Bodyweight Calisthenics

[cymry]

IMHO, they are an effective substitute to weights.

[Tibby]

Yeah they are good, but NO, Calisthenics are not an effective substitute to weights.

[1ONEfighting]

Since I started on a bodyweight and plyometric routine, I have had more gains in strength, speed and endurance than I ever did lifting weights, and many nagging injuries have completely gone away.

 

Got a bad back? Work on bridging. Free squats are MUCH easier on the knees than weights. Do 100 free squats a day, and let us know if your kicks seem faster AND more powerful.

 

Bodyweight calisthenics bring functional strength that is easily applied to martial arts.

[Neil]

Same here. I still can't explain why but I'v done about 3 years of weightlifting, and after my first bodyweight calisthenics routine I felt much stronger, and explosive like I had springs in my legs. However you should not neglect weights. I have found that bodyweight calisthenics is better for building strengh, endurance, power etc but you need weights to co-ordinate the body such as using dumbells to punch with, and using chshi aand barbells to co-ordinate throws etc. You need to put movement patterns under pressure to know how to co-odinate the body, you need weight for this.

 

But yes, anyone who sais bodyweight exercises are a waste of time has not PHYSICALLY done it, that is for sure.

 

Neil

[shotochem]

Since I started on a bodyweight and plyometric routine, I have had more gains in strength, speed and endurance than I ever did lifting weights, and many nagging injuries have completely gone away.

 

Bodyweight calisthenics bring functional strength that is easily applied to martial arts.

 

Same experience here.

 

The only difference is that Im not as strong physically as before when I had more muscle bulk. I find that now Im more toned and am much quicker than I was before. The back and knees are feeling 10yrs younger too!!!

[1ONEfighting]

"The only difference is that Im not as strong physically as before when I had more muscle bulk."

 

Is this good or bad in regards to your situation?

[daeinwolf]

I must say that even though I believe that weight training is a wonderful way to gain mass along with strength, I still firmly advocate the use of calisthenics.

 

I find that doing 300 body weight squats, 300 calf raises, and then hold the horse stance for 3-5 minutes can really give you some leg strength.

 

Pushups are still a major part of my exercise regime. And most definately pullups. I have found pullups to be one of the most wonderful exercises ever. You can work SO much of your upper body just by changing hand positions. If you really want some fun, do a standard palm-facing you pullup. Once you are all the way up, release one hand while maintaing the position and punch outwards slowly. Then lower yourself with both arms. I have noticed remarkable strength gains doing this.

 

SiK---Joshua

[WhiteBelt]

I'm with Tibby on this. Tried the hundreds of hindu squats and it took forever to get anywhere. Doesn't even compare to doing squats with more than your bodyweight on your shoulders... Hey it takes less time too.

[shotochem]

"The only difference is that Im not as strong physically as before when I had more muscle bulk."

 

Is this good or bad in regards to your situation?

 

Good!!! Ive dropped over 50lbs!!! I just cant lift as much weight as before. I even hit harder now than before.