Calisthenics street workout is a novel type of fitness that’s quickly going global. Calisthenics started going viral about a decade ago, when videos starting surfacing on Youtube. The flashy tricks and breathtaking static holds quickly caught the attention of the international community.
Since then, calisthenics has only picked up steam. It now serves as a replacement to the orthodox fitness scene in general – and much like crossfit – has taken a huge market share away from traditional weightlifting – which was for a long time the only truly mainstream form of strength-based fitness training.
Calisthenics athletes use the high bar and parallel bars – gymnastics apparatuses – as well additional tools such as gymnastics rings, parallettes and resistance bands to train hardcore bodyweight exercises. The calisthenics equivalents are a lot less forgiving however, as everything is done outside without protective gear and safety nets.
What is calisthenics really about?
Unlike other forms of strength training, calisthenics doesn’t focus on repetition-based training. Arguably strength is not even the goal, at least as typically measured in weightlifting. Calisthenics is about learning new skills, and if that means getting stronger, so be it.
Yes, there is a certain amount of strength that’s required to succeed in the sport, but other elements such as creativity, body awareness, and endurance are just as important. Advanced calisthenics is centered around statics and dynamics.
Statics are positional freezes that have athletes suspend themselves in positions like the human flag, back lever and L-sit. They require insane core strength and are super impressive, especially to the wider fitness community that hasn’t been exposed to calisthenics.
Dynamics are momentum-based skills on the high bar. They are stringed together into elaborate sequences collectively known as calisthenics freestyle. Dynamics are high flying skills that turn heads left, right and centre. These routines are most similar to those in gymnastics.
What’s the best way to begin your calisthenics journey?
Calisthenics practitioners come from a variety of different backgrounds. Gymnasts, crossfitters, and typical gym junkies are all pulled to calisthenics. Calisthenics appeals to a large subsection of the fitness community because of its showmanship, hype, functional training and overall health benefits.
Although some training backgrounds might give you a slight advantage in calisthenics, anyone can become great with the right training. The first step is to lay down a sound foundation of strength and body awareness.
Initial training in calisthenics should involve training upper body exercises such as push ups, pull ups, pike push ups, and rows. Core exercises should also be included to help with body tension. The dish and superman holds are fantastic isometric holds that will strengthen the abs and lower back respectively. Some basic plyometric leg work should be done as a final touch to achieve balance.
Moving past calisthenics foundations
Calisthenics starts with relatively basic bodyweight training. In fact, many of the foundational exercises you’ve probably done before as they are the bread and butter of most fitness routines. However, calisthenics quickly becomes technical.
The static and dynamic elements that make up advanced calisthenics can be both challenging and punishing. Injuries can begin to mount and without the proper guidance your journey can be cut short.
That’s why it’s important to get professional help from calisthenics personal trainers. St Kilda personal trainers from Street Workout St Kilda are some of the best in the business. Fully qualified, experienced, and highly knowledgeable, they can make your calisthenics journey a breeze. Start training calisthenics with confidence and unlock your full street workout potential!
