Calisthenics exercises or calisthenics can be seen everywhere today — from the buffed-up gym guy doing pull-ups and dips to influencers showing off their body strength on trending reels by doing handstands or the skill-intensive front lever. It is no secret that integrating them into an exercise routine is key to building muscle and strength.
It’s only after fitness and gymmingcalisthenics exercises, calisthenics workout, bodyweight exercises, strength training at home, build muscle without gym, calisthenics benefitsbecame huge trends on social media that people became aware of what calisthenics is all about. Whether you are a beginner or a regular gym-goer, shifting your routine to include these exercises can give you a much-needed boost when it comes to your workout sessions.
Professional bodybuilder Chitharesh Kongarampilly Natesan aka The Indian Monster shares, “Calisthenics are exercises that use one’s body weight for resistance, such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and planks, to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.”. Even though no additional equipment or weights are needed for these exercises, they prove to be very beneficial and effective in maintaining overall fitness. Natesan concurs, “Calisthenics contribute to overall strength and muscle development by engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, fostering functional strength and stability, unlike traditional weightlifting exercises that isolate specific muscles.”
Not everyone can afford the skyrocketing prices of gym-memberships and personal training sessions, and this is where calisthenics come to the rescue. Natesan explains that this is a highly cost effective way to maintain fitness as it requires minimal to no equipment and can be practiced anywhere, even at your favourite space outdoors!
For those looking for an effective weight-loss solution, Natesan recommends trying to incorporate calisthenics to help achieve a toned physique by engaging large muscle groups that help burn calories, increase metabolism and support lean muscle building.
Not just this, adding these exercises to your mix comes with the added benefit of increasing mobility and flexibility. Research published in Sports Medicine and Health Science concluded that doing calisthenics can help improve flexibility in people of all ages and aid in performing daily tasks seamlessly. Natesan agrees, “Calisthenics promote flexibility and mobility through dynamic movements that stretch and strengthen muscles, complementing other forms of training like yoga or pilates to improve overall range of motion and joint health.”
A common misconception that Natesan tackles is that many think calisthenics are only for beginners and not suitable for those looking to build muscle. “As a fitness trainer, I address this by showcasing the incredible strength and physique transformations achievable through advanced calisthenics routines.” He says that introducing this workout can challenge even the most experienced gym-goers and bodybuilders, adding that a combination of “progressive overload, proper form and skill development” can help anyone achieve their dream physique.
Despite all the benefits, this strength-building activity has been getting a bad rep especially on social media in recent years. Natesan shuts down critics with a powerful rebuttal, “Calisthenics may sometimes receive a bad reputation due to misconceptions or biases favouring traditional weightlifting. However, calisthenics can be just as effective for building strength and muscle when approached with dedication, progressive overload and proper technique.”
