You don't need weights to build strength—just this beginner calisthenics workout

Man performing push-up in his living room.

While calisthenics has existed for centuries, the low-impact workout has rarely gone out of style. "It originates from ancient Greece during the Spartan era and is typically referred to as 'beautiful strength through body control'," says certified trainer Lewis Paris.

Unlike other types of strength training which use free weights to add resistance, calisthenics workouts typically use compound exercises that use your bodyweight as resistance. While you may have watched impressive feats of strength and control on YouTube, beginners can start with familiar exercises like squats, planks, lunges, leg lifts, pull-ups and burpees.