Convict Conditioning
What is Convict Conditioning by Paul Wade?
Convict Conditioning is a book that teaches bodyweight exercise progressions…from one pushup to one arm pushups to one arm handstand pushups. The program can essentially be done anytime, anywhere, as it requires no special equipment.
What did I like about Convict Conditioning?
I’ve always been a big fan of bodyweight exercises and this book can help anyone, from beginner to expert. The best part about using bodyweight training is that you don’t really need any equipment. It’s just you against your body. Additionally, this type of training can increase your functional strength. It’s one thing to bench press 300lbs, it’s another to do one arm handstand pushups. Convict Conditioning’s real strength is the progressive method by which it teaches you to achieve elite bodyweight training goals.
What didn’t I like about Convict Conditioning?
Well the fact that it somewhat makes prisoners seem like fitness idols isn’t the best. However, the bodyweight exercises and explanations are top notch.
Is Convict Conditioning an effective exercise program?
I’m a firm believer that bodyweight exercises alone can help you get in fantastic shape. That being said, I think there’s value in a weight lifting program as well. Combining some of the bodyweight training principles from Convict Conditioning with a weight lifting program would be really effective.
Who should use Convict Conditioning?
Anyone who wants to perform gymnastics like feats using only their body weight. Anyone who wants to get in shape with little equipment and little space.
Bottom Line Recommendation
Grab a copy of Convict Conditioning as your go-to source on bodyweight training. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced exerciser, you’ll learn something and be challenged.
Please check out Convict Conditioning for more information.
Dave,
This book has over 300 pages! I am definitely going to check it out. It really seems like this thing is going to be packed full of great information. Like you, I really like doing body weight exercises and I know that I will learn a lot from this book. Thanks!
-Kelly
Kelly,
I’ll let you know how it all goes. If you do end up reading this, you’ll be irritated that you didn’t think of these progressive calisthenics yourself. It’s so logical and simple. Here’s the layout of the book: 40 pages of overview, 220 pages of the “Big Six” exercises (pushups, squats, pullups, leg raises, bridges, handstand pushups) that include progressions and detailed descriptions/pictures, and then 40 pages of workout routines. The progressions section is definitely the best; I’ve developed my own workout routine based on it since the routines outlined feel a bit light.
Dave
Everyone needs to check this book out. I thought I’d seen the best bodyweight routines from 20 years training until I read this book. It’s beyond belief! A lifetime of prison training in a massive bodyweight “bible”. Awesome, just awesome!!
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BW Guy,
A bodyweight bible is a great way to describe Convict Conditioning. I’ve always include standard pushups and pullups as part of my routine but never found a good to way to transition to handstand pushups and harder variations of bodyweight exercises. The progressions are absolutely brilliant in their simplicity.
Dave
How does coach Wade progress people through the steps? Is it like when you have 15 reps in good form move on?
M,
You are correct, the progression is based on reps. As an example, for uneven pushups wade lays out a beginner standard (1 set of 5 reps), intermediate standard (2 sets of 10 reps), and progression standard (2 sets of 20 reps). He provides this for each step of each exercise.
Dave
Nice review I would love to look like a gymnast . they have great looking functional body.. I think a near perfect shape
Raymond
Raymond,
I agree about gymnasts bodies. Bodyweight training can really take you a long way. I’ll bet gymnasts could do most of these exercises in their sleep as well.
Dave
“The program can essentially be done anytime, anywhere, as it requires no special equipment.”
That’s great! Buying equipment can be one of the many deterrents to getting fit. Good to hear you don’t really need it.
I have always wondered specifically about nutrition and supplements when it comes to prison body-building. It’s amazing to me that they can achieve so much when their diet is very much set – aside from canteen items (and approved items brought in at some facilities?) and illegal items. I’ve often thought about steroid use in prisons as well because many guys are just too massive for someone on prison food, no matter how they work out. As someone pointed out above, many come in already built. I’m thinking mainly of people who’s progression behind bars I have seen chronicled via photos, etc.
Bob,
It is a nice benefit.
Simon,
I think you’re right that a lot of people who enter prison are pretty well built already. However, they can still make progressions with the extra time to exercise. I think they are adequately nourished although I imagine it would be very difficult to add mass in prison. I think this is another reason some guys look ripped…they have calorie restrictions which will help them lose body fat.
Dave
Simon,
I have read CC and a few interviews by Paul Wade. Paul stated in an interview; he does not comment on nutrition. Nutrition is not his subject. He said he ate what they put in-front of him in prison. As far as Steroids, Paul four times in his book stated he was against Steroid use. He stated Steroids were a short cut you would regret.
M
M,
Nice insights. Thanks.
Dave