Bodyweight exercises are workouts that use the body’s own weight as resistance. This means that no other equipment such as weights or machines are needed. It is a type of physical activity where you use your weight to build strength, endurance, and power. Let’s dig into the value of body weight exercises.
Body Weight Exercises
These types of exercises are convenient, accessible and effective as they allow you to workout anytime, anywhere without a gym or equipment. There are many to choose from.
- Upper Body
- Push-ups-chest, shoulders, triceps
- Plank-core strengthening that engage multiple muscle groups
- Mountain Climbers-works core, shoulders, arms, and legs
- Lower Body
- Squats-strengthens legs and glutesLunges-improving balance and stability working on legs and glutes
- Jumping Jacks-cardiovascular exercise for multiple muscle groups
- Burpees-full body that combines squat, push-up, and jump
- Other
- Side Lunges-multiple muscle groups for lower bodyReverse Lunges-lower body by stepping back
- Waling Lunges-functional bodyweight exercise for legs while conditioning balance and mobility
- Jump Squats-leap upwards at the top of the squat
Value of Body Weight Exercises
Bodyweight exercises are an effective, valuable and accessible way to improve strength, endurance and overall fitness by engaging multiple muscle groups which copy everyday movements.
- Functional Fitness-trains movement patterns used in daily activities and mimics real-life movements.
- Strength and Muscle Building-builds strength and muscle mass by challenging muscles through resistance.
- Cardiovascular Health-can improve cardiovascular endurance, reduces body fat and improve aerobic fitness.
- Convenience and Accessibility-no equipment required, can do them anywhere which can make it easier to incorporate into busy schedules.
- Improve Posture and Stability-supports natural alignment of joints and muscles which support posture and core stability.
The value of body weight exercises is endless. In addition to the above-mentioned list, regular exercise can reduce stress, improve mood, and help fight depression. It can also be a contributing factor to improved cognitive functioning. What body weight exercises are you interested in incorporating into your daily routines?