Does Weight Matter In Calisthenics
When it comes to calisthenics, it’s not about your weight, but the muscle and fat composition which impacts your ability. Regardless if you weigh lots or little, if the majority of your mass comes from muscle fibers (rather than fat stores), you’re in a great place to start calisthenics.
For example:
If two individuals start calisthenics at 165lb they aren’t necessarily matched evenly. Despite them weighing the same, one can have more muscle mass than the other; thus, a larger strength-to-weight ratio. As a result, they have an advantage over the other person.
How is this possible?
Muscle is more dense than fat. So, if you were to cut equal slices of fat and muscle, they would weigh significantly differently. This is why people who weigh the same can have completely different body types and strength levels.
Is Calisthenics Easier If You Weigh Less
Skinnier individuals tend to find calisthenics a lot easier because they don’t have chunks of body fat slowing them down; as a result, they’re far more explosive and can hold statics for longer periods without feeling fatigued.
Calisthenics is all about bodyweight exercise. So, if you don’t weigh as much, you’ll find it easier naturally. For example, a 170lb person must lift 170lb every time they perform a pull-up; whereas a 140lb individual only lifts 140lb.
So, should you aim to be as light as possible? No!
The correlation between calisthenics ability and weight only holds true to an extent. To reduce body weight, we’re under the assumption that muscle mass remains constant while fat levels decrease. However, this isn’t always the case…
If you were to lose weight by decreasing muscle mass, this would negatively impact your calisthenics ability. Your relative strength would worsen, making you struggle to push/pull your body weight. Even if you become lighter, if your muscle fibers can’t lift you, it’s pointless.
What’s the best advice we can give?
The perfect balance is minimizing your fat levels (to reduce weight) but maximizing your muscle gains (to increase relative strength). How should you do this? Keep training calisthenics.
Is Calisthenics Harder If You Weigh More
Large-weighted individuals may find calisthenics exercises more challenging and effortful because each exercise requires lifting a greater load. This paints their movements as less smooth and can make their muscles feel exhausted quickly.
Basic calisthenics movements, such as push-ups, become strenuous due to the excess weight sitting on the upper body and core during exercise. Nonetheless, it’s an area that most overcome. The bit that most people struggle with is the statics:
For example, exercises like a frog handstand require sufficient body control and muscle endurance. Bigger individuals struggle as their weight throws them off balance, and they tend to lack the mobility to position their limbs correctly.
Will it be harder? Yes. Should you let it stop you? Absolutely Not!
Exercises can be assisted, angles can be adjusted, and movements can be shortened. Even if you are heavier, calisthenics has progression levels so you can work your way towards the complicated movements.
In fact, if you are large-weighted, calisthenics is one of the best training methods you can do.
Due to it’s intensity, it burns through calories rapidly and lowers body fat levels. So, despite it being harder in the short term, it pays massive dividends in the long run!
What Is the Best Weight To Start Calisthenics
Everyone is different; body type, height, length ratio, and muscle mass all differ from person to person. Because of this, there isn’t a perfect weight to start calisthenics; however, being able to perform a few push-ups, tricep dips, squats, and sit-ups will give you a huge headstart.
The ‘best’ weight is unique to everyone; nonetheless, we all feel the same when we’re there. For example, you should feel:
- Explosive when you jump.
- Undertake anaerobic respiration in healthy dosages.
- Be able to dead-hang for 5 seconds.
- Be able to do 5 push-ups.
If you can do the above, the chances are you’re already at an optimal weight to start calisthenics.
So, what are you waiting for?
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