I think we are making a grave mistake by associating going to the gym and exercise with lifting weights.<p>Let me explain.<p>I think what most people <i>should</i> be doing is calisthenics. I’ve been lifting weights for over a decade, but only started calisthenics two years ago. Personally, I feel calisthenics gives you a much stronger and durable body over all compared to lifting weights. It also strengthens your joints and connective tissues, which people don’t really think about until it’s too late. Aesthetically, I also feel strong calisthenic trained bodies look much more well proportioned and hardened due to the active use of stabilizer muscles. People who have trained calisthenics for a long time are deceptively strong. They don’t look particularly huge, but they perform feats of strength that even the most professional weightlifter would struggle to do. To me, this is a sign of true mastery over one’s body.<p>If you’re just getting started in your exercise career, try <i>calisthenics</i>.