Al Kavadlo on Calisthenics For Functional Fitness

Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews

Is calisthenics just a fancy name for bodyweight training, or is it something more

What are the benefits of calisthenics, does it beat out weightlifting, and how can you incorporate it into your routine?

These are all questions you’ll learn the answers to in this interview with Al Kavadlo.

In case you’re not familiar with him, he's a leading expert in bodyweight strength training and calisthenics, and the author of several influential books in the field, including Get Strong. He’s also been featured in major publications like The New York Times and Men's Health.

Through our discussion, we cover a range of topics, including . . .

- The benefits of calisthenics and how it compares with strength training and more traditional resistance training with machines and isolation movements

- How to incorporate calisthenics into your routine, including transitioning from traditional weightlifting to calisthenics, especially for older athletes

- Effective progressions for advanced calisthenics movements like the muscle-up and pistol squat

- Adapting calisthenics to busy schedules and limited equipment

- Common pitfalls in calisthenics training and how to avoid them

- The value of resistance bands

- And much more . . .

Whether you're new to calisthenics or looking to refine your technique, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert insights, so give it a listen!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!

1:53 - How do calisthenics differ from bodyweight training?

6:54 - What are the primary benefits of calisthenics?

9:16 - What specific skills does calisthenics training target?

14:16 - How can incorporating calisthenics benefit your daily routine?

17:01 - What are some basic calisthenics exercises and their variations?

18:45 - Where to start if you can’t do a pushup or chin-up yet?

22:33 - My award-winning fitness books for men and women: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/

24:26 - What's the next step after establishing a solid calisthenics foundation?

32:10 - Why is the pistol squat challenging and how to master it?

36:59 - How should you program the pistol squat into your workout?

40:19 - Are lunges a part of a calisthenics routine?

46:04 - What are Al Kavadlo’s thoughts on using bands in calisthenics?

55:49 - How to know if calisthenics is right for you?

01:02:34 - Where to find Al Kavadlo and his work?

Mentioned on the Show: My award-winning fitness books for men and women: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/

Al’s Get Shredded Guide: https://www.fortifytraining.com/get-shredded-free

Al's Website: https://alkavadlo.com/

Al's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/al_kavadlo/