In short: Bodyweight training is the oldest, most natural, and most versatile form of exercise – and it works at any age, at any level, and in any location. You don't need a gym or expensive machines. But the right equipment makes the difference between basic floor exercises and a true full-body training system. Here, we show you which tools are worth it and why.

Why bodyweight training works for every age

Your own body weight is the most honest resistance there is. You cannot overload yourself, you don't need a spotter, and the load adjusts automatically: those who weigh less move less weight. Those who weigh more train harder. Children naturally climb and swing. Adults build strength, balance, and coordination. And older people maintain mobility, grip strength, and the ability to manage everyday life independently.

You control the difficulty not through weight plates, but through angles, leverage, and instability. An inclined row while standing is gentle enough for a 65-year-old beginner – the same row in a flat position challenges even a fit 25-year-old. This is precisely why bodyweight training is the only form of exercise that truly works across all ages.

The equipment: What you really need

In theory, bodyweight training works without anything at all – but with the right equipment, you unlock significantly more exercises, greater progression, and joint-friendly movements. Here are the most important tools and what they offer you:

Gymnastic rings – the heart of the system

If you were allowed to buy only one piece of training equipment, it would be gymnastic rings. Pull-ups, dips, rows, push-ups, L-sits, muscle-ups – over 50 exercises on a piece of gear that fits into any backpack. The decisive advantage over fixed bars: rings hang freely and rotate with your joints. This makes every movement easier on the shoulders and wrists while simultaneously activating more stabilizers.

Wooden rings provide a warmer, grippier feel than plastic and absorb sweat better. Our beechwood gymnastic rings are available in three grip diameters: 28 mm (FIG competition standard), 30 mm (all-rounder), and 32 mm (targeted grip strength training). Children also get along well with our rings: hung low, they are ideal for hanging, swinging, and first gymnastic exercises – smaller hands are best suited to the slender 28 mm rings. This way, the same pair of rings grows with you and accompanies the whole family.

Parallettes – Push, Press, Balance

Parallettes are low bars on which you can train push-ups, L-sits, handstand exercises, and planches. They raise your hands off the floor, which has two advantages: your wrists stay in a neutral position (instead of overextended like with floor push-ups), and you gain range of motion for more intensive exercises.

We offer three sizes: Parallettes for compact training and travel, Large Parallettes for more exercise variety and handstand work, and Parallettes Pro for maximum stability during challenging skills.

Hangboard – Targeted grip strength development

A hangboard is a bar with grips of various depths that you hang from. Sounds simple – but it is one of the most effective tools for grip strength, finger strength, and shoulder stability. Indispensable for climbers, but also for anyone wanting stronger forearms and a firmer grip. And grip strength is one of the strongest markers for longevity.

Handstand blocks – Learn and perfect the handstand

Those wanting to learn or improve their free-standing handstand will benefit from handstand blocks. They offer an elevated, stable grip that relieves your wrists and gives you more control over your balance. A real help, especially for longer holds and handstand variations.

Grip strength tools – Fingers, forearms, prevention

Targeted grip work rounds out your training:

• Grip balls – Spherical handles for an open grip. Hang from a bar or rings and build massive forearm strength.
• Pinchblock Pro and Pinchblock – Train the pinch grip (thumb against fingers), a type of grip used constantly in everyday life.
• Finger donut – Trains the finger extensors, the antagonists to the gripping muscles. Important for balance and injury prevention.
• Single-arm trainer – For advanced users: isolates one arm and demands maximum grip strength.
• Triangle grips – Versatile grip shape for varied pulling training.

Accessories for a better hold

For sweaty hands or intensive hangboard sessions, finger tape, chalk balls, and liquid chalk from AustriAlpin help ensure your grip holds even during those final repetitions.

Installation: Two points are enough

Most equipment hangs from the ceiling or a bar. Our stainless steel ceiling mount is installed in a few minutes and securely supports rings, hangboards, or grip tools at two anchor points. If you are on the go, simply hang the rings from a tree branch, beam, or door frame.

From young to old: Who benefits and how?

• Children (3+) – Swinging, hanging, and gymnastics on rings. Playfully develop strength, coordination, and body awareness.
• Teens & Adults – Full strength training: pull-ups, dips, handstands, muscle-ups. Progressive overload without weights.
• 50+ – Gentle entry via inclined rows and dead hangs. Joint-friendly strength and balance training against muscle loss (sarcopenia) and for fall prevention.

Ready-made routines for beginners – at any level – can be found in our training plans. All equipment is made from sustainable beechwood, handcrafted in Vienna, and can be found in our Calisthenics collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need as a beginner?
A pair of gymnastic rings and a ceiling mount. With those, you cover the entire upper body. Parallettes are the ideal supplement for push exercises and handstand work.

Is bodyweight training also suitable for older people?
Yes – especially for older people. The difficulty is infinitely adjustable, and the free rotation of the rings is easy on the joints. Anyone who can stand and hold onto something can train on rings.

Can I also train my legs?
To a limited extent. Rings and parallettes are primarily upper-body tools. For your legs, combine them with squats, lunges, and pistol squats – all exercises that only require your body weight. How much space do I need?
About 1.5 × 2 meters. Parallettes stand on the floor, rings hang from the ceiling – and can be taken down in seconds.