Free
Bodyweight strength, one step at a time
Calisthenics gets hard by changing the exercise, not the weight. Liftsmith's bodyweight skill ladders tell you which step you're on and when you've earned the next one.

Ladders for every movement
Each ladder runs from an easy version to a hard one: incline push-ups to one-arm work, assisted squats to pistol squats, negatives to pull-ups. You do 3 sets of 5 to 8, and once you hit 3×8 the next workout moves you up a step. Holds like the plank run 20 to 60 seconds before they step up.
Ladders cover the pull-up, push-up, dip, squat, hinge, row and core. The program is free.
See every step done right
Every exercise has a 3D demo you can turn around, with the working muscles lit, so you can check a push-up or an inverted row from the side before you try it.
- Timed holds count down for you
- Weighted calisthenics: add a belt or vest and log the extra weight
- Mix in rings, a dip station or bands if you have them
Where to begin
Start each ladder where you can do 3 clean sets of 5. Our guide to calisthenics progressions shows the steps from first push-up to pistol squat.
Questions
- Is it good for complete beginners?
- Yes. Every ladder starts with an easy step, like wall or incline push-ups and assisted squats.
- Can I add weight later?
- Yes. Log the extra weight for any bodyweight exercise, and it counts in your stats.
- How often should I train?
- Three or four days a week works well, with each movement trained two or three times.
Read more: calisthenics progressions, strength training with no equipment and pull-up bar exercises.
Get strong anywhere
No gym needed: a plan that moves you up a step whenever you've earned it.
- ✓ Free to start, no account needed
- ✓ Plans every set, rep and weight for you
- ✓ Works offline, on Android, iPhone and the web
- ✓ No ads, ever
More of Liftsmith
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- Gym app for beginnersNew to the gym? Liftsmith tells you what to do each day, how much to lift and how to do each exercise, with 3D demos, warm-ups and starting weights.
- Body and photosLog weight, body fat and tape measurements at nine sites, keep progress photos private on your phone, and get a note if weight or body fat moves the wrong way.