No Weight Workout

This is a full body strength training workout that can be done with no equipment. Perform this workout 2 or 3 nonconsecutive days a week, making sure to warm up with 5 or 10 minutes of light cardio and end your workout with a stretch.

How to Do It:

Beginners: Do each exercise for 1 set of 15 to 20 repetitions.
Intermediates: Do each exercise for 2 or more sets of 15 to 20 repetitions, with short rest periods between sets.
Advanced: Do each exercise for 3 or more sets of 15 to 20 repetitions, with short rest periods between sets.

Make these exercises more challenging by:

  1. Using only one limb at a time, such as doing one legged squats, one arm push-ups, etc.
  2. Taking a full 10 seconds for each repetition. Don't lock the joints.
  3. Concentrate on the muscle you're working.
Pushups
Pushups

On knees or toes, place hands about 6 inches wider than your shoulders. Inhale as you lower your body towards the floor, maintaining a straight line from head to toe. Exhale as you push your body back up. Don't sink in the middle or pike your buttocks in the air and only lower your body until your shoulders are in line with your elbows.
Squats
Squats

Place your feet shoulder width apart, abs pulled in. Squat down slowly as you sit back on your heels keeping good posture with chest up, shoulders back, and chin level. Lower as far as you can, keeping knees behind the toes and not going below 90 degrees. Tip: place a chair behind you and act like you're about to sit down, pulling up before actually sitting.
Lunges
Lunges

Stand in a split stance, holding onto a chair for balance (if needed). With weight evenly distributed over each foot, slowly lower towards the floor. Keep both knees at 90 degree angles, and do not allow the front knee to extend over the toe. Push through the heel, contract the glutes and push up without locking the knees.
Walking Lunges
Walking Lunges

Stand with feet together and take a giant step forward, lowering into a lunge and keeping knees at 90 degree angles. Push up and step forward with other leg. Alternate legs for one+ laps around the room.
Standing Side Leg Lift
Standing Side Leg Lift

Wrap tube or band around a sturdy object and stand to the left, holding handles in both hands. Keeping the arms straight, swing the arms across the body and rotate towards the left, contracting the abs. Return to start and repeat for 10-12 reps before switching sides.
Dips
Dips

Sit on chair or bench and place hands next to hips. Move hips in front of chair and bend elbows, lowering body until elbows are at 90 degrees. Keep shoulders down and butt close to chair.
Back Extensions
Back Extensions

Lie face down with hands either behind the back or lightly cradling the head. Lift upper body off the ground a few inches, keeping head and neck in alignment. For a challenge, lift feet off the ground keeping legs straight (knees don't have to be together), hold for 2-4 counts.
Heel Drops

Stand on a step, bench or platform (you might need to hold onto a chair or the wall for balance). Take one foot and hang it off the side of the step. Bend the standing knee and lower into a one-legged squat, lowering the heel towards the floor. Be sure to keep the standing knee behind the toe.
Calf Raises

Stand on a step or on the floor, holding onto a chair for balance (if needed). Slowly push up onto the tips of your toes, contracting the calves. Lower back down without relaxing and repeat.
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