I originally got this book off of a recommendation from my friend with no information about it, other than it fit within what I was already doing. I do want to point out that his first planche progression is the frog-stand which is far easier than the tucked planche, 2 progressions later. Overall this hit many aspects of the book accurately. Pros: Lots of information for understanding the How's and Why's different exercises and routines work the way they do. Detailed information for every exercise. Teaches you how to set your fitness goals in a way that is "S-M-A-R-T", thus allowing you to develop a routine / program for yourself. The progression charts are designed to show you where you should be when you are at a certain level. (e. Beginner lvl 3 can do a, b, c... x, y, z exercises if all groups are equally strong) Thus giving someone an idea of what exercises to develop to get to the next level or where to catch up if they're not as strong in a certain area. And many more. Cons: It is a massive amount of information to process. Theory, exercise science, pre-habilitation, goal setting, routine developement, Meso-cycles, etc. Then, you get to the progressions, which is the other half of the book. It is definitely a struggle for beginners, especially for those learning on their own. Coaching goes a long way when starting calisthenics as it can be difficult to find those sweet spots in various exercises alone. Since getting this book, I learned so much that allowed me to progress towards my own goals. My advantage was that I already had some previous strength work and conditioning from other programs. My advise would be, if you want to go full hardcore into calisthenics, but are a beginner, start with the free systems online (like your channel) and develop a foundation. Then, if you want more 'on your own' development, get this book. If / when you get this book, there is a subreddit r/overcominggravity that Steven Low is a moderator. The community is very helpful and he even chimes in with his advise and opinions when people come up with a routine.
That’s a great idea. Honestly what I’m kinda doing. I finally can do push ups! Now that I did free convict conditioning routine for push ups online. But for a full routine for body weight. I’m gonna try getting overcoming gravity and design it myself.
I got this book on a whim in March when Texas started it's quarantine because I felt like I had a basic idea of programming from you and other channels, but not enough to feel 100% confident. As I started reading, I realized that this was exactly the information I needed. I forced myself to read through this as fast as possible so I could implement it into my programming (I had only been strength training since November of last year). My progress has been fantastic, and I feel like I know what to do in so many scenarios now. I had noticed early on that the legs portion was lacking, so after enjoying a couple of mesocycles of pistol squats, I kind of transformed lower body into a traditional weightlifting routine. I was still able to apply the programming principles to set it up, so I would say even if gymnastics aren't 100% your goal, the information is still pretty helpful.
Agree with your assessment of the book. As someone who's only a couple of years into calisthenics (and not religiously, so I'd consider myself beginner+) I found the book overwhelming but also rich in information. I really appreciate gymnastics and wish I could do a lot of that, but like you, I'm more into the fun aspect.
Uderstanding allows for improvisation, imporvisation allows for adaptation, and adapting workout to your specific situation is best way to stick with it. Overcoming Gravity gives you understanding.
Lol exactly! 1 second after i typed it into Google i got a pdf download file. Lmao free 600 pages of info right there! I aint paying 25 euros for that if its free 😆
It's a phenomenal book. The section on generalised strategies for exercise progression helped me break through barriers. There are places where the writing could be clearer and benefited from closer editing. For example, he introduces arrows in exercise notation in one chapter but doesn't explain what that means until the next chapter! A good editor would have caught that. Overall, it shouldn't be your introduction to calesthethis but perhaps your second book.
Surjeet Kandasi Fitness thanks for the recommendation! I'm a fan of Dr. Greger but haven't read any of his books, just articles on NutritionFacts.org. I'll check it out!
Thank you Ryan for your supportive, proactive, and impartial review on "Overcoming Gravity". I appreciate your kudos to everyone for supporting your channel. I am currently waiting to receive my first T-shirt (Push, Pull, Squat, Hinge) I ordered a week ago.....very excited :). Take care....keep them coming. Trev
You definitely hit the nail on the head. Coming from a beginner looking to get into calisthenics that is exactly how the book is. It's heavy on information but like you said, it's good for helping work through injuries, working around them, programming, understanding why you program that way, and what I use it for most, is the extensive breakdowns for movement progressions. Overall, good video and good breakdown! Love your content man. I really appreciate the flow movement videos you have made. Your follow alongs are great and I enjoy them a bunch. Hope to see more in the future if you're feeling it!
I agree for just starting it is a mouthful. It reads like a textbook with tons of great information. This is good for trainers and those looking to become students of this type of workout. I do plan on using my copy for this, but I also feel there are some moves at the beginning I'm simply not ready for. I need to focus more on the initial progressions you offer in your videos so I don't start doing them wrong, get burned (bummed?) out, and most importantly, not injure myself in my overzealousness.
I've always wanted to check out this book. Glad to hear your review on it. I bought the book complete calisthenics before I saw overcoming gravity. It's a good book but wish I would've gotten overcoming gravity instead.
Great video, maybe your next review can be on the book: HOW TO BE A SUPPLE LEOPARD; i"m curious about your take on it. thankyou for your informative videos.
Ever thought about reaching out to Steven and seeing if he'd be willing to do a youtube interview with you? I think that'd make great content. I saw that Antranik did one with him a few years back.
Fully agree with your comments. It’s quite an intense read at times but nevertheless some really useful stuff! I still haven’t got to the exercise progressions after a few months of reading it when I can. I would also highly recommend but it is a little pricey.
Thank you for this review. You say that the book is not going to show a beginner a step-by-step program. What book would you recommend in that regard? As a beginner, I would like the most basic beginnings with step by step progressions to the advanced stuff. Does that exist? Thank you!
If you simply want to get started with a workout program, check out the free Reddit recommended routine which Steven Low contributed to! If you want the full in depth on how that program was designed, how you would customize it, and what principles apply to it, buy the book
when you criticize convict conditioning: lol so dumb a whole category for handstand? when you criticize overcoming gravity: a whole category for handstand wow Pog i've never seen this before *btw all major strength programs include the big 4 which is squat bench deadlift military press, which is exactly the same as handstand, push, pull, legs and core, so i don't understand why you said you've never seen this combination before as it's literally the most popular one
Thanks for the advice I would only, buy because for the programming part. Could you recomend or maybe review a book about how to make a program. Because everything I find in the Internet is: do this plan for this much weeks and not more. Maybe it'a also because my poor googeling skills.
Hey bro!! thanks for the review of the book, now I have an idea of what it is about, now do you recommend other books about calisthenics??? is there any other books out there?? Thank you!!!
Im 40, 180 cm, 105kgs. 19% bf Im a former pro rugby player and have been training since I was 15. I have a lot of muscle and gain and maintain it easy. I can currently deadlift 220kg 1rm, bench 145kg, squat 160, 11 pull ups, and 85kgs on the overhead press. So I have a good strength base. The thing is I want to get smaller. My diet is in check but I really dont want to have that boldybuilder type physique and just want to go back to being more athletic. My question is do you recommend this book, and calesthenics in general, for someone like me. Thanks
Hi Ryan, If i am doing the beginner routine with the 3 workouts per week with push/pull/squat/hinge, how do i implement extra exercises such as negative pull-ups into my routine?
Thank you for your review, I'm training calisthenics for 8 months but I'm doing bad in the progressions and I want to expand my knowledge to learn all the Cali-Skills. Does the book have all the techniques or tips for the skills (Muscle Up, Handstand + Variations, Planche, Front Lever, Back Lever, V-Sit, Manna, Human Flag)? Kind Regards ;)
Hi Ryan, I was going to mention about your t-shirt...I didn't know you had merchandise. Congratulations, very cool and clever designs. Best of luck :) Can I ask you what size are you wearing in the video? And your height? It will be helpful when choosing for my husband...he seems to have your same body. Thanks!
I have it! It’s much shorter and more approachable. Also, more for everyone than just calisthenics athletes. Man... I can’t believe I forgot to mention that book in this video 😞 But yes, I highly recommend it. It might be worth me making a separate video about it.
I'm reading the book and I'm currently on page 111. I'm a beginner to bodyweight training and I totally agree with you that it's a lot of information for a beginner 😅 But all in all it's a great book with a lot of useful informations.👍 I'm also looking/reading thru the book Complete Calisthenics The Ultimate Guide To Bodyweight Exercises by Ashley Kalym. I don't know if you know the book or already did a review of it, if not I would like to hear your thoughts about it. Thanks Ryan 😀
Does the book include anything about how to combine BW training with weights? I’m a barbell-junkie looking to get started with BW training but I believe the magic bullet is the combination of them both…
plant-based diet, you said? don't you have to calculat A LOT for this? I mean, in an impractical way? And can you make do without expensive and exotic stuff like moringa or spirulina etc?
A plant-based diet is not that much expensive, nor it is complicated. If you want it healthy, eat a variety of food : grains, legumes, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, supplement with B12/D3, and you're good to go !
Yes, mostly plants. I eat what I call plant predominant flexitarian (and some people call “blue zone”). If you followed me around for a while you’d think I’m vegan because it’s all plant based, lots of legumes, lentils, greens, potatoes, whole grains, etc. But then I’d have a couple eggs with brunch and throw you for a loop.
@@MinusTheGym I guess you don't believe in the evolution of the hunter gather diet, since you eat carbohydrates? As I have heard it stated by those proponents that all of our modern diseases began with basically bread. The agricultural beginnings.
I originally got this book off of a recommendation from my friend with no information about it, other than it fit within what I was already doing.
I do want to point out that his first planche progression is the frog-stand which is far easier than the tucked planche, 2 progressions later.
Overall this hit many aspects of the book accurately.
Pros: Lots of information for understanding the How's and Why's different exercises and routines work the way they do.
Detailed information for every exercise.
Teaches you how to set your fitness goals in a way that is "S-M-A-R-T", thus allowing you to develop a routine / program for yourself.
The progression charts are designed to show you where you should be when you are at a certain level. (e. Beginner lvl 3 can do a, b, c... x, y, z exercises if all groups are equally strong) Thus giving someone an idea of what exercises to develop to get to the next level or where to catch up if they're not as strong in a certain area.
And many more.
Cons:
It is a massive amount of information to process. Theory, exercise science, pre-habilitation, goal setting, routine developement, Meso-cycles, etc. Then, you get to the progressions, which is the other half of the book.
It is definitely a struggle for beginners, especially for those learning on their own. Coaching goes a long way when starting calisthenics as it can be difficult to find those sweet spots in various exercises alone.
Since getting this book, I learned so much that allowed me to progress towards my own goals. My advantage was that I already had some previous strength work and conditioning from other programs.
My advise would be, if you want to go full hardcore into calisthenics, but are a beginner, start with the free systems online (like your channel) and develop a foundation. Then, if you want more 'on your own' development, get this book. If / when you get this book, there is a subreddit r/overcominggravity that Steven Low is a moderator. The community is very helpful and he even chimes in with his advise and opinions when people come up with a routine.
Awesome comment thanks a ton
Good talks 👍
That’s a great idea. Honestly what I’m kinda doing. I finally can do push ups! Now that I did free convict conditioning routine for push ups online. But for a full routine for body weight. I’m gonna try getting overcoming gravity and design it myself.
Very nice thanks
lol, love the "2 minutes later..."
I got this book on a whim in March when Texas started it's quarantine because I felt like I had a basic idea of programming from you and other channels, but not enough to feel 100% confident. As I started reading, I realized that this was exactly the information I needed. I forced myself to read through this as fast as possible so I could implement it into my programming (I had only been strength training since November of last year). My progress has been fantastic, and I feel like I know what to do in so many scenarios now.
I had noticed early on that the legs portion was lacking, so after enjoying a couple of mesocycles of pistol squats, I kind of transformed lower body into a traditional weightlifting routine. I was still able to apply the programming principles to set it up, so I would say even if gymnastics aren't 100% your goal, the information is still pretty helpful.
Agree with your assessment of the book. As someone who's only a couple of years into calisthenics (and not religiously, so I'd consider myself beginner+) I found the book overwhelming but also rich in information. I really appreciate gymnastics and wish I could do a lot of that, but like you, I'm more into the fun aspect.
Uderstanding allows for improvisation, imporvisation allows for adaptation, and adapting workout to your specific situation is best way to stick with it. Overcoming Gravity gives you understanding.
Look again. Tuck Planche is 3rd progression. 1st Frog Stand, 2nd Straight Arm Frog Stand
Nice timing, I just d̶o̶w̶n̶l̶o̶a̶d̶e̶d̶ ̶i̶l̶e̶g̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ bought the book 2 days ago.
Lol exactly! 1 second after i typed it into Google i got a pdf download file. Lmao free 600 pages of info right there! I aint paying 25 euros for that if its free 😆
@@KastoeKrab could you send the pdf?
Could you send the pdf please?
@@georgegowers4037 sure ill send the link. How can i send it privately?
@@KastoeKrab Did you find the second edition ? If yes, I'd be very interested !
It's a phenomenal book. The section on generalised strategies for exercise progression helped me break through barriers. There are places where the writing could be clearer and benefited from closer editing. For example, he introduces arrows in exercise notation in one chapter but doesn't explain what that means until the next chapter! A good editor would have caught that. Overall, it shouldn't be your introduction to calesthethis but perhaps your second book.
I just bought this book. It's huge!
Omg i literally searched calisthenics book on google 5 min ago and i found the book, now i enter in youtube and i find your video
Currently i am reading "How not to die" which i would highly recommend as well and then this one.
Surjeet Kandasi Fitness thanks for the recommendation! I'm a fan of Dr. Greger but haven't read any of his books, just articles on NutritionFacts.org. I'll check it out!
Thank you Ryan for your supportive, proactive, and impartial review on "Overcoming Gravity". I appreciate your kudos to everyone for supporting your channel. I am currently waiting to receive my first T-shirt (Push, Pull, Squat, Hinge) I ordered a week ago.....very excited :). Take care....keep them coming. Trev
You definitely hit the nail on the head. Coming from a beginner looking to get into calisthenics that is exactly how the book is. It's heavy on information but like you said, it's good for helping work through injuries, working around them, programming, understanding why you program that way, and what I use it for most, is the extensive breakdowns for movement progressions. Overall, good video and good breakdown! Love your content man. I really appreciate the flow movement videos you have made. Your follow alongs are great and I enjoy them a bunch. Hope to see more in the future if you're feeling it!
well done on growing like crazy! I've been here since you had tens of thousands of subs and participated in your 100K subs giveaway.
What other books would you recommend for beginning calisthenics, I am not new to gym based training but love bodyweight training....
just started adult gymnastics,so going of your review i will give it a go,thanks
Been subbed for a while dude! your content is always top notch! Grats on almost 250k Subs!
Clicking Like before I watched. Been waiting for this one for a year.
I agree for just starting it is a mouthful. It reads like a textbook with tons of great information. This is good for trainers and those looking to become students of this type of workout. I do plan on using my copy for this, but I also feel there are some moves at the beginning I'm simply not ready for. I need to focus more on the initial progressions you offer in your videos so I don't start doing them wrong, get burned (bummed?) out, and most importantly, not injure myself in my overzealousness.
I've always wanted to check out this book. Glad to hear your review on it. I bought the book complete calisthenics before I saw overcoming gravity. It's a good book but wish I would've gotten overcoming gravity instead.
I have the first edition, I love it.
Great video, maybe your next review can be on the book: HOW TO BE A SUPPLE LEOPARD; i"m curious about your take on it. thankyou for your informative videos.
Haven’t read it, but the title alone has me sold on it!
Ever thought about reaching out to Steven and seeing if he'd be willing to do a youtube interview with you? I think that'd make great content. I saw that Antranik did one with him a few years back.
Good review, could you do “Never Gymless” by Ross Enameit next?
I think it’s pretty underrated myself but would love to get your thoughts
Fully agree with your comments. It’s quite an intense read at times but nevertheless some really useful stuff! I still haven’t got to the exercise progressions after a few months of reading it when I can. I would also highly recommend but it is a little pricey.
You are the Johnny Sin calisthenics version
Although Johnny Sins has his own errr "Niche set of skills"
Very informative and well explained.. review
Video was helpful for sure. If I wanted a book to learn how to plan a program for myself (8weeks) - would this be the best resource in your opinion ?
Thank you for this review. You say that the book is not going to show a beginner a step-by-step program. What book would you recommend in that regard? As a beginner, I would like the most basic beginnings with step by step progressions to the advanced stuff. Does that exist? Thank you!
If you simply want to get started with a workout program, check out the free Reddit recommended routine which Steven Low contributed to! If you want the full in depth on how that program was designed, how you would customize it, and what principles apply to it, buy the book
when you criticize convict conditioning: lol so dumb a whole category for handstand?
when you criticize overcoming gravity: a whole category for handstand wow Pog i've never seen this before
*btw all major strength programs include the big 4 which is squat bench deadlift military press, which is exactly the same as handstand, push, pull, legs and core, so i don't understand why you said you've never seen this combination before as it's literally the most popular one
Do you have any nutrition book to recommend? Thx
Thanks for the advice I would only, buy because for the programming part.
Could you recomend or maybe review a book about how to make a program.
Because everything I find in the Internet is: do this plan for this much weeks and not more.
Maybe it'a also because my poor googeling skills.
Hey bro!! thanks for the review of the book, now I have an idea of what it is about, now do you recommend other books about calisthenics??? is there any other books out there?? Thank you!!!
@@JD-dm2qo thank you bro!!!
Im 40, 180 cm, 105kgs. 19% bf Im a former pro rugby player and have been training since I was 15. I have a lot of muscle and gain and maintain it easy. I can currently deadlift 220kg 1rm, bench 145kg, squat 160, 11 pull ups, and 85kgs on the overhead press. So I have a good strength base. The thing is I want to get smaller. My diet is in check but I really dont want to have that boldybuilder type physique and just want to go back to being more athletic. My question is do you recommend this book, and calesthenics in general, for someone like me. Thanks
Can you review the Reddit Recommended Routine?
Hi Ryan,
If i am doing the beginner routine with the 3 workouts per week with push/pull/squat/hinge, how do i implement extra exercises such as negative pull-ups into my routine?
Add it on pull day
I've thought about buying this book. It's a popular Calisthenics book.
You wrote this comment like a question on an exam.
Hey Ryan I would like it if you did a review on Super functional training by the Bioneer( a TH-camr).
I’ve never used it so can’t make a review at the moment, but I’ll look into it. Thanks!
@@MinusTheGym Hii uncle I am 14 year old and I can do frog stand I want to convert my frog stand to handstand what I should do?
@@MinusTheGym My hand just gave up every time .
@@gojo6846 hey I am 14 too
@@saranidutta4122 hii
I can only have a hand on the first edition of this book . Is the first ed is also resourceful as second ?
What's the "old school" style of bodyweight/calisthenic training that you mention in comparison to the more gymnastic-oriented workout?
The book it's called Convict Conditioning, it's less gymnastics style and more jail or inmate style
Thank you for your review, I'm training calisthenics for 8 months but I'm doing bad in the progressions and I want to expand my knowledge to learn all the Cali-Skills. Does the book have all the techniques or tips for the skills (Muscle Up, Handstand + Variations, Planche, Front Lever, Back Lever, V-Sit, Manna, Human Flag)? Kind Regards ;)
I know it's a little too late but, did you find out if it has those skills?
Hi Ryan, I was going to mention about your t-shirt...I didn't know you had merchandise. Congratulations, very cool and clever designs. Best of luck :) Can I ask you what size are you wearing in the video? And your height? It will be helpful when choosing for my husband...he seems to have your same body. Thanks!
overcoming bad posture what is your thoughts on that
I have it! It’s much shorter and more approachable. Also, more for everyone than just calisthenics athletes. Man... I can’t believe I forgot to mention that book in this video 😞 But yes, I highly recommend it. It might be worth me making a separate video about it.
@@MinusTheGym nice,thanks😃
I bought this book awhile back but haven’t really opened it up.
Please suggest a book that explains calisthenics fundamentals, techniques, progression and variations which is not like gymnastic style calisthenics..
@Minus The Gym Hii uncle I am 14 year old and I can do frog stand I want to convert my frog stand to handstand what I should do?
@Minus The Gym My hand just gave up every time .
I'm reading the book and I'm currently on page 111. I'm a beginner to bodyweight training and I totally agree with you that it's a lot of information for a beginner 😅 But all in all it's a great book with a lot of useful informations.👍
I'm also looking/reading thru the book Complete Calisthenics The Ultimate Guide To Bodyweight Exercises by Ashley Kalym. I don't know if you know the book or already did a review of it, if not I would like to hear your thoughts about it. Thanks Ryan 😀
Start with convict conditioning 1 then jumpt into this. Boom, ten years of training in one comment.
The book doesn't recommend to start with the tuck planche.
I have this book :)
Does the book include anything about how to combine BW training with weights? I’m a barbell-junkie looking to get started with BW training but I believe the magic bullet is the combination of them both…
No, I don’t recall any weight lifting exercises in the book. It’s all body weight exercises, mostly on rings
"2 minutes later"😂.. That's a first in TH-cam
Will you make a tutorial of planche?
Yes, once I can do a full planche I’ll make one, but I’m still on my planche journey myself.
@@MinusTheGym Ok. And what is your actual progression?
Where to see the 2 minutes cut parts. :D
Lol this is why I own the kindle version ?
Could you please review: YOU ARE YOUR OWN GYM by Mark Lauren
Love that book! I’ve had it for about 10 years. Sure, I’ll review it soon. I’ll add it to the list.
@@MinusTheGym thanks man I appreciate it. I’m thinking about buying it.
plant-based diet, you said? don't you have to calculat A LOT for this? I mean, in an impractical way? And can you make do without expensive and exotic stuff like moringa or spirulina etc?
A plant-based diet is not that much expensive, nor it is complicated. If you want it healthy, eat a variety of food : grains, legumes, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, supplement with B12/D3, and you're good to go !
The main downside of this book is neglecting core workout which is the main muscle for calisthenics
Maranantha
The guy who disliked this thought planche was an appropriate beginner skill.
Where did U get ur shirt from bro 🤣
I designed that one myself 😂 I sell it on my merch shelf beneath the videos
Блэт. На русском бы книгу)
Exelente....es español sería ideal..
I got it since january but i'm too lazy to read :(
I think gymnastics is way much harder than calisthenics , but cali is love 💗 so who cares
gymnastics more like skills
Gymnastics is more saturated than calisthenics, also Calisthenics and gymnastics is pretty different in the competition sphere.
They are as hard as how much you push yourself
I'm mostly interested in the t-shirt he's wearing in the vid. Where can I find one?
😂 awesome! It’s on the merch shelf below the video.
@@MinusTheGym Noice! Took me a while, but I finally found the page. :D Thanx!
I dont like the book its not simple very scientific
*Receiving training from One Punch Man himself!*
First 😇
🥇
You still living on just plants?
Yes, mostly plants. I eat what I call plant predominant flexitarian (and some people call “blue zone”). If you followed me around for a while you’d think I’m vegan because it’s all plant based, lots of legumes, lentils, greens, potatoes, whole grains, etc. But then I’d have a couple eggs with brunch and throw you for a loop.
@@MinusTheGym I guess you don't believe in the evolution of the hunter gather diet, since you eat carbohydrates? As I have heard it stated by those proponents that all of our modern diseases began with basically bread. The agricultural beginnings.