Pre-holiday preparation sometimes brings on a syndrome I like to call, Head Explosion Syndrome (as in, "If I have to think about, plan for, or do one more thing, my head will explode."). HES can strike in all areas of life, particularly our workouts. When you're already overwhelmed, facing a trip to the gym or a complicated workout involving multiple pieces of equipment may drive you over right over the edge.
That's one reason that body weight exercises can be a great choice for keeping you fit without needing a gym or special equipment.
The key is to choose exercises that are challenging, like pushups with side planks, around the world lunges and burpees. You can also take traditional exercises and use different techniques to add more challenge. Slowing things down (e.g., 8-count squats - take 8 counts on the way down and 8 to stand up) or adding power (e.g., add a jump to your squats or lunges) are just a couple of ways to add intensity to body weight movements, giving you a great way to exercise with no equipment needed.
What are your favorite body weight exercises and how can we incorporate them into our workouts?
