Calisthenics is superior to gym machines and free weight training

Bodyweight calisthenics is something which has been with us since ancient times, even before barbells, free weights and machines were invented. Calisthenics is basically the art of using one's own body for physical development, be it strength, power or endurance. One of the earliest records of calisthenics training was handed down to us by the historian Herodotus. It is the story of how Xerxes was perplexed when his huge army couldn't defeat the 300 Spartans of Leonidas. Ancient Greeks knew the secrets of calisthenic training unlike the modern 'fitness trainers'. Look at the statues of Greek gods, how perfect their physiques are. They are not like the bloated bodybuilders who we see today. Or even better, take a look at physiques of modern gymnasts. They are perfect. They not only look strong, but also 'are' strong. They could win any strength or bodybuilding contest easily. Their body is in perfect proportion. All they use is their own bodyweight and a set of hanging rings. Training with bodyweight is what mother nature intended. As the centuries went by, the tradition of calisthenics also vanished. Nowadays, people see calisthenics as some kind of aerobic exercise or maybe some high rep push ups. The last of the breed to appreciate calisthenics was Charles Atlas (with his system of dynamic tension). The role of gyms today has transformed totally. An average gym goer tries his best to 'look' strong rather than actually 'be' strong. The invention of plate loading barbell and step size dumbell made bodyweight work as a sidetrack. All people know is the basic push up or deep knee bends. They use it as warm ups or to develop light endurance. Modern day fitness industry, and fitness magazines have brain washed people to believe that they need all flashy equipments, be it for chiseled pecs, for six pack abs or for big biceps. 'To get buff, we need to go to the gym' they say. They even advertise whey proteins and special protein shakes for nutrition. All this is done for one sole reason: money. I'll discuss some of the advantages of bodyweight training and modern methods for strength development.Requires very little equipmentAll that is required is just your bodyweight and some free floor. The most you'll need is a place to hang from, which you can find easily, maybe stairs, a loft hatch or even tree branches.But for gyms we need extra weights, which are mostly costly, or expensive machines. These are hard to store at home and can't be used while on the go.Another big plus is that bodyweight training is free unlike the expensive gm memberships.Develops useful, functional, atheletic abilitiesCalisthenics is the ultimate form of physical funcitonal training. In nature, the human body was meant to move itself around, before being able to move external objects. Some weightlifters may be able to squat hundreds of pounds but may find it difficult to walk up two flights of stairs. Some powerlifters may be able to bench hundreds but may find it difficult to comb their hair properly due to unnatural development of their body. No matter how advanced you get, calisthenics can be made to prove as a challenge to you.Maximises strengthModern gyms advice people to isolate their muscles individually and work them out. But calisthenics works the muscles as they were meant to be, in co-ordination with each other. It develops not only their muscles but also their joints, tendons and nervous system.Another reason is that bodyweight works multiple muscle groups at once. Unlike the machines which isolate the muscles in an artificial way, this kind of training works all muscles together as it is used in everyday life, real movements.Protects joints and protects them for lifeOne of the major problem faced in today's 'gym fitness' is that most of the weightlifters and powerlifters have joint problems. When they force their body to hoist huge loads, by wearing straps and applying menthol heat rubs on their joints, the soft tissues of the joints get damaged easily. These very commonly include shoulder, wrists, knees, elbows. This is because the motions performed in gyms are very unnatural, not how the human body was evolved to move.But bodyweight training ensures that the body moves as desired by each person. It's natural and toally safe. The only weight that the body has to bear is its own. Plus when the joints are trained progessively with bodyweight work, they become stronger day by day. I conclude saying that bodyweight training is better than training by going to the gym or using free weights, if you want to live a healthy, active life with a supple strong body.