If you’re anything like me, it’s far too easy to be intimidated by the gym. It seems like everyone there knows exactly what they’re doing except for you. You feel like everyone is staring at you. And you feel like you’re paying an arm and a leg just to be anxiously getting a workout in around other people. All of these combined beg the question, is the gym really necessary?
If the gym is your thing, more power to you. But the thought of being surrounded by others while working out is not appealing to everyone. On the other hand, paying for a membership or for expensive home equipment may not be financially feasible for all of us. Does this mean we have to resort to a sedentary lifestyle? Absolutely not!
The only thing that’s an absolute “have-to” for exercise is the one thing you can’t get away from… your body! Although equipment may add some conveniences, our body is all we need in order to get in a good workout. In fact, there are several reasons why body-weight exercises are superior to any other form.
Pricing
Last I checked, nobody was charging you to live and breathe. Not having to pay for expensive gym memberships or at-home equipment can save a bundle in the long run. Although some props such as chairs may be required, it isn’t anything beyond what most people have in their homes. No need to have fancy workout clothes or the latest athletic shoes when you have nobody to compare yourself to!
No more intimidation
Do exercises at your own speed and at your own fitness level. No more feeling like you need to go just as hard as the person next to you. At-home, body-weight exercises allow you to be in-tune with your body and focus on what is or isn’t working for you. This leads to a much more fulfilling workout experience and decreases likelihood of burnout and anxiety related with going to the gym.
Convenience
No matter if you’re at home, traveling, or at the park, you always have your body with you. The convenience of always being able to do a body-weight exercise is unmatched. Body-weight exercises can also be completed in short intervals while you’re waiting for something in the microwave or while your computer is downloading a file. There’s simply no limit to how or when you’re able to complete these quick exercises.
Effectiveness
Just because you’re not strapped into some complicated machine does not mean your body isn’t benefiting from the exercise. In fact, body-weight exercises tend to be much more effective than people think. Instances of muscle strain and injury greatly decrease with body-weight exercise compared to weight training. And like all other forms of exercise, you still get the great benefits of reduction in stress, improved mood, and better cardiovascular health.
Not Sure Where to Start?
The Allwell App is an excellent resource to get you started! On the homescreen of the app, simply select “Workouts”, in the top you will see underneath the search bar a bubble that says “All equipment”. Select that, then click “No equipment” and then “Show results” at the bottom of the screen. You now have a plethora of body-weight exercises to get you started!
