calisthenics

alt=An athlete doing planche|thumb|Planche_(exercise)|Planche is an advanced calisthenics skill Calisthenics (American English) or callisthenics (British English) () is a form of strength training that utilizes an individual's body weight as resistance to perform multi-joint, compound movements with little or no equipment. thumb|The push-up, a widely known exercise, is arguably one of the best starting points to calisthenics. Calisthenics solely relies on bodyweight for resistance, which naturally adapts to an individual's unique physical attributes such as limb length and muscle-tendon insertion points. This allows calisthenic exercises to be more personalized and accessible for various body structures and age ranges. Calisthenics is distinct for its reliance on closed-chain movements. These exercises engage multiple joints simultaneously as the resistance moves relative to an anchored body part, promoting functional and efficient movement patterns. Calisthenics exercises and movement patterns focus on enhancing overall strength, stability, and coordination. The versatility of calisthenics, which minimizes equipment use, has made it a popular choice for building fitness across a wide range of environments.

== Origin and etymology == The Oxford English Dictionary describes calisthenics as "gymnastic exercises to achieve fitness and grace of movement". The word calisthenics comes from the ancient Greek words (), which means "beauty", and (), meaning "strength".