Teaching a 270lb Bodybuilder How to Backflip

In this video, I search for random strangers to teach how to backflip. I met a bunch of people but the one that stood out the most was Leonidas Arkona who weighs 270lbs (122kg)! Him and his friend Dennis Ratano who were both friendly and eager to learn.
To be honest, I was a bit nervous to spot someone so much bigger then more but with his strength and athleticism I was sure he would be successful.
Watch to find out how it goes!
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In this video:
Leonidas Arkona ‪@LeonidasArkona‬
Dennis Ratano ‪@DennisRatano2‬
Aubry Marie / aubrymarie
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IN THIS CALISTHENICS VIDEO:
Learn how to backflip! Watch as I teach a variety of strangers, including the popular Leonidas Arkona, to backflip!

[@inotoni6148]

So there's Leonidas! We've been missing him in Germany for a month!

[@highlineR32]

Ich hoffe wirklich nicht, dass Leondias den Backflip auch alleine probiert hat und es schief gegangen ist 😬

[@Mazzlepazzle]

Besser als Penisbruch!

[@tobiasketels4136]

Grade noch auf dem letzten Video kommentiert, wir vermissen euch. 😅 Grüße

[@FBI--OPEN--UP---]

@@highlineR32 hahaha nein dem gehts supi

[@highlineR32]

@@FBI--OPEN--UP--- da bin ich aber froh 👍🏼👍🏼🥳🥳

[@sivaanandakandan6367]

He is Leonidas Arkona, the German armwrestler who destroyed Larry wheels completely

[@Julerrino]

Das Salz wird schön einmassiert 😂😂

[@FortexVize]

Never expected someone to know Leonidas for armwrestling especially.

[@drysalmon21]

I am pretty sure he is not an arm wrestler

[@Prime_G1]

@@drysalmon21 well not only

[@dddonniedarko]

german armwrestler...xD was für ein bullshit diggi du hast kein plan und machst die germans international lächerlich mit dem brei.........

[@TheJianny]

Dieser Kommentarbereich ist nun eigentum der Bundesrepublik Deutschland 🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪

[@jodamm4020]

Dieser Kommentarbereich wurde von Österreich annektiert 🇦🇹🇦🇹🇦🇹🇦🇹🇦🇹

[@strammerdetlef]

😂also auch deutschland @@jodamm4020

[@Garraffe]

Abgelehnt! @@jodamm4020

[@dominikn2925]

@@jodamm4020gut das Österreich Teil des deutschen reichs ist 🤝

[@mery1ak_vfx]

@@jodamm4020 Österreich wurde vom Deutschen Reich annektiert 🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪

[@MD-Geist]

Leonidas is a god-damn overpowered strength monster.

[@real_Schrooten]

Like a demigod from ancient times

[@superiorts7232]

More like a big sexy ass baby!!!!❤

[@HeyPaulhasopinions]

I like how half of the comment section seems to be German … bin auch nur für Leonidas da 😂

[@BeatLuginbuehl]

Ja, schau mal an! Der Leonidas und Dennis aus Deutschland. Ihr habt Euch gut geschlagen. Gruss aus der Schweiz 🇨🇭

[@jonasf1275]

It is easier to tell Leoinidas to leg press the earth than explaining him how to jump.

[@Felix-o5j2d]

😂😂

[@her563]

He had quite a high jump though. The spin was his fear

[@fab9727]

If you put his name Leonidas in the title your views would go 200k+ easily

[@climax5218]

True

[@marceljep3492]

Leonidas actually isn‘t a Bodybuilder he is more like a strongman and armwrestler

[@TheKurama9]

He's never competed in strongman or BB. He is an armwrestler and powerlifter

[@Joe-xv9kd]

@@TheKurama9 i doubt it. noway he`s claming himself as an powerlifter and armwerstler lmfao

[@jfhxjfh8281]

@@TheKurama9Of course he competed in Powerlifting Competitions

[@TheKurama9]

@@Joe-xv9kd powerlifting and armwrestling are the only sports he competed it, but maybe you could also call him a fitness influencer or something like that

[@marceljep3492]

@@Joe-xv9kd he is right. Leon is german champion in benchpressing, champion in cheat curl, in strict Curl and is also doing armwrestling against and with some of the greatest in this sport. You can call him a lot but not a BB. Not yet.

[@Fablious]

Leonidas ist einfach der Mann, er macht sich auch im Amerika richtig einen Namen, krasser und vorallem sympathischer Typ.

[@TheGabberman9000]

Nein ist er nicht. Der gibt vor natty zu sein.

[@janves]

@@TheGabberman9000 Wann hat er das denn angeblich behauptet?

[@TheGabberman9000]

@@janves Tut der doch die ganze Zeit mit seiner Natty Crew.

[@mz.7934]

@@TheGabberman9000 hat er noch nie, du idiot

[@procrastinationpro8264]

hä@@TheGabberman9000

[@kutakimoari]

Never thought leonidas could backflip like that

[@reachiy]

wtf how are Leonidas and Dennis just randomly sitting there Hahaha the world is full of magic. Meanwhile all of KZbin Fitness Germany waiting for a new Video on his channel hahah

[@trenjohnny]

I like how half of the comment section seems to be German … bin auch nur für Leonidas da

[@kylieshort530]

I love your personality. You are so supportive and uplifting, so encouraging! I think it's important to note that EVERYONE could use the basics. Even a totally built man had to learn how to do a backflip. You make me feel it's okay to learn and give myself some grace while just starting out, but continue to do it! When working out before, I felt pushed to "do more" and I went completely ignored when I said I needed more basic strength training. You make me feel validated in that opinion. I knew my body was saying "Not yet" to certain things, and that is okay. I just needed to learn how to modify the exercises in order to gain the strength and mobility necessary.

[@KlausderErste]

Gutes und positives Video ! Toll zu sehen wie Leonidas und Dennis Freude haben 👍🤝

[@galapagoz1211]

Leonidas and Dennis 💪🏼

[@dhtnpoker5318]

dennis and leonidas nice :D what a random nice video to watch hahaha, awesome guys, geil euch zu sehen jungs voll am chillen sm strand am entspannen

[@Pathletics]

@Leonidas Arkona, Naturtalent! & Dennis erst recht sehe ich gerade :D

[@marvincunningham8586]

Leonidas is auch überall haha geil GERMANY 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@BigHolz75]

Da ist ja kein Gegner mehr in Deutschland. Der Typ ist so stark, klar das der immer mehr Herausforderungen im Ausland suchen wird.

[@zdenkofilipovic2545]

Bodybuilder ❌️ Stärkster Mann Deutschland ✅️

[@jhvdk]

Das ist er auch nicht!

[@Pseudo_Placebo]

Mit Sicherheit ist er das nicht☝️ allein die letzte Aktion... keine 280 kg Bankdrücken geschafft und eine 27-jährige Frau drückt 317,5 Kilo😂

[@Yalandil]

@@Pseudo_Placebo Wenn Leonidas das Ziel hätte, so viel wie möglich zu Benchen würde er die 317 schnell knacken haha.

[@Pseudo_Placebo]

Dann fehlen immer noch über 500 g, um ihn zu knacken und nein, schafft er nicht.. Haha

[@pollio2835]

This comment section is now DEUTSCHES STAATSEIGENTUM 🤝🏻

[@wladdydaddyakafreejulian7]

Adam ist der Zwillingsbruder von Denis 😂😂😂

[@allmightychicken5355]

Wait what are the Chances of Leonidas being right in that spot right at that time? They invited him for sure, right?

[@Jurbroman]

It's Muscle Beach. It's a famous and legendary workout spot in Miami and nowadays a known for spot for Fitnessyoutubers. If you are in Miami and workout, you go to Muscle Beach.

[@ziks4103]

Don’t think so. If it was like that i would assume he put his name anywhere to gain some views. He didn’t though i think its random

[@lucagottdesfeuers4577]

Team Arkona ;) macht jetzt auch das Ausland unsicher

[@leonardomodes1007]

*Elite Team, wenn ich bitten darf!

[@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns]

With an encouraging teacher like Adam, I'd probably be an amateur gymnast right now but jokes aside I love how Adam encourages people to get rid of their fears and just do it. That spotting technique with the towel is good.

[@everythingbodyweight7012]

Adam you always increase my calisthenics enthusiasm. I've always wanted to back flip among other acrobatic and gymnastic stuff for the longest time possible

[@mija6119]

Leonidas ist eine richtige machine 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@angryjalapeno]

This guy is so beautiful inside and outside.

[@benniemckay3987]

Just short of 67 years... thanks for making body weight fun for beginners

[@SamMartinBurr]

Awesome video dude! I used to do backflips on a trampoline all the time but REALLY struggled on the ground. I used to be able to do it with a big run up... So I guess my issue is replacing the spring with technique. But I really want to achieve it.

[@hostabeatz]

Dennis Ratano aka Abu Backflip

[@clowofgrife]

Leonidas is a powerlifter and armwrastler not a body builder, but nice video🙏🏻

[@IAmEmber]

Big dude was adorable and yay to the last guy for foregoing the towel. I’d be so scared even w the towel

[@Hybridathletes]

This definitely inspired me to learn how to back flip

[@Daniel77549]

Great Content Adam!

[@mateuszkaramazow88]

Great video Adam!

[@gonnjaminphilipp6304]

Leon am eier chilln haha

[@lclasen1658]

@Adam Frater you have to link Leonidas for the views. In Germany we miss him 😢

[@docskate4312]

Das bedarfs! C'mon Leonidas. Gib uns den fluffigen Backflipp mit null support!!!😃😃😃 Edit: Was haben Deine Fußgelenke sonst schon zu tun😜? Sieht ein bissl aus wie der Streifen kurz vor Smathers Beach in Key West(?).

[@superiorts7232]

Adam great reflexes man!

[@julius23]

Leonidas 👍👍

[@alien-911]

our mentality is our greatest enemy, conquer them and you'll find greatness within

[@endkrieg5854]

Dennis und Leon wooohoo :) cool video, greetings form germany

[@atla_]

Wtf Leonidas... was that just a coincidence or what...

[@TravisMcPhuckinn]

I wouldn't backflip at gunpoint!

[@jurcamarius6863]

2:16 that dude didn't bother to take off his sunglasses before he jumped

[@mattminor7651]

Leonidas and Dennis, some of my favorite Deutsche Fitness influencers.

[@giamygaitanis8181]

Not a bodybuilder, he is a powerlifter and armwrestler

[@nicoklose7217]

Yo, why's this vid getting slept on? I was totally feeling it

[@ShadowboxDD]

This is freaking awesome!!!!

[@Fitforacting]

Man, I need to meet you. You’re a great teacher ❤🎉😮

[@ChrisForster434]

Diese Kommentarsektion ist nun Eigentum der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

[@paulwitter5184]

That is Leonidas Arkona from Germany!!

[@commentking320]

meine zwei deutschen ieblings turner

[@robertmoritz7954]

Great Video. Leo !!!!!!! LG

[@googlemapsspeedruns777]

Suiiii Leonidas auf die 1

[@GamersFreak]

ey bring back our leonidas

[@escanor_m8895]

Leonidas German Power

[@wollitotv322]

Oh yeah the random stranger Leonidas haha

[@BenGr8t]

Haha geil Dennis Ratano ist halt einfach eine Maschine!💪🏽🔥

[@gamergust4556]

Leonidas Maschine

[@joschke2816]

That’s Leonidas Arkona a Absulute Legend

[@travis5141]

Thank you for a great video.

[@unleashed1983]

LEONIDAS!!! 🎉

[@karlsmith1443]

Great video! Teach me!

[@Finn-ie5sp]

larry wheels couldnt do it

[@thomasmuller546]

love it, but leonidas is more of an all-around strength-athlete than a bodybuilder. as far as i know he actually never tried to compete in bodybuilding.

[@HolidayAtHome]

Hah, what a surprise to see Leonidas here =D

[@elfynn6844]

Geiles Video Leon

[@Pathletics]

@Leonidas Arkona, Naturtalent!

[@jhvdk]

He's not a Bodybuilder, he is a Powerlifter and Arm Wrestler!

[@KaiWurst]

Einfach Leon und Dennis xD

[@inmymisery3270]

LEONIDAS!!!! 🥰

[@Kurvensohn]

🎉 Leonidas 🎉

[@Mad_Man___]

Leonidas😮

[@xl3nny166]

Leonidas auf die 1

[@adelheid_mueller]

Awesome!

[@tibu9089]

That was no coincidence that Leondias was there, right?

[@500deadend9]

Legend

[@rrekoJ]

Leonidas the GOAT

[@Zaris-y5p]

Leonidas!!!

[@NemanjaVasiljevic-j4r]

dennis super form

[@TheCristalHD]

Leonidas du Kante haha geil!

[@krischanmaier9993]

Wundert mich, dass hier noch englische Kommentare zu sehen sind... Lasst uns das mal für Leonidas und Dennis aufräumen xD

[@shot_byfelix]

Bro starts to speak german Out of nowhere

[@glenng8185]

Leonidas und Dennis 🎉

[@baane2high967]

hi leon du maschine

[@3f2one79]

Esn Code: Leon

[@hanski_49]

Leon bester Mann

[@aacccdds750]

Que lindo se la pasan en Miami!!

[@arthur786x]

Leonidas Germany 🔥💪🏼

[@uwetriceps3036]

macht leonidas den rich piana mit synthol in der schulter und im trizeps 😂 ?

[@imGeistevereint]

nö

[@Larrypint]

du trollst doch.Was soll ein Kraftsportler und Armwrestler mit Synthol? Das sind alles echte Muskeln

[@kkshyyy]

Leonidas GOAT

[@sleezyoho]

Jetzt is John dran!

[@butzudo7183]

Leonidas ist kein Bodybuilder. Er ist ein Kraftmeier. In english, Leonidas ist kein Bodybuilder. Er ist ein Kraftmeier 😉

[@Dies_Das_Ananas]

Aha! Da hat der Herr sich herum getrieben! :-o

[@TatumMVPCase2025]

Leonidas träumt bestimmt schon auf englisch 😄

[@bigmags]

Leonidas 💨💨🧼

[@bigbaus7648]

Deutsche Maschine ❤

[@bayleedyke2636]

Okay im done hurt little in my back 😂