I am debating the benefits of weight training vs. calisthenics. I know they both of great benefits. I am a 53 year old male in above average shape. I tend to enjoy weight training more but open to any training methods. Ready to hear your thoughts and opinions. Thanks.

rdean5 8 days ago

10 people like this

8 comments

carlosfromspain

: Doesn't have to be either or, you can mix both as they both have their benefits and are complimentary, while weight training optimizes for muscle growth and strength, calisthenics adds a functionality and power that translates to everyday movements which for people our age is very important to maintain. I have some calisthenics in my weightlifting workouts for that reason.

8 days ago

Arthur.Sunny : The question is, what is your goal, and how much are you ready to suffer? How much consistent are you ready to be to achieve, for example, some calisthenics figures? Weight training can help with that, too, but to achieve a certain level in calisthenics, you really need to focus on those movements. It is one thing to do the V-sit (which is on my list) and a completely different one to do the flag or muscle up. So, for me, it's less about benefits you get, it is about commitment and hard work you need to put in to get some serious results. If you do weight training properly, you wouldn't have much energy left to do the calisthenics with passion and other way around. That's what I think. 🙂

8 days ago

mrjon

: Same age and been amateur athlete at different sports throughout life. Calisthenics can carry you a long way in maintenance and progression pending the intensity. Weights great for focus and build up. Do both or whatever is most enjoyable. But if you want to get fitter with less time, 5-10 minutes of burpees every day will do wonders.

7 days ago