Calisthenics For Dummies

by Mark Lauren, Joshua Clark

Get strong and stay healthy with workouts you can do at home

Calisthenics For Dummies will teach you how to become stronger and leaner, have more energy and less stress, and live longer, all while enjoying an exercise program that saves you time and money. With calisthenics and bodyweight exercise, you don’t need any equipment—just a little space and the knowledge to train comprehensively. This book teaches you the basics, with workouts covering all the muscle groups and important advice on how to stay injury-free. You’ll find suggestions for multi-week programs that you can ease into, taking the intimidation out of working out. Get motivated and get moving right away with this simple Dummies guide.

Get lean, lose weight, and build strength Add an easy, quick workout routine to your self-care strategy Exercise anywhere, any time—no gym membership or equipment needed Improve your coordination, balance, and joint health This is book is great for anyone looking for a workout that they can do anytime and anywhere, without having to spend a fortune on equipment. Calisthenics For Dummies will give you the power to improve your health and stay fit.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2023

About the author

Today, I am an international bestselling fitness author who has prepared over 700 trainees for the extreme demands of the most elite levels of the U.S. Special Operations Community. After winning several teen bodybuilding titles, I started my military career as 1 of 12 out of 100 trainees to graduate the Pararescue / Combat Control Indoctrination Course.

Not long after my military service, I trained and competed all across Thailand in Muay Thai. After two years of dedicated training, I managed to capture the Florida IKF Middleweight Championship and a professional belt in Thailand. My wild journey through physical and mental development has inspired a new approach to fitness that has allowed millions of people to move better without the confines of a gym.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a basic book of general calisthentics. There are no jumping jacks in the book. It is written by a former marine trainer. He has specialized body weight exercises for each group of muscles. The exercise range from easy to hard. He has a lot of advice on the benefits of bodyweight exercise over gym or home equipment. Some really good advice on motivation. I got it to help me with some exercises for restarting a fitness program. I liked that there are a bunch on multistep exercises which will help with mobility, balance, and flexibility. I mainly read to get a list of exercises. I did not read in full the last sections which are workout programs that use his exercises for full body workouts. The workouts vary over time, and while I won't use his specific workouts, I plan to try some of the exercises in the bodyweight portion of my fitness routine (which does not exist at the current time, but the variety of exercises may work into my expected future program. Everyone will probably find a new exercise amount the 100 or so in this book.

[Brett Peter Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide to fitness through body weight training

Mark Lauren has spent considerable time in studying fundamental movement patterns and their application to fitness programs. That dedication shows in this book. It is a comprehensive guide to building self-directed programs that are adaptable to life’s many changes and stages. There are many influencers out there who sell regimented one size fits all “weight, set and rep” programs that are really designed for a small population. Resources like this book, however, teach you how to take charge of your own fitness regimen and lifestyle.

[Reagan Kapasi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked: introduction to movements (pictures helpful). Disliked: wanted more biology.

[La Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best for absolute beginners. I was hoping for intermediate-advanced exercises.