Technique, Part 1

Originally published in the CrossFit Journal, Feb. 1, 2008:

In his earlier video “Better Movements” (Oct. 2007. CrossFit Journal), Coach Glassman explained that in several critical ways, high-power functional movements such as the jerk and kipping pull-up are better exercises than their simpler relatives, the press and strict pull-up. In “Productive Application of Force” (Jan. 2008) he explained why our definition of strength is not equivalent to just muscular contractile force. What really matters is the ability to apply that muscular force to real physical work, which cannot be independent of the skills and mechanics of functional movement. In this video, Glassman elaborates further on the relationship between technique and functional movement, power, and fitness. Technique, he explains — like its cousins mechanics, form, and style — is not at odds with intensity but is in fact essential to maximizing power and thus fitness. Proper technique is the mechanism by which potential human energy and strength are translated into real work capacity.