Over the past 6 years I’ve become hooked on bodyweight exercises for my fitness training and workouts.  I sold all of my weights and benches and haven’t lifted a barbell or dumbbell in over 6 years, yet my strength and muscle tone are as good as they have ever been.  My shoulders are actually wider.  I’ve had to replace a couple of sport coats and suits because of that.  The best thing is I spend about a half an hour a day on workouts.  I’m on my way to reaching my fitness goals, but, very important, I am replacing most of my clothing due to wearing them out instead of growing out of them. 

Matthew Furey’s book, Combat Conditioning, started me on my bodyweight fitness craze.  I’ve bought some more of his programs and other books including The Naked Warrior by Pavel and several yoga books and videos including Diamond Dallas Pages YRG.  To me, if I can pull just one nugget of information that will help me improve, the book, video or course is worthwhile.

There are some great free resources on the web that I’ve come across in my searches.  Some are mentioned on this site.  Just Google bodyweight fitness or bodyweight exercises and see what you come across.  There are several sites with some very good videos that can get you started this minute.

When I fist started working out, I had a problem going to a gym.  I realized for the exercises that I did, I could easily buy the equipment with the monthly dues over the period of a year or so.  Once I started buying equipment, I always needed to get something better that was going to do a better job working my muscles instead of the other thing that I have.  This could have easily escalated out of control.  Granted, I’m still buying things, books and videos, but they are much less expensive than leg extension machines, Lifecycles, etc.  Take a little time and do some research and start today in the comfort of your own home.  Try 25 – 50 Hindu squats if you’ve never tried them and see how your legs feel tomorrow going up stairs.

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