Get the books
Mat Harvey in a handstand in front of a brick wall

Bodyweight Skills · Books 1 and 2 · Mat Harvey

Learn the handstand. Earn the muscle up.

Two training books from the coach of The Bodyweight Gym, Perth. Six levels each, from your first plank or ring hang to the finished skill.

See the books Watch a free class

The gym

The Bodyweight Gym opened in Osborne Park in 2016 and closed in 2020. When the doors shut, the coaches kept teaching live from the gym floor. 57 of those classes are free to watch here. The method is in two books.

Cover of The Sunday Times Magazine, 10 April 2016: Mat Harvey on gymnastic rings under the headline On the move
The Sunday Times Magazine, 10 April 2016: “WA’s most unusual new gym”

Free classes from the gym floor

57 full-length classes, about 60 hours, streamed live in 2020 with six coaches. No account, no ads.

  1. Mobility69 min · Intermediate

    Strength & Mobility
  2. Skills89 min · Advanced

    Handstand class
  3. Strength57 min · Intermediate

    Calisthenics
  4. Conditioning71 min · Intermediate

    Strength & conditioning
  5. Conditioning50 min · Intermediate

    Full body strength & fitness
  6. Strength25 min · Intermediate

    Strength development with progressions and regressions
All 57 classes

The Bodyweight Skills books

Cover of The Handstand by Mat Harvey, Bodyweight Skills book 1

Book 1

The Handstand

Six levels to a 60 second freestanding handstand.

This book breaks the handstand into six levels, from your first protracted plank to holding a freestanding handstand for a full minute. Each level gives you a clear workout, photos of the exercises, links to demonstration videos and a graduation test, so you always know where you are and what to do next.

This takes time. It can take the average adult 6 months to 2 years of regular practice, 4 to 7 days a week, at least 30 minutes a day.

About 36 pages · Kindle and paperback · On Amazon

Kindle US$4.99 · coming soon on Amazon Paperback US$9.99 · coming soon
What’s inside
Cover of The Ring Muscle Up by Mat Harvey, Bodyweight Skills book 2

Book 2

The Ring Muscle Up

Six levels to a strict ring muscle up, with no kipping.

This book breaks the ring muscle up into six levels, from your first ring hang to strict, controlled muscle ups and a conditioning workout to help make them feel easier. Each level gives you a clear workout, photos of the exercises, links to demonstration videos and a graduation test.

It is built around strict strength and patience, with care for your elbows and wrists. For most people starting from scratch it takes many months.

About 36 pages · Kindle and paperback · On Amazon

Kindle US$4.99 · coming soon on Amazon Paperback US$9.99 · coming soon
What’s inside
Mat Harvey, portrait in the studio

Mat Harvey · Founder

A few years ago I broke my back. Overnight I went from a ring routine and handstand to not even one pushup. Now I’m back and stronger than ever.

I started my adult life as a scientist. My 30s brought a change where I decided to pursue coaching and sport full-time.

I started The Bodyweight Gym to pursue an ideal: that everyone can develop themselves physically with simple equipment, the right education, and support. When COVID closed our physical gym, we turned it into this digital space.

Mat Harvey coaching a member on the rings at the gym
Coaching at the gym, Osborne Park

Training notes

Skill work, strength and recovery, written by Mat Harvey.

  1. Training · 4 min14 Oct 2019

    5 Principles of Strength Training

    Bodyweight strength training is a noble pursuit, it requires patience, understanding of your own body and mental fortitude.
  2. Philosophy · 3 min28 Jul 2019

    8 Tips for Healthy Goal Setting

    Do you work out to get high? Does that progress towards your goals? Many people enjoy the runner's high but this style of training must align with your goals.
  3. Recovery · 9 min26 Aug 2018

    Strength Training and Recovery

    You don't get strong in the gym. You get strong while you are in bed, asleep with a full stomach, otherwise known as recovery.
All articles