Branches of the same tree, calisthenics and weight training at the gym are two different forms of strength training.
While calisthenics is the art of turning your own body into a workout machine (it's all body weight), in weight training, we use weights for resistance — dumbells, kettlebells and barbells.
If we talk about gym vs callisthenics, it's more or less the ultimate showdown in the world of fitness. On one side, we have the weight training we do at the gym—packed with weights, machines, and all the equipment you need to build muscle and strength in a controlled environment. On the other side, callisthenics offers a bodyweight-powered workout that can be done anywhere, using gravity to sculpt muscles while improving flexibility, balance, and endurance.
Both of these strength training styles offer incredible and varied benefits, but which one should you choose? Well, that would depend on your fitness goals, space, and style! Are you focused on building lean muscle mass and strength? Or do you want to improve the overall functionality and definition of your body? These are the questions you must answer in order to determine your preferred training style.
To determine your best option, continue reading this blog. We will explore the differences between calisthenics and gym training along with their benefits so it's easier for you to make the right choice.
Table of Contents
- Which Is Better: Gym or Calisthenics?
- Can I Replace Gym With Calisthenics?
- Can You Build Muscle With Just Calisthenics?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Which Is Better: Gym or Calisthenics?
The Battle of Strength, Muscle & Power!
Is going to the gym better than calisthenics? In order to understand which one is better, you first need to understand that calisthenics and weight training at the gym are both forms of strength training. Both of these methods aim to build muscle, strength, and endurance, but they do so in different ways. While choosing between the two, you should consider your fitness goals and personal preferences.
Let's take a closer look at the two:
| Gym - Weight training | Weight training at the gym involves lifting weights or using some form of external resistance to challenge your muscles, making them grow stronger over time. Whether you're lifting dumbbells or barbells or using resistance machines at the gym, weight training helps you increase muscle mass, boost metabolism, and improve bone density. |
| Common weight training exercises include bench presses, deadlifts, squats, bicep curls, tricep dips, overhead shoulder presses, lat pulldowns, leg presses, rows, and lunges with dumbbells. These exercises engage different muscle groups, from the chest and back to the arms, legs, and shoulders, helping to build muscle, increase strength, and improve overall fitness. | |
| If you’ve never been to the gym and want to get started and look like you know what you’re doing, then follow this 28-day gym workout plan to ensure you’re on the right track! | |
| Calisthenics | In calisthenics, you use your body's resistance and gravity to strengthen your muscles. The best thing about callisthenics is that it is excellent for beginners, and you can do it anywhere, anytime, because it requires no equipment. Improves balance, endurance, coordination and flexibility. |
| Common callisthenics exercises include push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, planks, dips, leg raises, mountain climbers, burpees, and glute bridges. These exercises target various muscle groups, from the upper body and core to the legs and glutes, promoting strength, endurance, and overall fitness. | |
| If you’re new, then try a callisthenics workout routine for beginners to get started! |
Also Read: 10 Benefits Of Weight Training For Females & Its Impact On A Woman’s Body!
Calisthenics v/s Weight Training At The Gym
While calisthenics can be done anywhere – outdoors, indoors, at home or at the gym, strength training requires equipment. So, you can invest in this equipment to create a mini home gym or go to the nearest gym to do bodyweight exercises.
Weight training and calisthenics each offer unique benefits. Weight training helps increase muscle mass, improve bone density, and boost metabolism. It also targets specific muscle groups, promoting strength and endurance. Calisthenics, on the other hand, can improve your functional strength, flexibility, and coordination much more than weight training. Callisthenics requires no equipment, making it convenient and accessible for everyone.
Whether you choose weight training at the gym or callisthenics, if you do them consistently and increase the difficulty of the exercises, you're sure to enhance your overall fitness, with weight training focusing on muscle growth and callisthenics on mobility and body control.
Also Read: Athletic Body VS Gym Body: 7 Differences And Fitness Tips To Build Your Physique!
Can I Replace Gym With Calisthenics?
Yes, you can! Starting callisthenics practice can definitely replace your membership at the gym – which could even prove beneficial for your budget and time management!
Callisthenics is also, after all, a form of strength training. Like weight training, it's a great way to build strength, gain muscle and keep your body active. You can do it anywhere (even in a hostel room) without any equipment! Your callisthenics sessions can be short or long, depending on your time availability, making it an excellent fit for those with busy schedules. Besides, you also save time commuting if you do callisthenics at home.
However, the results from calisthenics and gym sessions will differ, as we discussed in the previous section. Moreover, if you want the best of both worlds, then just do both!
Also Read: Strength Training Vs. Cardio: Which Is More Effective?
Can You Build Muscle With Just Calisthenics?
Yes, callisthenics training is really good for building muscle, especially in the upper body and mid-body. This is because it uses your body weight and various body movements against gravity. You might think it can't build as much muscle as using weight machines or free weights, but it's actually a more functional way to build strength and muscle tissue.
The basics of gaining muscle are the same whether you're lifting weights, doing calisthenics, or using non-traditional training tools. To build muscles, you need to give the body a resistance (load) and repeat a particular movement in a series of repetitions and sets. This stimulates muscle building.
Also Read: 4-Week Cutting Workout Plan With 6 Best Exercises For A Chiselled And Shaped Physique!
Expert’s Advice
Exercise is essential whether you enjoy strength training or want to tone your body. Choosing the right training style for your body could help you reach your goals faster while enjoying the process.
I recommend trying both types of training styles for a week or two to see which one you enjoy more and are more likely to stick with. For good results, I would recommend doing both calisthenics and strength training daily. Also, combine your healthy workout routine with a balanced diet that is rich in protein, healthy fats and fibre-rich foods.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
So, in conclusion, if you're stuck between callisthenics and the gym, consider your goals and what kind of exercise you enjoy more. Calisthenics uses your body weight against gravity, and weight training uses external resistance. Both are forms of strength training and have individual advantages. However, some benefits, like muscle building and strength gain, remain the same. If you want to combine them, try calisthenics and weight training on the same day or every other day.
FAQs
1. Does calisthenics increase balance, coordination and stability?
Yes, callisthenics focuses on the core and smaller stabilising muscles while teaching different parts of the body to work in sync. This builds overall balance, coordination, stability, and full body strength.
2. Can I do calisthenics every day?
Yes, you can do calisthenics every day, as long as you listen to your body and allow for proper recovery.
References
- https://www.adityabirlacapital.com/healthinsurance/active-together/2023/01/31/calisthenics-vs-weight-training/#:~:text=Calisthenics%20workout%20involves%20compound%20exercises,require%20a%20lot%20of%20energy.
- https://www.puregym.com/blog/calisthenics-vs-weights-which-is-better/
- https://www.minusthegym.com/is-calisthenics-better-than-weight-train
- https://gravity.fitness/blogs/training/is-it-ok-to-only-do-calisthenics-and-no-other-training#:~:text=Yes%2C%20calisthenics%20can%20definitely%20replace,an%20athletic%20and%20balanced%20physique.
- https://gravity.fitness/blogs/training/will-calisthenics-build-muscle?srsltid=AfmBOoo7plEtEeRoJ6v4ookZuAhll282mIsX6F3K00DZk8AJKoaRMoC-
- https://supmogo.com/blogs/wellness-blog/does-calisthenics-build-muscle-everything-you-need-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOoq9NZs7Xn8b3_wYExjZXa4gAWVomnt9H5fQTSeQ00aB1eWuu9LW
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