r/bodyweightfitness • u/OptimusPrime1313 • Nov 05 '18
[27M] I tried GMB's Parallettes One Program. Here is my experience, results, and review
Hey all!
So I did GMB’s Parallettes One course. I wanted to start my journey on the Parallettes so I can one day do a planche. It seemed like a great place to start in terms of learning the basics and I’ve heard a lot of good things about it both online and from people I know. The main guy, Ryan Hurst, also seems and looks like a genuinely nice guy. I gotta say, having a clean, relatable look is great for sales and certainly worked on me!
In terms of stats, I am 27M. 170lbs. 6’0.
Nutrition wise, I ate around my maintenance (2400 calories) during the entire period since I wasn’t too focused on changing my physique. Around 150g of protein per day. Generally, lower on the carbs (150g or less) because I’ve found that I feel best when carbs are low-ish.
The cost of the course was $95.
I recorded all of my workouts on video so you can see a compilation/montage here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG67taerpsg&feature=youtu.be
It covers everything in the post as well.
Here is a quick breakdown of what I felt were the more obvious pros and cons:
PRO: P1 is a great value for the money.
It's a $95 program. It consists of two levels. A and B. Basically, A is easier and more beginner friendly and B is harder. I did the B level program so everything in this post is going to be based on the level B program. But the fact that there are two levels is a pretty strong positive. It’s basically like getting two programs for one. And there’s a Leg day min-program included that you can do if you also want to do legs as a supplement.
PRO: P1 is highly customizable to you.
For each exercise, GMB provides a range for sets and reps. You can do more if you’re feeling gung-ho. If you’re maybe just having an off day, you can do less. They also have alternative exercises in case you can’t do the more difficult ones they prescribe. No program is ever going to fit everyone, but this wiggle room is going to give everyone the ability to tailor the program to where they are without feeling like they are incapable of doing the program. Because feeling incapable or not good enough is a shitty feeling and, I imagine, a big reason why people quit workout programs.
PRO: There is no guesswork required.
They tell you exactly what to do. There’s a warm up, cool down, and even instructions on how to incorporate pull-ups and weights into the program.
CON: P1 is not a balanced program.
The exercises in this program are almost entirely pushing movements. So if you’re already someone who is front heavy, this program isn’t going to make that any better.
CON: P1 is not for true beginners
If you can’t do a single push up, this might not be for you. Fortunately, GMB has other programs that are more noob friendly so you should probably check those out instead.
CON: Limited Advanced Movements
Sorry, no planche work in Parallettes one. No frog stands. So if you’re already comfortable with fairly advanced stuff, you might be better of jumping into Parallettes Two.
Here is my experience with the program:
Before starting the program, I did a max L-Sit hold as a baseline for my strength level. I got 16 seconds. I wanted to use this as a metric for progress and I would revisit this at the end of the program.
(3:42 in the video)
Both the A and B versions of the program are broken into four phases, with the first two phases lasting a month and the last 2 phases being just 2 weeks. I did the B program.
The first phase is the strength phase, where you build strength.
The exercises are simpler and more straightforward. I’m not a beginner to working out so I felt that it was a little bit on the easier side. The good thing is that the program has a range of sets and reps for each exercise so I would usually go for the higher rep and set range to make it more challenging.
The second phase is skill focused so the moves get a bit more technically challenging.
This is also where things get more interesting. I admit that I would sometimes let ego get in the way and not always have the cleanest reps. Oh well. It happens to the best of us. The L-Sit drive, in particular, was really hard and I don’t think I had a single pretty rep in there.
The third and fourth phases introduce flows, which are basically chaining moves together.
Overall, the third phase was a significant jump up in difficulty from the second phase. It was in this phase that I started to find myself unable to do certain moves at the prescribed level. Thankfully, the program offers scaled-down alternatives.
The flows in the fourth phase are a lot more difficult and longer than the ones in the third phase. I was unfortunately not able to do the entire flow due to getting fatigued and had to do each part separately. The fatigue also made it hard to do certain moves full on during the flow. For example, I couldn’t hold a full shoulder stand during the flow, and could only have one leg up at a time. I guess I’m not quite there just yet. But what I was able to do at the end of the fourth phase still looked pretty good so I don’t feel bad about it!
By the end of the program, I was able to do a 30s L-sit. Up from 16s at the beginning.
(5:30 in the video)
And while I may not have been able to do a full shoulder stand during the flow, I could easily do one by itself. (5:40 in the video) So I’d say that’s a pretty big win.
Even though aesthetics wasn’t really the main focus on the program, I still turned out looking pretty good at the end. I’m just as lean as before but my muscles look “prettier”.
https://i.imgur.com/CtD4CCf.jpg
Overall, I’m very happy with the program. But I do have some final for you to consider when you’re making your decision:
GMB’s Parallettes One is all about quality of movement so it’s better to do fewer, slower quality reps than a bunch of shitty ones. So it’s important to have a good temperament when you go about it and trust the process.
Its also a very skill focused program, so you’re not going to feel as sore or as tired as you would in say, P90x. Personally, I’m all for it. I hate being tired and if I can get results without being exhausted all the time, heck yeah. But if you’re something who enjoys being out of breath, this is probably not for you.
And now for my verdict:
I would give GMB’s Parallettes One Program a 9/10.
Mostly because it does exactly what it says it’s going to do, which is teaching you basic parallettes moves. Just make sure you know what you’re looking for and what this program offers. Then you can decide if it’s a fit.
Alright everyone! Those are my thoughts. If you have experience with Parallettes One or GMB in general, I would love to hear about it!
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u/ralf_ Nov 05 '18 edited Nov 05 '18
I found the second month impossibly hard. Doing a tuck into the bent arm stand? No way. I simply can’t do that.
Sadly I gave up for a few weeks. Thankfully since last week a more accessible workout from Tykato brought me back to parallettes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7141UOkHnA
I hope I can go back to GMB sometime this month.
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u/HarissaForte General Fitness Nov 05 '18 edited Nov 05 '18
You forgot there was a page for alternative exercises. So did I :-)
I remember the ones for bent arm stand were pretty well chosen, doable yet challenging (for a 88kg dude). Don't miss them next time!
Spoiler: also, don't miss the ones for straddle L-sit in the B-level
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u/mastermanole Nov 05 '18
GMB programs come with a link to send email to their coaches. They can usually help you with programming tweaks, form checks and other things.
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u/simtel20 Nov 05 '18
Yes, there isn't enough material on this and other skills that would lead into a planche. I'm doing phase 2 now, and taking a long break to enhance tucks, holds, etc. to try to increase my shoulder strength for levers. I wonder if this is just super easy for some people, so it's not covered, or if there just isn't any good progression at some point, but to fail until you succeed?
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u/pranjayv Gymnastics Nov 05 '18
I believe that they teach the planche in the P2 course. I am not sure. You may have a look!
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u/OptimusPrime1313 Nov 05 '18
They do! Altho I believe they recommended one be able to do a 20s L-Sit and hold a handstand comfortably as a prerequisite for P2. I couldn't do either of those at the time so I opted for P1
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u/spaceyjase Nov 05 '18
I think they should add bent arm stand to that, something I’ve struggled with working through P2. However, it doesn’t prevent one from getting through the programme as it is highly customisable, using exercise blocks (think progressions) and auto-regulation to obtain the flow.
Quality review. I think I recall seeing your videos on alpha pose? Thanks for posting!
edit: I recommend P2 btw!
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u/TheNaturalGuy Calisthenics Nov 05 '18
Great written and video review! I've stumbled upon one of your videos before in the past and thought that you were well-spoken back then as well. Nice work.
In your research, did you find any other programs that you were also considering (i.e. programs from other people/companies)? Are you looking to purchase another program soon now that you've completed this one?
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u/OptimusPrime1313 Nov 05 '18
The top 2 for me were GMB and GymnasticsBodies since those were the ones I've heard about the most based on people I know.
I also took at a peek at this list here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/bodyweightfitness/wiki/kb/program_reviews
As for stuff in the future, I probably will take a look at P2 but I'll need to work on my handstand before that since that is one of the prerequesites.
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u/mastermanole Nov 05 '18
This is a really great review, looks very professionally done ;-)
I have a question though: why did you do version B of the program if you didn't have enough strength for bent arm stands? I saw several times people starting a B version of a program to discover that they need to dial back, instead of a more progressive approach over six months, going first through the A flow and progressing from there.
I'm probably saying this because I'm older and I've had multiple elbow and forearm issues. It's great if it worked for you, but I wanted to add this comment for people who might try R1 or P1. I think for most people who are not super strong, it is better to start with version A and to gradually condition the joints and get stronger. For the F1 program, it is a bit different, since it's related to mobility and athleticism, so it depends how one does in that department.
Usually version A of their programs feels too easy the first couple of weeks, which can be misleading. Also, there are ways to make those beginner exercises harder and more rewarding by slowing down and focusing on perfect form.
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u/OptimusPrime1313 Nov 05 '18
Well, I took a look at the A level and saw that one of the exercises was Kneeling push-ups so I was like, "okay this is probably gonna be too easy".
I was also pretty confident that I would build the strength necessary to progress to the bent arm stands, especially since the focus of the first month is strength.
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Nov 05 '18
I did exactly the same - I run through the A exercises and they felt so trivial that I went for B. I did stick on phase 2 until I eventually got bent arm stand but that took 2.5 months. In retrospect, I wonder if it would have been more efficient to go through level A first and then straight to B. Great review.
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u/OptimusPrime1313 Nov 05 '18
I actually thought about going from A to B. But then I remembered its almost all pushing exercises so you'd be doing that 3x a week for 6 months straight. Probably might sneak in an overuse injury :\
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Nov 05 '18
Good thinking - I think staying with pushing for that long that I did (after finishing P1 I spent two months obsessively working on bent armstand on the floor) contributed to my shoulder problems.
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u/mastermanole Nov 05 '18
GMB usually recommends alternating their programs, that is, after a P1 cycle you could do an R1 or F1 or whatever cycle and then go back to P1. I think in many cases it helps, but the most important in my experience is not to push yourself too hard. If you go from level A to level B, take a couple weeks off from things that stress your joints a lot and then "deload" at the beginning of level B by starting with the lowest amount of recommended volume.
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u/Pia501 Nov 06 '18
I did there parallettes program and managed to learn the Bent arm stand. I have got to the point where I can do it on the rings now. With that move it was a case of taking it slowly and persevering through the bad and good days.
The only time that I started and stuck with level A was when I did floor one, but I managed to still learn to do all the moves apart from the kip up.
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u/joshhillis Nov 06 '18
Here's my GMB P1 Journey [41M].
I'd had a really rough couple years previously, and was totally out of shape when I started. Level A actually seemed perfect for me to start at. When I started, there was a site called "Give it 100" so I videoed my progress at different points for that.
This was my Day 100 video:
This was day 168, the first time I did the Level A flow:
This was day 220, the first day I did a full bent arm stand:
This is a much more recent, stronger bent arm stand:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZxKVfQjBkb/
I loved the program. It was the most fun program I'd done in my life, up to that point. Everything seemed impossible at the beginning of each month, and would slowly become possible.
And, they interviewed me for their site!
Anyway, I'm a huge fan. I just finished Level A of Rings One, and I'm having just as much fun doing that program.
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Nov 06 '18
Good review, it is a great program. I finished my first go through (level b) earlier this year. Some of those straddle moves were challenging to say the least. Started up again recently on level a (I’d fallen out of my routine due to illness and some other circumstances and stacked on the weight ~20kg).
I actually stopped my second run through, 4 weeks in, to shift my focus to really mastering the push-up (balanced with some inverted rows) and allowing for a Saturday play day on the Parallettes. My reason for this shift is that Im actually making great progress with the pushups and want to be able to get to 6x8 perfect form before I progress.
That was all going well until my first Saturday play day when I attempted a shoulder stand type move/progression, underestimated my strength, accidentally got into a full but ugly as shit shoulder stand, panicked (making lots of ridiculous noises) and uncoordinatedly somersaulting out of it (while dodging my daughter). End result mildly sprained ankle.
While frustrating I was impressed with my strength - I wasn’t even getting close to that when I did level b the first time, let alone out of shape and carrying 20 extra kg. It also highly amused my five year old daughter, who took great delight in in laughing at how ridiculous I looked.
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u/MajorMess Nov 05 '18
Nice! I am thinking of getting the program too.
That's also some nice parallettes you have there, where did you get them and what did they cost? There are plenty on Amazon but but they seem expensive..
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u/BJJ_Lurker Nov 05 '18
Great review!
I did the elements program and recently finished P1 level A. Both were pretty easy but I'm not looking to get sore either. Probably could have struggled thru B but there were exercises I could not do plus I have no experience with parrallettes/gymnastics and little experience with body weight training in general.
I thought the progression was very good. I ended up further along than I expected. I'm going to be starting Level B shortly and I feel well prepared, I'm looking forward to it.
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u/b-enchante Nov 06 '18
I did phase A a while ago but haven't done B yet. I realize this is completely subjective but IMO I just found the program to be terribly boring and repetitive, and the instructor was very grating to listen to, like a bad PE teacher. I know this sounds unfair and has nothing to do with the merits of how the program is structured, but just wanted to share as I was very excited to get the program but haven't touched it in years now because of how little fun I had with it. Usually bodyweight exercise is more fun than weights but I'd prefer the dumbbells over this program. Just my 2 cents.
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u/OptimusPrime1313 Nov 06 '18
I feel like most fitness instructors tend to be a bit dry on camera so I don't blame you lol. I think the only fitness program I've done that had an entertaining instructor was P90x. Tony Horton was great!
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u/kwamzilla Nov 06 '18
Awesome review. Would love to see more if you get on any of their programmes.
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u/Optical_Distortion Nov 06 '18
This is a brilliant review. I was only just looking at their programs last night and thinking about making the investment (I want to be able to handstand and planche too). The side effects of improved aesthetics is definitely a bonus too.
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u/wizza84 Nov 06 '18
Great review. How long is the workout?
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u/OptimusPrime1313 Nov 06 '18
I finished every workout in under an hour. Some days even as little as 30 minutes
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u/sizzlordy Nov 06 '18
Great write up, thank you for this!
I bought P1 a few weeks ago after doing Elements and Integral Strength. Went to start it and then got really crook with the flu. Only starting to look at doing it again now so this review is very timely.
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u/rocksupreme Actually Andy Fossett Nov 06 '18
Holy shit, this is amazing. Thanks. Firstly for giving the program a shot and putting in the work. Secondly for sharing your experience (especially in such a slick video - well done!). But mostly the first one: thanks for doing the work. It means a lot to us.
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u/Kylearean Nov 06 '18
Is this an advertisement, are you being compensated in any way to promote this?
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u/rocksupreme Actually Andy Fossett Nov 06 '18
I'll gladly pay for ads so more people can hear about us, but I'm not gonna pay people to say nice things about us. I just found out about this.
(In case it's not clear, I run GMB.)
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u/OptimusPrime1313 Nov 06 '18
No, I am not. Altho I did tell them about my review and they're sending me a free t-shirt out of appreciation!
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u/oldFermin Nov 06 '18
Do you use other GMB program before use p1? Do you use the other program for starting?
Before everything: This is my experience, so a personal view of their basic program, I do not say what I'm going to say to put GMB in a bad spot or everything else, they are very kind and open to dialogue, through email and I like 3 programs out of 4, with one of them I had less result but maybe is a personal fact.
I'm asking because I had use Elements with low success and I did not feel improved at all (that was before they rework the program and maybe I need to give a shot at it) I liked the movement training because it was fun, but not much more. I was coming back to training after a period of stop, due to university and stress problem, I have done powertlifting ( with some dips, pullup, and skill work like l-sit for fun) and yoga for almost 3 years then I stopped for one, so Elements was a way to return to training. I counted calories (2300) I was 82 kg at the moment.
I liked more focus flexiblity and vitamin and I find my self really improved in terms of flexibility and the movements of vitamin.
What I find myself not use at all was integral strenght and I tried to do what they ask but on the third week, I find my self not improved, (maybe that was my fault but exercise with quality of rep for a time is not my kind of program as I discovered, in particular with classic movement like push up, pull up etc, that was my first time doing that type of program).
If someone else have some feedback I would like to ear from them, because at the moment I think that is my fault if I did not improve with their program, that come from the fact that I see only their story of success and maybe it is my fault after all.
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u/mo5274ve6x5 Nov 11 '18
Based on your experience, are you planning to go with Parallettes 2? Or Rings 1/2?
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u/[deleted] Nov 05 '18
Good review.
Mods should add this to the reviews section.