Ditch Weights for Body-Weight Exercises

Free weights have long been the king of the strength training industry. Recently however, there have been many fitness buffs who have decided to ditch free weights and machines in exchange for body-weight training. Body-weight training is strength training that uses only the weight of the body for resistance. Body-weight training includes old favorites such as push-ups, bridges, bear crawls, squats, crab walks, and the list goes on and on.

Cost

One reason for the shift to body-weight training is monetary. Gym memberships are getting more and more expensive. Many people just aren't willing to fork out the cost of membership fees. Creating a home gym using free weights and machines can represent a major financial investment. Using body-weight exercises does not require a gym membership or fancy machines, and many of the techniques can be found for free on the internet.

Convenience

A second reason that body-weight training is so popular is convenience. With body-weight exercises you don't have to make any trips to the gym. No more waiting for a machine to open up. Unlike heavy weights, body-weight training provides a totally portable workout system that is with you wherever you go, no packing required. This portability is a huge bonus for those who travel often, or those who want to get in a workout during their lunch break.

Results

Although the cost and convenience of body-weight training is very appealing, the main reason that people do it is for better results. Many people find that they can get in a more effective workout in a fraction of the time using body-weight exercises.

One of the main selling points of this form of training is the ability to build functional strength. Functional strength refers to strength that can be used in an athletic motion, such as throwing a shot put. Many critics of weight training claim that weights may build large muscles, but that the weight room built strength doesn't always transfer into functional strength.

Another bonus in performance is the ability to train both strength and flexibility at the same time using body-weight exercises. The bridge is a perfect example of the versatility of the training. The bridge provides a resistance stimulus to almost every part of the body, while at the same time dramatically increasing the flexibility of the torso. The ability to train both strength and flexibility at the same time makes body-weight training especially effective in training for sports where both flexibility and strength are integral components.

Gyms have there place for many, but body-weight training may be an effective training modality based on the cost, convenience, and results. If you feel that your progress with weights isn't going as planned, or you just want a change, body-weight training may be exactly what you need to keep you motivated and in shape.