Do Bodyweight Workouts ‘Count’ as Strength Training?
When was the last time you strength trained? If you’re not big on lifting weights, you might be thinking, “uh…never?” Or you could be wondering whether something like yoga, kickboxing, or other bodyweight workouts can “count” as strength training.
The truth is, you don’t need to lay a finger on a dumbbell or barbell to make gains. “In order to get stronger, we simply need to recruit and fatigue our muscle fibers,” explains certified exercise physiologist Luke Carlson, CEP, CEO and founder of Discover Strength.
This can be done using machines, free weights, resistance bands, or just your body weight, he says. That’s right: Just your body weight.
Not convinced? Keep reading as experts explain why bodyweight workouts can help you build strength and how to ensure they check the resistance training box.
Do bodyweight workouts ‘count’ as strength training?
The answer is a resounding yes. “Bodyweight workouts definitely count as strength training,” says certified personal trainer Nicole Thompson, CPT.
Rather than using equipment to provide external resistance for your muscles to work against, these workouts utilize the weight of your body. “Exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and squats are classic examples of bodyweight exercises that effectively train various muscle groups,” Thompson says. “Just like traditional weightlifting, bodyweight exercises can stimulate muscle growth, enhance muscular endurance, and improve overall health.”
