My challenge is your challenge: FL hold, BL hold, free handstand

[Frits Mansvelt-Beck]

I just got my 10 second straddle front lever hold after 2 months of training for it. I can tell you, I am on cloud 9. Probably, because I am 68 and did not expect that I could get there.

Here is how I got there (link is work and family safe):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rncGa8wC4X4

I suggest a competition so I (and I hope you) can get to cloud 10, where I will be able to do a 10 second FL and BL hold (straddle is OK) and a 30 second free hand stand. Only 2 rules. Share your training tips and how silly goals like this add to the quality of your life.

I am sure, it won't take you until you are 68 to accomplish this.

Fyi. I have no gymnastics background. Right now, I can not even do one handstand pushup (wall assisted).

Frits MB (6' 1", 169 lbs, 68 yrs)

[Jeremy Galo]

wow 68... congrats! You look great! (totally hetero hahah)

[Frits Mansvelt-Beck]

Yes, I know. I should have gotten a hair cut first. Next time http://www.board.crossfit.com/images...lies/smile.gif.

Frits

[Blair Robert Lowe]

Impressive.

30s free HS, hmm this will be a good goal as the 10s straddle FL. I'm currently working advanced tuck with flat back and extending from there though single leg is typically tough for me.

[Frits Mansvelt-Beck]

Hmmm. Not many takers. Maybe I should throw in another goal. I will think about that one. Well, I am on my way. Started to do my wall runs and wall walks to build some shoulder strength (thank you gymnasticbodies.com). Found a room where I can balance my handstand with my toes against the ceiling.

Blair, I made a freely rotating fat bar by shoving the upright pole of my squat stand onto my pull up bar. No kidding. It made all the difference (to me).


Frits

[Blair Robert Lowe]

Interesting. I have a dowel hanging over the hole going to the attic but usually I just hang my rings from it rather than trying to hang from it.

Bare in mind, FL and BL are hard to hold and a 30s HS is tough for many CFers.

[Leonid Soubbotine]

I can do a 30 sec free HS, 5 sec Straddle Back lever & haven't tried the Straddle Front Lever yet. I can hold the advanced tuck FL for at least 15 sec.

I'm working on the levers 3 days a week along with other gymnastics stuff - program following the tips & structure of Gymnastics Bodies book.

I'm 6'3" 200 lbs

[Frits Mansvelt-Beck]

That is great. Yes, I should get coach Sommers (?) book. The shipping charges (to the Netherlands) of $33, have been keeping me from doing that already. So I have some idea what to expect, how long did it take you to get the 30' free HS?

Frits

[Leonid Soubbotine]

I'd say about 6 months. I've been able to kick up to free HS before and hold it occasionally for a couple of seconds.

But the last 6 months I've been working 2/wk with a cheerleading coach & we always do Handstands first, then Cartwheels (1 & 2 arm), Roundoffs, Handsprings and Tucks last.

And Gymnastics Bodies program is helping a lot too by making my forearms & the entire body much stronger & more aware of positioning.

I'm working towards 100' hs walk. I can get 25-30 feet consistently, but after that start travelling in all directions.

[Andrew Schechterly]

I'm in! I have zero gymnastics background as well but I've been messing around on the rings at the box quite a bit. FL, BL, and HS will be my main skill development stuff for a while now. =]

P.S. I like how you have all the stuff set up in odd places of your home. It's good to see creativity and improvisation. I need to get some in my garage, mom permitting. =] Also, good work...keep it up!