The Body Loves Variety – Do Many Things In Many Ways To Avoid Injury

Yesterday, we looked at rope pull ups as another version of the pullup. But this principle can apply to many exercises. That is why we do front squats, back squats and overhead squats...but you can add Bulgarian Split Squats, Lunges, Cleans, Snatches, Thrusters as other variations.

Most repetitive strain injuries occur when you do the one thing in one way over and over again.

Weightlifters know this - they cycle through different exercises and work on their accessory exercises.

Bodybuilders know this - they go through different cycles and exercises to ensure the whole body is balanced.

As a CrossFitter, you should know this as well - in a week where you might have done 100 pullups the day before, it might be worthwhile doing ring pulls or ring pullups or rope pullups just to vary the loading. Even changing it to chin ups can help.

The beauty of CrossFit is that it is infinitely scalable and there are so many exercise choices.

So to avoid injury, try moving your hands around into different positions during push ups. Learn how to do muscles ups with a neutral AND a false grip. Work on strict, kipping and butterfly pullups.

Variety is the spice of life...it is also a valuable injury prevention tool!