Just Some of My Random Musings…

…regarding gymnasts. Ever notice how top-level gymnasts exude extreme levels of muscular development, leanness, and strength? Have you considered what exactly these guys do training-wise to build those physiques? Watching the Olympics awhile back brought up some interesting questions that needed some answering, and much to my surprise, here’s what I found: A gymnast’s training consists mostly of bodyweight-only exercises and very little if any weighted exercise. The amazing arm, shoulder, and lat development that these gymnasts display can be attributed to straight-arm work and static holds on the rings, with movements and positions like the iron cross, planches, etc. Best of all, gymnasts are built for form and function, meaning that they possess much functional, useful strength.

So where am I getting at? Bodyweight exercises can build the physique of champions if there is progression and variance in the exercises chosen, much like that of a gymnast. While I’m not saying you should abandon the iron, you should certainly consider exercises like pullups, dips, planches, and things of the sort in order to build the best body possible!