Clapping PULL ups!

[Q.]

WOW! Even with the kipping, this is pretty impressive. I'd bet he's a pretty good rock climber!

[Marykaa]

*clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap-clap*

[Jean-Paul]

It finally answers the age-old question... What is the sound of one pull-up clapping?

[kuri]

Have you tried those JP?

If anyone on this board could do it, it would be you.

[Mahler]

Does this stuff have any real purpose or does someone just make this up?

I mean, it is very impressive, but as a fitness site, it seems so specialized and tailored to the unusual that it simply is of no value to me other than a freak show.

Mahler

[Q.]

Does this stuff have any real purpose or does someone just make this up?

....lessons in humility???

[Jean-Paul]

For the regular guy in the gym? Nah. If you were a rock climber though, that kind of explosive power would come in really handy for doing "dyno" moves.

[Q.]

Mahler,

After rereading your post, it occured to me that you thought that all of CrossFit was about doing circus tricks or something along those lines and not about real fitness.

"...but as a fitness site, it seems so specialized and tailored to the unusual that it simply is of no value to me other than a freak show."

I don't know if you were joking or not but I have to say that in a way, you're right. It's not about the run of the mill, "everyday" fitness. As I understand it, it's about a lot more than that. I view it as being a lot broader and more encompassing than typical workout routines. If you haven't read the information from their website, check out this article on the Foundations of CrossFit.

[kuri]

Is real fitness having hyuuge gunz or being able to haul yourself up a rope 5 times?

Through using Crossfit routines I KNOW I've increased my cardio level & strength to weight ratio. That is real world fitness to me.

That video is like seeing guys doing cliff drops on their bikes - a cool trick by people with advanced skills.

[Kaiser]

Mahler, just for clarification, the clapping pull up is not something that is prescribed in Crossfit. But as the people get good in the basic skills (like pullups or muscle-ups), I think they often 'show off' a bit for the camera. As JP mentioned, something like this would probably be good for a rock climber who had to do dynamic moves (which is essentially every climber at some point). Or anyone who who need explosiveness in the vertical pulling plane (I have no idea what that would be).

Anyway, check out the link Brad posted above for info on what they see as their foundations.

[Lost Dog]

Mahler, aren't there all sorts of weightlifting things we do that serve no real purpose. When was the last time you French Pressed something around the house?

[RedLefty]

"Mahler, aren't there all sorts of weightlifting things we do that serve no real purpose. When was the last time you French Pressed something around the house?"

Hey, this week I french... wait, you said french press. OK, good point, nevermind.

[Mahler]

Thanks, guys. It just seems that anytime I see anything posted here or in other forums about Cross-Fit, it involves some hugely talented person, doing some hugely impossible or adavanced feat. I'll check out the site more thoroughly.

Mahler

[Kaiser]

Mahler, check out Buk's, or Hard Rox' or Kuri's workout logs - they have videos that show them completing the CF workouts and they are just like you and me - albeit much younger [img]smile.gif[/img] .

Also here's some basic ideas behind Crossfit methodology and workout, from the Crossfit FAQ. I can't testify as to the veracity of the statements, but they do seem to make sense. If nothing else, the rapidly changing/rotational nature of the daily workouts makes it 'fun' and interesting. FWIW.

Here's some insight from Coach on the intent of CrossFit:
"CrossFit is in large part derived from several simple observations garnered through hanging out with athletes for thirty years and willingness, if not eagerness, to experiment coupled with a total disregard for conventional wisdom. Let me share some of the more formative of these observations:
1. Gymnasts learn new sports faster than other athletes.
2. Olympic lifters can apply more useful power to more activities than other athletes.
3. Powerlifters are stronger than other athletes.
4. Sprinters can match the cardiovascular performance of endurance athletes – even at extended efforts.
5. Endurance athletes are woefully lacking in total physical capacity.
6. With high carb diets you either get fat or weak.
7. Bodybuilders can’t punch, jump, run, or throw like athletes can.
8. Segmenting training efforts delivers a segmented capacity.
9. Optimizing physical capacity requires training at unsustainable intensities.
10. The world’s most successful athletes and coaches rely on exercise science the way deer hunters rely on the accordion."

[castufari]

I think some of it is over the top, especially filming....I know my gym won't let you in the door with a camera, someone tried a few weeks ago. Well, stealthly with his camera phone, someone heard the beep and called him out. I think he was pervin' though.

After perusing the CF site it seems like a unique way to build your body for more real world stuff - at least real world to YOU. Myself I'm into the surf/skate/snowboard thing, what I want to do is make my body more lean and build up the muscles I need to continue my surf/skate/snowboard lifestyle.

Hey, if it gets people into the gym and off the couch then it's ok with me.

Is it useful? It appears to be a nice way of merging strength with real world explosiveness, if that makes sense.

[gobbla]

that's an invitation to the darwin awards.

[Chris Correia]

John (and all):

I see the Crossfit perspective as fitness/conditioning one can more fully use in their life and activities. Granted, it's not specific to any activity (although rock climbing would certainly benefit), and would ideally be oriented to one's particular activity to get the most from it. I can't do most of what most of you guys can do, be it deadlifting, benching, or pullups.

I am not big, built, or strong. But I can do/lead a tough taekwondo warmup and class that has some strong/fit young guys groaning or gasping at various points. What I do best is very specific to my martial arts. It's a unique balance of muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexxibility, cario-vascular endurance, and mental toughness.

I realized at some point during the past year or so that my weight workouts were improving, but my martial arts was not. I realized I had to train in a way that made me feel good about my progress but that had carry over benefit to my martial arts. However, I do think that the kind of fitness I am developing will keep me moving and performing well for decades. I've seen what older martial artists (in their 60s and 70s) can do and how they move, and I want to be like that when I am their age.

Since I've had to have a layoff for a little while now, I will be getting back into weight training. I won't be doing Crossfit workouts per se; but I'll be training in a way that is a bit more like them, rather than standard weight routines.

And, of course, it will all be centered around Alwyn's martial arts training program. If you are a martial artist or athlete, you need that program!

[Mahler]

Based on a quick look at the FAQ.

These are very interesting and challenging routines and certainly will not leave you bored.

The routines are, one and all, real cardio blasters.

The routines seem to effectively combine elements of strength, explosive power and endurance.

The heavy use of body weight elements such as air squats, pullups, pushups, can be very appealing for a lifter looking for a change.

My concerns?

Extremely high reps, 100 plus in some cases, do not bode well for Repetitive Stress injury.

The need for specialized or improvised equipment such as ropes, sandbags, etc. is a limiting factor unless you plan to make these your routines of choice for a long time.

The high number of "alternative" exercises and methods of execution admits the fact that many of these routines are for elite athletes and others will need to, cut back on weight, adjust the actual exercise to their ability, use different means of execution, etc..

There is an inordinate obsession with time and speed, which to me can court poor form and injury.

Such is my assessment, thus far. I may have to try a few of "the girls" after the holiday to get first hand experience. Thanks, all, for the info.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

[kuri]

Castufari - I surf/skate/snowboard too and have found Crossfit a good way increase my surf fitness. Even on days with quite a bit of paddling I'm not getting as tired as I was 6 months ago. All of the cardio work + pullups/pushups has been beneficial for myself.

Having a big bench really means nothing if what you need is the gas to make it over the 6 wave set rollin