Every now and then I come across a great YouTube channel that is sort of like that diamond in the rough. The content of the videos was just straight up fantastic and the presenter was offering advice and suggestions that I had not really found on the more popular calisthenics channels.
The YouTube channel is appropriately entitled, Calisthenics vs Age, as the host of the channel Adrian Woods, is an amazing 47 years young.
I probably gravitated to his channel because as a 40 something myself with a son I found some similarities.
What you will find on Adrian’s channel regardless of your age, is a treasure trove with pearls of wisdom and nuggets of just overall great and practical advice, such as correct form and the reasons why its important, and awesome beginner and intermediate training videos.
I was super excited for the opportunity to interview Adrian to learn more about him and his philosophy and mentality.
What you will find in this interview, like all interviews is a common theme, to be the best version of you and to follow your own path. In essence, to march to the beat of a different drummer.
It is my honor and priviledge to welcome, Adrian…
Thanks for being here….to begin…
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you go into calisthenics?
My name is Adrian I am 47 years old and father to an adult son, about 3-4 years ago I saw Hannibal for King on youtube doing a front lever and was stunned that anyone could do this. I found a chin up bar and thought I’d test myself and quickly realised this was a massive challenge and then I was hooked.
You have inspired people all around the world, who has inspired you in your life?
There are many who have inspired me in all areas of life, but in terms of physicality Bruce Lee stands out across generations as a trailblazer, and more recently CT Fletcher for sheer mental toughness and a never quit attitude ( and coming back from near death!) and Ido Portal for opening up a wider appreciation of the human body and it’s capabilities and dissolving barriers between what were recently considered ‘seperate’ disciplines.
In calisthenics I have been inspired by anyone who can pull the big moves off but a few stand out for me such as Adam Raw, lachlan Walker, all the calisthenics crews from the U.S. and just about anyone from the east of europe and Russia.
In my personal life I have been lucky to find a mentor who I and those who train with him consider to be a ‘master’ (not a term that sits comfortably with him ) in combat and he is very much a warrior in his outlook on life.
What’s the most important lesson you have learned in life thus far?
As you get older you start conectng more dots due to the amount of life experiences you have accumulated so there are daily life lessons and you just have to look out for them and frame them in the right way so you learn and improve from them.
But if I had to distill this down to one or two it would be: DO NOT give a F#*K what anyone one else says or thinks about what you want to do, ultimately the only opinion that counts is YOURS. And just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.
As we get older, what pearls of wisdom would you have for someone wanting to start out in calisthenics?
Firstly I believe 100% that aging ( ie: losing abilities etc, you will obviously get older) is a CHOICE !
Just tell yourself and your body that you are going to get better at everything and ignore what the rest of the planet says.
In terms of calisthenics, I would say that this is a marathon not a sprint. You want to avoid debilitating injuries, so go slow and steady and with intelligence and you will get you there.
If you are young, think of it like investing financially for the long term . Yeah you want to win the lottery right now, but it aint gonna happen, but if you sow the seeds correctly now, you WILL get the results – guaranteed.
Lastly, don’t take yourself too seriously, just enjoy the process.
In one sentence or phrase how would you define success?
The ability to look yourself in the mirror and not feel like shit, if you like who you are, then external success is much easier.
What was the best decision you have made?
Actually I made it around 5 weeks ago, I quit my job and have made the decision to make my life about calisthenics and movement training, I have started teaching classes in movement and strength and I am going to start putting a lot of content out through my youtube channel – and see where this all takes me.
What was the most challenging or difficult decision you had to make?
A number of years ago I was forced to make a choice between two lifestyles :a) keep partying hard and end up dead in a park somewhere or b) completely change EVERYTHING in my life and start from scratch and live a healthy and productive life – reckon I made the right decision.
8 What question should I have asked you that I didn’t ask? Why is that question important and what is the answer?
Q: What is necessary to succeed in calisthenics aside from the physical training?
You’ve all heard it before but DIET AND SLEEP, if you’re 21 you can pretty much get away with sloppy diet, late nights and booze etc. But it will catch up with you and then you will be facing a steep uphill battle.
Start educating yourself about the body and mind and how it works, then you will be a rounded and knowledgeable athlete.
To learn more about Adrian and his channel click on this link:
http://bit.ly/20s8tsg
Here is a nice video about No Excuse (Time 2:27 minutes):
Here is a fantastic Beginner push up video, and for those more intermediate
and advanced athletes some good advice. (Time: 3:30 minutes)
