😏Cool, Easy, and Actually Useful Calisthenics Skills
Most people think calisthenics skills are either: • Too hard • Just flashy party tricks • Or only for freakishly strong people That’s not true 😌 After coaching hundreds of athletes in calisthenics and parkour, here’s the truth: There are skills you can learn in 1 day to 1 week AND they actually build the fundamentals for big goals later like: • Human flag • Planche • Front & back lever • Muscle-up • Handstand So these aren’t just “cool tricks.” They’re stepping stones. — 🤸 Skill #1 — Elbow Lever This one looks wild… but it’s mostly balance and body mechanics. What it teaches you: • How to lift your legs behind you • How to find your center of mass • How to lean forward into strength (huge for planche + levers) How to make it easier: • Do it on a chest-high surface (like a solid table) • Or use parallets / push-up helpers for extra height • Let your head and legs have space • Lean forward until your feet feel lighter… then float up 😮🔥 This one carries directly into: • Planche • Front lever • Back lever — 🚩 Skill #2 — Clutch Flag (Human Flag Prep) This is the “cheat code” version of the human flag. What you do: • Wrap one arm behind a pole • Grab it • Let your body hang sideways • Hold a tight body line What it teaches you: • Core tension • Oblique strength • Body positioning • How to stay rigid in space There’s also a kid-version of this: • Hug the pole • Elbow into your waist • Let your body hang out sideways It’s easier than it looks… and stupidly effective. — 🐦 Skill #3 — Crow Pose This one is technically intermediate… …but beginners get it all the time. What it teaches you: • How to balance on your hands • How to use your fingers like brakes • Shoulder lean mechanics • Core tension Why it matters: • Carries into handstands • Carries into planche • Carries into press-to-handstand Bonus truth: It’s actually harder on the wrists than handstands 😅 But insanely useful. — 🤕 Skill #4 — Headstand / Tripod Stand Not sexy. Very useful. What it teaches you: