Weighted VS Unweighted Calisthenics

In this video, I discus answer a question that I get asked on a near weekly basis, and that is whether or not everyone needs to do weighted calisthenics. The answer to that is... it depends. First of all, if your goals are to build muscle, vitality, and general fitness, most people will be fine NEVER weighting their calisthenics. However, for those looking to maximize their strength, weighted calisthenics can be an incredible tool for doing so. That being said, don't underestimate how strong you can get from just performing your basic body weight reps with good form.

[AdeptMarsupial]

I've been training high volume calisthenics w/ no additional weights for upwards of 18 months now (after gymming consistently for 10 years prior to that), and its a seriously underrated way to train. Strict form in the higher rep range is more than sufficient and its such an accessible way to train consistently

[michaelxortega]

I’ve been following your advice for the past month and I’ve been noticing great gains in strength. What I love most about your advice is the simplicity and accessibility. No fancy equipment or movements, just basic movements, patience, and an emphasis on great form.

[pierobattelli]

Love the simplicity and straight to the point approach you have man. Quality video as always.

[RalfyCustoms]

You my friend are a godsend, I'm 55 and just getting back into shape after a few decades of neglect, thank you for sharing such straightforward and logical techniques and ideology

[Kaotonix]

Another straight to the point, no click bait, concise and helpful, non-flashy video. Just here to say thanks again.

Update on my end: Been following your basic calisthenics template: 1 push, 1 pull, 1 legs, a few reps shy from failure. 7 min every day, with about 10k steps walking. Eating is one very large meal a day for dinner, and I enjoy it with friends/family eating whatever the group decides. Down 9lbs, 2 inches off belly, 1 inch off waist, and getting stronger on all fundamental exercises.

Honestly had no idea I could make this much progress with such little effort. Because barrier is so low, I put in the 7 min every day, and end up going to 15-30 min each day and at end of week have a ton of weekly volume. You helping me understand that the rep range was wide, without needing weights, as long as few reps shy of failure, was what changed everything for me. Thanks again! See u soon

[gunmada]

This is such a gem of a channel seriously, the information that you put out are gold, ive currently seen good gains from following your advice and im fully embracing the basics and good technique, i dont know if it has something to do with my short height or genes but it seems that just doing the basics really helped me with my fitness goals, keep up the good work!

[alec]

This can be often seen through pushups where people feel like they have mastered the movement and say they can rep out 100 reps, but in reality when they slow the movement, and focus on full range of motions they won't be able to do half of that. Another amazing and simple advice! God bless coach kyle

[djj]

Check out the pulse everyone.... most fitness enthusiasts are gravitating towards Kyle's approach!! He is humbly ahead of the curve. Let's spread the word!
This gentleman is consistent & disciplined!!! 🕉

[duuplo]

This is the best I've heard anyone formulate this!

[geoffball]

Another mega dose of common sense from the BW Master Kboges! Add weight when when you are ready and have a purpose. Thank you for another great video..

[lionelroudoudou]

Your channel is pure gold. Thank you 🙏

[popcornto]

Update:

Since I've been following your channel for about 4-5 months now, I've went from 310lbs at 6'3 to now 278lbs.

I'm doing the Inverted Rows and Pushups 2-3x a week.

I'm starting another fat loss phase today, getting down to probably 255-260 in 8 weeks.

I'm progressing nicely, 15 Paused Pushups on Dumbbells in my Max, 25 regular Pushups, 20+ second dead hang is easy now (beforehand I felt like I'd rip my body immediately at the start of a dead hang).

Doing Squats too, my Goblet Squat is improving due to better endurance because of lighter Bodyweight.

I'm aiming for my first pull-up in the maintenance Phase following my 8 week cut, feels within reach once I lose another ~20lbs.

Thanks so much for what you do Kyle. Between your training, and the Weight loss philosophy of Mike Isratel from Renaissance Periodization, I'm making progress in my fitness and health, and for the first time in years, I have hope, and I feel in control and able to predictably and consistently work towards my Goals.

I'm aiming to be 215-220lbs by late 2023/early 2024, still doing Calisthenics and Boxing. I'll update you periodically on my progress, and at the end as well.

[matthewward]

Wow this is exactly the video that I’ve been hoping you’d make

[joaquimsanches]

Your approach to fitness and training has changed my life.
I'm a Police Officer and because of my work schedule and long hours, going to the gym and long training sessions, never really appealed to me.
High Frequency Calisthenics is the key for me.
3 or 4 sets of push, pull and squat everyday, with different variations and some kettlebell swings for my hip hinges, some running (and/or sprinting) 1 to 3 times per week, and jiu jitsu sessions, when I can get them in.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it has really changed my views on fitness and improved my quality of life.
Keep up the great work, always wishing fo another video.
Take care.

[Yipmanhands]

Excellent, the information in this video is really good news as far as I'm concerned. Being 60 and hearing that weights are unnecessary for my goals is very encouraging. Although trying to be stronger and losing some beer induced middle is a goal, just being able, capable and injury free are more important to me these days. Thanks for the knowledge you are putting out Kyle, much appreciated.

[rpcheesman]

Watching those press ups whilst you're talking - you are a machine. Rock solid. Great videos and great points to digest and think over with each one.

[mace]

Your channel is filled to the rim with useful info on absolutely every topic there is on bodyweight training. I can't believe where I would be if I didn't have your channel to answer all my questions. Sincerely thank you, for your hard work Kyle.

[RadilevPlamen]

I still think that weighted calisthenics is better for muscle as well. Reps above 12 are demanding, a lot of people will give up way before they reach actual muscle failure. While something like 4x8 on dips, first your form remains constant, while 4x25 you might fatigue sooner than you need. This is especially true for squats. I'd say that for pullups we can go away with bodyweight, as long as we play with the speed and the form, but for pushing movements and lower body it's very hard to compare with weights.

[theunmobablespes]

Hey there i wanted to share my progress with you. Since june i started to take calisthenics serious and put more efford into it than before. Since im a runner and climber i didn't start at zero but i was rather weak i guess.

My pull progress lacks a bit but i am doing bed sheet doorframe rows, jackknife pull ups and kettlebell rows with 3 sets of 8-12.

Pushing vastly improved, i went from few standard push ups to serious numbers of kettlebell push ups and finally i can do some Diamond push ups.

Biggest change are legs, my squat number reached 120/day this week.

I'm doing push/pull/squat several times a week and my running performance significantly changed because my legs are stronger.
Combined with yoga several times a week i'm feeling more fit and balanced than ever before and i've lost 6-7 kg because of IF.

Thank you for sharing your content, you're part of my journey.

[bobbysturdy]

I have been slowly but surely getting stronger and more muscular without having touching a weight or adding weight to my calisthenics in a manner that is functional for Thai Boxing. This really works folks! Thanks for sharing brother.