Why Calisthenics is Important After 30

Aging is inevitable. As we age, so does our body. Because of the wear and tear we put on our bodies, at one point or another, we begin to slowly lose our ability to do everyday activities that we’ve come to love and enjoy. Simple things that involve bending, standing, lifting, or just plain exercising start to become difficult.

As you grow older, staying active becomes important. One form of exercise that has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in maintaining strength, flexibility, and overall well-being is calisthenics.

What is Calisthenics?

Calisthenics is a form of physical exercise that utilizes one’s own body weight for resistance. It involves a series of movements and exercises aimed at helping develop strength, flexibility, endurance, and most importantly physical fitness.

Calisthenics is also a form of physical training that uses minimal equipment, relying primarily on the individual’s own body weight for resistance. It can be performed anywhere, whether in a gym, a park, or even at home, as it does not require specialized equipment.

Calisthenics Workouts

Some common calisthenics exercises include push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, planks, dips, and various forms of abdominal exercises. These movements engage different muscle groups and can be modified to suit various fitness levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Towards the end of this article, I will share some of my go-to calisthenics sites. These sites are a great starting point for anyone who wants to focus on strength training.

What Are Some Benefits of Calisthenics?

Calisthenics is a versatile and effective form of exercise that offers numerous benefits, especially as you grow older. Here are a few ways calisthenics can help you lead a stronger and healthier life.

Calisthenics Preserves Muscle Mass and Strength

One of the most significant challenges of aging is the natural loss of muscle mass and strength. This process, known as sarcopenia, can lead to frailty and increased risk of injuries. Calisthenics helps combat sarcopenia by providing resistance training that stimulates muscle growth and strength development.

Calisthenics Improves Balance and Coordination

Maintaining good balance and coordination becomes increasingly important as you age to prevent falls and injuries. Calisthenics exercises, such as bodyweight squats and lunges, engage the stabilizing muscles and help improve proprioception, which is your body’s ability to sense its position in space.

Calisthenics Helps Enhance Flexibility and Mobility

Aging often comes with a decrease in flexibility and mobility, which can lead to joint stiffness and reduced range of motion. Calisthenics incorporates dynamic movements that help improve flexibility and mobility, promoting better joint health and overall agility.

Calisthenics Boosts Cardiovascular Health

While calisthenics primarily focuses on strength and resistance training, it can also be designed to include cardiovascular elements. Incorporating high-intensity intervals or plyometric movements in your calisthenics routine can help improve heart health and increase overall endurance.

Calisthenics Helps Reduce the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Regular calisthenics workouts have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Exercise, in general, helps regulate blood pressure, improve blood sugar levels, and enhance cholesterol profiles.

A Great Place To Start

These online resources below can help you get started on your calisthenics journey. Remember, before starting any new exercise regimen consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health concerns.

Fitness Blender

https://www.fitnessblender.com/videos

Fitness Blender offers a wide range of free calisthenics workouts suitable for various fitness levels. They provide video demonstrations and detailed instructions for each exercise.

Darebee

https://www.darebee.com/

One of my favorite go-to sites for beginners. Darebee provides a wealth of free resources, including calisthenics workouts, challenges, and fitness programs suitable for all fitness levels. Although I train at a higher level, this is always one site that I tell all new clients to check out.

Calisthenic Movement

https://www.youtube.com/user/Calisthenicmovement

This YouTube channels offer comprehensive video tutorials, workout routines, and tips for any calisthenics enthusiasts.

Don’t Wait Till It’s too Late

Calisthenics is not only a great way to build and maintain physical fitness, but it also promotes functional strength that can be applied to everyday activities. Additionally, it can improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. Whether you’re looking to build strength or enhance overall fitness, calisthenics offers a wide range of exercises and progressions to help you achieve your goals.

Incorporating calisthenics into your routine can help you maintain muscle mass, improve balance, flexibility, and overall cardiovascular health. Embrace the power of calisthenics and embark on a path to a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant life!