This Is The Year I Drop Lifting Weights And Focus On Getting Ripped With Bodyweight Training

Summary

The author plans to shift from traditional weightlifting to bodyweight training, kettlebell flows, cardio, and mobility exercises to achieve a leaner physique and lifelong fitness.

Abstract

The author reflects on a decade of weightlifting that transformed his physique and self-perception but has decided to change his training regimen this year. Instead of focusing on lifting weights, he will concentrate on bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, and squats, as well as kettlebell routines that emphasize fluid movements over static lifts. He also intends to incorporate long-distance running, rowing, and a dedicated focus on mobility, flexibility, and activities like yoga and pilates. The decision to abandon traditional weight training, including exercises like deadlifts, is driven by a desire to maintain a lean, fit

It's seriously time to ditch the weights bro…

Right here, right now, today, we get to decide how this year is going to go for us. Whilst many things are outside the scope of control, many things are within it. One of those things is how I train and that ultimately determines how I look.

I started lifting seriously at 28 years old, I would regularly hit the gym and focus on splits. Monday legs, Tuesday arms etc. The routine of lifting changed my world entire. I got strong and bulky quickly and not only did that improve my self-confidence but it also gave me more sway amongst other men and with the opposite sex. The difference was night and day.

Fast forward ten years and my game has changed considerably. I don’t follow a split routine, nor do I ever bench, but I still lift weights and do so to supplement my Jiu-Jitsu.

This year is going to be different. This year I am not going to do any regular weight training. I will use kettlebells for sure, as part of a flow of movement but I will not lift static weights. No weighted chins or dips, no deadlifts, no pressing and no squatting.

I am already experiencing anxiety just thinking about this but I feel that it is the right thing to do..my intuition tells me so.

What will I do instead?

Bodyweight training, which will include press-ups and all of their variants, pull-ups, ring dips, chins, l-sits and air squats. Whatever bodyweight stuff works, you name it I will do it. I will be an expert on this by year-end and fitter too.

Kettlebells, I will do cardio-based gass out work with kettlebells as part of a flow of exercises. Thrusters into squats into snatches etc. No static work, all of it kinetic and flowing with much lighter weights than I ever used for benching or dumbbell shoulder pressing.

Long runs and rowing on the rowing machine. These are my go-to workouts. My long runs satisfy a deep, almost spiritual yearning to run and run and run and I am just beginning to witness the many mysteries of the Concept 2 rower.

Mobility. This is the year I take mobility, movement and flexibility seriously. There is so much to learn, there are Phd’s in this stuff but knowing enough is way better than knowing nothing. I am starting this with the aim of lifelong fitness. This should be plenty of reason to take an interest in the fundamentals of good movement. Yoga and pilates are strong ways to get going. I will do much more Yoga this year.

Asides from my BJJ which I will be doing with as much regularity as I can, this is my training for the year.

I will be sad to let go of deadlifts but I am beginning to think that they are more hassle than they are worth and that there is a better way. Maybe yes maybe no, it’s just a year and I can start them up again in 2023 I feel like restarting.

Gone is my desire to be bulky or strong looking. That was a part of me that died towards the end of my late thirties. I now want to be lean, fit and capable and to be so for the rest of my life. (Creator willing)

Let’s try this out and see where we go.