[RenegadeRows]

Facilities here in Massachusetts are getting rid of weights.

The last thing they need is a bunch of monsters outnumbering the CO's.

Having some friends who are COs and have been locked up, Poopys right. I had a friend who would stop in at the canteen, stock up on various types of food (that did not go together), and mix it all up in a trash bag, creating a soup-mix from hell that would even turn Andrew Zimmern's stomache.

I guess pushups are good. Theres not much else to do ... you can either read, workout or think about what you've done. HAH

[dannyboy9]

I'm engaged in bodyweight training 3x a week (I throw in 20 rep squats occasionally) because I also do boxing training. I'm glad Hurleyboy made his post regarding BW training. Recently, I had a discussion w/ an extremely ignorant (not to mention opinionated) person regarding the efficacy of BW exercises (or lack of, in his viewpoint). This thread simply fortifies what I already knew. I thank you for your post and I highly appreciate it brother. And to the rest of you all out there: don't let the mainstream fill you up with misconceptions and myths like you ""need weights" to progress.

You can have an individual who can perform 300 bodyweight squats but rarely trains w/weights. That's not a common feat, but what happens when he tries squatting 300 lbs.? The individual has never trained w/weights so it's simple to understand they will be unable to handle the weight.

Now, we have the weight-lifter who squats those 300 pounds on a constant basis? I want to see him/her perform a one-legged squat with their other leg extended in front of his body? For the most part, I'll see a struggle to perform just 1 rep. The balance, coordination, and flexibility are lacking so each of these individuals assume the crown in the respective arenas and they're both "strong", but dense in their strength and conditioning methods. The key is to incorporate the right amount of variety--there is no one training device that is superior to all others.

Anyway, thanks again Hurleyboy. You made my day =

[BOHICA]

Originally Posted by dannyboy9

I'm engaged in bodyweight training 3x a week (I throw in 20 rep squats occasionally) because I also do boxing training. I'm glad Hurleyboy made his post regarding BW training. Recently, I had a discussion w/ an extremely ignorant (not to mention opinionated) person regarding the efficacy of BW exercises (or lack of, in his viewpoint). This thread simply fortifies what I already knew. I thank you for your post and I highly appreciate it brother. And to the rest of you all out there: don't let the mainstream fill you up with misconceptions and myths like you ""need weights" to progress.

You can have an individual who can perform 300 bodyweight squats but rarely trains w/weights. That's not a common feat, but what happens when he tries squatting 300 lbs.? The individual has never trained w/weights so it's simple to understand they will be unable to handle the weight.

Now, we have the weight-lifter who squats those 300 pounds on a constant basis? I want to see him/her perform a one-legged squat with their other leg extended in front of his body? For the most part, I'll see a struggle to perform just 1 rep. The balance, coordination, and flexibility are lacking so each of these individuals assume the crown in the respective arenas and they're both "strong", but dense in their strength and conditioning methods. The key is to incorporate the right amount of variety--there is no one training device that is superior to all others.

Anyway, thanks again Hurleyboy. You made my day =

The thread is called bodybuilding in jail though. You aren't going to get bigger doing bodyweight exercises. So your point really has no validity in this thread per se. In real life, yes bodyweight exercises are good as I end every leg day with one legged squats (I can't do pistols yet and probably will never be able to) but that is because I want to remain flexible, mobile, and balanced. Not because I want to get bigger. Every thing has their place.

[dannyboy9]

Originally Posted by BOHICA

So your point really has no validity in this thread per se.

Originally Posted by BOHICA

Every thing has their place.

You must have missed my main point (highlighted towards the end of my post):

The key is to incorporate the right amount of variety--there is no one training device that is superior to all others.

Exactly what you meant by "Every thing has it's place".

[BOHICA]

Originally Posted by dannyboy9

You must have missed my main point (highlighted towards the end of my post):


Exactly what you meant by "Every thing has it's place".

Nah I got it, I was just saying that bodyweight exercises aren't going to get you big, which was the original topic of this thread

[Hurleyboy05]

Glad you liked it Dannyboy, and you really picked up on my reason behind posting it. In my first post, I mentioned at the bottom, that if you happen to get locked up, this is a way of still exercising without the freedom of going to the gym. It's not a way of getting huge IMO, but more like body maintenance while in jail. I glad you took the positive view, instead of needlessly bashing it because of differentiating views. It IS a good workout, it will KEEP you strong, not necessarily MAKE you bigger, but will help you MAINTAIN what muscle you already have without the ability to go to the gym. That was my point.

[Xodus]

Originally Posted by BOHICA

No offense, but if I had friends that kept getting locked up, I would try to seek out some new friends so I don't risk getting dragged down myself.

I recently read that you are the 'average of the 5 people you hang around with most often'. Makes sense to me.

I agree, if you don't want to go to jail, don't hang out with people that go to jail.

[dannyboy9]

(kid voice)
Yeah?!?....

...well....
....you're... WRONG

Anyway, I know you can gain a significant amount of muscle with bodyweight exercises--my back and arms have grown significant since I started doing pull-up variations and my legs gained from Deep Knee Bends and the occasional 20 rep squats. Both strength training and weight training, play their respective roles. When it comes to boxing training, for example, I'm not hitting weights anymore than 2x a week (that's a max). I focus on BW exercises and strength training as opposed to weight lifting and heavy bag work. It all comes down to what arena you're expecting to excel in.

[dannyboy9]

Originally Posted by Hurleyboy05

Glad you liked it Dannyboy, and you really picked up on my reason behind posting it. In my first post, I mentioned at the bottom, that if you happen to get locked up, this is a way of still exercising without the freedom of going to the gym. It's not a way of getting huge IMO, but more like body maintenance while in jail. I glad you took the positive view, instead of needlessly bashing it because of differentiating views. It IS a good workout, it will KEEP you strong, not necessarily MAKE you bigger, but will help you MAINTAIN what muscle you already have without the ability to go to the gym. That was my point.

Most definitely Hurleyboy. I always attempt to extract the moral, so to speak, or positive aspect of all posts (even the most ignorant and hype-filled posts). Many bash BW exercises but they wouldn't be able to do a single-legged squat without assistance if their life depended on it. I know someone is going take it as a direct shot to them personally, but its not: it's a general statement.
]
Anyway, one example could be the fact that there are so many pull-up variations to keep you busy which will allow you to not only maintain your physique but, eventually you're going to gain for the simple fact that you're performing complex and intense exercises which will lead to your muscles overcompensating. Some of those pull-up variations are serious--ever heard of Walking the Bar or Hang 'Em High (both are variations)?

In any case, great post. Thank you for your contributions. I apologize on behalf of the individuals who are too frustrated w/their own lives and full of [personal] problems that restricts them from being open-minded and positive as opposed to ignorant, close-minded and opinionated.

[dethklok]

Originally Posted by RenegadeRows

Facilities here in Massachusetts are getting rid of weights.

The last thing they need is a bunch of monsters outnumbering the CO's.

BHOC got rid of theirs a while ago because of the riots and assaults on other inmates and co's that were occuring with the use of free weights as weapons. All they have now is machines but don't underestimate inmate creativity.

[Hurleyboy05]

Here in TN, it depends on the crime the inmate committed. If it was a nonviolent crime (e.g. DUI, burglary, traffic infractions) the inmate may be allowed to use the gym facility. If they're a repeat offender or have committed a violent crime - no chance!

I agree with it though, if you can't play nice, don't play at all

[Xodus]

They should remove every piece of equipment and give it to local police/fire stations for them to use.

[MTNMEDIC]

Good point.

[Hurleyboy05]

So Xodus, you think we should remove one of the tools that some inmates choose to devote their lives too instead of crime? Many people learn about building muscle in jail, and take that knowledge with them when they leave. I mean, if you leave a criminal all alone with his/her crimes, isn't that what they're going concentrate on? Why not give them something productive and worth while to focus on? Something that could help them make better choices, and live healthier? Just my opinion.

[Xodus]

Originally Posted by Hurleyboy05

So Xodus, you think we should remove one of the tools that some inmates choose to devote their lives too instead of crime? Many people learn about building muscle in jail, and take that knowledge with them when they leave. I mean, if you leave a criminal all alone with his/her crimes, isn't that what they're going concentrate on? Why not give them something productive and worth while to focus on? Something that could help them make better choices, and live healthier? Just my opinion.

I don't think they should have cable TV, computers and ping pong either. Hell, there are people on the OUTSIDE that don't have access to cable/internet.

They've got access to books, GED programs, etc. those things will change your life.

You don't need more gang bangers getting buff.

And yeah, maybe sitting there thinking about what they did to get them into that sh*tty situation would be more beneficial. A little self-reflection is good once and a while.

Crime == Punishment. Rehabilitation? Perhaps, but the recidivism rate is high even with all these 'bennies'.

Hell, they close down youth rec centers because of 'funding' issues while those that CHOSE to be incarcerated have access to weight rooms? Sorry man, thats retarded. Perhaps if they had a youth center when they were kids they wouldn't be where they are now?

I still say give it to the firemen and cops. If you ever have to be carried out of a fire, you might thank me. Granted, I'm not a huge fan of cops, but I think the majority of them are out to do good and deserve access to weights more than a criminal.