How to Get Buff Without Lifting Weights
It seems that everyone these days wants a slim, toned physique. But some individuals are unable to use weights due to a chronic medical condition or physical handicap. Others can't afford them, or don't want to spend money on gyms that make them available. And a few people simply prefer other exercise methods that don't involve using weights. No matter what your reason, there are still several different ways to get the buff body that you want.
Instructions
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Getting Buff
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Use your own body weight as resistance. You already have all the tools necessary to get a toned body without weights. Doing push-ups, sit-ups, crunches and other exercises that work your body against gravity are enough to tighten all your major muscle groups --- with no heavy lifting required.
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2
Practice yoga, which is essentially a combination of stretching and using your body weight as resistance to lengthen and tone muscle. Instead of lifting weights, you hold your body against gravity in a variety of poses for a set amount of time. This works the muscles in many different ways, hitting them from all angles. The result is often a buff, sleek physique, with the added benefit of better posture. You are also less likely to injure yourself doing yoga than exercising with weights (with the assistance of a competent yogi, of course), because you do not try to lift anything that is too heavy for you.
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3
Do activities that require you to bend and lift but do not use weights specifically. There are a variety of activities both in and out of the house that mimic the movements you'd use in weightlifting. Examples include helping a friend move into a new house, mowing the lawn and even housecleaning.
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4
Use stretching bands. These resemble thick, tough life-size rubber bands and are another means of adding resistance to a workout. For instance, take an end of the band in both hands and pull --- this works your biceps and the front of your shoulder. Loop the band around the front of your foot and pull it toward you --- this works your quadriceps muscle. Experiment with different combinations until you get a buff new you.
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5
Work out with an exercise ball. These can be big or small, heavy or light. They allow you to lift and balance on them in different ways to increase your muscle tone. For instance, try holding a big (light) ball over your head while moving it back and forth. This works your arms, chest and core and back muscles.
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Tips & Warnings
If you would like to use weights but have none, try using heavy soup cans or water bottles in a pinch.
References
- Photo Credit exercise image by Inger Anne Hulbækdal from Fotolia.com
