Bar-barians Reqs

[WayneRooney]

Hey guys,

One of my goals for 2011 is to complete the Bar-Barians Reqs:

5 muscle ups
45 dips
25 pull ups
55 push ups
5 muscle ups

Does a programme like this that increases bodyweight make it more difficult to attain my goal? Should I stick to bodyweight or do you think weight lifting would help?

[hotshot617]

Of course it would be more difficult. Weighted pushups, pullups, dips, and muscle ups for reps are more difficult than non-weighted for reps. As you gain bodyweight, you are adding weight to the movement.

[Bronan the Barbarian]

Agreed. Those are upper-body movements. Big slabs of ass and big quads will only make them more difficult. Never been around the sport, but I don't imagine you see many gymnasts squatting for leg hypertrophy.

[Tiburon]

Should I stick to bodyweight or do you think weight lifting would help?

Rephrase this question. Unclear

[NKT]

Weighted versions of the bodyweight exercises you mentioned would be a good addition to your program: weighted dips, bench presses, and weighted pullups. I think these will help you progress toward your goals faster than bodyweight exercises alone.

I would suggest keeping squats and/or deadlifts in your program, but skew the reps and sets to favor more strength and less muscle growth. I'd start with 2 or 3 heavy sets of 2 or 3 reps, with plenty of rest between sets.

[WayneRooney]

Thanks guys - good advice. In terms of reps, do you think I should go for maximum reps with body weight or bring the reps down and weight the movement with a vest of dip belt?

I'm thinking it would make more sense to go for max strength first and then strength endurance one I have a foundation.

[OCG]

I'm thinking it would make more sense to go for max strength first and then strength endurance one I have a foundation.

Yes. This is the right way to go about it. It'll help your lifting too. I'd not weight the muscle ups though.

Speaking of gymnasts, most professionals are 5'3" - 5'5" and 130lbs - 140lbs with all of that in their upper body. Something to keep in mind.