I think it’s safe to assume that when a CrossFitter approaches a barbell, most of us try to imitate a weightlifter. We spend hours and countless attempts trying to fix the smallest details in order to get more weight off the ground. I can honestly say I don’t see the same thing going on with gymnastics movements. It seems to me, that the approach becomes, I’m going to try to kip my broken positions harder, in order to string together more reps. Do you think this is what a gymnast does? The answer is most definitely not. As Emily and I have talked about in our movement seminars, this concept of kipping in gymnastics is actually foreign. Instead they spend hours and hours working on absolute strength in isolated positions, practicing perfection until those positions naturally carry over into bigger skills. Please take a look at the images below. The first is a gymnast, the second is a CrossFitter. These two positions look nothing alike.
Today I’d like you to record yourself on the rings doing the following:
5X3 arch/hollow swings on the rings
Are you maintaining proper positions? Do you see any breaks anywhere that need to be addressed? As always, strive for perfection!!!
Coach Poppa