Calisthenics or callisthenics (/ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪk/) is a form of strength training that utilizes an individual's body weight as resistance to perform multi-joint, compound movements with little or no equipment.
School children perform sit-ups, a common type of calisthenic, during a school fitness day.
A squat exercise. After squatting down, the exerciser stands up again while moving their hands back to their sides.
Practicing the wall walk, an exercise for achieving handstands
Plank on medicine balls
Bodyweight exercises are strength training exercises that use an individual's own weight to provide resistance against gravity. Bodyweight exercises can enhance a range of biomotor abilities including strength, power, endurance, speed, flexibility, coordination and balance. Such strength training has become more popular among recreational and professional athletes. Bodyweight training uses simple abilities like pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, twisting and balancing. Movements such as the push-up, the pull-up, and the sit-up are among the most common bodyweight exercises.
A bodyweight squat exercise requires little space and no equipment. After squatting down an individual returns to standing while moving their arms back to their sides. The height of the squat can be adjusted higher or lower depending on individual requirements (i.e., someone unaccustomed to exercise may instead perform half or quarter squats). Due to their movement range, squats are regarded as among the most effective exercises to improve strength and endurance.
