The root meaning of the word calisthenics comes from the Greek kallos (beauty) + sthenos (strength)’, meaning the beauty of strength. Historians have shown that calisthenics was practiced in both ancient China and ancient Greece, it was even used as a form of strength training by soldiers and armies.
To a certain extent, calisthenics has been practiced in one form or another for as long as humans have been around, as we’ve always had our bodyweight to strengthen and move our body in creative ways, but what is calisthenics exactly?
Calisthenics is a form of strength training that utilises bodyweight exercises requiring little or no equipment. A calisthenics workout can range from basic movements like push-ups to more advanced exercises like a planche or handstand push-ups. Whether you are looking to understand the benefits of calisthenics or if you are looking for a calisthenics for beginners workout guide, this article ****will cover everything you need to know about calisthenics as a beginner.
Calisthenics offers unique advantages over other forms of strength training, which is one reason for its growing popularity. Here are some key advantages to taking up calisthenics:
One of the biggest advantages of training calisthenics is that it can be done virtually anywhere, whether at home, your local park, or at an outdoor street gym.
Most exercises require zero equipment. Even if you use a pull-up bar occasionally, bodyweight training costs nothing and doesn’t need a gym. You can do most exercises in your bedroom!
Even though training days are split according to muscles worked, calisthenics exercises will still requires you to move the body as a whole coordinated unit, rather than focusing on isolated muscles.
For example, although push-ups target the chest, shoulders, and triceps, you will still need to engage your core and your glutes, and you might even feel the benefits of a push-up in those areas. Training the body as a whole results in a more balanced, functional, and athletic physique.