Foundation on Fitness


Most of us avid crossfitters look forward to the time of day were we go to the gym and lift heavy things for multiple reps. It is pretty much our play time, but for grown ups! A lot of us, especially the ones who are relatively new to crossfiit are all about 'intensity.' All of us are looking to PR our fran, or diane time while trying to set an all time high for the heaviest clean and jerk within the gym. This is what makes crossfit special and attracts fitness lovers from all shapes and forms. The ability to push yourself and blow old limitation out the door along with a group of people who share the same passion would catch anyone's' attention. But getting caught up with the 'intensity' has a huge downfall; it tends shorten our perspective and gives us tunnel vision on what true fitness is. Mobility is the key and foundation of being fit. It allows us our bodies to get into an optimal position to move weight efficiently, and with the efficiency comes heavier lifts.

The way our bodies move are built into our DNA, just look at an infant when they first begin to walk, you see them struggle to stabilize and all of a sudden you see them drop into a squat, not a 90 angle but a full depth, ass to grass squat. Hips below parallel and all while staying upright. They can do this because of their flexibility. They aren't limited because of their position. But in due time though and add in our very sedentary lifestyle, that goes away. The lack of flexibility most of us have can not only cause improper form on lifts, but serious injury.

Most of  you may say that you don't have time to do mobility, but excuses are excuses. You can MAKE time. Think about it this way, its max out clean day at the gym and you are looking to PR. As you warm up, the one thing you know you struggle on is shoulder and wrist mobility, which gets in the way of your rack position. You start to clean some light weight and all of a sudden, your elbow comes in contact with your knee and before you know it, you have a  black and blue, swelled up forearm. Now you are in a cast for 3 months unable to do anything that involves your arms. Would you rather put those three months into not being able to train, or into your mobility? I would choose mobility, because the thought of not lifting just plain sucks. Now don't go thinking, "oh great, I am just going to get injured." That's not the case, adding just 15-30 minutes of mobility work everyday will improve your range of motion greatly and positioning. Trust me, the results come the minute you finish your stretch. Most of the stretches you can do only require a band and a lacrosse ball, which you can buy both for about $20. Don't forget that most of the basic stretches and tissue work can be done within the comfort of your own home.

Whoever you are, don't let this become an obstacle when it comes to your training! You may have to put some effort and time in. But the result will help you greatly in the future. I am creating this blog to help those to gain knowledge when it comes to their mobility and training. Let this help mold your perspective into what you need to do to improve your fitness.

Lift All the Things