Why Gymnastics?
“Essential to the CrossFit concept is balanced competency in the ten general physical skills: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. Gymnastics has no peer among training modalities for developing the four neurological components of the ten skills – coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy.
In our Santa Cruz, CA, facility our better athletes play with and practice basic gymnastics movements regularly if not daily. We have parallel bars, rings, mats, and a pommel horse set up at all times. Unfortunately, this aspect of our local athletes’ training hasn’t carried over strongly to our Internet friends following the WOD (Workout of the Day). A lack of equipment and general unfamiliarity with the fundamental exercises of gymnastics within our larger community has resulted in the neurological skills development of the CrossFit community not keeping pace with the other components of fitness.” Coach Glassman from Crossfit Journal Issue 30.