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 Mad muscle legit? ›

In a nutshell—honest review of Mad Muscles

Mad Muscles is one of the newer workout apps yet has a relatively large following. Users rate it 4.7 on the App Store, 3 on Google Play, and 1.3 on Trustpilot. Unfortunately, the app has a list of issues which makes it hard to recommend. Overall, I simply cannot recommend it.

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 BetterMe calisthenics free? ›

One such tool that is revolutionizing the fitness industry is the calisthenics workout app. This post will delve into the reasons why BetterMe, a leading calisthenics workout app free for all fitness enthusiasts, could be your ultimate bodyweight training companion (1).

Can you get ripped off just calisthenics? ›

Calisthenics is amazing for building functional, full-body muscle but there is a limit to the amount of sheer mass you can gain with calisthenics. Calisthenics will build as much muscle as free weights to a point, but if you want to push past that point then you'll need to train (and eat) like a bodybuilder.

Is calisthenics 3x a week enough? ›

Three to four workouts per week is enough. For example, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. You can also combine them, performing the At-Home workout one day, the Intermediate on another, and the Advanced (if you dare!) on a third day.

Do you have to pay for MadMuscles? ›

MadMuscles is a subscription-based application charged to your selected payment method each billing cycle. Your subscription will continue until you choose to c...

How to gain muscle fast? ›

6 Tips to Help You Build Muscle Faster
  1. Maximize your workout time with compound exercises. Some exercises only focus on specific muscles in your body. ...
  2. Go for high-intensity workouts. ...
  3. Make sure you're eating enough. ...
  4. Get enough rest. ...
  5. Try supplements. ...
  6. Make a goal to train each muscle two to three times per week.
Jan 11, 2023

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

Is 1 hour of calisthenics enough? ›

The bottom line

For weightlifting and bodyweight strength training, 45–60 minutes per session may suffice. Meanwhile, cardiovascular and calisthenic training may be better if performed for 30–60 minutes.

Is calisthenics better than gym? ›

However, weight training focuses on one or two muscle groups at a time. Calisthenics workout involves compound exercises, as it uses multiple muscle groups at once. Hence, it is better for burning calories, whereas weight training contains isolated movements that do not require a lot of energy.

Is there a free version of BetterMe? ›

Download the BetterMe: Health Coaching App for free online.

What does BetterMe cost? ›

- The 1-month $9.99 subscription comes after choosing a 3-day free trial; - The 6-month $41.99 subscription comes after choosing a 7-day free trial (that is, $6.99/month deducted at once for the entire 6-month period).

Do calisthenic apps work? ›

Is a home workout app good for calisthenics? Home workout apps are a great way to structure your training program, and they offer many benefits. One of the main advantages of using a home workout app for training calisthenics is convenience.

Is the 28-day challenge effective? ›

Setting a short-term goal like a 28-Day Challenge can lead to significant psychological benefits. It's manageable, which helps in maintaining motivation and commitment. Participants in Perth's 28-Day Fitness Challenge often report increased confidence and a sense of achievement upon completion.

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? ›

"It's incredibly effective for the body and mind," shares Buttler. One of the biggest benefits of this particular challenge is that it'll help to build a sense of consistency and commitment to your workout routine.

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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