Body Weight Strength Training
Do you ever feel like you want to get into shape but the thought of joining a gym is too intimidating? There is another way! Body weight strength training is your answer. With this training you can workout in the comfort of your own home and still get an intense work out. Body weight strength training is cheap, challenging, and can be modified to a style that fits you.
The Basics
Body weight strength training is a form of exercise that uses your own body weight to train; you do not use any additional free weights. These are exercises you can do in your own home and will not have to go join a gym to do. You do not have to join a gym to get into shape, there are plenty of body weight strength training exercises that can get you there, and you can do in the comfort of your home.
Example Exercises
The mountain climber is an effective body weight strength training exercise for a solid core workout. To perform this, start in the plank position. Next, you will bring one leg at a time up towards your chest in a quick motion. Do this exercise, for one minute, several times, and your core is sure to notice.
Lunges are a good body weight strength training exercise for your legs. To do a lunge, start in a standing position with your hands on your hips and feet hip width apart. Bring your right foot forward, several feet in front of you, and slowly lower your body weight down on the right leg. Raise your weight off the leg and bring the right foot back to the left foot, to a standing position. Repeat these steps with the left foot and do several repetitions.
One of the best full body weight strength training exercises is a burpee. It is also one of the most hated workouts. Start in a standing position, feet hip width apart. Squat down and place your hands on the floor, then kick your feet back to a push-up position. Perform one push-up. Jump, feet back towards your hands, then jump up as high as you can. Return to the squat position and repeat. Again, this is not a favorite workout of most people, but it is very effective.
The Benefits of Body Weight Strength Training
It’s free! That is always a plus. You do not need to pay for a gym membership to complete these exercises; you can perform them all at home. There are so many different types of exercises that you don’t have to have the same routine every day, or even every week.
You are using your own body weight as resistance. This usually prevents injury caused by improperly performing exercises with weights. If you would like to add extra weight to your workout, there is always a way to make the workout more challenging; this will simply require a little extra research.
Overall, body weight strength training is an excellent way to work out any area of your body and get into shape or remain fit. It is a cost effective method, you can always change your routine, and there is always room for improvement and growth. Set aside 30 minutes per day to find a routine that fits you and your fitness level. Combine cardio and strength training to find workouts you love.