I've been strength training with weights for 25 yrs. At one point, I got bored with weights and decided to spend the next year only doing calisthenics. I was amazed at how weak I was. I'm back at the weights but mix in some calisthenics for variety. I firmly believe people new to the gym should start with calisthenics to develop the supporting muscles. This will prevent a lot of unnecessary injuries. If you can't move your own body weight, why are you trying to move iron?
There are many people that can't move their own bodyweight and would benefit from be able to use lighter weight to strengthen and condition their body's to a point to where they can start doing calisthenics effectively. But overall I agree that calisthenics/gymnast movements should be incorporated with a solid weight training program, as well as working on your mobility and flexibility.
@@stevethea5250 ohh got it, its at 7:10 Video is not that long and seriously it's very informative, you would've seen it if you had watched the whole video.
Calisthenics is awesome. Weighted calisthenics movements is even better in my opinion. I feel like I've got great results from a combination of the both. Along with some heavy squats for legs of course. Great video Jeff.
+Simnett Nutrition agreed, it's all about relative strength, me being 185 doing chin ups with 90 lbs strapped to me more weight being pulled up than most bodybuilders. Keep in mind i've only been lifting for 9 months
Yep I think ones you reach a max or reached a wall you can't seem to get over them adding weights is great. I have only done a little bit of calisthenics but sadly where I live now I don't even think has a pull up bar. Love your videos by the way. You are one of the main youtubers of why I really started eating healthy and you guys also live really close to my home town😄
We can get technical and fight about terminology all day. But the point is, using these more functional and compound movements while weighted is very good.
can agree to a point, i myself switch between weights, and calistenics every 4-6months or so. so things dont get boring, ive also seen lots of gains strenghtwise in both categories doing this :)
It's fun when you can do the movements, I'm still building up to anything 'fun'. I enjoy it but it's hard progression, especially since I'm a weak ass female
@@vexylrei Good point, I got into it when I was relatively fit so the fun movements came sooner than later, but if it's any consolation the progressions MATTER and it's way worth it. Compared to just increasing weight like normal weightlifting exercises you are able to really gain an insane amount of control over your body.
@@lawrencetan6615 yeah I've been doing it for a couple of weeks now, I'm still enjoying it regardless of how hard it is. One of the main reasons I started was to try and get control of my body, I know it will be worth it in the end!
He forgot to mention the most important thing: Building Strong Core. Nearly all calisthenics exercises involve the core (push ups, chin ups, dips..etc). And in my opinion core muscles are the most important set of muscles, they are involved in nearly every activity (fighting, running, lifting..etc). Also preventing disc, spine & hip issues when hitting 60 and above. Making you look younger and have a good posture. In addition to maintain your flexibility and joint health. Whereas lifting makes you more stiff, and the training doesn't involve the core muscles. You have to target your core in specific exercices which is not that efficient.
@@Manhunternew True, I do them but these exercises lacks of motion. You are doing only a simple vertical motion and its not close enough to create a complete, versatile and balanced core. A person could lift an incredible heavy weight at squats or deadlifts and still not be able to do a single rep of some exercises like dragon flag (very difficult and not even the most advanced yet). Also our core needs to be constantly stimulated.
Do you do or are you familiar with his program? If not you should get one of his programs or dig a little deeper into his youtube stuff Jeff is a core fiend, he absolutely loves core workouts check out his sixpack promise.
I love how you crossed out the last one of the Cons. Bodyweight exercise is beautiful way to build muscles and athleticism simultaneously. Thank you for this.
Hey Jeff, you always say how you need to train like an athlete, but have you ever thought of releasing a series of "best exercises" for each sport, I would love to see your take on exercises like these. I play soccer, golf, and hockey, but am prepping for soccer in these coming weeks so I look towards your "train like CR7" video because it shows specific ways we can improve our performance. Hope you think about this for a series, thanks!
Coming from a serious calisthenics enthusiast, I just want to say that it seems like you know a great deal about bodyweight training. Some amazing points made! Well done!
Lol he almost got me at the "no muscle building part". I just wanted to tell I know a guy who achieved a great physique by calisthenics, but then he crossed the statement lol.
Muscle building doesn't mean being ripped, yeah you can gain some muscle but not nearly to the extent of someone who lift weights. Also height will play a role of how big you can be.
Evan Barker you can get big with calisthenics if you know how to program properly eat right sleep enough etc, but it's not as easy as with weights. Furthermore a lot of the huge weightlifting dudes are on juice even if they say they're not...I am not aware of that being a rampant issue among calistenics practitioners, but I suspect a calisthenics guy with average potential for size who took roids would get pretty damn big.
Evan Barker you can get big with calisthenics if you know how to program properly eat right sleep enough etc, but it's not as easy as with weights. Furthermore a lot of the huge weightlifting dudes are on juice even if they say they're not...I am not aware of that being a rampant issue among calistenics practitioners, but I suspect a calisthenics guy with average potential for size who took roids would get pretty damn big.
Yea. Honestly as long as your muscle gets tired it build muscles, even cross-fit builds muscles just not the intended ones most of the time (and if you don't get injured)
Jeff you are legit man you don't bias any one direction, you actually know your stuff and teach people correctly while dispelling toxic bodybuilding myths. I watch your videos daily dude.
Troy Brown But as Jeff said, you get more athletic and gain more coordination, mobility from cali/street workout. It also burns more fat. And just a preference of mine, I'd always choose a workout in the park than in a gym. Gym and calis are both good. I think it's best to do both. Gym during the winter and cali/street the rest of the year. But ultimately it depends on what you want/prefer
Thank you for clearing things up... Too many people consider Calisthenics to be "not as effective as weightlifting" or not good for strength gain. As a teen who enjoys street workout, those comments piss me off and this video was great.
The 1st "Con" is my biggest obstical...Training with injuries. Between brain damage, damaged nerves, and metal implants, Working out is super difficult but I fight through it to find the best results for me.
@@mkprocter882 Make excuses? In his position, becoming fit is as much of a choice as without any disabilities. Whether you choose not to or to exercise. It is your choice. Not doing exercise even when necessary for your body is your choice, not an excuse.
All of your content, ATHLEAN-X, is STELLAR! After years of destroying my body with weights and no stretching, I started gaining HUGE benefits from alignment oriented tai chi and yoga. I started applying the slow learning approach of Tai Chi with the body mechanics of yoga to calisthenics and saw immense coordination, flexibility, and strength gains. At first the changes in my body felt extraordinary, but then it just started to feel like normal open space and control. I haven't seen someone break down calisthenics and the body the way you do, and I think your work is awesome. Not only do these exercises make you stronger and more flexible, but the simplicity of reorienting your body's alignment comes with so many other mental, emotional, and physical benefits.
It's amazing Jeff can talk, expertly, without a script and with few cuts. That only underscores his expertise and passion for the science of fitness. Bravo.
01:24 I recently bought that pull up bar and thanks to you and your video's on doing good pull ups, I managed to do 1 set of 8 reps of clean pull ups. Did them yesterday and now my muscles are sore as shit, feels good! Thanks Jeff!
Tanmay Vaze You don't need to bulk with calisthenics. Your body just builds raw muscle and it loses body fat because it knows it's going to have to move itself around and has to get lighter
Ghostghoul -8 meals a day should be your starting point and work your way up from there. 16 hour workout just for the arms, now that's the kinda shit I'm talkin about God Damnit. Whatever it takes, let's do this shit!
you forgot something very important. weights allow you to train no matter if you are obese or very weak ir very old. on the other hand you need some level of fitness to do bodyweight excercises
Bodyweight exxercises rlly gets u the ideal body u get thr abs thr strength the look admit it musxle heads just get cocky it all depends on what u like tbh but this workout will always get u that athletic toned ideal body al the right muscles activated in the right places drives ladies wild and u maneuver way quicker
Not true bro there are very basic progressions like if you can't do a push up on your knees then you can do a wall push up where you stand facing a wall put your hands on the wall lean into it and do push ups that way, then progress put your hands on a table etc, until you can do a push up on the floor. Squats just do box squats everyone should be able to sit down and stand up in a chair cleanly, if not find a taller surface to sit on and if it's still too hard focus on controlling the negative as you sit down instead of just plopping down in the chair.
No you don’t, you just need to know who to position you body to lower the affective load, ie doing a pull-up on a low bar with your knees on the ground, or changing the angle at which you do the movement
You tube proposed this video to me casually and practicing calisthenics for a year and a half (due to gym closures for Covid), I am perfectly happy with what was told in the video. It is true that the equipment is minimal and this involves a very low cost, but the difficulties are such as to require collaboration with a qualified teacher who ... costs a lot! The costs are repaid by planned workouts that allow a correct progression and with a lower risk of injury; let's not forget that the skills of calisthenics all have a very close relationship with joint mobility and getting hurt is a snap. Initially I was surprised at how little all the years in the weight room (over 20 years) had helped little, but then I quickly realized that weight training at a propaedeutic level does not transfer bodyweight which certainly helps, but not as much as it does. it could wait. I thank the author for the excellent advice and for the beautiful channel. Greetings from Italy.
Calisthenics are friggin awesome! I've always been the gym kinda guy but recently I haven't been able to go to the gym so I started calisthenics following respectful youtubers like yourself and I'm loving it, it really pushes me over the edge and brings me to a state where I can no longer lift an arm up and that's increasing my strength amazingly, I love it!
I added coordination and harder to progress in the positives. I love the aspect of developing coordination and training a long time to progress keeps me determined to master an exercise and the feeling of accomplishment is even greater. So 6:1 to calisthenics it is!
He said "if you're the type of person to try to throw a rock at the ground and miss, this may not be the best for you" lmao that had me rolling. Good one Jeff. Lmao
When watching your videos, I feel not a single moment like I'm being cheated upon. They're very well thought through and presented in the most straightforward and simple manner. There are so many channels out there that one has to choose one and I'll choose yours.
Ryan Masters i love Jeff but he's not THAT kind of athlete, he'd get pieced up by Ol mcgee. He's also not within his weight range so the speed difference would not be close to fair. Ofc this is totally a joke lol idk why I'm trying explain the obvious
I’ve been doing body weight since Covid and I love it! The biggest discovery for me was gymnastics rings. They’re the best kept secret of the fitness world. You can take an entire gym with you any where. Also, another pro is the intellectual stimulation. It’s fun to learn how to progress the exercises and really satisfying when you can do things that you couldn’t do before. I find it more satisfying than weight numbers.
could not agree more .... everyone is different learn to listen to your body ... built a ton of muscle from calisthenics , keep em coming these vids will be useful in my gym
it is true that you will stuck at a stage where you thought you were not making progress, i was obese at 116kg (255+ lbs) for a year+ training now i am at 86kg (~190lbs). I can do some proper dips at about 6~7 months time, Jeff knows the shit !! *thumbs up*
Haha I almost lost it on the last "con!" You got me! Man, this is probably at least in the top 5 of the best fitness channels on TH-cam. You have such incredible insight, I have learned so much from your videos, and I've only been subscribed for a few months. You're legendary dude, and you have a great attitude. I feel like whichever workout method someone wants to do will depend 100% on their goals. As for me, 90% calisthenics and 10% weights seems to be a great fit. Rock on man!
Good stuff! I've started doing some calisthenics before doing weighted exercises that you suggest and I've noticed an increase in strength and endurance. Some people kind of look at me a little strangely mostly the lifters but that's okay cause I know I'm getting great gym work while I'm there. Thanks for reaffirming my workouts and also for all the great advice.
I died when he said “if you’re the type of person who tries to throw a rock on the ground... and miss, maybe you’re not the most coordinated person” 😂😂😂😂
Man I fucking love you Jeff. You made me do a double take when you said calesthenics cant build muscle. But said you were kidding. One if the biggest lies out there keep on keeping it real man.
Calisthenics, Yoga, Squatting, Deadlifting, Rings, Running , Ropes, Hammer Slams, and Hand-stands are my favorite. I find variety awesome. Also I want to start trying kettlebell swings into my routine. Pumped to get started this spring!
Jeff, this is a great video! I've had to argue these exact points with everyone from various gym goers to physical therapists. That line "the currency of your muscles is tension" is something that is vastly & tragically misunderstood. Thanks for what you do brother!
@@lukasg4807 depends on the bar. I had a cheap shitty one a long time ago, that damaged a doorframe badly. I now have a much nicer one that was supporting me when I was still at around 300 pounds with no damage to the door. Gotta get the right ones.
I'm 68 and combine body weight training with aerobics. I work out 6 days a week 1 full hour a day. I do bodyweight exercises every other day. My aerobic days are spent jogging, walking and hill climbing. In the winter I snowshoe or cross country ski when there's snow. I'm never near a gym and I decided to develop a routine I could do virtually anywhere. I feel like crap if I don't get my hour in! I'm 5'9", 172 lbs and don't drink, smoke ot take a single medication. I have no achy joints or pains. The body is an amazingly resilient machine if you keep it active. I've incorporated a lot of your ideas
You almost freaked out despite having seen gains in your physique? So those gains wouldn't be there if somebody said you can't build muscle with bodyweight exercises? You want to go home and rethink your life.
thank you sir. the more i look at your videos the more i believe in myself. People around you are really lucky ;) hope some day some one will say this about me.
Awesome video.... I'm paying 50 pushups a day for a 1,5 month now... I don't like gym,... Calisthenics was my way to start to be in shape... Soon I will buy your program... Was your videos ones that made me start to exercise myself... thanks man!
Pros: - healthier - engage more muscles (much more) - better for deep muscles - better for posture - better for your spine (no compression!) - better for mobility - better for coordination Cons: - ???
+blackjohnny0 You just threw random points there. "Engage more muscles". Please tell me a bodyweight lower body exercise or a posterior chain exercise that engages more muscles than heavy squats or deadlifts. "Better for deep muscles". Again, so random. Better? How? In what way? Deep muscles? Which deep muscles and compared to which barbell exercise? "Better for posture". How did you measure that?
+blackjohnny0 Healthier? No. Engage more muscles? No. Better for deep muscles? Maybe a bit. Better for posture? No. Better for your spine? Yes if you don't take care of it. Better for mobility? No. Better for coordination? A bit. Pros: Better control of your bodyweight. Inexpensive. Anywhere. Cons: Only built relative strength. Less exercices selection. Less progressive overload.
short time susbcriber but a LONG time viewer, Jeff, ways love your videos being backed with either scientific proof, studies or just good old plain logic.
Jeff's words very objective, all Calisthenics movement at the last will add weight in different ways, so Calisthenics isn't only require bodyweight, it requires weight equipment also! That's why Athlean X is my favorite Channel, it absorbs any thing that will help you increassing musle and strength in most effected way. Big respect to jeff!
Thank you, exactly my own thoughts on the matter. Greetings a fan from Sweden who started going to the gym exactly a year ago after two years of home rehab training from heavy damage in shoulderjoints and spine, today one year later I'm having the body of my life and are free from constant pain. Although my goal and dream is to come to the point to do calisthenics training.
cant believe this video is 4yrs old.. as it is so relevant to today during covid times.. I started to practise the handstand cos I cant hit the gym.. the rest is history.. shoulders, chest, triceps, core everything taken care of while having fun.
Jeff, how to you explain the strength and physique of a gymnast? They don't train with weights yet they are strong and have built muscle through basic calisthenics right?
I'm a bodybuilder but did insanity for the hell of it and it was the hardest shit I've ever done. Did it for 3 months and seen more lean muscle than I have in over 1-2 years of bodybuilding. Day by day I could see my abs popping out. Very good way to see lean muscle and lose weight. I think when I start cutting I'll do a few cycles
A very nice video but I have a comment - I think the requirement of coordination is a pro.. you are trying to train your body right? It's a part of your training. Of course you might be struggling at first but I dont see it as a requirement, I see it as a training goal to be able to control your body. You even said it yourself - 5:34
snaileri Or on stairs. Increasing the angle of a push up, decreases the force required to do one. If you don't have access to stairs, use anything that will lift your top off the ground (toolbox, milk crates, a chair, books... anything that will hold your body weight up). Vice versa, if you can do regular push-ups with ease, get your feet raised.
One thing I also like in calisthenics is that it also maintains your flexibility almost on it's own, or at least forces you to put some effort to that area too. This of course depends a lot of the exercises you do, but you just cannot train for example toes-to-bar or V-sit properly if you lack flexibility. I used to do weight training about 6 years ago. Weighted 10kg more and was stronger in certain exercises (for example in bench press), but was also feeling really, really stiff and was experiencing quite a lot different aching and pain. Which did not feel nice, especially since I've always have been naturally flexible and had gotten used of being just that. Nowdays I'm focusing more on calisthenics abd overall feeling is a lot better. More "balanced" and even overlall more cabable. Even if my bench might be a bit weaker (due to not doing it for 6 years), I now can do stuff I have never been able to do, such as L-sit to headstand, which is steadily moving towards L-sit to handstand. :) It might take time to get to a point where you are able to even do something that might seem, or be considered, pretty basic. But it's worth to give it a shot. When you start seeing the results, it gets really revarding.
another one for pros: it looks badass
fuck yeah, I just got my first muscle up today and even the dudes benching 315 kept staring!
And another con: looks gay
+Hurricane0039 youre probably gay
+Jonathan MEJIA deadlifting 800 is bad ass too xP
+Andrey .Arronet ok
I've been strength training with weights for 25 yrs. At one point, I got bored with weights and decided to spend the next year only doing calisthenics. I was amazed at how weak I was. I'm back at the weights but mix in some calisthenics for variety. I firmly believe people new to the gym should start with calisthenics to develop the supporting muscles. This will prevent a lot of unnecessary injuries. If you can't move your own body weight, why are you trying to move iron?
Rob D Good point!! This makes so much sense..... I may cancel my gym membership for a while.
You are not weak you aren't adapted to it that's all I cant deadlift higher than 150 kg
Obviously you never moved on to extremely advanced movements
There are many people that can't move their own bodyweight and would benefit from be able to use lighter weight to strengthen and condition their body's to a point to where they can start doing calisthenics effectively. But overall I agree that calisthenics/gymnast movements should be incorporated with a solid weight training program, as well as working on your mobility and flexibility.
Damn that's crazy thanks for the tip
You broke my ankles when you said it couldn't build muscle... then you crossed it out. The relief was real
hahaha I was going to comment on that too
Same here lol
@@romanempire8705 timestamp??
@@stevethea5250 I missed the whole context of my comment man, sorry.
@@stevethea5250 ohh got it, its at 7:10
Video is not that long and seriously it's very informative, you would've seen it if you had watched the whole video.
The best way to workout is combining gym and calisthenics. + Also some gymnastic elements.
👏👏👏👏👏
+AtgreatR9 That depends on your goals... A powerlifter for example wont be doing much calisthenics
Shea Curwell yeah. i mean for individuals its the best
*****
Basically all I do, both weighted though, so i suppose we do use variations.
+AtgreatR9 this is what i do. front levers, planches, deadlifts, bench press, etc.
Bruh I chocked when u said calisthenics can't build muscle or strengh. So glad it was a joke 🤣
SAME.
Or was it???
*choked
LOL I knew right away he was joking, this guy is way too smart to believe that. P.S. Go Raps!
Yeah I was about to say bitch let's fight then
Calisthenics is awesome. Weighted calisthenics movements is even better in my opinion. I feel like I've got great results from a combination of the both. Along with some heavy squats for legs of course. Great video Jeff.
+Simnett Nutrition agreed, it's all about relative strength, me being 185 doing chin ups with 90 lbs strapped to me more weight being pulled up than most bodybuilders. Keep in mind i've only been lifting for 9 months
Yep I think ones you reach a max or reached a wall you can't seem to get over them adding weights is great. I have only done a little bit of calisthenics but sadly where I live now I don't even think has a pull up bar. Love your videos by the way. You are one of the main youtubers of why I really started eating healthy and you guys also live really close to my home town😄
We can get technical and fight about terminology all day. But the point is, using these more functional and compound movements while weighted is very good.
can agree to a point, i myself switch between weights, and calistenics every 4-6months or so. so things dont get boring, ive also seen lots of gains strenghtwise in both categories doing this :)
Oh Hey Derek fancy seeing you here from a year ago 😀
I do calisthenics with dumbbells, barbells and machines. Got to confuse the body right babe ?!?
Mert Acar GOOD FUCKING MORNIN GODDAMIT. RICH PIANA HERE WITH ANOTHER EPISODE OF SMALLER BY THE DAY.
RIP
SincerelyCharley hHahaha
Hahahah
Yeah I do it with pizza and beer.
Jeff doing his part to educate the meathead gymbro's.
jballau hell yeah
Yes he is! Brilliant observation 👏👌👍✌️☝️
Reeeeeeeee!
I like weight
I lift more
Look at maa belly
I read "methhead" lol
You doing your part to keep that stereotype in your mind.
How did you miss this one - Pros: Calisthenics is FUN! Way more fun than static weightlifting/ machine exercises.
It's fun when you can do the movements, I'm still building up to anything 'fun'. I enjoy it but it's hard progression, especially since I'm a weak ass female
@@vexylrei Good point, I got into it when I was relatively fit so the fun movements came sooner than later, but if it's any consolation the progressions MATTER and it's way worth it. Compared to just increasing weight like normal weightlifting exercises you are able to really gain an insane amount of control over your body.
@@lawrencetan6615 yeah I've been doing it for a couple of weeks now, I'm still enjoying it regardless of how hard it is. One of the main reasons I started was to try and get control of my body, I know it will be worth it in the end!
Agree
Thats subjective my guy😂
He forgot to mention the most important thing: Building Strong Core. Nearly all calisthenics exercises involve the core (push ups, chin ups, dips..etc). And in my opinion core muscles are the most important set of muscles, they are involved in nearly every activity (fighting, running, lifting..etc).
Also preventing disc, spine & hip issues when hitting 60 and above. Making you look younger and have a good posture.
In addition to maintain your flexibility and joint health.
Whereas lifting makes you more stiff, and the training doesn't involve the core muscles. You have to target your core in specific exercices which is not that efficient.
You forgot another activity that requires core stamina that can be very...cardio like ;)
@@NortheastGamer ah yes. I see that you're a person of culture as well 👉🏻👌🏻
That is not entirely true, for example squats or deadlifts will work your core very strongly because you have to stabilize during the exercise.
@@Manhunternew True, I do them but these exercises lacks of motion. You are doing only a simple vertical motion and its not close enough to create a complete, versatile and balanced core. A person could lift an incredible heavy weight at squats or deadlifts and still not be able to do a single rep of some exercises like dragon flag (very difficult and not even the most advanced yet). Also our core needs to be constantly stimulated.
Do you do or are you familiar with his program? If not you should get one of his programs or dig a little deeper into his youtube stuff Jeff is a core fiend, he absolutely loves core workouts check out his sixpack promise.
I love how you crossed out the last one of the Cons. Bodyweight exercise is beautiful way to build muscles and athleticism simultaneously. Thank you for this.
Hey Jeff, you always say how you need to train like an athlete, but have you ever thought of releasing a series of "best exercises" for each sport, I would love to see your take on exercises like these. I play soccer, golf, and hockey, but am prepping for soccer in these coming weeks so I look towards your "train like CR7" video because it shows specific ways we can improve our performance. Hope you think about this for a series, thanks!
Good idea Colin
Yeah smart question
yhh
Coming from a serious calisthenics enthusiast, I just want to say that it seems like you know a great deal about bodyweight training. Some amazing points made! Well done!
I've been using a 65 lb rock I found at the river 10 years ago $0 .I do squats wit 80lb bag of concrete I've put in a pillow case last 7 years $6.59
From the comments I feel I may be about your only female subscriber, but I find these videos super helpful. Thanks!
Me too!!!! I bought the Athlean xero program. I love it so far and it is tough!
It's Jeff just the best fitness channel
Silvia Philbrick think not because there is a lot of female subscriber out there who watch the video but rarely want to give a comment 😄
Silvia Philbrick good😀i m happy for you
Robin Holt where are you now with your program?
"inexpenseve"
lol I took a second glance after your comment, I couldn't stop laughing.. well done!
Ho Sway thx
brett feinsod "INEXPENSΣVE"
brett feinsod lol
He started writing the word and at the end was like ehhh fvck it
Lol he almost got me at the "no muscle building part". I just wanted to tell I know a guy who achieved a great physique by calisthenics, but then he crossed the statement lol.
Muscle building doesn't mean being ripped, yeah you can gain some muscle but not nearly to the extent of someone who lift weights. Also height will play a role of how big you can be.
Evan Barker you can get big with calisthenics if you know how to program properly eat right sleep enough etc, but it's not as easy as with weights. Furthermore a lot of the huge weightlifting dudes are on juice even if they say they're not...I am not aware of that being a rampant issue among calistenics practitioners, but I suspect a calisthenics guy with average potential for size who took roids would get pretty damn big.
Evan Barker you can get big with calisthenics if you know how to program properly eat right sleep enough etc, but it's not as easy as with weights. Furthermore a lot of the huge weightlifting dudes are on juice even if they say they're not...I am not aware of that being a rampant issue among calistenics practitioners, but I suspect a calisthenics guy with average potential for size who took roids would get pretty damn big.
@@roberttaylor8906 Weighted calisthenics are really damn good.
Yea. Honestly as long as your muscle gets tired it build muscles, even cross-fit builds muscles just not the intended ones most of the time (and if you don't get injured)
Jeff you are legit man you don't bias any one direction, you actually know your stuff and teach people correctly while dispelling toxic bodybuilding myths. I watch your videos daily dude.
Cons are pretty much "you need to use your brain a little more". So no cons, just pros for calisthenics ftw
+Tibori Andrei it's easier to build muscle and strength in the gym though
Troy Brown But as Jeff said, you get more athletic and gain more coordination, mobility from cali/street workout. It also burns more fat. And just a preference of mine, I'd always choose a workout in the park than in a gym.
Gym and calis are both good. I think it's best to do both. Gym during the winter and cali/street the rest of the year. But ultimately it depends on what you want/prefer
+Tibori Andrei Unless you live in FL, then in the park all year. Right, babe? ;D
calisthenics ppl are the vegans of the fitness industry. Really annoying that there have to be these kind of idiots in every community
+Tibori Andrei WTF are you talking about? Use your brain more?
Thank you for clearing things up... Too many people consider Calisthenics to be "not as effective as weightlifting" or not good for strength gain. As a teen who enjoys street workout, those comments piss me off and this video was great.
The 1st "Con" is my biggest obstical...Training with injuries. Between brain damage, damaged nerves, and metal implants, Working out is super difficult but I fight through it to find the best results for me.
impressive bro. Any disability can be worked around. Glad to see you don't make excuses and find solutions.
Respect Brother!!!
@@mkprocter882 Make excuses? In his position, becoming fit is as much of a choice as without any disabilities. Whether you choose not to or to exercise. It is your choice. Not doing exercise even when necessary for your body is your choice, not an excuse.
Respect bo💯
All of your content, ATHLEAN-X, is STELLAR! After years of destroying my body with weights and no stretching, I started gaining HUGE benefits from alignment oriented tai chi and yoga. I started applying the slow learning approach of Tai Chi with the body mechanics of yoga to calisthenics and saw immense coordination, flexibility, and strength gains. At first the changes in my body felt extraordinary, but then it just started to feel like normal open space and control.
I haven't seen someone break down calisthenics and the body the way you do, and I think your work is awesome. Not only do these exercises make you stronger and more flexible, but the simplicity of reorienting your body's alignment comes with so many other mental, emotional, and physical benefits.
"Throw a rock at the ground and miss", I'm sure only Chuck Norris can do that.
If Chuck Norris threw a rock at the ground the universe would blow up
Chuck norris threw a rock at the ground and it went upwards
Chris M the ground dodged
Chuck Norris can throw the ground at a rock
@@ramonecastro I was gonna comment that! Dang, 5 months late.
It's amazing Jeff can talk, expertly, without a script and with few cuts. That only underscores his expertise and passion for the science of fitness. Bravo.
This video was what gave me the confidence to start working out and begin my fitness journey. 17/11/2020
01:24 I recently bought that pull up bar and thanks to you and your video's on doing good pull ups, I managed to do 1 set of 8 reps of clean pull ups. Did them yesterday and now my muscles are sore as shit, feels good! Thanks Jeff!
How’s it going now? Still training?
"Requires coordination" i find this to be a pro, for coordination can also be trained, and this is a great way
Jeff's physique is fucking incredible. like a real athlete body, much better looking than puffy bloated bodybuilders
And he stays lean year round, nobody can beat that
Is bulking possible using calisthenics?
Tanmay Vaze yes why wouldn't it be? Just train and eat healthy.
Tanmay Vaze You don't need to bulk with calisthenics. Your body just builds raw muscle and it loses body fat because it knows it's going to have to move itself around and has to get lighter
Tanmay Vaze yes it can! Because I'm seeing the results myself
Jeff is the best God Damnit, Right Babe?
Yep
Gotta eat your 8 meals a day and 8 hour arm workouts
Ghostghoul -8 meals a day should be your starting point and work your way up from there. 16 hour workout just for the arms, now that's the kinda shit I'm talkin about God Damnit. Whatever it takes, let's do this shit!
shooooop aaaahhhh
+James Agnotheist I'm seeing this reference everywhere XD Please tell me who it is
So glad I broadened my horizons with calisthenics! It's challenging and fun
you forgot something very important. weights allow you to train no matter if you are obese or very weak ir very old. on the other hand you need some level of fitness to do bodyweight excercises
Not true, it’s all about progression. There are so many ways to cover each body part from super easy to super hard.
Bodyweight exxercises rlly gets u the ideal body u get thr abs thr strength the look admit it musxle heads just get cocky it all depends on what u like tbh but this workout will always get u that athletic toned ideal body al the right muscles activated in the right places drives ladies wild and u maneuver way quicker
Not true bro there are very basic progressions like if you can't do a push up on your knees then you can do a wall push up where you stand facing a wall put your hands on the wall lean into it and do push ups that way, then progress put your hands on a table etc, until you can do a push up on the floor. Squats just do box squats everyone should be able to sit down and stand up in a chair cleanly, if not find a taller surface to sit on and if it's still too hard focus on controlling the negative as you sit down instead of just plopping down in the chair.
There are many levels of progression and with time and consistency any1 can do well
No you don’t, you just need to know who to position you body to lower the affective load, ie doing a pull-up on a low bar with your knees on the ground, or changing the angle at which you do the movement
You tube proposed this video to me casually and practicing calisthenics for a year and a half (due to gym closures for Covid), I am perfectly happy with what was told in the video. It is true that the equipment is minimal and this involves a very low cost, but the difficulties are such as to require collaboration with a qualified teacher who ... costs a lot!
The costs are repaid by planned workouts that allow a correct progression and with a lower risk of injury; let's not forget that the skills of calisthenics all have a very close relationship with joint mobility and getting hurt is a snap.
Initially I was surprised at how little all the years in the weight room (over 20 years) had helped little, but then I quickly realized that weight training at a propaedeutic level does not transfer bodyweight which certainly helps, but not as much as it does. it could wait.
I thank the author for the excellent advice and for the beautiful channel. Greetings from Italy.
And this friends is how u tell bad about something without hurting anyone’s feelings. HATS OFF!!!!
Calisthenics are friggin awesome! I've always been the gym kinda guy but recently I haven't been able to go to the gym so I started calisthenics following respectful youtubers like yourself and I'm loving it, it really pushes me over the edge and brings me to a state where I can no longer lift an arm up and that's increasing my strength amazingly, I love it!
Your are the best jeff
I added coordination and harder to progress in the positives. I love the aspect of developing coordination and training a long time to progress keeps me determined to master an exercise and the feeling of accomplishment is even greater. So 6:1 to calisthenics it is!
He said "if you're the type of person to try to throw a rock at the ground and miss, this may not be the best for you" lmao that had me rolling. Good one Jeff. Lmao
7:25 They got us in the first half, not gonna lie
Love the calisthenics videos. Keep em coming Jeff.
When watching your videos, I feel not a single moment like I'm being cheated upon. They're very well thought through and presented in the most straightforward and simple manner. There are so many channels out there that one has to choose one and I'll choose yours.
Jeff Vs McGregor #UFC200
Diaz vs. mcgregor ufc 200 July 9th
Ryan Masters i love Jeff but he's not THAT kind of athlete, he'd get pieced up by Ol mcgee. He's also not within his weight range so the speed difference would not be close to fair. Ofc this is totally a joke lol idk why I'm trying explain the obvious
@carlcepillo01 Buildy builder🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@vybtom1 lul
BRO, I Love watching Jeff, I love his brutal honesty, and ability to break things down.
"The currency of your muscles is tension."
I’ve been doing body weight since Covid and I love it! The biggest discovery for me was gymnastics rings. They’re the best kept secret of the fitness world. You can take an entire gym with you any where. Also, another pro is the intellectual stimulation. It’s fun to learn how to progress the exercises and really satisfying when you can do things that you couldn’t do before. I find it more satisfying than weight numbers.
“The currency of your muscle is always tension”. That’s a great quote
Athlean-x and thenx are the only fitness channels i follow! best fitness channels out there!
The best part of bodyweight is that you can make the moves very explosive
That's easy way to progres in any move!
could not agree more .... everyone is different learn to listen to your body ... built a ton of muscle from calisthenics , keep em coming these vids will be useful in my gym
it is true that you will stuck at a stage where you thought you were not making progress, i was obese at 116kg (255+ lbs) for a year+ training now i am at 86kg (~190lbs). I can do some proper dips at about 6~7 months time, Jeff knows the shit !! *thumbs up*
I could listen to you talk all day, especially about calisthenics
Please do a video on neck pain and exercises for stiffness and pain relief other than cracking it.
+Meh Gusta +1
Haha I almost lost it on the last "con!" You got me! Man, this is probably at least in the top 5 of the best fitness channels on TH-cam. You have such incredible insight, I have learned so much from your videos, and I've only been subscribed for a few months. You're legendary dude, and you have a great attitude.
I feel like whichever workout method someone wants to do will depend 100% on their goals. As for me, 90% calisthenics and 10% weights seems to be a great fit. Rock on man!
You should make a video with your thoughts on crossfit. Its benefits, draw backs, risk to your back
I found this channel at around xmas time. I've lost 9kg since then, and kept 95% of my strength. You've been a big help thanks... 6 more kg to go
Good stuff! I've started doing some calisthenics before doing weighted exercises that you suggest and I've noticed an increase in strength and endurance. Some people kind of look at me a little strangely mostly the lifters but that's okay cause I know I'm getting great gym work while I'm there. Thanks for reaffirming my workouts and also for all the great advice.
I love this guy. I've been watching him since I was in high school. He knows his stuff!
I wanna see a upload of Jeff just doing his workout, no commentary. Just him putting us to shame. Oh and Jesse also.
Me first time watching this video 5 years later. Jeff you came along away 💪🏾❤️
I died when he said “if you’re the type of person who tries to throw a rock on the ground... and miss, maybe you’re not the most coordinated person” 😂😂😂😂
Man I fucking love you Jeff.
You made me do a double take when you said calesthenics cant build muscle. But said you were kidding.
One if the biggest lies out there keep on keeping it real man.
07:11 You got my heard stop beating there! Meaning how could you say this?! Got me there. Nice one :D
Calisthenics, Yoga, Squatting, Deadlifting, Rings, Running , Ropes, Hammer Slams, and Hand-stands are my favorite. I find variety awesome. Also I want to start trying kettlebell swings into my routine. Pumped to get started this spring!
I think handstands count as calisthenics if you involve your core while doing them
Very well-articulated Jeff, the truth shall set you free! Your Precision makes me feel I'm in a science course. You're one of the best on TH-cam.
A vid on how to do progressions on calisthenics would be nice
Christopher Cruz check out calisthenicsmovement
You can progress in 3 ways. Do more reps. Do more sets. Make the exercise more difficult. Basically just make week 2’s workout, harder than week 1’s
Jeff, this is a great video! I've had to argue these exact points with everyone from various gym goers to physical therapists. That line "the currency of your muscles is tension" is something that is vastly & tragically misunderstood. Thanks for what you do brother!
doorway pull up bar is the best piece of equipment if you could only buy 1 thing imho.
Nah I'd say gymnastic rings would be :D
Yeah if you want to break your door
@@justinh.1773 Where would you hang those rings? Your ceiling fan?
@@lukasg4807 depends on the bar. I had a cheap shitty one a long time ago, that damaged a doorframe badly. I now have a much nicer one that was supporting me when I was still at around 300 pounds with no damage to the door. Gotta get the right ones.
Man, I don’t trust those things at all.
A set of rings is the best training item I’ve ever bought.
I started combining calisthenics with weights in the gym and I feel that this is a more complete way of training for me. Thanks for sharing!
Need to update the Pros for 2020: Less chance to catch Covid19.
so true
I'm 68 and combine body weight training with aerobics. I work out 6 days a week 1 full hour a day. I do bodyweight exercises every other day. My aerobic days are spent jogging, walking and hill climbing. In the winter I snowshoe or cross country ski when there's snow. I'm never near a gym and I decided to develop a routine I could do virtually anywhere. I feel like crap if I don't get my hour in! I'm 5'9", 172 lbs and don't drink, smoke ot take a single medication. I have no achy joints or pains. The body is an amazingly resilient machine if you keep it active. I've incorporated a lot of your ideas
I almost freaked out at 7:12. I thought I've wasted all my time on bodyweight exercises.
You almost freaked out despite having seen gains in your physique? So those gains wouldn't be there if somebody said you can't build muscle with bodyweight exercises?
You want to go home and rethink your life.
Jack Carter
He was being facetious calm down.
Couldn't agree more. Well said Jeff👍👍👍
1.5 million subs, congrats!
thank you sir. the more i look at your videos the more i believe in myself. People around you are really lucky ;) hope some day some one will say this about me.
Jeff make more q&a's please
Awesome video.... I'm paying 50 pushups a day for a 1,5 month now... I don't like gym,... Calisthenics was my way to start to be in shape... Soon I will buy your program... Was your videos ones that made me start to exercise myself... thanks man!
cons: calisthenics is for pros....
Sorin M no?
Ren yes?
Handstand pushups??
Yes your right bro
Eric Alvarez I learned to handstand in 2 weeks, to do handstand pushups in another month
Thx AthleanX, FINALLY I found the best answers of my questions. Keep making videos that are related to calesthenics
Pros:
- healthier
- engage more muscles (much more)
- better for deep muscles
- better for posture
- better for your spine (no compression!)
- better for mobility
- better for coordination
Cons:
- ???
Watch the video
Exactly :D
+blackjohnny0 You just threw random points there.
"Engage more muscles". Please tell me a bodyweight lower body exercise or a posterior chain exercise that engages more muscles than heavy squats or deadlifts.
"Better for deep muscles". Again, so random. Better? How? In what way? Deep muscles? Which deep muscles and compared to which barbell exercise?
"Better for posture". How did you measure that?
+blackjohnny0 more muscle? deep muscle? u dont know shit! i bet u just sitting and playing lol all the time
+blackjohnny0 Healthier? No. Engage more muscles? No. Better for deep muscles? Maybe a bit. Better for posture? No. Better for your spine? Yes if you don't take care of it. Better for mobility? No. Better for coordination? A bit.
Pros: Better control of your bodyweight. Inexpensive. Anywhere.
Cons: Only built relative strength. Less exercices selection. Less progressive overload.
short time susbcriber but a LONG time viewer, Jeff, ways love your videos being backed with either scientific proof, studies or just good old plain logic.
Those 511 dislikes are from people who did not watch the video past 7:14
Jeff's words very objective, all Calisthenics movement at the last will add weight in different ways, so Calisthenics isn't only require bodyweight, it requires weight equipment also! That's why Athlean X is my favorite Channel, it absorbs any thing that will help you increassing musle and strength in most effected way. Big respect to jeff!
Calisthenics actually cured my shoulder pain over weights 🙂
Yeet
Yeet
Thank you, exactly my own thoughts on the matter.
Greetings a fan from Sweden who started going to the gym exactly a year ago after two years of home rehab training from heavy damage in shoulderjoints and spine, today one year later I'm having the body of my life and are free from constant pain.
Although my goal and dream is to come to the point to do calisthenics training.
Jeff has a shirt on? this must be a fake video😂
As everyone is saying, I find working with both callesthenics and weights and both together has given me the optimum results!
Jeff Cavaliere + Chris Heria
I can't even imagine the beast that it would give
I was sooooo close to unsubscribing when he said, it doesn't allow you to grow muscle and strengthen!!! So glad I carried on listening!!
Thank you for great video, Jeff.
Can you do "Pros and cons of tension resistance exercise (TRX)"
cant believe this video is 4yrs old.. as it is so relevant to today during covid times.. I started to practise the handstand cos I cant hit the gym.. the rest is history.. shoulders, chest, triceps, core everything taken care of while having fun.
Jeff, how to you explain the strength and physique of a gymnast? They don't train with weights yet they are strong and have built muscle through basic calisthenics right?
Watch the entire video, and the explanation will become obvious momentarily.
I'm a bodybuilder but did insanity for the hell of it and it was the hardest shit I've ever done. Did it for 3 months and seen more lean muscle than I have in over 1-2 years of bodybuilding. Day by day I could see my abs popping out.
Very good way to see lean muscle and lose weight. I think when I start cutting I'll do a few cycles
how do you feel about weight vest, ankle weights, and wrist weights @jeff
+Fiz-osaurus Rex awesome fro calisthenics
+Luca Della Sciucca but at that point it wont be calisthenics lol
+Heisenberg101 Its weighted calisthenics. just for added resistance
I wear those things almost all day everyday.
Hugo Martinez that is actually unhealthy and doesn't give results that worth the injuries
I’ve been building muscle since I started body weight exercises. Even more than I was with resistance bands and stackable dumbbells. Thanks Jeff
It couldn't be more accurate!
Very good video from Jeff. It's why he's one of the best on the subject to listen to.
A very nice video but I have a comment -
I think the requirement of coordination is a pro.. you are trying to train your body right? It's a part of your training. Of course you might be struggling at first but I dont see it as a requirement, I see it as a training goal to be able to control your body. You even said it yourself - 5:34
Listen to this man... he knows what he is saying... correct information.
Hey Jeff, can you make a video on how to increase pushup count?
+FifaPro98x Easy, after failure continue to do them on your knees. It's kind of like a dropset, because it decreases the weight. Easy overload.
+snaileri Thanks! I've been on the same pushup range since years.
snaileri Or on stairs. Increasing the angle of a push up, decreases the force required to do one. If you don't have access to stairs, use anything that will lift your top off the ground (toolbox, milk crates, a chair, books... anything that will hold your body weight up). Vice versa, if you can do regular push-ups with ease, get your feet raised.
One thing I also like in calisthenics is that it also maintains your flexibility almost on it's own, or at least forces you to put some effort to that area too. This of course depends a lot of the exercises you do, but you just cannot train for example toes-to-bar or V-sit properly if you lack flexibility.
I used to do weight training about 6 years ago. Weighted 10kg more and was stronger in certain exercises (for example in bench press), but was also feeling really, really stiff and was experiencing quite a lot different aching and pain. Which did not feel nice, especially since I've always have been naturally flexible and had gotten used of being just that.
Nowdays I'm focusing more on calisthenics abd overall feeling is a lot better. More "balanced" and even overlall more cabable. Even if my bench might be a bit weaker (due to not doing it for 6 years), I now can do stuff I have never been able to do, such as L-sit to headstand, which is steadily moving towards L-sit to handstand. :)
It might take time to get to a point where you are able to even do something that might seem, or be considered, pretty basic. But it's worth to give it a shot. When you start seeing the results, it gets really revarding.
You misspelled "inexpensive"
You misspelled I am a moron
+איתי חיון חחח הישראלים בכל מקום
+איתי חיון I pissed myself laughing!
+Yehonatan yarden חחחחחחחח