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ISBN: Print 978-1-64611-168-8 | eBook 978-1-64611-169-5
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Dedicated to those who claim it cant be done. Thank you for the endless motivation and inspiration.
CONTENTS
Welcome, my friend, to the beginning of your calisthenics training. This book will supply you with the tools and techniques you need to launch a successful career in bodyweight training.
Calisthenics has a transformative power that many athletes fail to recognize: the power to harness the very laws of nature to substantially improve your health. Bodyweight training can enhance every aspect of your fitness from mobility and balance to strength and endurance.
While developing your physical abilities is rewarding, Ive witnessed far bigger transformations come about through the simple discipline of calisthenics. Calisthenics transforms vacant lots and neglected playgrounds into urban oases of social and cultural discovery. Kids who once had no confidence discover their power through building their personal strength. Burned out athletes reclaim abilities they thought were lost to time. Ive seen calisthenics help people who believe they are at the end of their fitness rope finally break through their self-doubt and discover their potential.
So, take note; a truly revolutionary health transformation may be just around the corner.
Maybe youre looking to spice things up in your regular weight routine. Or, you might be hoping to get in shape without making massive sacrifices to your time, energy, or wallet. There are many different paths you can walk along your calisthenics journey, but they are all built upon the foundational exercises youll find in this book. The lessons youll learn here are like the scales a musician practices. Though they are foundational, they are not only for beginnersyou will never leave these lessons behind. These techniques will help you go wherever you want to go and will never require more than some effort and a bucket full of determination.
Whatever path has led you here, Im truly excited to present you with not only a body-changing but also a potentially life-changing training regimen. So, without further ado, lets get started.
Matt Schifferle
This book is both an introduction to calisthenics training as well as an ongoing reference manual. At first, I recommend that you read this book straight through to gain a birds-eye view of the information contained within these pages. As you read, note the sections that you think may be particularly helpful when you begin your training. Remember, too, that sometimes a piece of information may seem unnecessary when you first come across it. If thats the case, there is no need to dwell on that information, but keep it in the back of your mind. You may discover its value later on as you progress in your training career.
Above all, feel free to use the information in this book as you wish. You can use it as a stand-alone approach to your fitness plans or as a valuable supplement to what youre already doing.
The of the book defines calisthenics and lays out foundational strategiestargeting muscle groups, developing good eating habits, and establishing goal-setting techniquesfor successful physical training. It will prime your mind to make the best use of the detailed workouts to follow.
The is the real meat and potatoes of this book and includes three distinct calisthenics programs. The first program introduces you to a series of exercises that will help your muscles and joints get a feel for calisthenics training. The second program builds off the previous exercises with routines that require more strength, stability, and body control. The final program introduces you to a selection of more advanced calisthenics moves as you continue to improve your capabilities.
The books explores recovery techniques plus the basic guidelines for building a workout routine to fit your personal goals and lifestyle. These guidelines will give you the structure for establishing productive exercise habits and the freedom to customize your workouts.
As you explore this new discipline, I encourage you to be curiousfollow any white rabbits that catch your attention as you explore the vast world of calisthenics. This book is by no means the final word on the practice. The wonderful thing about calisthenics is that its an infinitely customizable discipline that can be adjusted for anybody with any goal.
While you are getting started, try to suspend judgement about the exercises or your abilities. Experiment, taking time to weed out what doesnt work for you and to home in on the routines that best help you achieve your goals. This process will be a lot more productive than immediately rejecting an idea that could prove beneficial down the road.
