CrossFit Athletic Group

Let's say, hypothetically, we have one-arm hangs in the workout sometime soon. This introduces a concept called "unilateral loading" that we don't often see in the weight room (squat, deadlift, push-up, jump), but we do often see outside (running, walking, climbing). Any time we only load one side, our body tends to want to fall or rotate away from that side. Here's a quick test: go in push-up position then lift your right hand and hold it by your right hip. Depending on who you are you will either 1) fall to the right or 2) find yourself working extra hard to stay upright. Same test can be done upside down, or hanging from a bar.

Without nerding out on it, the main thing to keep in mind is that rotation or falling away often puts ourselves in an unstable position (see Megan Kav in the top picture - shoulder rolled in and tilting away from her left side). Our main job in these circumstances is to resist the falling and rotation caused by gravity. Doing that will help us build true strength - which we see as your ability to hold a stable position throghout movement.