Back to Basics: Bodyweight Training with guest experts Darryl Brook and Matthew Glass

Do we really need equipment to get into shape? That is a question I’ve raised and one that many have asked whether it came to weight loss or just getting your fitness back on track. Here to walk us through the simplicity of going back to basics, Darryl and Matthew talk about Bodyweight training and what you can do to start training with just..You! 

With Gym prices on the increase due to the latest fancy equipment or gadgets we ask a simple question. Is all of this necessary or just a gimmick? The simple answer is No! Your body is all you need!

We’d like to take you back to the world’s oldest training method, Bodyweight Training. 

timthumbThinking you need to hit the gym twice a day everyday is enough to scare even the most hardy of soles, when in fact you can achieve your goals in a lot less time than you maybe thinking. After all, the great Arnold once said ‘a 15 minute workout can make a tremendous difference to your life’ and yes this does mean you don’t have to go to a gym to achieve this. So if you would like to train in the modern age, but in the old fashioned way, we would like to introduce to you ‘metabolic resistance’ training formed in just your Bodyweight.

So what is M.R.T? 

Firstly MRT has been proven to be one of the most effective training methods for Fat Loss both in the gym and Lab settings. MRT is essentially fast paced circuits, with little or no rest in between and can be completed with just your Bodyweight. Understandably some of you maybe skeptical, that’s why we are going to give you some great 15minute workouts. Firstly let’s talk about why Bodyweight training is so effective.

Because they do not require weights, bodyweight exercises are the ideal choice for individuals who are interested in fitness but do not have access to equipment. However, strength still may be gained through this method. Also compared to weight lifting, often require much more flexibility and balance in order to perform repetitions. 

shutterstock124868347Many bodyweight exercises can be progressed or regressed to meet the individual’s needs. This progression/regression strategy allows nearly all levels of fitness to participate. Bodyweight training can be used effectively to strengthen the core muscles with the addition of speed or unstable surfaces (such as a stability ball) as well as exercise variations that limit the motion (such as extra wide push-ups or wide pull-ups). 

Now for the workout! As with most of these style workouts, we have found the best way to do them is in the form of AMRAP’s. AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) basically is as straight forward as you think! You complete as many rounds as you can of a set amount of repetitions in a set amount of time. So for example, you have 15 minutes to do 10 Push Ups, 10 Squats, 10 Sit Ups as many times as possible. Simple! 

So with that in mind here’s one for you guys to try!

15 Minutes to do as many of 160

  • 200m Runsquat-body-weight
  • 15 Squats
  • 15 Push Ups
  • 15 Sit Ups
  • 15 Burpees

See how many rounds you can do and see if you can beat it! Best of luck guys!

dazzMatt About the Authors: Both Darryl and Matthew are freelance personal trainers based in Dubai, UAE. Darryl has worked with many different types of people and specialises in weight loss and muscle growth to rehabilitation of injuries. Matthew is a fitness professional, working in the industry for 8 years with a goal of not only transforming your physical appearance but also a change in attitude, lifestyle and approach to doing so. If you are ready to make that transformation, Matthew promises to dedicate his time and expertise in return. Let’s get you started! It’s time to make that change! To get in touch with Matthew or Darryl, they are available via email: mattglass87@googlemail.com  dazzabrook@gmail.com

Leave a Reply