FitnessFAQs Podcast

The Forgotten Art Of Calisthenics Strength Training - Refael Paz

FitnessFAQs Podcast

Show Notes

Refael Paz is a calisthenics coach and rings expert who bridges the gap between bodyweight mastery and traditional strength training. In this episode, we unpack what truly changes as you evolve from beginner to advanced in calisthenics. You’ll learn why early routines stop working, how to balance strength, skill, and recovery, and why combining calisthenics with weights delivers the best results. We break down the law of carryover, the right training frequency, and how much heavy work you actually need. Plus, we dive into managing fatigue, preventing burnout, and balancing training with real life. If you want long-term gains without injuries, this episode will change how you think about sustainable strength. . (0:00) - The Harsh Truth About Progress (5:01) - What Calisthenics Can Learn From Weightlifters (8:18) - Basics Before Skills Always (15:20) - Mobility Struggles and Solutions (21:12) - Mixing Weights & Calisthenics (30:22) - The Price Of Getting Lean (40:07) - Breaking Habits & Trying New Routines (44:01) - Growth Hides in Discomfort (46:55) - Balancing Work, Family & Training (58:00) - Dealing With Low Motivation (1:03:23) - Hypertrophy Vs Strength (1:08:44) - High Frequency Is A Cheat Code? (1:11:57) - Best Workout Splits (1:21:51) - Managing Fatigue & Recovery . 💪 Get 20% Off FitnessFAQs workout programs: Use Code PODCAST20 at checkout - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitnessfaqs.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Sponsors: ✅ Get 10% Discount on the best calisthenics equipment by Gornation at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gornation.com/?ref=fitnessfaqs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (automatically applied at checkout) . Stay in touch: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fitnessfaqs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/FitnessFAQs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fitnessfaqs.com/contact/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Follow Refael: ⁠Instagram

More from FitnessFAQs Podcast

Oct 22, 2026

Sondre Berg is an elite calisthenics athlete with over 10 years of experience, specialising in hand balancing, acrobatics, and advanced bodyweight strength.

Oct 18, 2026

Steven Low is the author of "Overcoming Gravity" - a popular book teaching the science of calisthenics. He is a physical therapist and has a degree in biochemistry. . Get 10% off the best calisthenics equipment at GORNATION: ⁠https://www.gornation.com/?ref=znnsjrwo ⁠ . (0:00) - Meet The Calisthenics Genius (0:47) - Principles For Success (3:27) - How To Design A Bodyweight Workout (6:39) - When To Add Sets? (15:36) - When To Work Harder (19:11) - Best Workout Split (33:32) - What Is Periodisation? (44:53) - How Many Goals? (49:14) - Staying Motivated (52:29) - Use Leverage To Get Stronger (58:20) - Intensity Explained For Calisthenics (1:03:25) - Are Isolation Exercises Useful? (1:07:45) - Full ROM Vs Isometrics (1:14:07) - Don't Skip Structural Balance

Oct 15, 2026

Markus is a former professional athlete and the founder of BuiltSimple. After years competing and training at a high level, he now teaches men how to stay lean, fit, and healthy while managing a busy real life. . Get 10% off the best calisthenics equipment at GORNATION: https://www.gornation.com/?ref=znnsjrwo . (0:00) - Training with busy life tips (4:56) - Being a professional athlete (11:34) - Why calisthenics training (17:17) - Hybrid training for strength, power and endurance (26:06) - What's the perfect program? (29:15) - The truth about rep ranges (34:54) - What is enough cardio? (41:22) - How to prevent power loss with age (47:30) - Staying lean year round (58:10) - Avoiding burnout and staying motivated

Oct 11, 2026

Alex Leonidas is a OG YouTuber, who mixes calisthenics and weights. Today we discuss the lost art of old school bodybuilding. . Get 10% off the best calisthenics equipment at GORNATION: https://www.gornation.com/?ref=znnsjrwo . Get 20% off my calisthenics programs at FitnessFAQs with code PODCAST20: https://fitnessfaqs.com/programs . Timestamps: (0:00) - How Old School Bodybuilders Trained (8:09) - Making The Basic Exercises Fun (18:26) - Pain Free Dips (21:33) - Lengthened Partials Benefits (26:34) - Need To Get Stronger To Get Bigger? (29:16) - Increase Reps or Weights? (39:39) - Why Calisthenics Is Effective (46:05) - “Just Do Compounds Bro” (51:11) - Fix Lagging Body Parts (1:02:56) - Why You Must Track Your Workouts (1:13:13) - Our Biggest Training Regrets (1:24:42) - Minimal Equipment? It Doesn't Matter (1:29:09) - Home Workouts Vs Gym

Oct 10, 2026

Meet Summer, a calisthenics athlete proving that bodyweight strength isn’t just for men. Today, she shares the training, mindset, and lessons behind her impressive skills. . Get 10% off the best calisthenics equipment at GORNATION: https://www.gornation.com/?ref=znnsjrwo . Timestamps: (0:00) - Girls Can't Do Pull-Ups (2:36) - Best Achievements (4:02) - Overcoming Challenges (5:18) - Staying Focused On Training (7:53) - Less Ego More Gains (9:01) - Benefits of Playing Around (13:16) - Handstands Tips & Tricks (15:28) - Best Rep Ranges (19:08) - How To Become Explosive (21:32) - Handstand Push-Ups Are Easy (27:33) - Core Strength for Calisthenics (30:17) - Muscle-up Advice (38:24) - Nutrition For Peak Performance (41:58) - Follow These Women For Inspiration

See all episodes →