Hackenschmidt, nicknamed the "Russian Lion" was a famous strongman in the late 1800's and early 1900's. His feats of strength and professional wrestling accomplishments are legendary. But that doesn't mean George didn't appreciate the effectiveness of bodyweight only workouts.

George Hackenschmidt's Take On Fitness, Health And Physique Building

George put his formula for fitness, health and physique building in writing with his book The Way To Live. Even in the early 1900's , he was concerned about the decline of physical ability and health. (Imagine what he would think today!)

He wrote, "The reason is not far to seek. There is an urban migration, a vast increase in the number of those who are engaged in indoor and sedentary occupation, and only here and there any attempt made to combat the consequent unhealthy conditions of life with the only satisfactory weapon. Rational Physical Exercise."

Even as far as 100 years ago, the decline of physical ability was evident. And the only logical defense is exercise. This point is even more evident today, and the answer (exercise) is still the right weapon.

What The "Russian Lion" Thought About Bodyweight Only Exercise

Hackenschmidt was a big fan of developing great strength through the lifting of heavy objects. But the exerciser "should of course combine these exercises with skipping, running, jumping and gymnastics of every description in order to similarly develop his activity and agility." So, as you can see, heavy lifting alone is not the answer.

He says that bodyweight only workouts, "if done conscientiously, develop a fair average physique, as well as a sound, all-round physicall fitness - in other words, a sound and healthy constitution."

Furthermore, he acknowledges not everyone can "safely enter straight away on a course of weight-lifting exercises, and of exercises with weights, he will be well advised if he devotes at least two or three weeks to these exercises without weights, and further to include a fair selection of them in his programme of daily exercise with weights." Basically, bodyweight only workouts are a great starting point for your physical training, and should remain an integral part of your training.

3 Reasons You Should Perform Bodyweight Workouts

I agree with Hackenschmidt on the value of using bodyweight exercises and calisthenics to improve fitness, health and physique. Here my top three reasons I use bodyweight workouts...

Using your own bodyweight is the perfect place to start your physical training and physique improvement. Bodyweight calisthenics train your body in the manner they naturally move. And any fitness level, from the beginner to elite athlete can be challenged and improved using only bodyweight exercises.

There are great benefits to working out with the need to go to the gym or have access to weights. You should be taking advantage of them.

If you are looking for a workout to improve fitness, health and physique, take the advice of a legend of strength, and start with bodyweight training. And if you are already involved in a weight training program, adding bodyweight only workouts can greatly improve your performance and results. And since you only need your body to get started, there is no reason not to start benefiting today!