Is calisthenics good for burning fat?

Yes, it is. As mentioned above, calisthenics helps with body fat loss and increased muscle mass in the body. This also helps with weight loss.

Can I lift and do calisthenics?

Yes, you can. Calisthenics and weightlifting are just two sides of the same coin. While the former relies on only your body weight to create resistance, the latter adds free weights to do the same thing. Just make sure that you take rest days and don’t overdo it as this can trigger overtraining symptoms.

Is it hard to get big with calisthenics?

Pictures of calisthenics experts will show you that it’s not hard to get big and defined muscles just from doing calisthenics. However, if your goal is to gain muscle size, weight training might be better than calisthenics. Weight training gives you a greater ability to progressively overload any exercise. Progressive overload is when you increase the intensity of a workout over time. This could be from increasing the weight, sets, or reps of any given exercise. Hypertrophy (muscle size increase) comes through progressive overload, so weight training is typically more effective. However, hypertrophy takes a long time and progress takes time too. As long as you’re consistent, both forms of exercise will be ideal for building strength.

Do I have to be fit to start calisthenics?

No, you don’t. Calisthenics is for everyone, regardless of fitness level.

Blog Editorial team Carter Lee, CPT, S&C coach

Carter Lee, CPT, S&C coach

Certified Personal Trainer

Having spent the past 7 years working in the fitness and health industry, Carter Lee is a certified personal trainer who holds a Graduate Certification in Strength & Conditioning and Sport Coaching. During his time as a fitness professional, he has worked hands-on with clients of all ages. Working with a wide range of clients from 7 years old to adults who are over 80, Carter has excelled at creating individualized workout and nutritional programs to help cater to each of his client’s needs. Carter holds a Graduate Certification from the Professional School of Psychology at the University of Denver, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Experience

5+ years of experience working with clients of various ages in person and online
Fitness professional with experience working in both the rehabilitation side of fitness as well as general health and wellness.
Spent graduate studies working on injury prevention program design, nutrition for health and athletic performance, and sport psychology.
Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine

Education

University of Denver Professional School of Psychology, Graduate Certification in Strength & Conditioning and Sport Coaching
University of Colorado at Boulder, B.A. Psychology