building the gymnastic body

Building the Gymnastic Body ($44) is the name of a must read book by respected Arizona MAG coach Christopher Sommer.

I first met Chris at a competition in 2004, and have been a big fan of his coaching ever since.

If you’ve not met him, you’ve likely seen his very popular videos. One sample: Click PLAY or watch Bowers on YouTube.

This book is geared towards MAG though it’s useful too for CrossFit and other strength sports, for both male and females.

… Building the Gymnastic Body allows you to go deep within the world of gymnastics strength training. Extremely comprehensive and detailed, with nearly 200 exercises (many of which have never been seen before by the general public) and well over 500 photographs, it is a complete developmental template for building the essential foundation of strength required for all gymnastics success. Whether you are a competitive athlete looking for an edge, a fitness enthusiast or just beginning a healthier lifestyle, Building the Gymnastic Body is the answer you have been searching for.

CHAPTER ONE – Gymnastics as Conditioning

CHAPTER TWO – General Information, Tools of the Trade – 9, Basic Gymnastics Terminology – 11, The Selection of These Exercises – 15, Handstands & Press Handstands – 16

CHAPTER THREE – Basic Strength – 21

CHAPTER FOUR – Fundamental Static Positions; L-sit – 26, Straddle L – 30, Manna – 35, Back Lever – 41, Front Lever, Planche – 49

CHAPTER FIVE – Upper Body Pressing; Fundamental Bodyweight Exercises, Push-up Variations – 61, Dip Variations – 68, HSPU Variations – 76, Multi-plane Pressing Variations – 83

CHAPTER SIX – Upper Body Pulling; Row Variations – 91, Pull-up Variations – 96, Curl Variations – 103, Multi-plane Pulling Variations – 106

CHAPTER SEVEN – Combined Pull/Press; Muscle-up Variations – 113, Other CPP Variations – 118

CHAPTER EIGHT – Core; V-up Variations – 123, HLL Variations – 127, Lower Back Variations – 132, Oblique Variations – 138, Straight Body Variations – 144

CHAPTER NINE – Legs; Deck Squat Variations – 156, Single Leg Squat Variations – 159, Hamstring Variations – 165

CHAPTER TEN – Program Design Options; Static Strength Training – 171, Basic Strength Training – 175, Integrated Training – 178, Managing Intensity – 179, Group Training – 182

APPENDIX A – Tips for Increasing Pull-ups – 185

APPENDIX B – Static Strength Only Training Results – 186

APPENDIX C – 120 Muscle-ups in 15 minutes – 187

Here’s a review of the Book and companion DVDs from Robb Wolf.

Everything is available through GymnasticBodies.com.. Click through the link on the top right of every page for more information. Every gym should have a copy.