Calisthenics

Calisthenics is a form of exercise that uses the body's own weight as resistance to develop strength, flexibility, endurance, and motor skills. Training typically emphasizes large, multi-joint movements performed with minimal equipment, focusing on control, technique, and a full range of motion.

The practice has ancient roots in Greece and other civilizations, but modern calisthenics emerged with bodyweight disciplines in the 19th and 20th centuries, influenced by gymnastics and physical culture movements. The term derives from the Greek kalos (beautiful) and sthenos (strength). In recent decades, street workout and gymnastic strength training have helped popularize it.

Foundational exercises include push-ups, pull-ups, squats, dips, and core work such as planks and leg raises. Progressions shift from easier variations to advanced skills such as the muscle-up, handstand, planche, front lever, and human flag. Training commonly uses progressive overload, varied tempos, and isometric holds.

Equipment requirements are minimal; many practitioners train with only a bar or parallel bars, rings, or none at all. Programs can be performed at home, in parks, or in gyms and are scalable for beginners to advanced athletes by adjusting leverage, repetitions, sets, and holds.

Benefits include increased strength, mobility, balance, coordination, and muscular endurance, with potential improvements in posture and joint health. Because workouts rely on body weight, calisthenics is portable and cost-effective. Adequate warm-up, proper form, and gradual progression help reduce injury risk. There are organized communities and competitions in some regions that feature calisthenics routines.