There is no better, more holistic, and safe way to build upper body strength than bodyweight exercises.

Bodyweight exercise develops vital core strength, re-synchronization of the nervous system, and synergy between muscle groups.

Bodyweight exercises are the premier option for both teenagers getting started and middle-aged folks looking to maintain muscle mass and youthful vigor.

But that’s not all — bodyweight exercise is also the best approach when recovering from chronic illness.

Even the simplest bodyweight movements can improve and restore your body’s upper body strength, no matter your physical challenges.

Check out bodyweight movement expert Ido Portal’s inspiring video:

1

Pull-Up Bar

(amazon)

(TitanFitness.com)

I’m extremely impressed with Titan Fitness products. (I’m not affiliated with the company, I’ve just purchased multiple products and love the quality and prices).

Among the most healing motions you can make is hanging — from something above you.

While branches and cliffs may have been nearby in times past, in the modern world — and as societies became more “civilized,” it’s become difficult to find something, anything, to hang from!

Enter: the chin-up bar.

A solid, reliable bar to hang from is essential for the health of your spine, back, neck, and shoulders — even if you never attempt a pull-up.

In fact, many fitness-minded folks focus too much on the strength-building qualities of the pull-up/chin-up — and neglect the equally-restorative attributes of simple hanging.

TIP: Try to hang for at least 60 seconds a day.

PROS:

Improve your neck, back, spine, and shoulder musculoskeletal balance
Correct muscle imbalances that lead to pain
Elongate tissues in the entire upper body, leading to better blood flow, lymph drainage, and digestion
Strengthen nearly every muscle in the upper body, with the exception of the triceps

CONS:

None

RATING: 12/10

It’s hard to overstate how important it is to hang — and to be able to, because you’ve got the right equipment.

This product is super high quality. I installed it over 12 months ago in the garage at home, and it’s amazing. The thought has crossed my mind to put one in my office, too.

2

Lebert Parallettes

Parallete bars are incredible for movement and building strength in the core and upper body.

Parallete bars are a small, portable, home-size replacement for real parrallel bars (which are 4 feet tall and 10+ feet long).

Always be careful, especially if trying to do inversions (feet up in the air).

PROs:

Super high quality
Two color options
Supports up to 400 lbs

CONs:

The feet/pads have a nasty rubber smell that takes a while to off-gas

RATING: 8.5/10

The only reason this product is not a 10/10 is that the rubber feet took a while to offgas.

3

Olympic Rings

Don’t let the word “olympic” fool you. Everybody can benefit from a few minutes a day with the rings.

There’s no better way to build upper body strength than with the rings. They are absolutely at the top of the list for developing upper body muscle, fitness, tone, and overall balance.

Even if you’re saying “no way, not me” — trust me, you can benefit from rings. Even a few minutes a day, even with extremely simple, easy motions.

You don’t even have to know how to use them. Just pulling and leaning into the rings synchronizes your nervous system, improves your core strength, and puts you in the mode of “play.” As you become stronger, you’ll find yourself making natural motions that build your strength.

PROs:

Durable, high quality
Affordable
Extremely secure

CONs:

Wooden rings are easier on hands

RATING: 10/10

There is no better avenue to increase upper body strength than the Olympic rings.

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I’m often referencing your site in my mind as I’ve been helping my brother work through issues.
I’m so appreciative of you and your work — the mindset you’ve given me is invaluable. You’ve trained and taught me well!”

Max Friedman

Massachussetts, USA

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Also working with Travis directly he has been able to troubleshoot a lot of issues and I am always so grateful for the time he takes to help me. He really does put thought and effort into every single response I have from him and honestly just cannot thank him enough.”

Josh Clement

United Kingdom

Luna: “I wanted to keep Travis a secret out of fear that his prices would go up a thousand fold, because he is worth that much.”

“I have been searching the internet for years trying to find solutions for the various health conditions my family and I have been suffering from. Because of that, I would go into various rabbit holes of I formation which would promise ultimate healing by following certain diets and or protocols. I had information and books about GAPS, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Paleo, Keto, Medical Medium, Jack Kruse, Ray Peat, prometabolic eating so on.

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I wanted to keep Travis a secret out of fear that his prices would go up a thousand fold, because he is worth that much. But I know what it’s like to suffer alone trying to find answers in an endless sea of information. I believe that he can help many people. Thank you Travis! You have really been a God-send.”

Luna Tomy

USA

Jaemin — “Travis has given me my life back.”

“I’ve been on an 8-year long journey of struggling with hypothyroidism and a ton of health issues stemming from that (i.e. chronic fatigue, depression, weak immune system, insomnia, constant sore throats, digestive issues, etc.) I’ve seen tons of different doctors, naturopaths, healers (and spent thousands of dollars) with little to no results.

In the first few months of working with Travis, my issues started to reverse almost instantly! Within 6-12 months, I felt like I had healed 80-90% of my issues. It was remarkable. And with so much day-to-day support. He’s also very open-minded and non-dogmatic, so he’ll work with you however you want to explore things. Not to mention, he’s also just an incredibly caring and awesome human being. Navigating my health journey has been infinitely more manageable and less overwhelming with Travis by my side.

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Jaemin Yi

California, USA

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“There are seemingly endless numbers of health and nutrition gurus selling protocols, but very very few of them actually possess the qualities needed to heal for a person struggling from ill health or disease.

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But, the best part is that he’s big-hearted and has a faculty for tuning in and listening that effectively sets him apart from others in the field. Thank you, Travis!”

Diane Tantimonaco

California, USA

Shea — “I’m constantly reading and referring to this.”

Thank you so much! Love the content, I’m constantly reading and referring to it! Now I’ve got it for life! ❤️

Shea Frith

Australia

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“I have suffered from chronic digestive issues for decades. I tried so many things and was feeling so lost, just getting worse, never better. Never knew what I should be eating-my health was getting worse and it was taking a toll on my work, my relationships. Working with Travis over the past year has helped me tremendously. He understands what it feels like to feel anxious and confused and so sick of being sick. He is a helping hand in a sea of confusing health information. He has such a level head and takes a reasonable approach to healing (starting with foundations). He really listens. He sends quick, thoughtful replies everytime I write him. He has been there for me when I was really scared or unsure how to proceed. I always feel better after our zooms. He is patient and answers all my questions and never makes me feel dumb no matter how many questions I have. He has saved me a lot of money with his many hacks and product recommendations! If you hire Travis as your health coach he will help you heal, and this may not be overnight, it takes time to undo years of being sick, but he will be there and stick with you as you figure things out, and teach you a lot!”

SM, R.D.

Massachussetts, USA

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Viveka Jagadeesan

USA

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Bart Lutmers

Netherlands

Mandy: “Extremely patient and really listens.”

“Travis Burch is extremely patient and really listens.
He has helped me recently discover some major issues with my regimen and I’m forever grateful!”

Mandy Rode

Alberta, Canada

Brooke: “There’s no agenda or bias — only what works.”

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Travis you are a kind, amazing person: you listen, you are patient, & you want to help. Your understanding of health is essentially on a different planet. From every moving part, you’ve let me explore my issues in my own time and way, with no pressure that might make me feel overwhelmed. You put enormous amounts of effort into every single thing you do. I’m forever grateful for the help you have given me over the years.

There’s no agenda or bias with Travis, only what works, he is the real deal.”

Brooke Collins

U.K.

Krystie: “Thank you for this wonderful gift!”

“I’ve been happy to support your site as your information is extremely comprehensive, and you can see how much effort you’ve put into your research to help others heal.

Thank you for this wonderful gift!“

Krystie Kyes

USA

Erica: “A life-changing practitioner to work with. “

“I’ve been working with Travis for over a year. I can’t over-emphasize the influence he has had on my life, on my health, and my happiness. I started working with Travis just as I came down with a chronic health condition called gastroparesis (“GP”). I was convinced by the medical community, scientific literature, and the general consensus of anyone who has this condition that I would have it for life, and at the very best be able to manage my symptoms with medication and drastic, permanent dietary changes.

Over the past year, Travis helped me recover from an all time low with my health. Working with Travis gave me the gift of no longer believing I’ll suffer from a chronic health condition the rest of my life. It allowed me to be able to eat foods I wasn’t sure I could safely eat again, be able to feel energy I wasn’t sure would return, be able to have substantial periods of time where I’m healthy & feeling great and to experience my health continuously (but not linearly) improving.

I can’t recommend working with him enough. Travis is so methodical, thorough, practical, and an incredible person – which makes him a life-changing practitioner to work with. Thank you for everything Travis, endless appreciation for all that you do!“