Use Simple Body Weight Exercises to Get in Shape

Lean muscle mass in turn will speed the body's metabolism and help burn calories. So if you cannot get to the gym it appears that the ability to get in shape is elusive. The key word here is "appear". You see, there is an alternative to the traditional weightlifting program most associated with going to the gym. It comes in the form of bodyweight exercises.

As the name implies, bodyweight exercises are resistance exercises that are performed without any weights whatsoever. You simply use your body's own natural weight to create the resistance that develops lean muscle mass. These exercises have been popular for hundreds of years and for a very good reason - they work!

What are the most popular bodyweight exercises? Let's have a look at them...

The pushup is probably the most well known of all the bodyweight exercises. It is an excellent exercise that primarily works the chest and the biceps. However, other parts of the upper body can be stressed depending on your hand placement. Performing multiple variations of the push up will yield a total body workout.

Lower body development can be achieved with a simple squat. Most assume that squats are useless without adding free weights to the movement. One can develop sold muscle development in the lower body with only squats. However, working up to high repetitions may be necessary. The abdominal region is the core of the body. If you work the core, the rest of the body will develop a harmonious balance of symmetrical strength. The abdominals are the epicentre of the "x" your body forms with your legs and arms. I the epicentre is weak, the body as a whole will be weak.

Now some may assume that there is a need to perform hundreds of reps. All you need to do is perform the amount you are capable of doing without discomfort. Simply do the number of reps you can and then increase them as your strength increases.

Best of all, these exercises can be performed at any time of the day or night and at any location. So, no matter what your own personal exercise schedule may be, it is not difficult to maintain a decent body weight exercise program that will help you develop functional strength, build muscle and get in decent shape.