Title: Next Level Strength: The Ultimate Rings and Parallettes Program
Author: Al Kavadlo and Danny Kavadlo
Year: 2019
Publisher: Dragon Door Publications
Review:
With the abrupt closure of gyms around the world in 2020, many fitness fanatics have had to turn to home training to stay strong, sometimes training with little or no equipment. Unquestionably, bodyweight training has seen a surge in popularity. So what better time than now to buy some books and expand your calisthenics knowledge?
Take Your Bodyweight Training to the Next Level
Bodyweight masters Al and Danny Kavadlo’s latest e-book is one you’ll definitely want for your tablet’s library. “Next Level Strength” is designed to take your bodyweight training a little bit further by utilising gymnastic rings and parallettes in your training routines. A bit of previous calisthenics training experience is a necessity for this. Needless to say, owning some rings and parallettes is sure to be useful too!
Over 40 Exercises Featured
The book has over 40 exercises in it, some of which you’ll possibly know (eg. ring pushups and pull ups) and some which may be brand new to you (eg. Skin-the-cat). The explanations of each are concise and accompanied with clear photos, and the Kavadlo brothers kindly tell you which muscle groups are emphasized.
Rings and parallettes predominantly work the upper body and core, so it’s good to see some leg exercises in here; the ring assisted shrimp squats and pistol squats are challenging ones to try.
Three-Levels. Range of Exercises. 8 Week Duration
The programming in “Next Level Strength” is nothing too complex. There are three levels, each with its own range of exercises, and each level is an 8-week duration. The Kavadlos give you the rep and set guidelines and throw in a few tips to help you progress. An end of level test awaits you after each 8-week period and with consistent hard work there’s no reason you shouldn’t pass them.
When you do complete them, Al and Danny push you that bit harder with an extra level they have prepared, one which has much tougher exercises, for instance, front levers and muscle ups. Luckily for you, there’s no specific time frame within which you have to complete this level.
Sections: “Ask Al” & “Danny’s Do’s & Don’ts”
Once you’ve read and digested the training programme you can pick up more hints, tips and advice in the next chapters. Al answers questions about muscle building, breathing and plateau-busting in the aptly named “Ask Al” section, while Danny gives you sound advice on diet and fasting in “Danny’s Dos and Don’ts.”
Following this, an interesting chapter named “Before and After” shows six of the brothers’ favourite articles from their past writings, and this proves to be an excellent way to bring the book to a close.
Summary
Everything the Kavadlos write is guaranteed to be educational and entertaining and “Next Level Strength” hits their usual high standards. The book is nicely balanced with near enough equal input from both brothers, and the injection of humour makes it a fun and easy read. In conclusion, it’s a fantastic joint effort which deserves a top rating.
Favourite Chapter: Before and After
Favourite Quote: “Don’t be afraid to work hard -and at times suffer- in order to move forward.”
