Bodyweight Training Won't Build Muscle -- Or Will It?

Bodyweight training is a type of strength training that involves using the resistance of your body weight to build strength, endurance, and flexibility. Though it may seem simple, this type of training can provide an incredible workout for both beginners, and experienced lifters and athletes alike. Even better, these workouts don’t require any sort of membership or equipment, and they can be done virtually anywhere. 

Still don’t believe bodyweight training is all that? Then take it from fitness coach and bodyweight training expert, Brad Becca. 

The Benefits of Bodyweight Training

It’s effective & efficient

“Bodyweight training offers numerous benefits,” says Becca. “It’s an effective and efficient way to build a lot of amazing qualities like strength, endurance, and conditioning.” 

Unlike typical workout programs that focus solely on building strength or cardiovascular conditioning, bodyweight training combines everything into one so you can hit multiple goals in the same workout. This makes it ideal for those that don’t have a ton of time to spend working out or want to address multiple areas of fitness at once. 

It’s easily modified

Whether you’re a professional athlete or a beginner, there’s a way to make bodyweight work for your needs. “The beauty of bodyweight training is that the workouts can be modified or progressed to accommodate and challenge any fitness level,” says Becca. 

Just starting out? Nail the basics and perfect your form with simple exercises like these. This is also a great option if you’re coming back from an injury. When you’re ready to move on to something more challenging, try a program like this created specifically for advancing your training. 

It requires no equipment

As its name suggests, bodyweight training simply requires one thing: your body. “With no equipment required, you can essentially train wherever you have adequate space,” Becca explains. No equipment needed also means no gym membership, making bodyweight training a great option if you want to get fit on a budget.

It can be done anywhere

Since bodyweight training requires no equipment, that means it can be done just about anywhere, from your backyard to a hotel room, to that tiny space in the corner of your living room. All you need is enough space to lie down, and you’re ready for a killer workout. 

You can also sign up for a program like Becca’s “Bodyweight Athlete,” if you don’t want to spend the time thinking about what to do, but want to reap all the benefits. “My “Train Like An Athlete” approach and the methods I use emphasize movements to help you unlock your inner athlete, to build strength, physique, speed, agility, power, and conditioning,” says Becca about his program that’s specifically designed to hit multiple areas of your physical fitness at once. 

Whether you want to completely overhaul your current fitness routine, or simply add in a day of lighter movement, the benefits of bodyweight training are undeniable. 

For tips, exercises, and drills to build your strength and power, make sure to follow Brad at @bradjbecca or check out his programs and blogs here.