Jason Paul
Level 3 Valued Member
I'm in my early 40's, and started on the PM about four months ago, after a long break. About three weeks ago, I moved to the ROP. Now I wonder if the ROP is the right move for me.
I asked here about pressing, because I have a childhood shoulder injury that has always affected my pressing strength (never was able to build much). In that thread, someone asked my goals. I don't really have any - just strength and health, and to look good.
About the same time, there was another thread here asking about a good GPP program. I could relate to the thread. Basically, some of us just want general strength (helping someone move was an example), stability, mobility, flexibility, etc. I do understand that specific goals will get you somewhere faster, but sometimes there isn't really anything specific.
So, I've been thinking about this. I'm no expert, so these are just my layman's thoughts. Basically what exercises might really translate into real-world, functional strength?
First, it seems conditioning is a given, and around here swings are probably the first recommendation. This makes sense to me - good for conditioning, and a very functional movement (hinge) that transfers well.
As far as functional strength, I'm thinking simple displays; picking stuff up (like a couch), putting stuff up on a high shelf, or taking it down, pushing or pulling stuff. Basically moving stuff around.
Deadlifts are obvious.
I wonder about overhead pressing. Rarely do I need to put something like a box overhead (on a shelf, say), and strictly press it. Usually it would be more of a push press or jerk. So, would learning the mechanics of, and strengthening the push press and jerk be more "functional"?
Sometimes if I'm moving something (real world), I may need to be on one foot, reaching around a box to get another, higher box - or something like that. With that in mind, I can see the value of the windmill and the getup (TGU). Both put the upper torso through a range of motion that seems beneficial for this type of real-world task.
Loaded carries are very practical as well. When moving things, I'll usually either carry them at arms length, at my shoulders, or overhead. So, loaded carries in these positions make sense (farmer's walk, carries in the racked position, overhead carries or waiter's walks).
I'm not sure about pushing or pulling, beyond pushing/pulling a car or sled or something.
I also think that doing these exercises with a sandbag would be effective.
The point of this thread isn't necessarily asking for a program (other than wondering out loud if I should be on the ROP). Really, I'm just looking for general thoughts and opinions about GPP for people who aren't "athletes", and what might be good to focus on.
Jason
I asked here about pressing, because I have a childhood shoulder injury that has always affected my pressing strength (never was able to build much). In that thread, someone asked my goals. I don't really have any - just strength and health, and to look good.
About the same time, there was another thread here asking about a good GPP program. I could relate to the thread. Basically, some of us just want general strength (helping someone move was an example), stability, mobility, flexibility, etc. I do understand that specific goals will get you somewhere faster, but sometimes there isn't really anything specific.
So, I've been thinking about this. I'm no expert, so these are just my layman's thoughts. Basically what exercises might really translate into real-world, functional strength?
First, it seems conditioning is a given, and around here swings are probably the first recommendation. This makes sense to me - good for conditioning, and a very functional movement (hinge) that transfers well.
As far as functional strength, I'm thinking simple displays; picking stuff up (like a couch), putting stuff up on a high shelf, or taking it down, pushing or pulling stuff. Basically moving stuff around.
Deadlifts are obvious.
I wonder about overhead pressing. Rarely do I need to put something like a box overhead (on a shelf, say), and strictly press it. Usually it would be more of a push press or jerk. So, would learning the mechanics of, and strengthening the push press and jerk be more "functional"?
Sometimes if I'm moving something (real world), I may need to be on one foot, reaching around a box to get another, higher box - or something like that. With that in mind, I can see the value of the windmill and the getup (TGU). Both put the upper torso through a range of motion that seems beneficial for this type of real-world task.
Loaded carries are very practical as well. When moving things, I'll usually either carry them at arms length, at my shoulders, or overhead. So, loaded carries in these positions make sense (farmer's walk, carries in the racked position, overhead carries or waiter's walks).
I'm not sure about pushing or pulling, beyond pushing/pulling a car or sled or something.
I also think that doing these exercises with a sandbag would be effective.
The point of this thread isn't necessarily asking for a program (other than wondering out loud if I should be on the ROP). Really, I'm just looking for general thoughts and opinions about GPP for people who aren't "athletes", and what might be good to focus on.
Jason