Exercise enthusiasts and beginners alike find themselves wondering which type of workout will be the most effective. Should you stick with calisthenics training or focus on weightlifting? In truth, finding ways to incorporate both will heighten your workout to new levels. Your training sessions should be based on your goals, not a strict adherence to one method. Here’s what you should know about balancing calisthenics and lifting.

How to Balance Calisthenics Training With Lifting

What Are the Benefits of Each Method?

One of the key advantages of calisthenics training is that little to no equipment is required. Training doesn’t stop at the gym when you can do pushups and bodyweight squats at home. If you’re looking to improve on multiple areas, this is an ideal method to use. Bodyweight training boosts your strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility.

If strength training is your main goal, the fastest way to achieve this is by adding weights to your workout. Weightlifting allows you to target areas, resulting in faster muscle gain. To improve, you can add more weight to the barbell over time and keep track of your progress as you go.

How Can You Balance Both?

When you think about the motivation behind each method, it’s easy to see how calisthenics training and weightlifting can go hand in hand. Upper and lower body strength gained from weights will always be useful for the balance, maneuverability, and bodyweight pulling necessary for calisthenics. So how would you smoothly incorporate the two into your regimen?

Mixing calisthenics with lifting isn’t as difficult and contradictory as many believe. The key is to use resistance exercises and alternate between methods. Once you set a goal, create a training program on your own or with a personal trainer to pursue it. Using your calisthenics exercises as a base, select weight exercises that correspond to the necessary movements and muscles. Not every combination will work, so choose strategically.

Why Should You Mix Methods?

Calisthenics training involves the rhythmic execution of gross motor movements (like pushing, pulling, and grasping) to get a full workout using only your bodyweight. Weightlifting provides an opposing force to targeted muscle groups to strengthen them. Together, they create the perfect resistance exercise. When you strengthen the muscles used in calisthenics during weight training sessions, you can turn more of your attention to technique, balance, and motion in your bodyweight exercises. Even though you’re splitting up your workouts, a good balance gives you the opportunity to enhance all areas of focus.

Curious about mixing calisthenics with weightlifting, but don’t know where to start? Get advice from a professional personal trainer at Life & Elite Fitness. This Snohomish County, WA, gym offers a variety of fitness classes in small groups, one-on-one, and digital settings. From calisthenics training to MMA, they have programs to suit everyone’s interests. No matter what your fitness level is, their trainers will help you set and meet goals. Learn more about their available training programs online. Call (206) 450-0964 for information on gym membership.