Strength exercises using only your own body weight, such as push-ups and pull-ups, are known collectively as calisthenics.
Calisthenics uses body weight as resistance and commonly involves compound, multi-joint movements. Push-ups emphasize the chest, shoulders, and triceps, while pull-ups heavily engage the back and arms. Squats, lunges, dips, handstands, and planks are also common examples. Some modern routines add bars, rings, or weighted vests, but the body remains the central source of resistance.
The word comes from the ancient Greek kallos, meaning “beauty,” and sthenos, meaning “strength.” Forms of calisthenics were practiced in ancient Greece and were also recorded in ancient China, where Han-era physicians recommended exercise for health.
Calisthenics is broader than isometrics, which involve holding a position without visible joint movement, and different from plyometrics, which emphasize explosive movements. Progression usually comes from changing leverage, range of motion, repetitions, or exercise difficulty rather than simply adding weights.