Question Regarding Convict Conditioning

[jkd83]

Hi folks

im just looking for some advice regards bodyweight training and its effectiveness, i am looking to improve my strenght and overall conditioning to aid the martial art that i do.

i have done weights at the gym and did notice some gains in muscle and strength but i find weightlifting boring and and hate going the gym filled with guys one step away from 'roid rage'.

wanted to give bodyweight training a go as i can do it from home and its more cost effective, i have been looking at a book called convict conditioning which shows a series of progressions for 6 main bodyweight exercises with the aim of being able do things like one arm pushup/pullup etc.

Is anyone familiar with this text or used any of the exercises?

Also does anyone have any tips on a good place to start with bodyweight training? and can bodyweight training be as effective as weight training for strength and muscle gain? everyone seems to pin alot on the barbell for strength

Thanks to anyone who can help, much appreciated

[Brian Li]

I don't have Convict Conditioning, but I heard there are some good progressions and structuring in that book.

I don't know your current strength levels and how conditioned you are from your previous weight training, but if your a new beginner you should start out with basic calisthenic exercises like push-ups, dips, pull-ups, squats, planks, bridges, etc. You can definitely build a lot of strength and mass from bodyweight exercises and low leverage gymnastics exercises require and build super strong connective tissues, an area where traditional barbell exercises do not address well enough and IMO manipulating your body through space in advanced bodyweight exercises are way cooler than manipulating an external weight though space.

[jkd83]

thanks for the reply, I wanted to give bodyweight training a go as I thought it would be more useful in gaining more functional strength and power for my martial arts and there aren't many occasions where I have the need to lift a barbell over my head in everyday things lol.

I've started the convict conditioning exercises and but feel the starting exercises are too easy - shoulder stand squats press ups against the wall, vertical pullups and knee tucks - but didn't want jump the gun and try and get too cocky.

I don't think I'm particularly weak but not majorly strong - I think a bridge or handstand pushup would end in tears if I tried it now.