attn: RMAX faculty - the bodyweight skill conundrum

[john.sifferman]

I have read a few articles here by Coach Sonnon about the impact of training tools on the nervous system, and how changing training implements will result in having to learn a new skill set. Sonnon mentioned that some activities such as kettlebell lifting, where a different KB weight and size/shape will require the grooving of a new motor pattern, are a good example of this truth. This is why the AKC has designed their KB's to be the same exact dimensions for each weight, to minimize the learning curve when advancing in weight.

Now, since this is true, how does this affect bodyweight training when body composition has changed? If someone gains or loses 15 pounds, it would make sense that this weight change will affect their movement skill acquisition and may even alter their existing movements. I would think that even a minor change such as a 2% change in bodyweight would alter skill acquisition to a degree.

My initial thoughts are these: If performing simple, linear exercises there will be an obvious increase or decrease in performance. For instance, if I were to perform 20 pullups in a max test, and later gain 10 pounds, what will happen to this pullup skill? I would assume that my pullup numbers would decrease. Lifting a heavier weight is a different skill and requires specific training to master it.

I would think that this would be amplified with biomechanical exercises, or at least more pertinent and perhaps harder to gauge and maintain. Intuitively, I think that if I were 15 pounds heavier, the body flow exercises would be very different in learning and performing.

In summary, the question is this: if the weight of the training tool you are using (in this case, your own bodyweight) changes, how will your nervous system react to this new stimulus and will there need to be any special considerations in training?

Does that make sense???

Thanks,

John

[Jarlo Ilano]

In my opinion, the conclusions you have reached would only occur if you did not perform those movements at all between gaining/losing weight.

If the movements are performed regularly, the body will adapt as you continue to practice those movements.

An example may be that a person who loses 50 pounds still maintains their particular way of walking..... but add 50 pounds to them right away and their gait would change.

[john.sifferman]

Coach Ilano,

I agree, stick a 50 pound weight vest on anyone and all of their movements will be affected, even walking.

I mostly asked the question since I am planning on gaining weight over the next six months and am curious how this will affect many of my activities. For instance, in the summer, I like to do a lot of free climbing. Since we have long winters up here, it is often a good 8 months before I go out for a climb in the summer. I could be 10 pounds heavier by then, and this will certainly change things. Of course, all activities will be affected such as wrestling, hiking, running, and even kayaking.

Like you said, if I want to continue to keep my pullup numbers high during a period of weight gain, I will need to continue pullup training throughout.

I'm not worried about the changes, since I am very clear on my goals and the outcomes I wish to achieve. I'm just curious about the process involved and trying to figure out any ways to augment the change. This is merely an avenue of exploration.

Thank you for your thoughts, Jarlo.

John

[MaxG]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. As long as you keep working on the particular things you want to improve on, you should be fine.
Free climbing could be the only really problematic sport there, but if you work on your upper body pulling enough, you should be fine.

Though I must say, my pull-up ability isn't really correlated to my bodyweight. For me, pull-ups are a matter of frequent practice. I can gain pull-up numbers rather quickly and lose them just as fast. Plus I haven't noticed any changes in other abilities (or body composition) as I went from 8 to 20 pull-ups and back to 12.

[Joseph David]

John,

What style and grade do climb? I look forward to hearing about your climbing adventures:)
If you’re climbing steep routes and roofs you may notice the extra weight, it becomes a weight to strength ratio balance. If you’re climbing slab and vertical 10lbs is negligible.
Joint mobility and BME has improved my overall agility and the transfer of skills to climbing. If movement is language, CST is the universal translator.

[Cody Fielding]

If movement is language, CST is the universal translator.


Nice Joseph,

C-

[john.sifferman]

Hi Joseph,

My summer/fall climbing is mostly a hobby, not a sport, but I do enjoy it very much and try to make it out at least once every two weeks during the summer.

I climb mostly traditional style - I like to set my own route up. I find it to be a healthy balance of challenge and safety - I have had two very "close calls" in climbing, one where I almost fell and the other when my climbing buddy almost fell. Those were my high school days for you..

Vertical is as difficult as I've ever done.

I also enjoy bouldering, which there is plenty of up in the Granite State.

This winter has been my first real exposure to "scrambling," as I now know that it actually has a name. My climbing buddy and I have hit some state park "cliffs" a few times already this winter in the snow. The climbing difficulty is mostly in how fast you pace yourself, and the snow definitely makes it interesting. I've enjoyed it a lot!

I would be happy to tell you about my adventures! I can't wait to see how CST will enhance my climbing this summer.

John

[Joseph David]

John,

I like to think of climbing as vertical Prasara. Each sequence, kinetic chain, is joint mobility drill. You're going to love how CST enhances your climbing experience :)