Calisthenics training didn't just only change the outlook of my body but also changed my outlook on life. As I always interested in finding a way to move my body creatively and interestingly while getting in shape, calisthenics meet these criteria for me. At first, it was very tough because I struggled with strength, mobility and flexibility. But I don't give up easily because it's like problem solving to me, as I got hooked on the challenge and finding a solution for it. Now calisthenics taught me the importance of consistency. It boosted my confidence. And it reminds me of what I can achieve with dedication 

First of all, what is Calisthenics?

Calisthenics is a form of exercise that uses your own body weight as resistance. It encompasses a wide range of movements, from simple exercises like push-ups and squats to more advanced skills like handstands and muscle-ups. Calisthenics require minimal to none equipment, making it incredibly convenient and cost-effective. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was used for both military training and athletic development.

Bodyweight Mastery: Developing Functional Strength and Control

One of the key benefits of calisthenics is its focus on functional strength. This means building strength that translates directly to everyday movements and activities. By mastering your own body weight, you develop a strong core, improved balance, and enhanced coordination. This translates to better performance in everyday tasks like lifting groceries, climbing stairs, or playing with your kids. For instance: Imagine you can effortlessly carrying heavy bags of groceries up several flights of stairs – that's the kind of functional strength calisthenics can provide.

​A Full-Body Workout in Every Session

Calisthenics exercises are often compound movements, meaning they engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This makes your workouts more efficient and effective, leading to balanced muscle development throughout your body. For example: A simple set of push-ups not only works your chest, shoulders, and triceps but also engages your core and back muscles for stabilization. This integrated approach to training leads to a more well-rounded physique and improved overall fitness.

Scalability for All Fitness Levels: From Beginner to Advanced

Calisthenics is highly adaptable, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels. Exercises can be easily modified to increase or decrease the difficulty, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Example: Beginners can start with wall push-ups (leaning against a wall) and gradually progress to incline push-ups (hands on an elevated surface), then standard push-ups on the floor, and finally decline push-ups (feet elevated) for a greater challenge. This scalability ensures that you can always find a challenging and effective workout, regardless of your current fitness level.

Improved Cardiovascular Health: A Heart-Pumping Workout 

While calisthenics is often associated with strength training, it can also provide a great cardiovascular workout. By performing circuits of bodyweight exercises with minimal rest, you can elevate your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular fitness. A circuit such as burpees, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and high knees can provide a challenging cardio workout similar to running or cycling, while also engaging multiple muscle groups.

Enhanced Flexibility and Mobility: Moving with Ease

Many calisthenics exercises involve a full range of motion, which can help improve flexibility and mobility. This can lead to better posture, reduced risk of injury, and improved overall movement quality. Exercises like leg swings, torso twists, and dynamic stretches can improve flexibility in your hips, shoulders, and spine, allowing you to move with greater ease and fluidity.

The Mind-Body Connection: Calisthenics for Mental Well-being

• Stress Reduction: Exercise is a well-known stress reliever, and calisthenics is no exception. The physical exertion helps release tension and reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol.  
• Mood Enhancement: Calisthenics stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. These "feel-good" chemicals can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.  
• Improved Focus and Concentration: The focus and concentration required to perform calisthenics exercises can help improve your mental clarity and concentration.  
• Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence: Achieving new skills and seeing progress in your calisthenics training can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence.  
• Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a challenging workout or mastering a new skill can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your overall sense of well-being.
• Mindfulness and Presence: The focus on body awareness and control in calisthenics can promote mindfulness and help you stay present in the moment.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Potential with Calisthenics
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Calisthenics offers a multitude of benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels. From building functional strength and improving cardiovascular health to enhancing flexibility and mobility, calisthenics is a powerful tool for achieving your fitness goals. Its accessibility and adaptability make it a convenient and effective way to transform your body and unleash your inner athlete. 

​MinhTr

So, would you mind to share in the comment below about your transformation?  

​As a wellbeing group facilitator, for a while, whenever I look at this photo, I struggled to come up with an activity idea that is new, creative and unique for a group in the category of relationships and emotions. 

​Until my cousin visited me with her photocards as a little gift. Her works are not only just so pretty and colorful, it feels to me like they are also communicating something to me. So naturally, I asked her questions about the photos and time just passed without us noticing. We were taking turn to tell stories, ask questions and exchange knowledge. 
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As a result of her visit and our conversation, an idea was born. I said to myself "I'm going to use these photocards to start conversations with others". Because I realized that we either venture into our memory or to our creative pool to make meaning for what we see in the photocard. 

So on the 20th of October, at the beautiful cultural center in Helsinki Lapinladenlähde and in collaboration with MieliWithoutBorder, I organized my first story telling workshop with the my cousin's photocards as a catalyst for the participants to tap into their story telling self. 

I still remember the photo album in my house. I think it's my mom greatest possession and I also want to keep it with us for eternity. I still remember the time we sat down together and went through one after another photo. We told stories and we felt every each emotions that the photo carried. We didn't judge or asked why we felt so because the photos created a safe space for us to feel so. 

Still, I didn't have much expectation for my workshop because the participants were not my family and yet I was surprised at how it turned out. And so this short video is my conclusion for this post. I hope to see you in my next workshop 
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MinhTr