, and keeps you moving well for the long haul

No fluff. No gimmicks. Just effective, results-driven coaching.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about how we design programs—and why certain exercises make the cut—click here to contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

And if you want the full scoop on my thoughts about combo exercises, you can read the full Men’s Fitness article here.