In ExPhysiology, Medical/Injuries
May 22, 2010
Poor posture can create poor results and cause injuries. Dr. John Zimmer explains how to improve posture for best performance and safety.
“Your form sucks.”
This harsh statement is something I politely announce on a regular basis, along with telling the athlete he or she is pulling with the arms or has muted hip function, and it usually comes in response to myriad questions that are either injury- or performance-related.
“Why does my shoulder hurt when I do cleans?”
“Why does my back hurt when I deadlift?”
“Why do my knees hurt when I squat?”
“Why do I jerk the same as my push press?”
“Am I doing this right?”
The quick answer is always easy: “Your form sucks.”
When it comes to good form, the same fundamentals that apply in the gym still hold once we set down the barbell and leave the gym. CrossFit stresses midline stability—chest up, weight back the heels. But what happens when we leave the gym? The first thing that happens is we lose this great positioning.
Download
Comment
Related Articles
What is “sub-failure”? Is that like taking a test and getting a D+?
Sub-failure, when it comes to injury, is common. There is usually pain or discomfort involved, but there… Continue Reading
Our series on solving knee problems continues with Kelly Starrett telling participants at a one day seminar at CrossFit Santa Cruz on March 14, 2009 that he first time an athlete… Continue Reading
Kelly Starrett suggests more solutions to knee problems in Part 3 of a seminar held at CrossFit Santa Cruz on March 14, 2009. Starrett is the owner of San Francisco CrossFit and a Doctor… Continue Reading
Now with both parts!
Flexibility is one of CrossFit’s 10 fitness domains, but it’s often overlooked by athletes focused on sexier domains such as strength, power and endurance. In this video… Continue Reading
10 Comments on “Your Form Sucks”
1
wrote …
Nice article, Dr. John!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
2
wrote …
CrossFit should make this article public so all the haters and shit talkers who have no experience with CrossFit would see that if your form sucks, it's your own fault, not CrossFit's.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
3
wrote …
Dr. John - Loved the article and glad to see crossfit is open to DC's who "get it". I am also a DC working with an affiliate in Missouri on the same stuff... form form form, dynamic warmup/cool down, injury prevention, and so on. Hope to see more of your stuff.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
4
wrote …
This is a great and informative article, thanks! I like the "What if I was catching a power clean?" reminder. Right to the point and very effective!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
5
Jon Harting wrote …
Just wanted to say good article! Nice relations of posture to CrossFit.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
6
wrote …
Yeeeeaaaahhhh! Get Some, Z-Man.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
7
wrote …
Great Article!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
8
wrote …
Awesome article, although the swearing found within was a little bit surprising and perhaps not needed.
Nonetheless, it is great to bring actual awareness to the mechanics of a rigid spine, something that seems to wayside a lot, even in Cfit.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
9
wrote …
Great article from Dr Z. He worked on my sub luxed ribhead before Regionals but it was too little too late. I'm sure that if I had gotten to him sooner I would have be ok to compete. And yes, he did say "your form sucks". ;-)
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
10
wrote …
It is my honor to work out next to John at CrossfitBoston and often receive his outstanding coaching on form and technique. And I might add he usually does it at FULL VOLUME!
You're the best, John Zimmer!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
Leave a comment