Three Benefits of Using Calisthenics

(credit: WorkoutLabs)

Calisthenics are exercises that use body weight as resistance to build a strong physique. The word calisthenics itself is a combination of two ancient Greek words kalos, which translates to beauty, and sthenos, which translates to strength. I personally use calisthenics to stay fit and find it to be an effective alternative to weights.

Here are three benefits of using calisthenics

1. Cost and Time Effective

When it comes to calisthenics, you have two choices, working out at home or outside. The Chin-up bar that I purchased for only cost me 25 bucks from the local Walmart. When I lived in New York, I didn't have to purchase a chin-up bar due to the fact that many of the local parks had chin-up bars.

In the long run, it's more affordable than having to pay for a gym membership.

When it comes to being time effective, if you have a chin-up bar at home, then you can exercise at home and avoid taking a trip to and from the gym.

2. Building Muscle and Strength

Muscle and strength can be gained through calisthenics, but they can only be gained through dedication and if you challenge yourself with different variations. Just like people who hit the gym, you can't expect to see results doing basic or easy exercises, you have to push yourself.

For example, lets say your working your chest and you do 25 standard push ups easily, then your not challenging yourself. Instead try doing a harder push up variation like 25 plyometric push ups and see how that feels. My point is that if you push yourself you will achieve great muscle and strength gains.

3. Weight Loss

A lot of calisthenic exercises are categorized as compound exercises, which mean that they involve more than one muscle group to perform them correctly. Pull ups, for example, work your back, arms, shoulders, and abs.

Since multiple muscle groups are being used then more calories will be burned, which will result in weight loss.

There are many other benefits of using calisthenics but these are the ones that I felt were very important, and I hope that everyone finds this post helpful!