20 Best Exercises To Start Calisthenics | + Beginner Workout Plan

The Nugget

  • Start your calisthenics journey with a structured approach! Janaki outlines 20 essential exercises split into four key categories: push, pull, core, and leg exercises, providing a solid foundation for beginners.

Make it stick

  • πŸ’ͺ Push exercises target chest, shoulders, and triceps; six key moves form the basis of upper body strength.
  • πŸ¦Έβ€β™‚οΈ Pull exercises focus on lats, biceps, and upper back, including five foundational moves crucial for advanced skills.
  • πŸ”„ Core stability is essential; six core exercises strengthen abs and back, enabling growth in calisthenics.
  • 🦡 Legs matter too! Incorporate three vital leg exercises to balance your development and support upper body skills.

Key insights

Push Exercises

  1. Push-ups - Basic upper body strength.
  2. Incline push-ups - Easier variation for beginners.
  3. Dips - Targets triceps and chest.
  4. Pike push-ups - Builds shoulder strength.
  5. Chest-to-bar push-ups - Increases difficulty as strength improves.
  6. Frog Stand - Improves balance and control.

Pull Exercises

  1. Bodyweight rows - Develops pulling strength.
  2. Australian pull-ups - A less intensive pull exercise.
  3. Pull-ups - Standard for upper body strength.
  4. Chin-ups - Focus on biceps in addition to back.
  5. Skinny Cat - Prepares for advanced movements like back lever.

Core Exercises

  1. Plank - Essential for core stability.
  2. Hollow body hold - Engages full core.
  3. Leg raises - Targets lower abs.
  4. Russian twists - Works obliques.
  5. Dead bugs - Promotes coordination and stability.
  6. V-ups - Combines strength and balance.

Leg Exercises

  1. Bodyweight squats - Fundamental leg strength.
  2. Lunges - Builds balance and leg coordination.
  3. Calf raises - Important for lower leg strength.

Training Plan

  • Frequency: Start with three full-body workouts a week.
  • Structure: Choose 2 push, 2 pull, 2 core, and 1 leg exercise for each workout.
  • Progress: Stick to the program until achieving set targets before advancing to more challenging exercises.

Key quotes

  • "A strong and stable core is the most important factor if you want to progress with calisthenics."
  • "Training the legs is really underestimated in the calisthenics world."
  • "These exercises helped me go from level 0 to a good strength foundation."
  • "It's best to train on one day and take the next day off."
  • "If you want some help with your calisthenics journey, check out our training plans."
This summary contains AI-generated information and may be misleading or incorrect.