One of my favourite elements of CrossFit is that athletes become extremely competent in a variety of disciplines: olympic lifting, gymnastics, running, power lifting, etc. I posted the above video of Josh Everett because it captures the well-rounded nature of CrossFit athletes. It is amazing to see an athlete who can deadlift 455 lbs, AND do muscle-ups and handstand push-ups. Outside of the realm of CrossFit, I highly doubt there are many power lifters that could also do handstand push-ups, or vice versa, many gymnasts that could also go heavy on a power lift. Add to that the metabolic component of the King Kong workout and the number of athletes able to do this workout drops dramatically.
Ido is coming to flux in September and we need to prepare. Lifting your own body weight is much easier when you weigh less. Josh Everett is a big guy, but he has the strength to lift his body weight. You might have impressive numbers on your press but too much pudge is going to hinder you from doing a handstand push-up.
The paleo challenge really changed the way people thought about food. This next challenge is paleo related but the end goal is performance oriented. There are two goals. Your first goal is to do an unassisted handstand push-up. If you already have a handstand push-up your goal is to do 5 unbroken handstand push-ups. If the handstand push-up seems completely unrealistic then your goal is to do a handstand push-up with a pre-selected band. You choose the most effective way to meet this goal. My opinion is that paleo is the way to go if you need to lose a bit of fat but you do what works for you and what makes you feel strong and healthy.
The second goal is to get at least a 5 sec hold on an unsupported handstand.
The Challenge begins now and ends with Ido's arrival.
You will get much more out of Ido's workshops if you come in with a basic handstand and the strength to do a handstand push-up.
Good Luck!
Ya Darci.!!!! I am in desperate need of a reason to get back on track.and as you know i live for these challanges (although i am not competitive) at all.....
ReplyDeleteI loved that video---wow!!! I am not too good at the balance thing so this should be interesting...First i am going to take out extra life insurance and then i am going to get back into burning some insense and meditating to get my Yin and Yang in balance.Lastly i am going to get back to a more strict Paleo diet (felt way better then) so that i can loose that extra "pudge"..Let the games begin......ha ha