For some reason, people spend more time figuring out how to get the results they want with weight training than with a calisthenics workout. Weight lifters come up with complex calculations of weight, sets, reps, rest periods, nutrition etc. to gain an edge on getting superior results faster. But when it comes to bodyweight workouts, it seems like the one size fits all method rules.

I think this stems from the mentality that bodyweight exercises are only good for moderate improvements and general fitness. And since it is believed to be a "mediocre" training method, it is only given "mediocre" attention. This is a big mistake, and I'm going to show you why you should strive to make your bodyweight workouts the best they can be.

Don't Rely On A One Size Fits All Calisthenics Program

You'll commonly see calisthenics used as a warm up for other forms of resistance training (weight lifting) or to improve general fitness. Basic bodyweight exercise like push ups, crunches and squats come to mind. But this doesn't even scratch the surface of the power of bodyweight workouts.

Here is the truth. Bodyweight calisthenics can be just as effective as weight training to improve performance, burn off fat and build a muscular body. Therefore, just as much care and planning should be used to design your bodyweight only workout program as you would a weight training program. A one size fits all, "mediocre" workout program just won't do.

Use Multiple Calisthenics Workouts To Reach Your Ultimate Goal

Basically, there are three types of calisthenics workouts you should design. One targeted to general fitness, one to fat loss and one to strength and size. Why these three focuses? Because these are the three areas most people need to work on in order to reach their fitness, fat loss and physique goals.

In the weight lifting world workouts are often split up along these lines. And they should also be used in a bodyweight only program. The trick is to design the programs so they focus on a specific goal, without neglecting all other goals.

Blur The Lines Between Strength Training And Cardio Conditioning

The biggest mistake I see both bodyweight exercisers and weight lifters do is insisting on splitting up their resistance training and cardio training. They divide their training so much that they don't get the best benefits.

In the real world, activities require the COMBINED effort of all the muscles in your body, heart and lung power and mental toughness. Activities must be performed in a fluid manner switching between all three. You must blur the lines between your resistance training and cardio training.

Bodyweight calisthencis workouts make this easy. By using bodyweight exercises combined with fast paced calisthenics exercises, you can get a great workout that results in more real world benefits. If you want you body to respond in the face of real sport, work and life challenges, you must train it properly by challenging the entire body as one complete unit.

A calisthenics exercise program should be planned just as carefully as any other type of physical training. Design different workouts with different goals in mind. And push the limits by combining your resistance training and cardio training. You'll be happy with the results.