How Observations Showed Me the Importance of Bodyweight Training

This happened one evening when I was going to meet one of my friends to have some drinks together, and when I was moving through Centennial Park, I paused to watch a group of people doing some sort of exercises like they were jumping, then going into a plank position, and some were jumping at a single position, and so on. For a moment, I found myself wondering what exactly they were doing. I had always believed…quite genuinely that a proper workout could only be performed using machines and equipment. I observed them for a while, but they showed no signs of heading toward the machines. 

Growing increasingly curious, I eventually walked over and asked them why they were doing nothing but push-ups and lunges. Their trainer, who was training them, explained to me that they were engaging in bodyweight exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, and mountain climbers because they had just started their fitness journey, and for beginners, bodyweight training is the ideal starting point. They noted that it helps build core stability and aids in developing coordination. That was how I first learned about bodyweight training.

And then when I reached my friend, I told her that I came across a new kind of exercise, “Bodyweight training”. I told her the whole story of what the trainer told me about the importance of this exercise. She laughed and said .. ‘Oh! This actually happened to me. And today I wanna tell you this.’

She said, “I have started everything by myself, and now I’m facing a severe knee injury that needs surgery.”

She also added that when she faced that condition, she thought of connecting with a personal trainer in Nashville, and she came in contact with Libby Carlson at Basics and Beyond fitness and nutrition. 

And now she is doing everything without any problem. She mentioned, “I personally advise you that you should also contact her and start your fitness journey.”

To be honest, firstly, I laughed at how a female fitness trainer could train me. She said, just try it out and then make any judgment. And seriously, I was unable to do those exercises even for 15 minutes, as she told me to do. That’s where I understand the importance of bodyweight training in the starting phase of one’s fitness journey.

After this, when I met another friend and told him about the whole story, he said he also wants to join a fitness trainer like her, but we were confused because he lives in Brentwood. We thought that maybe they couldn’t provide services there. I consulted with Libby, and happy to know that they have a network of trainers and can get training there too. 

Then we both began our fitness journey with fitness trainers in Nashville. Gradually, I began to notice changes in my body; I was able to maintain proper balance while performing planks and squats.

As I continued to notice these changes, I realised that instead of simply getting a gym membership, it would be better to work out with a fitness trainer. 

And now, I have no words to adequately thank my friend, who helped me launch my fitness journey by introducing me to bodyweight exercises. 

Looking back, that small pause in the park turned out to be more meaningful than I expected. Watching those simple movements like push-ups, lunges, and planks made me realise that fitness doesn’t always begin with heavy machines or complicated routines. 

Sometimes it begins with learning how to control your own body first. Bodyweight training gave me that foundation, and with the right guidance, it slowly built my confidence, strength, and consistency in a way I had never experienced before.