There are certainly some good aspects to the book.
The exercise selection for example covers all major muscle groups, and the progressions go from easy enough for the most unfit, to hard enough for most mere mortals. (As noted, the easiest squat progression is ridiculous, clearly just added so all exercises had the same number of steps).
The book is also entertaining, as are all the dragondoor books (same publisher as Pavel Tsatouline’s books, just switch the Russian goulag schtick for US prison...).
It’s about as far from rational/evidence based as you can get though.
That’s not to say it’s not a decent program. I am a fan of calisthenics for the convenience and safety. The debate about reps, sets and rest periods is far from settled. No firm evidence to either confirm or contradict the recommendations in the book.
My biggest gripe is the dogmatic “this is the best way to train, all other ways are stupid” type attitude which is the scourge of the fitness world.
Nb definitely the one arm handstand press up is very aspirational. There are some freaky beasts out there that can do it though.
Check-out simonster on YouTube for the limits of calisthenics if you want some inspiration.
There are certainly some good aspects to the book.
The exercise selection for example covers all major muscle groups, and the progressions go from easy enough for the most unfit, to hard enough for most mere mortals. (As noted, the easiest squat progression is ridiculous, clearly just added so all exercises had the same number of steps).
The book is also entertaining, as are all the dragondoor books (same publisher as Pavel Tsatouline’s books, just switch the Russian goulag schtick for US prison...).
It’s about as far from rational/evidence based as you can get though.
That’s not to say it’s not a decent program. I am a fan of calisthenics for the convenience and safety. The debate about reps, sets and rest periods is far from settled. No firm evidence to either confirm or contradict the recommendations in the book.
My biggest gripe is the dogmatic “this is the best way to train, all other ways are stupid” type attitude which is the scourge of the fitness world.
Nb definitely the one arm handstand press up is very aspirational. There are some freaky beasts out there that can do it though.
Check-out simonster on YouTube for the limits of calisthenics if you want some inspiration.