Don’t believe the Hype!

Great post about snatching on the OPEX blog… http://opexfit.com/blog/

Should we all be snatching?  Does it need to be a staple in every Foundations or Basic Training Program, and every Coach's Programming??

For several years now, I have felt as though the snatch has been forced upon us by the CrossFit Games, which has caused a trickle down effect… into local affiliate competitions and general programming. 

Let me guide through through the simple thinking process of a coach who programs for many clients… we'll call it the broad-brush concept…

When looking at the group as a whole, you take all of the strengths and weaknesses and create an avatar… then provide programming for that avatar.  (The out-liers not included, because they skew the curve!)

So… herein lies the dilemma as a coach who programs for a lot of people… something like snatches may not need to be relevant to create function and fitness for our avatar.  The grumblings are then heard… "why don't we snatch anymore?"… "how come Pat doesn't program anything heavy?"… "how come we don't follow a strength template?"  (yes, I know when you're not pleased.. just wish those questions would come to me directly, as opposed to indirectly)

Well, there is a method to the madness so to speak.  If I were to disclose all of my thoughts and methods here, well that would not be smart on my part… so let's keep it simple…

1. Creating a strength template for 100 different people who each have different schedules, strengths and weaknesses is extremely difficult to implement.  Why?  Because there is a lack of commitment and consistency from start to finish, and you can't just start anywhere in the template and have it be effective.  Key words here are "commitment" and "consistency".  In a group training environment, those two things are very unpredictable… it's just a fact of life!

2. "Lifting heavy" just isn't relevant for everyone.  Providing touches of those opportunities is relevant, but it needs to be relative… it can't be painted with a broad brush.

3. What are your goals?  100 different people with 100 different fitness goals!  Wrap your head around that for a minute, then start programming out the week (see where I am going?). 

 

Back to snatches… here is something some of you might not want to hear… some people just don't want to, or need to snatch!  True story!  The Snatch is a very intricate, skilled movement that requires a commitment to practice, and implementation of preparation and progressions.  It is it's own sport in the Olympics, yet the general CrossFit population believes it to be a staple of fitness.  I think there is a level of "disconnect" there!

My point is simple… I agree with what OPEX is putting out.  The Snatch is an incredible movement, but it's not what all of us need to be doing (depending on your goals and abilities, of course).  My job is create Fitness for Life, and the snatch is only a percentage of a percentage of a percentage of that bigger picture.

So what if you want to snatch or you think you need to snatch in order to compete, or reach a personal goal?

Easy answers…

-Attend Oly with Doug on Mondays @ 7:30pm

-If you can't attend Oly, then set up personal training with a Coach you are comfortable with to enhance your ability to snatch.

And what if you have the time to commit to a consistent Strength Template?

Very easy answer…

-Join Doug's Barbell Club

 

The simple truth is that if you follow the daily/weekly programming, you won't regress.  Understand that you will get touches and opportunities to train all aspects of fitness on any given week.  Consistency and balance are the keys to the kingdom!

 

~cpj