What is calisthenics? Put simply, calisthenics is a form of bodyweight resistance training. In fact, almost all of the bodyweight exercises that you’ve probably done before are calisthenics exercises (think: squats, push-ups, lunges and crunches). Calisthenics exercises use your bodyweight and gravity as resistance to help strengthen your coordination, endurance, and mobility. Calisthenics exercises range from very simple movements (like squats) to advanced movements such as muscle-ups (the same as a pull-up, except you pull your entire torso above the bar), and more complex exercises similar to gymnastics – where you’ll use an apparatus like a pull-up bar to do flips.