Workout Without the Weights!

Let's face it, we can't always make it to the gym.
Sometimes our busy lifestyles challenge our ability to stay on top of our workout routines.
While working out with free weights and weight machines have their advantages, there are plenty of reason to introduce body weight exercises.
For instance there are those of us that don't necessarily want to build muscle, instead want to work on the endurance and flexibility that calisthenics offer.
These exercises also have the advantage that they can be performed anywhere whether at home, at work, on vacation, or etc.
The use of body weight exercises can be tailored to your needs whether its building muscle, maintaining current muscle, increasing endurance, or adding a little change to your current routine.
Below are a few techniques to help boost your body weight routine/exercises.
Reduce Your Time In Between Sets Try slowly decreasing the time between sets.
For example try starting at 60 secs, once that is mastered try 45 seconds, 30, 15 and then to no rest.
To challenge yourself even more try doing your first set to failure while only allowing a few seconds of rest before your next set.
Or you can always up your first sets reps while decreasing your rest time.
Mix it up but keep pushing yourself to new goals.
Be Creative, Use/Make Your Own Weights There is no limit to being creative with your workouts.
If you find they are getting too easy try adding weight with common items.
Get creative for example: wear a backpack full of books for your pushup, dips, or squats.
Adding resistance keeps your body guessing and growing.
Take Out A Limb Try taking a limb out of the game.
Try using just one limb in some exercises such as one legged squats, one handed push-ups and etc...
While it may take more balance and strength to complete it has its advantages if you are looking to advance your routine.
Stay Flexed Throughout your exercises and workout try to keep your muscles flexed.
Keeping your muscles contracted takes more energy and in a way keeps your rest times down.
Try Going In Slow Motion While conducting your exercise try taking your time going slow throughout the movements.
Take longer on the positive and negative movements.
Don't lock out at any time and smoothly transaction into the negative and positive.