If you are reading this , you probably already know that calisthenics is a great way to improve your physique. But maybe you don’t know how exactly to start this sport. We are here to help you start with calisthenics.
For everyone who wants to start with calisthenics there are some basic rules you need to understand before you start working out. We summarized the 5 best tips for you.
1. Perfect Practise Makes Perfect
As with any workout, technique is essential. Make sure your form is perfect. Five perfect pull ups is better than ten half ass pull ups. You may wondering why it’s important to use the perfect form. With every new movement our bodies are making motor program’s. As a baby we started walking on our feet, whilst our brain developed a motor program. Once our manner of moving is designed, it’s hard to change. So if you do a push-up and you make some mistakes in your technique, it will be hard to change that in a later stadium.
This “motor-programme theory” is also applicable when we advise using resistance bands in your training. When you use a resistance band correctly it can help you use the correct muscles. A lot of people refuse to buy some bands, but they are really necessary. If you a beginner, you will definitely make mistakes in your pull-up technique. Beginners will always make these mistakes and get injured. Make sure you use the correct pull-up technique, let your brain make a motor program and buy those resistance bands we were talking about!
2. Full Body Workouts
If you are a beginner, full body is the way to go. Pull ups, push ups, squats, abs. All in one workout. You also need to understand what you are doing and which training program’s are the best to progress in your calisthenics journey. Of-course, full body is a great way to start. But do you also know how to use push-pull program’s in calisthenics?
3. Find Yourself a Good Rep Range
Maybe you can do 15 or even 20 pull ups. But, they are not perfect. If so, than it is better to carry out 10 reps perfectly instead. The same applies to pull and push ups, squats, etc. If 10 reps is the number with which you are able to perform each exercise perfectly and correctly, than do it. I usually do 10 sets of 10 for each exercise, resulting in 100 reps total. Doesn’t sound like much but when done right, it’s a killer!
4. Focus on Nutrition?
Diet is important but don’t get caught up in the notion that you need to be eating clean 24/7. No. That’s lame. Nobody is paying you to be ripped and eat clean 24/7 so don’t live like you are. Eat with common sense. Be sure to eat your necessary carbs and vitamins before a workout, and then eat a good source of protein after. It’s simple. No need to drown yourself in meal prepping, shakes and supplements. Just eat when you need to and when your hungry, and your body will take care of the rest. Also be sure to enjoy the occasional pizza or burger, like I do too.
Some people are looking for nutritional programme’s. We want to help you with that and offer you 6 best 28-day eating challenges that you can download here for free.
5. Calisthenics Can Be Done Everyday!
Calisthenics is healthy. It can be done almost everyday. Why? Because you are using your own bodyweight. Your body can adapt and learn to become stronger by growing and learning how to tear and rebuild the muscles. It’s your own weight and not a free weight that can wear and tear your body. Of course, calisthenics has it’s limits. You can only get so big. But it’s not about being big. It’s about staying healthy, strong, fit, without the use of a gym. If you wanna be the next Mr. Olympia then by all means, join a gym and buy supplement. If you want to be healthy, strong and fit, start with calisthenics!
Hi Jari, thanks for sharing this. I currently workout for 30 to 40 minutes per day. I mostly to push ups, pull ups planks and leg raises with some jump roping.
Recently I came across an article here: https://calisthenicwarrior.com/finally-a-calisthenic-workout-plan-that-sticks-no-equipment-needed/ where they recommend focusing on one single body part per day. Like a day for the chest – chest day, a day for back – a back day etc.
Do you think this is the right thing to do without mixing it all up every workout day?
Hey William,
Thanks for your reply, we love to connect with people who read our blogs!
This is an excellent question. Let me get this straight. In the fitness branche everyone has his own opinion and thoughts. The people from calisthenics warrior can be right.. they surely have their own believes about training. There are certain theories which states that focusing on one single body part is better.
In my opinion you need to find the best combination of full-body workouts and focussed workouts. Since you are a beginner you need to gain endurance, which you can achieve by working out your full body. Moreover if you want to be better in calisthenics you need to train your full body. Your muscles in your whole body needs to work together. You call this intermuscular coordination.
In my opinion the first step a beginner need to take is gaining endurance. Later you’ll focus on real strength training or eventually gaining some muscle mass.
Also check the theory: “supercompensation”. You’ll find enough on Google. If you don’t, I’ll teach you. I think it’s important for you to know what this is.
Thanks again for your reply and I’m looking forward to your response.
Cheers,
JD
Hi Jari, thanks for the tips. I used to go the gym since last year and I didnt find it interesting and I needed a huge motivation just be at the gym. I have been doing callisthenics for two weeks now and I find it more interesting than going to the gym and lifting weights.
I don’t have proper workout routine, I just picked up a few excersises from youtube videos. I read an article here> https://calisthenicwarrior.com/why-you-should-stick-to-a-beginner-calisthenics-program/ and they recommend sticking to a workout program as a beginner. Do you think that I should stick to a calisthenic workout program put together by an expert?
Hello again 😊,
I like your attitude! You are searching for the best way to get to the best version of yourself.
We are working on a proper workout program just for people like you. If you are interested in it you can purchase it when it is online. Moreover we’ll soon start with online coaching. If you are interested in being coached by us, then please stay tuned on this channel!
Do you already follow us on Instagram.com/calisthenics.worldwide ?