So you’ve decided to get serious about your fitness goals and buy a gym membership. Congrats! Now that you’re in the habit of working out, you might be wondering what all those fancy machines are for and if they’re worth your time and effort. Maybe you’ve even heard of calisthenics and wondering if it’s like a form of yoga or pilates (it is similar in some ways, but it’s actually its own form). In order to find out how to lose weight with calisthenics, you have to understand what they are. Here’s the lowdown on calisthenics, their history, and their applications.
What Are Calisthenics?
If you’ve ever done yoga or taken a class, you might know what calisthenics are. It is a form of exercise that combines strength training with flexibility exercises (often done in a group setting). The name comes from Greek mythology: Calisthenics were first developed by the ancient Greeks as part of their military training. They were later picked up by the Roman army and used as a form of cardiovascular exercise. These days, people use calisthenics to lose weight and get in shape.
History Of Calisthenics
Calisthenics have been around for thousands of years. In fact, they were first developed in Sparta, Greece, where they were used by the ancient Greeks as a form of military training. In an effort to increase the Spartans’ overall strength, their military leaders implemented a strenuous regimen of calisthenics. Over time, this exercise routine became so integrated into their daily lives that they started referring to themselves as “the calisthenics” (which means “the workers of strength” in ancient Greek). It continued to be used as a form of fitness throughout the Hellenistic period (3rd century BCE – 4th century CE).
During the height of the Roman Empire, calisthenics became widely available to the general public and were even included in some gymnasiums (athletic schools) as a form of cardiovascular exercise. However, as the Roman Empire began to decline, so did the amount of people participating in calisthenics. By the 5th century AD, the practice had all but disappeared.
Modern Applications Of Calisthenics
Nowadays, people use calisthenics in a wide variety of ways to achieve their fitness goals. You might be familiar with the term “circuit training”, which involves using various pieces of equipment (usually weight machines) in succession during an exercise session. The idea is to complete a set number of repetitions with each piece of equipment without resting or easing off. This is a type of calisthenics known as “intermittent exercise”. It was first developed in the late 1800s and was later incorporated into a workout routine known as “plyometric training”, which involves maximum effort in minimum time.
How Do They Help You Lose Weight?
The benefits of calisthenics for weight loss are pretty straight forward. First of all, the name itself – calisthenics – suggests that it’s a good weight loss workout. Second, it’s definitely a workout. A recent study from the University of Illinois showed that participants experienced an average weight loss of 2.9 pounds after just six weeks of training on a calisthenics regimen.
One of the reasons why calisthenics are so effective at helping you lose weight is because they force you to work hard. During every workout, you’ll be using your muscles and getting a good workout, which also promotes calorie expenditure. In other words, it’s a win-win situation. You’ll have a great workout, drop some pounds, and fulfill your health and fitness goals.
The Downsides Of Calisthenics
Just like with any type of workout routine, there are some potential downsides to calisthenics. For starters, if you’re used to living a sedentary lifestyle, then it might be hard for you to get into the habit of working out regularly. It also doesn’t work well for everyone. Those with certain medical conditions should consult with a physician before starting any workout routine.
When Should You Do Calisthenics?
The ideal time to do your calisthenics workout is after your regular routine. This is especially important if you’re using equipment that requires you to take your coat off (which most fitness centers and gyms do). After your workout, you can shower and get back on the tennis court, golf course, or boat without worrying about your clothes getting wet or damaged.
However, if you’re taking a group class, it’s usually best to do your calisthenics workout before or after the group exercise routine. This will help you get the full benefits of the workout without the risks of hurting yourself or others. It’s also a good idea to consult with the instructor if you’re not sure how to do a particular exercise correctly. They can help guide you through the movements and ensure you’re doing them correctly.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several applications where you can use calisthenics. If you’re looking for a way to lose weight, there are several options available to you. If you’re looking to get in shape, it’s a great choice because it forces you to get out of your comfort zone. It can also be helpful for those who struggle with staying motivated on their own (especially since it involves group participation and teamwork).
So, in conclusion, if you’re looking for an effective way to lose weight or just want to find out more about this unique form of exercise, then check out calisthenics. It’s a good choice because it might just be the kick you need to start moving.