Can you work on only straight arm strength w/o negative FX?

[Paolo]

Over the span of one whole year, do you think there will be negative effects to only practicing straight arm exercises such as any variation of isometric planche hold and any variation of press to handstands and absolutely no bent arm exercises? I think muscle atrophy on the triceps and biceps may be an obvious issue due to lack of using those muscles, but will that cause bad posture or rolled shoulders?

Basically, not doing any bent arm or scapula retraction exercises such as any variation of pull ups, push ups, dips, dumbells/barbells, machines and also front, back, and side levers.

What are your opinions on doing purely straight arm exercises for one whole year to achieve a solid 5+ second full planche and then proceeding to gradually work up to weighted bent arm exercises once again?

I'm coaching my friend and I want him to adopt the "Straight Arm Mentality" and do only straight arm exercises for one whole year just to see if he can achieve a full planche.

He has three years of recreational gymnastics experience and can do two straddle presses in a row, 2 handstand push ups on rings, full front lever for 1-2 seconds and a ring handstand freestanding.

Thanks!

[George Vere]

This is a flawed method.

A good training program will have both straight arm and bent arm exercises.

I can't really see a reason why you would solely work straight arm strength unless you were injured.

Although straight arm strength is very different from bent arm strength, exercises like rope climbs build the elbow and help condition for the stresses that straight arm work puts under it.

[Brian Li]

Full planche can definitely be achieved with straight arm exercises alone, but it is not optimal. Like what Hercules said, it is best to include both bent arm and straight arm exercises in a workout. Also, imbalances will occur if you only work pushing and not pulling.

[Coach Sommer]

...Over the span of one whole year, do you think there will be negative effects to only practicing straight arm exercises such as any variation of isometric planche hold and any variation of press to handstands and absolutely no bent arm exercises? ...

This is an ill conceived template. Not integrating bent arm strength into your training is like forcing yourself to play catch with one eye closed. For what point and to what purpose? Do not seek to artficially restrict the natural functions of your body.

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer