There are a lot of different types of fitness programs, from those you do at the gym, to
at-home workouts. Each of these varies is intensity, type, and benefits. If you are
interested in something you can do at home without equipment, body-weight might be for
you. Here are some of the top benefits of doing body-weight exercises.
You Can do it Anywhere
This is definitely one of the top benefits of body-weight exercises. You don't have to
leave your home or find a gym. There is no equipment you need to purchase and find a
place for, plus it costs you nothing. Body-weight exercises rely only on your own weight
and the intensity you bring to each move. You can do them at home, in the office, at a
park or the beach, just about anywhere. While traveling, it is easy to do them in your
hotel room or on your balcony, without having to look for a gym or go for a run.
It Works Out Your Entire Body
Another reason to start incorporating body-weight exercises into your fitness routine is
because it can workout your entire body. Most body-weight moves will target one
specific area, but also benefit others as well. For example, elbow planks are often done
for your core and abdominal muscles, but your arms, shoulders, and even your leg
muscles are also getting a fantastic workout. Moves like jumping jacks, wall sits,
burpees, and mountain climbers are similar; they are working multiple muscle groups at
the same time.
There is Cardio and Strength Training
Many people believe body-weight is just for strength training, but a lot of moves provide
high-intensity cardio as well. If you don't like boring cardio workouts, do the jumping and
high-intensity body-weight moves instead! This is when you do the moves that require
lifting your body from the ground and doing jumps. There are many different types of
jumps aside from just jumping jacks. Plank jacks, punches, and skaters are some other
moves that provide an excellent cardio workout.
Body-weight is Perfect for Lean Muscles
Since you aren't adding in any weights with these moves, you are working on long, lean
muscles. You don’t have to worry about bulking up, though you will be able to lose
weight and tone your body with body-weight exercises. You can still do some weights,
but incorporating more body-weight moves really focuses on those long muscles.