Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about calisthenics, coaching, and what I do.
Who is Doctor Yaad?
Doctor Yaad (Yaad Mohammad) is a Kurdish medical doctor and elite calisthenics athlete with over 15 years of training experience based in the Netherlands. He creates science based fitness content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. He's known for mastering calisthenics skills including full planche, maltese, victorian, 51 second front lever, one arm handstand, and one arm pullups.
What is calisthenics coaching?
Calisthenics coaching is personalized programming and guidance for bodyweight training. As a medical doctor and elite athlete, I design custom training plans based on your goals, experience level, and schedule. This includes progressive skill work (planche, front lever, muscle ups), strength programming, nutrition guidance, and regular check ins. It's evidence based. No bro science, no cookie cutter programs.
How much does coaching with Doctor Yaad cost?
Coaching pricing depends on your goals and the level of support you need. I work with athletes at all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. Apply through the coaching page and we'll discuss pricing during the consultation call. I only take on clients I know I can help.
Do I need equipment for calisthenics?
For basic calisthenics, you need minimal equipment. A pull up bar and parallel bars (or dip station) are enough to start. As you advance, rings, resistance bands, and a weight vest can be valuable additions. But the beauty of calisthenics is that your body is the primary tool. Many of my clients train with just a bar and some floor space.
How long does it take to learn the planche?
The planche is one of the most demanding bodyweight skills. For most people, a straddle planche takes 2-4 years of consistent, structured training. Full planche can take 4-7+ years. These timelines vary hugely based on your starting strength, body weight, arm length, and training consistency. I teach a progressive approach: tuck planche, advanced tuck, straddle, then full. Each with specific strength benchmarks before progressing.
How long does it take to learn a front lever?
A full front lever typically takes 1-3 years of dedicated training for most people. The key factors are your bodyweight-to-strength ratio, lat and core strength, and how systematically you progress through the variations (tuck, advanced tuck, one-leg, straddle, full). I've coached athletes who achieved it in under a year, and others who needed longer. Consistency and proper programming matter more than genetics.
What is the Yaad Hold?
The Yaad Hold is a calisthenics skill I created that has become recognized in the bodyweight training community. It's a unique position that combines elements of static strength and body control. The skill is now named after me and is taught as part of advanced calisthenics progressions.
Is calisthenics good for beginners?
Absolutely. Calisthenics is one of the best training methods for beginners because it teaches body awareness, control, and fundamental movement patterns. You start with basic exercises like push ups, pull ups, rows, dips, and squats, then progress to more challenging variations as you get stronger. As a medical doctor, I also appreciate that calisthenics has a lower injury risk than many other training modalities when done with proper form and progression.
Can I build muscle with calisthenics?
Yes, definitely. Progressive overload is the key to muscle growth, and calisthenics provides this through increasingly difficult exercise variations, added volume, tempo manipulation, and eventually weighted calisthenics. I've built my physique entirely through bodyweight and calisthenics training over 15+ years. The science of hypertrophy applies equally to calisthenics. It's about mechanical tension, metabolic stress, and progressive challenge.
How can I work with Doctor Yaad?
There are several ways: (1) Apply for 1 on 1 online coaching through the coaching page. (2) Follow along with free content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. (3) For brand partnerships and collaborations, visit the Work With Me page or email yaad@doctoryaad.com.
Still have questions?