I recently stumbled upon a book called "Convict Conditioning". If you can get over the title, it's an awesome book about calisthenics and why, according to the author, they are far superior to lifting weights. In summary, there are six core exercises that each have ten steps to them. They start with steps simple enough that they can be used to rehabilitate from injury. And the last steps of each exercise have you all the way up to the Master Steps: one armed regular pushups, one armed handstand pushups, one legged squats, hanging leg lifts, full bridges, and one armed pull ups. One of the main focuses of the book is proper technique and safety.
Anyways, I checked out the book from my local library and I'm working my way up to each of the "Master Steps". It's a workout program that's fairly simple for me to stick to, and I recommend it for anyone interested in gaining real strength that extends outside of the gym.
So there you have it: A free replacement for a gym membership and a free way to learn about it. :)
P.S. For anyone who gets the book. be sure to read all the way through it before getting started and I'd also recommend starting on step two of squats.
