Hello everyone! This week's training has been good so far and I am loving CrossFit more and more, not only because it is challenging but because it is helping me get stronger. I actually look forward to going to the box (the gym) as much or even a bit more than running, but no worries-- running is still my first love. :-)
But as with every new workouts there is something that is always so challenging that just drives you crazy to the point that you tell yourself: "oh, it's on!" and for me that is kipping. This is a very challenging move for me because it requires motion, flexibility and upper body strength (which I thought I had but I do not). Never mind that this is my second time trying it. I want to make it happen yesterday! Competitive much? lol.
The kipping motion (using momentum and a sudden jerk down of the knees to push yourself up, is very controversial to some especially those who do the traditional pull-up. They consider it cheating. THIS is the correct way to do a kipping pull-up.
Below I am showing you my attempt at kipping pull-up. First of all, I knew I would not be able to do a kipping pull up because... well, I have never been able to do a pull-up. Right now I am concentrating on getting the initial motion right. As you can tell there is a little bit if gymnastics flavor on this movement and it requires lots of shoulder flexibility. I have been doing shoulder flexibility movements at home and during my second attempt I felt more comfortable. Yes I need lots of improvement but baby steps. I just wanted to show you the efforts.
Bottom line, when I swing back my body needs to come further away from the bar and I need to get the knee down jerk motion. That is what will give me the push up impulse I need to get my head above the bar. Just really having a hard time with it.
But I was trying to give it my all again and again. Then this happened. Ouch! As my hand rolled on the bar it ripped the skin off. Yeah... double ouchy. The crazy thing is that I did not feel it while it happened. It was after. Today my hands feel sore and looking like crap. David already told me that he is not too crazy about the hands...lol. My instructor was like "ooh! you got your first rip" with a big smile like it was a badge of honor.
Luckily this should be able to help me with this while I train. A must from now on. Can't have manly hands on my wedding day :)
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| photos via Invictus Crossfit |
As you can tell, a bit of pain but TONS of fun, especially because each session is full of energy and everyone supports each other. This is week 3 of the foundations class and I want to leave you with the one discovery I love the most so far:
There is a way that CrossFit challenges you that it is different than running. With running I usually get to a point where its painful but I can keep going. With CrossFit, I get to a point where I do not think it is possible to do one more rep, where muscles are shaking and breathing is harder... and I somehow find a way to push through, and I amaze myself EVERY SINGLE TIME. Yes, people have I drank the Kool-Aid and I am liking it! :)
OUCH! That blister looks painful. You are awesome for even attempting one of those things. Anyone who can do even one pull-up amazes me. It's one of those things I've never been able to do in my life, but secretly wish I could! :0)
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of that method of pullups. I used to be able to do a few. I don't know why I stopped doing them. They always made me feel pretty badass! Good for you! #wowlinkup
ReplyDeleteYou are a rock star! I remember my gymnastics days and the kip was so hard to accomplish. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI've done Crossfit 3 times and so far I have enjoyed it. I need to go back, but have to wait awhile.
ReplyDeleteIrene, I really hope you can get back to it. I have found that doing it for a few weeks will let you really gauge whether it is something you want to do in the long run or not.
DeleteOuchie!!! Keep on ROCKING it girl!!!! XOXO, Laurie #wowlinkup
ReplyDeleteOH mercy... those hands show determination - for sure!!!
ReplyDeleteI have not tried Crossfit and by the looks of your hand....ummmmm I'll pass. LOL. It am sure it is a great feeling of accomplishment though. #wowlinkup
ReplyDeleteHah! Love your badge of honor :) Glad you're enjoying it #wowlinkup
ReplyDeleteOh man I have never been able to do a pull up and I want to so badly! Way to keep going at it through the hand blisters! #wowlinkup
ReplyDeleteYuck! But it certainly is a badge of honor and I admire your strength! Keep it up!! #wowlinkup
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about trying CrossFit for 6 weeks but I think I will try the Pilates on the Megaformer instead. Can you wear gloves doing the pullups next time? #wowlinkup
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I have been trying to get the kipping motion too and I just can't. Like you, I get good momentum with the hips and opening the shoulders, but the thing with the knee is confusing. I just opt for using the bands with the pull up bar. But I feel like i SHOULD be able to do a kipping pull up if I can just figure out form. #wowlinkup
ReplyDeleteAwesome, that you are even trying! I can't to pull ups, really never have been able to, sadly. But working on the upper body is something I need to do.
ReplyDeleteI used to take gymnastics when I was a kid, and I remember these leather half glove things that we used, you should get a pair if you plan on doing more, I remember I never got blisters from the bar, just callouses.
I am totally impressed by you!!!