Calisthenics

      The name calisthenics is Greek in derivation, a combination of the words 'beauty' and 'strength'.

United States usage

      Calisthenics is a type of exercise consisting of a multiplicity of simple movements usually performed without weights or other equipment that are intended to increase body strength and suppleness using the weight of one's own body for resistance. The history of calisthenics is linked to gymnastics.

      Disciples of Friedrich Ludwig Jahn brought their edition of gymnastics to the United States, while Catherine Beecher and Dio Lewis set up physical education programs for women in the 19th Century. Organized systems of calisthenics in America took a reverse seat to competitive sports after the Battle of the Systems during which states mandated physical education systems.

Callisthenic exercises

Sit-ups/crunches

       Start with your back on the floor, knees bent, bottoms of feet against the floor. Lift shoulders off the floor by tapering abdominal muscles bringing you chest closer to your knees. Lower back to the floor with a soft movement.

Push-ups

      Start face down on floor, palms next to floor under shoulders, toes curled up against floor. Push up with arms custody a in a straight line from head through toes. Lower to within a small number of inches of floor and repeat.

Squats

      Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Squat as far as likely bringing your arms forward parallel to the floor. Return to standing position. Repeat.

Australian usage

      In Australia, calisthenics is a competitive women's performing sport comprising free-arm (similar to gymnastics), aesthetics (a graceful form of dance), rhythmic (similar to ballet), folk dance, playing, marching, club-swinging and metal rod exercises. Girls wear beautiful costumes often intended and sewn especially for the year's competition items.

      Team competition is the main form of competition, however a solo competition called "Graceful Girl" is regarded as the final ambition for callisthenic girls. Calisthenics was first pioneered as a sport in the 1890s. In 1903, the Royal South Street Society introduced calisthenics as a part in its famous eisteddfod in Balart.

Other uses

      As warm-up before a variety of sports.

      As part of a work-out to burn food energy without expensive gym equipment.

      Another common use is in military type (especially Recruit) guidance and initiations.

      Forms of calisthenics, especially push-ups, are ordered as punishment on the spot (on commands like 'drop down and give me X (number)');Various forms, especially variations, are also common in hazing (see there for modes), also as part of (paddle) games.

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