It’s hard to believe I started 12 Minute Athlete all the way back in 2013. Back then, I felt like I’d stumbled upon an unknown gem with bodyweight training and high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. I was so excited about the benefits of using our bodyweight to train that I founded a company based on sharing my passion for bodyweight training and HIIT with the world.
Now, 11 years later (!), you may be wondering: do I still love bodyweight training? You bet I do! In fact, while I enjoy adding in equipment here and there for challenge and variety (my favorites are BOSU balls, kettlebells, jump ropes, and pull-up bars), I still mainly train using my own bodyweight. Training this way has kept me strong, healthy, and injury-free for over a decade.
Here are 5 reasons why I still recommend using your own body for your workouts:
Versatility and Convenience: Bodyweight exercises can be done anywhere — no gym required. Whether you’re at home, in a hotel room, or at a park, you can get a killer workout with no equipment.
Functional Strength: Bodyweight training focuses on natural movements, which helps improve functional strength. This type of strength is crucial for everyday activities and athletic performance.
Reduced Injury Risk: Because bodyweight exercises are low-impact and can be easily modified, they reduce the risk of injury compared to heavy weightlifting. This makes them ideal for both beginners and seasoned athletes.
Cost-Effective: No need for expensive gym memberships or fancy equipment. Your body is the only tool you need! Or if you want a little extra challenge, include resistance bands or simple tools like pull-up bars, jump ropes, or kettlebells in your workouts.
Enhanced Athletic Performance: Bodyweight exercises translate well to other sports by improving overall athleticism, agility, and endurance. Movements like push-ups, squats, and planks build core stability and functional strength, essential for excelling in various physical activities and sports.
Give This Bodyweight HIIT Workout a Try:
Directions: Complete the following exercises in a circuit, performing each for 30 seconds with 10 seconds of rest in between. Repeat the circuit 3 times.
- Squat jumps
- Push-ups
- Burpees
- Side lunges
- Mountain climbers
- V-up in & outs
Remember, the key to HIIT training is intensity — so make sure to give it your all.
Tip: Use a timer or the 12 Minute Athlete app! For exercise demos, check out the 12 Minute Athlete YouTube channel.
Work hard!
Krista