FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Calisthenics?

Calisthenics comprises of physical movement, strength and gymnastic type exercises. It has elements of practicality and versatility for everyone, facilitating strength, coordination and agility for athletes, yet accessible to children and non athletes for proprioceptive development. Proprioception refers to the body's ability to sense movement in the joints so we know where our limbs are in space without having to look. It is important in everyday movements but especially in sports, where precise coordination is essential. [link to book on Amazon]

Is Calisthenics suitable for children?

Yes. We have a range of after-school programmes, all of which have been designed by Bar Monkey's founder, Jamie Geraghty. Jamie is qualified in SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness®), Fundamental Movement and Functional Movement Screening. He is one of Ireland’s leading Calisthenics coaches and is the current holder of the International Calisthenics Cup at RoyalBarzz. Previously and for over eight years he has worked as a PE teacher in Scoil Cholmcille, and has been involved in coaching a variety of different sports in particular, football and swimming. He spent time in China with the Shaolin Monks learning the art of Kung-Fu.

What are the benefits of practising Calisthenics?

Children will build a range of gross motor and coordination skills, assisting in developing a good sense of body awareness. Calisthenics improves a child's physical activity, concentration and helps them to stay fit and healthy. At Bar Monkey children have fun, meet new friends, and learn social skills like listening, following directions, taking turns, and respecting others.

Where are classes held?

Bar Monkey Calisthenics currently has 3 locations, Ballybrack (South Co. Dublin) Greystones (Co. Wicklow) and Tuam (Co. Galway). The majority of our classes are held in Scoil Cholmcille, Ballybrack. Please see here [timetable link] for more information. We also have a junior class on Fridays in Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath,  Greystones, Co. Wicklow and another junior class in  Coral Leisure Tuam, Co. Galway.

What age can my child start?

We have a range of programmes, starting with classes for children from 4 years of age. Click here for a description of each of the classes. [have a page with a short summary of each of the classes - see  short summaries at end of this doc.]

Can I do a trial (free) class?

Please contact us to enquire about a trial class. Many of our programmes have full enrolment (so we are unable to accept new members) but we operate an ‘Athlete Development Pathway”, so as children move into new skill groups places in the entry level classes are freed up. We also arrange workshops and events throughout the year. Keep an eye on our blog or sign up for our email notifications.

I'm an adult, can I try Calisthenics?

Yes. We run an adult class, please contact us for more information.

How long is the class?

All classes are of 1 hour duration.

How do I select a class?

Our Class page lists and describes each of our classes. Scroll down to view the application form and it will show the places we have currently available. Entry to certain classes, e.g. Competition group, is for those athletes who have moved through our ‘Athlete Development Pathway’ programme. Please contact us for more information.

How do I pay for the class?

We operate an online payment system which is a subscription Membership. Once you have selected your class, fill in the online form By completing this form you are signing up to our subscription service and membership fees will be deducted from your account by Bar Monkey every thirty days.

Is it a dangerous sport/can I expect injuries?

Calisthenics helps to build muscular strength and endurance, as well as improving bone and joint strength, which aids in preventing injuries. All classes are supervised by qualified coaches and children must listen to and respect the decision of the coaches.

Are your coaches qualified in First Aid?

A number of our coaches are qualified in First Aid.

Are your coaches Garda Vetted?

The wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is paramount. All our coaches over 18 years are Garda Vetted, and undergo safeguarding awareness training as required by Irish legislation (Children First Act 2015).

Do I need to buy any special equipment or apparel?

Calisthenics is a combination of resistance exercises that involves the use of your body weight. These exercises can be done anywhere with no equipment, however in Bar Monkey we teach movements and routines on equipment such as pull up bars, parallel bars and on the floor.

What do you wear or bring to the class?

Comfortable sports clothing and training shoes.  We encourage children to drink  plenty of water so be sure to bring some!

Can I watch my child do the class?

Sure, if you want to stay we’re ok with that.

Programme/Class Descriptions

FUNdamentals

A programme designed for children ages 4-6 to begin work on fundamental, natural movements, with an emphasis on having fun. Improve children’s mobility and basic movement patterns and gross motor skills, in order to help them develop and become more efficient at movement. Develop a healthy attitude towards exercise for children by encouraging them to take part and ensuring that the sessions are fun and enjoyable for them in a safe and controlled environment. This class helps young children to move well without restrictions to better enable them for sport and physical activity in general.

Junior Calisthenics

The Children's 7-10 years old Programme is a recreational class that begins the process of specific Calisthenic movements. This class aims to be fun and enjoyable for all who attend, in a safe and controlled environment. With each class working on all aspects of Calisthenics, including, Pull-Up Bar, Parallel Bars and Floor, each child is given the opportunity to develop skills suited to their own level, in a friendly environment designed to help them improve their physical and social skills. Children are encouraged to try new moves at their own pace under the guidance of their coaches.

Teen Programme

The 11-14 years old Programme is designed specifically for this age group to help them to develop their Calisthenics ability.

Focusing on developing movement and improving physical abilities, with an added element to help to, increase confidence, meet new people of a similar age and make new friends and develop a healthy attitude towards exercise and self-care.

Bar Monkey is committed to showing teenagers that this type of exercise can help to bring out positive aspects of their personality and help them to express themselves more.

Mobility

This form of training helps children with a range of abilities to develop strength and body control under the supervision of qualified coaches, meaning they are in a safe environment. Our Monkey Mobility Programme is a Sport Specific Programme designed to improve the mobility and movement patterns of athletes outside of Calisthenics. Mainly for ages 10-14, we work on specific movements relevant to each participants specific sport in order to improve their performance.

Competition (Advanced)

This group is specifically designed for the children that are ready for competitions, to help them develop their own style and movements that suit their specific skills. This class encourages creativity with the children allowing their own routines and forms of movement. Borrowing from philosophy of Bruce Lee that 'one is limited when trying to work within a certain style or set of rules', we help the children develop their own movements that suit the individual and their skill sets. The coaches work on developing and perfecting routines across the range of apparatus.