How Calisthenics Can Change Your Life

Are calisthenics better than going to the gym?

Most people when they first start doing Calisthenics find it to be harder than going to the gym, as if your body isn’t incredibly lean you might struggle to even do your very first push up, the good news is that you can also start with something easier. Push ups are an incredibly good option for beginners, who will eventually move up to pull-ups and even maybe flashy tricks.

What are the best Calisthenics exercises to start with?

By far push-ups are the supreme exercise for beginners when it comes to calisthenics. I’m a fan of a plain old push up but there are many variations out there.

People who are not incredibly fit usually start with:

Wall push-ups: Stand facing a wall and place your palms on the wall at shoulder height. Lean forward and bend your elbows to lower your chest towards the wall. Push back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.

Knee push-ups: Start in a plank position with your knees on the ground. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows. Push back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.

Those with more in shape physiques usually go for:

Incline push-ups: Place your hands on an elevated surface such as a bench or a step. Keep your body straight and lower your chest towards the surface by bending your elbows. Push back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.

Box push-ups: Place your hands on a box or a sturdy elevated surface. Keep your body straight and lower your chest towards the surface by bending your elbows. Push back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.

Diamond push-ups: Get into a plank position and place your hands close together so that your thumbs and index fingers form a diamond shape. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows. Push back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.

My advice is set yourself a goal and work towards it. Every day do a little to get closer to this goal. I recommend the goal not to be to get in shape, as this is quite an abstract and relative concept, but rather set concrete goals such as “I want to get to a point in which I can do 100 push-ups in one go”. The first week you might get to 10, next month you will be going for 20 and  so exponentially.

What can I do to not give up on my fitness journey?

Make it part of your social life! Joining an exercising group such as a Calisthenics group will make you more likely to keep with it. The social element of calisthenics provides a unique and enriching dimension to fitness. It fosters a sense of belonging, encouragement, and shared achievement, whilst also adding some accountability to the equation.

If you’re looking for a way to change your life, I highly recommend giving calisthenics a try. Start with the basics and gradually progress as you become more comfortable and confident. You’ll be amazed at the physical and mental transformations that can occur.