Calisthenics 101 | Everything You Need To Know About Calisthenics

Calisthenics

Calisthenics kalos (beauty) + thenos (strength). ‘Beauty of Strength’. Calisthenics is the beauty of strength from your own body. The art of mastering one’s own body.

What is Calisthenics?

The word calisthenics is derived from the ancient Greek word kalos which means “beauty” and thenos, meaning “strength”. ‘Beauty of strength’. So, from this, we can say that calisthenics is the beauty of strength from your own body. It is the art of using one’s body weight as resistance to build strength and muscles. You can divide Calisthenics into 3 categories:

  1. calisthenicsStrength: There are various exercises that help in building muscles & strength. They are push-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups, dips, rows, and squats. Beginners should master these first as they are the key foundation of calisthenics and they further help in unlocking different skills.
  2. Mobility & Flexibility: Mobility-specific calisthenics exercises include lunge and squat variations, and exercises that focus on balance and proprioception, such as single-leg squats and even weighted carries. Calisthenics can also be used to stretch tight muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.
  3. Skills: Calisthenics skills consist of exercises conducted using only ones body weight as resistance. In this category, we are talking about advanced calisthenics exercises which require a tremendous amount of strength, and more flexible & mobile muscles. These are Planche, Back lever, Front lever, Handstand pushups, Muscle-ups, etc.  

You don’t need to be an expert bodybuilder or pro athlete to get started. All you need is yourself and a little bit of knowledge about the exercises and nutrition that go along with it.

Calisthenics exercises work the entire body and can easily be performed by anyone irrespective of your fitness level.

Beginners will benefit greatly from doing simple push-ups, pull-ups, and squats, while more advanced athletes can move on to complex exercises like handstands, levers, and planches. With calisthenics, you are in total control of how hard or how often you train.

You don’t have to worry about fancy equipment or even a gym membership, you can do it anywhere & anytime. All you need is yourself, which makes it a very flexible option for people with busy lifestyles.

How To Start Calisthenics? calisthenics

Starting calisthenics can seem daunting at first, but don’t worry–it’s easier than it looks and the rewards are well worth it! It’s a form of bodyweight exercise that helps to build strength and flexibility. It’s a great way to build physical fitness without the need for a gym. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your calisthenics training:

  • Establish a Solid Foundation: Before doing any calisthenics exercises, you’ll want to develop a solid foundation. You can do this by incorporating a few foundation exercises into your routine, such as plank, push-ups, and squats. Once you have established a base level of strength and flexibility, you can begin building on it with more complex exercises.
  • Start Slow: Calisthenics is a great way to engage different muscle groups at once, but don’t feel like you have to go full-throttle into complex exercises right away. You can gradually work up to harder exercises as you become stronger and more proficient.
  • Work with a Partner: Working with a partner can help you stay motivated and ensure that you are completing each exercise properly. Plus, having someone to spot you will give you an added sense of safety if you’re trying a particularly difficult move.
  • Incorporate Rest Days: Rest days are just as important as workout days. Give your body time to rest and re-energize between workouts as skipping these rest days can lead to burnout or overtraining.
  • Set Achievable Goals: Setting achievable goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your journey. Start with smaller, achievable goals such as “I will do one pull-up by next week” or “I will do a full bridge by the end of the month.” Remember, any journey starts with one step.

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Starting calisthenics will take determination and dedication, but you can do it! With these tips, working your way up to more complex exercises will be a fun and rewarding experience.

Benefits of Calisthenics Training:

Increase Strength and Muscle Mass: Calisthenics is a great way to build strength and muscle mass. Using your body weight to do certain exercises like pullups, pushups, and squats allows you to progress in difficulty and intensity, ultimately hitting impressive numbers without any special equipment.

Improved Flexibility: Calisthenics exercises are highly dynamic, stretching you both concentrically and eccentrically. As a result, your flexibility and range of motion will improve.

Whole-body Workout: By working multiple muscles at the same time, calisthenics gives you a fullbody workout, meaning that you don‘t need to spend hours in the gym performing isolation exercises. Moreover, you are training with compound exercises that help improve your strength and coordination.

Burn Calories: Calisthenics is an excellent way to burn calories and build lean muscle. When you include bodyweight exercises into your routine, you can be sure that your metabolism will skyrocket. That’s why it’s a great way to get rid of excess fat and stay in shape.

Versatility: With calisthenics, the possibilities are endless. Your only limit is your creativity you can find new and creative ways to use your body weight for fitness.

Cost-effective: It does not require any extra equipment to do the exercises. The cost of a gym membership and equipment can be significant, but that money can be saved doing calisthenics.

Improved Posture: Calisthenics exercises are often performed in a standing position, which helps you maintain proper posture. This is key for proper alignment of the spine and can help you feel and look better.

Mental Health Benefits: Exercising is not only beneficial for physical health; it is also good for mental health. Doing calisthenics, especially with friends, will help you to stay focused, motivated, and positive.

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