Whether you have been going to the gym for a long time or just starting your fitness journey, you might have heard of Callisthenics. Callisthenics has been around for centuries and has proven to be quite beneficial for increasing your overall strength and fitness.
The word “Callisthenics” might have gotten left a few decades ago due to the modern era of exercise trends. However, it is still an important part of every fitness enthusiast’s routine. Also, you might be doing it regularly without knowing about it.
Want to know more about it? Keep reading to learn what is Callisthenics and the benefits of doing it regularly.
What is Callisthenics?
Callisthenics is a form of strength training that uses the gravity and resistance of your body to improve your muscle development, endurance, coordination and mobility. While many people might have assumed Callisthenics is specialised military training, it is a set of simple exercises that rely on your body weight and nothing else.
The best part about Callisthenics is its versatile workout style. You can do these exercises anytime and anytime you want, from your home workout space to the gym, hotel, office, or even outdoors. Also, for Callisthenics, you will not require any advanced equipment. Most of the exercises are equipment-free.
Many people might think that following a Callisthenics workout plan is quite easy. However, it is impossible to progress without a basic knowledge of Callisthenics. Therefore, before starting your Callisthenics journey, you must take some time out of your busy schedule and learn the basics.
Is Callisthenics the Same as Weight Training?
Many people often mistake Callisthenics for weight training. However, in reality, both are completely different from each other. While Callisthenics uses body weight as resistance, weight training improves your strength using external weights like barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and gym machines.
Both Callisthenics and weight training are one of the most efficient ways to build body strength and can be performed on their own or together to complement one another. However, if you are wondering which one is the best, it entirely depends on your fitness goals, equipment, space, and, of course, what type of workout you enjoy.
Also, if you want to make progress with weight training, you will have to increase the amount of weight you can lift. However, it cannot be done all at once. Instead, you will have to increase it gradually. On the other hand, if you want to make progress with Callisthenics, you will have to work your way towards the advanced exercises.
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Types of Callisthenics
Here are a few Callisthenics exercises:
- Jumping jacks
- Trunk twists
- Push-ups
- Pull-ups
- Chin-ups
- Sit-ups
- Planks
- Lunges
Essential Callisthenics Equipment for Home Gyms
The majority of Callisthenics exercises can be performed without any equipment. However, there are a few types of equipment that can be useful and help enhance your workout, including:
- parallel bars and rings
- a jump rope
- a dip bar
- a pull-up bar
Benefits of Callisthenics
Adding a Callisthenics workout to your daily routine can benefit your body in many ways. However, the benefits of Callisthenics greatly depend on your level of fitness. The more the number of exercises you perform, the more beneficial the workout gets for your body.
Here are a few of the most notable benefits of Callisthenics:
Builds Body Strength
Many people often wonder how one can improve body strength without lifting heavy dumbbells or barbells. Do you wonder too? Using your own body weight. Suppose you weigh 150 pounds. In that case, doing a body pull-up means effectively lifting 150 pounds.
However, you will soon reach max point of muscle growth with Callisthenics, as your body can provide resistance to a certain limit. That’s where the advanced Callisthenics exercises come in handy. Also, you can change the angle of exercises to increase the percentage of body weight you are lifting.
In the Callisthenics workout plan, everything is in your control. You can slow down or hold exercises to dial up your time or make them faster to get in shape and increase your athleticism.
Gentle on Joints and Connective Tissues
Weight training, when performed incorrectly, can create imbalance, resulting in causing damage to joints and connective tissues. However, Callisthenics only develop strength and size according to your muscular system with natural movements. Therefore, there is a bare minimum risk of causing severe injuries to your joints and connective tissues in Callisthenics.
Callisthenics exercises not only come with a low risk of injury but are also easy for beginners. Therefore, if you are new to fitness, you must start with Callisthenics exercises. They will help you correct your form and build your muscular strength without any complications.
Improves Fine Motor Skills Development
Callisthenics will help increase body-brain coordination and the development of fine motor skills. If you regularly perform Callisthenics exercises, your brain will be trained to work as hard as your body, resulting in increased strength and stamina.
Great for Muscle Recovery
Are you dealing with a muscle injury but want a hassle-free way to rebuild your strength and boost your muscle recovery? Callisthenics it is. Callisthenics exercises can help you do all of that without putting extra stress on your muscles.
Conclusion:
Callisthenics can help you increase your body strength and appearance without requiring any advanced equipment or training. Also, performing Callisthenics exercises regularly can improve your overall health and wellness. Whether working out at home, gym or a mix of both, you can easily incorporate Callisthenics into your routine. Get your Callisthenics journey started today!
