'Kallos' meaning beauty, 'sthenos' meaning strength is the art of using one's body weight in order to build strength.
Common examples include pull ups, push ups, squats, and dips. More advanced movements include muscle ups, front levers, planche and human flag.
Those who are, or have been, members at a gym would have most likely taken part in calisthenics at some point during their training. I myself, was first introduced to it by way of push ups as a kid, trying to imitate my dad—long before I would fall in love with this style of training.
Today, the majority of my training is calisthenics-based. Ever since a close friend of mine called Diogo took me to my first calisthenics park in Primrose Hill, I haven’t looked back.
What are the benefits of calisthenics?
For one, calisthenics can improve your overall fitness and functional strength. It can also be great for your posture and composition—without the use of any additional equipment.
The growing popularity of calisthenics workouts
In 2020, the world went into lockdown, forcing most gyms to close. Many people struggled with their mental health during this time, which was only worsened by the absence of the gym’s stress-relieving benefits.
Fortunately outdoor gyms were still accessible to the public, which saw a huge increase of people opting for outdoor training, and a rise in the popularity of calisthenics.
There are tens of thousands of parks worldwide, which you can access for completely FREE!
Calisthenics parks is a website where you can enter a location to find the closest calisthenics park to you.
Depending on where you are in the world, different parks will have different equipment to suit your needs—some parks being more beginner friendly, whilst others are designed to be more challenging for advanced users.
What are some of the benefits of exercising at calisthenics parks?
Calisthenics is open to anyone and everyone. I myself have trained my nephew, aged six, as well as a client in her seventies—all in an outdoor calisthenic space, so regardless of one's age, strength, mobility there is something for everyone.
I personally find open space workouts provide the most freedom, as you aren't confined to a space or area.
Calisthenics parks also tend to have a very supportive atmosphere. You'll likely come across people helping each other whether it's with technique, skills or just simply motivation. I have made countless friends (some I consider family now) at calisthenics parks, and wherever I find myself in the world, I make it a priority to find my closest one to get a workout in.
Most recently whilst out in Paris for the Olympics, I was able to find several parks where I made friends with the locals who trained there. This allowed me to discover new workout routines— keeping training exciting.
Paris Calisthenics session
This is a huge change from my previous experience as a gym-goer, where I would keep myself to myself and only engage in conversation with the people at the reception, or the other people I was training with on the day.
Where do I start my calisthenics journey?
The best part about calisthenics is: you don’t need anything besides yourself to get started. It all starts with one rep. Whether it's one push up, one squat or one pull up. These can all be done from the comfort of your home if the thought of an outdoor park feels intimidating. You can start exactly where you are and progress gradually one rep at a time!
There are countless calisthenics workout plans online. Here's a beginner friendly Calisthenics routine that will surely get your blood flowing.
Take care
Larm