Today you are going to learn EXACTLY how you can start your calisthenics training as a beginner.
This calisthenics workout plan has been used successfully by 1000+ people from around the world.
Here is what you will get:
- Effective routines to build muscle and burn fat.
- Life lessons to become the best version of yourself.
- And the best possible start as a calisthenics beginner.
This workout plan will give you a complete breakdown.
You can begin your calisthenics training TODAY!
Contents
Chapter 1:
What Is Calisthenics Workout?
If you want to know what calisthenics is about, you need to know what it means first.
When you do know, you will say: "That sounds obvious!".
The question is:
Where do you start?
Use the definition, history and link in this chapter to get a better idea.
Calisthenics Definition
According to Wikipedia, Calisthenics (also known as 'street workout') is a form of bodyweight training.
Or more precise, it is the art of using your body weight as resistance to develop your physique.
Here is a snippet of the exact definition:
Calisthenics training uses minimal equipment and is intended to increase strength, fitness and flexibility through different exercises.
Common exercises are:
- chin ups,
- push ups,
- squats,
- dips;
- and leg raises.
The beautiful thing about calisthenics?
You can do it anywhere. Anytime.
The entire world becomes your gym. How exciting is that?
And you aren't the first one.
For example, a quick Google search shows that calisthenics has gotten quite popular:
Just look at the sharp increase from 2013 to 2014 of more than 109%:
But before you become one of those people, you need to be prepared.
Why?
Because although you only use your own body weight.
It does not mean that you cannot get injured.
In the ultimate calisthenics guide for beginners, you will find an entire chapter dedicated to:
- injuries;
- recovery from injuries;
- and prevention of injuries.
The good news?
With the tips and workout plans in this post, you should be up and running in no time.
Ready for an adventure?
The Best Calisthenics Goals
You will NEVER arrive anywhere if you don't know where you are going.
So the first question you need to ask yourself is:
"Where do I want to go?"
A quick Reddit search for example shows that a lot of beginners struggle with that question:
In fact, there are tons and tons of topics on goal setting:
So, it's clearly something you will struggle with as a beginner.
And here is the key to crush your goals THIS year:
An implementation intention.
According to the British Journal of Health and Psychology, people who use implementation intentions increase their chances of following up on a new habit by 200%.
What is it?
A simple 1 sentence statement:
I want to (WHAT), at (WHEN) in the (WHERE).
For example:
"I want to do 3 full body circuits (what), at 11:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays (when) in the garage (where)."
It's clear, either you do 3 circuits or not.
And because it's clear you are more likely to ACTUALLY do it.
Write Down 1-3 Implementation Intentions
Grab a notebook or a piece of paper and write down 1-3 implementation intentions.
Even if you change them after reading this post, you'll be practicing the skill of setting goals.
So what is the best goal for calisthenics beginners?
"A goal that states, what, where and when you are going to do what you intend to do."
That wasn't hard, right?
And take some time to notice what setting goals does to your emotions.
You feel excitement, because it SUPERCHARGES your brain.
That is...
...if it's clearly defined.
Now, it's time for the fun part.
Chapter 2:
The Requirements For Your Calisthenics Workout Plan
In this chapter you will get a list of the most common injuries...
...a link to 7 effective warming up routines that you can use to prevent those injuries.
And a basic workout plan to make sure you are ready for the coming 6 months.
So if you want to avoid getting hurt and make sure you make it to the end, this chapter is for you.
Warming Up
In the coming months, you will make some amazing progress.
Especially if you are consistent.
But what you need first, is a basic level of strength.
Warm up and use rest intelligently
To start safely, you need to be prepared and use these 7 effective routines to warm up before your training.
What do you want to focus on during your warm up?
- your wrists (18,6% of injuries);
- and shoulders (41,9% of injuries).
Both will need some extra attention.
Especially if you completely new to this.
Here is a list of the 5 most common injuries:
Injury prevention = is making sure you warm up AND use the right amount of rest between cycles and exercises:
- 30-60 seconds of rest between your exercises.
- more important: 60-180 seconds of rest between cycles.
Why use these numbers?
According to the European Journal of Physiology, your body needs about 180 seconds to fully recover.
For example:
- 30 seconds means ≈ 50% of your energy is restored
- 60-90 seconds means ≈ 75-90% of your energy is restored
- 180 seconds means ≈ 98% of your energy is restored
The amount of rest you need depends on your goal and your level of development, but here are the general rules of thumb:
- strength: rest 3-5 min
- muscle growth: 60-90 sec
- endurance: minimum rest
As you become stronger you can minimise the rest between exercises.
So what are the strength requirements?
To get the best possible start for the six month workout schedule, you need to be able to complete the 'get ready' routine:
Workout Explainer
Follow the workout diagram from left to right.
Like reading:
Next to the arrows you see the name of the exercise, the number of reps and an illustration:
Above you see the number of cycles:
And the rest time after 1 full cycle:
One cycle means doing all the exercises for the given amount of reps.
Lacking the strength for these exercises?
Need to start from scratch?
Don't worry about it.
If you don't have the basics down yet, you can use regressions to work on those first.
What are regressions?
"Regressions are easier versions of the same exercise."
You can use the 'almost there! routine' below for 4-6 weeks until you can move on to the get ready routine:
- Your pulling strength/back: chin ups.
- Your pushing strength/chest: dips and push ups.
- Lower body/legs: squats.
- Or your core/abs: leg raises.
Finally, make sure you get the FREE starter guide for beginners.
(You will get 1 extremely powerful tip to stay motivated.)
I will send you links to multiple posts that will BOOST your motivation and results in ways you cannot imagine yet.
Can you do the requirements for the given amount of cycles?
You are ready to start your six months of bodyweight training.
Is this plan perfect for everyone?
NO.
It's a foundation that you can use for a new body.
But you can always customise it to your needs.
That's your responsibility.
The Harsh Truth About Your Calisthenics Progress
How fast do you think you will see progress?
One day?
One week?
One month?
Here is the harsh truth:
Progress does not work the way you think it does.
And you will see progress depends on a million different factors.
But if you stick to this plan, your training routine will not be holding you back.
There will be periods however, where you expect to improve exponentially.
Unfortunately, there will be a lot of days where you feel like you are going nowhere.
But if you are patient and consistent.
Your progress will look like this:
Knowing what you can expect will keep you motivated.
Hit a flatline or a small dip?
Keep working.
You are about to reach a new peak.
Do NOT forget this.
Focus on the long-term progress. The red dotted line.
Why?
It will set you apart from 99% of beginners who quit after their first month.
Let's move on to the first month!
Chapter 3:
Month 1 - Essential Full Body Workout Plan
Is calisthenics really "the best way to train for me"?
Yup!
(of course that's my answer.)
In fact, as you've already read more and more people are getting into it.
And most of your progress comes from being a beginner.
So if you are serious about starting - or want to double down on your health and results - this chapter is for you.
In fact, this chapter could be the start of a life-changing journey.
The Workout Plan
Important: Make sure you complete the number of reps.
Too easy?
Complete 5 cycles before moving on to the next month.
Here is your weekly workout schedule:
Month 1 - Training Schedule
If you start on a Monday, aim to have 1 day of rest in between your workout days.
Each day of rest will give you enough time to recover.
Remember:
This is the bare minimum amount of calisthenics training to get results as a beginner.
Training Tip - Focus On Making Calisthenics Part Of Your Life
Don't expect too many visible changes.
Focus on making training part of your life.
Go from doing calisthenics.
To being someone who does calisthenics.
It becomes part of your identity.
When that happens, it does not matter how long it takes.
You will get those results.
Because you become someone who has those results.
It took you many years to develop the body you have right now.
It will take more than a few weeks to transform it.
But, you are on your way.
Reading this is the first result on the road to making calisthenics part of your life.
And you are just getting started...
Training Tip - Use The Power Of Variety
Quickly bored?
I know.
I'm not expecting you to change into a military-style elite level athlete.
Especially not overnight.
But the routine you have, if done consistently will give you HUGE improvements.
The challenge?
Your brain is wired to get a small jump of reward every time you do something new, while keeping things challenging enough.
That's why some people spend more time on playing video games than would be good for them.
Game developers are extremely good at getting you into the flow zone.
In other words:
You can use the flow principle to your advantage by switching your training when you start losing motivation as a result of boredom.
Increase the difficulty once things become too easy.
And find the sweet spot for yourself.
How?
- Be patient;
- make progress;
- and have fun.
So, when you feel unmotivated add more variety during these 6 months.
For example:
Workout Plans for variety
You can find 14 fast bar brother beginner routines or plans.
And make sure you hit those legs hard and squat deep.
Training both your legs and upper body seems to be better for overall muscle growth.
Now that's more than enough variety to keep you going, right?
Let's see where month 2 will take you.
The Nutrition System
Whether it's your priority or not, if you want results you want to make sure your nutrition the BEST it can be.
(The best moment to start was yesterday.)
Remember:
"Abs are made in the kitchen."
This is covered in the Nutrition System by the official Bar Brothers.
Chapter 4:
Month 2 - Ultimate Full Body Workout Plan
Training with PRECISION is a KEY to getting old with calisthenics.
And it's important whether you are 20 or 50 right now.
(In fact, your age is irrelevant.)
And in this chapter, I'll show you a powerful mindset tip and how you can take the next step in your training.
The Workout Plan
Month 2 - Training Schedule
Training Tip - Perform Your Exercises Like A Surgeon
When I first started with calisthenics, I didn't care about how well I was doing the repetitions
All I cared about was how much repetitions I was doing.
But there is a VERY big difference between doing a push up correctly 5 times.
And doing a push up incorrectly 10 times.
You will be way stronger and injury free down the road if you do it the right way.
It's about having the right mindset.
Just like making a pie.
The point I'm trying to make is:
That the way you do something can lead to very different results.
Even if the ingredients are the same.
Fun fact: do you know the world record for most push ups in 1 hour?
Don't get me wrong, it's very impressive.
But how good are those push ups?
If you want to prevent injuries and to get maximum results don't go for world records and focus on the details.
Start doing your workouts with the precision of a brain surgeon.
And ask yourself:
- What do I need to focus on?
- What are the details?
- How can I get maximum results?
Chapter 5:
Month 3 - Level Up Intermediate Workout Plan
In 2021 this Bar Brother post kept showing up in the top results of Google.
With more than 1000+ comments from interested beginners.
Wow...
That's a lot!
How come so many people were excited about this calisthenic workout plan?
Let's jump into the exact strategy and the next workout plan they used in this chapter.
The Workout Plan
Good work!
You have reached the intermediate workout plan.
Time to level up.
Make sure you mark down this peak.
For example, you can start using an achievement book.
Why?
You need to celebrate your victories.
No matter how small.
Here is your weekly workout schedule:
Month 3 - Training Schedule
Month 3 - Higher Intensity Schedule
As with the previous months, you can always add variety with beginner or intermediate routines.
Just make sure you stick to doing the next level routine for 3 days at least.
You are getting prepared for your first muscle up.
It's usually one of the biggest goals for beginners.
And a great starting point.
So, when will you do your first one?
That's up to you.
Training Tip - Plan Your Rest Between Workout Periods
Rest?
I know it sounds weird.
Like the WRONG thing to do.
That is, if you want to make progress, right?
Actually, the opposite is true.
I've written about the 3 fundamental rules of muscle growth before.
The funny part?
Most of your recovery issues will solve themselves if you stick to a good sleep cycle.
How much sleep do you need?
You can discover more about the importance of sleep.
And if you do, you will be stronger than ever.
Why?
Because your rest is the building block that can either make the body you've constructed stand firm.
And get you the results at the top.
Or when neglected.
Make your body collapse.
And crash your results into the ground.
I know it sounds unimportant to you right now.
But if you keep neglecting it.
You will need to return to the drawing board sooner or later.
And start from scratch.
The good news?
With what you know now, you won't need to.
Month 4 is going to be interesting!
Chapter 6:
Month 4 - The Muscle Up Hunt Routine
I’m a BIG fan of muscle ups.
Why?
Because they combine dips with pull ups.
Think about it:
When you do a muscle up you are doing multiple exercises at once, you do double the amount of work in 1 rep.
You aren't there yet, but you are getting pretty close.
In this chapter you will learn EVERY component you need to develop your first muscle up.
Workout Plan
Month 4 - Training Schedule
First, focus on going really low with the straight bar dips.
Second, reduce the amount of jumping with the jump muscle ups.
You need to find a lower bar, that allows you to jump up.
This is going to be the most challenging period yet.
Keep reminding yourself of the tips in month 1 about progress.
Why?
Training Tip - Connect The Dots And Experiment With Progressions And Cycles
Are you seeing how you can progress to something amazing?
Just by taking it one step at a time.
First, you start month 1 with placing dots with the basics:
Then in month 4 you discover how to connect some dots:
And in month 5 you are going to connect all the dots.
See how the arrow of progress shows up if you keep drawing lines?
Didn't expect that...
And you can use this lesson as a reminder:
"Progress is not giving up."
Good luck with this month.
Workout Explainer
You can always increase or decrease the difficulty by going back to the previous month or by maxing out on cycles.
Doing 4-5 instead of 3.
The end is in sight.
Or rather...
...the beginning of something even better.
Chapter 7:
Month 5 - Muscle Up King Plan
Ready to step up your training in 2021?
If you have prepared yourself in the previous months, warmed up properly, rested sufficiently then you might be ready to give this month a go!
And In this chapter, you'll learn a simple rule to keep going when things get tough.
Let's dive right in.
The Workout Plan
Finally.
It took a while, but you've connected all the dots now.
Time to crown yourself a muscle up king!
Here is your workout schedule:
Month 5 - Training Schedule
Workout Explainer
You alternate between the routine you did in month 3 and this routine.
Because month 3 will help you deal with weak spots.
Yes, the basics are priceless for everything that you do and want to maintain.
Use the strength you have now to make your repetitions even better.
Surgical precision...
And depending on how your body responds, you can increase the duration of these six months:
Spend more time on month 3 or any of the months you struggle with.
(2-4 weeks should be reasonable.)
And get more ripped:
For example, by giving yourself more time to change your calisthenics diet routines.
In other words:
Use this plan to fit your unique and individual needs.
After all, NOBODY knows you better than you.
That's where the final tip comes into play.
You can find it in the next chapter...
Training Tip - Complete Big Workout Goals By Working On Smaller Ones
Have you ever tried building a wall?
Like the great wall of China?
Sounds like an insane goal to have, doesn't it?
Now what if I told you to lay down 1 brick consistently, every single day?
That sounds easy, right?
Guess what?
That same brick will turn into a HUGE wall if you just keep laying down one at a time.
Over a longer period of time.
Now I'm not telling you that transforming your body is as hard as building the Great Wall of China.
Because it would take you about 100 lives.
But what you need to understand is that the people who build that wall, placed 1 brick at a time.
That's something you can do when building the body you want.
One day at a time.
Imagine what you could become.
If you stick to this simple rule:
"Show up consistently."
It's frightening if you think about it.
And encouraging if you know how to get there.
Which brings us to the final month.
Chapter 8:
Month 6 - The Bar Brother Beginner Challenge
Challenges are a way for you to STAND OUT.
Here is another one:
"the obstacle is the way."
Question is:
What have you been preparing for these past 6 months?
And what is the end goal?
Well, that’s exactly what I plan to cover in this chapter.
The Workout Plan
To end your 6 month journey, you will have to finish your final task.
How?
By completing this challenge:
The Bar Brother Beginner Challenge
Now it's time to finish your journey.
It's a good moment to look back and reflect on all the connections you've made.
All the bricks you have laid.
All the pies, all the patience, all the dots and all the expectations.
Good luck!
Although, I'm sure you won't need it.
Because luck favours the prepared.
Here is your final workout schedule:
Month 6 - Training Schedule
The #1 goal in this month is to test yourself.
Or as the legendary Michael Jordan once said:
"If you do the work, you get rewarded. There are no shortcuts in life."
In other words, use all the tips and trust yourself.
You'll find a summary of all the tips in the last chapter.
Chapter 9:
A Summary - 7 Tips For Calisthenics Beginners in 2021
So: What did you remember?
Calisthenics ROCKS!
It's so powerful, liberating and eye-catching, that it can't help but get attention.
And in this chapter I'll just quickly remind you of all the powerful lessons life-lessons I got from calisthenics...
...that you can use beyond your training.
A Quick Summary Of Calisthenics Tips
What's After The Beginner Challenge?
You are ready to conquer the world...
...well, almost.
You are not the beginner you were before you started.
And perhaps you are looking for a next challenge.
Try the 12-week workout system by the professional Bar Brothers.
It's not free. But it's well worth the small price of two good meals.
I can tell you from personal experience.
Anyways, it was a fun journey, wasn't it?
Your imagination has brought you here.
Now it's time to take your imagination elsewhere!
And here is why:
I believe you can do better.
*Fist Bump*
I hope you enjoyed the essential workout plan.
Now I'd like to hear from you: what did you learn from this guide?
Did you progress as much as you hoped to?
Or maybe you were surprised by all the tips.
Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment below now!
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Just started 2 days ago with month 1 and I can´t remember the last time i was so tired after training.. also I can´t remember the last time i was so motivated.
I really like this stuff, thank you for sharing.
As you say..
Beast mode ON!
Hey Pablof,
Welcome to the movement!
I’m happy you enjoyed your workout and guess what? You are just getting started ;).
Beast mode ON!
Hi Rich, i’m in the middle of the 4 months and i don’t want to give up at all, i feel great. I only have One question, on wendsday i replace the lets go routine with a shoulder routine, it’s ok if i train my shoulder with weights (like military press or other exercise) or you think it’s better not? Thank you for your work, beast mode
Hey Rich!
Love this 6 month plan! I’m currently in the last week of month 3, and I was wondering If I could add p-bar skill work. I would do my p-bar skill work in the early morning before school, and then id do the 6-month workout later on in the day. Would the p-bar work be too much on me? Or will my muscles be ok? (Like, will it be enough to let my muscles recover and not hinder growth)
Thanks!
Beast Mode ON!!!
Hey Ian,
Awesome job!
It really depends on how fast you recover, how much rest you have in general, what the intensity is of your p-bar workout etc.
Too many factors for me to give you an answer, it should be possible if you program correctly. That’s something you’ll need to experiment with ;).
Beast mode ON!
Hi,
Thank you very much for this 6 months program. I’m in the 1st month and find it easy to follow.
While I am nearly able to complete the 3rd round of the 1st month routine, I was wondering what we are meant to do once we are able to fully do the routine 3 times in one session. Do we up the reps on each exercise until we are able to do 3 rounds before we add another rep ?
Best regards,
J
Hey Jonathan,
Great question. Move up to the next month or perfect your current month, focus on more quality, better eccentrics and stronger contractions. Just make sure that just as much as your muscles need conditioning your tendons and joints need time to catch up. Those recover completely differently. So going too fast from one month two the next might backfire.
But it’s something you’ll need to experiment with.
Beast mode ON!
Hey Rich
What will changed if I add some weights on every exercise,like example
7chin ups+8kg
1 min wall sit + 15 kg
12 Dips+ 10kg
24 squads+ 10kg
16 push ups + 15 kg
6 pull ups +10 kg
Leg raise
Intensive rest between sets 1 min between exercises 3 min
I do calisthenics 2 months I am 72 kg 175 heigh
How you think I need to continue train with adding weight to get a extreme calisthenics
Regard: kristap
Thanks
Hey Kristaps,
Something will happen ;), keep in mind that it’s not about ‘just adding’ more weight. That’s the limited gym mindset. It’s about adding layers of skill. So it’s cool to do a +8 kg chin up or a +10 or +20 kg chin up, but guess what? You still can’t do a muscle up. So what are you really focusing on? Developing higher levels of skill? Because skill is more than just adding weight.
There are guys who can do a 300 kg bench press, but they can’t do the most basic calisthenic exercises such as a handstand, which is significantly less weight, but significantly more skill. So it depends on what you want, just keep in mind that ‘just’ adding weight is not going to get you high level calisthenics skills, those quite frankly require a lot more.
Weight can definitely have its place, but only if you have absolutely mastered the basics and complement weight with skill.
Beast mode ON!
Hi Rich,
Just wanted to echo everyone’s comments about what a great job you are doing. I can’t believe the amount of time you give to people free of charge. Most importantly, I am fairly cynical about a lot of the free stuff you can read on the Internet (as you are too) but I have to say that this program and your advice in general really seems to work.
I’m 39 years old and have worked out on and off for years, but always felt disappointed with lack of progress and lack of visible results. I’m now half way through month 3 of this program, having started with the beginner’s routine to make sure my technique was sound, and I have already noticed massive differences in my strength and physique. I’ve changed my diet at the same time (using your guide as a framework), and I alternate my days on this program with pilates 3 times a week which is great for core strength and increasing flexibility – I have a six pack for the first time in my life!
There are days when I feel like I can’t be bothered and other days when I feel like I’m going backwards, but this program (and your motivational attitude) helps me to focus on the long term gains, rather than expecting progress every day. Today I got up at 6.15 am and really couldn’t be bothered, but I did it anyway and, of course, I’m glad I did.
One example of my improvement is the fact that, before I started this, I could barely do any diamond push-ups but by adding those to these routines as a progression I am now able to do sets of 10 easily with good form (today I did a total of 64 over 7 sets). It’s not much, but it’s not bad! 🙂
Keep up the good work Rich and everyone else!
Cheers
Russ
Hey Russ,
Sorry for the late reply first of all, I’ve been quite busy recently :D.
Secondly, thanks heaps for the amazing and warm message, it truly means more than you can imagine. Always be critical of course, that’s one of the many characteristics of having ‘a healthy gut feeling’ haha ;). So once again, I’m happy that things have been working for you, in all honesty the information on this website has been a collection of hundreds of books, thousands of hours and investments into my personal development which I felt I needed to share with people looking to head into the same direction. While it did cost me more than a few bucks, the reward of messages such as yours is more than worth it.
Great to read that now things are ‘clicking’ for you in the right way, usually patience comes with age and by now I’m sure that ‘you’ve come to the realisation that quick fixes are rarely fixes at all’. More than just the physical changes, the mental changes are a big part of this. A more flexible and stronger body actually translates to personal characteristics, it’s something research is catching up to lately. Well, you can scratch that ‘six pack’ goal off your list now ;).
Haha, that’s the spirit, early mornings, healthy days…That’s something to hold on to. That progress right there is honestly something people can only dream of.
Keep up the good work, strength, flexibility and motivation. And share your passion with others, pass it on ;D.
Once again, humbled by the length and content of your message, thanks for making my day.
Beast mode ON!
Hey Bar Brothers,
first of all thanks for this awesome 6 months workout plan. I started a few days ago. I have a bit trouble with chin ups and pull ups but that’s not so much. Have a bit too much bodyfat. But my questions are…
1) I finish my full body workout in 20 minutes and still want to train afterwards. The first two cycles i barely sweat but the third one makes me sweat more. Should i add a fourth cycle? Or should i do a leg routine after the full body routine?
2) Which workout plan looks better to you?
Plan 1 — MONDAY: full body 3 cycles WEDNESDAY: Full body 3 cycles + leg routine FRIDAY: Full body 3 cycles + leg routine SUNDAY: HIIT Sprinting 20 minutes
Plan 2 — MONDAY: full body 3 cycles + 1 extra cycle (4 cycles total) WEDNESDAY: Full body 3 cycles + 1 extra cycle (4 cycles total) THURSDAY: leg routine FRIDAY: Full body 3 cycles + 1 extra cycle (4 cycles total) SUNDAY: HIIT Sprinting 20 minutes
Thank you Bar Brothers! You’re the best!
Hey Sidney,
You are more than welcome!
If you feel like you can add a 4th one, by all means do so. Just make sure you aren’t doing any half-assed job on the exercises, but I’m sure you aren’t ;).
The best workout plan is the one you can stick to and depends on your goals. Which I don’t know at this point.
Beast mode ON!
Hey bar brothers,
I was thinking to do The 3 days full body for 4 cycles, but without the squats and wall sits. Then do leg routine 2 days a week on rest days and do one extra HIIT training. so on monday, wednesday and friday the full body from month one for 4 cycles but without the leg exercises, tuesday and thursday the leg routine for 2 cycles and on sunday do HIIT cardio. This means i only rest on saturday. Would this be too much training? Because i know that rest is important and i heard it’s not good to have some sort of HIIT almost everyday.
The leg routine excists out of: 15 vertical jumps, 25 walking lunges, 10 squat jumps with 180 turn, 15 jumping jacks, 20 duck walk, 15 forward jumps and 15 backward jumps. Minimum rest in between the exercises and after the cycle 5 minutes rest.
Would this be too much? Obviously i want to get stronger/muscular and lower a bit in my bodyfat. Diet is on point!
Thanks so much!
I’ll ask it differently 😉
question 1 – Is it too much training if i do 3 days full body 4 cycles from month 1 without legs + 2 days leg workout + 1 day HITT sprinting? So only 1 rest day.
question 2 – Is the leg workout as i said above a good one? or which one do you recommend for training legs twice a week, im used to heavy weighted exercises so i need something challenging. Can’t do pistol squat, but normal squats are so damn easy to do (even when i pause at the bottom, and i go further than 90 degrees).
Hope to hear from you as soon as possible! 🙂
Hey Sidney,
This depends on a lot of factors, for beginners I recommend starting with 3 days a week from both a physical and mental point of view. Over time of course you can increase the intensity, but don’t expect your body to go from 0-100 if you’ve been living your life at 10. You need to slowly increase the speed over a longer period of time or you’ll blow up your engine. Tendonitis, injuries, loss of motivation etc.
As with upper body, you need to work on progressive overload. Start doing pistol squat progressions, this doubles the load. I’ve written a blog post about this ;). Other than that, there are plenty of options which you can find on the website. My advice, go try your plan and see what happens.
Beast mode ON!
Hey bar brothers, i like the routine. I’ve been doing some body weight workouts at home for the past three months. I want to know if you guys think I’ll be ready to start this calisthenics workout as a 2017 resolution. I’m tired of being really skinny only weighing 151 lbs and I’m 5’11” . My goal is to be around 165-170lbs with a better body. Would you recommend this workout for me?
Hey Jessie,
Great question!
Don’t ask me that question ;), you are the only one who can answer it. Do you think you are ready?
Are you willing to put in the work? Write an achievement journal? Stay consistent? Not focus on the results, but on the process?
You have the answers my friend.
Beast mode ON!
True, I am ready for it then. I see this workout mostly focuses on the upper body. Any suggestions on leg workouts of the additional days?
Hey Bar Brothers,
I am very thankful that I’ve discovered this 6 months program, and I express my gratitude with words. I am still a complete beginner to calisthenics, and I am about to commence the 6 months program. I would like to know does this program work out with the “Bar Brothers Nutrition” program? And I would also like to know how does the “Bar Brothers Nutrition” program work, ex: do you provide a specific diet plan?
Hey Gene,
Thanks for the comment.
It does, the Nutrition program can be followed even separately. You can specific meal plans including a more ‘scientific’ explanation for why certain foods will favor a better body composition versus why others will not. So it’s all in there from A-Z.
Beast mode ON!
Hey Rich,
Sorry its me again. I am confused with the Muscle Up Hunt “Training Tip”. The given tips mentioned that I should try to do at least 5 reps for each exercise, but in the picture shown, specific reps were given for different exercises, so I am not sure which one should I follow.
Hey Gene,
Go for the given reps, but in most cases those are a bit on the ‘higher side’ for this month.
So if that’s not something you are capable of doing yet, aim for at least 5.
Beast mode ON!
Hi bar brother
Tnx for this awesome plans
Im a fitness athletic i go to gym 6 day in week but i want to be a calisthenics athletic same time
So i start your beginner 6 month plan i training your plan in morning and go to gym in evening
I training every day and rest just in Friday, i want know your opinion and how should I training calisthenics and weight training with together?
Hey Shayan,
Thanks for your comment!
It depends on a lot of factors including your goals. This is a very individual question which I cannot answer from a general perspective. I would need to have a lot more information from you. You can definitely combine the two however.
Just keep in mind: “There is no shortcut to a place worth going”. Sometimes decreasing the intensity can actually be better for your gains than increasing it.
Beast mode ON!
Hi Rich,
first of all thanks for making this available on the net! It has been very inspiring and motivating. I had to drop my regular training (brazilian jiu jitsu) because of a knee injury, and I got into Calisthenics.
Today, I started the 5 month of the training and I decided to try a muscle up. Last time I tried it was in the second month and I wanted to see how close I was getting to do a full muscle up. Surprisingly, after 3 attempts I have been able to do my first muscle up!
At the end of today’s session I have been able to consistently do 2 reps per muscle up set.
After this, I have a doubt. Do you recommend I focus on doing muscle ups and increasing the reps or continue with the 5th month as it is in the guide (muscle up progression + muscle hunt/full body)?
I though about doing 3-5 series of muscle ups (trying to maximise the reps) + Muscle Hunt (or Full body).
What do you think?
Thanks a lot!
Hey Roger,
You are more than welcome!
Congratulations on getting your first one. It really depends on your goals and degree of patience. Keep in mind that your connective tissues recovery at a rate approximately 10 times slower than your muscles. So being able to do 1 muscle up, doesn’t really say whether or not your body can actually fully recover from those loads. So conditioning is essential. Just like in bjj, if you spar with a purple belt while being a white belt 1 time and win (Very unlikely of course), it doesn’t mean you need to start sparring with purple belts every day. Chances are you will do more damage to yourself than good. Be a white belt, perfect those basics.
Beast mode ON!