Working out with your own body weight gives you FLEXIBILITY in your workout routine. You can go at your own pace and you don’t have to worry about the person hovering around your machine waiting for you to finish your reps. Also, if you’re working out on a budget, you don’t have to pay any membership fees when you’re using your own body as resistance. In the middle of the winter you don’t have to build up the courage to walk to the fitness center either! Body weight exercises can be done in the comfort of your dorm or apartment.

Body-weight training is also an EFFECTIVE way to exercise. You don’t waste time transitioning between new weights and resistance settings on machines. You use the same weight (your body weight) for every exercise, and you can choose how much rest you want in between workouts.

Exercising with your body weight also utilizes MORE MUSCLES than some other traditional workouts. Your abs, back, and legs are constantly being used to keep your balance and maintain your posture while you complete your exercises. Constantly moving your body also warms up your muscles and provides a nice stretch that you may not get with other workouts.

Remember to stay HYDRATED as you increase your fitness training! This means drinking water before, during, and after your workout. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses or water each day. The more you work out the more water you should drink.

Try to keep a food/workout log. That way you can keep track of how many calories you are eating and burning, and how much water you are drinking. If your goal is to lose weight, make sure you are burning more calories than you eat. This is also a great way to track your progress and build up to longer runs, increased repetitions, and amazing results!

Stay active, Ithaca!