Mad dash

Pressing a load overhead

The need to press loads overhead has been around since the dawn of mankind. We have lifted stones, logs, and each other for purposes of survival and function. It is essential to human movement and fundamental to increased independence and enjoyment of life.

Everyone should learn to press correctly.

We start athletes out with foundational movements of the press: learning what an active shoulder looks and feels like; what full-extension, hands-behind-ears overhead means; feeling the lift of shoulders skyward, nearly bringing them into the ears.

The first step toward proficiency in the pressing movement is simply to press the hands overhead, actively reaching for the ceiling with the hands and the shoulders. Then perform the same action with a dowel and slowly increment the weight to an unloaded bar and eventually add weight. Nailing the fundamentals is critical to future success and growth in this movement.

Obviously, the press is not just a gym movement. Take, for example, the picture
on the left above. Imagine that 100-pound bag of sand being a box that goes on a shelf, or just about anything that needs to be "put away."

Common faults with pressing loads:

From left to right: Shoulders not active. Weight not overhead. Arms not fully extended.

Downfall

Smith Rock - Oregon

Russellin'

Pick it up from the ground. Carry it for distance.

150 pounds of functional, intense movement.

Farmers walk

Pick something up, take it for a walk.

Strong work, part 2

More views on Saturday's strongman fun.

That tire was flippin' heavy!

Having a (176-lb.) ball.

Nothing fragile about those Xs (370 lbs. total).

Don't even axe how heavy that is!

Carry on, Logan!

There must be something worth smiling about in that keg...

One Streetpower.

Bustin' out.

Strong work

Rainier CrossFit's first annual Rainier's Strongest Man contest and fundraiser took place Saturday, and a bunch Eastside CrossFitters were there to cheer on our man Sean in the competition and to play in the novice division ourselves. Kurtis and Laurie Bowler of Rainier CF put on a heck of event, and we all had a great time putting our strength to the test with fat-bar overhead "axle" presses, stone lifts, keg carries, bus pulls, farmer's walks, and, for the actual competitors, a 600+ pound massive tire flip. Phew!

Thanks to Heather, Craig, Logan, Sean, Madonna, Bree, Bill, James, and Carmen for going down to Sumner with us for the fun, fundraising, and post-event fermented beverages. Special thanks to Darren for volunteering a whole day of professional photography for the event.

Tune in tomorrow for more photos from the event.

Air ball

Coordination, agility, balance, strength, and body awareness are crucial for any individual seeking greater function in life or athletics. Basic gymnastics and tumbling practice help develop these skills. Get some time on the mat.