Calisthenics is a great way to reach your fitness goals without needing to go to the gym or invest in much equipment.
Although you might not be familiar with the name, you're probably already doing some calisthenics exercises.
"Calisthenics is a type of training that uses predominantly body weight training to improve our overall 'functionality' while getting us fit.
This include dips, push-ups, pull-up &/or chin-up as well as squats. These exercises form the fundamental basis of a calisthenics program.
Functional exercises are those that mimic the way we move everyday. For example, some of the basic human functions are pushing, pulling, and jumping, and those are the types of moves you'll do during calisthenics.
Functional bodyweight training's benefits are impressive as it engages multiple muscle groups in one movement or exercise. The functional movements you perform in calisthenics can improve your mobility, reduce aches and pains, and decrease your risk for injury.
Calisthenics engage major muscle groups like those in the chest, core, back, arms and legs. In addition, you'll use multiple muscle groups at once. All that muscle engagement means more calorie burn.
For example, a 155-pound person will burn about 167 calories in 30 minutes of moderate calisthenics. With vigorous calisthenics, you'll burn 298 calories in 30 minutes.
Functional training includes other tools such as TRX Suspension System as well as Kettlebells.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Calisthenics/Functional Training
According to numerous studies, calisthenics exercises may reduce your risk for health complications in the following ways:
- Help you lose weight
- Allow you to sleep better
- Improve your heart health
- Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes
- Reduce potential injury with strength conditioning
Calisthenics are convenient
While you can buy some equipment like a jump rope or pull-up bar if you're doing calisthenics, you don't really need anything. In addition, calisthenics exercises like squats and planks can be done at home, even if you only have a small space.
It can be done anywhere, requires no necessary equipment, and gets people in shape quickly.
Push-ups
Squats
Pull Up / Chin Up
Whether you’re new to exercise or an advanced athlete, pullups can still be beneficial for you.
You can try variations on pullups, including assisted pullups (beginners), with your knees bent (intermediate version), or even with a weight belt around your legs (advanced).
- Start by hanging from the pullup bar for 10 to 30 seconds. You’ll begin to strengthen the muscles in your arms and back that are needed to complete a pullup.
- Look for an assisted pullup machine at your gym to practice.
Takeaway
You can reduce your muscle mass by basically doing the opposite of what you would do to increase muscle mass.
Also, it is important to add flexibility & balance routine in your exercise regime. I will elaborate on this more in next few blogs. You can also explore calisthenics &/or functional training with tools such as TRX Suspension system & Kettlebell, both which are very beneficial for strength as well as cardiovascular.
Before setting a goal for your body and changing your exercise routine and diet, consult a doctor to make sure that you stay within limits that are appropriate for your age, sex, and physical condition.