4.02.2007
The Many Faces of Bodyweight Training
One of the reasons I created my new bodyweight training site was because there are so many different and interesting ways to apply bodyweight training into a workout program.
I think that everyone will benefit in knowing about them and then applying any techniques which many prove valuable.
The style that most people are familiar with is bodyweight calisthenics which include various kinds of pushups, pull-ups, situps squats and more.
Bodyweight calisthenics can supplement a workout or, if you do them right, can be a workout all by themselves. I personally like to combine bodyweight calisthenics with weight training as I find that the two compliment each other very well.
And yes, in case you're wondering, most of the same workout 'rules' as far as how to get stronger apply to bodyweight training which should ideally eliminate a lot of confusion.
Now, beyond the calisthenics, 'bodyweight training' can also refer to:
1. Flexibility work
2. Breathing Exercises
3. Yoga
4. Muscle Control
5. Tai Chi
6. Metabolic conditioning workouts
7. Isometrics
8. dynamic self resistance
9. Partner Workouts
10. Gymnastics
11. 'Internal' power (Chi) development
12. Wrestling
13. Ribcage expansion and chest development
14. Military Training
15. Balance and Footwork
And that's off the top of my head. Im sure we will think of many more as time goes on and each one of them will be covered in detail.
Now, one thing that I think also should be cleared up is that you can get a tremendous workout with nothing more than your own bodyweight by there can be certain bodyweight oriented apparati that will enable certain advantages that cant be had any other way.
Im talking about things like climbing ropes, climbing ladders, pullup and/or
dip bars, pushup handles, parallettes, jump ropes, the peg board and more. You can certainly be able to train without any of this, but these pieces of equipment can not only keep your workouts fresh but provide an incredible personal challenge to see just how far you can take it. We have more on the way yet so keep an eye out for those.
In addition to the exercises and training methods we are also going to be looking at some of the ways that these ideas were actually implemented.
For example, did you know that many of the medical practitioners of Ancient Greece wrote extensively of the benefits of wrestling and rope climbing?
Or that the Roman emperor Constantine the Great is thought to have 'invented' pushups as a means for his legionaires to build strength for battle?
Then of course there is the long and facinating history of Indian Physical culture which we have not even scratched the surface of.
All of these topics and more will be covered and it is going to be an exciting ride for anyone with an interest in physical training.
Train hard,
John Wood
P.S. The biggest surprise of the new website has been the incredible interest in
Brad Johnsons outstanding new training book. See it for yourself right here.
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I think that everyone will benefit in knowing about them and then applying any techniques which many prove valuable.
The style that most people are familiar with is bodyweight calisthenics which include various kinds of pushups, pull-ups, situps squats and more.
Bodyweight calisthenics can supplement a workout or, if you do them right, can be a workout all by themselves. I personally like to combine bodyweight calisthenics with weight training as I find that the two compliment each other very well.
And yes, in case you're wondering, most of the same workout 'rules' as far as how to get stronger apply to bodyweight training which should ideally eliminate a lot of confusion.
Now, beyond the calisthenics, 'bodyweight training' can also refer to:
1. Flexibility work
2. Breathing Exercises
3. Yoga
4. Muscle Control
5. Tai Chi
6. Metabolic conditioning workouts
7. Isometrics
8. dynamic self resistance
9. Partner Workouts
10. Gymnastics
11. 'Internal' power (Chi) development
12. Wrestling
13. Ribcage expansion and chest development
14. Military Training
15. Balance and Footwork
And that's off the top of my head. Im sure we will think of many more as time goes on and each one of them will be covered in detail.
Now, one thing that I think also should be cleared up is that you can get a tremendous workout with nothing more than your own bodyweight by there can be certain bodyweight oriented apparati that will enable certain advantages that cant be had any other way.
Im talking about things like climbing ropes, climbing ladders, pullup and/or
dip bars, pushup handles, parallettes, jump ropes, the peg board and more. You can certainly be able to train without any of this, but these pieces of equipment can not only keep your workouts fresh but provide an incredible personal challenge to see just how far you can take it. We have more on the way yet so keep an eye out for those.
In addition to the exercises and training methods we are also going to be looking at some of the ways that these ideas were actually implemented.
For example, did you know that many of the medical practitioners of Ancient Greece wrote extensively of the benefits of wrestling and rope climbing?
Or that the Roman emperor Constantine the Great is thought to have 'invented' pushups as a means for his legionaires to build strength for battle?
Then of course there is the long and facinating history of Indian Physical culture which we have not even scratched the surface of.
All of these topics and more will be covered and it is going to be an exciting ride for anyone with an interest in physical training.
Train hard,
John Wood
P.S. The biggest surprise of the new website has been the incredible interest in
Brad Johnsons outstanding new training book. See it for yourself right here.
Labels: Bodyweight Training, Pegboard, Training History, Training Ideas
