Calisthenics involves using your own bodyweight to workout. These are our top 5 reasons why you should start using calisthenics workouts in your training.
- To get strong AF
Calisthenics training is a mostly strength-focused style of working out which helps to build muscle all-round. Despite only using your bodyweight against gravity, calisthenics will definitely make you strong.
To maximise the effectiveness of your calisthenics workout, it is important to train both the basics (for a solid foundation) as well as doing each exercise at the most difficult level possible. This way you are constantly pushing your own limits and maximising tension created within the muscles. For example, if normal push ups are too easy, try adding some more challenging variations like typewriter push ups or pseudo planche push ups.
- Functional fitness
Calisthenics exercise takes you through different compound movements which combine various muscle groups working together to create movement. Compound training creates muscle strength that is transferable across other movements, allowing for more dynamic strength.
- Anywhere, anytime
The “No-Excuses” workout style, calisthenics can be practiced wherever you are, no equipment required. So long as you have gravity, you are sorted!
While some muscle groups might benefit from at the very least having a pull up bar of some shape or form, usually with a little creativity you can still get to training all the relevant muscle groups.
- Fitness looks good naked
While we are a “health”-focused team that values a holistic approach to fitness, we realise that most of us are getting fit for the aesthetics of it. Because calisthenics focuses largely on compound movements, muscles tend to develop fairly proportionately. So no massive biceps with tiny triceps or puffy pecs without a solid back to support it.
- Cool party tricks
I mean, who wouldn’t want to back lever off the swing set, or bar fly from the rafters? Need a party game idea? How about a handstand walk race? Those usually end really well after a few beers…
Bonus reason: improves survival skills for zombie apocalypse
- Muscle up over a fence to escape the gnashing teeth
- Lost a leg? It’s all good, you can handstand-run away
- Hanging from the sides of buildings to overcome obstacles