Gymnastic Bodies Testimonials & Positive Reviews

Coach Sommer, Let me start by saying your article on gymnast’s strength is amazing. (You mentioned) you would be coming out with a book . . . It is something that I am VERY interested in. To be able to actually develop an amazing physique that isn’t all show and no go using just bodyweight while also gaining a bit of mass (around 15- 20 pounds) would be a dream come true. I know weights have their place, but I am very partial to Bodyweight, even have a set of rings in my Garage. Would love to prove so many people wrong by showing that BW can develop size and strength, speed flexibility and power. Thanks very much for your time Coach, Tim

Hello Coach Sommer, I have just read your article 'Building an Olympic Body'. Fascinating stuff . . . I am in Spain and unable to speak the language and, at the age of 36 don’t fancy the idea of joining a gymnastics club that I wouldn't be able to understand anyway. Also like the idea of training alone, which your particular discipline looks perfectly suited for . . . I hate lifting weights as I really cant see the point. Your stuff looks like fun and a lot more beneficial than anything else I've ever seen. Regards, Tahu, from Spain

Hi Coach Sommer, I am Steven from Malaysia and I’ve read your article about "Building an Olympic Body". I've wanted to learn planche for a very long time but couldn’t find a good guide. Finally I’ve found your perfect guide! Thanks very much, Steven, from Malaysia

Dear Coach Sommer, Having read your article (Building the Olympic Body) last fall, I have begun to do the planche progression and back lever progression along with handstand pushups . . . I have become a great enthusiast of building "smart" muscle and amazingly enough my research into history found that most early 20th century strong men did gymnastics exercises. Go figure! Have a blessed day! Stephen

Hi, Yeah, DK is for Denmark. You are widely known over here. I've met several people talking about your articles. Glad to hear the first volume is available soon! Steffen, from Denmark

Coach Sommer, I am in the Marine Corps. I just read your article about progression exercises and I love it . . . This kind of exercise is great and it doesn't require that much equipment and you get great strength to boot. Thank you for your time, Tredwell, Sgt. / USMC

I was looking online for a good bodyweight regime and I was most fortunate to find yours. Not only did it give me a brand new exercise on how to use one’s body for peak performance, but it finally showed me the exercises needed to build strength to be able to do a no legged pushup. I've seen many gymnasts and a few breakdancers utilizing such an amazing skill, but I could not think of a way to train to be able to achieve the skill myself. I will work hard and use your steps to build my strength, what I've always wanted. Just letting you know your article is greatly appreciated, -Sergio

Coach Sommer, I have read your article entitled "Building an Olympic Body". The article makes a huge impression, especially considering the examples you gave. I am keenly interested in trying your principles. Respectfully, Scott

Coach Sommer, I was lucky enough to stumble onto some articles written by you. I decided to give your exercises a try (planche, front lever and hanging leg lifts), and I’m very impressed with the results so far; this after less than two months. I can tell that I am getting real results; I spent a lot of time in the gym over the years and was already in reasonable shape for an amateur, so I’m not just some couch potato who has gotten excited about losing a couple of pounds. I can’t wait to see how I look and feel after a year of this training. Your exercises are my entire workout now, other than 30 minutes of cardio every day; this suits my busy schedule much better than daily trips to the gym. My success so far has been all the more surprising to me because of my size and age. I stand just shy of 6’6”, weigh about 225lbs and will celebrate my 50th birthday next year; not exactly a typical gymnast. If I can make progress, I can only imagine what you accomplish with younger, more suitably sized athletes. Best regards, Sandor, from China

Hi Coach, First let me start by saying what a great article: “Building an Olympic Body” is. I am a keen fitness enthusiast and have recently begun to forgo weight training for bodyweight exercises. As you say the proof is plain to see when you look at the strength to weight ratios of gymnasts. I found your article an excellent read and have now began to practice these two positions each morning and in the weeks I have been doing them I have already see a great improvement ,and surprisingly most notably in my core with a persistent nagging lower back complaint greatly reduced . . . Thanks for your time, and setting me on the path to greater strength. Russell, from England

Coach Sommer, Hey I just caught your article (All Muscle, No Iron) . . . I'm really interested in learning the skill, drills and progressions that you spoke about in your article just to improve my overall athleticism. Thanks for the information, Rob

Hi, my name is Richard and I'm looking at ways to make my bodyweight workouts more productive for me as I'm looking to take things up a notch. I tried out the progression exercises in your article (Building the Olympic Body) and found them to be very useful . . . I'm not looking to actually be a gymnast but I'm looking to use exercises that will take me to the next level. Thanks, Richard, Fruitarianfitness.com

I recently found your article on Dragondoor via a Google search for bodyweight exercise programs. It was a very eye-opening article for me. I am a 32 year old male that allowed myself to slide from a 32 inch waist at 170 pounds to a 42 inch waist at 235 pounds over the last 10 years. For the last year I have been exercising regularly and took up rock climbing. The excess weight is pouring off at this point and I am looking to start doing more body weight and "gymnastic" type work . . . Obviously the progressions you outline in the article are a very good starting point. Kindest regards, Rich

Hi Coach, I’ve recently become jaded with weight workouts and gyms and started looking for an alternative that would increase athleticism, balance and strength when I came across you. I read a couple of your articles and started with your progressions for the planche and I’m inspired. Thanks Coach, Ray, from Canada

Dear Coach, I have read with great interest your articles of gymnastic training and wish to get hold of your book . . . I am a Yoga teacher and I am starting to move toward armbalances (handstands) in my own practice. There seems to be a lot of crossover between some of the gymnasts skills and Yoga postures. I live in Switzerland and am considering coming over to your gym for a week long intensive training period. Kind regards, Raph, from Switzerland

Hey Coach Sommer, I read an excerpt from your upcoming book Building the Gymnastic Body on a website. It sounds great. I have been searching for a serious bodyweight exercise book for a long time. I am a strong believer in functional strength. I am interested in boxing and I am sure that it would be a great regimen for me. -Randal

Dear Coach Sommer, I came across your article (Building an Olympic Body) . . . The two exercises (mentioned) immediately grabbed my attention because they were well explained with clear goals to reach before heading to the next level . . . I do them nearly daily and I am amazed to find that I really enjoy the workout . . . Thank you for the inspiration you have already given me. Regards, Philippe, from Belgium

Hi Coach, I've been weight training with little success and read your article about static training so decided to do a few of the exercises you suggested. Just want to say how amazed I was just after 3 weeks to see quicker and better results than training with weights and machines. Regards, Peter

. . . It's basically that article (Building the Olympic Body) that got me into bodyweight exercises around 16 months ago. Back then I came from a weight lifting background and weighed 200lbs and, if I'm honest, quite a bit of that was fat. This morning I weighed in at 146lbs so in 16 months I've lost 54lbs. I'm going to be 36 next month and haven't been in this good a shape since I was 18. I’m so pleased with how it's changed my life . . . but as I've proved with myself, along with a lot of the older ones on the ring training site, it's never too late to start. You're probably tired of hearing this but like everyone else I can't wait for the book to come out. The e-book option is a great idea and is good value for (the) money. Best regards, Paul, from England

I have been following your posts on several websites about training gymnastics since I started coaching three years ago. You've been a great inspiration to me and several of your techniques has led me to my three years of training State and Regional Champions at the compulsory levels. Every month or so I tend to go look and see if you've posted any new information on t-nation, or dragon door, or cross fit. You've been a great help to me these last few years and I thank you. It would be nice to know where (you’re posting now) so I could continue looking for any new golden nuggets of information I could learn from . . . Thank you again for the information you have graciously shared with the community. ~Nicholas

Coach Sommer, I've just read you articles from Dragondoor. Excellent, wish I'd read them earlier . . . I coach in the sport of soccer and will (be) looking to apply such methods to the training of soccer players. Best Regards Neil, soccer coach

Good day Coach Sommer, Can I be placed on your mailing list? I know a lot of people, including myself, are awaiting your books and dvd. I know with being in the Navy and onboard a ship, I won’t have access to my kettlebells all the time so having a bodyweight only alternative will really fit the bill in regards to building “REAL” strength. I’m sure we all are patiently waiting. Take care, A Navy Seaman

Coach Sommer, Thank you for your quick reply! I am very much looking forward to the release of your first volume - I am sure that I have read almost everything you have written on those boards! Your original article on planche and front lever training . . . gave me a lot of insight . . . in how to develop and progress my training (which is predominantly based around bodyweight). Regards, Mike

I am writing because I read your article on www.dragondoor.com and I really enjoyed it. I am an internal martial artist, and had to stop my weight training because I was becoming to “stiff” and “tight” . . . Since then I have been looking for something that I can do which will help me keep and possibly increase the size and strength gains I have from weight training without causing me to become too stiff or inflexible, so I was very excited to read your work! I really appreciate your kindness in making this article freely available online. It looks like what you teach might be just what I need! Yours Sincerely Michael, from Australia

Hello Coach, I have been a fan of bodyweight exercises for years and have always been amazed at the physical development and ability of Olympic gymnasts. I found your article on "Building the Olympic body" a few months ago and started working immediately . . . I am convinced now that weight lifting is not for me . . . with your guidance I feel that I will be able to make gains for life . . . Your guidance has been easy to follow so far and I am ready and willing to expand my horizons. Sincerely, Matthew

I just read your article on body weight exercises "Building an Olympic Body". That's very good stuff. Could you point me in the right direction for more resources, books published, or anything else? I've opened a small gym here and I'm hoping to organize a strength program for my students and get back into shape myself. I of course did levers and planches as a gymnast, but the progressions you mentioned are great. Very simple, but we just tried planches over and over when I trained. Thank you, Mark

Coach Sommer, I've read your article online about Building an Olympic Body with these exercises. I'm amazed on howmuch skill and strength it takes to master this . . . The weight-room biz is a bore and (I feel) I cannot develop true strength that way. Thank you, Marc

Hey Coach, You really got me convinced on dropping the weights and taking up some gymnastic exercises. Hell, I have a new found respect for those hanging rings in the gym now! I've been working out the upper body and arms for the past 6 months intensely, I've noticed an improvement; I gained 10 pounds. Thanks, -Leon

Dear Coach Sommer, My name is Kris … and I am a strength and speed coach in Memphis specializing in pole vaulting. I came across your articles online several years ago and have been implementing them into my training, but only modestly till now. Previously my athletes weren’t capable of doing the exercises completely the way you described, but they were improving. Recently I decided to go ahead and make your exercises more of a focal point and the results have been amazing. My kids are getting much stronger! Don’t get me wrong, nothing like the kids you display in your article, but improvement nonetheless . . . The beauty of your exercises is the progressions. It allows for improvement at any level and it’s great . . . I have found nothing that works as effectively as the drills you teach. Thank you for your time. Kris, S&C coach

Coach, I've been reading up on your stuff. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I bought some rings and have implemented them in my training. I have also incorporated your progressions to planche pushups, and progression to front lever rows in my training. I pretty much train exclusively bodyweight only . . . all on the rings. Can't wait to get your book. Me and my training partner are literally hooked on gymnastics! We are contemplating how we have to start all over in terms of strength, even though I am a fairly accomplished power lifter. Sorry for rambling on, thanks for any help you can offer. Kamali, former Power Lifter

Wow, Thanks for the reply Coach! . . . I haven't done much bodyweight training aside from dips and chin-ups when I was doing some bodybuilding. I basically got tired of bodybuilding, it's quite boring. You do the same things for years. I saw planche pushups somewhere on the net and began investigating how to train for them which is how I found your article . . . When I read your article the fact that you took time to explain logically the progressions with bodyweight training (and) reduced leverage, was great. I'm hoping your book delivers (more) on that. I'd like to be able to do all the advance strength movements, starting from simple stepping stones (that) I'm looking for you to provide. Thanks again for replying. Hope the book’s out soon. Kalunga, from Zambia, Central Africa

Hi Coach Sommer, Thanks for your answer, can’t wait for the book. I have been doing the exercises, they make you feel really relaxed and are a brilliant challenge . . . I do wing chun (and) I stopped weight training because it would tense you up during combat and your opponent would have the better of you . . . After doing the planche and the front lever (in the most basic of forms) I feel lighter, never felt like this before . . . I feel I have killed two birds with one stone discovering the world of gymnastics. Thank you, Kaf

Hi, My name is Julian and I am a level 7 gymnast from Australia. Your articles are greatly helping my transition in level 8 and I eagerly await your books. Please add me on to your mailing list as I would love to purchase your books when they are completed. Yours sincerely. Julian, from Australia

I recently came across your article that is an excerpt of your book. I am very interested in training this way and learning more . . . Your article was a fresh approach and far more practical than all the religious weightlifting articles. Thanks, Josh

Coach Sommer, I run a camp for underprivileged youth in the summer and also after-school. We study academics and train athletics. I am the local high school track coach and USATF certified. Some of the children I work with are talented athletically and I have helped them tremendously in speed training. However, I have struggled with strength training for children at such a young age, 7-12 . . . (and then) I stumbled across your article on "Building an Olympic Body through Bodyweight Conditioning" at DragonDoor.com. Thank you. JOHN

Coach, I remember that you were writing a gymnastics workout book for the general public. Have you followed through or have you devoted your time to other endeavors? I have read your articles on both BronzeBow and Dragondoor and have learned a lot from them. I hope to see some of your training wisdom captured in print so it can be used by people to increase their fitness level. Respectfully, Joe

Coach Sommer, I have to thank you for all the gymnastics training information you've shared on Dragondoor and T-nation. I feel the articles have been a tremendous assistance and motivation to those, like myself, who are interested in bodyweight skills. I wish you luck on your upcoming books. I am sure they will be another invaluable resource for training. regards, Jim Bathurst, BeastSkills.com

Thanks for the planche/front lever article; the most oft-referenced article on the subject of planches! It's helped us all. Jim Bathurst, BeastSkills.com

Hey Coach, I've been reading your articles on various sites (mostly T-nation and Dragon Door) and am very excited about your books and videos coming out. I have been interested in bodyweight training for a long time and, after reading your articles, started working on the progressions you recommended on the front lever and the planche. I like the idea of the gymnastics training versus the weights because I like the idea of moving my body through space . . . I (also) like the bodyweight to strength ratio that your athletes possess. I’m really looking forward to your books and DVD and would love to be one of the first to know when you release them. Also just wanted to say thank you for the articles and the willingness to share information and not charge a ridiculous amount for some programs like some people do on the web. Warmest Regards, Jeff

Hello, Coach Sommer! My name is Ido and I'm the owner of the Hacasa Performance Center here in Haifa, Israel. I've read your articles both on the Iron Cross and the Front Lever and Planche progression. I have been training 1-4 times a week for the past (few) months and have reached a brief static hold of the straddle planche, as seen on the attached clip . . . Thank you so much for opening my eyes, Best regards, Ido, from Haifa, Israel.

Hey Mr. Sommer, I first wanted to compliment you on your wonderful article, Building an Olympic Body. I thought it was a very interesting article. Well I guess I'm writing this email to you because I'm a guy who has always been a huge fan of gymnastics, I did it for a few years when I was very young . . . Now at the age of 24, and as a professional hockey player, I still have this inner gymnast that wants to get out! I've been (training) a lot of (your) static holds as of the last 3 months. I think they’re unreal and I've always been one to see how far I can push my body . . . Take Care, Greg, Professional Hockey Player

Dear Sir, I became acquainted with your material a short term back via dragon door. I have enjoyed practicing and . . . I've actually had tremendous strength gains in a very sort period of time . . . I am primarily doing the exercises you have suggested and very little 'actual' cardio(or what is traditionally thought of as cardio. I gained strength first, but the fat stayed. Recently, however, the fat has started slipping off! Fast! Which is a wow! Anyway, I want to say thank you. You, and your articles, have raised my interest in gymnastics and my ability to be physically better than I am. Again, thank you for everything sir. Oh, p.s. I am 33 yrs old, so your program has been a life saver as time catches up with me! Sincerely, Gabriel.

“ . . . I have read your articles and I am very impressed. Do you have a book etc on any of your conditioning regime? I am very interested. I am a Kayak coach, and over the last 10 years the discipline of play boat and surf is getting very gymnastic in nature, with front and back somersaults being performed in boats now!! It’s all about aerial moves now and I want to gather as much quality info as possible to prepare my athletes . . . “ Regards Fergus, from England

I have been looking for your book, Building the Gymnastic Body. I am very interested in the material it has. I'm currently in the military deployed to Iraq and believe that this more functional and easier accessible workouts would be better suited for my day-to-day strength workouts. If you could direct me to information on how to buy this book I'd appreciate it. Eric, deployed in Iraq

“. . . Thanks for writing those articles on Dragondoor, they're really good and have given me ideas and inspiration.” Ed, from Australia

I just finished reading your article on "Building an Olympic Body through Bodyweight Conditioning," and I have to say I am inspired. I am extremely involved with breakdance, and the type of breaking that I want to do requires a large amount of upper body strength. So far, everyone that I have asked for advice has taught me ways to increase muscle mass, which was not what I needed. I needed true strength, not muscles for show. Today, I stumbled across your body conditioning program, and I realized this is exactly what I need. I can guarantee you I am definitely switching to your program . . . Thank you very much, Ed, New Jersey

“ . . . I am a Rescue Swimmer in the US Navy stationed near Washington D.C. One of the parts of our job is staying fit but I'm sick of doing endless push-ups and sit-ups with only a marginal showing of improvement in strength & endurance. I'm not all that fond of gyms & having to wait for someone else to get done using all the equipment & that sort of thing. I just read your article and . . . I was wondering where I could pick up your book (If it's out yet) or if you have a body-weight conditioning workout starting at the beginner level that explains the exercises . . . ” Thank you for your time Dexter

I'm an adventure racer who's trying to find simple ways of increasing his strength without having to go to the gym or gaining too much weight (which over a 24-36hr race, can really slow one down) . . . I started with Coach Sommer's bodyweight article alone just over 3 months ago . . . In terms of carryover benefits, I haven't done any chin-up training in about a year, and could only do 7 four months ago. I tried my max last week, and hit 15. This is without having done *any* chin-up training or even any front lever pull-ups in that time. Of note is that my max while training weighted chin-ups regularly a couple of years ago was 18 . . . My dips also increased from 8 to 16, without training them specifically or losing any weight . . . My L-sit went from 7 seconds to 30 seconds with no specific training . . . I'm truly amazed with the results. Although non-adventure racer friends of mine are getting faster results (ie getting bigger) by hitting the weights, none of them spent as little time as me strength training (2 minutes per day total!!!), and I doubt they're hitting their stabilizers like I am. Dave, Adventure Racer

Dear Coach Sommer, After reading as much as I can find on the internet I have decided to start gymnastics training. Their combination of strength and muscular development is exactly what I am trying to achieve . . . But I don't have the knowledge to put a training program together for myself. Could you please give me some advise. I hope you can help. Dave, from England

Hello, I just came across your article Building an Olympic Body and was curious to know if your book is out already or will it be soon? The article has got me pretty excited about working out again. I'm a 38-year-old man looking to get back in to some form of exercise and one that can increase my strength, as well as my balance, and coordination, almost sounds to good to be true. lol. Regards, Thom

Dear Coach Sommer First of all I would like to thank you for changing the way I train. I used to be concerned with putting on mass, which probably would not have improved my athletic ability or even my strength that much. It probably would have just made me bulky, slow and cumbersome. I am now training towards better strength and body control with a clear goal of a full planche and front lever by the end of the coming school year . . . Thanks again for your articles . . . Cormac, from Ireland P.S. I will definitely buy your book when it comes out.

I am a Head Coach of . . . Gymnastics Academy and have a large amount of boys that I train in the JO Future Stars Program. We met briefly at JO Nationals in Houston Texas a while back and you gave me your site to help with the rings and p- bar strength, which has been very helpful. Please put me on your mailing list and let me know as soon as your book is ready to be sold . . . I hope you are coming close to PA for any training seminars! Thanks for all you have done in the sport of gymnastics and I hope to hear from you soon! Coach Jake

Coach Sommer, I was just reading your article on the planche and the front lever. I thought they were great examples. I am 31 years old and have been weight lifting since I was 18. I can’t wait for your book to come out. I have been searching for ways to build up great strength without using weights but instead your own body weight . . . These techniques you have described seem to build up what I like to describe as strength from the inside out. As opposed to weight lifting which I always considered to build an outer body strength . . . The body builder's strength is on the outside, worn almost like a jacket. A gymnast's strength is more complete, well rounded, and this is what I hope to achieve with the help of your book and these exercises. When is your book coming out?? -Chris

I just read your article "Building an Olympic Body Through Bodyweight Conditioning" and I was very intrigued by it . . . Great article! It's amazing what you can do with just your own body's weight . . . Ben

Dear Coach Sommer, Those are very helpful tips, I've been reading them for more than a year and admire your work. Your essays at both of the forums have been excellent and I am very happy the first volume is nearly there... ;) Keep on with that great work, yours Deks, from Croatia

I read your article titled "Building an Olympic Body through Bodyweight Conditioning" on, I believe, dragondoor.com and I found it was of the highest quality and originality. I have taken up the challenges it presented and have progressed nicely, really enjoying the opportunity to patiently work my way up the ladder of exercises provided. Really a mastery course in bodyweight routines . . .. Looking forward to your upcoming books, as well. Again, very well done, keep up the great work!! Regards, Adam

“…I just wanted to write you and let you know that the articles/interviews that you have done are definitely helping people. The book that you are working on I am sure will be equally inspirational/mind opening . . . I can't wait to read the end result . . . You're doing a great job and have had a positive impact on my training philosophy.” Chris, a SWAT officer in Northern California