CrossFit Athletic Group

I openly model the physical bones of the Champions Club after the Original CrossFit box in Santa Cruz. From the pull-up bars over the loft, to the pull-up bars in the garage door, to the homemade equipment. One thing that was a main feature in that original gym - that often goes underappreciated - is the ropes, climbing ladders, and cargo nets.

In 2004 Coach Glassman wrote an article in the CrossFit Journal called Macroclimbing. The main theme running throughout is how humans are believed to have evolved to climb (trees, cliffs, etc.) So if we are given this capacity as a gift through biology, then it makes sense to use it often.

The problem with gym movements involving pulling (pull-ups, ring rows) is they are formal, that is they exist only in the weight room and they are man's best guess as how to replicate something in real life. No amount of creativity in pull-up programming can truly replicate all the possible variances in balance, bodyweight, unilateral loading, strength, flexibility, and rhythm that come from informal play involving climbing. Or climbing the fence during lockdown.

This is why I think it is more important for the Double-A session and younger to play than work out. From what I have observed over the last 3 years more improvements have been made through informal pulling that formal pulling.

Thanks to Mr. Bennis's efforts and creativity we now have more options for macroclimbing than ever before (with additional stuff on the way also). Follow the lead of our younger kids and use the climbing stations as often as possible.