|
![]() |
#131 |
Member
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
Yeah, basic skills to a gymnast... How many can make the claim to being gymnasts? For most of us, getting a muscle up, walking on our hands, and doing a HSPU is a huge achievement.
Look, we could argue about all of the specializations that are missing, but that's not the point. The point is that someone did well in a whole mess of events, and that is what they want. It seems to me that some people would like to see this as the Games: Event 1: Ironman Triathlon (and be competitive with the world's elite) Event 2: Deadlift 800lbs for reps Event 3: Maltese on rings, held for time Event 4: Throw 27 strikes in 27 throws, minimal ball speed 100 mph And the argument will be 'they should be able to do it if they are elite'. Yes, some big claims have been made, but you do have to admit that the Games have done a good job of pushing people to their limits, and have been extremely entertaining as well as educational. |
![]() |
![]() |
#132 | |
Affiliate
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
Quote:
This is a common misconception about gymnastics. It is well documented that fairly average kids off the street can walk into a gym and be taught a backflip in 10 minutes in many cases. In fact, this is exactly what Carl Paoli did with Jason Khalipa in one of the journal videos recently. It took him 13 minutes I think. I believe Paoli said a 185# Hang Clean was a strength/power pre-requisite for getting it easily. This is writ large. I know of several dancers, including myself, who have never had a coach or teacher who can pull off what many would consider "advanced" gymnastics moves with some self-taught practice. The reality is that they are not advanced, but just appear to be relative to the layperson, and I've seen it written elsewhere that while some adaptable but untrained athletes can waltz in and quickly pick up A (front/back lever, front flip) and sometimes B (planche) level skills, they would always be stifled in getting to C and above by lack of foundation. Blah blah, the point is if kids on youtube can do it, it's not that complicated. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#133 |
Member
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
I can't think of any "real world" instance where doing a back flip would be beneficial. Same with walking on my hands.
If I want to get from the endzone of a football field to a point 150ft away, my method of doing it is sure as hell not going to involve walking on my hands. I like gymnastics and I think it's great, but I don't think we should be specifically testing gymnastic skills. Gymnastics gives a good foundation for a lot of real skills. Scaling walls, having abdominal strength to lift a car, etc. But, in and of itself, I don't think we should be testing gymnastics. Now, something like a (safe) parkour event? Yes. That's a true test of real fitness. This kinda goes to my explanation to gym rats about why we would never do curls in a CF competition. If I want to move that weight from a "hang" position to my neck, I'm going to be a lot more efficient hang cleaning it. So, why test curls? Just get the weight from Point A to Point B. |
__________________
My Workout Log |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#134 |
Affiliate
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
I can't think of any "real world" instance where doing a back squat/overhead squat/snatch would be beneficial.
Functionality does not imply specific probability. Powerful and coordinated movements are universally useful, self-similar, and "functional." Many of the best parkour guys are former gymnasts. For that matter, many of the fastest adapters to CrossFit are former gymnasts. |
Last edited by Mauricio Leal; 08-06-2011 at 06:10 PM.. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#135 | |
Member
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
Quote:
But this gets back to the arguments about "what is functional." There are lots of instances where body control is "functional," and gymnastics is one of the best ways to teach it. Katherine |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#136 | |
Member
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
Quote:
I don't think back squats/overhead squats/snatch should be tested movements. Throw a ball/keg/whatever. Get from point A to point B. Move stuff with you. Load stuff onto a truck. Jump over stuff. Scale tough obstacles. Climb. Push or pull a sled. Lift the front of a (very light) car 5 feet. Etc. |
|
__________________
My Workout Log |
||
![]() |
![]() |
#137 | |
Member
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
Quote:
I think gymnastics is legitimately very very functional. I think it's great at developing your ability to do functional ("Real World") movements. I just don't think it should be tested. The actual Real World movements themselves should be tested. |
|
__________________
My Workout Log |
||
![]() |
![]() |
#138 | |
Member
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
Quote:
The new 'real world movements' CF Games: Event 1: Grocery shopping for time (included in the time is finding the closest parking space to the store doors available) Event 2: Elevator button push for time Event 3: Microwave cooking for time Event 4: Skills - typing with internally rotated shoulders And the strength even to end all strength events for Event 5: Pick up child and hold, for time (naturally) |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#139 |
Member
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
Haha, I was actually thinking that as I was typing. I am trying to think of a better way to express what I am saying than "Real World" tasks. I don't get physically tested in anything I do outside of my planned workouts...
|
__________________
My Workout Log |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#140 |
Member
![]() |
Re: Final games thoughts
I think what you're looking for is the idea that modern life doesn't test us the way we were meant to be tested, and you'd like to see that in the Games more often, right? Instead of a convenient barbell and such, an obstacle course, or things like that.
|
![]() |
![]() |
Thread Tools | |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Crossfit Games Fraud - What are your thoughts | Joe Cebulski | Competitions | 29 | 07-30-2011 05:40 AM |
My Thoughts on the 2009 Crossfit Games | Desmond Pegrum | Competitions | 23 | 01-06-2010 08:36 PM |
If you were at the Games on the Final Day... HELP ME! | Bob Guere | Stuff and Nonsense | 0 | 07-28-2009 12:23 PM |
2009 Games Final WOD question | James Moran | Workout of the Day | 1 | 07-17-2009 07:42 PM |
CrossFit Games final workout | John Klessinger | Workout of the Day | 8 | 07-15-2009 08:59 PM |