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Anyone here into Calisthenics?

10 replies7 peopleSep 24, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

What experiences and favorite moves do people have with calisthenics for functional strength and mobility?

The discussion reveals varied interest: one newcomer feels strong soreness after two weeks and values the mobility focus, while older participants recall past exposure but now favor low-impact options like rowing and walking. Others note that basic bodyweight actions count as calisthenics and mix them with other training, though some find advanced progress harder with age.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

Some enjoy returning to calisthenics for social and functional reasons while others avoid it due to joint impact concerns at older ages.

Nothing here is advice.

10 replies · 7 people
ClearHarbour25archiveopening postSep 24

Hi all, I just kicked off a fitness and weight loss effort two weeks back and calisthenics has really grabbed me. The muscle soreness hits harder than anything from my old gym tries. I want to build practical power and better movement range, and this style looks ideal for that. So, is anyone else into calisthenics? What exercises do you enjoy most?

BlueAlder28archiveSep 24

Not for me anymore. Brings back tough memories from early academy days. At sixty the pounding feels different now. I row, use a bike with the subscription dropped because of the loud instructors and old music, plus three-mile dog walks. There is supposedly a simple trick to repurpose the bike display as a big tablet for streaming shows and videos instead, though I have not tried it yet and just set it up facing the television to watch episodes while pedaling.

NorthWillow72archiveSep 24
↳ replying to @BlueAlder28

It might not be that hard. One approach uses a built-in test browser already on the device without extra tools. Start at the main screen, open the menu with three dots, pick about, then tap the lower right area of the popup box quickly several times until a submenu shows. Choose the web browser tester option to load any site and treat the display like a large monitor. Pressing the physical logo at the bottom switches back to normal mode.

BlueAlder28archiveSep 24
↳ replying to @NorthWillow72

Interesting! The last time I checked it needed more steps to set up. Appreciate the tip.

RustLantern55archiveSep 25

Calisthenics is great. Back in college it was always enjoyable and social. I would like to restart. I lean toward quick-twitch moves such as boxing, jumping rope, and short sprints, though those feel tougher on the body these days.

ClearHarbour25archiveSep 25
↳ replying to @BlueAlder28

Interesting you bring up rowing. I am still new to most exercise but a friend claims it is his top choice. Would it be worth returning to a gym just for that? I cannot think of any bodyweight substitute.

WarmCompass27archiveSep 25

I always blend some calisthenics into my workouts. Folks overlook that simple moves like push-ups and bodyweight squats already count. Yoga and gymnastics could fit the category too. Right now my favorite is the sissy squat because it keeps me from standing around waiting for the leg machine.

ClearHarbour25archiveSep 25
↳ replying to @WarmCompass27

True, any exercise that mainly relies on your own body weight fits the definition. Yoga is a good example since many recognize it and it supports mobility plus stability. Adding some of this style to routines would probably leave everyone feeling better overall. The tricky part is that it looks easy at first but can become surprisingly demanding.

BlueAlder28archiveSep 25
↳ replying to @ClearHarbour25

Rowing has stayed my main exercise. It stays easy on the joints yet works nearly the whole body in one motion. The only hassle is skipping ads on videos while moving. I avoid gyms and keep a rower at home and at the office. I switch between that and the bike to change things up, and on bike days I add some free weights. Figure out your target heart rate, go for thirty to forty-five minutes, pick something engaging to watch or hear, and just settle in.

RustSignal28archiveSep 25
↳ replying to @BlueAlder28

I enjoy the ad-free videos too. Relaxing with some clips while on the rower or bike works well.

BrightCompass36archiveSep 25

I train in a home setup where calisthenics form the base of every session with pull-ups using different grips, push-ups, and dips. I also include weights but still prefer the bodyweight work and sometimes add a loaded vest for extra resistance.

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