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My Calisthenics Journey

Bodyweight Training & Functional Fitness

Applying discipline and progressive improvement mindset to both fitness and professional growth

"The same discipline that drives me to perfect DevOps automation fuels my dedication to mastering bodyweight movements. Both require patience, consistency, and progressive improvement."

Weekly Training Schedule

Day 1 - Push (Strength Focus) - ~45 minutes

ExerciseSetsRepsNotes
Archer Push-ups46-10 each sideProgress to one-arm negatives
Parallel Bar Dips415-20Add pauses or L-sit position
Pike Push-ups (elevated)48-12Handstand push-up progression
Diamond Push-ups312-15Tricep strength focus
Pseudo Planche Push-ups35-8Lean forward progressively
Planche Lean Holds315-30 secToes barely touching
L-sit Progression310-30 secTucked → One leg → Full

Day 2 - Pull (Strength Focus) - ~45 minutes

ExerciseSetsRepsNotes
Weighted Pull-ups46-10Backpack with books/water
Chin-ups410-15Slow negatives focus
Archer Pull-ups34-8 each sideOne-arm progression
Typewriter Pull-ups46-12 totalSide-to-side at top
Muscle-up Negatives33-5Control the descent
Dead Hangs330-60 secGrip strength building
Hanging Knee Raises310-15L-sit prerequisite

Day 3 - Legs (Volume Focus) - ~25 minutes

ExerciseSetsRepsNotes
Jump Squats120Explosive power
Cossack Squats120 (10 each side)Lateral mobility
Bulgarian Split Squats120 (10 each side)Single leg strength
Pistol Squat Negatives120 (10 each side)Progress to full pistol
Walking Lunges120Forward momentum

Day 4 - Push (Hypertrophy Focus) - ~50 minutes

ExerciseSetsRepsNotes
Regular Push-ups420-25Perfect form, tempo control
Wide Grip Dips412-18Hands wider on bars
Decline Push-ups315-20Feet elevated
Handstand Chest-to-Wall415-30 secFace away from wall
Hindu Push-ups310-15Full body flow
Close Grip Push-ups312-18Hands touching
L-sit Progression310-30 secForm and duration focus

Day 5 - Pull (Hypertrophy Focus) - ~45 minutes

ExerciseSetsRepsNotes
Wide Grip Pull-ups48-12Lat development
Commando Pull-ups36-10Alternating sides over bar
Close Grip Chin-ups410-15Bicep focus
L-sit Pull-ups35-8Core engagement
Towel Pull-ups36-10Grip strength variation
Scapular Pull-ups315-20Shoulder blade mobility
Hanging Leg Raises38-15Straight legs for L-sit

L-sit Progression Timeline

Weeks 1-2: Tucked L-sit (knees to chest)

Weeks 3-4: One leg extended L-sit

Weeks 5-6: Advanced tucked (higher knees)

Weeks 7-8: Full L-sit attempts

Progressive Overload Strategy

Week 1-2: Focus on form and establishing baseline reps

Week 3-4: Increase reps by 2-3 per set where possible

Week 5-6: Add more challenging progressions or increase sets

Week 7-8: Deload week (reduce volume by 20%)

Key Training Principles

  • Different Focus Each Day: Strength days (lower reps, harder progressions) vs Volume days (higher reps, perfect form)
  • L-sit Development: Integrated throughout the week with specific progressions
  • Equipment-Free: All exercises with just parallel bars and a bench/step
  • Adequate Recovery: 48+ hours between similar movement patterns with 4-minute rest between sets
  • Progressive Overload: Advance to harder variations when you can complete all sets with 2+ reps in reserve

Rest Days - Active Recovery

  • Light stretching routine (15-20 min)
  • Mobility work for shoulders and hips
  • Short walks or light cardio

Inspiration

"The discipline required for calisthenics mirrors the mindset needed for DevOps excellence - both demand patience, precision, and persistent improvement."