The Art of Calisthenics

Calisthenics – it’s a new concept for many of us, and there are lots of questions about what it actually entails. Is it a form of gymnastics? Is it a sport for both men and women? Does it fall under martial arts? What’s certain is that calisthenics showcases sheer strength, endurance, and agility in a way that’s both impressive and inspiring.

What is Calisthenics? A Beginner’s Guide

Calisthenics is a form of exercise where you use your own body weight to build muscle, improve strength, and boost endurance. Often called body-weight training, calisthenics workouts can be adapted to fit any fitness goal, from weight loss and core strengthening to overall bodybuilding and flexibility.

Calisthenics is widely used by army troops to build endurance and muscular strength. It’s not just for professionals, anyone can start practicing this and simply tailor their training to their to their own fitness level. To get the best results, calisthenics works well alongside weight training, core workouts, and aerobics.

The SSS Calisthenics Workout Programme

Let’s jump right in by starting out with a couple of exercises that you can practice indoors or outdoors.

Push-Ups

Push-ups are one of the most common exercises in the practice of calisthenics. They strengthen your triceps, upper body and chest, while improving core stability. For extra support, try the Men’s TECHFIT Training Compression Top from Under Armour. Built with HeatGear® fabric, it keeps you cool, dry, and compressed, reducing muscle vibration so you can push through more reps with confidence.

Incline Push-Ups

Incline push-ups are a variation of the standard push-up, performed with your legs elevated on a chair or bench to add a slight incline. This position targets the upper pectorals, helping to strengthen your chest and upper body more effectively. Perform your incline push-ups with Men’s Form Dri-FIT Shorts from Nike. Designed with moisture-wicking Dri-FIT technology and a lightweight, flexible feel that keeps you dry and moving freely through every rep.

Split Single Leg Squats

To perform those jaw-dropping headstands and advanced postures, you’ll need to strengthen your hamstrings and quadriceps. Squats are key for strengthening the glutes; however the Split Single Leg Squats go one step further by developing stability and balance. Get in position with the Under Armour Men’s Speedpocket Half Tights, featuring lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric that keeps you dry and focused, plus a built-in Speedpocket for secure storage without bounce during movement.

Straight Leg Deadlift

This monster of an exercise toughens up your glutes, your core, hamstrings and lower back, perfect for beginners to calisthenics. Pair it with adidas Men’s Own the Run Tights for added comfort. The tights move with you, wick away sweat, and help maintain your focus from the first rep to the last.

Running

Running is the mantra to a healthy, active body and since calisthenics relies heavily on the core, upper and lower body muscles, running should be combined with burpees, squats and other core exercises to compliment your training. Lace up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 for soft, cushioned comfort or the ASICS Men’s NOVABLAST 5 for a light, springy ride that keeps your energy up.

Stay tuned to learn more about calisthenics and shop for your beginner’s gear right here at Sun & Sand Sports.

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