FAQ

Calisthenics is a form of strength training that uses your own bodyweight as resistance — think push-ups, pull-ups, dips, squats, isometric holds and dynamic progressions. It focuses on strength, mobility, control, flexibility, and progression without needing heavy weights or machines. Because of its focus on form, core, prehab and progressive workouts, Calisthenics is fantastic for building functional strength, to aid in life and in other areas of fitness.

In our classes, we teach basic progressions and safe technique, then build up to more advanced skills (e.g. levers, handstands, muscle-up) depending on each person’s level and goals. We also have classes that focus on progressive gains in strength and fitness, without the skills.

For beginners, foundational movements are key. These often include:

• Push-ups (or a suitable variation)
• Squats (bodyweight)
• Planks / hollow body core holds
• Pull-ups (assisted or negatives)
• Dips (assisted)
• Basic mobility work (shoulders, hips, wrists)

In our classes in Coventry, we start with these basics, ensuring good form, building stability and control before progressing to more advanced variations.

Yes! We run adults and kids calisthenics classes in Coventry for all levels from beginners to advanced. Some local “street workout / outdoor gym” spots also exist (e.g. the outdoor exercise gym at Claycroft Field, Coventry) which are great for supplementary training (Calisthenics Parks).

Get in touch if you want to know more about our sessions.

Yes — kids absolutely can do calisthenics, with the right supervision, technique, and age-appropriate progressions. According to research, supervised bodyweight training does not harm growth plates or stunt growth when done carefully.

We typically accept children from ages 5 upwards. However, under the right supervision kids can start from crawling, much like in gymnastics. In our kids classes, we emphasise control, fun, movement variety, and gradually build up strength.

Some advanced skills include:

• Muscle-ups
• Front and back levers
• Handstands & handstand walks
• Planche progressions
• Human flag

Working toward them involves breaking them into smaller, manageable progressions: assisted versions, negatives, increased time under tension, improving mobility and core strength. In our classes we include skill-training segments as participants progress, guiding people through these steps safely.

For most beginners, attending 2–3 classes per week is a good balance — enough stimulus, but also time for recovery.

How often should my child train calisthenics?

If children are already in active sports, 1–2 sessions focused on calisthenics to complement their training is also effective. As you (or your child) get stronger and more accustomed to the movements, you can adjust frequency depending on goals and fatigue.

Absolutely. Calisthenics is very effective for strength, lean muscle development, and weight loss — just like weight training, you just need to apply progressive overload (increase difficulty or volume), be consistent and remember that patience is key.

Because you're moving your full body, calisthenics can also improve coordination, mobility, and functional movement more than many weight-only routines.

Click here to find out more about how our classes can help.

It depends on many factors: your starting strength, body control, consistency, mobility, and how well you follow progressions. Some people reach advanced moves in a few months; others take longer.

We emphasise consistency, patience, and structured progressions. In our programme, we break down each skill into smaller steps so you can see measurable wins (e.g. partial pull-up, negatives, assisted versions) along the way.

The beauty of calisthenics is minimal gear — often, just a pull-up bar, dip bars, or even a sturdy tree branch is enough. Many moves can be done purely with bodyweight (push ups, squats, lunges, core holds).

Yes, you can train at home or outdoors. However, we would recommend getting some basic training first. The largest cause of injury in calisthenics is poor form and rushed progression. We encourage using local outdoor bars or parks (e.g. Claycroft Field in Coventry) to supplement your training, whilst learning from an expert to ensure you’re doing things right.

In class, we sometimes also use resistance bands, parallettes, or mats to help with progression and support.

When taught and supervised properly, calisthenics is quite safe — often safer than many contact sports.

The main causes of injuries are:

• progressing too fast
• poor form or lack of control
• neglecting mobility or warm-ups
• not allowing recovery

In our classes, we always prioritise technique, mobility, structure, and injury prevention — we break down each movement and ensure safe progression.

1. Check our Class timetable (we often run beginner-friendly sessions).

2. Get in touch to book a session or our 4 week beginner course

3. Ask questions — our coaches can tailor modifications for your level.

Yes — we often provide 1-on-1 coaching, bespoke programmes, and dedicated sessions These sessions allow tailored progress, additional feedback, and customized programming.

Get in touch to find out more.

Not at all, calisthenics can be adapted for any level of fitness. In fact we have multiple beginners classes each week. You don’t need to be strong or flexible to start — we scale every movement, and you’ll build those qualities through training.

Find out more about what classes we offer.

• Minimal equipment needed — bodyweight is the tool
Strong emphasis on control, mobility, and movement quality
• You build functional strength and body awareness
• It can fit around you (often possible outdoors or at home)
• You still can combine with cardio, running, weights etc

Some gym buffs still prefer weighted training for max load, but calisthenics is excellent for long-term joint health, movement resilience, and adaptability.

Yes — and many athletes do. Calisthenics complements team sports, martial arts, running, gymnastics, climbing, weight lifting and more. It helps strengthen stabilizers, mobility, control, and injury resilience.

We can help you integrate calisthenics into your overall training plan (e.g. using it as accessory work or complementing sport-specific training).

Find out more about how we can help with your goals.

Yes and no. If done properly, calisthenics can be fantastic for mobility as it uses joint preparation and other aspects during warm ups or training for more advanced skills such as handstands.

However, because like any other sport, it sometimes uses repeated movement patterns. Mobility itself is an aspect that will need to be worked on, rather than assumed. For example, if you just train pull, you may overload the posterior chain and reduce movement. So it is important that any routine is well rounded and works on each aspect of strength and mobility.

Not at all. Calisthenics can benefit people of all ages, from toddlers and teenagers, to young adults and even the elderly. It is true that when you start young, you will find it easier to progress but this is the case with all forms of fitness.

In fact, due to being relatively low impact, and its emphasis on form, joint preparation and prehab, calisthenics is an excellent addition for older people wanting to get in shape without hitting the weight room.

Click here to find out more about how our classes can help you.