Calisthenics is derived from the Greek word kalós (καλός), which means “beautiful” and sthenos (σθένος), meaning “strength”. The word implies aesthetic beauty in its perfection since the ancient greek language kalós also means “to be perfect,” “to be good”.
There is actually an element of beauty not only due to gaining a beautiful physique but also because of the manner of how calisthenics is done especially when you advance into more complex exercises.
Calisthenics means strength not only physically but also mentally. The word was perceived to be related to determination and courage shown by anyone who practiced it. It is the art of using one’s body as a counterforce to develop the desired physique.
The word calisthenics is also related to the greek word “gumnos” which means naked or loincloth, from which the word gymnastics was derived.
Hence, the calisthenics of the ancient world has three pillars (Beauty, Strength, Bare).
Calisthenics in the Early Times
Even before the name calisthenics was coined, there were numerous implied ways that the earliest people applied to equip them for the daily challenges of wars and hunting since the ancient days were all about the survival of the fittest.
In ancient times, calisthenics is believed to be used by greek warriors to prepare themselves for impending battles. The Spartans, before heading for the battle of Thermopylae (or what was commonly called as Hot gates due to the hot sulfur springs situated in that place), were recorded to use calisthenics in their pre-battle regimen.
Even Alexander the Great, one of the most brilliant conquerors of ancient times practiced calisthenics to maintain the mental and physical agility necessary for close combat fight. Ancient Greek warriors used bodyweight exercises to optimize their strength, flexibility, balance, and neuromuscular coordination–the abilities vital for every fighter’s survival. Incredible results were gained like remarkable muscle control and the ability to do gravity-defying actions.
The first recorded facts about calisthenics was written by Herodutos, a greek historian of the ancient world wherein he observed a distinct tribal dance performed by the Spartans and then later on it was coined as calisthenics. Roman soldiers train their bodies for battle through calisthenics.
On the other hand the gladiators trained rigidly in what they called “tetrad” system in which calisthenics was part of it. They also use “halteraes” (that can be compared to dumbells in this generation) in varied types of resistance training. They underwent several types of training and employed different kinds of equipment for their survival and spectacular performance in the Roman arena.
This training existed for centuries throughout Greece, countries in Asia like India and China, even the whole Roman Empire, Gaules and other places were saturated by the widely known physical training. In Asia widespread practice of calisthenics was recognized.
For instance In China, the shaolin monks trained in a manner that can be categorized as calisthenics. They used this training to prepare themselves in defending their temples from foreign invaders that desired to colonize their land and exploit their resources. They combined calisthenics with mental training to achieve incredible combat skills.
Moreover, during the reign of Han, dynasty physicians recommended calisthenics exercises to maintain general health. In India, the discipline of yoga was renowned in which poses were extremely similar to calisthenics.
In general, the use of calisthenics in the ancient time was basically for survival, when the medieval age came it shifted into attaining a certain high level of performance as an aid to a specific sport such as wrestling which is by the way very famous during that time.
In the heights of the renaissance period (the age of enlightenment) where the people’s overall focus changed from devotion to religion to passionate search of knowledge and arts appreciation, people were drawn into physical training. In the late 17th century, Friedrich Jahn (the Father of Gymnastics) established the first modern gym. Gymnastics during that time were done as part of military exercises.
During the early 19th century Catherine Beecher promoted calisthenics in the US and wrote Physiology and Calisthenics for Schools and Families. In the beginning calisthenics was meant for women but later on employed by all genders.
Old-School Calisthenics
The old-school calisthenics is the type of calisthenics that is all about basic exercises. The methods focus on training the nervous system with the muscular system through gradually augmenting the difficulty level.
Convict Conditioning is one of the old-school calisthenics. Convict conditioning is divided into three parts. The first part includes topics about bodyweight training (the do’s and don’ts to avoid injury) and other varied exercise options. The second part states the instructions to incorporate the different exercises (mentioned in the first part) into your daily workouts. The last part explains thoroughly the process of developing these workouts into a training program.
Old-school calisthenics is more easy and convenient to maintain. It is a simpler and safer form of physical training.
Modern Calisthenics Trends
Calisthenics (later known as Street Workout) is both a sport and a social movement. Calisthenics in the modern times still anchored itself to its distinct feature in utilizing the bodyweight in resistance training to gain muscle hypertrophy.
The training is now supplemented with a healthy lifestyle and value system that must be adhered to by its practitioners. Values like equality, respect and the importance of proper education were being integrated. Calisthenics are now promoted in all ages, genders, ethnicity, and physical capabilities of people.
This movement has incredible potential to better the lives of both the young people and the young at heart since it provides you an inclusive community. Calisthenics in the very first place is community=driven if you would trace back to where it started.
You can practice calisthenics anytime and anywhere plus it will not entail monetary expenses. Like the old school calisthenics in which good values were being taught, calisthenics in the modern times still observes the same set of values. Doing calisthenics nowadays also gives you opportunities to abide by the rules, show respect and tolerance, maintain self-esteem and discipline, and realize the essence of companionship.
Calisthenics is now treated in a holistic approach. It not only improves your physical body but health reverberates into your entire being. Calisthenics affects your neurological, muscular, and endocrine systems. It impacts your whole body positively. There is no wonder why it is now being considered as an all-in-one fitness exercise.