3 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Calisthenics

I know this sounds generic, but until recently, I hadn’t realized these things. Here are the things I wish I knew when I started calisthenics:

1. Pursuing Advanced Skills
I started calisthenics mainly to build my physique, and I wasn’t really training to achieve advanced calisthenics skills. Here’s the thing: if you don’t train to achieve advanced skills, you might never be able to do a full planche or front lever, even after five years of training. I wish I had focused more on training for advanced skills. By being able to perform advanced calisthenics exercises, you can add more intensity to your workouts. This helps you become stronger and build a better physique.

2. Progressive Overload
To achieve advanced skills, progressive overload is key. But I stayed in the same progression for too long because I wasn’t focused on advanced skills. If you’re capable of stepping up to the next progression, you should.

3. Equipment Is Actually Helpful
Parallettes might not seem necessary, but they’re actually really helpful for making progress with handstands and planches. Since your wrists stay straight, they’re easier to manage compared to working directly on the ground, where your wrists are bent.

Also, if you can afford them, a dip belt and weight vest can definitely speed up your progress.