Eddie Lomax

Most men and women start resistance training and aerobic training because they want to change the way they look. They want to build muscle to change the shape of their body. They want to lose fat to reveal a tighter, harder physique. Normally, they want to do both to get the most physical changes for their efforts. So they go out and look for muscle building and fat loss workout programs.

Everybody knows bodyweight calisthenics are an excellent way to get a full body workout, or at least they should know. However, I want to explore another way you can use bodyweight exercise to improve fitness, physique and fat loss. Try using bodyweight calisthenics instead of other "cardio" like jogging, biking, rowing, etc.

Think about your workout program.

The key to success with ANY form of physical training is PROGRESSION. If you are not progressing, you are not improving. And if you're not improving, you're wasting your valuable training time. Progressive training (whether it be with outside resistance like dumbbells or barbells, or with your own bodyweight) is what translates into real world physical improvements you can USE, and physique improvements you can SEE.

I'm going to share with you a dumbbell exercise you can use for combined strength, endurance and fat loss. For most of you, the concept of using one exercise for multiple effects is foreign. This is because most people take a SINGULAR approach to training.

- Lifting weights is for strength
- Running on the treadmill is for cardiorespiratory endurance
- Stretching is for flexibility
- And so on

While using the dumbbell for strength or muscle building is commonplace, using the dumbbell to get a great cardio boosting workout, or for burning off large amounts of unwanted fat probably hasn't occurred to most of you.

There is ONE central idea I want to get across to everyone about bodyweight exercise in this article. If you "get it" you'll be empowered with a highly effective, versatile and accessible form of exercise. You'll literally be able to improve yourself through proper physical training anytime, anywhere. Your reward will be a harder and stronger body, the ability to perform many tasks well and improve your performance in sport, work and life.