by Cori Lefkowith | Jul 2, 2015 | Blog, Bodyweight, Exercises, Pull Ups, Vs.
To work your back, you need to include Pulling Exercises in your workout routine.
However, not all Pulling Exercises are exactly the same because there are a lot of different muscles that make up your back that are worked to different degrees by different movements.
The two most basic types of Pulling Exercises you need to include in your workout routine though are the Vertical Pull and the Horizontal Pull.
Both work the muscles of your back differently and activate and target different muscles.
The most common bodyweight Vertical Pull is the Pull Up/Chin Up while the most common bodyweight Horizontal Pull is the Inverted Row.
Both moves need to be included in your workout routine and activate different muscles of your back to different degrees.
And while the Inverted Row is often used to help beginners work up to the Pull Up, you need to be aware that these two moves are very different and that the Inverted Row is still a very important movement for even the advanced lifter to include. (The Inverted Row alone also won’t get you to that first full Pull Up because it is a different movement.)
Below we will discuss the differences between the Pull Up and the Inverted Row and even some fun variations of each move you should be including in your workout routine.
(more…)
by Cori Lefkowith | May 27, 2015 | Blog, Bodyweight, Exercises, Functional Fitness
Have you always wanted to be able to climb a rope, but never been able to? Think you just don’t have the upper body strength?
While upper body strength is important to be able to climb a rope, so is using your feet properly to help.
Below we will teach you how to climb a rope using your feet while also helping you build upper body and grip strength with Rope Climb Variations.
Whether you are looking to participate in a mud run or obstacle course or simply want a great back, bicep, core and grip workout, you should include some of these Rope Climb Variation in your workouts.
Use these tips and variations and learn how to climb a rope today!
(more…)
by Cori Lefkowith | May 14, 2015 | Blog, Bodyweight, Exercises, Workouts
When people think “cardio,” they usually think of running. Or they think of hopping on a treadmill or some other cardio machine.
But you don’t have to run to get in a great cardio workout. Actually the 20 Bodyweight Cardio Exercises below may be even better cardio workouts than running, especially chronic, steady-state cardio like long distance running.
And none of them require any equipment (ok a TOWEL but hopefully you have some sort of towel or blanket at home!). They can all be done at home in your living room even.
So if you aren’t a runner and you are looking for a cardio workout you can do at home, check out the 20 Bodyweight Cardio Moves below and scroll to the end for some KILLER Interval Workouts!
(more…)
by Cori Lefkowith | Mar 30, 2015 | Blog, Bodyweight, Core, Exercises
Isometric Exercises are moves where you hold in a position under tension. And often when we think of “core” isometric moves, we think of Planks. And while Planks are great isometric core moves, they aren’t the only great Isometric Core Exercises.
These 10 Isometric Core Exercises are a great way to build your core stability and strength so that your core works properly during heavy lifts. All of these moves also work your entire core – they work everything from your shoulders to your knees not just your abs.
Because these moves improve your core stability, they can help you not only get a stronger, more toned middle, but they can also help you prevent and alleviate injury.
All of these moves are great for everyone from the beginner to the advanced lifter just pick the variation right for you. Also, to get the most out of these moves, you have to make sure to hold with proper form.
Isometric Core Moves are the perfect chance to build your mind-body connection and focus on the correct muscles engaging and working. By building your mind-body connection, you will teach your body to recruit the correct muscles quickly when you do other lifts, helping you to not only lift more but also lift properly to prevent injury.
Because you are holding in an uncomfortable position, these moves will also help you build mental toughness and learn to become comfortable being uncomfortable, which is essential for achieving results.
If your form breaks down, rest and reset. Do not simply hold these moves to hold for longer. Make sure the correct muscles are engaging when you hold even if it means you can’t hold as long.
Check out these 10 Isometric Core Exercises to work and strengthen your entire core.
(more…)
by Cori Lefkowith | Mar 25, 2015 | Blog, Bodyweight, Exercises, Push Ups
The Push Up – It is a bodyweight exercise that we should all be able to do. And while it seems so easy, it can be a very challenging move.
Because, while the Push Up seems like it is only an upper body exercise, a Perfect Push Up works more than just your chest, shoulders and triceps – it works your entire core.
The Push Up is basically a moving plank. And for many, just holding a plank is hard enough. Yet with a Push Up, you are being asked to hold that perfect plank as you move.
To do the Perfect Push Up, everything from your shoulders to your heels must be engaged and working together.
Below we will teach you how to do the Perfect Push Up and get all the correct muscles engaged and working. Plus, we will show you how to strengthen your weak points with Push Up Variations and supplemental exercise to help you do more Push Ups
(more…)
by Cori Lefkowith | Mar 9, 2015 | Blog, Bodyweight, Core, Exercises
Planks are a must-do core move. And while you should always include the Basic Planks in your workouts, it can be fun to add some variety in every once in awhile.
All of these Plank Variations will continue to build your core strength and stability and help you prevent and alleviate low back and hip pain.
Unlike the Basic Planks, though, most of these aren’t isometric holds. Many of these Plank Variations involve movements that emphasis one area of your core, such as your shoulders, glutes, abs, obliques or quads.
Check out these 15 Plank Variations to include in your Core Training Program.
(more…)
