Hybrid Calisthenics

"Calisthenics can't build muscle" - a gentlemanly debate. --- Calisthenics can absolutely build muscle, and you can use different variations to find the ideal difficulty for you. Interestingly, this might ESPECIALLY apply to larger lifters as well as smaller beginners. The larger people have more bodyweight attached to them (even if it's muscle). 10 pullups for a 250lb bodybuilder, for example, is awesome. And beginners generally have more room to grow, regardless of what they use. That said, there's no reason you can't or shouldn't use weights. Weights and machines offer new angles and positions that you make not be able to mimic exactly with bodyweight exercise. They allow you overload without changing your movement. This may be helpful to people who want to specialize in certain areas. However, it should be noted that you can develop an athletic physique with calisthenics and many have done so (for a variety of reasons). This is part of a new "Arguing With Myself" series that emphatically argues different sides of an issue to (hopefully) give a slightly more nuanced understanding of it. The ones prior have been longer and it's hard to fit all important context into a Short. This one was fun to make though, and I used it to test my new mic. Have a great day! #homeworkout #hybridcalisthenics

Jumping rope burns 1000 calories an hour?? (turns out, jumping for an hour may be a bit more than it sounds, but even 20m might be nice for home workouts if you're trying to burn some calories)

Want better grip on pullup bars? Well don't get these - they made it worse. I guess they could help train your grip and make your regular grip stronger. Or maybe I'm using them wrong? I tried a few different ways. Just wanted to share! Have a wonderful day #hybridcalisthenics #pullups #grip

How thicc is your grip? For those who want to train their grip (and forearms) an extra bit - try gripping a thicker bar (there are different add-ons you can make or try too). It substantially to the difficulty! Recommendations: PLEASE start light with this, especially if you're an experienced lifter but new to thick grips. Your limit may be lower than you think. Be safe. Consider doing this after your training so your grip isn't extra exhausted and limiting your other exercises. Not sponsored at all, as usual. Just sharing. Have a thicc day!

"High reps are only for cardio" - a polite debate Thanks for watching! Both Hamptons represent different sides. Their points could use a little extra context. My opinion: -His name is Elwood Henneman. Henneman's Size Principle is cool and worth checking out even if you're not super into fitness. It can show part of how your body works. Your muscles are made of many fibers. These fibers are generally recruited from small to large as needed. "Needed" can mean heavier weight or as smaller fibers are exhausted (one of the reasons people go near failure in sets!). Larger fibers are Type II and usually the ones we target for growth. Smaller ones (Type I) adapt by becoming more metabolically efficient (can better use oxygen). I am generalizing quite a bit for brevity. -You can definitely can gain muscle (and strength) past 10 reps. 20 and 30 reps, even. However, this "only" works if sets are taken near failure. I say "only" with some hesitancy because hypertrophy and strength will possibly still be present in some degree. However, many of the studies on this took participants to near failure or beyond in sets. Definitions differ, but "near failure" can mean 1-2 reps left in the tank. -While you can gain in a variety of rep ranges, "too heavy" and "too light" are still considerations (in my opinion). Doing hundreds of reps isn't the most efficient and trying only your 1RM might reduce total time under tension. -If you want to get stronger, using heavier weight with slightly lower reps (say 3-5) usually makes you stronger faster. Put another way, "training for strength makes you stronger." -The vast majority of people reading this don't need to worry about sarcoplasmic vs myofibrillar hypertrophy. For those curious, a comparison sometimes used is "myofibrillar is like giving a car a bigger engine and sarcoplasmic is giving it a bigger fuel tank." They exist in any rep range but emphasis varies. Just knowing that you usually get the most benefit in the rep range you train is sufficient. -There may be some benefit to changing your rep ranges occasionally -There's more to the discussion, but if this confuses you, don't worry. It doesn't really affect your training at all as long as you have a good program and routine. Have a wonderful day! #hybridcalisthenics #homeworkout

What if your grip is holding you back? I used to recommend people build up with easier variations (or lighter weight if you're lifting weights - I mostly talk about bodyweight stuff) However, nowadays, I think it's reasonable if some people need grip assistance to do harder variations and just train their grip afterwards. This doesn't neglect their grip training but gives them that extra oomph that's helpful to make strength and muscle progress. Just some thoughts! The video isn't sponsored, but someone recommended the brand to me. I like them so far, but some might find the price a bit of a turn off. I can do a more in-depth review if you like. #hybridcalisthenics

Do these ab straps help you train your core? They didn't really strike me as "necessary" at first, I guess? In my mind, there are other ways people can stay gripped to the bar. And there aren't that many exercises you can do with them. That said, I suspect some people will see this and be inspired to train their core (some people just connect strongly when they see it working). And if that's you, that's awesome! Have any of you tried it? Just wanted to share - have a wonderful day! #hybridcalisthenics #homeworkout #abs

Learning to stand up without using your hands! While this is much easier for some people that others, many people can learn to do this to some extent. It can be handy!

"Triple the gains"? - Unsponsored Review on this X3 Bar system. *Unsponsored meaning I took no money and bought this product myself. To my knowledge, the company doesn't even know I exist. There were a lot of details I wanted to add about this one. There's a whole force measurement capability for the X3 Force I got, but that might have to be a separate video. Ultimately, I think it can work as another tool for people that want to exercise at home. Try a bicep curl set with bands at home - the feeling is cool. However, I wouldn't personally consider it "better" than weights or conventional training. It's another option. Additionally, the price is (intentionally) a barrier for some people. I'd say try it out if you really like the idea AND you can easily afford it - it's good to have another option, if nothing else. Otherwise, there may be more accessible ways to get started. Just my opinion, though! Have a wonderful day! #hybridcalisthenics #homeworkout #unsponsoredreview

You CAN do pushups, my friend! (and if you have trouble, you can use the micro-progressions to help you level up!) Think of the small adjustments as the 2.5lb and 5lb weight plates that go on a dumbbell. If you have trouble going to the "next" level, think about a level in between! #homeworkout #hybridcalisthenics

Ranking home workout equipment! (the list is very much my own opinion - the usefulness of each item will depend on your needs and preferences) Here's my reasoning: Workout clothes - great if they help motivate you and get you in the zone, but I've never really used them. I like to work out in whatever I happen to be wearing. This may not be allowed in some gyms, though. They're sometimes a bit overpriced because they know people buy them while inspired to start exercising. Parallettes - Helpful for some moves and skills (like handstand and planche for some people), but usually not necessary. Helpful if you have wrist issues. You can USUALLY use the floor or grip some medium stable dumbbells Exercise Mat - Helpful for exercises like sit-ups (otherwise they might hurt your tailbone at very high reps) and yoga poses if you want to do it in grass. Otherwise, I don't use mine that often. Again, if they motivate you and inspire you to move, use them! Dumbbells - You can get healthy, fit, and strong with progressive calisthenics, but a set of some dumbbells can help a lot! You can do a full body workout and adjust your positioning for difficulty similar to calisthenics. It also helps you isolate - bicep curls, lateral raises, external shoulder rotations etc! Even a few 20lb ones are handy. Most fitness people I know at LEAST occasional use dumbbells. Resistance bands (not shown for time) - I put them in B tier because they can help add variation or assist learning some exercises like pullups. However, outside of physical therapy, they usually aren't used THAT often. Their uses can usually be substituted with something else if needed. Gym rings - I might seem biased but I love gym rings. They're one of my favorite training tools. I do sell them, but I encourage you to get them from anyone that makes sense to you. Buying domestic is usually much more affordable (international shipping costs get crazy) Power rack - if I ever expand my home gym, I want one of these. Great for weighted calisthenics and also barbell training. Of course, a good routine can help you maximize any equipment! #hybridcalisthics #homeworkout

"Triple the gains"? - Unsponsored Review on this X3 Bar system. *Unsponsored meaning I took no money and bought this product myself. To my knowledge, the company doesn't even know I exist. There were a lot of details I wanted to add about this one, but I was a bit limited by time. IN PARTICULAR, I'm curious about how bands won't match the strength curve of every exercise. I added these in the captions. There's a whole force measurement capability for the X3 Force I got, but that might have to be a separate video. Ultimately, I think it can work as another tool for people that want to exercise at home. Try a bicep curl set with bands at home - the feeling is cool. However, I wouldn't personally consider it "better" than weights or conventional training. It's another option. Additionally, the price is (intentionally) a barrier for some people. I'd say try it out if you really like the idea AND you can easily afford it - it's good to have another option, if nothing else. Otherwise, there may be more accessible ways to get started. Just my opinion, though! Have a wonderful day! #hybridcalisthenics #homeworkout #unsponsoredreview

Ab wheels - unsponsored review #hybridcalisthenics

The first day I wore a tanktop in college, I remember this By the way, I know the story kinda makes the lady look bad, but I honestly don't remember her being that bad. She was nice sometimes and helped me pick up stuff I dropped once. That may have just been an off day or she just didn't like it, which is fine. Also, she kind of mumbled it as a reaction to her friends across the room so it wasn't directly to me. I just have sensitive hearing I think But I wear often tanktops and shorts etc because I don't love the feeling of clothes pressing against me. FREEDOM!!! #hybridcalisthenics

How accurate are smart scales? The consensus from most long-term users I've seen is something like "the weight is usually accurate, but the composition is off". Some people suggest using it as a reference point, but I've found that not all brands are consistent enough for this. I would say they're a handy tool for some people but not necessary.

Nasal Dilator - Unsponsored Review I know some people love these and others don't think that much. I tried them out a bit with my wife and we both share our thoughts. If they work for you, that's great! #unsponsoredreview

Do your heels come up during squats? While not ALWAYS an issue, especially for bodyweight squats, it can reduce balance and some unintended side effects. Similar to any workout assistance gear (lifting straps, bench shirt, even using a different grip), some people don't want to use it because it doesn't feel "real." While I admire their dedication, you might as well use the assistance you need to train what you WANT. And then afterwards you can work on the limiting factors like mobility, grip strength, etc. I've learned through the years that genetics definitely seem to affect squats. Some otherwise very mobile and fit people may struggle to do the squats I do in this video - and honestly I could do the "stand up" thing without any training. I'm not really more advanced - I may just be shaped differently. Maybe I have a big head. That said, mobility is often a good thing, so even if you can't do them as easily as some people, building some ankle mobility can be helpful. There are many videos on that, but I just show an assisted deep squat hold here. Have a wonderful day! #hybridcalisthenics #homeworkout

Arguing with myself about knee pushups Usually the "arguing" series shows different sides of a topic. This one was mostly just for goofs (but is still based on conversations I've had haha)

"Bodybuilding is not functional" - a polite debate This is part of the "arguing with myself" series where I explore different sides of a topic. There may be good points that I didn't think to being up, but I try to genuinely argue for each side. I give my opinion at the end for people who prefer to pause and view in the video. TL;DR Opinion: You can safely build muscle without inhibiting functionality for daily movement. If you want, you can add in some more specific exercises that help prepare you for what you want. Longer opinion: this relatively simple topic has some nuance that can lead into a lot of follow-ups. It is rarely a bad thing for most people to put on more muscle, and highly improbable to suddenly become "too bulky." It takes years. There are ways you can bodybuild healthily and improve your life. It doesn't inherently lead to stiffness or non-functional movement. This stereotype comes from *some* bodybuilders who train in very specific ways and have very specific goals. That said, the optimal workouts for building muscle may not always translate into what you want to improve (especially a sport). This is partially why elite athletes often have significant muscle but don't necessarily train for that. While "functional" training gets laughed at for the name sometimes, I interpret it as specific training for the things you want to do and improve - including everyday tasks! We get better at what we train, so feel free to adapt your training to that. If you're medically cleared for exercise, training with full range-of-motion at a level you can safely handle can better strengthen you in those positions. That's what I have for now! Have a wonderful day. #hybridcalisthenics

Arm band make muscle big ? #hybridcalisthenics