When most people think of strength training, they imagine an arsenal of training equipment: dumbbells, barbells, cables, machines…the works. But what if, to increase your strength and fitness, all you needed was your own body? According to a recent article in the Washington Post, some fitness instructors enthusiastically endorse bodyweight exercises, which involve no equipment at all (such as push-ups or pull-ups), or utilize a minimal amount of equipment (like TRX suspension bands or Bosu balls). Putting aside the convenience and low cost of bodyweight exercises, there could be some fitness advantages as well: using your body to strength train promotes an integrated use of multiple muscles, and challenges your balance and coordination to a greater extent. Bodyweight training is also flexible—there are ways to make it less demanding (such as doing push-ups against a wall) for people who are just starting out or who have particular needs, or more demanding (such as clapping between each push-up) for people who are more advanced.

However, if you are looking to target specific muscles and give them a pronounced look, bodyweight training may not be the way to go. Also, always be sure to consult a fitness instructor or other healthcare professional before starting a bodyweight or other strength training regimen.

Source: Washington Post