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If you ever visit our facility in Edapally, Kochi you will observe that we are big fans of both Calisthenics and Powerlifting. Both are popular worldwide, with each workout style offering several benefits. Today, we take a closer look at the buzz behind these buzzwords.
Calisthenics, rooted in the Greek words 'Kallos' (meaning beauty) and 'Sthenos' (meaning strength), is about achieving physical grace and strength through bodyweight exercises.
It's a form of exercise where you use your body weight as resistance, focusing on movements that enhance strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Here are some of the defining characteristics of this workout style:
Bodyweight Mastery
Calisthenics centers on exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and planks. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting muscle coordination and functional strength.
A key benefit is the development of proprioception – the awareness of body position and movement; crucial for all physical activities.
Progressive Overload
Unlike traditional weightlifting where you increase weights, calisthenics focuses on increasing the difficulty of movements. This can be done by altering lever lengths (like moving from knee push-ups to standard push-ups), increasing repetitions, or by adding movement variations.
This enhances endurance and strength without necessarily adding bulk, making it ideal for those seeking a lean, toned physique.
Flexibility and Mobility
Calisthenics incorporates a range of motion that is beneficial for joint health and flexibility. Exercises often involve stretching and dynamic movements. This reduces the risk of injuries and improves overall athletic performance.
Powerlifting: Boost Raw Power
Powerlifting, a sport focusing on three major lifts – Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift – is about building maximal strength via these specific movements. It is a form of strength training that emphasizes raw power and lifting technique.
There are a few key ways Powerlifting differs from Calisthenics:
Technique and Safety
Proper form in powerlifting is vital to effectively transfer force and minimize the risk of injury. Each of the three lifting styles requires a unique technique that must be learned and practiced under expert guidance.
For example, in the Squat, factors like foot placement, hip drive, and back alignment play crucial roles in executing a safe and effective lift.
Strength Training Principles
Muscle hypertrophy, the increase in muscle size, is a primary focus in Powerlifting. This is achieved through high-intensity training that leads to muscle fiber damage and subsequent repair, resulting in muscle growth.
Neural adaptations are also critical. Powerlifting trains the nervous system to recruit muscle fibers more efficiently, thereby increasing strength without necessarily increasing muscle size.
Calisthenics and Powerlifting, each with their unique focus and benefits, offer diverse paths to physical fitness. At Ashante Nenju Gym, we encourage exploring both to discover a routine that aligns with your personal fitness goals and needs.
Our facility is conveniently located in the heart of Kochi, in Edapally, near Lulu mall. Our morning and evening classes are supervised by our team of experienced trainers. Come in and have a chat with our team, so we can help you realise your fitness goals today.