Is body weight training the same as strength training?

#QandAWed: Is bodyweight training the same as strength training? - Andrea Wines, YouTube

The short answer, yes, it can be, but the definitions of each can vary depending on your goal and the context.

"Strength training" is a broad term for instance, and can refer to a multitude of various workout styles, methods and protocols. Body weight training is also a broad term which is used to generally refer to any type of workout that simply utilizes your body weight only (no additional equipment) during the workout.

When it comes to strength training, your muscles can't tell the difference between what load you use - whether it's your bodyweight, dumbbells, KB or bands, etc. For example, a push up requires your chest muscles to produce force against the floor, a barbell chest press requires them to work against the weight.

There are some major benefits to strength training using just your bodyweight including the convenience factor (you can basically workout anytime, anywhere)

On the other hand, there can be some limitations, as the amount of resistance you can provide to your muscles is limited by your actual bodyweight.

Now you can use exercise progressions to increase the challenge and resistance of a bodyweight exercise (for example, squats can be progressed into single leg, pistol squats, etc), but if your body isn't ready to handle the technique of a pretty challenging pistol squat, adding dumbbells may be a safer more effective way to increase the difficulty of the exercise. To actually increase strength and/or produce stronger muscle fibers, a muscle must be worked to fatigue.

It's important to note that workouts such as Pilates, yoga and other forms of movement that don't include added weight can also be labeled as "bodyweight" workouts, but they may not offer enough resistance based exercise to be considered a strength training workout. When it comes to determining whether a bodyweight workout is strength training (many focus on more muscular endurance building), it's important to evaluate it on an individual basis (are you working your muscles to fatigue or building endurance with repetition of weight bearing movement).

Got a question for me? Please be sure to leave it in the comments below!

[Tellima]

I have a series of questions on the subjects of weights. 1. How do you determine the right weight for you while doing strength training? 2. Is it advisable to strive to increase progressively the weights you are using or does everyone of us reach an ultimate personal plateau that it is just better not to push if you want to avoid injuries? 3. Is the concept of 'pushing oneself' a relative one, depending on your daily energy level? 4. If you don't use the max. weight for each muscle group, because you only have 2 sets of weights, lighter and heavier, can your training be equally effective? Please shed some light! TY!!!

[pamwhite]

You cleared up a lot of questions and explained it excellently

[Managamasplymiad]

Great question! I had a similar see people who do “yoga only” without weights and was wondering how they stay fit....makes sense. I love that you do have the yoga and pilates videos with weights so we don’t have to figure it out for ourselves! I’ve enjoyed doing weights 3 times a week with you!

[sherryg]

Great question, I had wondered this too. Thanks for the info!

[kelilucas]

Thank you for this information, I had ben wondering..

[VickiKech]

Hi Jessica, I have a question about the 21 Day Walk On DVD production. The Miami heat seems to be so white-hot that your upper bodies are almost washed out and the background wall blends right into the floor. I can get used to it, but wasn't sure if this was the way it's supposed to be. I am enjoying the workouts a lot, though. This body weight vs strength training question was spot on, too, to clarify the difference.

[erikarivera]

Jessica I have a question if I am a high fat low carb diet, what exserise are good for the diet??? also do u even think the diet is the is a good idea

[hollerohdonna]

I had that same question you just answered in mind

[seonaidhamilton]

Hi Jess
Please could you suggest some strength training exercises/videos for someone with upper limb limitations (in my case a dodgy right wrist and very dodgy left shoulder). I love your walking videos but want to do some strength training as well. However, I find lots of exercises impossible because of my upper limb problems. I am particularly keen to strengthen my core and get rid of my muffin-top.

[cora]

Hi Jessica, I was wondering about the pink shoes you are wearing in the intro for the "Barre Standing Abs 12 Minute Intermediate Workout" (April 26, 2014). What are they called? I usually prefer to workout barefoot, but think I could use some arch support. Would this help?

[ij]

Are you supposed to feel hungry when losing weight?

[jen]

Hi Jessica, I have been doing your exercise for the last 2 years in addition to walking on days when I do not exercise. I am 42 years and now do not have the time for walking, since I need to travel for 15 mins to the destination here at Chennai, India. I would like to know if I can stop my walking exercise and instead follow your Yoga/Strength/Cardio workouts for 30 mins each and will I still lose weight without a walk which I usually do for 3 times a week(45 mins)

[tsb]

Hey Jessica, I am wondering if lunges and squats are safe for a person with knee issues, like arthritis or knee replacements?

[kelilucas]

Q&A - How do you lose breast weight, and shape up lage breasts, besides diet?

[shyc.]

Jessica, is there a difference between weight training(lifting weights) and strength training?

[micheleflores]

Hello Jessica, I have a question for you. How can I shed stomach fat and build and tone my entire glutes? It seems the more weight I shed my glutes get flatter... I get frustrated trying to figure out how to accomplish this. I would be so Happy if you can help me. Thank you.

[IceQueen]

Can post some videos on diastasis Recti or modifications

[siristar]

I do a lot hiit training, cardio, and weight training at least five days a week for about 30 mins to an hour but I can't seem to get rid of my cellulite. Do have any suggestions as to why that is. I also drink a lot of water and eat pretty healthy. I didn't have much cellulite before I had my two kids.

[dmcmac]

, l I wonder how gymnasts get such incredible physiques and strength I don't think they lift weights

[natalya_art]

Hi Jessica, i have another question : is it possible to lose some weight, sculpture your body by only doing yoga and pilates ? thanks!