60 Seconds on Bodyweight Training

60 Seconds on Bodyweight Training

The definition:

Bodyweight training is activity based on using your own bodyweight as resistance.  Examples include:

• Air Squats
• Press Ups
• Sit-Ups
• Pull-Ups

There is a misconception that bodyweight training is easy.  But like any activity it can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be.

Why Body Weight Train?

No (or minimal) equipment required:

No dependency on equipment, which means you can perform your workout: anytime, anyplace, anywhere.  The ultimate in convenience.

Suitable for all:

Most exercises can be progressed (or regressed) - i.e. scaled to difficulty.

Infinite Variety:

Movements can be modified for endless variation - the only limit being your imagination.

Dynamic or Static:

You perform an exercise requiring movement (e.g. the press-up), or you can maintain a static position supporting your bodyweight (e.g. holding the top of the press-up position - isometric hold).

Involves multiple muscle groups:

Bodyweight exercises tend to be compound in nature, rather than using muscles in isolation.  The more muscles used, the more calorific expenditure.  Simple. 

Remove (or reduce) imbalances:

You can become stronger in neglected areas of the body, i.e by focussing on the weaker areas or by working both sides of the body equally.  "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts".  

Natural movement:

Most bodyweight movements work within the ranges of what nature intended, rather than working in fixed, rigid positions dictated by machines or 'fitness' equipment.  This will ensure the main muscle(s) used for the movement (agonists), the opposing muscle group(s) (antagonists) and the supporting muscles (stabilisers) will be working in harmony.

Improves body awareness and mind-body connection:

When you decide to do nothing else apart from focussing on yourself, it is not easy to be distracted.

In closing:

Bodyweight training should be the foundation of all activity, after all the basic principle of movement requires manipulation of our own bodyweight before we can do anything else.  Even getting up out of bed in the morning...  

The above are a few of the reasons why this is an important part of my training regimen.