How to Do CrossFit Core Control Basics

CrossFit is the hybrid approach to fitness and exercise that uses different styles to challenge the body. One key aspect in CrossFit is core control, which demands great upper body strength and lows of precision to balance yourself in basic to highly advanced handstand type positions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice handstands on the ground by bending at the waist and turning down into a handstand position. You should try to replace your feet with your hands on the ground. Support yourself in the air as long as possible and find your center of balance by throwing the handstand as many times as you can.

    • 2

      Work on your core strength by doing exercises like hanging leg raises, squats and deadlifts. Challenge yourself by adding load (weight), speed and time to your workouts so that you not only build large muscle but also fine-tune smaller muscles to keep you stable.

    • 3

      Move to doing your handstands on raised up bars. You can start on pushup bars or you can craft your own bars from PVC piping. As you raise up to the handstand, keep your legs together and straight above you in a neutral position. If you need to make adjustments to the position try to do so with your arms, lats and core muscles to maintain control.

    • 4

      Make small but important adjustments to your handstands to enhance core control by locking out your elbows and raising your head so you can look at the ground and your hands. Keep tension through your legs to the point of your toes.

    • 5

      Try to work some of CrossFit's Workout of the Day into your regular workout routine to build the kind of full body strength required for proper CrossFit core control.