10. Fitness that's fun! Heading indoors for exercise is not everyone's cup of tea. That's another beauty of bodyweight exercises: They can be performed inside or outdoors, alone or with a group of friends, which is particularly enjoyable if some seemingly silly exercises are incorporated into the routine! A little laughter makes the process more enjoyable.
11. Fitness on the cheap. Simply put, gym memberships can be pricey, but bodyweight training is free. Experts cite the low cost of bodyweight training is a key part of its resurgence in popularity. Plus, amazing outdoor-training locations have begun popping up that offer the perfect space for a free bodyweight workout.
12. Injury prevention. Since injury is one of the main reasons why people fall off the exercise bandwagon, preventing those aches and pains should be a big priority. Bodyweight exercises are generally quite safe for any exerciser regardless of experience, age or fitness level. Many simple bodyweight movements can actually be an effective option for rehabilitation, even for those with significant impairments.
More: A Stretching Routine to Prevent Injury
13. Results. Let's talk results. Bodyweight exercises get results partly because they often involve compound movements (meaning numerous joints and muscles are engaged in each move). Compound exercises such as push-ups, lunges and chin-ups, have been shown to be extremely effective for strength gains and performance improvements. The results from bodyweight training are amplified even more because of the core strength they develop (see number five above). And research shows improved core strength gained through bodyweight training translates into improved strength gains throughout the entire body.
BODY MOVING—THE TAKEAWAY
Sorry, there's no "best way" for everyone to exercise. But bodyweight movements do offer a lot of benefits that other forms of resistance training can't match. The tremendous popularity of bootcamp-style fitness classes and a boom of mobile exercise apps suggests people like what they see (and feel) after some workouts without weights.
New to resistance training? Grab an experienced friend or trainer for some tips to ensure that a new bodyweight routine is appropriate—and remember to warm up properly before each session.
And if you need some ideas to get started, make sure to check out Greatist's list of 50 Bodyweight Exercises You Can Do Anywhere!
Is there a no-equipment exercise you find really effective? Tell us in the comments below or tweet the author @greenfit_health.
More: Get 6-Pack Abs With These 5 Plank Exercises
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