Coach Sommer: March 2008 Archives
Body levers are an excellent movement for building significant amounts of abdominal and lower back strength; simultaneously.
An article detailing their performance is available in the Basic Strength forum under "Body Levers - A Simultaneous Abdominal and Lower Back Workout".
A video demonstration of body levers is available here. Please reduce the size of the picture for the greatest clarity.
The popularity of the Xtreme Rings continues to explode both domestically and internationally. Satisfied customers in 19 countries are now enjoying the benefits of training with the Xtreme Rings!
Product details, as well as how to order your own set of Xtreme Rings, are available here.
For a plethora of great ways to use the Xtreme Rings and how to implement gymnastics strength training into your own workouts, check out the ever growing Gymnastic Bodies forum and video library.
Dynamic elements are an essential component of effective gymnastics strength training. Wheels are an excellent introduction to this kind of strength.
A video demonstration of wheels is available here. Please reduce the size of the picture for the greatest clarity.
An article detailing the correct performance of wheels, as well as reviewing the importance of dynamic strength in general, is available in the Dynamic Strength forum under "Wheels - A Dynamic Pushup".
Technically simple, yet physically demanding, L-sit walks may be performed nearly anywhere there is adequate open floor space.
For additional information on L-sit walks, including performance guidelines and tips, check out "L-sit Walks - An Abdominal Challenge" located in the Dynamic Strength forum.
A video clip demonstration is available here. Please reduce the size of the picture for the greatest clarity.
Bowers are an advanced multi-plane pushup variation that I often use with my stronger athletes. They build tremendous strength throughout the entire shoulder girdle, chest and arms, as well as the lower back and abs.
A demonstration video clip is available here. Please reduce the size of the video for the greatest clarity.
An essay on Bowers, including performance guidelines as well as providing a detailed list of necessary progressions for developing Bowers, is available in the Basic Strength forum under "Bowers - An Advanced Pushup Variation".
The current sale on the international best-selling Xtreme Rings continues. At a sale price of $49.99, they are over 30% cheaper than their nearest competitor; while continuing to uphold the meticulous standards of excellence for which Gymnastic Bodies is rapidly becoming known.
Additional information on the Xtreme Rings is available here.
Reviews from many satisfied customers are available here.
Handstand obstacle courses are a fun and exciting way to build overhead strength while simultaneously increasing handstand proficiency. They can also be designed to suit a wide range of handstand abilities.
The following video demonstrates a more advanced course.
An article detailing handstand obstacle course construction and performance tips is also available in my handstand forum.
Cranks are a very challenging abdominal movement that I use with my more advanced athletes. Performed correctly, this movement will build incredible strength throughout the entire core; as can be seen in the photo to the left.
A video demonstration of cranks is available here. The video is clearest when reduced in size.
In addition, an article detailing crank performance guidelines is available in my basic strength forum under the title; "A Brutal Abdominal Exercise".
The development of advanced ring strength skills always begins with mastering the basics. Attempting advanced ring strength elements (iron cross, maltese etc.) without properly building an adequate foundation will always result in failure and/or injury.
A basic ring strength series performed by one of my younger athletes. Please reduce the size of the video clip for the clearest picture.
For further information on the basic ring strength series, including performance guidelines, please visit the Gymnastic Bodies Ring Strength forum.
Cirques are an advanced rope climbing variation that is quite useful for building high levels of gymnastic dynamic, grip and biceps strength.
Cirque rope climb video
