Pilates and calisthenics both use your own body weight as the main form of resistance. While Pilates focuses largely on strengthening the core, calisthenics takes a more total-body approach with the goal of building strength and increasing flexibility throughout your entire body. Though Pilates is generally done on a mat, there are several machines that can provide more resistance for your workout. Calisthenics focuses only on body weight.
Pilates
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates and dates back to 1926 when he came to the United States. Originally created to rehabilitate wounded soldiers, Pilates quickly turned into the "it" exercise for choreographers and dancers when he came to the U.S. Today, Pilates is designed to focus on strength, flexibility and balance. By concentrating on your core, or "powerhouse," your body learns how to move correctly by engaging your core muscles.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates focuses on breathing, alignment and flowing movement, creating a mind-body approach that can be relaxing and calming. With the main focus being on the core, your abdominals and back will begin to strengthen and help you develop proper technique to avoid future injury. The workout will improve flexibility, balance your body and challenge you in a different way than most gym workouts.
Calisthenics
Calisthenics, according to 3fatchicks.com, began in ancient Greece and came to the U.S. in the 19th century as a way to bring exercise to women. Similar to Greco-Roman gymnastics, calisthenics will help build muscle and increase flexibility. This type of workout focuses less on the core and more on total-body, body weight exercises that can be performed anywhere.
Calisthenics Exercises
What is known as calisthenics may seem like basic, everyday strength moves. Squats, pushups, pullups, situps, lunges, jumping jacks, triceps dips and calf raises are all part of calisthenics. Done quickly, calisthenics can offer a cardiovascular workout in addition to the strength benefits they offer. When there's no equipment around, such as when you are on vacation or at home, calisthenics are an efficient way of getting a full-body strength workout.
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