If you’re a millennial, books might not be your first source of information when it comes to workout advice.
You might go straight to the interwebs and looks for the best calisthenics workout program.
However practical this approach might be, it has its limitations.
You can easily get overwhelmed by the information, which itself is generally less rigorous than the material published on print.
For that reason, we’re dedicating this article to show you the best 5 calisthenics books.
We’ll also include a few other non calisthenics recommendations that are complementary to the reading list.
Our Favourite Calisthenics Book: Overcoming Gravity
Overcoming Gravity
Overcoming Gravity is a comprehensive guide that provides a gold mine of information for gymnastics and bodyweight strength training within.
Overcoming gravity is the name of the book written by the former gymnast turned writer Steven Low.
His credentials speak for himself: He has a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland Baltimore, he is the instructor for the Dragon Door’s Progressive Calisthenics Certification, and he has a long and successful career as a gymnast.
This masterpiece has it all: exercises, workouts, as well as frameworks that help you design workouts and give you a deeper understanding of how muscle building works.
Calisthenics is built upon many disciplines, but gymnastics is probably the most similar and beneficial sport for calisthenics.
This book takes the number 1 spot as it is by far the most wholistic approach to bodyweight and calisthenics training we have encountered.
It covers injuries, rest, anatomy, physiology and everything else you need to become a master at calisthenics.
And the reviews speak for themselves…
With over 350 reviews, averaging at 4.8 out of 5, this is probably the best rated book I have ever seen.
Choice #2: Hand Balancing Made Easy
Hand Balancing Made Easy
Everything you need to know to get started (and quickly) on learning hand balancing including how and when to train is covered.
- 17 Exercises for the Fingers, Wrists, and Forearms
- 10 Exercises for the Arms
- 5 Exercises for the Shoulders
- 18 Exercises for the Abdominals and Low Back
- 6 Exercises for the Legs
Handstands and static holds are a huge part of Calisthenics.
This book will 10X your performance in these categories.
It’s crazy how little insights can give you that “click” that unlocks a whole world of exercises. This book contains several of these insights.
The main highlight of the book comes in the form of over 60 exercises that can be done pretty much everywhere as well as some solid theory on balancing.
Often times in calisthenics, finger and grip strength is the main constraint to progression.
These muscles are usually the first to give up for beginners so having a list of 17 exercises for the wrist, fingers, and forearms is highly useful.
Our only complaint is that the book is a bit short, however, if you enjoy light reading this book is for you.
Choice #3: Street Workout
Handstands and static holds are a huge part of Calisthenics.
This book will 10X your performance in these categories.
It’s crazy how little insights can give you that “click” that unlocks a whole world of exercises. This book contains several of these insights.
The main highlight of the book comes in the form of over 60 exercises that can be done pretty much everywhere as well as some solid theory on balancing.
Often times in calisthenics, finger and grip strength is the main constraint to progression.
These muscles are usually the first to give up for beginners so having a list of 17 exercises for the wrist, fingers, and forearms is highly useful.
Our only complaint is that the book is a bit short, however, if you enjoy light reading this book is for you.
Street workout is written by the Kavadlo brothers, who are already familiar names in the calisthenics scene.
This book is probably one of the most widely read in the calisthenics world, garnering a rating of 4.34 out of 5 in good reads from 99 reviews.
It also gets a near perfect 4.8 out of 5 on amazon, though only about 70 reviews have been posted:
The main distinction from other books in this list, in our opinion, is the informal and motivational tone of the book. Instead of just laying out exercises, the authors go above and beyond to keep you motivated and entertained.
This is a no-bullshit book that is essential for any calisthenics practitioner regardless of skill level.
Choice #4- Complete Calisthenics
Complete Calisthenics Book
Using solely their bodyweight for resistance and relying on minimal equipment, readers will learn how to perform a range of exercises, such as push-ups, pull-ups, core exercises, and lower body exercises. Read this book, and develop the strongest and most capable physique ever.
Last but not least, Ashley Kalym’s Complete Calisthenics.
Based in the UK Ashley is another well-known figure in the calisthenics world.
What we most liked about this book was its practicality.It is sometimes hard to convey proper form through writing, but Ashley does a great job.
The book strikes a great balance between technical subjects, such as anatomy, and exercise advice. It’s not too technical but introduces a good amount of new information for even the more informed athletes.
With the aid of pictures and well explained exercises, this is the best book for readers looking to implement new routines.
This book is ideal for intermediate level athletes but can also teach beginners and advanced athletes a lot.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it: 4 books that will take your body weight training to the next level.
Understanding the theory of calisthenics is also important and a lot of the books in this list will give you the necessary knowledge to start approaching training in a wholistic way.
If you have any other book recommendations, please comment below. We’d love to hear what’s in your reading list!
Chris is an experienced Calisthenics practitioner focused on isometric exercises and street workout. He founded thehybridathlete.com in 2017, which was subsequently acquired by theyhybridathlete.com
He is based in Portland and has been working out using solely his own body weight and bars for the past 6 years.
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