Hi,
So I've now been training a while and its taken me a bit of time to get into a rhythm with the GB training, but I feel like I've now begun to understand a bit about how the programming and progressions work, and why.
I'd be grateful for some advice on developing/consolidating my training programme, which I've summarised below
Current programme:
*F1 - 3 days per week
*HS1 - 2 days per week
*Stretch FSs - 1 day per week
Current stage of progression:
F1 = FL/PE4 - sPL/PE5 - HBP/PE3 - RC/PE1 - SL/PE4 - MN/PE2 - SLS/PE1
HS1 = WP/PE3 - FKP/PE1 - WR/PE2 - FTP/PE2 - HS/PE3
I often do my F1 and/or HS1 work at lunchtime, or at Crossfit (before a WOD/olympic lifting class if F1, afterwards if HS1. I also make sure I have at least one day devoted mainly to playing around with things like ring dips, holds in support on the rings, false grip pull ups, handstand walking - just fun stuff ![]()
I bought Front Split stretch because I ran into big issues with hip flexor mobility/ROM in MN/PE2 of F1, and also quad tightness in getting my heels to my glutes in SLS/PE1 (I have hypermobile needs so my quads have adapted to be especially tight).
Given the above, I wondered what others might think about the following questions:
1) Should I work Middle Split as well, given my workout plan, background and stage of development., or wait?
2) Should I incorporate Tumbling/Movement, or wait?
3) Should I work HS2 alongside HS1, or wait?
Thanks for any comments,
Mike
***Below I've added a bit more info on my background, but didn't want to make the post too long so I put it down here where those who don't have the time/interest won't have to wade through it
***
Background:
I got interested in GST through Crossfit - at the time I started I'd been training for strict muscle ups by focusing on false grip pullups and dips - reason was that I had a hip issue (which has now cleared up) and also my shoulder would always complain after kipping pullups (I had 10 strict pull ups before I started kipping, so might just be my left shoulder joint being weak.
Anyhow, I managed to get single muscle ups by throwing myself through the transition, both on a pullup bar, and on the rings, and each time my left elbow would hurt (also happened on rope climbs, after long rock climbing sessions, and if I took a slapshot in Ice hockey/roller hockey - although i rarely do either of those things anymore.
A friend sent me to the podcast that Coach Sommer did with Barbell Shrugged, and I started to appreciate why my progress had been sketchy, and why my elbow might be hurting.
Since then, I've decided to make GST my priority - I still do Crossfit (the community at our box is really good), but I do it for fun/additional challenge and am careful about the WODs I do relative to my other training and rest needs. The coaches at my box have been very supportive and have taken an interest when I've been doing this in open gym.
What I like about GB GST is that the rationale for the progressions, their functions and the reason for the pacing, is made very clear and helps you understand why these things are necessary. The points about taking time to improve flexibility and connective tissue strength alongside muscular strength that I've discussed with my physiotherapist colleague have been met with enthusiastic agreement.
Basically, I found myself hitting walls in training which exposed huge gaps in my physical base, which were not only limiting but likely to be more so as I get older (I turned 30 this year). Hopefully this programme will help my move past/through these and stay healthy while doing so.