What HIIT and Calisthenics Have in Common

by Aleisha Fetters
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What HIIT and Calisthenics Have in Common

When we hear the word “calisthenics,” something between leg warmers and warmup routines comes to mind. But that would be wrong. Essentially calisthenics are exercises performed using just your body weight — which might sound familiar if you’ve done any high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes.

Calisthenics are some of the most challenging, fitness-spurring exercises you can do, says exercise physiologist Scotty Johnson, vice president of B-Fit Training Studio in Miami. Using your own bodyweight as resistance, these exercises have the power to tap dozens of muscles at once for fit and functional results. For instance, 2013 research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that when people performed calisthenics three times a week for six weeks, they significantly improved their exercise capacity, fitness and energy levels. Calisthenics have also been linked to improved balance and coordination.


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About the Author

Aleisha Fetters

Aleisha is a health and fitness writer, contributing to online and print publications including Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, TIME, USNews.com, MensFitness.com and Shape.com. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where she concentrated on health and science reporting. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the NSCA. You can read more from Aleisha at kaleishafetters.com, or follow her on Twitter @kafetters.

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