If you’ve ever watched gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz perform gravity-defying feats, you’ve probably wistfully imagined yourself being *that* strong and flexible. The truth? Those fabulous moves are built on callisthenics: the body-weight workout style that prioritises using your own body as the weight. Practising body-weight moves is an effective way to build functional strength and sculpt sexy, lean muscle tone. And, in case the title didn’t clue you in, you can start as a total beginner and still feel like Simone Biles. Ahead, reasons to tap into callisthenics workouts and the moves to start with.
Why callisthenics workouts are so good
You can do it anywhere, anytime
The great thing about body-weight training (or a callisthenics workout, as it’s technically called) is that you can do it pretty much anywhere with minimal equipment. That’s because you’re using your own body weight as the load and gravity to create resistance. Also, most of the time, you don’t need to move very far, so it can be done in relatively small spaces, depending on what you’re doing.
It builds killer abs
There’s a lot of balance and stabilising required in body-weight moves, so your core will work overtime (yay, abs!) Plus, having this improved stability means less falling around in the long run, making you sturdy and strong.
Callisthenics sculpts your upper bod
All the pulling and pushing you do with your upper body will sculpt your back, arms and shoulders. If you’re aiming to try a pull-up or handstand, these moves will help you reach those goals.
How to do this beginner callisthenics workout
These moves, from Tim and Jacko of the training community School of Calisthenics, are ideal as callisthenics for beginners starting body-weight training. And all they require are a floor with a cushioned surface (like an exercise mat, carpet or grass), a wall and something to hang from. We’ve used gymnastic rings, but a straight bar at your local park will also work fine.
Tim and Jacko from School of Calisthenics, with trainer Hayley Ryan, show us how to master these moves…
1 Frog Stand
This foundational move helps you build the upper-body strength and balance that you’ll need for more advanced body-weight moves like freestanding handstands. If you find your feet can’t lift off the ground, that’s totally fine. Over time, you’ll build enough strength to lift them!
2 Wall Walk
As adults, we don’t spend much time upside down, so this is a fun challenge. Keep your core braced and only go as far as you feel comfortable, but aim to walk a bit closer to the wall every time.
3 Dead Bug
This body-weight move from Pilates works different core muscles simultaneously, strengthening your stabilisers, lowering your injury risk and improving your coordination. Be sure to keep your lower back glued to the floor at all times.
4 Hollow-Body Hold
Kind of the upside-down cousin of a plank, this isometric body-weight move (holding a single position; not moving) targets your whole core from multiple directions. It’s brilliant for building core strength, as well as body position patterning to protect your lower back in other exercises. The goal is to create a bowl shape with your body. Again, keep your lower back glued to the ground at all times. See how long you can hold it for.
5 Hollow-Body Rock
This is a classic example of how a body-weight move can turn into a fun game. Once you can do the hold for 10 seconds without breaking form, the goal is to rock back and forth like a rocking horse, while in that hollow-hold position. Way easier said than done.
6 Skin The Cat
You might need a few practice rounds to really nail this, and that’s ok. It’s a good idea to warm up the shoulders before attempting this one (check out this warm-up you can do with a broom). Then, see how many reps you can knock out. Even if you can’t skin the entire cat, you’ll still get a top callisthenics workout.
