They're exercises that use your body’s weight as resistance. They usually target many muscles and help build stability and strength. You don’t need any machines or weights, so you can do them just about anywhere. You can also tailor these exercises to your needs. So whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can get big benefits.
Pushup
This might be the most well-known body-weight exercise. You’ll use your triceps and chest muscles the most, since you’re pushing up your body weight. At the same time, your deltoids -- the muscles in your shoulder -- support your arms’ movement, and your abdominal muscles work to keep your core tight. Don't let your hips or back dip down or arch up. Make controlled, smooth movements.
Squats
They're perfect for making yourself more flexible and building lower body strength. You’ll make your lower body and hips more mobile. The main muscles you use are the big ones in your leg, like your quadriceps, hamstrings, hip adductors, and gluteus maximus. Be careful not to put too much weight on the balls of your feet. Squat as low as you can without feeling any pressure or pain in your knees. As your strength increases, you’ll be able to go lower.
Planks
Planking -- an exercise where you hold your body up parallel to the ground -- is a very versatile exercise with plenty of benefits. If you’re looking to strengthen your core, the plank is definitely for you. Core work can help with lower back pain. It’ll also ease stress on your spine, which can help improve your posture. You’ll get more flexible and gain balance, too.
Mountain Climbers
As the name suggests, this exercise has you imitating the movements you might make as you climb a mountain. These can be a great warmup to a workout or a powerful exercise to practice all on its own. You’ll work your legs, core, triceps, and shoulders, but almost every muscle group will get some use, all the while including cardio. Mountain climbers also encourage your body to move in ways you don't usually move.
Pelvic Tilt
To do one of these, lie flat on the floor, lifting your pelvis off the ground while keeping your knees bent and your feet flat. It makes your posture better and strengthens the muscles in your buttocks and core. Don’t forget to keep breathing while you’re doing this. Try not to lift your shoulders or upper back off the floor.
Burpee
To do this full-body exercise, bring your body down to the ground to do a squat thrust before exploding with a high jump. You'll engage all your major muscle groups. At the same time, you’ll work your heart and lungs. Burpees help you build strength, which can fight back as your body loses muscle as you age.
Single Leg Deadlift
Stand on one leg with a slight knee bend. Focus on keeping your core tight. Then slowly bend forward at your hips and keep that standing knee slightly bent. Although this technically works the whole body, you’ll feel it most in your hips and legs. It builds endurance and strength in the muscles below your waist. This exercise also helps build your ancillary muscles -- muscles that improve your balance -- and offers the most resistance on your lower body.
