Posted on June 29, 2016 by Jenny Cromack
You may have heard this term, calisthenics, being used. It is becoming more and more popular but to be honest, if you grew up in the Jane Fonda era it was popular then!
In simple terms calisthenics a form of exercise that utilises body weight as a resistance to movement. The word stems from the Greek, kallos, meaning beauty, and sthenos, meaning strength.
Calisthenic exercises involve gross movement patterns, combining strength, balance, and flexibility; providing an effective mode of training for muscular and aerobic conditioning.
The movements of of calisthenics can be even the most basic of body weight movements including pushing, pulling, swinging, bending, and jumping movements, such as:
- Squats
- Jumps
- Pull Ups
- Push Ups
- Dips
- Lunges
More advance calisthenic exercises evolve from gymnastics and include a rhythmical, and physically challenging element, that tests overall body and core stability and strength. These movements can include:
- Handstands/Headstands
- Plank Variations
- Ring Exercises i.e., Front Levers, L-Sits, Iron Cross
What Are The Benefits of Calisthenics?
As mentioned this mode of training can challenge and develop the muscular system by improving strength, flexibility, and muscular control. Including more dynamic movements will also ask questions of the aerobic system; improving cardiovascular fitness.
Alongside these physiological benefits, there are many lifestyle benefits to this training modality such as:
- It offers a fun and alternative way of training that is much different to weight lifting etc.
- It is FREE, it costs you nothing to head down the park, your garden, or in your front room to hang out and do some handstands and push ups.
- It will improve the way you carry yourself; a stronger, more controlled, posture makes a more confident and less insecure individual.
- It is easy to learn and pick up, starting with basic moves, and moving into more challenging movements.
- It can be easily slotted into a busy day due to the lack of equipment, and need for a large space.
- It is all encompassing, and allows anyone of any ability to join in.
Why not have a go? Use your body to work your body and enjoy a calisthenic workout!