3 Essential callisthenics gear: must-have equipment

Callisthenics is a type of workout based on building mass using your body weight. Even if you are not sure what callisthenics are, you have probably seen it or even done it before. For example, a squat is callisthenics, and so is a push-up or a pull-up.

The etymology of the word comes from Greek, ‘kalos’ meaning beauty and ‘stenos’ meaning strength. The origin of this workout comes from ancient Greece and was practised by warriors. Nowadays, callisthenics has become part of the daily workout of many people. This type of workout improves flexibility, is cost-efficient, and improves posture according to a recent study by the University of Palermo.

It is important to know your muscle groups, to understand how exercises will train these groups. The triceps and chest are trained by push exercises. Legs are trained by squats. Biceps and back muscles are trained with pull-ups or chin-ups.

So what are the advantages of callisthenics? Well, first it trains many muscles at the same time. Unlike gym where you only train one specific muslce, a pull-up will work your back muscles but also your biceps and core muscles.

Due to a greater engagement of the muscles, this type of workout will make you burn more calories. The risk of injury is also lower. Because you are not lifting heavy weights, the tension is easier on your tendons, joints and muscles. Because the stress on the joints is lower, you are also increasing their lifespan.

Even though callisthenics can mostly be practised without equipment and at home or in callisthenics parks, here is a list of equipment that you may find useful in your journey to strength.

1. Elastic bands

You might want to start to invest in resistance bands. They are reasonably priced and very useful to start with. You can use them for different pull exercises.

If you find it difficult to lift yourself and do a pull-up, the resistance bands will decrease the amount of weight you need to lift. The thicker the band is, the easier it will be for you. You can also combine different bands to make it easier. You can use them for different pull exercises.

Here is how I use them to do chin-ups. Once you can achieve around 8-9 repetitions, it’s time for you to use lighter bands. Either by removing one of them or by using a thinner one. This is how you will make progress and eventually achieve a pull-up without bands.

Resistance bands can also be used to do a push-up. You can use as many as you need. The more you use, the more decreased weight and the easier it will be to push yourself from the ground.

2. Wrists wraps

Wrists are quite fragile body parts. Like any muscle, they strengthen with training, but you can also injure them. Wrist wraps are being used to avoid injury with heavy loads. You don’t necessarily want to use them at the beginning, but they are quite convenient if you really deep dive into callisthenics.

They wrap tight around your wrists and create a more stable position to move upon. Your wrist’s alignment will be straight, and more force will be applied to it while decreasing the injury risk.

3. Parallettes

Parallettes are another piece of equipment you can use. It is for a more advanced level. They are used in push and core exercises. Depending on the height of these, the range of exercises varies. The small parallettes are used for handstands, push-ups, dips and the planche. The taller ones are used for leg raises and dips.

Handstands are great for improving stability and upper body strength. You will need shoulder, arm and upper back strength to keep yourself upside down. It also improves the bloodstream in your upper body and relieves the pressures off your feet and legs.

So whether or not you have practised callisthenics before or watched anyone doing some, I hope you found this article useful. If you ever want to step up your game with this simple equipment that can make a big difference, get it and start your journey! By investing in this gear, you’re also investing in your potential. Calisthenics are a great way to improve your self-confidence. It makes you feel better and stronger!