Do Bodyweight Exercises Burn Fat? The Ultimate Guide (+ 33 Exercises!)

If you’ve found yourself asking, “do bodyweight exercises burn fat?” then this is the post for you!

As a personal trainer and nutritional therapist, I’ve had many clients ask this same question.  I have also seen firsthand how the hustle and bustle of daily life can make it challenging for individuals to maintain a consistent fitness regime, no matter how much they want to reach their goals.

Because of this, bodyweight exercises present an efficient and effective solution for those looking to burn fat amidst a busy schedule. These exercises harness the power of your own body’s weight to provide resistance, target multiple muscle groups, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and stimulate fat loss.

Whether you have just fifteen minutes to spare or can dedicate a longer session to your fitness, incorporating bodyweight routines into your lifestyle can not only accelerate fat burning but also   improve overall strength and agility, ensuring you stay on track towards your health goals.

So let’s get right into answering this question!

a woman doing mountain climbers in her living room

Benefits of bodyweight workouts

There are many benefits to bodyweight workouts.  One of the most significant benefits is their unparalleled convenience. Unlike traditional gym-based exercises that require equipment, bodyweight routines can be performed anywhere, at any time, making them ideal for individuals with hectic lifestyles or limited access to gym facilities.

This flexibility allows for a more consistent exercise regimen, which is crucial for achieving and maintaining weight loss and muscle tone.

Additionally, bodyweight exercises are highly adaptable.  They can be modified to suit all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, ensuring progressive challenges as strength and endurance improve.

This adaptability, combined with the convenience factor, makes bodyweight exercises a powerful tool in anyone’s fitness arsenal.

Do bodyweight exercises burn calories?

Understanding how your body burns calories is essential in maximizing the effectiveness of your workouts. At its core, calorie burning involves the process of converting the food you eat into the energy required for all your bodily functions and activities – from maintaining your heartbeat and breathing to fueling your movements during exercise.

This metabolic process, known as metabolism, varies from person to person, influenced by factors such as age, gender, muscle mass, and activity level. When you engage in physical activities, such as bodyweight exercises, your body’s energy demand increases, leading to a higher rate of calorie burning.

This is a key component in creating a calorie deficit, where you expend more calories than you consume, ultimately resulting in weight loss.

Do you need to do cardio to burn calories?

While cardio exercises are renowned for their calorie-burning efficacy, they are not the sole method for creating a calorie deficit. Any physical activity that increases your heart rate and energy expenditure can contribute to burning calories.

Resistance training, such as bodyweight exercises, not only burns calories during the workout but also increases muscle mass. This is significant because muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, thus boosting your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and calorie expenditure throughout the day.

Therefore, incorporating a mix of cardio and strength training into your routine can optimize calorie burning and support weight management goals.

the side image of a woman running outside with the sun behind her

Do bodyweight exercises burn fat and help you lose weight?

Bodyweight workouts are an effective and versatile way to burn fat and facilitate weight loss from the comfort of your home, a nearby park, on vacation at a hotel, or anywhere you choose. These exercises, which use your own body weight as resistance, include a wide range of movements that target various muscle groups, promoting a comprehensive, full-body workout.

Engaging in bodyweight workouts enhances muscular strength and endurance while simultaneously elevating your heart rate, leading to substantial calorie expenditure. Over time, this caloric burn can contribute to a caloric deficit, essential for weight loss.

Additionally, as you build lean muscle mass through these exercises, your body becomes more efficient at burning calories even when at rest, further supporting fat loss and weight management efforts.

Can bodyweight exercises boost your metabolism and burn calories?

Bodyweight workouts can significantly boost the metabolism, providing a pathway to increase the body’s energy consumption even when not exercising.

This metabolic acceleration stems from the enhancement of muscle mass through consistent resistance training with exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges. Muscles are metabolically more active than fat tissue, meaning they require more energy to maintain.

Therefore, as your muscle mass increases, so does your basal metabolic rate (BMR), the number of calories your body burns at rest. This metabolic upsurge makes it easier to maintain a caloric deficit, aiding in fat loss and weight management over time.

How to build muscle using bodyweight exercises

Building muscle using bodyweight exercises revolves around manipulating exercise variables like volume, intensity, and progression to challenge the muscles effectively.

Increasing the volume, or the number of sets and repetitions, pushes your muscles to endure more, prompting muscle growth. Intensifying exercises by slowing down the movement, incorporating pauses, or elevating your legs during push-ups, for example, increases resistance, forcing muscles to work harder.

Additionally, gradually increasing the complexity of exercises, by transitioning from simpler to more complex versions or adjusting leverage, ensures continuous muscle adaptation and growth.

Consistency, along with recovery and proper nutrition, is key to achieving muscle gains through bodyweight training.

a woman stretching her hamstrings while sitting on a low wall in a city park

Long-term goals of bodyweight workouts

Exercise is not just a sprint to a temporary goal.  It’s a marathon toward lifelong health and wellness. Far too often, the focus falls solely on short-term gains, such as losing weight for a specific event or building muscle for aesthetic purposes.

However, the true value of regular physical activity lies in its profound, long-lasting impact on our health.

From safeguarding against chronic diseases to enhancing mental health and cognitive function, the benefits of exercise extend far beyond the visible.

It’s imperative to adopt a long-term perspective on fitness, recognizing that the investments we make in our physical health today set the foundation for a healthier, more vibrant future.

Goal # 1: do what you love

Finding an exercise that you truly enjoy can be the key to consistent, lifelong physical activity.

Whether it’s dancing, rock climbing, yoga, or team sports, the joy derived from these activities can significantly enhance motivation and adherence.

When exercise is something you look forward to rather than a chore to be endured, it seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle, making regular activity not just a goal, but a natural part of your daily routine.

This personal connection to physical activity not only improves physical health but also boosts mental well-being, making the pursuit of fitness a truly holistic endeavor.

Goal # 2: do what makes you feel good

Choosing activities that generate a sense of satisfaction and happiness is crucial in nurturing a healthy and sustainable exercise regimen. Exercise should not be perceived as a punishment, but as a celebration of what your body can achieve and a means to elevate your mood and energy levels.

Engaging in forms of physical activity that you find genuinely enjoyable not only makes you more likely to stick with them in the long run, but also encourages a positive relationship with exercise.

When you prioritize your personal enjoyment and well-being, working out becomes a source of joy and fulfillment rather than obligation, making it easier to maintain a consistent and beneficial fitness routine.

Goal # 3: focus on non-scale goals

Prioritizing non-scale goals can significantly enhance your exercise experience and overall well-being.

Shifting focus from merely trying to alter numbers on a scale to achieving tangible, performance-based objectives—such as running a longer distance, lifting heavier weights, or mastering a new yoga pose—can foster a more enriching relationship with fitness. It encourages progress that is measurable in strength, flexibility, and endurance, rather than only in pounds or kilograms.

This approach not only sustains motivation by celebrating various milestones and improvements, but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for one’s physical capabilities and resilience.

It’s about recognizing the remarkable feats your body can accomplish when you surpass the confines of scale-defined success.

Goal # 4: know that calories in versus calories out still matters

While regular exercise plays a crucial role in achieving and maintaining a healthy body, it’s essential not to overlook the pivotal role of diet, particularly the balance of calories consumed versus calories expended.

This calories-in versus calories-out equation is fundamental in managing body weight and optimizing physical health. Even with a rigorous exercise regimen, neglecting dietary habits can undermine your efforts towards obtaining fitness goals.

A diet that is well-balanced and mindful of calorie intake, in conjunction with consistent physical activity, provides the fuel your body needs to perform optimally, recover from workouts, and build strength.

Remember, achieving a harmonious balance between exercise and nutrition is key to sustaining long-term health and wellness.

Goal # 5: walk daily

Incorporating walking into your daily routine can be as vital as following an exercise regimen. This simple, yet effective activity offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced mood, and increased energy levels.

Walking is a foundational form of physical movement that complements high-intensity workouts by promoting recovery and reducing the risk of injury.

Furthermore, it serves as an accessible entry point for those new to physical fitness, making it an essential component of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Remember, consistency in walking, just like in more intense forms of exercise, is key to reaping its full health benefits.

a happy couple walking down a path in a city park

Get the most out of your bodyweight workouts

While the answer to “do bodyweight exercises burn fat” is a resounding “yes”, we also need to  understand that not all bodyweight workout plans are created equal.

It’s essential to incorporate a variety of movements and continually challenge yourself with new exercises to target different muscle groups effectively.

By changing up your routine, you can prevent plateaus in progress and keep your body adapting and improving. Below are just a few methods to keep in mind when running through a bodyweight workout program.

Progressive overload

Progressive overload is paramount in enhancing the effectiveness of bodyweight workouts, serving as a driving force behind strength gains and muscle growth.

By steadily increasing the intensity of workouts—whether through adding repetitions, modifying exercises to be more challenging, or decreasing rest intervals—your body is compelled to adapt to the heightened demands.

This gradual increase not only prevents plateaus in physical development, but also ensures continuous improvement in physical fitness.

Without implementing progressive overload, workouts risk becoming stagnant, potentially leading to diminished motivation and progress.

Circuit

Circuit training is an exceptional addition to bodyweight workout routines, effectively maximizing cardiovascular health and muscular endurance within a compressed time frame.

By arranging a sequence of exercises to be performed successively with minimal rest in between, circuit training keeps the heart rate elevated, fostering both aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

This method not only enhances fat burning, but also introduces variety and challenge to workouts, preventing monotony and maintaining motivation.

The adaptability of circuit training makes it ideal for individuals at any fitness level, allowing for the customization of routines to match personal goals and progressions.

HIIT

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is another dynamic strategy to amplify the benefits of bodyweight workouts, concentrating on short bursts of intense exercise alternated with brief recovery periods.

This method is renowned for its efficiency, enabling significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness, strength, and fat loss within a condensed time frame.

The versatile nature of HIIT makes it easily adaptable to bodyweight exercises, facilitating workouts that are not only effective, but also customizable according to individual fitness levels and preferences.

Incorporating HIIT into your routine can lead to remarkable progress, offering a challenging yet rewarding path to achieving fitness goals.

a woman performing a pull up at the park

33 bodyweight exercises to burn fat

1. Pull ups

Pull-ups are a classic bodyweight exercise that targets the back, shoulders, and arms. To perform a pull-up, grip an overhead bar with your hands shoulder-width apart and palms facing away from you. Pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar, then slowly lower back down.

2. Inverted rows

Inverted rows are a challenging back exercise that can be done using a bar, suspension trainer, or even a sturdy table. Hang underneath with your feet planted on the ground and your arms straight and pull your chest towards your hands, engaging your back muscles.

3. Superman

Supermans are a great exercise for targeting the lower back muscles. Start by lying on your stomach with arms and legs extended, then lift your arms and legs off the ground while squeezing your glutes. Hold for a few seconds before lowering back down.

4. Scapular pushups

Scapular push ups target the upper back muscles and can help improve posture. Start in a plank position with your arms slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, then squeeze your shoulder blades together as you lower your body towards the ground.

5. Chin-ups

Chin-ups are similar to pull-ups, but with an underhand grip. This targets the biceps and can be a more achievable option for beginners. Use the same technique as pull-ups, pulling yourself up until your chin is above the bar.

woman getting ready to perform pushups in park

6. Push-up

Push-ups are a versatile exercise that target the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and lower your body until your chest touches the ground, then push back up. Be sure to keep your body in a straight line throughout the movement. Try different variations such as wide-grip push-ups to focus on the chest, diamond push-ups to target the triceps, or a pike or handstand pushup to target shoulders.

7. Dips

Dips are a compound exercise that engage the triceps, chest, and shoulders. Using parallel bars, a dip station, or even a sturdy chair, lower your body until your arms form 90-degree angles, then push back up to starting position.

8. Lunges

Lunges are an effective lower body exercise that primarily targets the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Begin by standing with feet shoulder-width apart, then take a big step forward with one leg and lower down until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Push back up to the starting position and repeat on the other side. You can also try walking lunges, low pulsing lunges, or reverse lunges for more variety.

9. Side lunges

Side lunges target the inner and outer thighs, as well as the glutes and hamstrings. Begin by standing with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, then while keeping your torso upright, lower your body to one side leaving the other leg straight. Push back up to the starting position and repeat on the other side. You can also perform a curtsy lunge for variation.

10. Single-legged deadlift

This exercise targets the entire posterior chain, including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Stand with feet hip-width apart, then slowly hinge at the hips while lifting one leg behind you. Keep your back straight and lower until your chest is parallel to the ground. Push back up to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

a woman performing bodyweight squats on the park lawn

11. Squats

Squats are a compound exercise that works multiple muscle groups including the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body as if sitting back into a chair, being sure to place your weight across your entire foot, then push back up. Try various foot placements to target different muscle groups in the leg.

12. Split squats

This exercise is great for targeting imbalances between the right and left leg, as well as building strength and stability in each leg. Begin by standing with one foot forward and the other foot back on a raised surface. Lower your body until your thigh is parallel to the ground, then push back up to starting position. Repeat on both sides.

13. Step ups

Step ups are a great exercise for targeting the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Start by standing in front of a bench or step, then step one foot onto the surface and push up through your entire foot to bring your other leg up. Step back down and repeat on the other side.

14. Bridge

Bridges are an excellent exercise for strengthening the glutes and hamstrings. Start by lying on your back with knees bent, then lift your hips off the ground while squeezing your glutes. Hold for a few seconds before lowering back down. You can also perform bridges using a single leg, keeping one leg off the floor and parallel to the other.

15. Squat jumps

Squat jumps are another plyometric exercise that targets the lower body and engages the core. Begin by performing a regular squat, then explosively jump into the air and land back in a squat position.

a woman performing box jumps on large steps off the city street

16. Box jumps

Box jumps are a plyometric exercise that primarily targets the lower body and also engages the core. Start by standing in front of a sturdy, elevated surface and jump onto it with both feet, then step back down and repeat.

17. Jumping jacks

Jumping jacks are a cardio exercise that also engage the arms, legs, and core. Stand with feet together then jump while bringing your arms overhead and feet landing out to the sides, then jump back to starting position.

18. Burpees

Burpees are a full body exercise that combine a squat, push-up, and jump with elements of both strength and cardio. Begin by standing with feet hip-width apart, then lower into a squat position and place your hands on the ground. Kick your feet back into a plank position and perform one push-up before jumping back to your squat and finish with a jump straight into the air.

19. Speed skaters

Speed skaters are a cardio exercise that also works the lower body, particularly the glutes and quadriceps. Begin by standing with feet hip-width apart and take a big lateral step to one side while bending your knee in a curtsy lunge position. Immediately jump to the other side and repeat.

20. High knees

High knees are a cardio exercise that also engages the core and lower body. Begin by standing with feet hip-width apart, then quickly bring one knee up towards your chest before switching to the other leg in a running motion. Continue alternating legs at a quick pace.

a woman wearing pink and black sprinting on an an outdoor track

21. Sprints

Sprinting is a great way to improve speed and power while also engaging the lower body. Find an open space, then sprint at maximum effort for a short distance before taking a break and repeating. This exercise can also be done on a treadmill, around your neighborhood, at a park, or with a partner for added motivation.

22. Running

Running is a classic cardiovascular exercise that can be done almost anywhere and at any pace. It’s a low-impact activity that helps improve endurance, strengthen leg muscles, and burn calories. You can jog on the treadmill, around your neighborhood, or on a trail for added scenery.

23. Running stairs

Running stairs is a challenging cardio exercise that also works the muscles in your legs and glutes. Simply find a flight of stairs, then run up and down at a quick pace for several repetitions. You can also add variations such as skipping steps, sideways shuffles, or single leg hops for an extra challenge.

24. Mountain climbers

Mountain climbers are a dynamic exercise that targets the entire body, especially the core. Begin in a plank position with your hands under your shoulder, then alternate bringing each knee towards your chest in a running motion while keeping your upper body stable.

25. Crunches

Crunches are a classic core exercise that specifically targets the abdominal muscles. Begin by lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Then, engage your core and lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the ground while keeping your lower back pressed into the floor. Slowly lower back down to the starting position and repeat.

a woman wearing black doing bicycle crunches on a park lawn

26. Bicycle crunches

Bicycle crunches target the oblique muscles and also work the abs. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and alternate bringing your elbows towards opposite knees while extending the other leg out so it remains off the floor.

27. V-ups

V-ups are a dynamic exercise that targets the entire abdominal region, with particular emphasis on the rectus abdominis and the obliques. To perform a V-up, start by lying flat on your back with your legs straight and arms extended above your head. In one smooth motion, lift your legs and upper body off the floor, reaching your hands toward your toes, then slowly lower back down.

28. Hollow Hold

The hollow hold is a powerful core exercise that targets the abdominals and deep core muscles, enhancing stability and strengthening the entire core region. To perform the movement, lie down flat on your back, contract your abdominal muscles, and then raise your legs and upper body off the ground, forming a slight ‘U’ or half moon shape with your body. Your arms should be extended past your head, and your legs should be straight and together, with your toes pointed. Hold this position for time, keeping your core engaged and lower back pressed to the floor.

29. Plank

Planks are a simple but effective core exercise that can also engage the arms and legs. Start in a push-up position with your hands shoulder width on the ground and hold for 30-60 seconds being sure to keep your body in a straight line. There are many planks variations to try, such as forearm planks, plank jacks, x-planks, bear planks, plank shoulder taps, and more.

30. Copenhagen planks

Copenhagen planks are a challenging variation of the traditional plank that targets the obliques and improves stability, especially in the pelvic floor. Start on your side and prop your top leg on an elevated surface with your bottom leg hanging underneath.  Then lift your hips off the ground while engaging your core. Hold for 30-60 seconds before switching sides.

a woman wearing blue in a side plank pose on the beach

31. Side plank

Side planks are another variation of the plank that target the obliques and improve balance. Start by lying on one side with your feet stacked and lift your body up using your forearm and feet for support, holding for 30-60 seconds before switching sides. There are many side plank variations you can try such as side plank rotation, side plank star, side plank dips, among many more.

32. Dead bugs

Dead bugs are a challenging but effective core exercise that also improves coordination. Start by lying on your back with arms extended towards the ceiling and legs lifted at a 90-degree angle, then lower the opposite arm and leg towards the ground while keeping your core engaged. Alternate sides for desired amount of reps.

33. Bird dog

The bird dog exercise is another great way to target the lower back and core while improving balance. Start on all fours with a neutral spine, then extend one arm and opposite leg while keeping your core engaged. Hold for a few seconds before switching sides.

Example bodyweight only circuits to burn fat

Circuit 1: Core Blast

  1. Forearm Plank – 60 seconds
  2. Side Plank – 30 seconds each side
  3. Dead Bugs – 60 seconds
  4. Birddog – 30 seconds each side
  5. Copenhagen Planks – 30 seconds each side

Circuit 2: Full Body Burn

  1. Squats – 10-15 reps
  2. Push-Ups – 10-15 reps
  3. Mountain Climbers – 30 seconds
  4. Plank Jacks – 30 seconds
  5. Skaters – 10-15 reps each side

Circuit 3: Cardio Blast

  1. High Knees – 30 seconds
  2. Jumping Jacks – 30 seconds
  3. Burpees – 10-15 reps
  4. Jump Squats – 10-15 reps
  5. Sprints – 30 seconds

Complete each circuit 3-5 times with a 1-2 minute rest between rounds for an intense full-body workout.

You can also turn these into a HIIT workout by setting a timer for 40 second work and 20 seconds of rest and continuing for 2-4 rounds or 15-20 minutes.

Don’t forget to stretch and cool down afterwards!

Burpee Variation with Plank Leg Raises

Example bodyweight only splits to burn fat

3-Day Full Body Bodyweight Workout Split

Day 1 – Full Body Workout

  • Warm-Up: 5 minutes of jumping jacks
  • Push-Ups: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
  • Squats: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
  • Plank: 3 sets of 30 seconds to 1 minute
  • Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
  • Dips: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
  • Cool Down: 5 minutes of stretching focusing on legs and arms

Day 2 – Full Body Workout

  • Warm-Up: 5 minutes of high knees
  • Inverted Rows: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Step-Ups: 3 sets of 12 reps per leg
  • Side Planks: 3 sets of 30 seconds per side
  • Glute Bridge: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
  • Pike Push-Ups: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Cool Down: 5 minutes of full-body stretching

Day 3 – Full Body Workout

  • Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching
  • Burpees: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
  • Wide Squats: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
  • Reverse Lunges: 3 sets of 12 reps per leg
  • Push-Up: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Mountain Climbers: 3 sets of 30 seconds
  • Cool Down: 5 minutes focusing on deep stretching routines

4-Day Upper and Lower Body Bodyweight Workout Split

Day 1 – Upper Body

  • Push-Ups: 4 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Dips: 4 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Plank Up-Downs: 3 sets of 8 reps per arm
  • Diamond Push-Ups: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
  • Superman: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Day 2 – Lower Body

  • Squats: 4 sets of 15-20 reps
  • Lunges: 4 sets of 12 reps per leg
  • Glute Bridges: 4 sets of 15 reps
  • Step-Ups: 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
  • Single-Leg Deadlifts: 3 sets of 10 reps per leg

Day 3 – Upper Body

  • Pike Push-Ups: 4 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Inverted Rows: 4 sets of 12 reps
  • Diamond Push-ups: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Pull-Ups (or Negative Pull-Ups): 3 sets of max reps
  • Plank Shoulder Taps: 3 sets of 10 reps per arm

Day 4 – Lower Body

  • Split Squats: 4 sets of 12 reps per leg
  • Step-Ups (using a chair): 4 sets of 12 reps per leg
  • Single-Leg Glute Bridges: 4 sets of 12 reps per side
  • Squat Jumps: 3 sets of 15 reps
  • Side Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps per side
  • Bear Plank: 3 sets for 30 seconds

5-Day Body Part Bodyweight Workout Split

Day 1 – Chest and Triceps

  • Warm-Up: 5 minutes of arm circles and chest stretches
  • Diamond Push-Ups: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
  • Standard Push-Ups: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
  • Dips: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Incline Push-Ups: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Cool Down: 5 minutes stretching focusing on chest and arms

Day 2 – Back and Biceps

  • Warm-Up: 5 minutes of arm and back stretches
  • Inverted Rows: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Scapular Push-Ups: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Superman: 3 sets of 15 reps
  • Chin-Ups: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
  • Cool Down: 5 minutes stretching with a focus on back and biceps

Day 3 – Legs and Glutes

  • Warm-Up: 5 minutes dynamic lower body stretching
  • Squats: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
  • Lunges: 3 sets of 12 reps per leg
  • Glute Bridges: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
  • Calf Raises: 3 sets of 20 reps
  • Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts (bodyweight): 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
  • Cool Down: 5 minutes focusing on leg and glute stretching

Day 4 – Shoulders and Abs

  • Warm-Up: 5 minutes of shoulder rotations and abdominal stretches
  • Pike Push-Ups: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Plank: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds
  • Side Planks: 3 sets of 30 seconds per side
  • Handstand Against Wall (if possible): 2 sets for time
  • Mountain Climbers: 3 sets of 30 seconds
  • Cool Down: 5 minutes of stretching focusing on shoulders and core

Day 5 – Active Recovery

  • Light Activity: Walk, cycle, or perform any low-impact activity for at least 30 minutes
  • Yoga or Pilates: Engage in a 30-minute session focusing on flexibility and core strength
  • Stretching Routine: Spend an additional 15 minutes on a full-body stretching routine to enhance recovery and flexibility

Please ensure to incorporate a 5-10 minute warm-up before along with a cool-down stretch after each workout session to prevent injuries and aid recovery.

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Conclusion: do bodyweight exercises burn fat?

Bodyweight exercises provide an efficient and highly effective way to burn fat and achieve fitness goals without the need for gym equipment or significant investment.

These exercises leverage the weight of one’s own body to offer resistance, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously for comprehensive training.

Perfect for busy individuals or those without access to a gym, bodyweight workouts can be performed anywhere, from the comfort of home to a local park to a hotel overseas, fitting seamlessly into various lifestyles.

By incorporating a structured workout routine into your weekly regime, you can enjoy the benefits of improved muscle tone, enhanced cardiovascular health, and increased metabolic rate, all of which contribute to fat loss and reaching your fitness aspirations.

a woman doing a low lunge yoga pose in a park

FAQs

Can you lose fat with bodyweight workouts?

Yes, you can lose fat with bodyweight workouts. These exercises increase your heart rate and metabolism, promoting fat loss while building muscle. However, it’s essential to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to achieve optimal results.

Do body weight exercises burn calories?

Absolutely, bodyweight exercises do burn calories. The amount burned depends on the intensity of the workout and an individual’s body composition, but activities like push-ups, squats, and burpees are efficient ways to expend energy and contribute to weight loss.

Can you get fit with just bodyweight exercises?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to get fit using just bodyweight exercises. Such workouts can be designed to target all major muscle groups, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance flexibility and balance, providing a well-rounded fitness regimen without the need for specialized equipment.

Can you get ripped with just bodyweight exercises?

Yes, you can get ripped with just bodyweight exercises. By progressively increasing the intensity and complexity of these exercises, incorporating variations that challenge different muscle groups, and eating a healthy diet, you can build muscle definition and achieve a lean, toned physique.

Does bodyweight exercises burn fat?

Bodyweight exercises are indeed effective in burning fat. These types of exercises engage multiple muscle groups at once, which increases the amount of energy expended and, as a result, helps in reducing body fat when combined with a consistent fitness routine and a balanced diet.

Are bodyweight exercises good for weight loss?

Bodyweight exercises are excellent for weight loss, as they can efficiently burn calories while also building muscle, which in turn can increase the resting metabolic rate. Since they require no equipment, they can be easily integrated into a daily routine, making it simpler for individuals to maintain a consistent exercise program that supports weight loss goals.

How long to see results from bodyweight exercises?

The time it takes to see results from bodyweight exercises can vary depending on factors such as the intensity of the workouts, consistency, individual body types, and diet. Generally, improvements in strength and endurance can be seen within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent training. Visible changes in physique may take longer, often around 8 to 12 weeks,

Are bodyweight exercises effective?

Bodyweight exercises are highly effective for improving physical fitness, offering a comprehensive approach to strength training without the need for gym equipment. They enhance flexibility, balance, and overall body strength, proving to be a versatile and efficient method for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.

Do bodyweight exercises burn calories or build muscle?

Bodyweight exercises serve the dual purpose of burning calories and building muscle, making them an excellent option for those looking to improve their overall fitness. By eating a high protein diet and engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, they not only help in shedding fat but also in enhancing muscle strength and tone.

Can I use bodyweight exercises instead of strength training for fat loss?

Yes, bodyweight exercises can effectively replace traditional strength training for fat loss. They leverage your body’s weight to create resistance, stimulating muscle growth and increasing metabolic rate, which in turn accelerates fat burning. Coupled with a balanced diet, bodyweight routines can be a powerful tool for achieving fat loss goals.

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  • Expedia – great place to book your wellness travels & accommodations.
  • Viator – best place for booking experiences that compliment your travels.

Want to learn more simple & sustainable wellness tips? Check out My Resources page where you can grab all my best guides & trainings created just for you!

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