There are progressions to most bodyweight strength exercises. The problem with weight training in order to do something like a planche is that it doesn't help at all. One could have a 1x bodyweight bench press or a 2x bodyweight bench press and still be in the same place as far as training for a planche pushup goes, and probably take about the same time to get there. The person with less starting strength will develop that requisite strength as they move through the planche progressions of developing strength in very disadvantageous leverage positions. One of the advantages of training in such positions is the crossover to advantageous leverage positions is immense, whereas the reverse is not true. Bodyweight strength crosses over to weightlifting strength much better than the reverse, when it comes to upper body. Lower body, not so much.
Hypertrophy will definitely be faster with weights and isolation exercises, as the entire sport of bodybuilding shows, same with weightlifting in the sense of powerlifting and O-lifts, is the way to go over training with bodyweight exercises. Specificity is key. If my goal was maximum hypertrophy I would do isolation weightlifting. If my goal was maximum strength I would do powerlifting. If my goal was maximum speed-strength/explosive power I would do Olympic style weightlifting. If my goal is the ability to manipulate my own bodyweight, of course bodyweight exercises. If my goal is a mix of athleticism, strength, power, body control, size, etc. I probably mix it all together...
I front squat, clean, snatch, and occasionally deadlift and bench press. All else is bodyweight exercise. Assistance and isolation weightlifting exercises just don't provide a tangible benefit outside of hypertrophy. I want more than that. If I want stronger biceps, I'm going to get there in a much more useful way with pull-ups and iron cross training. If I want stronger triceps, planche, maltese and handstand work is going to help me out a lot more than tricep extensions, pullovers, etc. The thing is, the bodyweight exercises are also going to make me very strong at the weightlifting exercises, whereas those weightlifting exercises won't make me any better at those bodyweight exercises.
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http://kickass.to/building-the-gymnastic-body-the-science-of-gymnastics-strength-t4150023.html#main
This book/pdf has a whole section on Planche progressions which require no equipment.
Same thing with front levers. All that's required is a pull-up bar. Manna training too. Nothing is really required.
I do most of this stuff in the stretching/exercise room at my gym, after I finish with Squats and O-lifts. But seeing as I only lift twice a week right now, I do 2 more days at home on bodyweight strength each week.
I don't want people to misunderstand me though. Weightlifting is fantastic. As is bodyweight strength training. I try to combine the two in the best way possible, as I want to try to combine the benefits of both to the best degree possible.
Hypertrophy will definitely be faster with weights and isolation exercises, as the entire sport of bodybuilding shows, same with weightlifting in the sense of powerlifting and O-lifts, is the way to go over training with bodyweight exercises. Specificity is key. If my goal was maximum hypertrophy I would do isolation weightlifting. If my goal was maximum strength I would do powerlifting. If my goal was maximum speed-strength/explosive power I would do Olympic style weightlifting. If my goal is the ability to manipulate my own bodyweight, of course bodyweight exercises. If my goal is a mix of athleticism, strength, power, body control, size, etc. I probably mix it all together...
I front squat, clean, snatch, and occasionally deadlift and bench press. All else is bodyweight exercise. Assistance and isolation weightlifting exercises just don't provide a tangible benefit outside of hypertrophy. I want more than that. If I want stronger biceps, I'm going to get there in a much more useful way with pull-ups and iron cross training. If I want stronger triceps, planche, maltese and handstand work is going to help me out a lot more than tricep extensions, pullovers, etc. The thing is, the bodyweight exercises are also going to make me very strong at the weightlifting exercises, whereas those weightlifting exercises won't make me any better at those bodyweight exercises.
- - - Updated - - -
http://kickass.to/building-the-gymnastic-body-the-science-of-gymnastics-strength-t4150023.html#main
This book/pdf has a whole section on Planche progressions which require no equipment.
Same thing with front levers. All that's required is a pull-up bar. Manna training too. Nothing is really required.
I do most of this stuff in the stretching/exercise room at my gym, after I finish with Squats and O-lifts. But seeing as I only lift twice a week right now, I do 2 more days at home on bodyweight strength each week.
I don't want people to misunderstand me though. Weightlifting is fantastic. As is bodyweight strength training. I try to combine the two in the best way possible, as I want to try to combine the benefits of both to the best degree possible.
