Train like a Saiyan: what Dragon Ball Z can teach us about getting strong

May 13, 2025 3 min read

The cartoons we watched as kids shape us as adults, and if you’re an anime fan, the influence of your favourite characters never leaves you. Remember how exciting it felt to watch Goku’s adventures? Maybe Dragon Ball Z shaped the way you view training – it’s not hard to imagine.

Now imagine that Goku's gravity chamber training wasn't make-believe. What if you could shift your workouts up a gear, with the same intensity that turns a low-level Saiyan into a Super Saiyan?

What is the DBZ Saiyan training ethos?

DBZ fans will know that Goku and Vegeta were never training to look good. Their physical endeavours were about something more powerful - self-mastery. Every punch, every sprint, every crazy gravity-defying exercise was about pushing beyond limits to be a better version of themselves.

In Dragon Ball Z, strength is never how you look, it's about who you become. If that sounds comfortingly familiar, it’s because it’s ethos of calisthenics too. And it’s no surprise that people who were raised on DBZ often gravitate to calisthenics.

How to use gravity to train like Goku

Remember Goku training in 100 x gravity? Calisthenics uses the same concept (in a slightly more realistic way). Gravity + bodyweight is the most accessible, versatile, effective “gym” you’ll ever need. It’s why we called our calisthenics equipment brand Gravity Fitness. You don’t need fancy machines, complicated equipment, expensive gym memberships. Just your body, your mind, and the resistance of gravity that’s all around you.

This is why we were so excited to become the world’s first officially licensed DBZ fitness equipment partner. The Gravity Fitness x DBZ range isn't just merch (although it is highly collectible!) It's carefully-chosen calisthenics equipment, chosen to help you level up - Saiyan-style:

The DBZ weighted vest – bring out your inner Goku (you know you’ve got one!) by making any training session more intense. Good for cardio, bodyweight, pull ups.
DBZ cannonball pull-up grips – forget normal grips, these help you grip like you're hanging from a spaceship. Good for pull ups, rows, chin ups.
DBZ gymnastics rings - master body control that would make Vegeta give you a nod of respect. Good for rows, pull ups, muscle ups and more.
2 x designs of DBZ wrist wraps - because even warriors need support when pushing past their power level.

The ultimate Saiyan circuit: DBZ training session

Ready to power up? Here's a workout using our DBZ x Gravity Fitness equipment that will unlock your Super Saiyan mode.

Warm up and mobility (10 minutes):

Body heat – 2 minutes cardio
Arm circles or banded pull aparts (30 seconds)
Samson stretch – for hip flexors and side body (30 seconds each side)
Walk outs – to mobilise hamstrings, shoulders, upper back (10 reps)
Cossack squats – to mobilise lower body (15 reps)
Plank with shoulder taps – 20 reps

Main circuit (4 rounds):

Gymnastics rings ring rows (10-12 reps) – with or without weighted vest
Weighted vest push-ups (12-15 reps) – with weighted vest
Cannonball grip pull-ups (8-10 reps) - with or without weighted vest
Gymnastics ring dips (8-10 reps reps) - with or without weighted vest
Bodyweight squats (20 reps) - with weighted vest
Wall sit (45 seconds) - with weighted vest
Plank (30 seconds) - with weighted vest

Rest 90 seconds between rounds.

If you choose to do the ring rows, pull ups, and dips without the weighted best, take it off after the push ups and put it back on for the lower body and core exercises.

And if you want to scream "HAAAAA!" during those wall sits, it might increase your power levels. Probably not scientifically proven, but worth a try.

Why calisthenics isn’t just for anime nerds

You don’t need to know the difference between a Kamehameha and a Spirit Bomb to benefit from using gravity plus your bodyweight to train. The benefits of calisthenics are for everybody (because everybody has a body…)

Consistency - calisthenics is accessible, portable, and low-impact
Mental strength - your attitude matters just as much as physical talent
Challenge – growth happens when you push outside your comfort zone
Choice – transformation is a choice that you have control over

Our DBZ range of fitness equipment is a nostalgia trip, but it’s about much more than that. It’s tools to help you become the hero of your own story. And have fun doing it.

Calisthenics training that’s over 9000

Whether you're a die-hard DBZ fan from back in the day, or someone who likes to push their limits in training, our calisthenics and strength equipment is a bit of a sensei. Check out the DBZ range of equipment and take your strength over 9000.