Wednesday, November 14, 2012

New training move: Black Bug Down!

Adelinde Cornelissen, dressage rider, decided to step up her game in getting into shape. She worked with a personal trainer who specializes in gymnast training (read article here). In this video she shows us her tough training regimen in this Youtube video. I was mostly struck by the first ab move. To me, it looks like a struggling bug, and when you watch the coach do it, it looks like you could really hurt yourself. More power to'em? Better them than me? Somehow I'm not inspired by that particular exercise -- it looks more like a cautionary tale about "the lengths people go to."  Aren't there safer ways to work that muscle group? What say you all?



7 comments:

  1. I've seen a lot of bugs on their backs over the years (loved watching "potato bugs" roll into little balls, but that was just because I touched them ;o) but must admit I've never thought the bugs had strong abs when they righted themselves. More like strong wings ;o) Oh well, Now we'll all have wrenched "whatevers" trying to emulate the next wild hair in the dressage world. I'd rather Annalinde stopped with the rollkur, but that's just me.

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  2. OMG.... no kidding, you could hurt yourself!!! I would not try that unless I was lying on 3" of foam padding, and even then I'd probably rip everything in my abdomen. Don't try this at home, folks! :-)

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  3. I'm a little surprised that quick, sharp movements are being used. Most of the exercises I'm familiar with demand slower, longer held actions.

    That one does look potentially painful. Not for my back, that's for sure.

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  4. I personally don't see it as something that could hurt you, assuming an experienced trainer is supervising and correcting errors in form. It also appears to be a gymnast mat they are on, which has some spring to it. Seems to me the basis for what he's doing is dynamic exersise, which conditions muscles better than the more typical static exercises of sit-ups or arm-raises. Still, I will stick to normal stuff plus actual sports for the dynamic aspect!

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  5. Dangerous looking! Wouldn't try it.

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  6. To be fair, those Gymnastics floors are actually spring loaded/padded to absorb shock, so there probably is not much danger in hurting yourself there.

    Of course, if you're at home on your carpeted floor it would be a different story!

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  7. yeah, those are stupid. I do pilates and yoga, imo, those are the best for your body.

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