Although some people feel that they need hand weights and a bunch of other fancy (and often expensive) equipment to get in shape, it simply isn’t true. You can earn your way to a fit and trim body simply by doing resistance exercises against your own weight (called bodyweight training).
Here are four of the top ones that you’re going to want to add to your exercise regimen to get major results, if you haven’t done so already:
Push-ups
You can’t deny the overall body benefits of push-ups because you’re going to feel some soreness if you’re not used to them. Just make sure you use proper form (straight back and head up) so that you don’t injure yourself and, if they aren’t challenging enough, you can always do them on a decline bench or wear a weighted vest to make them more difficult.
Sit ups
Oftentimes you see crunches in the place of sit-ups, but if you want to build your back muscles more aptly, you’ll want to sit up all the way. Again, form is critical as you don’t want to hurt your back and sideline your fitness efforts, so focus on using slow and controlled movements and don’t pull your head when you’re sitting up.
Leg lifts
It may not seem like they do a lot, but leg lifts can help build your thighs, hamstrings, and calves. Add weight to your ankles if you’d like to make them harder and do lifts both to the front, side and back so that you work all of your lower leg muscles.
Butt lifts
You want to look as good going as you do coming, and butt lifts will help you reach that goal. Lie on your back with your knees bent and lift your butt up until your back is straight. Put weights on your belly if you want to work your backside harder and build your muscles faster.
Do these four bodyweight exercises and you’ll be on your way to a trim and tone body in no time. No equipment necessary.
