Can You Train Calisthenics In The Winter
Blue skies, sunny weather, and humid air… unfortunately, we aren’t all blessed to have this weather all year around. But what does this mean for our calisthenics training?
Yes, calisthenics can be practiced in all seasons, including winter, as long as you make safe and sensible changes to your workout plan. These changes could include clothing, equipment, and the location you train in – but shouldn’t affect the intensity of your workout
Calisthenics isn’t tied to anything (except your bodyweight.) So, most individuals are okay with the idea of a flexi-workout program because they can still ensure a thorough workout.
Here are some ideas on how you can adapt calisthenics to harsh winter conditions:
Can You Train Calisthenics In The Snow
Simply put; yes. Training calisthenics in the snow can be a hassle, for example, constantly wiping the bars from snow. Nonetheless, it’s possible to complete a workout and maintain a high intensity.
Before we discuss how to adapt a workout plan, it’s imperative to note the first thing to overcome is your mind. It takes a lot of mental discipline to ignore the sharp temperatures and go outside to a calisthenics park. Nonetheless, the stress you go through translates to a feeling of accomplishment and euphoria once the workout is done.
As part of your mental, and physical, preparation it’s essential to begin with a thorough warm-up. Skipping, light jogging, and stretching will help. Other adjustments include:
- Some metal bars become so cold your hands will stick. If you can, pour warm water over it, if not, wear gloves.
- Don’t underdress. While it limits you feel less fluid in your statics/ tricks, you want to ensure you’re warm enough– preventing hyperthermia. An extra pair of socks is a great idea; snow will find its way into your shoe and melt.
- Drink more water than normal. The numerous layers you have on will encourage more of a sweat. As a result, it’s essential to replenish your body by staying hydrated.
- Exaggerate your movements. If you aren’t sure about the thickness of the snow, exaggerate your movements to prevent joint injury. For example, bend your knees more than normal when you let go of a pull-up bar onto the ground.
Note: Once the snow has melted, avoid the calisthenics park for a few days. The ground will turn to slush, or black ice, which you may slip on and fall. Especially experienced athletes who do lots of kipping (swinging) or rotational exercises.
Can You Train Calisthenics In The Rain
Being based in the UK, where it rains virtually every day, we can tell you it needs lots of discipline to attend outdoor calisthenics parks, but it is most definitely safe and rewarding.
So yes, you can train calisthenics in the rain, but you heighten the slip risk. You shouldn’t let it stop you, but most definitely be more weary walking between equipment or gripping onto bars. As with the snow, the sense of self-pride and the release of endorphins is much higher than training in comfortable conditions.
If your heading out to a calisthenics park and it’s raining… first, well done! But, secondly, bear the below in mind:
- The bars placed on grass calisthenics are likely to be waterlogged (as everyone is always stepping on that area). As a result, wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, and be careful you don’t slip!
- When the rain is on a pull-up bar, it is noticeably more difficult to hold. Most see this as a disadvantage, but if you flip it, you’ll get more forearm strength because you must grip tighter.
- Calisthenics athletes tend to change their workout gear in line with the temperature. For example, if it’s raining but still warm, you’re still likely to see topless athletes in shorts! As long as you’re warm, getting wet isn’t deemed significant enough to limit your mobility by wearing something like a waterproof jacket.
Can You Train Calisthenics In The Cold
Most understand the temperature won’t affect their calisthenics ability; instead, the numerous layers you need to stay warm limit their range of mobility. So, it is possible to get a thorough calisthenics workout, but you can cap your ability by unforgiving clothes.
As before, ensure you do a thorough warm-up, dress appropriately and be wary of any slip hazards in the cold.
In our opinion, calisthenics in the cold does more good than bad. There are numerous health advantages – both physical and mental – training in the cold has. For example:
| Physical Benefits | Psychological Benefits |
|---|---|
| Strengthen Immune System | Increase and Sustain High Energy Levels |
| Improved Lung Capacity | Mental Toughness |
| Release a healthy amount of Cortisol | Connection to Nature |
| Faster Muscle Recovery | Increased Resilience to Discomfort |
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