What Gear Should You Bring To A Calisthenics Park
Outdoor calisthenics parks contain solid bars, benches, and climbing walls, that enable a thorough workout if you bring the right equipment. These include:
Unlike other training methods, you can find a place to train calisthenics for free outdoors. This is because it utilizes bodyweight – so there isn’t a need to employ complex equipment.
The government has funded the majority of calisthenics parks. You benefit from free access; however, it means you must bring your own equipment to make the most out of your workout.
While achieving a solid workout without the below is possible, progress will unnecessarily be delayed.
Why You Should Bring Chalk To A Calisthenics Park
We recommend bringing liquid chalk over powdered chalk, as it doesn’t smudge onto your clothes or require a separate bag. The chemical bonding isn’t as long-lasting as powdered chalk; however, taking a small bottle with you allows you to relayer.
Liquid chalk has two main benefits:
- Improves grip of handling a bar.
- Protects Calluses.
Sweaty palms completely ruin a calisthenics workout – despite feeling strong and able, you can’t grip the bar. Chalk allows you to jump this hurdle as you can focus on the movement; so, anytime you let go of the bar, it will be from muscle fatigue rather than slipping.
In addition, you will be able to swing and hold a bar with minimal friction. This protects your palm as it prevents irritating existing calluses/ stops them from growing.
Why You Should Bring A Push-Up Stand To A Calisthenics Park
Push-up stands are an essential part of calisthenics; they heighten the types of floorwork movements you can perform; for example, L-sit, Hand Stand Push-Up, and the Frog Stand.
Calisthenics parks don’t have these because they can easily be stolen. So you must buy and bring a set to practice groundwork.
Nevertheless, not everyone brings their own. The calisthenics community is friendly and encouraging, so if you forget yours, you can likely borrow somebody else’s. Better yet, some individuals bring a pair intending for the whole park to use!
Just remember; if you do borrow a pair to give it back in the same condition they gave it you!
Why You Should Bring Clothes And A Cap Calisthenics Park
Calisthenics parks don’t have changing rooms or lockers, so it’s imperative to turn up wearing the appropriate clothing. Our go-to outfit is baggy joggers, a tight vest, and a hat.
The aim is to have as much mobility as possible. This includes:
- Baggy Clothing.
- Sleeveless Tops.
- Shorts.
- Wearing Contacts, Rather Than Glasses.
We like to wear trendy and sporty, so we are fine with the lack of changing rooms – we can wear the same outfit for both occasions.
We take our hats in case it rains. Calisthenics parks are outdoors and are mostly unsheltered. A hat is best as it protects us but is still light and portable.
Some athletes wear shorts under their joggers, so they can take them off once they have warmed up. Other athletes refuse to train anything but topless as a form of expression. Experiment with different outfits to find what improves your workout the most.
Why You Should Bring Resistance Bands To A Calisthenics Park
Resistance bands are used by beginners who don’t have the strength to execute a trick without support as well as experienced athletes who want to experience the motion of an exercise before attempting it.
Like others, the state will unlikely include a set of these in a calisthenics park, so you must purchase your own.
Resistance bands should only be brought with you when you have planned a use for them. They aren’t used as frequently as other equipment (such as rings) because they aren’t necessary for an intense workout. As a result the hassle of bringing them is only worth it if you use them.
Resistance bands can also be used as a hybrid between weight training and calisthenics. For example, standing on the bands and lifting them mimics a bicep curl.
Why You Should Bring A Speaker To A Calisthenics Park
Calisthenics parks are outdoors and have minimal regulation. Therefore, individuals are welcome to listen to their music out loud on a speaker rather than headphones.
As well as the ear health benefits, using a speaker (rather than headphones) brings a sense of community to the park. Calisthenics parks are relatively small, so most of the time, one speaker will provide the music to everyone.
If you want to be the person dictating the music for everyone, here are some considerations:
- Calisthenics parks are commonly next to children’s parks. It’s ethical to be mindful of the type of music and language you play out loud, as the kids may be too young.
- Not everyone has the same music taste. While it is impossible to impress everyone, you can please most with hip-hop, rap, or garage music.
- Ensure you fully charge the speaker.
- Allow other athletes to give their requests for music. While it may not be your preference, it is nice to incorporate a range of different genres.
Why You Should Bring Rings/ TRX To A Calisthenics Park
A prominent element of calisthenics is using rings/ suspension trainers (TRX) to hold statics and advance basic exercises (such as a standard push-up to a suspension trainer push-up). A solid workout can be achieved with both; however, you can pursue gymnastic movements with wooden rings.
Manufacturers make them from fine materials, so weather exposure destroys them. As calisthenics parks are mostly outdoors they aren’t incorporated into them.
Athletes bring their own and knot them around a pull-up bar. As it takes a few minutes to set up, most are happy to let anyone have a go on them while it’s wrapped around the bar.
| Benefits Of TRX’s | Benefits Of Rings |
|---|---|
| Easy to set up and portable | Sturdy and solid to grip |
| Greater range of exercise possibilities | Carry out gymnastic movements |
The majority of calisthenics parks have a maximum of 4 pull-up bars. If there are already four rings/ TRX’s it’s pointless for you to bring yours. Therefore, it’s only essential to bring one if your calisthenics park is quiet and you know there won’t already be a set.
Why You Should Bring Gloves To A Calisthenics Park
Calisthenics gloves are fingerless and are an alternative to chalk, offering more protection for calluses but less grip on the bar. The trade-off benefits beginners whose skin isn’t conditioned to withstand friction between the bar and their bones.
It’s tricky to perform challenging calisthenics moves with gloves as the fabric is loose, so you are unstable when gripping the bar. However, for beginners, it’s a good starting point.
Another point is the added warmth gained when using gloves rather than chalk. Metal bars conduct the cold, so they can be unbearable to touch with naked skin in the winter. Gloves enable you to overcome this.
| Benefits Of Chalk | Benefits Of Gloves |
|---|---|
| More discrete, so nobody knows you’re using it | Only a one-time purchase that are durable. |
| Increase grip strength by drying your skin | Provide warmth to the finger tips |
| Light and portable to carry | Protect the skin from the bar rubbing |
Why You Should Bring Water And Snacks To A Calisthenics Park
Calisthenics burns a substantial number of calories, so it’s essential to replenish them with healthy snacks and stay hydrated with water. We bring a piece of fruit, an energy bar, and a 500ml water bottle.
The calisthenics parks tend to be remote, so there is rarely a local shop to buy food and drink. Therefore, it’s important to bring it with you so that in the case of an emergency (feeling dizzy or dehydrated), you can restore your body’s lost resources.
Ensure the snack is light to prevent feeling bloated or getting a stitch, as this will prevent you from working out.
| Length Of Calisthenics Workout | Average Calories Burnt (Kcal) |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 200 |
| 45 minutes – 1 hour | 400 |
| 1 hour 15 minutes + | 675+ |
Why You Should Bring A Gymbag Calisthenics Park
Lastly, you need a gym bag to carry all the above in! It should be between 30-40 liters to carry everything. Furthermore, it should be waterproof to protect your belongings if it rains and easy to clean in case you have to leave it on the floor.
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