Military Calisthenics? That's the workout trend of the moment
(and why this is super good for you)
Exercising. It's not everyone's favorite pastime. If anyone can relate to that, it's me. People like me need something to push them over the edge. Someone who shouts, ’Come on, just one more round,“ in my face, or a friend I meet up with to go to the gym. Actually, I could use a bit more discipline. Specifically: military discipline. You know, that motivation that makes me run miles in the woods, crawl through bushes, and boost my fitness a bit. I'm not the only one. Apparently, the whole internet wants to join Camp Koningsbrugge, because military calisthenics (a.k.a. high-intensity workouts that soldiers do) is hot and happening. And honestly? This could very well be the secret that finally gets you moving.
Pay attention: let's take a moment to consider what Military Calisthenics really is
The name ‘military calisthenics’ sounds like some cosmetic procedure that soldiers undergo, but that's not the case. Calisthenics is a difficult English word that means bodyweight exercises and graceful strength training. And the English version? It comes from the ancient Greek word ‘calisthénos’ for functional strength. This ancient sport revolves around using your own body, without external aids like a treadmill and weights. Think of push-ups, pull-ups, jumping, squats, and burpees. Military calisthenics are these specific exercises designed especially for soldiers to get them in top shape.
Did you know that there are actually a lot of celebs who participate in this? Chris Hemsworth, for example. You obviously need to build a lot of strength to swing Mjölnir around as Thor. Stuntman and actor Jason Statham also uses these exercises to ensure he can film the most realistic fight scenes. It's not just the muscle-bound who train like soldiers. This is actually the secret of Madonna's fitness routine. By doing these exercises, she stays fit as a 67-year-old.
Why this works fantastically
Just like with many things, it's good for a person to go back to basics. Forget that StairMaster and Pilates Reformer: this workout is all about your own muscles. That's a big plus: you can do this sport anywhere. In a playground at the climbing frames, on a yoga mat, in the woods, right in front of the TV while you're doing your annual Sex and the City rewatch. There are no machines or equipment like weights or a ball that you need to buy. That's going to save you a lot of money.
Additionally, this workout method is really good for your health. By pushing and pulling yourself up, you keep your muscles strong. That strength training ensures that you can keep walking and cycling longer without issues as you age. You quickly do a lot of exercises just like a soldier. First, you do burpees, then you jump up, the next moment you pull yourself up on a climbing frame, and you finish off by planking. All of these things contribute to improving your fitness and coordination. By training like a soldier, you build the same discipline.
What does a Military Calisthenics workout look like?
A lot of doing. Doing so much that you feel like you're being pushed to the limit in a boot camp and then sprayed with a hose because you've ‘taken a breather.’ Soldiers don't get excuses, and neither do you. This is exactly what will give you the discipline you lack. But yes, what does such a workout look like? After all, you can't peek at the training sessions of the Royal Military Academy in Breda. Fortunately, we've gathered those tips for you. This way, you'll become as fast and strong as a soldier:
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Gritty Soldier's workout
The warm-up (30 sec per set)
This really doesn't have to be at top speed.
- Set jumping jacks
- Set high knees
- Arm circles
- Squats
- Lunges alternating your other leg.
- Inchworms – that is: bending forward, crawling, planking, and back.
- Touch your toes in a rotating motion.
- Stand on your toes
- Frankenstein cross
And then the ‘real’ workout. Take 15 seconds of rest between exercises.
- Worm with push-up. So you crawl on the ground like you did before, only now you do a push-up at the plank.
- Take 15 seconds of rest.
- Faster alternating lunges
- Superman exercise
- Faster squats
- Planking
- Push-ups
- Jump squats
- Planking while switching arms
- Dog down plank arm lift
- Glute planks
- Again worm with push-up
- Faster lunges
- Planking
- Squats
- Bend forward with your arms on your head.
- Push-up and hold for 1 second
- Jump squats
- Bicycle kicks
- Glute bridge pushing your butt up
- Superman
Drink some water afterwards and go to the cooling down. It's important to cool your body down properly.
- Start with the hamstring stretch
- Cross your arms over each other and hold this for a moment. Do this alternately.
- Stretch while keeping your arms behind your back.
- Sit squat and stay in that position.
Does this sound too complicated? Then you can watch the video here.
Of course, there are more alternatives that you can try:
@caseyo1209 Military style calisthenics workouts for beginners.
@auddloveee Holidays made it hard but we’re back baby!! 🙌🏽💪🏽 #calisthenics #homeworkout #fitnesstok #weightlossmotivation #fyp
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If this doesn't give you enough motivation, then I don't know what will. So come on: get off your chair and put some military discipline in your life.
