If you have just started going to the gym, you might feel confused by all the short forms written on workout boards, training apps, or gym programs. You may see things like:
- BW squats
- BW push-ups
- 10 reps @ BW
- BB bench press
- DB curls
- AHAP
- E2MOM
And you may wonder… what does BW mean in gym workouts?
Don’t worry. In this blog, I will explain everything in very simple and easy language, just like someone is explaining it to you in person.
Let’s start from the beginning.
What Does BW Mean in Gym?
BW in gym means Bodyweight.
That’s it.
When a workout says BW, it means you will use your own body weight as resistance instead of using dumbbells, barbells, or machines.
For example:
- BW squats = squats using only your body
- BW push-ups = push-ups without extra weight
- BW lunges = lunges using your body weight
No extra equipment needed.
What Is Bodyweight Training?
Bodyweight training means doing exercises where your body is the weight.
Instead of lifting iron plates or dumbbells, you move your own body against gravity.
Your body becomes the gym equipment.
This type of training is very common in:
- Home workouts
- Beginner gym programs
- CrossFit workouts
- Military training
- Functional fitness routines
Why Do Gyms Use the Term BW?
Gyms use short forms to save space and time.
Writing “Bodyweight squats” every time is long. So trainers write:
BW Squats
It is faster, easier, and fits on workout boards.
Just like:
- BB = Barbell
- DB = Dumbbell
- KB = Kettlebell
- Reps = Repetitions
BW is just another gym short form.
Examples of BW Exercises in the Gym
Here are common exercises where you will see BW written:
1. BW Squats
You squat down and stand up using only your body weight.
2. BW Push-Ups
Push-ups without any extra weight on your back.
3. BW Lunges
Step forward and bend your knees using only body weight.
4. BW Sit-Ups
Core exercise without holding a plate.
5. BW Pull-Ups
Pulling your body up using a bar.
6. BW Plank
Holding plank position using body strength.
All of these are bodyweight movements.
Why Is Bodyweight Training Important for Beginners?
If you are new to the gym, BW exercises are very important.
Here’s why:
1. It Builds a Strong Foundation
Before lifting heavy weights, your body needs strength and balance.
Bodyweight exercises help you:
- Improve posture
- Build control
- Strengthen joints
2. It Reduces Injury Risk
If you start with heavy weights too soon, you can get injured.
BW movements teach correct form first.
3. It Improves Balance and Coordination
When you control your own body, your muscles learn to work together.
Is BW Only for Beginners?
No.
Even advanced athletes use bodyweight training.
For example:
- Athletes
- Military personnel
- CrossFit athletes
- Gymnasts
Many strong people can do:
- 50 push-ups
- 20 pull-ups
- One-arm push-ups
- Pistol squats
These are all bodyweight exercises.
Bodyweight training can be very hard if done properly.
What Does BW Mean in Workout Programs?
Sometimes you may see something like:
3 x 12 BW Squats
This means:
- 3 sets
- 12 repetitions
- Using body weight only
Or you may see:
Bench Press – 10 reps @ BW
This means lift a weight equal to your body weight.
Example:
If you weigh 70 kg, you try to bench press 70 kg.
So BW can mean two things depending on context:
- Using only your body weight
- Lifting weight equal to your body weight
Always read the full sentence to understand the meaning.
Difference Between BW, BB, and DB in Gym
Let’s make it simple:
- BW = Bodyweight
- BB = Barbell
- DB = Dumbbell
Example workout:
- 10 BW Squats
- 10 DB Shoulder Press
- 10 BB Deadlifts
Each one uses different equipment.
What Is Military BW Training?
In military training, bodyweight exercises are very common.
They focus on:
- Push-ups
- Pull-ups
- Sit-ups
- Running
- Planks
Why?
Because soldiers may not always have gym equipment. They must be strong anywhere.
Bodyweight training builds functional strength.
What Is AHAP in Gym?
Sometimes you may see AHAP in CrossFit workouts.
AHAP means:
As Heavy As Possible
It is used when lifting weights.
Example:
Deadlift 5 reps AHAP
This means use the heaviest weight you safely can for 5 reps.
It is not related to BW directly, but you may see both in the same workout.
What Is E2MOM in Gym?
E2MOM means:
Every 2 Minutes On the Minute
Example:
E2MOM for 10 minutes
10 BW Push-Ups
This means:
- Every 2 minutes, start 10 push-ups
- Rest for the remaining time
- Repeat until time is over
This style is popular in CrossFit and functional training.
Can You Build Muscle with BW Exercises?
Yes, you can.
Many people think you need heavy weights to build muscle.
But bodyweight exercises can build muscle if:
- You increase repetitions
- You slow down movement
- You use harder variations
For example:
Regular push-up → Diamond push-up → Decline push-up → One-arm push-up
As the exercise becomes harder, your muscles grow stronger.
How to Make BW Exercises Harder
If bodyweight feels easy, you can:
- Increase reps
- Slow down movement
- Add pauses
- Reduce rest time
- Try advanced variations
Example:
Normal squat → Jump squat → Pistol squat
The difficulty increases without adding weights.
When Should You Move from BW to Weights?
Good question.
You can move to weights when:
- You can do 15–20 clean push-ups easily
- You can squat with perfect form
- You feel stable and balanced
Even then, you don’t stop BW exercises.
You combine both.
Best programs use:
- Bodyweight
- Dumbbells
- Barbells
- Machines
Together.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make with BW
Even though it’s “just bodyweight,” people still make mistakes.
1. Bad Form
Fast reps without control.
2. Skipping Warm-Up
Always warm up your joints.
3. Not Progressing
Doing same reps forever.
4. Ignoring Core
Core strength is very important in BW exercises.
Benefits of Bodyweight Training
Here are simple benefits:
- No equipment needed
- Can do anywhere
- Low cost
- Improves mobility
- Improves flexibility
- Builds endurance
- Great for fat loss
- Good for beginners
Sample Beginner BW Workout
Here is a simple workout you can try:
3 Rounds:
- 15 BW Squats
- 10 BW Push-Ups
- 10 BW Lunges (each leg)
- 20-second Plank
Rest 1 minute between rounds.
Simple. Effective. No equipment needed.
Why Trainers Start with BW
Trainers want you to:
- Learn movement
- Control your body
- Build joint strength
- Avoid injuries
That is why most beginner programs start with bodyweight training.
It builds your base.
Is BW Good for Fat Loss?
Yes.
Bodyweight circuits increase heart rate.
When done in rounds, they:
- Burn calories
- Improve metabolism
- Increase stamina
Combine with good diet and you will see results.
Final Conclusion
Let’s keep it very simple:
BW in gym means Bodyweight.
It means you are using your own body as resistance.
You will see it written in workouts to show:
- No extra weights needed
or - Lift weight equal to your body weight (in some cases)
It is one of the most common gym terms.
And now you know it.
