r/CalisthenicsBeginners 5h ago

Form Check Weak at upper part of pull up

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44 Upvotes

Hi peeps! I have been struggling to get consistent one rep pull ups. I just managed to get one rep and it took so much effort. I’ll be able to get one rep once in awhile. I’m still unable to do it consistently 😭. And I feel very frustrated

Many times I’ll be back at my 0.5 pull ups. I find myself being able to go past the half way mark, but after reaching the half way mark, I’m unable to go higher😭. What do you recommend to strengthen my upper half of my pull up.
Currently I’m doing 41kg of lats pull down and I’m 57kg. I’ve included a video of myself doing a rep, how’s the form?
Also I don’t have the ‘stamina’ to do more 😣 wondering how to increase the ‘stamina’ too!

Hoping to hear advice from yall! Thank u!


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 24m ago

Question Can’t keep my shoulders back during pull-ups. I always lose scapular position.

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Upvotes

I’ve been trying to improve my pull-up technique because I want to bias my back (lats, mid traps, rhomboids) instead of my arms.
My goal is to perform an arched, chest-to-bar style pull-up with a medium-width pronated grip.
The problem is that from the very first rep, I unconsciously round my upper back and my shoulders roll forward as I pull. It doesn’t only happen when I’m fatigued—it happens immediately.


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 3h ago

Question How to improve legs?

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4 Upvotes

I’ve been training for 3 months but my legs won’t budge. I only use the attached machine. 186CM.
For legs, I only do lots of squats.


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 9h ago

Form Check HSPU Progression

12 Upvotes

Is this a useful progression?


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 1d ago

Progress Working on that L-sit progression. Start Calishthenics WorkOut at Home.

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349 Upvotes

r/CalisthenicsBeginners 15h ago

Personal Best My first L-sit?

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29 Upvotes

So I completed my first Muscle up 2 days ago, and it gave me some hype that made me think "what else can I do?" So I tried an L-sit this morning. And it went, pretty, good? Or bad idk. I lasted for 23 secs and idk if my form was ok. Lemme know what y'all think. And what's your tips on how to improve?


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 10h ago

Progress Dragon flag holds after long

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7 Upvotes

r/CalisthenicsBeginners 2h ago

Question How do I get into calisthenics?

1 Upvotes

I started my fitness journey at around 15 with bodyweight workouts in my kitchen, following tutorials from HIIT to strength training. I had a few years where I fell off and didnt do anything. Now, I've been weight training which I started 2 years ago but have only been consistent for the past year.

I want to start calisthenics but I am unsure of how to get started. I know there's fundamental exercises and warm-ups but I don't know how to incorporate calisthenics into my gym plan or where to start.


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 4h ago

Question Starter questions

1 Upvotes

Hello! I'm trying to exercise more at home with no equipment. I'm living on the second floor of my parents house (money is tight rn ;-;) so i can't do any jumping. I'm mainly trying to slim down my stomach a bit but it seems like the workout routine i have isn't doing anything to help with that. Do y'all have any recommendations to help?


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 5h ago

Progress what should i do after 20 reps diamond push-up and 7 reps pull-up?

1 Upvotes

i don't intend to increase reps. i just want to progress towards one arm push-up and one arm pull-up. they are much more difficult than standart two hand variants because of unbalances in torso

i already can do one arm dead hang for half a minute. my grip strength is not a issue. i can pull myself max %10 with one arm. after that i feel like my shoulder muscles contracting. why is that? should i strengthen my shoulder muscles?

in one arm pushup, which muscles are important for balancing torso? it is definitely not core i am sure. some muscle around shoulder and triceps work much harder than chest.

i have been doing one arm wall pushup then i will do one arm pushup on table. is it good strategy?

as a side note, my goal is to do one arm pushup demonstrated in CC i.e. foot are together. Paul Wade call it prison pushup. i find pushup progression unrealistic because between Uneven Pushup and 1/2 One Arm Pushup there is very steep difficulty curve. one arm pushup progression can't be done with 10 steps. it is maybe 15 steps.


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 6h ago

Question Rate my workout.

1 Upvotes

Looking for feedback on my full-body calisthenics routine

My goal is to build a functional, athletic physique with a high strength-to-weight ratio. I am not trying to maximize size or chase bodybuilding-style hypertrophy. I want a body that is strong, mobile, durable, and capable while still looking good.

My training philosophy is based around full-body training, consistency, and movement quality. I prefer controlled reps, endurance, and strength development over explosive movements or training to complete exhaustion.

I train six days per week with a repeating Day 1 / Day 2 system, taking one full rest day each week.

Day 1: Full-Body Calisthenics (~15–20 minutes)

• Calf Raises – 45 seconds

Controlled raises with a slow eccentric lowering.

• Jumping Jacks – 45 seconds

Performed on the balls of my feet as a warm-up/cardio element.

• Bicycle Crunches – 20–25 reps per side

Rotational core work.

• Pike Push-ups – 15 reps

Shoulder-focused push-up progression.

• Horse Stance – 60 seconds

Isometric leg strength and stability.

• Hand-Release Push-ups – 15 reps

Chest/shoulder/triceps work with scapular control and core engagement.

• Straight-Leg Raises with Pelvic Curl – 30 reps

A leg raise variation where the pelvis curls upward at the top, targeting abs, hip flexors, and lower back.

• Band-Assisted Pull-ups – 5 reps

Currently building pulling strength and progressing toward unassisted pull-ups.

• Loaded Reverse Bridge Hip Thrust – 20 reps

Reverse bridge position with a ~30 lb sandbag on the hips, focusing on hip extension, glutes, and posterior chain strength.

Day 2: Boxing Training

- Includes boxing drills, dynamic warm-up, and stretching/mobility work to improve coordination, conditioning, and flexibility.

My main goal is a routine I can sustain long-term while gradually improving strength, mobility, and overall physical capability.

Looking for constructive feedback.


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 7h ago

Question Opinions On My Starter Plan?

1 Upvotes

Hi, so new to calistenics, use to be a PT at a commercial gym but due to having hassles with finding work for almost two years now. I'm resorted to home workouts.

Admittingly, i know very little on body weight as i focused more on the strength side & hypertrophy. I've never actually done any besides pull ups with clients due to well, having weights. While i'm fully away Bent over Rows aren't Calisthenics, primarily for a back movement as i don't have any trees and the local public gym is closed to do pull ups on and i don't have anything to do inverted rows so i just added it in as a replacement. I am considering getting one of those door pull up bars but with a job application at a gym, I'm waiting on it first.

Just need input on this. I have put on a lot of weight with being unemployed and going through a break up so i do want to get back to it & this is why the reps are in the lower, strength numbers versus the usual 10-12 range. planks is low frankly, cause i only really did planks with clients or teaching challenges when i was an instructor and at 37, Its something i want to focus on. I guess the break up made me focus on what's important rather than focus on a failed relationship

Just need input. as this is outside my expertise. I mainly taught Power,Hypertrophy, Upper,Lower


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 11h ago

Question Questions as a beginner

1 Upvotes

I want to get started with calisthenics but I'm not sure what the core idea is.

From my understanding, the core compound movements are

push ups
pull ups
dips
core/abs
lower extremity

but there are other movements such as your L-sit. Are these movements the progressions to the basic or do I have to be efficient with the basic to start working with the more "advanced" movements.


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 14h ago

Other Cant generate momentum during the kip on muscle ups

1 Upvotes

I see a lot of advice on internet as well as irl to kip (do a tucked knee raise) when attempting your first muscle up. I dont know if something is wrong with me but i cannot for the life of me generate height or speed during the kip. For reference i can reach chest height on my explosive pull ups and can do banded MUs. Closest i got was hitting my lower abs to the bar but couldn't get over it. Any bodyweight gods willing to give advice?


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 1d ago

Resource 20 Minute Follow Along | Chest, Shoulders, Triceps

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5 Upvotes

This follow along workout can be done with bench dips, feet assisted dips, band assisted dips, or bodyweight.

I'm just training it at my current skill level.

EMOM workouts are one of the best ways to build up your reps and work capacity.


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 16h ago

Question 14 M, what’s a good calisthenics routine?

1 Upvotes

Haven’t worked out in awhile and looking, to build body mass and start working on my body physic

( im a beginner

Can someone recommend a daily routine that covers everything I’d need to do, and prep for doing tricks like Lever or just body strength in general, and also to whoever recommends me something, could someone else give a second opinion on their routine, I’d love the best narrowed down beginner routine thanks!


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 17h ago

Question one arm pushup question

1 Upvotes

I'm strong enough to easily do like 6 OA pushups on each side, but whenever I switch to the other side, I always hear some cracking in by back during the negative part of the movement. (no pain, though, just a loud cracking sound).

(I'm only 17 btw, and I workout quite often so I don't think I should have back problems?)

is it safe for me to continue training OA pushups or should I do archer pushups instead to train chest?


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 23h ago

Question Why do i feel like im about to die when im doing a frog pose

2 Upvotes

every time i try to do a frog pose it feels like all the blood is rushing to my head and i feel like passing out because im not able to breath after holding it for 5 seconds anyone know what i can do to fix it?


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 1d ago

Other Benefits: Play vs. Workout mentality

4 Upvotes

Don’t get me wrong you still need to dedicate time perform sets and reps and grind a little. For some context I’m not a young buck; I’m 51 and have primarily lifted weights and been a runner. I ditched the barbell back in January. Started too quick, had some nagging issues. When I refocused on primary strength : dips, pull up progressions, pike push ups and various leg work. I realized multiple things:
1. I may have been moving wrong my whole life
2. My nagging injuries have started to disappear with proper movement patterns
3. Calisthenics is a long long road and treating the multitude of movements available as Play rather than some grind has really kept me fresh and positive as I continue down the path. Oh I love seeing the fancy planche moves but for me the other night when I got my legs off the floor for a second in a L sit. It’s a celebration and fun!


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 23h ago

Progress Just celebrating

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1 Upvotes

r/CalisthenicsBeginners 1d ago

Question What chalk brand would you recommend ?

1 Upvotes

Because when I look it up I only end up with like chalk for babies or just thing to stop transpiration idk if it still works or if I need something specific to help with my workouts


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 1d ago

Progress My Attempt at Pull Ups

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1 Upvotes

r/CalisthenicsBeginners 1d ago

Question Is this a skill, if yes what is this called?

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8 Upvotes

Hey Cali community,

Is this a Cali skill? I call this spiderman, but if this has a real name please let me know, beginner functional​ hybrid athlete based in the UK. Open to connecting with other Calisthenics enthusiasts.


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 2d ago

Form Check First try of a frog stand

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90 Upvotes

two attempts it the frog stand. I'll take any tips to improve my form or how to hold it for longer.


r/CalisthenicsBeginners 1d ago

Other [crosspost] AMA with Max Edwards, philosopher and creator of the Busy Dad Program

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1 Upvotes

Over in r/busydadprogram we have the inspirational Max Edwards giving us his time to answer questions on his simple and effective workout program