160629 - CrossFit | Skill WOD: Pull-ups

The Importance of Balance

Often we hear people encouraging moderation. While moderation is definitely better than excess, I think balance is even better than moderation. When I think of moderation in terms of fitness, I think of doing a little bit of everything and eating a little bit of everything. This might be a good approach for some, especially if they are new to fitness and clean eating, to figure out what works for them. However, I think balance is even better. When I think of balance in terms of fitness, I think of going hard several days a week, but also making a day or two of rest a week an important part of your routine. For nutrition, rather than extreme diets that can’t be maintained for long periods of time, and rather than small amounts of everything, a good balance would be mostly eating whole unprocessed foods, but occasionally enjoying exceptions like beer or cupcakes.

As CrossFitters, we are pretty extreme people. Why else would we regularly push our bodies to the limit, and attempt things we aren’t sure we can do until we see ourselves do them? We’re an intense crew. Intensity can definitely be a good thing, but balance is so important to add to the mix. 

What does balance look like for you? Maybe it means doing regular yoga classes in addition to CrossFit for mobility. Maybe it means playing with your kids at the playground. Maybe it means taking a few days off from working out for your family vacation, so you can spend more time with your loved ones. Maybe it means eating clean all week and having one day where you just go crazy. Maybe it means eating clean all week but having a beer or two with dinner a couple nights a week. Only you know what is right for you, but remember not to take the intensity too far. You can be a great athlete and in great health and still maintain balance in your life.

-Hannah P.

WOD
AMRAP 12: 
400m run
20 ring rows
20 wall balls

SKILL
Pull-up progression
Level 1 (no pull-ups) Day 3
5 sets of 3-5 banded pull-ups
3 sets max hang time from pull-up bar with 1 min rest
5 sets of 5 self-assist pull-ups in rack

Level 2 (some pull-ups) Day 3
AMRAP 4: strict pull-ups
3 sets of 10 barbell curls 45/35
Accumulate 20 hollow rocks

Level 3 (kipping pull-ups) Day 3
4 sets max DHPU with 3 min rest
AMRAP 5: butterfly pull-ups