Dumbbells and barbell equipment can be expensive, and they’re not very portable. Fortunately, there’s another way you can do strength training – bodyweight workouts!
Bodyweight workouts are strength training workouts that rely on the practitioner’s own weight rather than free weights to provide the resistance for the movements. Push-ups, sit-ups, squats and pull-ups are just some of the exercises you’ll find in most bodyweight workouts. Bodyweight workouts are an excellent choice for those who don’t have access to strength training equipment – most bodyweight exercises require only a floor! Another advantage of bodyweight workouts is that you can do them practically anywhere, so they’re perfect for when you’re on the road.
There are a few disadvantages to bodyweight workouts, however. Because you use your own weight to provide resistance, it’s difficult to increase the intensity (unless you gain weight!). There are ways around this, though, such as decreasing the leverage and working at the ends of range of motion. You can also increase the intensity by using just one limb, such as one-arm push-ups and one-arm pull-ups.
So if you’re stuck somewhere without your dumbbells and want to get in a great strength training session, try a bodyweight workout – they’re a great addition to your fitness regimen!