Body Weight Exercise

As we get older, we start to realize we’re not a strong as we used to be … or as flexible. And we admit that we don’t have as much pep as we used to have, either. And we wonder: What’s the best yet safest way I can get back in shape — and improve my overall health? Good news: The health and fitness experts at Harvard Medical School have the answer you’re looking for: The start-slow-and-easy workout routines that use your own body weight to strengthen your whole body — routines that offer a wealth of better health and more pep in your step.

They’re all in Harvard’s Special Health Report Body-Weight Exercise, along with easy-to-follow directions and how-to photos. And more good news: you can easily do these feel-younger exercises at home and adjust them to your fitness level. And there’s positively no equipment necessary to get great results.

You’ll notice certain changes when you start one of these body-weight routines — like having more energy, being able to lift things more easily, seeing some defi­nition in your muscles, and maybe even losing some pounds or inches.

And then there are the changes that you can’t see—like stronger bones, low­er blood pressure, and your body’s improved ability to manage blood sugar. Even short workouts will help you build whole-body fitness … improve your balance … enhance your mobility … and more.

Step-by-step, the routines in the Body-Weight Exercise Special Health Report guide you to a healthier, younger body. For example, you’ll discover:

• How to strengthen your hip muscles to help prevent knee pain and make walking easier.
• The easy-on-the-joints cardio interval workout that builds endurance as it strengthens your core.
• The lunge exercise that will help keep you strong and agile, making it easier to pick things up from the floor.
• The squat exercise that helps improve your balance, stability, posture, and power.
• How to make it easier to twist and bend sideways with our 1-2-3-4 exercise.
• The small ab-engaging movement that helps support your lower back.
• The core-strengthening exercise you can do sitting down!
• And much more!

PLUS: You’ll get a bonus balance workout to protect you from injuries … a quick 3-minute interval workout to help give you a quick energy boost … stretches to help loosen muscles and joints … and a motivational Special Section to help you keep your fitness routines going strong. And if you are concerned about a health condition like arthritis, diabetes or heart disease, you’ll be glad to know that our health experts share special tips and advice to help you reap health benefits safely.