Leg work

Hello all-

I'm new to gymnastics training and have a question. I just ordered BtGB and a set of rings. I'm going home this weekend, and wondered if it'll be advisable to bring home my weight bar for dead lifts. Traditionally I've done KB swings and DL for lower body conditioning; do the GB exercises cover the lower body or should I plan to incorporate some of these movements in as well?

Also, will I be able to perform the key movements with only the rings, a pull-up bar, and a set of basic homemade paralellettes.

In case it's pertinent, my primary goal is strength and body control, followed by conditioning, and finally muscle growth/physique developement.

Thank you for your suggestions.

-Steve Sisk

Welcome Steve

Steve Sisk said:

do the GB exercises cover the lower body or should I plan to incorporate some of these movements in as well?

If you browse the WODs (http://www.gymnasticbodies.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=12) you will see that lower body work is incorporated. The WODs are well thought out and will give you excellent training with enough rest.

However you will not find Deadlifts among them, but that does not mean that you can't do them on your own.

If your goal is to add 50 lbs to your DL then you probably should do some DLs

Personally I do the GB WODs here plus CrossFit WODs.

For example whenever a WOD says sprints, I do Burpees, Double Unders or Kettlebell swings to get the heart pumping.

Steve Sisk said:

Also, will I be able to perform the key movements with only the rings, a pull-up bar, and a set of basic homemade paralellettes.

Yes, those are the key tools and they will keep you busy.

Later on you will probably want to add some other tools ( like a thick rope or a gymnastic ball for ghd sit-ups or archeups).

But first of all have fun with your new toys.

Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the info, Greg. I'm looking forward to getting started!

BtGB does cover lower body strength as does the GB WOD when it does max strength or power days.

BtGB also goes over equipment that can be used. One of the things some people have done is make a homemade set of parallel bars so they can work the parallel bar swing and dip movements (which can also used for some of the shoulder series). Some people will hang a pullup bar off the side of a wall to simulate a stall bar or build their own set of stall bars.

For the dynamic (leg) days of the GB WOD, you could substitute KB swings instead of sprints.

You could easily use your weight bar for weighted SingleLegSquats (pistols) or a bunch of other stuff, of course.