Calisthenics Vs Bodybuilding - Let The Battle Of Beasts Begin

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When it comes to calisthenics vs bodybuilding. There isn’t really a one size fits all approach.

I mean, yes, there’ll be some avid calisthenics athletes who’ll swear by functional bodyweight training.

And on the other side of the fence, there’ll be the jacked gorilla who’ll claim that hitting the iron hard is the only way to go.

So who’s right and who’s talking out of their A-hole?

Well, the answer isn’t really as simple as that. Because being sexy human beings that we are. There’s always going to be an element of division depending on our own personal goals.

For instance, a guy who strives to be more mobile and functionally fit is almost always going to be drawn to calisthenics.

On the flip side, the guy who wants nothing more than to get big, look good, and fill out his shirt sleeves better than the hulk is going to be destined to pursue the bodybuilder lifestyle.

Now, if you’re reading this, then I can only assume that you’re torn between the two.

And I can also assume that you’re looking for a definitive answer to which training style is better and why.

Well, today’s your lucky day.

Because if you’ve been stuck in no man’s land for a while and you’re hell-bent on learning the truth about which is better. Then this is the most important page you’re ever going to read.

So crack open a beer and read on my friend because today, I’m bringing the thunder and separating the good from the bad…

…The needy from the greedy

And the potentially insane, from the possibly psychotic.

Let’s get going…

Table of Contents

Calisthenics Vs Bodybuilding – Let the battles begin

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of calisthenics vs bodybuilding. Let’s just quickly define what each one is.

So, in a nutshell, bodybuilding is purely about aesthetics. The ability to build the perfect physique while making every single muscle look so damn big that it looks like you’re in danger of bursting a blood vessel at any second.

Now, typical bodybuilding goes way back into the late 19th century. But it didn’t really become popular until the sixties and seventies when the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno jumped onto the scene.

Calisthenics, on the other hand, has been around since the dawn of time.

But it’s only become popular in recent years by the showmanship of calisthenics pros.

You know the ones…

The guys who are sporting incredible feats of strength, like the planche, muscle-up, and other advanced calisthenics skills that defy the law of gravity.

Calisthenics is all about function, mobility, and relative strength (strength to weight ratio). And the reason it’s so popular is because of its simplicity.

Not to mention the appeal of learning new skills that once upon a time, seemed impossible to master.

Better still, when it comes to developing these new skills. A calisthenics athlete will be able to learn specific exercises that no bodybuilder could dream of doing.

I mean, you’ll rarely see a bodybuilder being able to perform a front lever or a handstand pushup, right?

But on the contrary, you’ll probably never see a calisthenics athlete with 20-inch biceps that look like they could crush a man’s skull.

I think the point I’m trying to make here is that they’re both very different in nature. And choosing what’s right for you is ultimately going to come down to your own personal goals.

Anyway…

Now, you know a little more about each style of training. Let’s dive a little deeper into the benefits of each one…

Which Style Of Training Builds A Better Physique?

This is a tricky subject because it all depends on what you’d consider a ‘good physique.’

I mean, I know a few people who would rather dip their nuts in hot sauce and present them to a pack of wild dogs than walk around looking as big as some bodybuilders do.

On the flip side, I’ve also seen some bodybuilders who are scared shitless of losing their gains. And becoming anything less than a mass monster capable of striking fear into old ladies and small children just isn’t on the cards for them.

Again, what I’m trying to say here is that it’s all about personal preference.

And without us sitting down together and having a one-on-one conversation, I can’t really tell you which is best.

Because only you know.

So with that said, I think we’ll call this round a draw and move swiftly on the next round.

Scores on the doors…

Calisthenics – 1
Bodybuilding -1

Which Is Better For Strength?

Now, before we get into this debate, let’s define the term strength.

See, when most people think about strength, they picture a dude under a heavy barbell repping out squats till their eyeballs bleed.

And while this is obviously an incredible feat of strength in its own right. It often doesn’t tell the whole story.

What I mean by this is there are actually multiple ways people view strength.

For instance…

There’s absolute strength. Which is the ability to generate the maximum amount of force regardless of how much you weigh.

There’s relative strength. Which is how strong you are in comparison to your own bodyweight.

And there’s explosive strength. Which is the ability to exert maximum force in minimal time.

Now, most bodybuilders are naturally going to have more absolute strength because they’re bigger guys, right? And their ability to move more weight than a smaller (non-bodybuilder) guy is almost always going to be the reality of the situation.

But when it comes to relative strength, the calisthenics guy is going to (hands down) smash the bodybuilder to pieces when performing functional movement patterns.

So again, it all comes down to what type of strength is most important to you.

So with that said, I think it’s another draw…

Calisthenics – 2
Bodybuilding – 2

Mobility & Flexibility

For me, this is a no brainer, and calisthenics is the clear winner in this department.

See, moving your body through a full range of motion (mobility) is one of the critical factors to performing calisthenics successfully.

Whereas bodybuilding is doesn’t really do as much for you in this area.

Now, obviously, this is going to depend on the individual. I’ve seen some bodybuilders with quite a degree of flexibility. And I’ve also seen a few (so-called) calisthenics guys who wouldn’t know a deadhang pullup if it hit them in the face.

But despite this, you can’t really deny that the principles of each training style are polar opposites when it comes to these two factors.

See, calisthenics prides itself on being all about mobility and flexibility. This is why calisthenics pros constantly preach about having a full range of motion and perfect form.

It’s just part of what makes calisthenics so unique.

Bodybuilding, on the other hand, is all about the way you look.

There’s no first place in Mr. Olyimpia for the guy who can demonstrate these traits, and they’re probably never will be.

Now, I’ll admit that some exercises like deadlifts are awesome for increasing your range of motion and flexibility.

And this is because they’re a hinge movement and require a lot of hip flexor strength to successfully pull them off.

But when it comes to comparing the two. It’s safe to say that calisthenics takes the gold medal every time…

Calisthenics – 3
Bodybuilding -2

Calisthenics Vs Bodybuilding For Overall Muscle Mass

Now, although I’m an avid calisthenics junkie. I’m also willing to give credit where it’s due.

The whole purpose of bodybuilding is to build size. And despite your best efforts. You’re never going to be able to build the size of a pro bodybuilder with calisthenics.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some pretty big calisthenics dudes out there, and you can indeed get pretty jacked using nothing but your bodyweight.

But compare that body to the likes of Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler in their prime, and it isn’t even close.

Bodybuilding wins this round…

Calisthenics – 3
Bodybuilding – 3

So Who Wins? – Calisthenics Or Bodybuilding

To be honest, I can’t really answer this question because the choice will ultimately come down to your own personal preference…

…Your goals.

And, more importantly, what you actually enjoy doing.

There are many ways to build the body YOU want, and there will never be a one size fits all when it comes to fitness.

Now, for all the reasons above, I personally focus at least 90% of my efforts on calisthenics.

Then again, I have no desire to be bigger than a bus, and that’s why (for me) bodybuilding will always take second place.

Don’t get my wrong, I’ll occasionally hit the weights but only when it serves a functional purpose.

And this is why I often like to add things like deadlifts into my workout because it’s something that simply can’t be imitated with any calisthenics exercise.

Now, this isn’t to say you can’t try your hand at both. Because sometimes takes a little experimentation to ultimately figure out what works best.

But if you want a definitive answer, then here are a few things to consider to help you decide…

If you want to simply get big and look good. Then you’re probably more suited to bodybuilding.

If you’re more concerned with function, mobility, and improving your skillset. Then calisthenics should be your weapon of choice.

And if you’re still undecided, try a combination of the two and incorporate both styles of training into your regular routine.

This way, you’ll be able to find out what works best for you and start putting together an effective plan of action to reach your goals.

The Ultimate Program For Getting Results

Hopefully, this has given you some insight into what style of training is better suited to you and why.

However, I understand that some people reading this will need that little extra nudge in the right direction.

Now, I’ve been around the block once or twice. And in that time, I’ve experimented with my fair share of programs and training manuals that promise the so-called keys to the kingdom.

But ultimately deliver nothing but fluff and filler that you can find on any typical fitness website.

Still, there are one or two that go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to getting results.

These are…

Bodyweight Beast:

The Ultimate Guide For Getting Ripped & Chiseled In 30 Days Using Nothing But A Bar, And Your Own Bodyweight

The Iron Guru:

Learn The Old School Bodybuilding Secrets Of The Past From Legendary Bodybuilder Vince Gironda (aka The Iron Guru)

Both of these training manuals are (in my opinion) a must-read for any aspiring calisthenics athlete or bodybuilder.

Better still, they’re cheap, and for less than the price of a beer and pizza, you could be reading one (or both) of these epic guides in less than 5 minutes.

Now, I’m not going to try and overhype or oversell these because, to be honest, it’s not really my style.

I believe the proof is in the pudding, and both of these eBooks have been proven time and time again when it comes to getting results that any man, woman, or child would envy.

So if you want to see what they’re all about and how they can help you build the body YOU want, then I’d highly recommend taking a look.