Workout of the Week: Team USA Gymnast Edition
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I’m hyping myself up for the 2024 Summer Olympics by watching lots of past and present Team USA gymnastics footage. Immersing myself in gymnastics viewing has motivated me to incorporate some movements into my own training, in order to develop better dexterity, core strength and agility.
Gymnasts have incredibly robust physiques, which support the high volume of stress that the sport puts on their bodies. Their rigorous training programs combine isometric and bodyweight exercises with weight training using dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells.
The major elements that are essential to many of the high stakes moves gymnasts do are: body control and awareness, core strength and stability, isometric strength and overhead reach and mobility.
Being able to spatially contract and control your body is a key foundation of athleticism. The factors mentioned above not only benefit gymnasts. They have enormous outcomes on how we function in everyday life. We all should strive to be stronger, more flexible and connected to our bodies to the best of our ability.
Pull ups are a fantastic exercise for developing and increasing functional strength.
This pull up themed “Workout of the Week” was challenging! While I can do more than ten strict pull ups in a set, I’m more accustomed to chin ups, which work different muscles. Pull ups are harder for me. Adding extra bodyweight resistance such as an L-sit, makes pull ups even more difficult.
The circuit:
Five feet to bar leg raises
Five pull ups to feet to bar leg raises
Five L-sit pull ups
Rest and repeat for five rounds.
This concludes another “Workout of the Week” for your exercise enjoyment!
If you choose to do this routine, please let me know about your experience. And if you have any specific questions about this workout or general fitness inquiries, please reach out to me. I am always eager to hear from you!