“I have a full-time corporate job as a researcher and part-time as fitness trainer. I also do weight training & calisthenics. I have frequent business trips to rural areas where there is no gym (even no yoga mat!) GMB Elements helps to keep me fit (and sane!) especially during business trips. At that moment what you need is NOT ONLY strength, but also some quality movements, cardio, and OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE FUN! Elements provides them all *big huggg*”
“Hi Ryan,
Straight off, for me, GMB is the only fitness approach that has variety and it is so much more than getting ripped. I love the sense of play. For context, I am in my mid 50's, mostly lean, I compete in master's rowing, and I ride my bike a fair bit. GMB is my strength training.
I bought the Floor 1 program way back and I found that it was intense and had a pretty steep learning curve. I still haven't been able to do some of the moves and I couldn't finish the program after starting it 4 or 5 times.
With Elements I was able to progress from the Monkey to Monkey 360 to the cartwheel. Fantastic.
Pros
- Stretching prep is effective (deals with daily aches) and short (With Floor 1, I would finish the stretches then be out of time)
- Nice progression from basic moves to complex movements. I have enough time over the program to build sufficient strength for more complex moves.
- Good to have the choice of program i.e., 15 mins, 30 mins etc., 'Ready to Rock' or 'Feeling tired'.
- After most sessions, I can feel a slight improvement in balance or strength, and that is a great feeling.
Cons
- The jump from some of the 15 min programs to 30 minutes is too big for me. I can do 1 minute of Spiderman but going to 2:30 minutes doesn't leave enough in the tank to finish the session.
- Occasionally a move is introduced without enough prep. At the end of the program there is a 'floating Spiderman' where both feet come off the ground. It was way too tough for me then and it was gone. Only appeared once I think.
- This is my second time around in Elements. My flow and improv still is pretty rough. Can't do a High Frogger to vertical or keep my feet off the ground when I am doing the Baby Frogger.
- I miss the tumbling focus from Floor 1 and some of your free stuff. It's been a while since I did that and now that sick feeling comes back when I do a forward roll.
My suggestions.
It took me a long time to learn that instead of hopping when I do the Frogger and Monkey, I should load my arms more and do the moves slowly. Then I started to get the strength to do Crow Poses and High Froggers with more control. If you could explain and emphasise that more somehow that would be great, coz I still forget that. I think that some of the critical reviews that Elements is too easy are due to that misunderstanding.
Finally, if you could somehow manage our expectations of how long it takes to get to Chris or Rose's ability to do the movements. Maybe some interviews, case studies or a comment here or there during the program videos. "Remember, it took Chris 5 years of consistent training to go from a basic frogger to a handstand." I know that is a tough ask but as a non-gymnast newbie I still only have a rough idea of how long progress takes.
I am looking forward to Sequences. Thanks for the work that you do.
All the best
Stephen”
“I've been a part of GMB for many years and have been hugely impressed with the constant improvement and innovation they apply to their courses. Elements gave me exactly the right amount of strength and control I need as a grown man - almost 60 - with a job, but who doesn't want to go slowly into that dark night. I can do a handstand, and there are more advanced movements available, but the focus is on using your body to its best. Excellent.”
“I've gone through Elements once and I'm doing it a second time. It's such a well thought out program. They put you at ease so you never feel like you've failed even if you can't do a movement. It has brought a new appreciation to movement for me and made me love my body and myself more. Try it and you won't believe what your body can do!”
“I found GMB while researching bodyweight training. After watching some of Ryan's videos and comparing the information I found about GMB's programmes to other programmes, I decided to give Elements a go and I have to say that I haven't been disappointed! Elements is great if you are interested in improving your mobility, reduce aches and pains, and get stronger too. You are given the option to choose the length of your session, and in each session you do a combination of at least two of the main movements taught in the Elements programme. The programme also allows you to play with the movements you learn and despite some movements being hard, I find this whole part extremely relaxing and fun. I like the programme so much that since then I have bought other GMB programmes too, although I haven't been as disciplined lately as I would like to be, and have yet to start these other ones.
I used to go to the gym at least five times a day before buying Elements and I've noticed that since I started it, I am not only more flexible, but I also have much more control of my body, which is great!”
“Elements is fun, and I feel stronger. I do BJJ 4 times per week and noticed that I have been stiff and exhausted here lately after training. I added Elements 3-4 times per week, and I felt better almost immediately. I can tell my mobility has increased. I also look forward to the workouts, which is not the same for many other workouts I have done. I like the format and the way exercises are timed versus a prescribed number of reps. The only change I would like is the ability to download a workout so that I can work out when I do not have a cell signal or wifi.”
