Fitness experts weigh in on whether or not bodyweight workouts count as strength training.

Here’s everything you’re gonna wanna know.

Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

alt

Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Right For You?

Does Rowing Count as Strength Training?

Heres What Experts Had to Say

When was the last time you strength trained?

woman sweating in the gym

certified exercise physiologist and CEO and founder ofDiscover Strength

If youre not big on lifting weights, you might be thinking, uh…never?

Thats right:Just your body weight.

Do bodyweight workouts count as strength training?

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

The answer is a resoundingyes.Bodyweight workouts definitely count as strength training, says ACE-certified personal trainerNicole Thompson, CPT.

Though heavy weights can help you get stronger and build muscle, theyre not necessary.

There are so many ways to progress bodyweight moves so youre effectively challenging yourself.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Heres What Experts Say

Glute Bridge vs Hip Thrust: Which Is The Better Booty Booster?

Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.

Bodyweight workoutscan undoubtedlyhelp you build strength, but they do have limitations.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

certified exercise physiologist and CEO and founder ofDiscover Strength

Bodyweight exercises can stimulate muscle growth, enhance muscular endurance, and improve overall health.

For one, bodyweight moves are generallyfunctional fitnessall-stars.

Many bodyweight exercises mimic activities of daily living, improving the ease of performing everyday tasks, Thompson says.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Finally, bodyweight workouts are highly versatile and can be modified for any fitness level, Thompsons says.

The bottom line

Dont discount bodyweight workouts for building strength.

As long as youre taking your muscles to the brink while training, youre making gains.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Now, we know that the most important thing is how hard youre working.

Aim for at least two to three sessions per week, allowing rest days for recovery.

Mixing bodyweight exercises with cardio orflexibility trainingcan create a well-rounded fitness routine.

This approach helps prevent burnout and monotony and keeps your workouts fun and engaging, Thompson adds.

They can help you stay consistent by providing accountability and guidance while safely building strength, Thompson says.

Stick with bodyweight workouts, and you might find yourself surprisingly jackedjust dont say we didnt warn you.

2023 Jul;108(7):975-985. doi: 10.1113/EP090655.

Epub 2023 May 3.

PMID: 37133323; PMCID: PMC10988481.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-40319-x

Nobrega SR, Libardi CA.

Is Resistance Training to Muscular Failure Necessary?

2016 Jan 29;7:10. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00010.

PMID: 26858654; PMCID: PMC4731492.

Archila LR, Bostad W, Joyner MJ, Gibala MJ.

Simple Bodyweight Training Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness with Minimal Time Commitment: A Contemporary utility of the 5BX Approach.

Int J Exerc Sci.

2021 Apr 1;14(3):93-100.

PMID: 34055156; PMCID: PMC8136567.

Short-Term, Equipment-Free High Intensity Interval Training Elicits Significant Improvements in Cardiorespiratory Fitness Irrespective of Supervision in Early Adulthood.

Front Sports Act Living.

2021 Jul 26;3:697518. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2021.697518.

PMID: 34381998; PMCID: PMC8349982.

…

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.