You live 3 years longer training calisthenics (Science-proven)

Want to add a few years to your life? Grab those gym rings and get ready for some bodyweight workout.

A recent study found that calisthenics can add 3.1 years to your lifespan. That's right, you could be around longer just by mastering your own body weight.

8,577 people, 25 years, one hell of a study

The study followed 8,577 people for 25 years. They looked at different sports and how they affected life expectancy.

Before starting, participants completed a self-rated health survey (interestingly, how you respond can actually predict your lifespan.

The researchers then used specialized methods to compare the life expectancy of those who played sports with those who were sedentary (didn't exercise much).

Here's how calisthenics stacked up against other activities:

• Tennis: +9.7 years
• Badminton: +6.2 years
• Soccer: +4.7 years
• Cycling: +3.7 years
• Swimming: +3.4 years
• Jogging: +3.2 years
• Calisthenics: +3.1 years
• Health club activities: +1.5 years

Tennis topped the list, adding 9.7 years to life expectancy. Calisthenics held its own at 3.1 years, outperforming health club activities. Not too bad.

Other fun facts about the study

• Moderate exercise is key for a longer life. Jogging 1 to 2.4 hours weekly beats minimal or excessive workouts.
• Regular physical activity cuts the risk of chronic diseases. This includes heart problems and diabetes.
• Out of the 8,577 participants, 12% were not active or moving much. They linked to higher all-cause mortality risks.
• How people rated their health matched actual outcomes. This shows self-perception can indicate longevity.
• Social sports like tennis and badminton boost longevity. They highlight how community support affects health.

Why tennis adds more years to life than bodyweight exercises

So calisthenics can add 3.1 years to your life. That's impressive, but it falls short of racquet sports like tennis and badminton.

Why the difference? The answer might lie in the social aspect of these activities.

Tennis and badminton often involve partners or groups. This social aspect might explain their bigger boost to life expectancy.

Think about it. You're on a tennis court with a partner, against another pair. You're not just exercising your body, you're exercising your social muscles too. That's the real secret to longevity. It's not just about living longer. It's about living better, together.

Calisthenics, while doable with others, is often perceived as a solo activity. Social media influencers often portray it as grinding in the dark, rainy, stormy night at the park - very cool, but kind of silly. It's a common image, isn't it?

How to make calisthenics a group activity

Anything done solo can be done in a group. With more fun. And a nice "live longer" side effect.

Here's how to unlock it with calisthenics:

• If you have at least one friend (we really hope you do), grab them and sign them up as your workout partner. Preferably, you don't hate this person so we can keep the socializing element while you both help and push each other in the workout. It's like having a spotter, but instead of lifting weights, you're lifting your own body and your partner's spirits.
• If you hit the jackpot and have more than one friend, and they happen to all be interested in fitness and even willing to do calisthenics (instead of joining the fancy gym club), nothing says team bonding like collectively grunting through push-ups and wondering why you agreed to this.
• No workout pals yet? No problem. Time to make some. Join a calisthenics class at your local park. See a group working out? Don't be shy - go say hi. Chances are, they'll welcome you with open arms. That's just how the calisthenics crowd rolls.

Here's a wild idea if you prefer none above: use social media for good.

Connect with other calisthenics fans (like our Yellow Dude page). Share your progress pics. Bond over discovering muscles you never knew existed. It's like show and tell, but with more sweat.

There are more ways. But these four are enough to start. Master them first. Then explore the rest.

More perks beyond longevity

Calisthenics isn't just about adding years to your life. It's about making those years count. Let's dive into how this simple workout can level up your daily living.

• Strength. Build functional muscle using just your body weight. It's strength for real life, like effortlessly carrying groceries or lifting your kids.
• Flexibility. Improve range of motion and mobility. It's about moving through life with ease, reducing injury risk, and maintaining independence as you age.
• Convenience. Your body is your gym. No excuses about closed gyms or waiting for equipment. Your workout is always available.
• Balance. Enhance coordination and body control. It's about stability in life, preventing falls, and moving with confidence.
• Cost-effective. Save on gym fees and invest in yourself. Every dollar saved can go towards healthier food or life experiences.

Final thought

Any form of regular exercise can help you live longer. Calisthenics is a convenient, effective option that doesn't require a gym membership or fancy equipment.

However, it's important to note that this was an observational study, so we can't say for certain if these activities directly cause increased longevity or if other factors are involved.

What we can say is that being active in sports, especially those that are enjoyable and social, seems to be linked to a longer life.

So why not give calisthenics a try? Your future self (potentially 3.1 years older) might thank you - and you might have fun along the way.