Enjoyable Muscle Building Exercise Alternatives

[@thestonecircle]

Just a few things 1. Muscle growth as a byproduct rather than as the main focus is muscle growth nonetheless 2. The main problem with using 'skill training' for muscle is skill itself. As you become more efficient (skilled) your body doesn’t need to work as hard to perform the skill. This means if you can't increase difficulty by adding weight (like with shadow boxing) the ceiling for muscle growth may be lower than some other, loadable things like stone lifting. Of course you can always punch harder or faster or for longer, but it's less straightforward. I do believe you can build muscle with all of these in any case. 3. My point wasn't to look down on traditional isolation movements (like calf raises). If you like doing that stuff, keep it up! This for those who always end up skipping things. 4. Even if you don't plan on using any of these, I hope you were still motivated to get some training in. Thanks for watching!

[@unknownstrongman]

You're such a bad ass Cody! I only watch a minute and I already love it. I'm gonna watch the rest when I get home.

[@thestonecircle]

@uknownstrongman thanks man! You are a perfect example of how a lot of this stuff can work!

[@unknownstrongman]

The calves...I always thought mine were small. Then someone asked me how i got them big. I started watching my calves in the stone lifting videos. Barefoot in the dirt, was when i could really see them working. With quick sprints and stone carries on dirt...you figured it man! I dont think its known in a lot of fitness circles. Youre channel is a gem dude. Theres nothing else out there like it. This video in particular should excite people who train, and people thinking about training. Youve done the work Cody!! Im pumped for you. Im excited for the people getting ready to watch it!!

[@thestonecircle]

Thank you man!! I always appreciate your support so much. You're right I've noticed the same thing, barefoot stone carries on dirt really works the calves hard!

[@thestonecircle]

My calves aren't a standout feature, but the carries and sprints have built them just enough that they don't stand out as underdeveloped, it works!

[@unknownstrongman]

@thestonecircle your calves are awesome! You're looking better every video man!

[@thestonecircle]

​@uknownstrongman thanks man! Slowly But surely building everything up!

[@michaelpopkins3002]

Hope this channel blows up!!!! Amazing content,love this channel!!!

[@thestonecircle]

Hey thanks so much!!

[@stevenhewes1990]

For your biceps. Perform a set of curls supersetted with 5m rope climbs without using your legs. The descent will COOK your biceps.

[@thestonecircle]

Sounds awesome!!

[@littlethuggie]

Then just do more curls?

[@Coloradical_]

I was super stoked when I discovered your channel. This video in particular is freaking great, so thanks! Keep up the awesome work!

[@thestonecircle]

Hey thank you really glad to have you here!

[@rg3412]

The content is awesome, the editing is spectacular. The special font you’re using is giving your videos a timeless quality

[@thestonecircle]

Thank you!!

[@Shuttuko]

Bit late to the pary, but one thing I've been testing with my sandbag is a princess carry-like holding position. Sandbag is craddled in your arms, which are bent at about 90 degrees at the elbow, palms facing up and out like you're doing a bicep curl - and hoowee does it work those biceps and upper back. Along that same point, I've been testing a princess carry pick up of the sandbag from the floor - kind of mimicing a zercher deadlift. Obviously best to start light on these and see how difficult it is, but those sandbag zercher deadlifts to princess carry holds are a full body killer.

[@thestonecircle]

Hey that's a really interesting idea, I don't think I've actually seen anyone doing that I'll have to give it a try!! Bet it fries the upper back

[@DopeyDetector]

It's like a zercher carry. Helped heal some issues in my hip

[@Th3Pr0tag0n1st]

For chest you could also push heavy objects like sleds or even a car if you’re that strong. That’s why I always used to do incline bench instead of regular bench before I switched to sandbags and the like.

[@thestonecircle]

Doesn't get much more 'enjoyable muscle building alternative' than that!!

[@DarthArthur46]

Doing pullups off different holds. Like a tree branch or concrete ledge

[@thestonecircle]

That's a good one!

[@kolbyjerred5552]

I second the sword and staff training! Even though I'm still really new to (HEMA in this case) I'm really feeling the muscle soreness for my lats, delts and arms just from holding a sword. If you were to wear protective equipment for a full sparring session you just get so gassed out just from the equipment and adrenaline hitting you. All in all its really fun to get extra work in addition to my gym sessions

[@thestonecircle]

Hey that's awesome!! I've been trying to get into a HEMA club in my area but there's been a wait list for a few years now, hopefully one day. A hema sparring session must be so fun, I bet your conditioning has become next level!

[@kolbyjerred5552]

Dude, gymming 6 times a week with 2 days of HEMA (if you're sparring with full gear especially) builds your work capacity like no other. I'm currently still in the basic courses, but I've included drills throughout the day whenever I can just to balance whenever I find myself sitting too long because of my corporate job. (Getting a heavier pointy stick really works your entire body it's insane) Hoping you can get into a HEMA club! I would be really excited to see your thoughts on incorporating sword drills and workouts together if that ever came to be.

[@thestonecircle]

@kolbyjerred5552 that sounds so awesome! I bet your conditioning is on another level. One day definitely 🙂

[@liamsaunders9552]

Throwing stuff, yeah it does. Again, you just keep producing, and i know these are firther back videos. This is what is needed, just some functional hard work, no ego or fancy smancy work. Gritty and raw. Im hooked on this stuff.

[@thestonecircle]

Hey glad you like these!

[@rylangrant2321]

This is awesome. Add nunchucks for forearms. Also, splitting wood is so satisfying, especially cracking open an odd shaped round with a big burl in it. You get to carry and toss the logs around too.

[@thestonecircle]

Hey awesome additions thank you!!

[@hansmemling2311]

What an amazing video! Very helpful. I didn’t know you knew chez, have been watching his content for months. Amazing guy as well.

[@thestonecircle]

Thank you! For sure seems like a real genuine guy, way better at shadow boxing than me too that's for sure haha 😄

[@hansmemling2311]

@@thestonecircle hahaha. Same here, might take up boxing one day. It's so technical and I'm definitely not doing it right.

[@thestonecircle]

@hansmemling2311 haha hey, worst case we have fun trying to figure it all out right?!

[@theredtomato]

So happy I found your channel bro. I love your whole attitude to lifting and you've got a ton of great ideas, and not just in this video here. Can't wait to incorporate them into my own routine-- I like to hurl and slam kettlebells in a sandy area by my house, and to pull and drag them using straps-- but I also have a sandbag. I haven't used it very much because I wasn't clear on what goals to aim for in terms of a program... Until now! Thanks bro, appreciate you.

[@thestonecircle]

Hey thanks so much I really appreciate it! Kettlebell slams sound way too fun haha, if I ever get a chance I'll have to try that. Good luck with the sandbag stuff too, changed everything when I started focusing more on them!

[@Gymthingz]

This would be perfect for wrestlers. And mma folks.

[@thestonecircle]

I've talked with a few guys who do bjj and they've all said the odd object lifting is a game changer!

[@Voidrunner01]

Try doing some sandbag getups. It's done like a Turkish getup, but you drape the sandbag over your shoulder instead. It's gnarly, and translates directly to grappling.

[@nunchukGun]

Actually the idea of incidental muscle growth is what got me into sandbags. Brian Alsruhe said it's great for calves and forearms which are the muscles I hate training the most

[@thestonecircle]

For sure! It's nice getting those gains seemingly for 'free'

[@Epic_learner]

Thank You very much, it gave me some inspiration🙂 I like to add some steel mace and clubs swinging to my routine.

[@thestonecircle]

Hey glad you liked it! I can't wait to try that stuff myself!

[@HenrikNilsson-t2s]

Perfect as allways. So good. 👍🤗

[@thestonecircle]

Thank you! 🙂

[@creativetraininghacks]

What a great video! Also, totally water on my mills.

[@thestonecircle]

Thank you I'm glad you liked it!!

[@scottcharlton129]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@thestonecircle]

Thanks glad you liked it!

[@AcceleratingUniverse]

sword and staff are definitely underrated, not just for forearms. Do a set of 100 shomengiri from jodan no kamae if you want a rancid shoulder pump. Then do another set of 100 left handed with no rest.

[@thestonecircle]

So true!!

[@Youngonce01]

One could use Indian Clubs for this purpose as well. Also, one and two handed gada training in place of a sword ( until you obtain a sword).

[@Bombyknocker]

Awesome video

[@thestonecircle]

Thank you!

[@Rivers9679]

holy shits, never thought I see a Chez cameo, nice.

[@thestonecircle]

Figured it makes sense to show someone who actually knows what they're doing 😄

[@torringtonstonekeeper]

Yo that sword shit is fucking awesome. I use a spiked baseball bat. You have a good set up an you gave me some really good ideas

[@thestonecircle]

Haha a spiked bat! That's badass haha

[@torringtonstonekeeper]

@@thestonecircle Lil Wicklow is the hardest gym in Connecticut. Only gym where you can light weights on 🔥 fire. Great video. You are a explosive beast.

[@brianbachmeier34]

My man!

[@thestonecircle]

@@brianbachmeier34 Mannnn you're getting far with these! 🙂

[@andrewlyons353]

You should look into mace bells. I think you'd dig them.

[@thestonecircle]

I'd love to try them! Definitely want to get my hands on one when I can

[@luckyenforcer]

What do you think about doing down workouts instead of conventional rep schemes for muscle growth in calisthenics? With how much frequency should one do down workouts?

[@thestonecircle]

I think it's a great way to train, I actually prefer down workouts to straight sets for calisthenics! I did down workouts exclusively for almost two years, and for me at least every other day worked well. I think the main thing if you want to build muscle with it is you need to progress in some way. My preferred method is decreasing time (so if a down workout took 35 minutes, try to do at least 34mins 59 seconds next workout etc). Really tough way to train but very effective!

[@thestonecircle]

You could also see maintaining a time record while gaining weight as progress too, 30mins at 175lbs is major progress compared to 30 mins at 165lbs for example

[@luckyenforcer]

Thank you for your insight man

[@thestonecircle]

@luckyenforcer1424 for sure! I felt great doing those down circuits all the time

[@Alejandro-te2nt]

I fucking love seated calf raises

[@thestonecircle]

Haha to each their own 😄

[@scottcharlton129]

Nice work. What are your thoughts about walking with a weighted yoke on the shoulders, or for that matter, a weighted axle bar?

[@thestonecircle]

I think that's an awesome movement! I used to do those a lot, really lights up the back and core in a pretty unique way!

[@RPM1776]

Where can I get those medieval looking clothes from the start of the video?

[@thestonecircle]

Hey! It's all the mytholon brand, and I got it from medeival collectibles. Mytholon is usually seen as the cheapest high quality brand. These are the canvas Rus pants with the canvas wraps. They're awesome! They make them in wool too I'd like to try those one day too

[@MisterGames]

Uphill sprint they said. Ok i said. Start with 4 they said. Eight 30 to 40 yard uphill sprints later i stopped. 2 days later 10 x 20 yard up hill sprints. Now my legs totally totally shot. Specially my squads. Wish i saw this first about Slowly getting into the uphill part. Oh well 😀

[@thestonecircle]

Hahah that's intense

[@bramkooijmans6939]

Hey Cody, ive got some questions on sandbag training. 1. How do you incorporate the sandbag training in upper/lower training split? I normally do some sandbag work after my training on squat and deadlift day. But i never really go heavy because im already fatiqued due to squats, rdls, etc. 2. Do you alternate between lighter and heavier sandbag training? What frequency do you recommend? 3. Do you use any peridiozation with the training? Or just go by feel? Would really like some insight on how to structure/program this kind of training. Thanks in advance!

[@thestonecircle]

Hey I actually made a vid about exactly that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYLUh32ujZamnqcsi=_vJgcG-O0BB4OqoY Hopefully that answers everything!

[@bramkooijmans6939]

Great video and it did awnser all of my questions. Really like the rest of your vids as well. You have got my sub! Keep up the good work.

[@thestonecircle]

@bramkooijmans6939 awesome!! Thank you I'm glad to have you here 🙂

[@DopeyDetector]

I use them in the warm up period, usually

[@TheSuperMerc]

Did you teach yourself the staff and sword techniques?

[@thestonecircle]

Yeah just making stuff up! Hope to learn at a school one day though

[@joshuabernardo4305]

Dark Souls lol

[@thestonecircle]

@joshuabernardo4305 Can't deny Dark Souls 3 is what got me interested in the first place 😄

[@PablotheBeardedDragon]

Climbing trees is so much easier after you train pullups

[@thestonecircle]

Oh yeah! I was camping a few months ago and tried climbing a few trees for the first time in years, it was tough but doable, I definitely think the pullups helped!

[@Dani004able]

Just you and your stone

[@thestonecircle]

Not much better than that :)

[@Dani004able]

Now I also have my stone I am training with for now. You motivated me to and I really liked it. 5 squats is my limit now but let’s see how much it is tomorrow. ^^

[@nemanjamaksimovic1703]

Whats up with rpg/dark souls/witcher gamers doing odd workouts for major str+ leveling 😄 I know I like it, and I can bet you must also be reading some epic fantasy novels too 😄

[@thestonecircle]

Haha trying to bring as much of that fantasy into everyday modern reality! I'm glad you like it too, I know there are more of us out there 😄 currently glong back and forth between the sword of truth and witcher series audiobooks while driving between jobs, but my all time favorite is the kingkiller chronicle!

[@nemanjamaksimovic1703]

@@thestonecircle havent read anything written by Patrick Rotfuss but man do I think you would love David Gemmell, especialy books abot Druss the Legend, and as a side note in every one of his books he mentions character training, stone lifting, chalistenics and so on. I didnt like later novels by Sapkovski since they tend to move away from Geralt towards Ciri and boring stuff...

[@thestonecircle]

@nemanjamaksimovic1703 that sounds pretty awesome I'll have to check it out thank you! I'm only a few books into the witcher series but I've heard that. And darn I envy you 😮 the name of the wind is such a great book I wish I could read it for the first time again, same with the second book too! I've read/listened to them at least 4 times each at this point haha

[@nemanjamaksimovic1703]

@@thestonecircle You're welcome, there are so many great epic fantasy books and not enough time on hands for everything. Also you should definitely check out Brandon Sanderson, Mark Lawrence, R. Zelazny, Robin Hobb and so on 😄 the list is loooong

[@thestonecircle]

@nemanjamaksimovic1703 oooo yeah the storm light archive is another one of my all time favorites! You're right haha so many good things to read, not enough time!

[@cainlugar3664]

Olympic lifting or dark souls, hell yeah 😂 working everyday to get better at both.

[@thestonecircle]

Haha hell yeah! Two of the best things 😄

[@hrsh3329]

1️⃣

[@yomomma8972]

A clubbell is a good substitute for a sword

[@thestonecircle]

Thats a great idea!

[@JackFate61]

Or a sledge hammer