21 Day Calisthenics Workout Plan to Kickstart Your Journey (2024)

In this article, we provide you with a complete 21 days body weight program to build muscle, get stronger and lose body fat. Because all you need is your body and a stopwatch, this is a home gym friendly program that anyone can do. If the rep counts listed are too challenging (or too easy), decrease or increase as needed.

21 Day Calisthenics Workout Plan to Kickstart Your Journey (1)
Program Overview

The program consists of 21 days of workouts including days with active rest. It is widely believed that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Within these 21 days of workouts you should start to see a positive change in the way you think about exercise as well as a change in your body composition.

You should consider this 21 day program to be a springboard into a fitness lifestyle. It will provide you with a template that you can use when the 21 days is over to create your own program going forward.

The workouts are designed in circuit fashion where you do a series of moves and then rest before repeating the circuit. The rest between circuits varies according to your experience level and are categorized as Levels One, Two and Three as follows:

Level One - Beginner

Level Two - Intermediate

Level Three - Experienced

You will find links to video demonstrations for each exercise listed.

Equipment needed:
  • Yourself
  • Stopwatch or clock (to keep time)
The Warmup

Before the workout you should do dynamic stretching, where you move your limbs through a full range of movement rather than holding them in an isometric contraction. After the workout, you should do some static stretching, where you hold the extended position for 5-10 seconds.

Here are 6 dynamic stretches that are tailored to prepare your body for the exercises to follow:

  • Arm circles
  • Body hugs
  • Air squats
  • Arms out torso rotations
  • Legs spread apart down to the right, left and the middle
Cardiovascular Warm-Up 10-15 mins

Go for a walk, jog or run. Move at a moderate pace that will elevate your heart rate and elevate your core body temperature but not exhaust you.

Week 1
Day 1 – Legs & Glutes
  • 40 Jumping Jack
  • 20 Lunge
  • 25 Squat
  • 10 Star Jump
  • 10 Reverse Cross Lunge

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times.

Cool Down with Static Stretches - 3-5 min

  • 15 Burpee
  • 10 Push Up
  • 15 Reverse Snow Angel
  • 40 Mountain Climber
  • 25 Leg Raise

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Day 4 – Active Recovery Day

Go for a brisk walk or 10-20 minute light jog

Do some static stretching and rest up for optimal recovery

  • 30 Full Plank Shoulder Tap
  • 25 Leg Raise
  • 10 Push Up
  • 40 Russian Twist
  • 45-sec Plank

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Day 6 – Total Body Workout
  • 15 Superman
  • 15 Burpee
  • 25 Squat
  • 10 Star Jump
  • 40 Mountain Climber
  • 10 Push Up

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Day 7 – Rest Day

If you choose to do an active recovery exercise today that is ok. Just know that for today it's not mandatory. Make sure you are recovered for tomorrow's workout

21 Day Calisthenics Workout Plan to Kickstart Your Journey (2)
Week 2
Day 1 – Legs & Glutes
  • 20 Jump Lunge
  • 20 Squat To Alternate Leg Kickback
  • 20 Alternate Glute Kickback
  • 20 Floor Bridge
  • 10 Fire Hydrant (right side)
  • 10 Fire Hydrant (left side)

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 timesCool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

  • 15 Superman Pull
  • 10 Close Grip Push Up
  • 20 Crunch Punch
  • 15 Full Plank Shoulder Tap
  • 20 V Sit Leg Raise

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Stretches 3-5 min

  • 40 Russian Twist
  • 15 Push Up To Plank
  • 30s Side Plank (right side)
  • 30s Side Plank (left side)
  • 10 Bench \ Chair Dip
  • 30 Alternate Heel Touch

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Day 4 – Active Recovery Day

Go for a brisk walk or 10-20 minute light jog

Do some static stretching and rest up for optimal recovery

You can follow the plan in our app:

  • 15 Full Plank Shoulder Tap
  • 25 Toe Touch Crunch
  • 10 Floor Tricep Dip
  • 15 Crunch
  • 30 Flutter Kick

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Day 6 – Total Body Workout
  • 8 Body Up
  • 15 Burpee
  • 16 Squat To Alternate Leg Kickback
  • 30 Mountain Climber
  • 10 Star Jump
  • 20 Air Bike

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Repeat 3 times.

Day 7 – Rest Day

If you choose to do an active recovery exercise that is ok. Just know that for today it's not mandatory. Make sure you are recovered for tomorrow's workout.

Week 3
Day 1 – Legs & Glutes
  • 20 Jump Lunge
  • 10 Alternate Side Lunge
  • 10 Glute Kickback To Fire Hydrant (right side)
  • 10 Glute Kickback To Fire Hydrant (left side)
  • 10 Single Leg Glute Bridge (right side)
  • 10 Single Leg Glute Bridge (left side)
  • 10 Star Jump
21 Day Calisthenics Workout Plan to Kickstart Your Journey (3)

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

  • 20 Alternate Superman
  • 10 Crunch
  • 15 Full Plank Shoulder Tap
  • 30 Flutter Kick
  • 30s Plan To Forward Plank

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

  • 40 Russian Twist
  • 15 Push Up To Plank
  • 10 Side Plank Pulse (right side)
  • 10 Side Plank Pulse (left side)
  • 10 Floor Tricep Dip
  • 30 Alternate Heel Touch

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Day 4 – Active Recovery Day

Go for a brisk walk or 10-20 minute light jog

Do some static stretching and rest up for optimal recovery

  • 10 Pike Push Up
  • 15 Toe Touch Crunch
  • 10 T Push Up
  • 20 Leg Pull In
  • 20 Alternate Heel Touch

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Repeat 3 times

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Day 6 – Total Body Workout
  • 10 Body Up
  • 15 Crunch
  • 15 Burpee
  • 60s Plank
  • 16 Squat To Alternate Leg Kickback
  • 10 Push Up

Rest between circuits:

  • Level 1 (beginner) - 90 secs
  • Level 2 (intermediate) - 60 secs
  • Level 3 (experienced) - 30 secs

Cool Down with Static Stretches 3-5 min

Repeat 3 times

Day 7 – Rest Day

Congratulations you have completed this challenge!

Summary

If you’re able to follow this 21-day calisthenics workout, for the full three weeks, you will have achieved a great deal. Your aerobic and anaerobic fitness will sky rocket, your strength levels will increase and you’ll make major changes to the way your body looks and feels. You’ll also be instilling fitness as a part of daily habits, setting you up for a lifetime of health and wellness.

21 Day Calisthenics Workout Plan to Kickstart Your Journey (2024)

FAQs

Does the 28 day calisthenics challenge actually work? ›

Yes, a 28-day calisthenics workout plan works as it's designed to challenge your body in a holistic way. The exercises in this program are carefully chosen to target all major muscle groups and improve overall fitness.

Is BetterMe calisthenics free? ›

Whether you're looking to reach a goal weight, or just change up your daily exercise, BetterMe can help you to do it. Download the BetterMe: Health Coaching App for free online.

How long does it take to see progress in calisthenics? ›

While you'll experience early gains within weeks, it's the first 3 to 6 months where you'll see significant progress. Beyond that, your calisthenics journey is a continuous adventure of mastering skills, refining your physique, and embracing the lifelong benefits of this dynamic discipline.

Is 20 minutes of calisthenics enough? ›

Yes, ask any coach. Not only is it possible to achieve results with 15-20 minute calisthenics session. It might actually be preferable to long, directionless sessions that leave you needing too much recovery.

Can you get ripped off just calisthenics? ›

That's not to say that you can't or won't build muscle with calisthenics, you absolutely can and will, but working out with weights will make it easier for you to isolate and target specific muscle groups.

Can calisthenics change your body? ›

Yes! Calisthenics can build an awesome physique and great strength at the same time. Exercises using bodyweight have been more of an underground workout style that is often used for people with injuries or to lose weight.

How do I get the best results from calisthenics? ›

  1. Strength Training. Want to learn the secrets to gaining true superhuman calisthenics strength? ...
  2. Keep Your Reps Low. ...
  3. Lift Heavy. ...
  4. Keep Your Sets High. ...
  5. Take Rest Periods of at Least Three Minutes. ...
  6. Focus on Specific Movements. ...
  7. Avoid Muscle Failure. ...
  8. Apply Progressive Overload.
Jun 10, 2015

Can I do calisthenics every day? ›

You will also need to get your body accustomed to the movement over time before performing it too often. So find a balance between practicing and resting for best results. As long as there is no pain or discomfort, the skill work can be done every day without long-term issues.

Is calisthenics better than weights? ›

If you're looking for an option that requires less equipment, calisthenics can be a good choice. However, if cost is not an issue and you want to maximize your results with minimal risk (because injuries are common in both types of exercise), then weight training might be better suited for your needs.

What is the 80 20 rule in calisthenics? ›

Workout Intensity: 80% of your progress can come from 20% of your most intense and effective exercises. High-intensity workouts, featuring compound movements like squats and deadlifts, often yield substantial results compared to less intense exercises.

Can you overdo calisthenics? ›

Doing too many exercises, especially if you're just starting out will leave you burnt out and sore every day. If you're training the same muscle groups, such as a full-body workout, leave some rest days in between.

How often should I train myself in calisthenics? ›

You should train with calisthenics about four to five times a week if you are not doing other exercise,such as running. If you do running,do calisthenics on alternate days. That will be about 3 times a week of calisthenics.

Is the 28-day challenge effective? ›

When you stick to a strength and conditioning routine for 28 days, you'll likely feel stronger and have better recovery going into each workout. Feeling in shape or “toned” is subjective to your own performance.

Is the 28-day walking challenge legit? ›

The 28-day walking challenge works because it's a SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound) goal. It's specific, as it involves walking for a designated period of time each day. It's measurable, as you can track your progress by monitoring the number of steps or distance covered.

Does the 28-day wall challenge work? ›

The 28-day wall Pilates program did wonders for my back pain — more than meds, heating pads, or ice packs had ever been able to accomplish. Whether this was a result of all the targeted core work, the dedicated days to full body stretching, or a combination of both, my lower back felt better than it had in years.

Does the 28-Day Challenge app work? ›

As early as week two I felt stronger and more confident in my abilities. Once week four rolled around, my strength and cardio gains were obvious. I was easily able to complete more reps than on week one. The key to this challenge is consistency, which comes naturally thanks to Belgrave's programming variety.

References

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