Athletic woman performing push-ups at Urban Athletic Club

The 6 Benefits of Body-Weight Exercise


All forms of exercise have their merits, but body-weight exercise stands out for its convenience, effectiveness, and versatility. At Urban Athletic Club in Washington DC’s Shaw neighborhood, we’re all about helping you get the most out of your workouts, including body-weight exercises. Here’s why you should consider incorporating them into your fitness routine. Best part? You can start your fitness journey today!

1. Convenience at Its Best

At Urban Athletic Club, we understand that life in the city can be hectic. You may not have the time in your schedule to attend one of our group workout classes or personal training sessions. That’s why we’re providing this helpful resource so you can easily squeeze in a quick workout in between your daily tasks—no need to worry about “not having time to go to the gym.” If you have 5 minutes, then you can get in a quick workout!

Start Your Journey with DAREBEE

If you’re new to body-weight exercises or looking for some variety in your fitness routine, DAREBEE is an excellent resource. The website offers hundreds of simple workouts complete with photo instructions. It’s a great starting point for your fitness journey, even from the comfort of your home. Darebee has workouts for all ages and abilities!

DAREBEE.com website image.

2. Affordability

Body-weight exercises require minimal equipment, making them cost-effective. You can start your fitness journey today at no cost. You don’t even need fancy shoes or workout gear to get started! When you’re ready to take the next step or need help learning proper form, Urban Athletic Club offers a range of coaching, programming, equipment, and amenities to help you move further along.

3. Low Intimidation, High Effectiveness

If you’re new to fitness or just prefer a more solitary workout, body-weight exercises are perfect. No need to navigate through complicated machinery or feel self-conscious. Plus, research shows that body-weight exercises are incredibly effective at building muscle and improving aerobic capacity. Ready to start? Try to see how many pushups you can complete in 60 seconds! Hint: 30 reps would be OFF. THE. CHARTS!

4. Functional Fitness

Body-weight exercises engage multiple muscle groups, providing a well-rounded workout that mimics everyday activities. This makes them highly functional and beneficial for improving your overall fitness level. From squats to pushups, planks, and lunges, body-weight exercises mimic the function of daily movements. You can start today with a brisk 20-minute walk!

5. Customizable Workouts

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, body-weight exercises can be tailored to your fitness level. For example, push-ups can start with planks with your hands on the wall and end up with handstands! There are so many progressions along the way. DAREBEE has a wide range of workouts and programs to help you get started. Need more assistance? Our trainers at Urban Athletic Club are always available to help show you modifications to meet your individual needs. Book a No-Sweat Intro to learn more.

6. A Healthier You

Just like any other form of exercise, body-weight workouts offer numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved mental well-being. You’ll be amazed how great you feel after a 20-minute exercise routine! You can start now with 20 squats!

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions about body-weight exercises or any other aspect of your fitness journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Urban Athletic Club. Our team is always here to guide you and help you achieve your fitness goals. You can book a free intro session or just shoot us a message!

Athletic man performing ring dips.
Athletic man performing ring dips at Urban Athletic Club.