Calisthenics???

[coneytt]

Hey,
I see guys like LLCoolJ and other athletes that focuses on calisthenics more so than weight training. They say bodybuilders usually have a weak core do to them not focusing on body strength and endurance so they tend to have weak cores. However, they are the first to admit they are not stronger than bodybuilders.

With that being said, is calisthenics a good tool to add to weight training? I know compound movements like cleans & press could be considered a calisthenic movement depending on the poundage, but I'm referring to Jumping Jacks, mountain climbers, push and pulls, burpees etc?

What do you think>

[muscle_n_blood]

If you have a weak core, you ain't much of a bodybuilder. They are thinking of beach posers who don't do anything but bench press and bicep curls.
Calisthenics are useful, depending on what your goals are. You won't build massive size, but a variety of pullups/chins, dips, (especially wth weight) and things like one arm pushups can be worth doing.

[johnj]

LL did not get like that without some(lotsa) iron pumping. Decline situps have always been in my routine. That and leg work will get a strong core.

[coneytt]

Also the second part of my above question is,

Does core strength build agility. Or can bodybuilder be angile too?

[p.s.]

Also the second part of my above question is,

Does core strength build agility. Or can bodybuilder be angile too?

Ok first off all the big exercises like deads, squats, standing presses, high pulls, cleans, upright rows, bent over barbell rows etc etc all build core strength.

Now as for agility this will (to a degree) come from performing the basics, but if want to get really agile then ya gotta work on it doing agility drills etc. It's all about being specific with your training and using weight training then as an adjunct to a given sport for greater strength IE football, hockey, basketball etc all have their athletes hitting the weights but the focus of their training is for their specific sport and or position on the team IE a free safety isn't gonna train exactly the same as an offensive lineman.

All in all a bodybuilder can be quite agile, but not to the degree of an athlete who's sport requires the greatest of agility to perform at a high level.

[johnj]

I agree with P.S. . Let's look at boxing, where the end result is entirely on the individual. AGILITY is a must.  Not many body builder types (there is always the exception) make it to the top in the ring. No matter how strong the individual, if he is not agile enough to move to avoid, and move with the opponent to connect, that power build will not be effective. Agility and lifting can go hand in hand, but once lifting is taken to the extreme, there will be a loss in agility. B4 I get slammed, I AM NOT saying bodybuilders are not agile, just that at some point when the training focuses on building and mass, the trade off starts and agility is lost. I remember Lou Ferifno kicked some but back in the 70's or early 80's on a show that mixed althletes of differing genres in a competition that mainly focused on agility and speed, but agin I think he was an exception.I know a lot of people strech B4 a workout, BUT Doing regular streching after a workout when the muscled are warmed will help maintain agility.

[p.s.]

I agree with P.S. . Let's look at boxing, where the end result is entirely on the individual. AGILITY is a must.  Not many body builder types (there is always the exception) make it to the top in the ring. No matter how strong the individual, if he is not agile enough to move to avoid, and move with the opponent to connect, that power build will not be effective. Agility and lifting can go hand in hand, but once lifting is taken to the extreme, there will be a loss in agility. B4 I get slammed, I AM NOT saying bodybuilders are not agile, just that at some point when the training focuses on building and mass, the trade off starts and agility is lost. I remember Lou Ferifno kicked some but back in the 70's or early 80's on a show that mixed althletes of differing genres in a competition that mainly focused on agility and speed, but agin I think he was an exception.I know a lot of people strech B4 a workout, BUT Doing regular streching after a workout when the muscled are warmed will help maintain agility.

Ya I remember that I think it was called the Superstar Challenge and Lou did ok, but he also trained for it as well (Louie was no where near what he was at the Olympia). As for boxing...BBs would generally suck at it for various reasons IE heavy arms that would tire quickly, thick pecs (unable to effectively cover up), big legs thus making speed/agility an issue. One needs to effectively train for ones sport and if you're just looking for general fitness then great you CAN become quite agile and carry around a decent physique, but you'll never become very competitive in BBing or any sport for that matter, but hey you'll look good by the average standard.

Therefore decide what it is you wanna do and train for it!!

[Jack Tragic]

Hey,
I see guys like LLCoolJ and other athletes that focuses on calisthenics more so than weight training. They say bodybuilders usually have a weak core do to them not focusing on body strength and endurance so they tend to have weak cores. However, they are the first to admit they are not stronger than bodybuilders.

With that being said, is calisthenics a good tool to add to weight training? I know compound movements like cleans & press could be considered a calisthenic movement depending on the poundage, but I'm referring to Jumping Jacks, mountain climbers, push and pulls, burpees etc?

What do you think>

Haha! "Rapper's"...(does anyone really listen to what they blah...)
         Want to know what real "core" is? Do crunches while having someone toss a medicine ball at you and then you throw it back throughout the set. Or while doing leg raises on the floor have someone "throw" your legs to opposing sides in the "up" position...
 or one arm pushups on a jazzball w'the oppossing leg extended!! Hahaha!
    now THAT'S core! Remember some folks in the spotlite throw empty words around just because "they can". It helps inflate their own ego...nothing else! Never cared for "LL" (listens to his punk-assed momma too much 'bout knocking someone out"  ...wuss!
        For my money I stand by Dre, Dogg and Cube. Anyone after thease boys is just a copy... Jack.