Bodyweight Exercises Vs. Weight Training

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tina! on November 24, 2008 at 10:40pm

I mix up my weekly routine from month to month...however, mostly weights with some bodyweight exercises (hanging leg raises, dips, ab-work, etc).

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Andrew Reid on January 13, 2009 at 3:35pm

Does anyone have a good bodyweight exercise resources? I remember many years ago seeing a really good bodyweight workout but I haven't come across anything like it since.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Paddy on January 26, 2009 at 7:17pm

http://www.dragondoor.com/
http://www.crossfit.com/
These exercises are pretty solid http://www.beastskills.com/tutorials.htm
http://www.ringtraining.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Aggressive-Health-Reclaim-Energy-Charge/dp/09... is where I first read about body weight exercises. Mike has some videos of his workouts online:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=S5cU0ath3fA&feature=channel_page
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=y5fCCg93wLg&feature=channel
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LK9J1XLl4mU&feature=channel


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/ref=ntt_athr_dp... may be of help to you too also. Ive read the naked warrior by Pavel which talks about one arm pushups and one legged squats, its an okay book, you can get most of the stuff he discussed for free online.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dave on April 16, 2009 at 3:16pm

Matt Furey ck him out just punch his name on any search engine

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by elliott on January 23, 2009 at 8:00pm

Bodyweight by FAR. I used to be hardcore into bodybuilding and once I started doing bodyweight exercises, everything changed. Also it also depends on what kind of bodybuilding methods you follow (low-rep/high-rep/train to failure,etc..).

Personally, I will never lift another heavy weight and will stick with functional bodyweight exercise. Included in a circuit routine, it's super fun!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by elliott on January 23, 2009 at 9:06pm

1) In general, bodybuilding with heavy weights will make you stiff. Of course this isn't the case for everyone, but a large number of people will become stiff (assuming they do not stretch a lot regularly).

2) bodybuilding with heavy weights does little to provide functional strength. It's one thing to press a weight laying on a bench, it's a complete other story to move and have explosive power.

3) True strength comes from knowing how to use one's body, their hips/legs. Single exercises do not work the body as a whole.

If you like lifting weights, go for it. If you want to be 'well rounded' i'd suggest a combination of things. Lots of running, stretching, circuits, bodyweight exercises.

Just my 2 cents.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Andrew Reid on February 15, 2009 at 6:18pm

Those are great replies and links - thanks.

I have started reading the Pavel books and think some of the bodyweight routines/displays seen on Youtube are quite motivational. One of the female members of GITMR has an impressive push up display.

I don't think I will ever go back to lifting weights. I want to be able to use my strength - it has be be functional. I think I need some new flexibility to use my new functional strength too.

I like the kettlebells as they let you train a lot of your body in one go. I can't think why I ever used to train with isolation moves.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Andrew Reid on February 16, 2009 at 4:56pm

Here is the link to Coach Tara - awesome!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI-ng1SV2Ug

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dave on April 16, 2009 at 2:57pm

Look up Mat Furey He is big into body weight exercises see what he has to say A good site to ck out in my opinion. I have tried some of his stuff and seems to work. Combat abs and combat Conditioning. a good read and some good exersises.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Robert Martin on May 22, 2009 at 6:44pm

I've been doing bodyweight for decades. I created a system out of necessity while doing concert tours all over the world, and having nothing available except me and my hotel room. I posted a series of 10 videos on my blog that give a basic outline of my program here:

http://lookgreatnakedatanyage.wordpress.com

Go to the archives for March and April to see the videos. I haven't set foot in a gym in years, I never jog and I don't lift weights. I'll be 61 in June and I'm still kicking serious butt! Enjoy the videos (but take the nutrition video with a grain of salt, it's for omnivores.)

Make it a great day.

Robert

▶ Reply to This