Beginner Calisthenics Plan for Women: Bodyweight Routine
You’re ready to build strength, improve your health, and work toward a sculpted physique—whether that means toned abs, a strong back, or an overall lean, athletic look. But the big question is: where do you begin?
What if you could transform your fitness with just four days a week?
A 4-day calisthenics routine, tailored for beginners and women transitioning from traditional workouts to calisthenics, strikes the perfect balance between efficiency and effectiveness.
This well-rounded schedule emphasizes core movements to improve overall fitness, target key muscle groups, and build strength, all while setting the stage for more advanced calisthenics techniques.
By the end of this training plan, you’ll develop the strength, endurance, and flexibility needed for functional exercises and more challenging routines.
It’s the ideal starting point for women looking to maximize their time and create a sustainable, empowering fitness routine.
This 4-day beginner calisthenics program is designed specifically for women to build strength, improve mobility, and establish a solid foundation for your fitness journey. By focusing on bodyweight exercises, this program boosts overall fitness without requiring heavy equipment, making it both accessible and convenient.
Whether you’re new to fitness or transitioning to a calisthenics routine, this plan targets key muscle groups daily, promoting balanced development while allowing adequate recovery time. Over four days, you’ll work through core movements designed to enhance strength, coordination, and flexibility.
With a structure that fits seamlessly into your weekly schedule, this program helps you build sustainable fitness habits while staying energized and avoiding burnout.
Before starting your workout, take 5-10 minutes to warm up and prepare your body for the session. Dynamic movements like jumping jacks, arm swings, or light jogging can raise your heart rate and body temperature, reducing the risk of injury and helping your muscles adapt to the activity.
During the workout, pace yourself with 30-40 seconds of rest between sets to allow your muscles to recover and avoid overfatigue.
Prioritize proper form in every movement—quality over quantity is key. After your session, dedicate 5-10 minutes to a cool-down routine that includes low-intensity cardio and gentle stretching. This helps your body transition to a resting state, reduce soreness, and improve flexibility.
Most of the exercises are structured as circuit training. Exercises are performed in sequence with minimal rest, creating a high-intensity workout that challenges both strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Each sequence is called a "round," and a typical circuit consists of several rounds of the same exercises. For example, a round might include squats, push-ups, burpees, and planks performed consecutively, followed by a brief rest before repeating the sequence. This design keeps your heart rate elevated while allowing specific muscle groups to recover as you move to the next exercise, making your training efficient and targeting multiple fitness aspects in one session.
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 | |
2 x Jump Squat To Reverse Lunge Crossover | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Frog Glute Bridge Hold | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Single Leg Lunge To Calf Raise | 12 reps each side x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Glute Kickback | 10 reps each side x 2 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #5 | |
Jumping Jack | 30 seconds x 2 rounds |
Leg Pull In | 30 seconds x 2 rounds |
Rest | 20 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Push Up (kneeling allowed) | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Superman Pull | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Push Up To Plank Walkout | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Superman | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Plank T Rotation - Set 1 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Plank T Rotation - Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Full Plank Shoulder Tap | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Feet Elevated Alternate Oblique To Crunch | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
You can perform some light stretching or go for a walk to keep your body moving.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Block #1 | |
Sumo Squat Calf Raise | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Glute Bridge With Abduction | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Side Leg Lateral Raise (Fire Hydrant) - Left side | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Side Leg Lateral Raise (Fire Hydrant) - Right side | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Side Lying Clam - Left side | 12 reps x 3 rounds |
Side Lying Clam - Right side | 12 reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Glute Bridge On Heels (Hamstring Focus) | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Tall Kneeling To Lunge | 40 seconds reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Reverse Snow Angel | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Hollow Body Rock To Ab Air Bike | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Plank To Full Plank | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Ice Skater | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Push Up To Plank (kneeling allowed) | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Jumping Jack | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Plank Walk Side To Side | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Feet Up Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Alternate Superman To Superman | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
High Knee Run Pause | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30s seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
You can perform some light stretching or go for a walk to keep your body moving.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Take a break
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 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Sumo Squat Calf Raise | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Squat To Hip Abduction | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Split Squat Isometric Hold (Right side) | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Split Squat Isometric Hold (Left side) | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Prisoner Squat To Cross Crunch | 30 seconds x 2 rounds |
Frog Glute Bridge Hold | 30 seconds x 2 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Glute Bridge Hold Pullover - Set 1 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Glute Bridge Hold Pullover - Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Glute Bridge Hold Pullover - Set 3 | 50 seconds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Reverse Snow Angel - Set 1 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Reverse Snow Angel - Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Reverse Snow Angel - Set 3 | 50 seconds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Superman Hold To Lat Pull | 45 seconds x 3 rounds |
Push Up To Plank (kneeling allowed) | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Side Plank Crunch (right side) | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Side Plank Crunch (left side) | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Finisher | |
Mountain Climber To Lateral Jump To Ski Abs | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Russian Twist | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
You can follow the plan in our app:
Take this day to rest and recover.
You can perform some light stretching or go for a walk to keep your body moving.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Block #1 | |
Elevated Glute Bridge | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Glute Kickback Side Sweep | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Lying Hip Abduction (left side) | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Lying Hip Abduction (right side) | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Single Leg Glute Bridge (left side) | 12 reps x 3 rounds |
Single Leg Glute Bridge (right side) | 12 reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Wall Squat Hold | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Lying Reverse Leg Raise | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Superman Hold To Lat Pull | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Mountain Climber | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Knee Push Up Release | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Walking Ski Abs | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 20 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Reverse Snow Angel To Superman | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Crunch To Leg Pull In | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Suitcase Crunch To Russian Twist | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Side Plank Crunch (left side) | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Side Plank Crunch (right side) | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Vertical Mountain Climber | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Jumping Jack To Overhead Squat | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
You can perform some light stretching or go for a walk to keep your body moving.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Take a break
Block #1 | |
Reverse Cross Lunge (Curtsy) - Set 1 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Reverse Cross Lunge (Curtsy) - Set 2 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Reverse Cross Lunge (Curtsy) - Set 3 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Alternate Single Leg Jump | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Calf Raise | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Squat Lateral Walk Side To Side - Set 1 | 20 reps |
Rest | 1 minute |
Squat Lateral Walk Side To Side - Set 2 | 20 reps |
Rest | 1 minute |
Squat Lateral Walk Side To Side - Set 3 | 20 reps |
Rest | 1 minute |
Block #4 | |
Prisoner Squat Pulse | 30 seconds x 2 rounds |
Glute Bridge Hold | 30 seconds x 2 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Finisher | |
Alternate Oblique Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Jumping Jack to Alternate Cross Toe Touch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Jump Squat Twist | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Knee Push Up Release - Set 1 | 30 seconds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Knee Push Up Release - Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Knee Push Up Release - Set 3 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 50 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Back Extension | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Push Up To Plank (kneeling allowed) | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Alternate Lateral Superman | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Floor Tricep Dip | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Bear Plank Shoulder Tap | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Straight Leg Lowering | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Finisher | |
Jackknife Sit Up | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Plank Hip Roll | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
You can perform some light stretching or go for a walk to keep your body moving.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Block #1 | |
Walking Lunge - Set 1 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Walking Lunge - Set 2 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Walking Lunge - Set 3 | 20 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Jump Squat | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Elevated Glute Bridge | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Reverse Cross Lunge (Curtsy) (right side) | 12 reps x 3 rounds |
Reverse Cross Lunge (Curtsy) (left side) | 12 reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Side Lunge With Floor Touch | 50 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Single Leg Glute Bridge Lateral | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Bench Superman | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Mountain Climber | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Jump Lunge to Torso Rotation | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Push Up | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Walking Ski Abs | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Jumping Jack Squat | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Feet Up Oblique Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Jump Squat | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Crunch To Leg Pull In | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Suitcase Crunch To Russian Twist | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Ice Skater To Kickback | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Take this day to rest and recover.
You can perform some light stretching or go for a walk to keep your body moving.
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Take a break
Block #1 | |
Alternate Lunge To Front Leg Raise | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Single Leg Glute Bridge | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Freehand Squat To Lateral Walk | 12 reps x 3 rounds |
Glute Kickback To Side Leg Lateral | 16 reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Squat To Hip Abduction | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Frog Glute Bridge Hold | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Squat To Alternate Oblique Crunch - Set 1 | 12 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Squat To Alternate Oblique Crunch - Set 2 | 12 reps |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Finisher | |
Overhead Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Plank Lateral Jump | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Reverse Burpee | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Push Up To Plank Walkout (kneeling allowed) - Set 1 | 30 seconds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Push Up To Plank Walkout (kneeling allowed) - Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 45 seconds |
Push Up To Plank Walkout (kneeling allowed) - Set 3 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 50 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Bench Superman | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Hand Release Push Up | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Alternate Superman To Superman | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Floor Tricep Dip | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Bird Dog Full Plank - Set 1 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Bird Dog Full Plank - Set 2 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Bird Dog Full Plank - Set 3 | 40 seconds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Finisher | |
Hollow Body Rock To Ab Air Bike | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Feet Elevated Alternate Oblique To Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
If you’re struggling with this plan, we suggest you try this one instead:
Remember, rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.
Block #1 | |
Frog Glute Bridge | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Glute Kickback | 40 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Single Leg Box Glute Bridge (left side) | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Single Leg Box Glute Bridge (right side) | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Single Leg Glute Bridge (left side) | 12 reps x 3 rounds |
Single Leg Glute Bridge (right side) | 12 reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 40 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Side Leg Lateral Raise (Fire Hydrant) (left side) | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Side Leg Lateral Raise (Fire Hydrant) (right side) | 10 reps x 3 rounds |
Rest | 35 seconds |
Block #1 | |
Burpee | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Full Plank Jump | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #2 | |
Plank Jack | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Jump Lunge | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #3 | |
Alternate Single Leg Toe Touch To Calf Raise | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Jump Squat Twist | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 30 seconds |
Block #4 | |
Mountain Climber To Lateral Jump To Ski Abs | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Alternate Oblique Crunch | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 25 seconds |
Finisher | |
Side Plank Pulse (left side) | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Side Plank Pulse (right side) | 30 seconds x 3 rounds |
Rest | 25 seconds |
Take It Outdoors
Calisthenics is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for the outdoors. Whether it’s a local park, your backyard, a beach, or even a forest trail, the outdoors offers endless possibilities to create a functional and inspiring workout space.
Exercising outside not only enhances your physical health but also boosts your mental well-being. Spending time in fresh air and natural sunlight can improve your mood, increase energy, and reduce stress. It may even help alleviate anxiety and chronic pain, making your workout more rewarding both physically and emotionally.
Consistency is the key to mastering calisthenics. It’s not just about building strength; it’s about developing the coordination and movement patterns necessary for these exercises.
Unlike weightlifting, calisthenics emphasizes control, body awareness, and technique. Your body adapts not only to the physical demands but also to the precision and form required for each movement. Staying consistent allows you to progress steadily while reducing the risk of injury.
This 4-day beginner calisthenics routine for women is an excellent way to take your first steps toward optimizing your fitness and achieving your health goals. Remember, starting is half the battle—making that initial commitment is often the hardest part, and you’ve already set yourself on the path to success by deciding to begin.
Wherever you are in your fitness journey, start with what you have and where you are. You don’t need fancy equipment or a pricey gym membership to reach your goals and become a stronger, healthier version of yourself.