How To Start Calisthenics: My Beginner’s Guide!

I'm so happy to see that Calisthenics – the art of using your own body weight for resistance training – has exploded in popularity. With its accessibility and effectiveness in building strength, improving flexibility, and sculpting a phenomenal physique, it's no wonder.

But for beginners, where do you even begin? This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently embark on your calisthenics journey.

The "Big 5": Building Your Foundation for Bodyweight Mastery

Our focus will be on mastering five foundational movements, often referred to as the "Big 5": pull-ups, push-ups, dips, squats, and core exercises. These essential movements work major muscle groups, laying a solid groundwork for all your future calisthenics endeavors.

1. Pull-Ups: The King of Upper Body Pulling
Pull-ups are the quintessential upper body calisthenics exercise, working your back, biceps, and forearms. However, mastering the pull-up...

Simple Strategies to Build Endurance and Run Faster!

Running is a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, and build endurance.

But for many beginners, the initial hurdle isn't just about motivation – it's about overcoming physical limitations, especially in the lower body.

While running itself strengthens your legs over time, having a solid foundation of strength and proper breathing techniques are crucial for pushing beyond those first few laps.

The Power of Strong Legs:

A weak lower body can definitely hinder your running performance. Calisthenics training, utilizing your bodyweight for resistance, offers a convenient and accessible way to build leg strength essential for running. Exercises like squats, lunges, calf raises, and jumping variations can target different muscle groups in your legs, improving overall power and stability.

But Strength Isn't Everything:

Strong legs are a key ingredient, but endurance goes beyond pure muscle. Your ability to eff...

Stand Tall with Confidence: Transform Your Posture in 12 Weeks!

I'm excited to announce the launch of my brand new 14-Day Stand Tall with Confidence Posture Program!

This program is designed to be a game-changer for anyone looking to ditch the slouch and embrace a strong, pain-free posture.

The Power of Good Posture:

Poor posture is a major issue in today's world – hunched backs from hours at desks, rounded shoulders from looking down at phones – it all adds up. But the consequences go beyond aesthetics. Chronic pain, decreased mobility, and even hindered breathing can all be linked to poor posture.

This program is your chance to break the cycle.

Targeted Training for a Powerful You:

The Stand Tall with Confidence program takes a holistic approach, combining targeted calisthenics workouts with posture-mobility training exercises. This two-pronged attack addresses the root causes of poor posture while building strength and flexibility.

Here's what you'll experience:

• Improved ...

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 exerciser...

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 healthy
...

Building an Athlete: How Calisthenics Training Transformed My Youngest Client!

Have you ever witnessed someone completely transform their physical abilities?

Today, I want to share the inspiring story of my youngest client, a testament to the power of calisthenics training for people of all ages.

This calisthenics before and after video speaks for itself!

It all began when I started training his father. One day, his dad mentioned his son's desire to learn parkour. However, at the time, this young boy fell within the 10th percentile for weight in the US. While some might see limitations, I saw potential. I suggested the boy join our sessions, proposing a family training approach. That's how, at the young age of seven, he embarked on his calisthenics journey.

Building a Strong Foundation: The Power of Calisthenics for Kids

Calisthenics training, utilizing bodyweight exercises for resistance, is an excellent way for children to develop strength, coordination, and mobility.

It's a s...

Back bending will tremendously improve your overall fitness and posture.

Practicing it regularly will make your body stronger.

Here is how to get started if you haven’t done it before.

1- Wall Standing Bridge:

• Stand about one arm length away from a wall, feet a bit wider than shoulder width.
• Brace your core and lift your arms over head.
• Reach out to the wall behind you with one arm first, then once one arm is on the wall, bring the second arm to the wall as well.
• Make sure to flex your knees forward a bit as lean back and apply pressure through your lower body (feet, quads, adductors, hamstrings and glutes) to support the hold.
• Hold for 10-20 seconds and repeat for 3-5 sets.

2- Ladder step down

• Use a vertical ladder at your gym or park to progress step by step just like I am doing in the video.
• Start at a comfortable height and make your way down step by step.
• Step on your toes to ease the range of motion as you are getting lower.Push your glutes up and open your rib
...

A Beginner's Guide to Running Longer

Are you tired of feeling winded after a short jog?

Do visions of long-distance runs fill you with dread, not excitement?

Well, even if you weren't born with a runner's physique, you can absolutely train yourself to get better at it!

This guide, specifically designed for beginners, will give you a strategic approach to improve your running endurance and unlock sustainable running.

Through dedication and a smart training plan, anyone can develop the ability to run farther and faster.

This article will detail a beginner-friendly protocol that will have you transforming your running skills in no time!

Building Your Base: The Pyramid Protocol

This program utilizes the "pyramid workout" structure, a strategic approach that eases you into running and gradually increases intensity. Imagine the workout as a pyramid shape – you'll start slow and gradually build up your pace before slowing down again.

Here's a breakdown of the pyramid protocol:

Phase...

How to Start Calisthenics: 8 Steps Beginner Ab Workout

Calisthenics, using your own bodyweight for resistance, is a fantastic way to build core strength and improve overall fitness.

It's accessible, requires minimal equipment, and offers a wide range of exercises targeting different muscle groups.

When it comes to calisthenics, a strong core is essential.

This blog post will guide you through eight beginner-friendly ab exercises, helping you build a solid foundation for a sculpted midsection.

Why Core Strength Matters

Your core, encompassing your abdominal muscles, lower back, and hips, is the powerhouse of your body. It provides stability during movement, protects your spine, and improves posture. A strong core translates to better performance in all aspects of exercise, from resistance training to running. Additionally, a strong core can help alleviate back pain and improve overall balance.

Unlocking Your Lower Abs: The Power of Knee Raises

Knee raises are a fundamental calis...

How To Start Calisthenics: Your 5-Step Guide to Mastering Dips.

Dips are essential calisthenics upper body exercises.

They sculpt powerful triceps, engage your chest and shoulders, and build impressive upper body strength.

But mastering dips requires dedication, proper progression, and a solid foundation in bodyweight training.

This guide outlines a 5-step calisthenics progression specifically designed to propel you towards achieving full dips. It utilizes readily available equipment and focuses on progressive overload, gradually increasing the difficulty as you gain strength.

Remember, consistency is key!

Aim for 3 sessions per week minimum with rest days in between to allow your muscles to recover and rebuild stronger.

Step 1: Building the Base with Box Dips

Box dips are your gateway to achieving full dips. Find a sturdy bench or chair that allows you to comfortably lower yourself until your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle.

Here's how to perform box dips

• Sit on the e
...