Why Height Matters in Calisthenics But Don’t Let It Stop You!

Calisthenics is often seen as a sport where anyone can succeed if they put in the work.

And, yes, that’s true. But here’s the thing—there are some physical factors that can make your journey a little more challenging.

One of the biggest factors that people don’t talk about enough is height.

The Reality of Being Tall in Calisthenics

Let’s get this out of the way: I’m not a giant, but at 6’1”, 180 pounds, I’m considered tall in the world of calisthenics.

And I’ll be honest with you—being tall comes with its own set of struggles when it comes to bodyweight training.

This isn’t about making excuses or saying taller people can’t excel in calisthenics. It’s about understanding the different challenges our bodies present and learning how to work with them, not against them.

In calisthenics, weight distribution and leverage play a huge role in how we move, and taller bodies tend to face a steeper learning curve.

Handsta...

How the Paris Olympics Can Inspire Your Calisthenics Journey

The Paris Olympics 2024 was a showcase of peak human performance, where athletes pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.

From running a 10k in 25 minutes to hitting bullseyes from 100 yards away, these athletes exemplify what it means to go “all-in.” Their feats aren’t just incredible; they’re a masterclass in discipline, dedication, and the power of the human body. For anyone interested in calisthenics, the Olympics offer endless inspiration to fuel your own fitness journey.

The Power of Going "All-In"

Watching these athletes reminds us that excellence is a skill. The dedication shown by sprinters, swimmers, gymnasts, and archers reveals a common thread: the ability to commit fully to every movement, every practice, and every competition. This “all-in” mindset is just as important in calisthenics. Whether you're learning a new skill like the muscle-up or mastering the basics, your commitment will determine your pro...

Overcoming the Overwhelm: Your First Steps in Calisthenics

Starting a new fitness journey can be intimidating.

There’s a lot of information everywhere, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Let's address some common fears and doubts that beginners often face when starting calisthenics.

Fear of Failure

It's natural to worry about not being able to do the exercises or see results. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Calisthenics is about progression, not perfection. Focus on mastering the basics before moving on to more advanced moves. Celebrate small wins and don't be afraid to modify exercises to suit your fitness level.

Lack of Time

Finding time to exercise can be challenging, especially with busy schedules. However, the beauty of calisthenics is that it's adaptable. You can create quick and effective workouts that fit into your daily routine. Even short bursts of exercise can make a difference. Remember, consistency is key.

Lack of Equipment

One of the bigg...

Beat the Clock: Quick & Effective Calisthenics Workouts

The struggle is real – "I don't have time to workout!"

We've all heard it, maybe even said it ourselves.

But here's the secret: time isn't the enemy, it's how we manage it. We are in charge of our bodies and actively create our schedules, not passively drift through time.

Sure, life can be hectic, but those 10 minutes scrolling through social media could be a quick mobility routine or a few sets of calisthenics exercises. The key is to prioritize daily movement, a cornerstone of healthy habits that keeps you feeling young and energized.

And here's where calisthenics steps in as your key to the "fountain of youth."

This efficient training method relies on building strength, endurance, and speed – all in one.

Enter the magic of "supersets," where you combine strength exercises with minimal rest for a time-crunched but effective workout. Think of it as strength training meets mini-circuit training.

The Busy Days Calisthen...

Age is Just a Number: Why You Can Crush Calisthenics Goals After 40

Have you ever dreamed of mastering a muscle-up? Or maybe achieving a handstand?

You might think these calisthenics skills are reserved for the young and the super-fit, but that's simply not true.

The beauty of calisthenics training lies in its accessibility and ability to transform bodies at any age.

Here is my client Salomon who is turning 45 years old in two weeks. It took him 6 months to learn the muscle up with the Online Calisthenics Program. We have then been working on getting the movement cleaner and cleaner for the last year.

And these are his cleanest muscle ups so far!

Remember that muscle ups are a complex movement and require solid overall strength AND mobility to be performed with proper form.

This article is your inspiration to ditch the age-related excuses and dive headfirst into the world of calisthenics.

We'll explore why calisthenics training is perfect for beginners and experienced exerc...

What Is The Best Body Fat Percentage?

Did you ever ask yourself that question? I have!

The pursuit of a shredded physique often leads to a singular focus: body fat percentage.

Social media bombards us with images of incredibly lean individuals, raising the question – what's the magic number for achieving that look?

The reality, however, is far more nuanced.

Today let’s explore the concept of body fat percentage, debunks common myths, and demonstrates how calisthenics training can be a powerful tool for achieving a healthy and sustainable body composition.

Moving Beyond the Single Number: Embracing Body Fat Brackets

Chasing a specific body fat percentage as the ultimate goal is a common misconception. A more effective approach is targeting a healthy body fat bracket that considers your sex, age, and overall health.

Here's a breakdown:

• Men: Aim for a range between 10-15% body fat. This zone balances aesthetics with optimal athletic performance and well-being.
• Women: A hea
...

How calisthenics changes your body!

Discover Your Inner Strength!

Ever dream of a sculpted physique?

Imagine chiseled abs, rippling muscles, and the agility of a gymnast – all achieved without stepping foot in a gym.

Sounds impossible?

Think again!

Calisthenics training, harnessing your own bodyweight as resistance, unlocks this potential and redefines fitness on your terms.

Let’s dive deep into how calisthenics revolutionizes your body, both inside and out.

Building a Better You: The Strength Revolution
Forget bulky weights and intimidating machines. Calisthenics uses compound exercises, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Pull-ups sculpt back and biceps, while push-ups build chest, shoulders, and triceps. Dips target triceps and chest, while squats and lunges strengthen powerful legs. This holistic approach builds functional strength, translating into everyday activities with ease. Lifting groceries? No sweat. Climbing stairs? A breeze.

Don't Forget the Power of Cardi...

How To Grow Your Brain!{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex (aMCC)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex (aMCC) is a newly studied part of the brain that scientists believe is the source of willpower and the \"will to live.\"" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What action has been shown to make the aMCC grow?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "New research shows that the aMCC grows when a person does something they don't want to do. This applies to any challenging task, not just physical fitness." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the link between the aMCC and obesity?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Studies have found that the aMCC is smaller in obese people. It has been observed to increase in size when they begin to diet and overcome the challenges associated with changing their eati...

The Simple Recipe for Success

There are a few secrets that successful people use to live a healthy and wealthy life, despite the ups and downs, no matter what day it is!

Here are my 3 secrets to keep growing and progressing in 2024!

1. Progressively get rid of bad habits

That means, identifying and being aware of your own flaws, then pro-actively finding and implementing solutions to change them overtime.

For example:

• If you are overeating at night, you can simply re-arrange your schedule around food during the day. That means eating a bigger and more nutritious breakfast, and eating dinner around 6-7pm. It's also important to prioritize fruits (apples, pineapple, berries) for late snacks.
• If you train regularly and are not seeing muscle gains, make sure your training routine is adapted to your goals and focus on getting enough calories and protein through the day.
• If you have bad posture or chronic pain, start doing 3-5 minutes of mobility work daily.   

2. Create or ...

Motivation is the most overrated thing in fitness.

Fake fitness gurus try to push that notion to fitness beginners, when it comes to training.

The problem is: IT DOES NOT WORK.

Motivation is short term. It’s a quick fix for dopamine release to feel good and positive about something for a short period to time.

If you are trying to lose fat for example, you might get motivated because you have a date, a wedding or a beach holiday coming up. But again, these reasons will fade away very quick. And you likely won’t have lasting results.

So instead of looking for perpetual motivation, I recommend you start looking for INSPIRATION instead.

These two words may seem similar but they are very different.

I see inspiration as the long fix for anything. Inspiration is LONG TERM. 

When we are kids, we are inspired by people! Kids want to be astronauts, musicians , or firefighters! These are long term goals that inspire them.

So next time you don’t feel motivated, look for inspiration in...