Beginner Calisthenics Plan for Men: Bodyweight Routine
So, you’ve decided to take your fitness to the next level and work toward becoming the best version of yourself. You’re ready to build strength, improve your health, and aim for a sculpted physique, whether it’s six-pack abs or a V-taper. But the big question is: where do you start?
What if you could transform your fitness with just four days a week?
A 4-day calisthenics routine, designed for beginners and those transitioning from traditional lifting to calisthenics, offers the perfect balance of efficiency and effectiveness.
This comprehensive schedule focuses on core movements that enhance overall fitness, target key muscle groups, and build strength, all while laying the foundation for mastering more advanced calisthenics exercises.
By the end of this training plan, you’ll have foundational strength, endurance, and flexibility to perform calisthenics routines and functional exercises.
It’s an ideal starting point for anyone looking to maximize their time and build a sustainable fitness routine.
This 4-day beginner calisthenics program is designed to help you build strength, improve mobility, and develop a solid foundation for your fitness journey. By focusing on bodyweight exercises, this program enhances your overall fitness without the need for heavy equipment, making it accessible and convenient.
Perfect for beginners and those transitioning into a calisthenics routine, this program targets key muscle groups each day, ensuring balanced development while giving your body time to recover. Over four days, you’ll engage in core movements that not only build strength but also improve coordination and flexibility.
This program is structured to fit seamlessly into your weekly schedule, helping you create sustainable fitness habits while avoiding burnout.
Before starting your workout, be sure to perform a 5-10 minute warm-up to prepare your body for the session. Dynamic movements like jumping jacks, arm swings, or light jogging will increase your heart rate and body temperature, reducing the risk of injury and helping your muscles adapt to the physical activity.
During the workout, pace yourself by allowing 30-40 seconds of rest between sets to help your muscles recover and prevent overfatigue.
Maintaining proper form is essential, so prioritize quality over quantity in each movement. At the end of your session, dedicate 5-10 minutes to a cool-down routine that includes low-intensity cardio and gentle stretching to ease your body back into a resting state, minimize soreness, and improve flexibility.
Most of the exercises are structured as circuit training. This means that exercises are performed in sequence with minimal rest in between to create a high-intensity workout session that challenges both strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Each sequence is referred to as a "round," and a typical circuit may include several rounds of the same set of exercises. For example, a round could involve performing squats, push-ups, burpees, and planks consecutively, followed by a brief rest before repeating the same sequence. The rounds are designed to keep the heart rate elevated while giving specific muscle groups a chance to recover as you move to the next exercise. This approach allows for efficient training that targets multiple aspects of fitness within a single session.
Block #1 | |
Push Up to Shoulder Tap to Lateral Hand Walk | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Superman Pull | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Push Up to Walkout Tiger Bend | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Lateral Superman | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Bear Plank Shoulder Tap | 3 sets x 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Plank to Alternate Oblique Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Crunch to Crab Toe Touch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Finisher | |
Crunch to Leg Pull In | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Suitcase Crunch to Russian Twist | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Jumping Jack to Standing Cross Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 20 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Lunges Set 1 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Lungest Set 2 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Lunges Set 3 | 40 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Prisoner Jump Squat to Cross Crunch | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Wall Squat Hold | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Single Leg Jump Lunge | 12 reps on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Sumo Squat Calf Raise | 50 seconds x 3 rounds |
Glute Bridge on Heels (Hamstring Focus) | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Block #1 | |
Reverse Snow Angle to Superman | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Push Up to Plank | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Supine Push Up | 20 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Knee Push Up Release | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Superman | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Glute Bridge Pull Over | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Side Plank Crunch | 12 reps on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Walking Lunge Set 1 | 20 reps |
Rest | 1 minute |
Walking Lunge Set 2 | 20 reps |
Rest | 1 minute |
Walking Lunge Set 3 | 20 reps |
Rest | 1 minute |
Block #2 | |
Squat Set 1 | 15 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat Set 2 | 15 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat Set 3 | 15 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Split Squat | 40 seconds on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Squat to Alternate Oblique Crunch Set 1 | 14 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat to Alternate Oblique Crunch Set 2 | 14 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Finisher | |
Side Plank Crunch | 30 seconds on each side x 3 rounds |
Burpee | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Take a break
Block #1 | |
Glute Bridge Pullover | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Close Grip (Diamond) Push Up | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Bear Plank Shoulder Tap | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Pull Up Release to Superman Lat Pull | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Superman Pull | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Reverse Snow Angel | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Jumping Jack | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Side Plank Pulse | 40 seconds hold on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Squat to Alternate Side Abduction Set 1 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat to Alternate Side Abduction Set 2 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat to Alternate Side Abduction Set 3 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Jump Squat | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Wall Squat Hold | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Split Squat | 12 reps on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Finisher | |
Ab Pendulum | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Toe Touch Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
You can follow the plan in our app:
Take this day to rest and recover.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Block #1 | |
Knee Plyo Push Up | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Plank Jack | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Burpee | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Alternate Superman to Superman | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Mountain Climber to Cross Mountain Climber | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Lying Lat Pulldown to Shrug | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Body Up | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Crunch Punch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Push Up to Plank | 50 seconds x 3 rounds |
Frog Sit Up | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Lunge Set 1 | 1 minute |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Lunge Set 2 | 1 minute |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Lunge Set 3 | 1 minute |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Burpee Tuck Jump | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Wall Squat Hold | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Single Leg Jump Lunge | 12 reps on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Sumo Squat Calf Raise | 50 seconds x 3 rounds |
Glute Bridge on Hells (Hamstring Focus) | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Take a break
Block #1 | |
Close Grip (Diamond) Push Up | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Superman Hold to Lat Pull | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Drop Push Up | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Wall Knee Bent Superman Pull | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Full Plank Shoulder Tap Set 1 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Full Plank Shoulder Tap Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Full Plank Shoulder Tap Set 3 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Floor Tricep Dip | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 10 seconds |
Plank to Full Plank | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 25 seconds |
Finisher | |
Plank Lateral Jump | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Leg Pull In | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Elbow to Knee Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 20 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Single Leg Lunge to Calf Raise | 10 reps on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Single Leg Box Step Up Jump | 40 seconds on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Single Leg Mountain Climber | 10 reps on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Alternate Side Lunge Set 1 | 12 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Alternate Side Lunge Set 2 | 12 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Alternate Side Lunge Set 3 | 12 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Block #1 | |
Superman Hold to Lat Pull Set 1 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Superman Hold to Lat Pull Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Superman Hold to Lat Pull Set 3 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Hand Release Push Up Set 1 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Hand Release Push Up Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Hand Release Push Up Set 3 | 50 seconds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Reverse Snow Angle to Superman | 45 seconds x 3 rounds |
Full Plank to Superman Pull | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Floor Tricep Dip | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Wall Shoulder Tap | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Finisher | |
Walking Ski Abs to Mountain Climber | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Bent Knee Hip Raise | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Alternate Side Lunge Set 1 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Alternate Side Lunge Set 2 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Alternate Side Lunge Set 3 | 25 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
2 X Jump Squat to Reverse Lunge | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Frog Glute Bridge Hold | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Reverse Snow Angle to Superman | 45 seconds x 3 rounds |
Full Plank to Superman Pull | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Floor Tricep Dip | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Wall Shoulder Tap | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Finisher | |
Walking Ski Abs to Mountain Climber | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Bent Knee Hip Raise | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Take a break
Block #1 | |
Burpee Without Jump | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Freehand Squat to Lateral Walk | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Jumping Jack to Alternate Cross Toe Touch | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Plank to Full Plank | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Jump Squat to Jump Lunge | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Plank Jack | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Sprawl Frog Kick | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Russian Twist | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Finisher | |
Jumping Jack | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Lying Floor Leg Raise | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Walking Lunge | 1 minute x 3 rounds |
Glute Bridge on Heels (Hamstring Focus) | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Squat Set 1 | 15 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat Set 2 | 15 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat Set 3 | 15 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Squat to Alternate Side Abduction Set 1 | 15 reps |
Rest | 50 seconds |
Squat to Alternate Side Abduction Set 2 | 15 reps |
Rest | 50 seconds |
Squat to Alternate Side Abduction Set 3 | 15 reps |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Squat to Alternate Oblique Crunch Set 1 | 14 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat to Alternate Oblique Crunch Set 2 | 14 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat to Alternate Oblique Crunch Set 3 | 14 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
If you’re struggling with this plan, we suggest you try this one instead:
Take this day to rest and recover.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Block #1 | |
Hand Release Push Up | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Superman Pull | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Knee Plyo Push Up | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Superman Hold | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Pike Push Up Set 1 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Pike Push Up Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Pike Push Up Set 3 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Lying Lat Pulldown to Shrug | 40 seconds |
Plank to Full Plank | 30 seconds |
Rest | 25 seconds |
Finisher | |
Air Bike | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Suitcase Crunch to Russian Twist | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 20 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Alternate Reverse Lunge to Kickback Set 1 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Alternate Reverse Lunge to Kickback Set 2 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Alternate Reverse Lunge to Kickback Set 3 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Prisoner Jump Squat to Cross Crunch | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Glute Bridge on Heels (Hamstring Focus) | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Single Leg Jump Lunge | 12 reps on each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Sumo Squat Calf Raise Set 1 | 50 seconds |
Rest | 1 minute |
Sumo Squat Calf Raise Set 2 | 50 seconds |
Rest | 1 minute |
Sumo Squat Calf Raise Set 3 | 50 seconds |
Rest | 1 minute |
Do it outside
Calisthenics can be done almost anywhere, making it perfect for the outdoors. Whether it’s a local park, a quiet backyard, a beach, or even a forest trail, the outdoors offers you limitless opportunities to create functional workout space.
Exercising outside can also boost your mental outlook and may decrease symptoms of anxiety and chronic pain. Exercising in fresh air and under natural sunlight enhances mood, increases energy levels, and reduces stress.
Consistency is crucial in mastering calisthenics because it’s not just about building strength but also developing the neuromuscular coordination and movement patterns required for these exercises.
Unlike weightlifting, calisthenics emphasizes control, body awareness, and technique. This means that your body must adapt not only to the physical demands of the movements but also to its intricacies and form.
This 4-day beginner calisthenics routine is the perfect way to take your first steps toward optimizing your fitness and achieving your health goals. Always remember that starting is already 50% of the journey—committing to that initial effort is often the hardest part, and you’ve already won half the battle by simply deciding to begin.
Wherever you are in your fitness journey, it’s important to start with what you have and where you are. You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive gym memberships to achieve your fitness goals and become a better version of yourself.