Open Chain VS Closed Chain Exercises One of the biggest differences between calisthenics and traditional weightlifting is that calisthenic exercises are ALWAYS closed chain movements. Where as most traditional weightlifting exercises (bench press, flys, shoulder press) are all open chain exercises. Closed chain exercises mean the limbs are fixed and the body is moving through space. Think pushups: the hands and feet are on the floor and your moving your entire body up and down each rep. Whereas