From Gymnastics to Calisthenics: Talen’s Training Story

At a glance: Talen looked for a way to keep practising bodyweight skills when gymnastics classes became difficult to afford. His account describes the progressions and flexibility he valued, without establishing a saving or a guaranteed result.

Published by The Movement Athlete.

Talen wanted to keep developing bodyweight strength and skills when regular gymnastics-club training became difficult to afford. He looked for an alternative he could use at home, and found The Movement Athlete.

His account describes what he valued: progressions to follow, skills to work toward, and a way to keep practising outside a gymnastics facility. It is one member’s experience, not a promised result or a price comparison.

A gymnast looking for another way to train

“I also have been a gymnast before. I’ve been interested in gymnastics for a while since I was a kid. Unfortunately, I got into it a little late.”

Talen, in his published member account

“I wish I would have gotten to it a lot sooner, but once I got to the age of 18-19. I wasn’t really able to compete in any gym anymore, unfortunately.”

Talen, in his published member account

Talen’s interest in gymnastics came before his move to calisthenics. He wanted to keep practising even though his competitive options and access to regular classes had changed.

The cost of classes was a barrier

“I couldn’t really afford paying the fees and stuff as a high schooler for $80 to $100 a month just for four classes.”

Talen, in his published member account

“I’m like, wow, this is a lot cheaper than gymnastics.”

Talen, in his published member account

These are Talen’s descriptions of the costs he faced at the time. They do not establish a current membership price, an annual saving, or the costs another person would face.

Looking for structure he could use at home

“So I was looking for an alternative, like an app. I could train that at home and kind of still do the same thing that I was doing at Gymnastics Place. So I looked into apps and I found TMA…”

Talen, in his published member account

“Gymnastics is calisthenics in a way. So I decided to try TMA out, and I was not disappointed at all!”

Talen, in his published member account

Gymnastics and calisthenics share bodyweight movements, but they serve different purposes. Calisthenics can provide a route to strength and skills; it does not replace apparatus-specific practice or live gymnastics coaching.

Progressions gave his practice a direction

“…the whole entire training style of going into the app and being able to choose different skills you want to work on and choose how well you did the skill. I thought that was awesome.”

Talen, in his published member account

“I like the progression of it because if you’re a beginner, like, I was just starting out into it, it can be a little confusing. And TMA kind of had their progressions. I needed to be able not to be afraid to try new skills and utilize them in a way I can use them for other skills.”

Talen, in his published member account

Harder skills become easier to organise when you have manageable variations to practise first. TMA connects current starting points to small progression steps, rather than asking you to repeat an advanced attempt without a route toward it.

What he noticed in his own training

“I immediately got a lot better at my handstand. It was great having progressions leading up to it.”

Talen, in his published member account

“TMA has really kept me up on my game and allowed me to continue to learn new skills.”

Talen, in his published member account

Talen describes improvement in his handstand and continued interest in new skills. His experience does not set a timeline for another person. Skill development depends on starting ability, practice and other individual factors.

Using rings and practising in different places

“I even ordered a pair of gymnastics rings to get back on the rings again. It was great to have TMA be able to implement that with it too because gymnastics is part of calisthenics too, so I love that they have that aspect on there too.”

Talen, in his published member account

“I could just take this anywhere, and I could go back and be able to use that if I wanted to.”

Talen, in his published member account

Talen chose rings for his own practice. Suitable equipment still matters: pulling and ring exercises need a secure bar, rings or another appropriate support. Calisthenics does not mean every movement can be trained with no equipment.

Keeping training in his life during closures

“During quarantine…having TMA there to be still able to train and be sane was great.”

Talen, in his published member account

His reference to quarantine reflects the period when this story was recorded. The useful lesson is having a practical way to continue appropriate training when access to a usual facility changes.

Talen’s recommendation, in his own words

“And what would I tell someone who is on the sales page deciding if they would like to purchase? I would tell them just do it. It’s really worth it honestly, especially if you’re paying high gym membership already.”

Talen, in his published member account

“You won’t be disappointed with the results at all.”🏆

Talen, in his published member account

This is his personal recommendation, not a guarantee of results. The right choice for you depends on the training you want and whether the system fits your circumstances.

Explore the skills mentioned in this story

• Planche guide
• Front-lever guide
• Freestanding-handstand guide
• Ring-dip guide
• Muscle-up training guide
• Pull-up progressions
• Squat variations

What to take from Talen’s story

You can value gymnastics while looking for another way to organise bodyweight practice. Talen valued the route between easier variations and harder skills. A progression path gives you something specific to work toward, with room to build control over time.