Calisthenics (pronounce Kal-iss-thin-iks) also known as exercises performed simply by using ones’ own body weight as resistance. When looking at different exercise modalities in a side-by-side comparison we can get a better idea of why Calisthenics can be beneficial not just as a solitary modality on its own but also for those wishing to pursue other modalities of exercise.  According to the definition from google it is defined as gymnastic exercises to achieve bodily fitness and grace of movement.  Excerpt from Wikipedia article [SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calisthenics ] “Calisthenics are a form of exercise that consist of a variety of gross motor movements, often rhythmical, generally without using equipment or apparatus, thus in all essence body-weight training. For this reason Calisthenics is separate from High-Intensity Anaerobic training such as CrossFit and P90X and generally considered safer.  They are intended to increase body strength, body fitness and flexibility through movements such as pulling or pushing yourself up, bending, jumping, or swinging, using only one's body weight for resistance. They are usually conducted in concert with stretches. When performed vigorously and with variety, calisthenics can provide the benefits of muscular and aerobic conditioning, in addition to improving psychomotor skills such as balance, agility and coordination.”

 

                Now in definition, according to google, Powerlifting is defined as a form of competitive weightlifting in which contestants attempt three types of lift in a set sequence. Bodybuilding is defined as the practice of strengthening and enlarging the muscles of the body through exercise. Lastly, Weightlifting is defined as the sport or activity of lifting barbells or other heavy weights. [There are two standard lifts in modern weightlifting: the single-movement lift from floor to extended position (the snatch ), and the two-movement lift from floor to shoulder position, and from shoulders to extended position (the clean and jerk ).] As you have read, these all involve using free weights, weight machines and/or cable machines which right away is a notable difference in regards to Calisthenics. Using weights doesn’t allow the body to work in multiple planes of motion which doesn’t allow the body to create the stabilization strength needed, instead lifting weights works in one plane of motion while the user either sits or stands.

Crossfit is actually a business as CrossFit, Inc. and is a fitness company founded by Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai in 2000. Promoted as both a physical exercise philosophy and also as a competitive fitness sport, CrossFit workouts incorporate elements from high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, girevoy sport, calisthenics, strongman, and other exercises. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CrossFit]

 

                Gymnastics is finally defined as exercises developing or displaying physical agility and coordination. The modern sport of gymnastics typically involves exercises on uneven bars, balance beam, floor, and vaulting horse (for women), and horizontal and parallel bars, rings, floor, and pommel horse (for men).

 

               Here is an article found through Livestrongs website in regards to the comparison between Calisthenics and Weightlifting: Livestrong Calisthenics vs Weightlifting

 

               Excerpt from Wikipedia article [SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calisthenics ] “Calisthenics is associated with the rapidly growing international sport called street workout. Street workout as a sport consists of athletes competing against one other by each showing their body-weight strength and body-control in timed routines to impress a panel of judges. The World Street Workout & Calisthenics Federation (WSWCF) based in Latvia orchestrates the annual National Championships in up to 50 different countries (as of 2015) and hosts the World Championships for all the national champions to compete at one competition.”

 

              As for myself, I specifically train through Calisthenics as this is a personal choice. Not only that, I believe it to be the ultimate modality of exercise. The gain is huge from practicing and training in Calisthenics. Why? Because the user has to be engaged, not just physically, but more importantly mentally engaged and engaged in the exercise instead of just going through the movement. The possibilities in this style of training is purely unlimited, Calisthenics is way more broad than just simple pull-ups, push-ups, squats, back bends, so on and so forth. Calisthenics possibilities are only limited by YOUR own imagination, become creative again. Calisthenic Creations motto is “Creating Beautiful Strength” because Calisthenics is a Greek word for Kalos-thenos, which translates to “Beautiful Strength.” In this style, this modality of training, the body is sculpted in such a way that it could be described as a Greek god, sculpted from granite, chiseled from stone! Along with a sound, proper and simple nutrition, the energy will increase, less likely to injure your-self, feel thousand times better, able to do more functional activities and more able body to do the things that get harder as we age. Calisthenics can be done by kids, teenagers, young adults, older adults, senior citizens, pregnant women with no adverse effect if done properly and the best thing is that you don’t necessarily need extra equipment and you don’t even have to leave your house, much less your own room!