Anywhere, Anytime - Accessibility Sets Body Weight Training Apart
A Beautiful January Evening in Lakes Park, Fort Myers. Photo courtesy of Charly Caldwell II.
Calisthenics — better known today as body-weighted exercises - are a form of exercise that utilizes your own body weight for resistance and requires minimal equipment.
Its origins can be traced back to ancient Greece (the word "kallos" means beauty and "sthenos" is strength) where it was an integral part of physical education for warriors and athletes.
The Greeks believed that a harmonious blend of strength and aesthetics was essential for a well-rounded individual, hence the name.
In recent decades, body-weight exercises have experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the fitness industry.
There are several advantages that appeal to modern fitness enthusiasts.
First, it requires minimal equipment, making it accessible and affordable for anyone interested in improving their physical fitness.
Second, it emphasizes functional strength and body control, which translates to improved athleticism and overall health.
The current use of calisthenics in the fitness industry is multifaceted.
It is widely practiced in:
- body weight training routines,
- CrossFit, and
- street workout disciplines.
Calisthenics parks, outdoor facilities equipped with bars and platforms, have also become increasingly common in urban areas, fostering a sense of community among users.
In addition, social media platforms have played a pivotal role in popularizing calisthenics, with enthusiasts showcasing their impressive feats of strength and agility, inspiring others to take up the discipline.
Furthermore, calisthenics competitions (think Parkour and Ninja Warriors) and events have emerged, providing a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills and creativity.
The benefits of using body weight training in today's landscape —
Body weight training is a convenient, effective, and versatile workout regimen. Unlike traditional gym workouts that rely on machines and equipment, it leverages your own body as resistance, offering a myriad of benefits that can transform your health, body shape, and physical fitness.
These include the following:
Holistic health:
Body-weight training engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, improving overall strength, flexibility, and balance.
This holistic approach enhances joint mobility and reduces the risk of injuries, promoting long-term health and vitality.
Sculpted physique:
Say goodbye to bulky equipment and hello to lean, toned muscles.
Body-weight exercises like push-ups, squats, and planks target specific muscle groups, helping you achieve the sculpted physique you desire without the need for heavy weights.
Any fitness level:
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, body-weight training can be tailored to your fitness level.
As you progress, you can increase the intensity of your workouts, continually challenging your cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength.
What truly sets body-weight training apart is its accessibility.
You can perform these exercises anywhere, whether it's in your living room, a park, or a hotel room while traveling. The absence of equipment means no excuses - your fitness journey is always within reach.
Angie Ferguson is an exercise physiologist and Tony Robbins Results Coach from Fort Myers. She also is a Corrective Biomechanics Specialist, USA Triathlon Advanced Level 2 coach, USA Cycling coach, has a Specialty in Sports Nutrition certification, and a PhD in results!
Contact her, or find out more about her monthly online program, at: www.GearedUP.biz!
