Overcoming Gravity: A Systematic Approach to Gymnastics and Bodyweight Strength

by Steven Low

Commonly referred to by readers as an "exercise Bible," Overcoming Gravity is a comprehensive guide that provides a gold mine of information for gymnastics and bodyweight strength training within its large 8.5"x11" size and nearly 600 pages.

Steven Low takes the reader on a journey through logically constructing a strength-oriented bodyweight workout routine. With a highly systematic approach, he delves into the physiology behind strength training equips the reader to adequately prepare their body for the rigors of bodyweight training. This book covers much ground that other books do not, offering information health and injury management, factors that contribute to a successful routine, and actual program implementation. If you prefer your health and fitness books to include scientific data, comprehensive sample programming, and effective recommendations, Overcoming Gravity is the ideal choice for your library.

This Second Edition has been revised, expanded, and re-organized to read easier, provide more content, and offer easily accessible next-steps for beginner, intermediate, and advanced populations.

Notable improvements from the first edition include the

Editing team to correct all previous editing errors.Increased clarity on scientific principles and routine construction.Updated scientific information to ensure the book aligns with current research.Extensive information on body part splits and population modifications, allowing one to construct a routine that fits their lifestyle and skill level.More in-depth explanation of each element of a routine.An entirely new chapter entitled Methods of Progression to ensure plateaus are never an issue.Expanded sample programming that includes common faults made at different skill levels.More real-life examples of how a routine may look.Addition of proper scapular positioning and technique for each exercise.Upgraded images that illustrate exercises from 2D to 3D.Modified charts with more accurate level placement and new leg exercise This book does not contain primary gymnastics skill work like cartwheels, tumbling, swings, giants, etc.

For a book preview including Table of Contents, Introduction, Chapter 1-3, and Charts,

v2.1 4/17/17: ~25 editing and illustration errors are fixed.

v2.2 5/2/17: Page 38 missing fixed. Page

5/19/22-6/4/22: Amazon/Kindle stopped manufacturing the book due to changing their max page size to 590 (mine was 598). The solution was to compress the interior to keep all of the content. All exercise progressions used to have their own pages, but now a few are two on a page.

Genres: Fitness, Health, Nonfiction, Sports

940 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2022

Reviews

[Jayson Floyd]

Great read. First thing that I've read that's incredibly comprehensive while also being very direct and to-the-point, which is extremely hard to find when it comes to resources on exercise. The best parts for me were the ones focused on routine construction and progression, things I've always struggled with in my training. He emphasizes that the most important thing is to just be consistent, but he also provides detailed suggestions on different ways to build and continue a routine, which I found really helpful. I've already started using what I've read to start my own calisthenics routine and I frequently come back to certain sections to pinpoint a particular exercise or routine construction issue I'm struggling with. Very very helpful book.

[Arjun Boddu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Gives reason behind why strength workout are they way they are. Would have been cool if there were more citations but I guess gotta trust this guy since he’s a DPT

[Anas Alrowaili · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books that i came across when it comes to bodyweight exercises and gymnastics guides.

The book covers in details the theory behind building strength and hypertrophy with the implementation of bodyweight exercises and how to gain great strength from doing a proper form and quality repetitions.

Beside duelling in the basic information regarding nutrition and periodization theories finally exercises and their level on the gymnastics code and how to achieve them

9 out if 10

[T N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally finished this book and man I am glad I started it. Tons of useful information about calisthenics and even though I may never reach the levels talked about in the book I find all the information useful. Give it a read if you are interested in calisthenics at all.

[Axel Giambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever need something which this book hasn't outlined on bodyweight training, you will find it in their online community.
The book explains more than you will ever need about training, if you don't plan to go to the Olympics, that's it.

[Henry Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic scientific approach to artistic gymnastics. For a calisthenics athlete, this is the premier resource for dialing in technique and programming. Different sections are going to be useful for different people, from beginner to advanced, with a focus on gymnastics compared to street/home workouts. The structure and information density suggest it's best used as a reference rather than something to read front to back. I always turn to this book before the internet when I'm unsure about some aspect of my routine.

The glaring flaw of this work is the collection of images depicting movements. There are some errors (e.g. ring muscle up is depicted with incorrect grip), and many movements simply need to be seen to be understood, so make sure to cross compare different videos online to determine good form.

The author is active with the community, frequently answering questions on r/overcominggravity, which is a tremendous help when more clarity is desired.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. I have been doing various workout regimens my entire life and to finally understand the theory and research behind it has been eye opening. Yes not everything is perfectly cited and a lot of claims are not backed. But that is not the point and not how gymnastics or bodyweight training has been done historically.

[Capitaneus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Rubinny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy muy muy completo e instructivo

[Rehaan Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive guide on bodyweight fitness. Helped me out a lot & provided a lot of clarity for my training.

[Boka]

So this is how Elphaba managed to hold on to her broomstick

[Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. A lot of it is really advanced but it has so much information that is useful to beginners and really is just to the point.

[Aguspignal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are advanced or beginner in calisthenics or gymnastics, doubt no more, this is definitetly worth your time.