calisthenics

IPA/ˌkælɪsˈθenɪks/
KK[kˌæləsθˈɛnɪks]IPA/ˌkælɪsˈθenɪks/

calisthenics — noun

1. simple exercises done with your own body, such as stretches, jumps, and push-ups

1.nounC1
Definition

simple exercises done with your own body, such as stretches, jumps, and push-ups, to improve strength, control, and general fitness.

Example

Before breakfast, Caleb does calisthenics on the apartment roof for twenty minutes.

do calisthenics + duration

The coach started practice with calisthenics, then the team ran laps.

start practice with calisthenics

Common collocations
  • do calisthenics
  • morning calisthenics
  • calisthenics routine
  • calisthenics class
Synonyms
  • bodyweight training

    more modern gym language, often with more focus on strength-building routines

  • aerobics

    usually stresses repeated cardio exercise, often done to music

  • stretching

    narrower, because it focuses on flexibility rather than a full exercise routine

Grammar Patterns

do calisthenics

practice calisthenics

morning calisthenics

Usage Note

Usually treated as an uncountable activity noun after do, practice, or start with. In British English, callisthenics is the more usual spelling.

Common Mistakes

I did three calisthenics before work.
I did some calisthenics before work.
The word usually names the exercise activity as a whole, not separate countable units.

Word family

  • callisthenics
    nounC1
  • calisthenic
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Calisthenics usually means a planned set of body movements done without machines, often to build strength, balance, and control. Bodyweight training is close, but it sounds more like modern fitness language and often points to harder strength work such as dips or pull-ups. Aerobics usually suggests faster repeated exercise for cardio fitness, often in a class with music, so it is not always the same kind of training. Stretching is narrower because it mainly helps flexibility and loosens muscles, while calisthenics can include strength and coordination work too. You might stretch before a run, join an aerobics class after work, or do calisthenics in the park with no equipment.

calisthenics ↗bodyweight trainingaerobics ↗stretching ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • calisthenics routine
  • calisthenics class
  • calisthenics video
  • calisthenics session

Adverbs

Phrases

  • do calisthenics
  • practice calisthenics
  • start with calisthenics

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekEnglish

Calisthenics was formed in modern English from Greek parts meaning 'beauty' and 'strength'. The name reflects an older idea that exercise should build both health and a well-shaped body. In British English, the older spelling callisthenics is more usual.

First known use

1827

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1