Calisthenics 101
Calisthenics has gained popularity recently, but it’s been around forever and remains a hard and fast fitness staple. Calisthenics is a somewhat broad term that encompasses bodyweight exercises that utilize gravity to strengthen muscles and improve coordination, endurance, and mobility. This can go as far as gymnastic exercises to achieve bodily fitness and grace of movement, or as simple as a bodyweight squat to build strength and make life easier. Read on for why you want to utilize calisthenics in your fitness routine.
You can do it anywhere. Because calisthenics uses only body weight, you can do it anywhere you bring your body! Certain movements like pull-ups may require a little more creativity, but there is plenty that can be done with nothing at all.
Calisthenics is great for beginners. While there are more advanced movements as you work your way through and build strength and endurance, the bare bones foundational movements are attainable for all.
Calisthenics is a total body workout. Even when doing bodyweight squats, you utilize your core and upper body for stability. Most, if not all, calisthenic movements require multiple muscle groups, even if just for support.
These exercises make everyday life easier. These movements utilize functional patterns, which are types of movement we are using all the time (see previous blog on functional exercise for details). This means you’re strengthening muscles used to do things like squatting to pick things up, sitting and rising from a chair, etc. Thinking ahead as you age, working these movement patterns will help you move better for longer, and with less pain.
These movements are FUN! There is so much versatility to calisthenics that you can change things up and keep it interesting and challenging. Who knows, you may surprise yourself with enjoyment!
Overall, calisthenics builds serious strength, largely because it hits every muscle group and forces proper form in order to adequately perform the movements. It’s also gentler on joints and connective tissue than other forms of strength building or high intensity training, while providing all the benefits. Another awesome thing about calisthenics is that it improves the brain and body connection. There is some level of coordination required for this style of exercise, and the more you do it, the better you’ll perform.
Not that this is required for a great workout, but working these types of movements will also make you feel like a badass, and that can help keep you consistent (and motivated).
Give some calisthenic exercises a try for your next workout!