Quality Essentials: Calisthenics

While weightlifting can be beneficial for building strength and muscle, calisthenics is an exercise method that was once often overlooked by the mainstream but is now gaining popularity with many looking to maintain/improve their health.

Calisthenics can be traced back to the ancient Greeks but it is believed to precede even that in other ancient cultures around the world.

It is widely believed the word “calisthenics” derives from a combination of two Greek words: “kallos” and “sthenos”. Translated, these words mean “ beauty” and “strength”. Another commonly shared story of the words origin is the name of Callisthenes, a Greek explorer who learned this training method on his expedition to Asia, as the shaolin monks trained in this manner as well.

Some of the many benefits of this form of exercise are:

• Naturally gaining muscle

• Proven to burn more fat/calories

• Less likely to cause joint problems later in life compared to weightlifting

• Increased stamina/cardio

• Improved agility

• Longer lasting gains

With these factors taken into consideration, it’s definitely worth trying out. Whether you’re someone new to exercising entirely or someone who’s focused primarily on weightlifting up to this point, it may be fun to incorporate a few calisthenic workouts into your routine!