Art of Balance

I see you have returned Grasshopper. I have given you extra time to complete your assignment. How did you do?
Find any negative patterns?
What weaknesses did you uncover?
What have you done to correct your imbalances?

For myself I have uncovered a few weaknesses in the kinetic chain that need to be addressed. Luckily, or unluckily depending on your view, my active participation in sports, both contact and non contact, combined with the ballistic nature of Renegade workouts allow weakness to be readily apparent. Starting today I have turned my focus in strengthening the T-8, T-9 region of the back (middle, upper) along with a need to address areas around the first rib and transition points of the neck. To strengthen these areas I will add in a few isolation exercises to compliment my compound movements. For example: on days that I do not include jump shrugs in my workouts I will include another version of shrugs done at a prehab rep range of 12. I also plan on doing isometric neck movements daily with plans to slowly incorporate weighted flexion movements. To target the upper/middle back region I will insure my workouts include one or more of the following: pull-ups, chin-ups, rope climbing, heavy bag work, and/or bent over rows. All work will of course be done with Perfect Posture. As with any weakness or injury I am prepared for a minor set back now and then. Look at re-habing or strengthening your weaknesses like walking. Two steps forward, one back. Three steps forward, one back. Four steps forward….you get the point. Don’t get discouraged or expect an overnight miracle. Just keep a positive attitude and keep at it and your Art of Balance shall proceed stroke by stroke.
Easy, right Grasshopper? Now what is your excuse?

Ahh Grasshopper, are you ready for step 3 towards the Ultimate Handstand?
I knew you were. Lets pick up at the end of step 2 and resume the wall balance handstand position. This time I want you to ease your legs back so only your toes are in contact with the wall. Feel it in the arms and hands? Look at those wrists working, beautiful. Now take one foot completely off the wall, but be sure to keep the knee locked and outstretched. Got it? Can you take the other foot away from the wall now too? Practice this Art of Balance daily and I will return next week for step 4.

One Handed Handstand, Old School Style

How cool is the one handed handstand?
How much cooler would it be to curl up, dip the chest slowly till it touches the floor then slowly, with control, press up into a two handed handstand? After holding the two handed handstand for a spell, shift your weight to one side and raise the opposing limb upwards so you are poised on a single arm?
Pretty damn cool I would dare say.

Want to know how? Read on Grasshopper.

Want to know what brought this on? Answer: MTV.
While I am not a big fan of MTV, I do have to say I am quite entertained with the show “America’s Best Dance Crew.” If you get a chance you would do well to check it out, especially the JabbaWockeez hip hop timeline. While the “Ultimate Handstand” is not performed as I described above it can be seen often in the form of “Freeze’s.”
This Thursday marks the finals for this season, but it was last weeks “battles” you really want to check out. They are re-running it several times through the day leading up to the finals as this is one of those text your vote deals and they certainly want to elicit as many votes as possible.
Even if you are not a fan of hip-hop or dancing the flexibility, agility, and athleticism exhibited are quite remarkable. I am still in awe at the head spin done in the last battle leading up to the finals. Mind blowing!
Check it out, it gets the JJCrewguy seal of approval.
Who knows next season we may even see Renegade Training’s own Grant lead a crew into competition. Hmmm….. I wonder if Jory or Moody can break dance? What about you Doyle? Coach? Did Grant instruct you in the fine arts?

Ahh Grasshopper you wish to rise to the Mountain’s Summit?
A one handed handstand you say? A Freeze? The Ultimate?
Walk through cut grass before you fly over the meadow young cricket-san. Implement the Crouch Balance daily.

Return only when mastered:


The Crouch Balance:
This training maneuver will help strengthen the wrists and arms. Only when these are properly strengthened can you hope to support and then adjust your bodyweight cricket-san. Only then will you be powerful enough…..
Crouch down, place hands flat on floor (about a foot in front of knees), splay fingers out with index pointing straight ahead. Brace inner thighs against elbows and slowly lean forward putting your full weight on the wrists and hands. Head position should be forward and upward. The maneuver will resemble a tripod, but knees are outside elbows not on top and head is off the ground not on.
Practice till perfect. Return then.