Veggie Vlad Calisthenics
About Veggie Vlad Calisthenics
Tall guy learns gymnastics on a meat-free diet.
Veggie Vlad Calisthenics Description
I came to Leeds in September 2011 to study at Beckett University. I’ve been doing calisthenics since my mid teenage years and found it shocking the city didn’t offer much opportunities for street workout. At least, I wasn’t able to find them despite being a keen walker ever since. It took me more than a year until I accidentally came across a horizontal bar in Leeds Bramley Park. I was so happy I wanted to cry, and pulling myself up on the bar felt like holding God’s hand. Few months later, I found calisthenics equipment at Norma Hutchinson Park and Horsfort Hall Park.
Prior to that, I exercised at kids playgrounds such as the one in Leeds Hyde Park. I did my pull ups and chest dips there. I adapted to training at kids playgrounds and really enjoyed it when I finally stopped worrying about what people thought of me. Gym membership wasn’t an option. Coming from a poor Eastern European country, I had to be careful with my money anyway. I even remember the place where I did my first street workout in Leeds, just a few days after moving into Woodhouse Flats student residence hall. I was walking around the area desperately looking for a pull-up bar until I saw a horizontal branch. I jumped on it and pulled my body a few times. It was not ideal and I felt awkward especially when students stood looking through the windows. I stayed however and did a few sets of 10 pull ups. Calisthenics was in my blood and I wasn’t prepared to give it up.
One day, I got so inspired I wanted to show others how to exercise outdoors, as an alternative to going to the gym, and began making tutorials about basic calisthenic exercises that could be practised at any children’s playground.
Presently, my training is more consistent than ever and my passion for calisthenics keeps growing. I'm learning new skills and improving old ones. I've also began to offer personal training in calisthenics to those who want to get strong and able to perform impressive moves with their body.
Reviews
A few training tips for my advanced mates especially...
Lou and Kyle have been making slow progress despite having no considerable experience doing handstands. Kyle's slowly getting straighter and Lou went from no freestanding HS to 1-2 seconds freestanding HS. Yes, in the world of bodyweight training, 1 rep or a 1-second static hold is big news!
Von's best handstand attempts on June 25th compared to her best ones on May 7th. Not a huge difference but form seems to be improving, with body becoming a little bit straighter! Other videos to follow...
Andy's best handstand attempts on June 25th compared to his best one on May 7th. Sorry, no visible progress caught on camera but I know he's getting better! More videos to follow...
Today's team! In it for the long run. Results might come slow but we enjoy the graft ;-)
OUTDOOR HANDSTAND CLASS
Monday 25th June at 7pm.
7 out of 12 spaces available.
... Find out more at https://veggievlad.com
Upcoming classes until September.
https://goo.gl/LoVYXi
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Hi all, just a reminder that there's a handstand class on Thursdays at 7am. Plenty of spaces available as class is new and slowly gaining popularity but check this before you book: https://goo.gl/PWBNda
OUTDOOR BODYWEIGHT CLASS
Monday 18th June at 7pm.
5 out of 12 spaces available.
... Find out more at https://veggievlad.com
Upcoming classes until September.
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In this detailed video, I share my personal journey to achieving the press to handstand as a 6' 2" (187cm) vegetarian weighting 90kg, with focus on the exercises that worked for me and those that didn't.
Fancy some handstands for breakfast?
Want to train outdoors, build strength and learn calisthenics?
Check out these bodyweight classes in Meanwood Park:
... Full body handstand class on Mondays at 7pm.
Handstand class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7am.
Legs & Core class on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7am.
More info on www.veggievlad.com
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Next week, I'm starting new classes for those available only in the mornings.
Next time you can't go to the gym, try this basic circuit at your local playground:
10x Pull Ups 10x Dips 10x Inverted Rows... 10x Push Ups
60 seconds rest & repeat as many times as you want.
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Let's welcome these babies to the next calisthenics classes!
OUTDOOR BODYWEIGHT CLASS
Monday 14th May at 7pm.
3 out of 12 spaces available.
... Find out more at https://veggievlad.com
Upcoming classes until September.
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Best of handstands in last Monday's 7pm bodyweight class. Well done everyone! For more info, visit www.veggievlad.com
OUTDOOR BODYWEIGHT CLASS
Monday 7th May at 7pm.
2 out of 12 spaces available.
... Find out more at https://veggievlad.com
Upcoming classes until August.
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have been doing outdoor classes once a week and the structured / graduated exercises have definitely led to an improvement in strength and balance. Very enjoyable, mindful and well organised, will be going again in the spring and keeping up to it over the winter with some PT's.
Very good class. Works you hard and gives good instruction. Highly recommended.
I would recommend Vlad to anyone who wants to learn this type of training he's fantastic ��x
I have wanted to try this style of training for years and very glad I found this class. Everytime I get home after a Monday class, I want to go straight back out and do it all again.
Vlad is patient and encouraging and makes you want to progress.
I have been training with Vlad for a few months now and cannot recommend him highly enough!! He pushes you, explains everything very well whilst always smiling and encouraging you. His style is refreshing and his love for calisthenics always shows through his teaching. If you're thinking about a little extra help with your calisthenics training - definitely try Vlad!
Great summer training with Vlad at Meanwood Park. Highly recommend him. The training is tailored for different abilities. Instructions are clear and support is given. Any aspiring calisthenics athletes can start at an entry level.
I loved every session!!!