When we think of secondary school PE, traditional sports like football, netball, and athletics often come to mind. However, there’s a growing case for incorporating calisthenics into the PE curriculum and enhancing school outdoor play provision for teenagers.
But what exactly is calisthenics, and why should a secondary school consider it?
Let’s dive into the benefits, challenges, and opportunities it brings for secondary schools.
What are calisthenics?
Calisthenics is a form of exercise that uses body weight movements to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. Think push-ups, pull-ups, dips, squats, and planks.
While it’s been around for centuries, it has gained recent momentum. Partly thanks to the rise of TikTok and YouTube videos showcasing gravity-defying skills on outdoor gym equipment.
These platforms have made calisthenics workouts a form of art and self-expression, resonating strongly with teens already immersed in social media culture. As we know, movement improves cognitive function and mental health. Not forgetting the possible social interaction benefits, too.
The mental health boost
One of the most significant benefits of calisthenics is its impact on mental health. As schools grapple with rising concerns over anxiety, depression, and stress in teenagers, physical activity- particularly forms that are self-paced and rewarding- is attractive.
Calisthenics can improve self-esteem as students hit personal milestones like mastering a pull-up or increasing their endurance. The repetitive, focused nature of the exercises can also provide a meditative effect, reducing stress and improving mood.
Students with additional needs such as ADHD, dopamine-boosting effects of physical activity can help improve focus. Even improving behaviour in the classroom. Physical activity is known to improve pupil mental health, helping children of all ages to increase their happiness levels.
With 23% of teenagers and young adults describing their mental health as ‘the worst it’s ever been’, schools are in the spotlight when it comes to long-term solutions. It’s why many secondary schools are prioritising their outdoor play spaces in 2025.
Low-cost, high-impact fitness
With the cost-of-living crisis squeezing school budgets and family finances, calisthenics workouts offer an affordable alternative to monthly gym memberships.
Body weight exercises require minimal equipment, and outdoor pull-up bars or dip stations can be installed relatively inexpensively compared to other large-scale sports infrastructure.
Schools love that outdoor gym equipment is low-maintenance and durable, making it a cost-effective long-term solution for schools.
Outside of school, students can continue their calisthenics journey at local park gyms, many offering free outdoor fitness equipment.
Encouraging pupils to explore these spaces not only boosts their activity levels but also fosters a sense of independence and ownership over their fitness journey. It’s a win-win situation- students stay active, and you support your local community.
TikTok inspiration: turning fitness into fun
Let’s face it—getting teenagers excited about exercise can be a challenge. But here’s where TikTok and social media come into play.
Platforms like these are packed with engaging, aspirational content that turns fitness into a trend. Teens see others their age performing impressive calisthenics moves like muscle-ups or handstands and feel inspired to give it a go themselves.
Schools can tap into this enthusiasm by creating safe spaces for students to practice these skills. Turning break times or PE lessons into opportunities for social connection and personal growth.
Boosting teenager’s physical activity levels
The drop in physical activity levels as children move from primary to secondary school is well-documented. Teenagers often become less active due to increased academic pressures, social anxieties, and a lack of suitable opportunities. And with the reduction of movement comes an increase in obesity, health-related problems and mental health challenges.
Calisthenics can provide a flexible and accessible solution. Students don’t need to join a team or compete- they can progress at their own pace and set personal goals, making it an inclusive option for students of all fitness levels.
Addressing school safety and training concerns
Of course, introducing calisthenics into schools isn’t without its challenges. One of the primary concerns is safety.
Some of the more advanced calisthenics moves, like levers or muscle-ups, can pose risks if performed incorrectly. However, as these movements often only use body weight, there is significantly less risk involved than using weighted bars or moveable equipment.
Secondary Schools can seek additional training for PE teachers (and any on break or lunchtime duties) to ensure they can guide students safely. A short assembly on health and safety and reminders to pupils can support pupils in using the equipment safely. The potential risk should not overpower the potential benefits the pupils will gain from increased access to physical activity opportunities.
Schools wanting to enhance their extracurricular sporting offers can run before or after school sessions for pupils (including girls-only sessions).
Getting the advice of an expert would also be beneficial. Hiring a calisthenics trainer or personal trainer with calisthenics experience for an hour a week to run a group session could spark a lifelong healthy lifestyle habit.
Outdoor gym equipment installation disruption and practicalities
Adding calisthenics units to your school’s outdoor space may cause short-term disruption, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Term-time installations are always less disruptive than schools initially think they are, there are many benefits to a term-time installation. Pupil safety is paramount, and with an experienced installation team, your outdoor gym can be up and running in a matter of days.
If your school encourages pupil voice and ownership, your school council or representatives can help choose the equipment best suited to their wants and needs. With the option of inclusive body weight equipment, all pupils can be involved in your latest PE profile raise.
How to improve your outdoor PE provision
- Audit current resources: Assess whether your school’s outdoor spaces are being used to their full potential. Identify areas where calisthenics equipment could fit.
- Engage students: Talk to students about their interests and fitness goals. Chances are, many will already be familiar with calisthenics from social media.
- Collaborate with experts: Partner with companies with trusted testimonials and experience in designing a bespoke outdoor provision for your pupils.
- Provide training: Ensure PE staff and supervisors are confident in guiding students through calisthenics exercises (or just the health and safety associated with new equipment use).
- Promote community links: Encourage students to use local park gyms and integrate these activities into their fitness routines outside of school.
Calisthenics: The future of PE?
Calisthenics has the potential to revolutionise how secondary schools approach physical activity. By embracing this low-cost, high-impact fitness trend, schools can inspire students to stay active, improve their mental health, and build habits that last a lifetime.
With the proper planning and support, calisthenics can move from TikTok screens to secondary school outdoor spaces, proving that fitness doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
Your next steps
Our playground design consultants are the best around. They can design a bespoke outdoor fitness area for your secondary school to fit your pupil need, space available and budget. Including surfacing, playground markings and calisthenic workout equipment, your dedicated project manager allows for a smooth process from concept to completion.
Check out some of our recently completed play space projects for ideas and examples of our work and contact us to discuss your upcoming playground improvement project.
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