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  • Writer's pictureChase Williams

The differences between free weight lifting and calisthenics

Free weight lifting and calisthenics are two different types of bodybuilding exercises. Free weight lifting is when you use a weighted object to work out. Calisthenics is exercising using your own body to perform different skills and therefore enhance your body all around. In this article I will be discussing the different skills, benefits and differences between calisthenics and free weight lifting.


Free weight lifting is the most common form of bodybuilding exercise. It consists of using weights, bars, and machines to push and pull weight. Free weight lifting is a focus on a specific muscle or muscle group for each type of machine or weight lifting technique you use. The benefits from this type of bodybuilding exercise is that you can build a specific muscle group quickly.


Calisthenic bodybuilding is a less known form of bodybuilding exercise. It involves using your body to build muscle. You perform various skills and progress through all training different skills and over time you will perfect skills and unlock new ones.


A similar sport to this way of exercise is skateboarding. This is because performing certain skills unlocks new skills, and so on and so forth. Different calisthenic skills consist of pull ups, push ups, planks, handstands and leg lifts. All of these are core exercises, and with progression you will unlock new skills with each core skill and will be able to build onto each of these foundational skills. An example of this is progressing from a handstand to a handstand pushup.


The difference between the two bodybuilding techniques is that progression through free weight lifting is just adding more weight. Progression through calisthenics is more complex; you improve the core skills and unlock new ones though progression of the basics. Another difference between the two is that calisthenics is building your whole body at once while free weight lifting targets a specific muscle or group. The last difference is that free weight lifting builds targeted muscles fast while calisthenics is a slow build of all muscles.


I hope this article has benefited you and helped you educate yourself as you prepare to ring in the new year with a focus on your health. Let’s make it a healthier 2022!


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