6 Reasons to Do Calisthenics

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/

There are so many different ways to lose weight out there, and some are safer, more effective, and less costly than others. Although I'm new to working out, I'm proud to say that I look and feel better than ever. After almost a year of working out and eating an improved diet, I've become leaner and gained a bit of muscle. My story doesn't here, but I want to help you start yours with these reasons on why to do calisthenics.

1. It's safe

As with many exercise programs, safety should always come first. With regards to calisthenics, you don't have to worry much about injuring yourself. This is because you're using your body to exercise, as intended by nature. Do make sure you get into the proper form before performing every exercise. By remembering to follow this tip, you will prevent pulling a muscle and injuring a joint.

2. It's relatively free

Yes, you read that right - calisthenics is a relatively free exercise program. The only materials you need are a pencil or pen, a notebook, and a digital wristwatch. If you're wondering where to workout, your home would be fine. Simply set up an area with enough room to perform exercises that requires lying down and moving around. It would be great if you lived near a playground that had pull-bars to perform grip work. If you don't, not to worry - any safe and sturdy place to hang from will do.

3. You create it

Unlike creators of other exercise programs, you're not being advertised to empty your wallet. For this program, you don't have to eat certain food items, or even perform certain exercises. You will create workouts that work for you. A highlight of this program is that you work each part so that they all will gain strength. To create a workout schedule, make sure you figure out which day you're going to work which part. Keep in mind that one muscle group may involve using another muscle group so plan accordingly. You should have one day off to allow your body to recover from the workouts. Also, be sure to rest in between the warm-up and work sets.

4. Monitor your progress

Do you recall that I said you're going to need a writing utensil and a notebook? In your notebook, you're going to record your workout sessions. Recording your rest time is unnecessary, but you can if you like. The most important thing to record is the number of repetitions of every exercise you perform or how long you performed a hanging exercise for each work set. As you prepare for your next workout, you'll be able to look back to the previous sessions and see if you can increase a repetition (or so) or time. If you can, that's awesome because that means you've gained strength! If not, don't worry because you're still building strength for that part.

5. It teaches discipline

I'll bet you didn't see this one coming! That's because with other exercise programs, you don't think about it - you just do it. But with calisthenics, you have to keep some things in mind. For one, if you become ill one day, you shouldn't work out on that day. Working out when you're not feeling well drains your body's energy, causing you to not perform exercises with full potential. It's best to resume a few days after you recover to ensure maximum body strength. Another thing to remember is to perform warm-up for each workout to prepare and relax your muscles. Be sure to record each workout session to keep track of your progress. 

6. Build muscle

Who doesn't want a lean, muscular body? If you are trying to lose excess fat, building muscle will aid you in doing so. How does this work you ask? Well, a greater amount of muscle tissue increases the metabolism. It's noted that a faster metabolism means burning fat quicker. Moreover, a greater amount of muscle tissue allows more insulin to be used as muscle repair and as an energy source, instead of being stored in fat cells.

I hope these six reasons have encouraged you to start or adapt a calisthenics program. It won't take long to see muscle growth or feel leaner. Be patient if you're not experiencing results yet. You don't lose fat overnight so don't expect to gain muscle overnight. Keep in mind that you must also eat a healthy diet in conjunction to working out.