OPINION: Horizontal Pulling for President

After yet another term of fitness tenure behind us, it’s time for a shift. The fitness landscape has benefited from remarkable changes. Much of the evolution in the space has been net positive. This includes, but is not limited to, an uptick in the quality of movement selection as function takes the driver’s seat after bodybuilding and aerobics had a monopoly on the market. This increase in function has introduced greater focus on measurable performance over aesthetics, intensity over volume, and a timely conversation about skill development across the board. Thankfully, this includes a paradigm shift towards skill even in the running community.

Inside of these changes, it’s important to celebrate the good news. It’s also important to be relentless in plugging our holes. One of these holes is an entire segment of motor patterns that is often neglected by the objective performance focus of CrossFit and the general Instagramification of the movement selection in training. As a result, horizontal pulling may very well be the most important, least utilized movement patterns in the functional scene.

Let’s not throw the bent row baby out with the body building bathwater. Horizontal pulling for President!

 

Logan Gelbrich  

@functionalcoach

5/14/19 WOD

8-8-8-8

Pendlay Rows

 

15-15-15-15

Powell Raises

 

Then, complete 2 rounds for time of:

800m Run

30 Toes-to-Bar

20 DB Hang Clean and Jerks (50/35)