Thanks to the popularity that it has been acquiring in the last decades, Calisthenics has been evolving, establishing itself and defining itself, so that we can see more and more clearly what it consists of and what its properties are as a training system.
In this article we are going to give a clear and concise definition of what Calisthenics is, its main characteristics, how it differs from other disciplines, its historical development and other frequently asked questions.What is Calisthenics?Calisthenics is a sports discipline based on body weight training that is usually performed in outdoor bar parks using distinctive exercises such as pull-ups, dips, push-ups, muscle ups, handstand, planche or front lever.Etymological root of the word CalisthenicsThe word Calisthenics comes from the Greek "kalos" which means beauty and "sthenos" which means strength.What are the main characteristics of Calisthenics?-It is based on training with body weight. Calisthenics are compound exercises that use multiple muscle groups and work with body weight. Some of the most typical exercises are pull-ups, dips, push-ups, squats, muscle up, handstand, planche, front lever, back lever, flag, pistol squat, etc.
-Continuous learning. The way to advance in Calisthenics training is to be able to do more difficult, more technical exercises, learning skills and tricks and better controlling your body.
-Training several physical qualities. In Calisthenics, strength, resistance, agility, balance, self awareness, flexibility and mobility are worked on, in addition to achieving aesthetic results of increased muscle mass.
-Strict technical and aesthetic execution. In Calisthenics you try to perform the exercises in the strictest way possible, without sacrificing the technique to seek to do more repetitions. Balancing, inertia, "kipping", asymmetries or unwanted partial ranges are avoided. In the static exercises, locked elbows, pointed feet, correct positioning of the scapulae and hip, "hollow" position and correct alignment of the body are valued.
-You can train on bars or without equipment. Calisthenics is usually trained in outdoor barbell parks, but it can also be trained at home without equipment. By simply training on the floor, with a wall and with a height such as a bench or a chair, you can carry out intense and complete training of all kinds.
-Is free. Modern Calisthenics emerged as an alternative to gym training for people without resources, so you can train on the street or at home without equipment or with very basic urban equipment.
-Creates community. Training groups are usually created in Calisthenics parks, which give a positive influence, motivation and support for people who may be going through difficulties.What are the most common exercises in Calisthenics?The exercises that are considered basic of Calisthenics are pull-ups, dips, and push-ups. In addition, there are very distinctive exercises to this sport, such as the muscle up, the front lever, handstand, planches, the human flag, the pistol squat, the handstand or the back lever. Most of this exercises are also performed in Gymnastics, but on the rings and in a completely different environment or setup, which makes it easy to differentiate between them.
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