Calisthenics for Fitness

If you can move your body, you can exercise. Calisthenics are body weight exercises – exercises in which the resistance is the weight of your body.

Calisthenics comes from two Greek words, kalos for beautiful and sthenos for stength. “Calisthenics” is the right word since these exercises are terrific for shaping the body while adding some serious strength.

One great thing about calisthenics is anybody at any age can perform these exerecises. Many calisthenic exercises can be modified either making the exercise easier to perform or more difficult.  And, there’s plenty of calisthenics to chose from to add variety to your work-outs.

Benefits of Calisthenics

When done properly there is little risk of injury since you’re moving and controlling your own body weight. Many calisthenic exercises work more than one muscle group increasing the amount of calories burned.  For instance, with push-ups you are exercising more than just your arms and chest, but also working your back, abdominals, gluteals, thighs, and calves. Plus, many of the movements and execises mimic activities of daily living and improves balance, agility, and coordination. This is especially important for the elderly.

Outside a pull-up bar, calisthenics can be done without equipment, and therefore, are an inexpensive way to achieve fitness. And, calisthenics can be done in the convenience your home.

Calisthenic Exercises

• Push ups
• Squats
• Pull ups
• Chin ups
• Sit ups
• Jumping Jacks
• Dips
• Lunges

Get a complete body work out in the convenience of your own home by adding calisthenics to your fitness program. Plus, lose body fat, gain muscle, and improve your cardiovascular endurance at the same time.

See related articles.

“Becoming Lean and Mean at Any Age”

“Get Fit with Body Bar Exercises”

“The Benefits of Body Weight Exercises”