Latest news with #bodyweightexercises
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Forget endless sit-ups – here's how you build a solid core with just your bodyweight, says a personal trainer
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Sit-ups are the exercise we probably all first came across in regard to strengthening our midsection muscles. And while they aren't completely useless – as they do target lots of the core's key muscles – they are a tad boring and not the easiest. Luckily, there are plenty of other brilliant bodyweight exercises that are highly effective for building a rock-solid core, which Personal Trainer, James Stirling, has shared. Even better, it doesn't include crunches or the plank either. Can you build a stronger core using just your bodyweight? Absolutely. Just like bodyweight training can build strength and muscle, it works for your core too. The key is progressive overload. Again, that doesn't mean you have to start incorporating weights; you could simply perform the exercise for a few seconds longer, slow it down, or reduce your rest time between sets. By increasing the intensity, your core muscles are constantly being challenged, encouraging growth, endurance, and stability over time. Hollow hold – 30s Back extension – 30s Leg lifts – 30s Shoulder taps – 30s Copenhagen plank – 20s each side If you enjoyed this core number, then why not try this five-move Pilates workout next? Pilates is renowned for its controlled movements that target the deep core muscles to help enhance stability and alignment. Plus, it'll only take you 15 minutes. Alternatively, for those who struggle with floor-based exercises – or if you simply want a break from them – then this upright core workout will freshen up your usual routine while still delivering a solid burn to your abs, obliques, and lower back.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A Trainer Reveals the Number-1 Push-Up Variation to Try, No Matter Your Fitness Level
Push-ups are one of the most effective bodyweight exercises around. They recruit every major muscle group, challenging your upper body, core, glutes, and legs. Plus, you can do push-ups anywhere—so they're ideal for home workouts and gym routines, alike. '[Push-ups are] great for building strength without equipment,' says Larysa DiDio, a certified personal trainer. 'The chest is the major muscle group worked. If done properly, push-ups are also a really great core exercise because you have to keep your abs and back tight and supported through the whole repetition.' The key is to do your push-ups properly. If you're struggling to master standard push-ups, experts suggest starting with modified push-ups instead. Over time, you can try more challenging push-up variations by moving your hands, lifting your legs, and weaving in other exercises, like shoulder taps, jumps, or crunches. 'The more unstable the push-up, the harder it is to perform—and the more you have to draw on increased strength,' DiDio says. No matter your fitness level, you can easily dial up or down your push-ups with the right modifications. Here are 12 push-up variations to work your way through as you build strength. Do each push-up 8 to 12 times, and keep at it. 'The more consistent you are in doing them, the stronger you'll get,' DiDio says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
