Be Fit, Live Free: A Bad Ass Guide To Fitness Freedom

How goes it? Are you ready for another sweet review about the Red Delta Project, because today we’re diving headfirst into the raw, unfiltered wisdom of Be Fit, Live Free by the one and only Matt Schifferle, the mastermind behind this book. This isn’t just a book—it’s a manifesto, flipping the bird to the fitness industry’s snake oil peddlers, and a roadmap to reclaiming your strength, your health, and a life you can be proud of. If you’re tired of being shackled by dogmatic diets, soul-crushing gym routines that are so tedious & boring and influencers who care more about their bank accounts than your physique, then buckle up. This is the Excalibur of fitness independence, and I’m here to tell my stance and my truth.

The Man, The Legend, The Calisthenics Crusader

Let’s start with Matt Schifferle himself, because this dude is the real deal. A 5th-degree black belt in Taekwon-Do, a lifelong calisthenics fanatic, and a personal trainer who’s been in the trenches for decades, Matt’s not some Instagram bro flexing in a mirror with a protein shake or some narcissistic "Guru". He’s a Vermont-born, Colorado-dwelling, ice-cream-loving everyman who figured out that fitness doesn’t have to be a prison sentence. Through his Red Delta Project, Matt’s been dropping knowledge bombs on YouTube, in books, and in person, helping tons of people in stratospheric numbers, I shit you not—that cuts through the noise and gets them strong without losing their soul. As Paul Wade, the Convict Conditioning legend, calls him “the greatest living expert in bodyweight bodybuilding alive today.” That’s not hyperbole; that’s a fucking fact.

In Be Fit, Live Free, Matt distills his philosophy into a primal, no-BS guide that’s as refreshing as a cold plunge in a mountain stream. This book isn’t about chasing a six-pack or fitting into some cookie-cutter generic program. It’s about tapping into the principles of Mother Nature and human biology to build a body that’s strong, functional, and free—free from fads, free from dogma, and free from the grind that makes you dread working out.

Want To Know The Fitness World’s Dirty Little Secret?

Matt’s got the balls of vibranium to call out out the fitness industry for what it is: a circus of confusion designed to keep you guessing and spending (especially on courses that cost more than 200 dollars yet has less than $10 of the quality). Influencers with spray-tanned abs and million-dollar smiles push quick fixes, miracle diets, and $2,000+ workout machines, all while laughing their way to the bank (asshole galore I'd say). As one reviewer put it, “The influencers don’t have others’ best interests at heart, they have their bank accounts at heart… it’s disgusting.” Matt sees through the smoke and mirrors, and in Be Fit, Live Free, he rips the curtain down with a vengeance.

The problem? Modern fitness culture thrives on complexity and dogma. You’re told you need a 12-week shred plan, a keto diet, or a garage full of equipment to get fit. Wrong. Matt argues that fitness is simpler than that—way simpler. It’s about fundamentals, not fads. It’s about moving your body the way it was designed to move, eating in a way that doesn’t make you miserable, and building habits that last longer than a New Year’s resolution. This book is a rebellion against the idea that fitness has to be hard to be effective or one person's way or the highway. As Matt says, it’s about “be[ing] fit and liv[ing] free.” I love that shit man.

What’s Inside the Book? Pure Gold, That Pirates Of The Caribbean Would Kill For

Be Fit, Live Free is like a Swiss Army knife for fitness—compact, practical, and ready for anything. Matt doesn’t waste your time with fluff or “geschwafel” (that’s German for nonsense, and REAL reviewers love that he cuts it out). Here’s what you’re getting:

A Back-to-Basics Blueprint: Matt strips fitness down to its core principles, rooted in human nature and biology as mentioned earlier. Think calisthenics, functional movement, and nutrition that doesn’t require a PhD to understand. He’s not here to sell you on some trendy superfood; he’s here to remind you that your body is the ultimate gym.

A Smackdown of Fitness Myths: Matt takes an epic sledgehammer to the lies you’ve been fed. Diets that promise instant results? Doomed from the start. Workouts that demand wasted hours of your life? Unnecessary. He explains why “almost all diets are based on the same flawed premise” and why “almost everything you’ve learned about using exercise to change the shape of your body is wrong.”

Real Talk on Motivation and Mindset: This isn’t just about push-ups and pull-ups (though Matt’s got you covered there and is one of the very best in the world at them). It’s about rewiring your brain to see fitness as a lifelong adventure, not a punishment. He tackles the toxic influence of social media, the pressure to look like a fitness model, and the unrealistic expectations that make people quit. One reader said it best: “The book helps [YOU] set realistic and healthy expectations.” For real, there are numbnuts out there preaching DANGEROUS advice such as drinking 30 or more cups of espresso a day for caffeine intake and smoking cigarettes saying "That's the way to go". That's not health, that's straight up murder to the human body.

Practical Tools for Every Level: Whether you’re a beginner who can barely do a push-up or a seasoned athlete banging out archer pull-ups like it's going out of style, Matt’s got strategies for you. His focus on progressions—simple, skill-light movements that build strength over time—means you’re never stuck. Plus, he’s a huge fan of suspension trainers and bodyweight exercises, so you don’t need a fancy gym filled to the rafters of equipment.

A Dose of Humor and Humanity: Matt’s not some drill sergeant barking orders. He’s a regular guy who loves skiing, biking, and Ben & Jerry’s. His writing is direct, relatable, and occasionally funny, like a buddy who’s got your back and hangs with you. Reviewers rave about his "positivity" and how he “makes training interesting and fun to do.” That's what training should be about.

The only gripe? Some typos. There are a few Grammar Nazis that wished Matt had hired a sharper editor, but let’s be real—when the content’s this good, a misplaced comma ain’t gonna ruin the party. 

Why This Book Hits Like a Mike Tyson Knockout Punch

What makes Be Fit, Live Free stand out in a sea of fitness books? It’s the philosophy. Matt’s not just teaching you how to do a squat; he’s teaching you how to think about fitness. He’s not promising you a beach body in 30 days; he’s promising you a lifetime of strength and freedom. As one reader said, “Discovering the work of Matt Schifferle has been the game-changing advice I have always been searching for in the world of fitness.” Awesome.

Matt’s approach is holistic. He covers the physical (exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and squats), the mental (how to stay motivated without burning out), and the cultural (why social media’s comparison game is a trap). He’s not afraid to get deep, either. He draws parallels to masters like Jiro, the sushi chef from Jiro Dreams of Sushi, who spent a lifetime perfecting the basics. That’s what Matt’s about: mastering the fundamentals, not chasing the shiny new thing.

And let’s get down to brass-tacks about results. The Real Reviewers are raving about this book. One guy went from struggling to banging out advanced moves like commando pull-ups and weighted split squats, all thanks to Matt’s guidance. Another called it “chalk-full of highly potent information” that’s “easily digestible” for anyone. Even skeptics who’ve read every fitness book under the sun say this one’s different: “It’s stuff you know you know but need telling.”

My Verdict: A Must-Read for Fitness Fanatics (Along with Collectors)

Here’s the bottom line: Be Fit, Live Free is a battle cry for anyone who’s sick of the fitness industry’s lies and  is ready to take control of their health. Matt Schifferle doesn’t just hand you a workout plan; he hands you a mindset, a toolkit, and a vision for a life where fitness is fun, sustainable, and yours for the taking. This book is for the busy mom who wants to stay strong, the desk jockey who needs to move, and the athlete who’s tired of beating their joints into submission. It’s for anyone who believes that fitness should enhance your life, not dominate it.

Read this book. Live and soak up its principles. Be fit, live free. And while you’re at it, check out Matt’s Red Delta Project on YouTube for a masterclass in calisthenics and common sense. His Grind Style Calisthenics paperback is another gem, and at under 30 bucks, it’s a steal compared to the overpriced bullshit that looks promising but leaves you at the alter in the rain.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab Be Fit, Live Free, strap on your suspension trainer, and start building a body that’s as strong as your spirit. As Matt would say, “Live fit, be free.” Now go be amazingly awesome.

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Why Matt Schifferle's Overcoming Isometrics Is The Most Bad Ass Cheat Code For Strength

Ladies and gents, welcome, gather ‘round the altar of strength, because today we’re diving into one of my personal favorite courses that’ll make your muscles quake and your nervous system bow in reverence. Matt Schifferle’s Overcoming Isometrics: Isometric Exercises for Building Muscle and Strength isn’t just a book—it’s a manual for developing power, a blueprint, a fucking Excalibur for carving out a physique that screams dominance without ever stepping foot in a gym. If you’re ready to tap into the primal entity dormant in your bones, buckle up—this is gonna be a hell of a ride.  

The Gospel of Isometrics: Strength Without Movement

Let’s cut through the bullshit. The fitness world is a circus of fads—an overwhelming level of "influencers", over the top "gurus", and don’t even get me started on those Youtube Videos where a guy does 1 Pull-Up and acts like he's god's gift to fitness. But amidst the chaos and questionable tactics, Overcoming Isometrics stands like a monolith, unyielding, rooted in the timeless truth that real strength comes from tension, not gimmicks. Schifferle, the mastermind/jedi behind Red Delta Project, doesn’t waste your time with fluff. He delivers a system so potent, it’s like hacking your nervous system to unlock Herculean power.  

Isometrics, for the uninitiated, is the ART of generating maximum muscle tension without movement. Think pushing against an immovable wall, squeezing a strap until your veins pop, or holding a position until your soul screams. It’s not about reps or set schemes—it’s about pure and unadulterated intensity. Schifferle’s approach, specifically overcoming isometrics, takes this to another level. Unlike yielding isometrics (like planks, where you’re fighting gravity), overcoming isometrics pit you against an immovable force—your own body, a doorframe, or a WorldFit IsoTrainer. The result? A neural supercharge that makes every fiber in your body fire like a V8 engine.  

This book isn’t just a guide; it’s a manifesto for those who want to build muscle, forge strength, and defy limitations—whether you’re a grizzled lifter or a 75-year-old vet of Physical Culture reclaiming your vitality. Schifferle’s got no patience for dogmatic approaches, and neither do I. Let’s break down why Overcoming Isometrics is the most badass addition to your training arsenal.  

Why This Book Hits Like a Sledgehammer As If In The Hands Of John Henry

It’s the Ultimate Neural Hack

Schifferle drops a truth bomb: your strength isn’t just about muscle size—it’s about your nervous system’s ability to recruit those muscles. Most workouts—free weights, machines, even calisthenics—only use as much energy as needed to move the load. Overcoming isometrics? They demand EVERYTHING. By pushing or pulling against an immovable object, you’re training your brain to fire every motor unit in your body. It’s like overclocking a computer, except the computer is your goddamn biceps. Readers on Goodreads rave about this. One person, after years of push-ups and squats, said, “A couple weeks in, I am seeing progress that I haven’t seen in years.” That’s not hype—that’s your nervous system waking up and saying, LFG.  

No Gym, Not A Problem

You don’t need a fancy gym membership or a rack of dumbbells to get jacked. Schifferle’s system uses your body, your environment, or cheap tools like straps or an IsoTrainer. Doorframes, countertops, even a sturdy table—your house becomes a fortress of gains. This is perfect for travelers, the busy parents, or the minimalist soldiers of muscle who know real strength, doesn’t need a $5,000 squat rack. A reviewer in their mid-70s, who’d long abandoned heavy weights, picked up this book and started training three times a week. “I already feel physically and mentally better,” they wrote. That’s the power of a system that meets you where you are.  

Injury-Proof Your Gains

Let’s really get real here. If you’re over 30 or 40 (like myself), your body’s probably been through some crazy stuff. Dynamic exercises potentially can be brutal on joints, but isometrics? They’re like a warm hug from a grizzly bear. Schifferle explains how overcoming isometrics let you build strength without risking injury, making them a godsend for older lifters or anyone rehabbing. One reviewer noted, “Isometrics is specifically ideal for older individuals who have various injuries and health issues which make dynamic exercises counterproductive.”  

Practical as AF

Schifferle doesn’t bore you with 300 pages of theory or the history of isometrics (that has come and gone). He gets to the point: how to do it, why it works, and what exercises to start with. The book’s packed with clear illustrations, a 4-step process for building muscle, and a breakdown of muscle chains so you know exactly what you’re targeting. A UK reviewer has said without blinking an eye it's  “Not for those looking for theory or history of isometrics, this book is for people who want a practical guide and just get on and do it.”  

The Mind-Muscle Connection

If you’ve ever watched a powerlifter psych up before a deadlift, you know the mind is the real engine of strength. Schifferle hammers this home with the thunderous force of Thor, emphasizing the mind-muscle connection as the secret sauce of isometrics. By focusing on tension, you’re not just training your body—you’re forging mental toughness. It’s not about looking pretty; it’s about becoming a force of nature.

The Grind Style Calisthenics Vibe

Overcoming Isometrics is part of Schifferle’s Grind Style Calisthenics series, and it’s got that same raw, in your face energy that makes his Red Delta Project YouTube channel a goldmine. He’s not some ivory-tower fitness guru—he’s a dude from Vermont who loves biking, skiing, and Ben & Jerry’s (respect). His approach is rooted in Fitness Independence, the idea that you don’t need to live in a gym or starve yourself to be strong. This book embodies that ethos, giving you tools to train anywhere, anytime, with nothing but your body and a will to dominate.  

On places like Reddit, the bodyweight fitness crowd has been singing Grind Style’s praises. One user, three months into the program, said, “I’m getting a lot out of it… I’ve noticed a big improvement in stability and such.” Another called Schifferle “underrated” and swore by the program’s ability to build strength and muscle. I humbly agree and should be recognized a hell of a lot more. 

The One Critique To Put Into Your Noggin': Keep It Simple, But Not Too Simple

No book’s perfect that's for damn sure and Overcoming Isometrics has one minor flaw. Some readers wanted more scientific depth or detailed programming advice. One wrote, “The book provides very little scientific explanation and very little advice on how to actually program workouts. It’s more of an exercise library.” To be fair, it's a reasonable assumption—if you’re a data nerd or a coach looking for periodization charts, you might need to supplement with other resources. But for most of us? The simplicity is where we thrive. Schifferle gives you the tools and trusts you to wield them. If you need more, his YouTube channel’s got your back.  

How to Wield This Power

So, how do you start? Schifferle lays it out clean:  

Choose Your Weapon Of War: Choose exercises that hit your push, pull, squat, or core chains. Use a strap, a doorframe, or just your own body.  

Max Out Tension: Push or pull against the immovable object for 6-12 seconds, focusing on maximum effort. Rest, repeat.  

Mix It Up: Combine overcoming isometrics with yielding isometrics (like planks) or classic calisthenics for a hybrid workout that’ll leave you feeling like Superman.  

Stay Consistent: 20 minutes, 4-5 times a week, is more than enough for the majority to see gains that’ll shock you like the Emperor's Lightning Strikes on Luke Skywalker.

The book’s got a chapter on Hybrid Isometrics, which is like the cherry on top of the most amazing sundae—a masterclass on blending techniques for ultimate results combining Overcoming & Yielding Isometrics into one beast. Schifferle also includes accessory exercises to target weak spots, so no muscle gets left behind.  

Why This Matters in 2025

In a world obsessed with quick fixes and Instagram filters, Overcoming Isometrics is a rebellion. It’s for those who know strength isn’t bought—it’s built. It’s for the animals who want to train smarter, not harder. And it’s for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, injured, or too damn busy to chase their potential. Schifferle’s book is a reminder that power lies within you, waiting to be unleashed. 

The Verdict: Buy It, Live It, Conquer It

Matt Schifferle’s Overcoming Isometrics is a 5/5 for anyone who wants to get stronger, smarter, and more resilient without the cookie cutter crap. It’s practical, powerful, and perfectly aligned with the raw, unfiltered ethos of Physical Culture.

 Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned lifter, or a senior looking to reclaim your fire, this book will change how you train. Grab it on Amazon, pair it with Schifferle’s Red Delta Project YouTube vids, and start forging a body that commands respect.  

Now, go push a wall until it begs for mercy. Your inner titan’s waiting.  

Stay mighty, stay gritty, stay unbreakable and be amazingly awesome.

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Fitness Courses For Under $10

 When you're on a budget, priorities need to be in order to make things efficient. When it comes to fitness, it's best to keep things to a minimal utilizing basic exercises and routines that suit your needs without resorting to buying into the crap of needing this set up or this amount of equipment to fulfil the goals of getting fit and healthy. This holds true for those that sell fitness courses that showcase the best resources of information and training programs while on a budget. 

Although what I promote can be bought on Kindle, it's important to look at things from a perspective that some may not realize. These are options you can have, not always a necessity but to find the best resources within your way of saving some moolah. Not everyone can afford a fitness book that costs more than a weekly grocery trip and doesn't utilize the quality and structure needed to give you the best chance at being fit. Seriously, who the hell would really pay $150 for a book ($49 on KINDLE) when you can grab 5 kindle books or several paperbacks for the same price and not only get far better quality, but far greater information on the subject and have a better variety of exercises that not only build muscle but can build strength in ways others couldn't.

One of my favorite Authors in the last couple years has been Matt Schifferle who's approach to muscle building is not only top notch but has incredible enthusiasm and an honest direct attitude. He's mainly in the business of utilizing bodyweight training with minimal equipment of no more than a suspension trainer and an Isometric Strap most of the time that pits you into the realm of creating a physique that is strong but well conditioned using tactics that focus on tension. All of his courses on Kindle are under 10 bucks and provide the best quality of training information, scientific analysis, simplicity and how to control your body and not just show an exercise for the sake of exercise. His paperbacks are mainly in the 25 Dollar range but they're still very well written and bring a more positive approach to fitness and not acting like some jerk who thinks putting people down is a good idea to put in a book. 

Another author who I greatly admire and have bought from over the years is Brooks Kubik who's a modern day historian into the old school style of training that took strongmen, bodybuilders, everyday people and combat athletes to the moon and beyond. Dinosaur Training is one of the best books when it comes to training in the last near 30 years since its inception in 1996. Since that time, he's written countless articles, newsletters and many books to training for the best quality of life and health. In his mid 60's now, he's changed his approach over the years to showcase the adaptation of training hard while also keeping your bones and muscles strong as you get older. The man is built like a tank and trains on the freaking beach using logs to carry, drag, curl, squat and other things that give him incredible strength and bone thickening power. He mainly sells books on Kindle that are all under $10 and has information on nutrition, classic exercises and routines of the old timers, training for combat sports, training for those in their 40's, 50's and beyond with a hell of a lot more. Highly recommend him.

Last one would be a rugged and stupid strong of a guy named Josh Bryant who's mainly known for his Jailhouse Strong & Gas Station Ready approach to intense training that (like Brooks Kubik) utilizes old school tactics and programs that will put you into the ranks of some strong and tough motherfuckers. I've used his Sprint Training  program a time or two and its simplicity is just awesome. For a man his size to haul ass and run hard up hills is incredible to watch. He's built like a lineman with the speed of a linebacker and the crazy strength of a powerlifter. He utilizes bodyweight, weight training, speed training, sandbags, kettlebells and overall an all-around approach to strength and conditioning using historical references and training protocols of the old timers. His courses on Kindle are all under 10 bucks and takes in the nonsense and rugged style to another level. Talk about a no bullshitter. His knowledge ranks up there with the best today. 

I wouldn't ever tell you guys how to spend your money, that's not my call and you make the choices of what works best for you. I want to give you options that are out there and can give you top notch information that is simple, in your face and make you feel like you can take on the world. It's bad enough when you have snakes who try to con you out of your hard earned money that is cheap quality and full of bashing yet BELIEVE it should be this "golden" nugget of training when in reality, it's pure shit. Trust me you're far better off with the guys above alone than the majority out there. 

Be amazingly awesome and I wish you nothing but success in your endeavors and I'll do what I can to help you find the best resources that are affordable and high quality. 

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