Workouts
The Nightwing Workout
Nov
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So, despite what I said in the breakdown post, we’re actually not going to use any weights at all, with the optional exception of leg strength training. More on that in the “strength training” notes after the workout. Instead, we’re going to be focused almost exclusively on gymnastics ring exercises. I feel these really embody the acrobat/gymnast core of Nightwing’s physique and capabilities. As an added bonus, rings are just plain fun, and they build ridiculous core strength and conditioning.
As usual for diet advice, you’ll want to check out check out Macros and You! If you’re starting out on the heavier side, I’d definitely recommend starting by cutting down your body fat percentage. The Secret to Burning Fat will help with that. On the other hand, if you’re on the slimmer side and you’re looking to bulk up, check out The Secret to Building Mass. This isn’t really a true mass building workout, but with a solid diet you will definitely put on a good amount of muscle (look at olympic gymnastics who compete on rings if you don’t believe me!)
As with all workouts, you’re going to want to Warm Up before every session, and Cool Down afterwards. These are especially important for maintaining flexibility and mobility, things Nightwing has in spades.
Strength:
Equipment Needed:
Gymnastics Rings (and something to hang them from – I just ceiling-mounted mine)
Power Rack (optional – see notes)
Barbell and Weights (optional – see notes)
Style:
Station – Perform all sets of an exercise before moving on to the next exercise. Rest 1-3 minutes between sets.
Level 1 (Beginner):
3×5-10 Bodyweight Squats
3×5-10 Kneeling Push Ups
3×5-10 Ring Reverse Row Sit-Back (knees bent)
3×5-10 second Ring Top Position Holds
3×5-10 Hanging Knee Raises(do these from the top position holds if you can!)
Level 2 (Intermediate):
5×5-10 Bodyweight Squats
5×5-10 Ring Reverse Row Sit-Back (straight leg)
5×3-5 Ring Dips (Rest your feet in front of you on a chair to make these easier at first)
5×3-5 Ring Pull Ups
5×5-10 second Ring Top Position Tuck Holds
5×5-10 second Tuck Front Lever Holds
Level 3 (Advanced):
5×3-5 Pistol Squats
5×5-10 second Ring Tuck Planche Holds
5×3-5 Tuck Lever Ring Rows
5×5-15 Ring Dips
5×5-15 Ring Pull Ups
5×5-10 second Ring Top Position L-Sit Holds
5×5-10 second Front Lever Swings
Level 4 (Nightwing):
5×5-15 Pistol Squats
5×5-10 second Ring Planche Holds
5×5-15 Tuck Lever Ring Rows (do these from a full lever if you’re a total badass)
5×5-15 Ring Muscle Ups
5×5-10 second Ring Top Position L-Sit Holds
5×10-20 second Front Lever Holds
Strength Notes:
So, despite what I said in the initial breakdown post, we have eschewed almost ALL exercises except for bodyweight/ring based stuff. Don’t think that means this workout is easy, it is very, very hard at the upper levels. My big exception here would be the squats. It felt silly to include weights for a single exercise, but if you have access to the equipment, I HIGHLY recommend alternating heavy back squats and deadlifts (do squats on one strength day, then deadlifts on the next, alternating) instead of the bodyweight/pistol squats. Sets of 5×5, at a high enough weight that that last set is a definite struggle. Nothing will make your legs and lower posterior chain stronger than good old barbell exercises.
With that said, if you don’t have access to the equipment, that’s okay, do the bodyweight variants until you do. You’ll also be getting a lot of leg work in on your cardio days, so don’t sweat it too much!
Also, on the ring stuff: have fun! Don’t just do the exercises as prescribed, start playing around with other motions and movement patterns. There are TONS of great exercises you can do on rings, and they’re just plain fun to goof around on once you start developing some solid upper body strength. Enjoy it!
Cardio:
Level 1 (Beginner):
20 minute Walk/Jog
5 minute Rest
Circuit:
3×3-5 Tuck Jumps
3×3-5 Jumping Lunges
3×3-5 Speed Skaters
3×5-10 Calf Bounces
1 minute Rest
Level 2 (Intermediate):
20-30 minute Jog
5 minute Rest
Circuit:
5×5-10 Tuck Jumps
5×5-10 Jumping Lunges
5×5-10 Speed Skaters
5×10-15 Calf Bounces
20 Jumping Jacks
1 minute Rest
Level 3 (Advanced):
30 minute Run (shoot for a sub-8 minute Mile)
5 minute Rest
Circuit:
5×10 Burpees (with tuck jump and push up)
5×10 Jumping Lunges (go for height on these)
5×10 Speed Skaters (go for distance on these)
5×15 Calf Bounces (go for height on these)
20 Jumping Jacks (as fast as possible)
1 minute Rest
Level 4 (Nightwing):
30 minute Run (shoot for a sub-7 minute Mile)
5 minute Rest
Circuit:
5×15 Burpees (with tuck jump and clapping push up)
5×15 Jumping Lunges (go for height on these)
5×15 Speed Skaters (go for distance on these)
5×20 Calf Bounces (go for height on these)
30 Jumping Jacks (as fast as possible)
1 minute Rest
Cardio Notes:
This is going to fry your lower body AND your lungs. As this workout is almost entirely plyometric, it’s going to be rough on your joints at first, especially if you’re overweight. Listen to your body, and progress slowly. Jumping right into a heavy duty workout like this and pushing yourself too hard too fast is a good way to get shin splints and other unpleasant side effects. Listen to your body, make sure you stretch after every workout, and get plenty of rest.
Schedule:
Day 1: Strength
Day 2: Cardio
Day 3: Strength
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Strength
Day 6: Cardio
Day 7: Rest
Schedule Notes:
Feel free to take an extra rest day on day 3 if you’re just starting out. Two strength and cardio sessions a week is solid if you’re just beginning. With that said, once you’re feeling up to it, you can do an extra cardio workout on day 4 if you’d like to pare down to just one rest day a week. Listen to your body, get plenty of sleep, and remember that taking a day or two off from training to be careful is better than taking a month or two off because you injured yourself.
That’s it for the Nightwing workout! I hope it helps you push yourself to peak human performance! I’ll see you again on Monday with The Skills of Nightwing! Live boldly, change the world, and continue to be awesome!
Hey man, thanks SO MUCH for doing this workout! I really appreciate what you’re doing with the site. I think I’m gonna do this workout for a while to build a solid base of strength before I do the Batman workout to build up some more mass. (After all, Nightwing WAS Batman for about a year) Also, I’m glad you made weights optional, since I don’t have access to any and I just LOVE bodyweight.
Keep up the good work,
-Tiger_Blood
Oh yeah! Also, don’t forget to add Nightwing to the CHARACTER LIST! I noticed he wasn’t on there so, as a reminder, I shall post this comment with the faith that you will read it haha
haha, I add characters once they’re finished, so he’ll get up there, don’t worry. In the meantime, he’s on the front page =D Glad you like the workout!
you should do red robin workout
Wow, we are all suggesting Workouts! Poor Wallace XD
It’s all good, I enjoy the feedback. =D
haha, it would probably be very similar to this one, so if you’re looking for a red robin workout, give this one a shot!
If we’re hanging the rings outside, what would you suggest as a decent substitute for the days when it storming out?
Would Nightwing take the night off just because of a little rain?
haha, nah, I’d recommend The Arrow Workout, probably: https://zts.wty.mybluehost.me/website_d99cde43/2015/02/05/the-arrow-workout/
you should do a johnny cage workout please
Not a bad suggestion. Since I’ve already done Scorpion, though, it might be a little while before I do another Mortal Kombat character. Gotta spread the love around!
Wallace, can i get good shoulders without military press? Only with front Raises, lateral Raises and flys? Shoulders like Brad Pitt in Troy.
https://flo-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/api/576da4544144d.jpeg I’d say so, yeah. =D
Thank you so much for posting this workout! But if I could make one suggestion, would you please add a length of time regarding the training levels for all your workouts? For example, can you put down how long someone should stay in their respective training stages, like Beginner before they move on to Intermediate and so on?
I’m glad you like the workout! You move up to the next level when you’re able to perform the full set/rep recommendation for your current level. I think I will do a standalone post on progression sometime soon, though. Thanks for the recommendation!
What workout can you suggest that would be a good supplement for this one if I’m also trying to get a bit of mass?
What issue was the picture?
Not sure, sorry!
Since you did a nightwing workout maybe you should do a Jason Todd Red Hood workout also because I mean he is the second best robin
Hey dan , I am unsure what front lever swings are so could you please clarify this exercise please , thankyou