Category: Top » Fitness » Muscle-building »


Author: coachlomax | Total views: 18 Comments: 0
Word Count: 603 Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2007 11:33 AM

Basic Calisthenics: Fitness Made To Order

Basic calisthenics, you know what I mean right? Well, if you're old enough to remember Physical Education Class (sadly, this is dying out these days), ever played a sport or been in the Military, you know exactly what I mean. Basic calisthenics are the exercise method of choice to build strong, conditioned bodies with little or no equipment.

Unfortunately, in today's world with expensive gyms full of shiny equipment and the fitness industry marketing "quick", "easy" fitness gimmicks, bodyweight calisthenics are often overlooked. In my opinion, this is a big mistake.

You would think bodyweight exercise would be the most widely used form of exercise because of its accessibility, versatility and effectiveness. After all, bodyweight calisthenics can be used by complete beginners all the way up to elite athletes to improve performance, heath and physique. But, many men and women have been convinced (brainwashed) that basic calisthenics pale in comparison to other forms of training.

But I insist:

Basic calisthenics should be the starting point for any physical training program, and should remain an integral part of your exercise program.

There is a place for calisthenics exercise in everyone's exercise program, ranging from being the full workout program to being a part of the over-all workout plan. Your body has always been, and will always be, the greatest tool for improving fitness, burning fat and building a strong, lean, athletic body. So, let's take a look at some of the ways you can start using basic calisthenics today!

Basic Calisthenics Make An Excellent Warm Up

Before you start any physical training, a proper warm up should be performed. And, in my opinion, there is no better warm up for every type of physical activity than bodyweight calisthenics. There is no other activity that can prepare your body for the multitude of movements of sport, work and life quite like bodyweight exercise.

Basic Calisthenics Make A Great Full Body Workout.

You can use bodyweight exercise to improve upper body, lower body and core strength and endurance. Plus, the rhythmic nature of some calisthenics makes them excellent heart and lung workouts. So you can get a true full body workout which includes all muscle groups and the cardiorespiratory systems. And the best part, you don't need any equipment!

Mix Bodyweight Exercises With Other Forms Of Training

Just because you use some other form of training, like dumbbells, barbells and machines, doesn't mean you shouldn't mix in some calisthenics as well. Just think about it. The challenges of sport, work and life require moving the weight of your own body, moving other objects or moving your own bodyweight and other objects. You should train accordingly by mixing bodyweight exercise and weighted resistance.

You Can Do Bodyweight Cardio Intervals

At the end of most people's workout, they do some "cardio". Unfortunately, this often means zoning out on the treadmill or exercise bike while reading a magazine or watching the T.V. I suggest you pump up the intensity by throwing in some Bodyweight Intervals. Every once in a while, jump off the bike or treadmill and do some basic calisthenics. This boosts the intensity of your workout by breaking your breathing and heart rhythms, ultimately providing a better workout.

So, I've just given you four great ways to incorporate basic calisthenics into your workout program. Bodyweight exercise should be a part of your workout regime, or used exclusively. Start using the gym you were born with today!

About the Author

Coach Eddie Lomax, author of Workout Without Weights has put together a bodyweight training program that can be used for beginners, intermediate and advanced trainees! Start today!




Rate, comment or bookmark this article

Seed Newsvine

Rating: Not yet rated

Bookmark this article in your preferred program
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Comments RSS

No comments posted.

Add Comment

Your Name:


Your Email:


Comment

Enter the code shown

Visual CAPTCHA



Popular Articles in this cathegory

1: Inner Chest Workout - Gain A Fuller And Thicker Inner Chest With This Targeted Inner Chest Workout
After reading this article you'll be ready to start building a fuller and thicker inner chest. This focused inner chest workout will walk you through each step of the exercise.

2: How To Build Up Chest Muscle - All You Need To Know About Building Perfect Chest Muscles
Whether you're looking to attract girls without saying a word, or you just want to improve your looks and strength, building up chest muscle is important. By increasing chest muscle mass, men get the ..

3: Bodybuilding Diet Meal Plan: 5 Tips For Creating Your Flawless Bodybuilding Diet Plan
Developing the perfect bodybuilding diet meal plan for you will boost your muscle gains and healthy fat loss by 1000% or more! All the perfect lifting can only get you so far without the right diet pl..

4: Using Adrenaline Rushes To Max Your Lifts
When lifting weights, finding the energy to power through that last rep when your muscles are already tired is hard. But by using a boost of adrenaline, you can muster the strength and energy to maximize your gains from lifting.

5: Increase Your Squat By 100 Pounds in 10 Weeks
To be considered 'really strong' you should be able to squat 2x your bodyweight. Learn how to add 100 pounds to your total squat in just 10 weeks.


Creative Commons License
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Spanish taslation