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Beginner calisthenics For Big Guys
Beginner–IntermediateFree

Beginner calisthenics For Big Guys

For 220+ pound guys with lower back pain that prevents lifting weights, calisthenics is the way to go!

B D.
B D.· Nov 2024
17athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
12 weeks
Days / week
3 days
Level
Beginner, Intermediate
Goal
Athletics, Women's, Bodyweight Fitness
Equipment
At Home
Session length
60 min
Here's a revised 3-day a week workout plan with exercises that focus on building a strong, durable, and aesthetic body while addressing lower back pain and developing round glutes and shoulders. Each exercise includes the muscle groups targeted, instructions for proper form, and sets/reps. Day 1: Upper Body Strength and Core Stability Focus on building pushing and pulling strength for your chest, shoulders, back, and core. Day 2: Lower Body (Glute-Focused) and Core Focus on strengthening glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core to improve back stability and build rounder glutes. Day 3: Functional Full-Body Strength Emphasize functional movements to improve coordination, posture, and overall strength. Why This Plan Works for You: Glutes and Shoulders: Hip thrusts, Bulgarian split squats, clamshells, and lateral band walks build round glutes, while pike push-ups, ring push-ups, and wall angels target shoulder aesthetics and strength. Core and Back Health: Bird dogs, hollow holds, and side planks stabilize your spine, preventing back pain. Foundation for Advanced Moves: Builds strength for future progressions like pistol squats. Balanced Muscle Development: Ensures every major muscle group is targeted for a functional and aesthetic physique. Duration and Progression: Follow for 8-12 weeks. Track your reps, sets, and form. Gradually increase difficulty by: Adding weight to lower-body exercises. Reducing assistance on pull-ups. Increasing time under tension (e.g., holding planks or carries longer).

Who it's for

Beginners new to structured strength training
Athletes focused on athletics and women's and bodyweight fitness
Athletes who can train 3 days per week
Athletes who prefer training at home with minimal equipment

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Glutes
16.8%
Lats
10.2%
Upper Back
9.5%
Abs
9%
Hamstrings
8.8%
Front Delts
7.3%
Triceps
7.3%
Quadriceps
6.6%
Abductors
5.8%
Forearms
4.1%
Chest
3.6%
Rear Delts
3.6%
Biceps
2.9%
Middle Delts
2.2%
Lower Back
1.5%
Adductors
0.7%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Ring Row38–12 reps@8
2Incline Ring Push Ups38–12 reps@8
3Pike Push Up36–10 reps@8
4Side Plank220–60 sec@7
5Wall Angels310 reps@6.5
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Hip Thrust (Bodyweight)312–15 reps@7
2Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)38–10 reps@8
3Hamstring Curl310–12 reps@7.5
4Side-Lying Clamshells310–12 reps@7.5
5Bird Dog38–10 reps@6.5
#ExerciseSetsRepsIntensity
1Pull-Up (Assisted)36–8 reps@8.5
2Goblet Squat310–12 reps@8
3Hollow Hold310–20 sec@7
4Farmer's Walk (Weighted)330–40 sec@8
5Lateral Banded Walk310–15 reps@6.5

Weeks 2–12 are in the app

Download Boostcamp to follow the full program with auto-progression and built-in coaching notes.

Common questions

Yes, Beginner calisthenics For Big Guys is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 12 weeks are fully unlocked.

This is a home workout program. No gym required. Make sure you have consistent access before starting, since the progression model assumes you can perform the same movements week over week.

Each session typically takes around 60 minutes to complete. That estimate covers your working sets but doesn't account for warm-up or rest between sets, so budget a little extra time when you're first learning the movements.

Beginner calisthenics For Big Guys is structured around 3 training days per week, with rest days built in to allow for recovery. The Boostcamp app lets you reschedule sessions if your week doesn't go to plan.

The program runs for 12 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Beginner calisthenics For Big Guys is available inside the Boostcamp app, free on iOS and Android. Once you download the app, you can search for the program by name. The app tracks all your sets and weights automatically, so you always know exactly what to do next session.

Get started

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