Entire duration of F1-4

[Norbert Marko]

Hello there!


So fear not, this is not another "how can i get to the end fast" topic, just something interesting came to my mind. It is higly probable that it had been asked before, but I cannot find the thread, and I'm relatively new here.
Also, I'm planning to buy the F1+H1 combo in a few days since I got the money, so my question came from some thinking about it.

Here it goes: I know that F1 contains 6 progressions with 12 week cycles. So it should take like 18 good months to finish that. If I multiply that by 4, that is 6 whole years no problem with that at all, but how come that many people here says that you can finish it in a few years (some say 3-4)?
Would it be possible that if you follow the progressions diligently, that you will be able to complete the next progression by the foundation series' standards?

Any toughts on that?


 

[Christian Sørlie]

There are some progressions that will not need a full cycle as there are some that might take more. Really comes down to your personal weaknesses/strengths on how long it will take you.

[Joshua Naterman]

Indeed.

 

It will also depend on what else you have going on in your life: stress, sleep quality/quantity, nutrition and your personal genetic response to exercise will all affect how quickly you move through the progressions.

 

The earlier you start with good nutrition, the faster you will build the muscle that you need to carry you through the later progressions.

[FREDERIC DUPONT]

6 years is a rather optimistic proposition...

 

(...) The earlier you start with good nutrition, the faster you will build the muscle that you need to carry you through the later progressions.

 

Yeah, eat your veggies

[Graham Smith]

The beauty of this program is that it really allows you to identify and focus on your weaknesses.  Some elements for example, I have been able to do with no effort, yet an earlier element may stump me.  for example, without spoilers, I find hollow body holds to be easier than straddle holds.  Straddle holds should be easier on the larger muscles because it allows for de-leveraging, however my larger muscles are plenty strong enough, but the muscles responsible for holding a straddle are not.  So I am happy to spend extra time on (allegedly) easier progressions, in order to correct my weakness prior to continuing.  When I get up to the hollow version of the hold, I would be surprised if I have to work it for 12 weeks. 

 

Due to a weak back, and years of ignoring it with conventional fitness, I have no doubt that I will have to spend at least 6 months if not longer to master SL/PE1 but I suspect that in doing this, I will then be able to progress far more rapidly through the next steps.

 

The 12 week cycles are divided into shorter sub-cycles of progressing difficulty.  There is nothing wrong with starting a particular exercise at a later sub-cycle if that is what you are capable of with perfect form.  The full 12 weeks is a prescription for how to progress if you cannot do the exercise at all to start.  Depending on your rate of progress, you will find yourself needing to repeat some sub-cycles.  Hence, as others have stated here, depending on your previous experience, stress, sleep, time for training, and nutrition, the foundation program will take you more or less time.

[Richard Hamilton]

I'm with Fred on this one... six years is somewhat optimistic!

[Briac Roquet]

I think six years is realistic for someone who has no mobility problems (yet is not quite up to gymnastics standards) and has a bit of experience with bodyweight training. Of course, genetics will still play a role (mainly for recovery, I guess) but I believe if you have what I mentioned and have never been injured, it could go that quickly. 

Then again, maybe some progressions will be major stalemates for everyone, like ABHs, but worse. 

[Coach Sommer]

Good lord, you all sound like a bunch of old women.  Enough moaning and groaning people.  Get to work.  It will take as long as it takes; not a second longer and not a second less.

 

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer

[Norbert Marko]

wow, i did not expected so much and diverse response for my question. Thank you guys, all of you! It is indeed a good community, and treating the newcomers well.

Since I do not have it yet I don't know what is SL/PE1 for example but it will makes sense I hope when it is bought and I'll read your advices on training again.

Really looking forward to train with this community!




 

[Jon Douglas]

Good lord, you all sound like a bunch of old women. Enough moaning and groaning people. Get to work. It will take as long as it takes; not a second longer and not a second less.

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer

I had a feeling that was coming up! Exactly this :-) if you dont get started today then it will take one day longer, won't it?

[Graham Smith]

Sorry for the Acronym Norbert.  I don't want to give away Coach's intellectual property.  SL/PE1 refers to the very first progression for a particular exercise.  Due to my particular weaknesses, I am aware that I will be working on this initial exercise for a significant period of time, but I will be all the stronger for it once mastered.  Even if it takes me 6 months or more, I am progressing at a faster rate through some of the other exercises which does help to keep me motivated.

 

You sound like you have the right attitude to approach this type of training, in diligence and patience.  I have learned through my time with the program, that putting my ego aside and focussing on repeating each element until I have truly mastered it, is doing far better things for my body than any earlier training I have done.

 

good luck and welcome aboard!

[Richard Hamilton]

As mentioned above... just crack on and rinse every element for all it's worth. Don't worry about the timeline... if you put the work in you'll make consistent progress

[Norbert Marko]

I guess you are right, when I read trought the forum topics I read that "you have to learn patience first" at many places, and just now I'm starting to realize that nothing can be closer to the truth, cause if I try to make a shortcut I'll hit a brick wall in the shape of an injury, plateu or somthing else simply because you tried to cheat your own body.


 

[Connor Davies]

I guess you are right, when I read trought the forum topics I read that "you have to learn patience first" at many places, and just now I'm starting to realize that nothing can be closer to the truth, cause if I try to make a shortcut I'll hit a brick wall in the shape of an injury, plateu or somthing else simply because you tried to cheat your own body.

 

I've known about proper progressions and prerequisites and such for some time now, but because I could do harder exercises I didn't think to apply it to myself.  Like "I'm doing ring dips, why do I need to do pushups?" or "I can do a straight leg L sit, why would I do tucked L's"

 

I'm glad I have F1 now to force me to cover all my bases.

[Alessandro Mainente]

the duration is personal very persona. consider that before move to the foundation (that basically cover a great part of BtGB exercises) i did most of the exercises of the book. for some skills i've completed the progression from easier to harder, for other not yet..

and since i've started are passed about 3 years and half. so basically depending also by your starting level of mobility and strength a reasonable time for a beginner is 3-4 years..