Honestly, I’ve never enjoyed bodyweight exercices. Part of the issue for me was that growing up, all of coaches talked about “bench, bench bench” and “Oh do some squats too.” Problem was that I did them but didn’t do them well, safely or with huge amounts of benefit.

Additionally, when I thought of Push ups, pull ups and leg raises, my initial thought was always back to PE class. I avoided all of these movements whenever possible. Mainly because I dreaded doing them. No one every showed me how and I sucked, frankly.

Since I was introduced to kettlebells three years ago I was also reintroduced to the hated bodyweight exercises. I was working with an RKC to learn safe kettlebell practice and she had the cojones to have me do burpees, pull ups, planks etc. What’s this Sh$%? I wanted to do kettlebells.

Guess what? All of that worked in concert to help me get fitter at 45 years of age than I had ever been. Since then, I’ve taken my strength and conditioning to another level still. I just wish I had Convict Conditioning at the beginning of this journey as it would have helped me map things out in my training much more effectively, as well as that of my clients.

Why do I say that? Well, for starters, each of the “Big Six” is covered in minute detail.  Each instructional component of the book breaks the pushup, squat, pull up, leg raise, Bridge and Handstand pushup into it’s pieces and deconstructs it. Also, it is suitable for someone who can’t do one push up or for someone who can do them with one arm. Same with the squat. Want to learn the pistol safely and well? That’s here too.

Another great part of the manual is the “routine” area. That alone is worth the price of admission. There are programs mapped out for the beginner up to the dude who’s been in Solitary confinement with nothing to do but pull ups and pushups.

I can hear you already. I don’t do bodyweight exercises. I pump iron. Well can you pump iron in a hotel room? On a camping trip? On the side of the road? Now you can get an amazing session in anywhere you are. One that will leave you without wanting more.

I still hate bodyweight stuff to a degree. Still not good at it particularly. I have made progress though from only doing jump pull ups 3 years ago to adding a few reps to my one set total each month. Astounding progress and I know that this book will take it to the next level for me.

Train with purpose,

Sandy Sommer RKC