I often get asked what are progressive calisthenics? Well apart from being the oldest form of strength training there is, progressive calisthenics are also amongst the simplest. Here is how they work;
Progressive Calisthenics have been used by warrior cultures through the ages and remain the primary strength training method used by many military personnel to this day. However they are not just for tough guys, far from. If you lack the strength to perform a certain movement e.g. a push up, progressive calisthenics allow you to regress the exercise to a level that you can perform. This makes it a system suitable for anyone from complete beginner to advanced athlete.
Progressing a movement is simply a matter of manipulating the leverage to a less favorable position. Using the pushing movement as an example, here is a mini-series of exercise progressions or 'progressive calisthenics' that you could use to take you from weakling to your first push up;
Of course it is not just pushing movements that are used. A good system of progressive calisthenics will use pushing, pulling, squatting and core progressions to effectively strengthen the body from head to toe!
Progressive calisthenics can build through a long series of progressions until you are able to perform some pretty awesome strength feats such as handstand push ups or one arm pull ups
Hopefully this post has helped to clarify exactly what progressive calisthenics involve. For more info on the history of calisthenics follow this links Calisthenics Explained.
- Practice a movement
- Get stronger
- Progress onto a harder movement
- Get stronger
- Progress onto a harder movement
Progressive Calisthenics have been used by warrior cultures through the ages and remain the primary strength training method used by many military personnel to this day. However they are not just for tough guys, far from. If you lack the strength to perform a certain movement e.g. a push up, progressive calisthenics allow you to regress the exercise to a level that you can perform. This makes it a system suitable for anyone from complete beginner to advanced athlete.
Progressing a movement is simply a matter of manipulating the leverage to a less favorable position. Using the pushing movement as an example, here is a mini-series of exercise progressions or 'progressive calisthenics' that you could use to take you from weakling to your first push up;
- Vertical Wall Push Ups
- 45 Degree Push Ups
- Eccentric Push Ups
- Full Push Ups
Of course it is not just pushing movements that are used. A good system of progressive calisthenics will use pushing, pulling, squatting and core progressions to effectively strengthen the body from head to toe!
Progressive calisthenics can build through a long series of progressions until you are able to perform some pretty awesome strength feats such as handstand push ups or one arm pull ups
Hopefully this post has helped to clarify exactly what progressive calisthenics involve. For more info on the history of calisthenics follow this links Calisthenics Explained.
Every few weeks I create, publish and share my Gymless.com Newsletter packed full of information to help you improve your body composition, strength and fitness using bodyweight exercise. To subscribe simply enter your details below...
Your privacy is taken very seriously and your email address will NEVER be shared or sold. You may unsubscribe at any time