Ours is an infinite universe of powerlifts, Olympic lifts, gymnastics, plyometrics, running, rowing, core muscles, leg muscles, lungs, central nervous systems, balance, agility, endurance, power, strength… – suffice it to say, the length of the list is incomprehensible and therefore meaningless. But we are going to celebrate it anyway.

Thursday nights celebration was another 3-parter, again kicking off with some skill work.

Using a wall as assistance, hold a handstand for as long as you can. Perform 10 hollow rocks each time you come down during 10min time frame.

Getting into the Handstand – I’ve borrowed this instructional from one of Jim Bathurst’s BeastSkills.com tutorials before, but I liked it so much that I am going to use it again:
“To start training for the handstand, get yourself a wall. You’ll be kicking up against the wall to get use to the handstand position. So put your hands down about a foot away from the wall and get your legs into the position shown below. It looks similar to a sprinter getting ready for the start of a race.”
“Now what you’re going to do is take the leg that is straight and kick it up, heel first. Make sure to keep it straight, as this will generate more energy to lift your body up.”
“As your kicking leg goes up and over your head, the other leg that was bent should come up to join the kicking leg as both legs reach the wall. Try to do this so that your feet come to REST on the wall, not slam into it. This will start to teach you the right amount of force you need to kick up into a free standing handstand without kicking over.”

Now – Hold!

And just for a frame of reference, Jim recently underwent a 1-on-1 tutorial with instructor Lin Junming at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, who relayed to Jim that the amount of time that one was expected to hold…(a) two handed handstand against the wall” was 10-15 minutes.

Alternating between partners, perform a 1 to 10 to 1 ladder of KB swings (i.e., P1 does 1 swings, then P2 does 1 swings, then P2 does 2 swings, and so on). All for time.

Tom discussed rowing technique briefly before everyone set off, but it’s definitely a subject that’s worth a more in depth look – check back tomorrow for a short write-up and tutorial on rowing technique. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. You’ll row faster (and who doesn’t want to get off the d@mned rower ASAP), but in workouts where rowing is intermixed with alternate exercises, you’ll also conserve energy while still putting in a solid effort.

Never, ever to be underestimated (or left unaccomplished). And what luck! April 11-17 marks DC’s annual recurring Spa Week. Be sure to take advantage of some of the great deals and try out some new recovery techniques.

Great work everyone. Looks like some nicer weather is on the way, so get ready to enjoy it. Also, best of luck to anyone running the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler this Sunday (Erica and Amelia are in, any one else participating?)