Cardio, strength training, sleep, repeat. Are you growing tired of the same old gym workout, day in and day out? Stepping outside the box when it comes to fitness can yield incredible benefits, both physically and mentally.

Unconventional movements, like those often seen in calisthenics, bring a fresh and dynamic approach to a gym workout that can keep your routine exciting and challenging. If you’re new to calisthenics and curious about other unique movement systems, St. Pete Calisthenics is the prime place to start.

Here’s how to incorporate new movements into your gym workout at your own pace.

Why Unconventional Movements Matter

It’s time to understand what unconventional movements really are. Typically, they involve using your body weight in creative ways to build strength, flexibility, flow and coordination.

These movements can range from static holds and dynamic flows to more intricate inversions. Are these terms new to you? That’s okay—we’ll come back to them shortly.

In the meantime, here’s why adding these moves to your routine is beneficial:

1. Functional Strength: Unconventional movements improve functional strength by mimicking real-life activities. This makes everyday tasks easier, like carrying grocery bags into your apartment or walking up and down several flights of stairs. It also reduces the risk of injury sometimes involved with these tasks.
2. Flexibility and Mobility: These movements often require a greater range of motion, which enhances flexibility and joint mobility.
3. Core Stability: Many calisthenics exercises require you to engage the core, helping to build a strong and stable midsection.
4. Mental Engagement: Learning new movements keeps your mind engaged and motivated, making workouts more enjoyable through something we call meditation-through-movement.
5. Versatility: Unconventional movements can be performed in most places, requiring minimal equipment (i.e. a steel mace) or no equipment (i.e Animal Flow).

Getting Started with Unconventional Movements

Regardless of whether you’ve been training for years or just starting out on a fitness journey, dipping your toe into unconventional movements can seem a bit intimidating.

However, we know from years of experience that with the right approach, you can ease into it and even enjoy the process. Follow these tips to begin:

Start with the Basics

Before diving into advanced moves, it’s important to master the basics. Fundamental exercises like push-ups, assisted pull-ups, squats, and planks form the foundation of calisthenics. These movements build the necessary strength and stability required for more complex exercises.

If you need a space to practice foundational moves, our Unlimited Open Gym Membership gives you the flexibility to train at your own pace any time during regular gym hours.

Incorporate Static Holds

Static holds, or when you hold a position for a certain amount of time, are a great way to build muscular endurance, strength and stability. Start with simple holds like planks and wall sits, then gradually progress to more challenging holds such as the L-sit and handstands.

Are you a static hold rookie? Our Premier Membership includes unlimited access to ALL classes (including small group training) and open gym time, where you can try these movements under the guidance of our experienced instructors.

Explore Dynamic Movements

Once you’re comfortable with static holds, add dynamic movements to your routine. These can include exercises like burpees, box jumps, mountain climbers, and animal movements such as bear crawls and crab walks. Dynamic movements like these improve cardiovascular fitness and coordination.

If you’re interested in finding out more about dynamic movements, enroll in our Unlimited Classes Membership to explore a variety of classes, such as Animal Flow and Steel Mace Flow.

Try Inversions and Balance Exercises

Inversions (movements where your head is below your hips) and balance exercises challenge your body in new ways and are a great addition to any gym workout. Over time, this improves body awareness and proprioception, or your body’s ability to sense movement.

Begin with exercises like the crow pose or a handstand against a wall, then progress to freestanding handstands and more complex balances.

Do these sound like moves you want to master? When you become a Premier Member at St. Pete Calisthenics, you receive unlimited access to our pole studio too, offering a fun and engaging way to incorporate all these elements into your routine.

Use Minimal Equipment

One of the beauties of calisthenics is that it often requires minimal equipment. The most important piece of equipment is … you! But that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate tools like resistance bands, parallettes, and gymnastics rings to add variety and challenge to your workouts.

It’s okay if you don’t have your own equipment. At St. Pete Calisthenics, we provide our members with state-of-the-art tools to support your movement training. With our flexible membership plans, you have the freedom to explore different techniques.

Tips for Incorporating Unconventional Movements into Your Gym Workout Plan

So, how exactly do you integrate these movements into your gym workout? It’s a good question. Consider these strategies:

1. Focus on Form: This applies to most movements. Proper form is essential to prevent injuries and maximize the benefits of each exercise. Take the time to learn the correct technique for each movement. Try working with a trainer or attend classes at St. Pete Calisthenics to ensure you’re performing exercises correctly.
2. Progress Gradually: Know your limits, and don’t rush into advanced movements. Gradually increase the complexity and intensity of your exercises as you build strength and confidence. Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon.
3. Keep it Interesting: You know what they say, variety is the spice of life. Mix up your routine by incorporating different types of movements and exercises, and try different classes. This not only keeps things fun but also ensures a well-rounded human being.
4. Stay Consistent: Want to see progress? Make unconventional movements a regular part of your regimen. Even if you start with just a few minutes each day, consistency will lead to significant gains over time. Animal Flow can be a fantastic way to warm up for anything from a heavy squat day, to playing golf or kickball, or for any activity really; as it requires no equipment.
5. Find a Community: Working out with others who share your curiosity for unconventional movements can be incredibly motivating. Whether you’re attending classes, scheduling training sessions, or participating in events at St. Pete Calisthenics, you’ll find a welcoming environment that fosters motivation and exploration.

Discover New Ways of Moving at St. Pete Calisthenics

We’re dedicated to helping you incorporate unconventional movements into your fitness routine. With years of experience under our belt, we’re confident we can help you achieve your health goals and more. Here’s a little about us and how we support our members:

• Diverse Membership Plans: Our Premier Membership, Unlimited Classes Membership, Unlimited Open Gym Membership, Spa Membership, and other options like Day Passes provide flexibility and access to the resources you need to succeed.
• Expert Instructors: Our knowledgeable instructors are here to guide you through every step, ensuring you learn proper techniques and stay motivated. From small groups to one-on-one personal training, we’ll meet you at your comfort level.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our gym is fully equipped with specialized tools and custom Calisthenic Parks so you can practice calisthenics and unconventional movements.
• Supportive Environment: Join a community of fitness enthusiasts who share your passion. Together, we’ll inspire and motivate each other to achieve new heights.

Incorporating unconventional movements into your gym workout and general fitness routine can revolutionize the way you approach exercise, bringing excitement and significant physical benefits.

Ready to embrace a new way of moving? Join us at St. Pete Calisthenics, where we offer the perfect environment to explore these dynamic and functional movements.

For a discounted rate on our Premier Membership, check out our Founders Rate Presale happening now!