Coach Keith's Corner — yoga

Lack of wrist flexibility and strength is an often overlooked problem.When you are in a handstand, you want to try to keep your back and shoulders still and do all of your balancing with your hands and wrists. This means you need to work on your wrist flexibility as well as the strength. Look at a close up of this boy’s hands and wrists. When holding a handstand his fingers should be pointing forward. See how his fingertips are pressing into the mat? He is using his fingers to help him balance.   Notice the angle between his hand and...

I have done 30 box visits and clinics and worked with hundreds of cross fit athletes.  After working with beginner athletes as well as regularly working with  Games and regional athletes, these are some things I think should be taken from the gymnastics world into your box. 1. Preventative maintenance is the key Male gymnasts are fanatical about doing their exercise band therapy for their shoulders. Often the first thing they will do is pull a resistant band out of their bag and do their rotator cuff exercises and general stretches. Gymnasts and lifters put their shoulders in less than ideal positions...

When I see people do hollow holds (and I am not coaching) I sometimes cringe because I see the shape above.  Notice how his lower back is off the ground?  This is very bad! It isn't working your abs well and it could be damaging your back!  Hollow holds should always have a flat or rounded lower back.  If you have any space under your lower back then stop doing that hollow hold. Ok you are wondering what do you do?  Do the dead bug! Round up with a bent legs and rounded lower back with your shoulders off the...