Muscle Up

CrossFit Games Breakdown 12.4

We're at the second last workout for the 2012 CrossFit Games Open and things just got a whole lot more interesting! Muscle Ups are my specialty, so we are going to give you this Breakdown raw and uncut! And it may not be obvious right away - but all those efficient Burpees you did in 12.1 actually primed you for the Muscle Up transition. Read on.

To get through this workout we really have to think about using a lot of skill to save yourself for the three different movements, and maybe even get a little recovering in for your shoulders during the Double Unders if we plan and prioritize properly.

1. Wall Balls - Check out KStar's 12.4 Prep and Mechanics video on MobilityWOD for proper positioning and mechanics to get through the 150 reps of Wall Balls.

2. Double Unders - Review our entire series on Jump Rope Double Unders on GymnasticsWOD (http://gymnasticswod.com/progressions?field_tags_tid[]=29&field_tags_apparatus_tid[]=71). If you focus on good positioning while you are able to keep your upper body relaxed, this is where you can recover a bit to prep for some Muscle Up work. Have your wrists take care of the rhythm with the rope, and practice it with a folded rope until you get that skill nailed down.

3. Muscle Ups - This movement does require a lot of upper body strength to pull up and then to press out of the dip, but you do have an opportunity to use your hips and apply a lot of skill as the assistance to transition and even with the dip. As your warm-up, practice the 5 progressions demonstrated in the video and get the motor pattern down: 1) Hollow Body to Hip Extension, 2) Global Extension to Sit Up, 3) Dip Balance, 4) Hollow Body to Forward Roll, 5) Kipping Dip.

If you are having trouble with the Hip Extension and snap to Sit Up, go back to our 12.1 Breakdown minute 6 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWwbovT-rz4) - what does that efficient Burpee look like? Yes - it's the same movement we're doing for the Muscle Up transition on the rings. For the efficient Burpee we're just doing it on the ground where we start with the hip extension, then hip drive to snap the feet in. Same thing on the rings - arm straight, global extension with butt on, then transition by snapping the hips close and bringing your nose over the rings to your toes. Try a few reps of efficient Burpee again, get to know how that feels and what the motor pattern is, and then try it on the rings on you've pulled and/or swing up to the right height.

Strict Muscle Up Progression

In this video, Carl breaks down the key positions and angles for you to get your strict Muscle Up, along with emphazing the important of using the false grip and pulling to your rib cage or lower.

Muscle Up Transition Progression Pt.3

In this video, Carl explains how to use bands to assist with your transition to receive safely into the Dip position. Use this to drill your skill in an controlled environment, and learn to get comfortable in those positions with "the catcher" so you can focus on building strength and efficient movement to connect your Muscle Ups.  Carl recommends that being proficient with Bar Muscle Ups first is key to success, and safety, with the Ring Muscle Ups.

CrossFit Games Breakdown - Regionals Workouts - Pt.3

With the 2011 CrossFit Games Regionals Workouts announced ahead of the competition this year, we are fortunate enough to get a chance to break down some of the key gymnastics movements for you with some final coaching tips and cues. In this video, Carl talks about the Muscle Up, and how to connect them efficiently and under control.

False grip or no-false grip, the key to connect your Muscle Ups for volume is to get your swing under control. Just like Kipping Pull-Ups, you will want to push away to straighten your arms on the descend to get momentum and rhythm in your swing. Note that with a false grip, you should kip smaller and swing less to facilitate your transition with your false grip position.

CrossFit Games Breakdown - Week 4 Workout - Pt.4

We continue our coverage of the CrossFit Games with the Workout 4 breakdown. In this video Carl talks reviews and gives even more pointers on his favorite Muscle Ups.  Don't forget to use what you've learned in the GWOD progressions!

Muscle Up Transition Progression Pt.1

In this progression video, Carl explains how to practice your Muscle Up transitions, from the highest point of your Pull Up to the deepest point of your Dip, by using the Dip to Upper Arm Support. This will help you focus on finding good elbow and active shoulder positions first, while you work up your wrist and Pull Up strength in other False Grip or No-False Grip progressions.

Muscle Up Transition Progression Pt.2

In this video segment, Carl will explain how to use the bands on the rings to help you get the proper positions and feel for the transition for the Muscle Up with a false grip.

False Grip Progressions Pt.2

In this segment, Carl explains how you then take the same drills you did on the bar in Part 1 of the progression and repeat on the rings.  We also go over proper false grip hand placement and positions so that you can get the most out of the transition in your Muscle Ups and other movements.

False Grip Progressions Pt.3

In this segment, Carl discusses the false grip and demonstrates how you can practice the false grip with other movements such as the V Out.

False Grip Progressions Pt.1

Building up a strong false grip is important for all kinds of work on the rings.  In this video, Carl will explain how you can build up stronger wrists and forearms even before you get on to the rings to practice your false grip, just with a couple of simple drills on the bar.

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