“I've gone through two iterations of Integral Strength, once when it was still early days of GMB and more recently through their Praxis platform and revamped version of the program. IS is a great introductory program for those seeking strength using only their body weight. This isn't a program where you will see huge gains in musculature, but your body will become stronger, as will your joints and ligaments. You'll also see where you're lacking, giving you a baseline of where to focus further effort. In terms of my training, IS serves as a great platform to jump into more specialized movements, movement training, or even further weight training.
There are a couple of down sides; even though you don't need a pull-up bar, the version of IS that doesn't use pull-ups doesn't have an adequate means of working your back. The only other negative is the use of the L-Sit. Most people have a very hard time with this move, and I feel this particular move doesn't belong in this program as it requires a significant amount of strength to execute effectively. These are minor quibbles, for sure.
Overall, I really enjoy IS; it's expertly paced and fun - at the end of the program, I am always left feeling a lot stronger than when I started.”
“I'm currently doing Integral Strength rings for the second time. I restarted right after I completed the first time because I love it! It keeps my interest so I keep doing it, it has great tutorial videos to show you how to get your beginning move (e.g. kneeling pushup) and variations for the stronger folks which emphasize good form to ensure you don't do damage to your shoulders/elbows. It is well rounded and got me to think through all sorts of movements I didn't know I couldn't do (bridge!). If you are already strong you can swap in an advanced progression where they are suggesting something which is too easy (e.g. look for their article on 20 advanced pushup variations). Pushups, pullups, levers, bridges... to paraphrase "he who is tired of GMB I.S. is tired of life!"”
“I've used multiple Gmb programs repeatedly and found it is a program I've actually been able to stick with for an extended period. Feel like I've gained a lot of benefit from it and plan to keep using. Great program to use at home.”
“I love this program! It's simple to follow all the videos for each routine and I appreciate that I can select from options for how much time I have for training that day. I enjoy that each routine progresses as I develop my skills and challenge myself further! It's never boring because the exercises rotate and each day's workout is a little different.”
“After 30 yrs of weight training I have this program a shot and I have not looked back. I have attained pain free movement, autonomy, overall strength and flexibility thanks to this program.”
“I am very old (73). I like working out and had been using dumbells and a barbell for years. But about 3 years ago I was so hurting in my shoulders and arms I would cry at night so I had to give it up. But I didn't want to give up being fit because my hobbies are hiking, paddling, and running. I had been introduced to animal moves by a Chinese medicing practitioner so I started searching for programs and GMB kept coming up, so I did Elements and found a different kind of strength that is actually useful. Then I looked at Integral Strength which I have started for the 4th time. I want to be able to do a chin up and a L-sit, those are my goals. It is taking a long time, but I am getting a little better every time, and when I started I could not do the bridge with my hands pushing from behind my ears, but now I can and I got my picture taken doing the bridge under Delicate Arch in Utah. So, I am going to keep on trying, and I still have people say I have strong looking arms. I figure if I am going to have arms they should be useful and strong.”
“This is another fantastic program from GMB. I found that I got much stronger and could move in ways that I couldn’t before IS. I do recommend going all the way through the program and then starting again at the beginning. You’ll feel new sensations and muscles that are beginning to activate. Finally, it’s wonderful to just hit play and to have a complete program ready to go.”
“I have been doing this program for 5 months now, started due to an injured hip, lyme disease and having had to stop ultra running because of persisting injuries. Now, I have never felt better. My rock climbing and uphill strength have improved, my hip pains are much less frequent and I've gained a lot of muscle. I generally move better. My legs feel steady and very strong. Just... Thank you.”
