Training with your own body weight - all the information you need!

When it comes to training with your own body weight, everyone has their own ideas. It's easy to get lost in the jungle of endless exercises and aids, and before the good intention can be implemented, you give up training again in frustration. Understandably, not everyone wants to painstakingly gather all the information - most people want to train and not study first. That's why we've put together this Go To Guide where practical information based on personal experience is summarized in a short and digestible way. More than this Guide you don't need.

With or without aids?

While bodyweight training was originally defined as training without aids and additional weights, it has slowly been recognized that the use of effective aids can make training much more efficient and exciting. We agree with this opinion and can say from our own experience that bodyweight training with aids is significantly more effective. But more on this below.

With or without a gym?

This question will be on most readers' minds, because if you follow the current trend, you will notice that fitness studios are still experiencing a boom and that this does not seem to be slowing down. But we have to disappoint you: Training on machines with weights is a different kind of training and no better than bodyweight training! Build muscle, lose fat, increase strength and endurance. Look better naked! You can do this both in the gym and at home with your own body weight. The U.S. Marines train with their own body weight, and many special forces units only train this way. If you don't believe us, try it out. We are our own greatest proof.

We have tested and recommend the following aids

Bodyweight training doesn't have to be boring, but it can be. And the knowledge that bodyweight training with aids is many times more efficient can be reason enough. We combine a proven training method with modern support. Bodyweight with aids, a combination that brings success in a very short time. We present our top 5:

1st Mini Band and Resistance Band: The elastic bands are available in different strengths and in smaller (Mini Band) and larger versions (Resistance Band). They can be combined with any exercise. Basically, exercises can be made more intensive or less strenuous with different angles of movement or modified levers. The Mini Band and Resistance Band offer a simpler version that is also fun.

2. resistance tubes: Similar in function, the elastic ropes with a handle at each end not only offer the opportunity to make existing bodyweight exercises more intensive. Resistance tubes can also be used to add new exercises to your workout and train individual muscle groups, such as the shoulders, in a more isolated manner.

3. aerobic dumbbells: Another tool that can intensify existing exercises but also create new exercises. If you would like to have a little more weight available, you can use hex dumbbells, which are well suited for home use thanks to their design. If you want to train with more weight but still save space, you should take a look at the Adjustable Dumbbells.

4th Jump Rope: Our favorite accessory and addition to bodyweight training when it comes to warming up quickly and making progress in endurance. Skipping ropes are fun, but more strenuous than they look.

5. suspension trainer: Also known as TRX. Our absolute favorite when it comes to training with your own body weight. It may be a bit too many accessories for some, but due to its size and low purchase price, it is in our top 5. Practical: Packed up to save space, the suspension trainer can be taken anywhere. 

Note: If there is no carpet or soft surface available, you can simply buy a fitness mat at a reasonable price, which in turn allows you to exercise wherever you are.

The big conclusion about bodyweight training: Exercising using only your own body weight has a number of advantages: you can train almost anywhere at any time, the purchase costs for optional equipment are low and if you train using only your own body weight, you quickly get a good and confident body feeling. What's more, this type of training can be just as efficient when it comes to building muscle and losing fat. We can therefore highly recommend this type of workout!