Calisthenics is a form of strength training that utilizes an individuals body weight as resistance to perform multi-joint, compound movements with little or no equipment. It is a type of workout that uses a persons body weight with little or no equipment, and the exercises involve movements that use large muscle groups, such as push-ups, squats, and lunges. Calisthenics can be performed with differing levels of intensity and rhythm, and they allow for the development of strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination.

Calisthenics originated in ancient Greece and became popular again in the early 19th century. Today, fitness training athletes, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and people trying to keep in shape use these exercises for warming up for strenuous sports or to help build up their bodies. Calisthenics movements mimic the natural movements of the body, such as pushing, pulling, squatting, and jumping, and this type of training improves functional strength, which helps in daily activities and sports performance.

Calisthenics can be used as a means to pursue a number of fitness goals, including hypertrophy, strength, and endurance. The training methods employed are often different depending on the goal. For instance, when pursuing hypertrophy, one aims to increase load volume over time; when pursuing strength, intensity is increased over time; and to improve endurance, one can gradually shorten rest periods.

Calisthenics exercises appear to increase physical fitness to a similar degree as weight-based training exercises. The benefit of calisthenics over weight-based training exercises is that calisthenics requires little-to-no equipment. Many calisthenics exercises are easy enough for beginners to master and don’t have a high risk of injury, such as bodyweight squats and push-ups. If you’re new to fitness, calisthenics can help you learn the correct form and build your confidence before progressing to more advanced variations or adding weights.