The Many Benefits of Bodyweight Training

n a world in which the latest gadgets and gizmos are all the rage, one particular fitness method involves minimal equipment and yet is a go-to among exercise enthusiasts. We're talking about body weight training. Let's take a closer look at this "old school" training method, along with highlighting its many benefits for the body.

What is BodyWeight Training?

Body weight training was included alongside comparatively new trends like wearable technology and HIIT training in the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) roundup of the top fitness trends in 2016.

Heralded for its "back to basics" ease and accessibility, this popular exercise method involves the use of the body to provide resistance while working out.

Moreover, while pushups and situps may immediately come to mind when you think of bodyweight training, there are near-endless ways to put this type of workout to work for you.

5 Reasons to Try Body Weight Training

Need more specific proof when it comes to giving bodyweight workouts a try? Read on for five reasons.

1. It works across all levels of fitness.

While some workouts aren't challenging enough for fitness buffs and others are too challenging for exercise novices, body weight training offers a "best of both worlds" solution. Why? Because it can easily be modified depending on the person working out. Whether you add reps, shorten your breaks, accelerate the pace, or enhance a particular exercise with ballistic movements, body weight workouts work for anyone.

2. It's incredibly versatile.

While some fitness fads burn out quickly when exercisers grow tired of them, body weight exercise comprises many different elements, including both cardio and strength training, which keeps workouts from feeling stale. This also prevents the movements from becoming routine to muscles, meaning you can expect ongoing progress.

3. It works your core.

Working out is far from about little weight loss or better performance. Building core strength can help do everything from alleviating lower back pain to improving your posture. Body weight exercises are a terrific way to engage the muscles, strengthen the trunk of the body, and gain critical core strength -- not just a benefit for building strength, but also a crucial factor in injury prevention and recovery.

Looking for enhanced flexibility and better balance? You'll get these from bodyweight exercises, too.

4. It can be done anywhere at any time.

How many times have you planned to workout only to come up with an excuse not to follow through? Body weight training takes the excuses out of the equation. It can be done in tight spaces with limited time -- indoors, outdoors, or wherever inspiration strikes.

5. It gets results.

Personal trainers consistently turn to body weight training again and again when working with clients of all ages and abilities. Why? Because it works.

According to Georgia State University's Walt Thompson Ph.D., FACSM, "Bodyweight exercises are a proven way to get and stay fit. In a time when many people are affected by cutting expenses, body weight exercises are a great way to feel great and look toned without a big financial investment."

The Mayo Clinic, meanwhile, recommends bodyweight training as a "good addition" to any fitness program.

Also included on the ACSM's roundup of 2016 fitness trends? Personal training. According to the report, "More and more students are majoring in kinesiology, which indicates that they are preparing themselves for careers in allied health fields such as personal training. Education, training and proper credentialing for personal trainers have become increasingly important to the health and fitness facilities that employ them."

Looking to get a jumpstart on your own personal training career? Apply to SOCHi today.