Can You Train Calisthenics For Free
Yes, you can train calisthenics at no extra cost or commitment – the nature is bodyweight exercises; no additional equipment is needed to pay for. The basics, such as press-ups, sit-ups, tricep dips, or squats, can be practiced anywhere at any time, assuming you have floor space. Nonetheless, there are areas you can pay for that help excel your fitness progression.
Compared to other forms of exercise, calisthenics is one of the least expensive activities, and out of those who do pay for some aspects, few spend an extortionate amount. For example:
- Swimming requires access to a pool.
- Weight Training requires access to dumbbells.
- Cycling requires a bike.
- Motorsports require a vehicle,
But it’s possible to have a thorough, intense calisthenics workout at home with no other equipment – for free!
Will Paying For Calisthenics Improve Ability
You don’t have to pay anything to train calisthenics, but how long can you sustain this until it hinders progression?
Why Spending Money And Calisthenics Doesn’t Make A Good Athlete
The first consideration is acknowledging the amount you spend doesn’t have a linear correlation with fitness improvements.
For example spending twice the amount, won’t double your fitness ability. Instead, you should spend money fine-tuning your training and incorporating new exercises.
Even if you were to buy the best quality equipment, without hard work and thorough technique, there won’t be any fitness progression.
Why Spending Money In Calisthenics Won’t Guarantee Quality Equipment
The second consideration is knowing that a higher price doesn’t always represent higher quality.
For example, if you want the best quality chin-up bar, this won’t necessarily be the most expensive.
Doing thorough product research beforehand will help you get the highest quality for your money.
It could be the case that the opportunities and equipment given to you for free are better than anything you could have paid for.
When Should You Invest In Calisthenics
We have given our opinion when we believe it’s sensible to start spending some money
and at what skill level.
- Beginner If your current fitness skills are within this category, it isn’t necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on new equipment. You should focus on building relative strength and a high fitness level – as well as seeing if calisthenics is for you. Getting used to basic floor work, such as press-ups, sit-ups and planks will pay more dividends in the long run.
- Intermediate – Start experimenting with items and surfaces in your surroundings. For example, stairs for calf raises, beds for tricep dips, trees for pull-ups or chairs to jump onto. While it still isn’t necessary to purchase a heavy amount of equipment, small items, such as a doorframe bar, can also be beneficial and convenient for you.
- Expert – This category will benefit from increased spending on calisthenics. Basic floorwork won’t be a challenge anymore, and you’ll want to meet other calisthenic enthusiasts. As a result, spending money on a private gym could become a great option for you. Being able to meet new people, attempt new holds and tricks, as well as having access to a variety of equipment, will be refreshing and help you to develop.
- Professional – Spending money will be imperative to increase your ability. At this level, you will need personal trainers, coaches, high-quality equipment, and access to facilities 24/7. In this category, calisthenics is your career so investing in yourself (alongside hard work) is sensible. It is difficult, though not impossible, to get to this point without spending money on calisthenics.
What Are The Best Calisthenics Equipment To Buy
When you have repeatedly been doing the same exercises, it can become demotivating and less intense, so it’s always a good idea to explore other options.
These products still keep the body weight focus but enable a variety of challenges that makes exercising that little bit more fun.
Gymnastic rings:
Rings are a great step up once you have perfected pull-up bars. They allow you to attempt a wide variety of new tricks that use new techniques and muscles. You can pick up rings for as low as $25, or a high-quality set will cost around $85.
Doorframe bar:
If you don’t have access to a pull-up bar, the next best alternative is a doorframe bar. This is a detachable bar placed between your doorframe, which enables you to do a range of chin-ups, including underhand, angled, one-handed, or wide-gripped. The price for a doorframe bar averages between $35-$70.
Climbing pegboard:
This is a flat, smooth wooden board with holes placed in them. The aim is to climb across the board using the pegs to hold your body weight. This is a great tool for upper body training and will improve climbing ability too! You can expect to find one between $60-$150.
Plyometric jump box:
This is a small, softbox to jump on and off it; however, there are a wide range of calisthenic uses. Examples include elevated press-ups, tricep dips, or calf raises. The height, material, and adjustability will differ between each box. Prices range from $60 – $200.
Dip Bars:
Dip bars, are two sets of bars parallel to one another that can withstand your weight. Their most basic function is for performing tricep dips, however, you can get a lot more creative and experiment with a range of new movements. A reasonable set will cost around $70.
Is It Worth Buying A Workout Program
As a buyer, you’re spoilt for choice when picking a program to buy; however, is it worth purchasing one?
Below are some advantages and disadvantages of buying a workout program, these aren’t tailored towards specific training methods as mostly all training programs will follow these patterns.
Advantages Of Buying A Workout Program
- New and innovative content provides you with the opportunity to learn new skills, exercises, and techniques. These can excel your fitness progression as you find new and interesting ways to exercise – encouraging you to workout.
- All workout programs have become digitalized and can easily be accessed on your phone. The convenience of being able to take it anywhere and apply the content to your workout is a huge perk.
- The money that you pay towards a workout program will help support fitness instructors. While this doesn’t majorly affect you, it’s pleasant to know you’re supporting an individual rather than a large multinational company.
Disadvantages Of Buying A Workout Program
- Hundreds of workout programs are available freely online, and just because they’re free doesn’t make them of a lesser quality than paid programs. As a result, it may be disheartening if you find more informative, entertaining content elsewhere, that is free.
- Unlike personal trainers, workout programs provide minimal feedback. They won’t say if your form is wrong, if you’re breathing correctly, or how you could improve your next workout. Instead, they show an example and depend on you to mimic it exactly.
- Programs are created for the masses, as a result, they won’t consider individual goals and targets. They will mostly have a generic goal, for example, “exercises to lose weight,” but won’t tailor the program to your own targets, which may be something like “how to lose 10 pounds in a month without dieting through boxercise.”
What You Should Consider Before Buying A Workout Program
If you have decided to purchase a workout program, we also recommend considering:
- Research the person selling you the program. Are they established?
- Looking at reviews, finding any trends or suspicious ratings.
- Is there a free trial or sample available? If so, does the price match the quality of the sample?
- What is the refund policy?
- Are there any hidden costs or fees?
So, overall there are valid pros and cons for purchasing a fitness course which could persuade you either way. First, always try and find a free course that supplies sufficient detail on the activity you want to learn about. If this fails, or you have an interest in the person(s), then you may want to consider buying the fitness course.
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