It is safe to say that since the dawn of time, humans have been performing some form of calisthenics to boost their physical strength and conditioning.
Definitions of Calisthenics from the dictionary include;
Calisthenics Definition 1 - Gymnastic exercises designed to develop physical health and vigor, usually performed with little or no special apparatus
Calisthenics Definition 2 - Gymnastic exercises designed to develop muscular tone and promote physical well-being
By mastering calisthenics you learn how to move your body around any
given environment with strength and skill. This to me is about
as functional as strength training gets.
Here is an extract from wikipedia highlighting the ancient origins of calisthenics;
The history of calisthenics is linked to Greco-Roman gymnastics. Calisthenics originated in ancient Greece, where it was mentioned in a Persian scout report on Spartan warriors before the Battle of Thermopylae,
For those that don't know the Spartans are widely considered to be amongst the most fierce and effective fighting force the world has ever known. If calisthenics were used by these supremely tough warriors, it is a pretty glowing testament to their effectiveness.
The word calisthenics actually derives from two greek words;
Kallos which means Beauty
Sthenos which means Strength
In my humble opinion, beauty and strength are two very fitting words to describe this type of physical training. Using calisthenics alone, you can get strong, VERY STRONG whilst simultaneosuly learning to move with tremendous beauty and grace. Take a look at this blog post containing a bodyweight master at work if you don't believe me.
Beauty could also refer to the effect this type of training will have on your body composition and physique. Calisthenics can help produce a lean, powerful physique that moves every bit as good as it looks. No dysfunctional bulk here.
Furthermore the regular and consistent performance of progressive calisthenics will help boost your metabolism via an increase in lean muscle. This is like increasing the size of your car engine and will help you burn more fuel on a daily basis or in this case calories. Roughly translated this means you greatly increase your fat burning potential.
Many people disregard calisthenics and
consider it to be nothing more than mindless reps of push ups and
bodyweight squats. This is simply not true. There are far more variations of calisthenic exercises than there are of any weighted equivalent. Calisthenics also tend to be kinder on your joints than many other forms of resistance training. I for one can certainly attest to this. My shoulders and knee's were feeling pretty banged up after years of heavy lifting with barbells and dumbbells. Since transferring my strength routines to calisthenic workouts my joints have never felt stronger and healthier.
Probably the best thing about calisthenic exercises is the freedom that they grant you with your training. Calisthenics can be performed anywhere, anytime. My current bedroom is not big by any stretch of the imagination but even the small floor space available to me their allows me to get in some awesome strength training routines. Using bodyweight calisthenics you need never miss a workout again. Turn your bedroom, the park, the beach or your hotel suite into your very own strength training facility!!
Hope this brief introduction to calisthenics has opened your eyes to the possibilities this ancient form of conditioning has for your health and fitness. Calisthenics have been around since mankind first walked the earth and it is a safe bet to say that calisthenics will still be around when mankind is walking the earth thousands of years from now. I'm not sure the same will be said of thighmasters, powerplates and ab cradles!!
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