I’ll admit it; I am hooked on bodyweight exercises. I have been working out for 2 decades, rotating through dozens of different workout fads, but one aspect to my workout programs that have always been consistent are the use of bodyweight exercises.

I never really thought about why bodyweight exercises were so important to me until I started marketing my fitness product Strength Stack 52 (currently launching on Kickstarter). Now, all the importance aspects of bodyweight exercises have become clear.

If you exercise regularly and don’t incorporate bodyweight exercises, here is what you’re missing:

13 Reasons For Body Weight Workouts

1) They are dual purpose workouts

It’s easy to mix strength training exercises with cardio exercises.

2) They are efficient workouts

Reduce the time spent loading barbells, adjusting machines and driving to a gym.

3) You can burn that fat, fast

Just a few minutes of exercise increases your metabolic rate, which allows your body to burn more calories throughout the day.

4) Great accessibility

Any age or skill level can do them.

5) Improved core strength

Most people don’t know that the core area comprises more than just abs. The core actually makes up almost 30 muscles and bodyweight exercises can improve them all.

6) Gumby like flexibility

With a full range of motion, bodyweight exercises are a great way to keep joints limber.

7) Convenience

The number one excuse for not working out is a lack of time.  With bodyweight exercises, no time is no excuse.

8) Better balance

Since no weights are used, you are using your body as balance to complete the exercises.

9) Reduced boredom

With hundreds of bodyweight exercises you can do just about anywhere, there is little chance you could get bored compared to sitting in a machine doing the exact same movement over and over.

10) They are fun exercises

There are many ways you can compete with other people to challenge yourself to push out more exercises and reps.

11) It’s Cheap

No need for gym memberships!

12) Injury prevention

Usually safe as you won’t drop a weight or bar on yourself and the movements are usually quite simple.

13) These workouts are plateau breakers!

If you are at the gym and want to add variety to your workouts, it’s easy to turn a normal set into a super set with bodyweight exercises.

As you can see, bodyweight exercises are a necessary step to progress a workout routine at any skill level.

44 of the Best Bodyweight Exercises Ever!