To kip or not to kip? When CrossFit is your workout of choice, then this is a significant workout programming question. At Cannon Fitness and Performance, we don’t kip. And here’s why.
But First, What Is Kipping?
Kipping creates a more dynamic version of a movement that relies on momentum more than strength. As a common example, you’ll see kipping pullups programmed in CrossFit workouts and competitions. A kipping pullup coordinates the movements of your legs, hips, and core to transfer momentum from your lower body to your upper body. The use of momentum gets your chin over the bar before you drop down and begin the sequence of movements all over again.
Kipping vs. Strict Movements
Many people would say that kipping is cheating. And while it’s possible to make a strong case for this, it’s not necessarily true. While kipping will decrease the amount of strength needed to complete a movement, it’s not a shortcut to building that strength. To build muscular strength through a full range of motion, you must train the strict movement.
Bottom line: to build strength, don’t kip.
What Are Your Goals?
So if kipping can’t replace a strict movement, then what’s the point? Why does anyone do it?
It comes down to your goals. Kipping might be relevant if you’re a competitive CrossFit athlete. But for most of us, our long-term fitness goals are based on living a healthy and fit lifestyle. Kipping can’t replace or compensate for developing strength.
If kipping doesn’t align with your goals, then like any other movement, you don’t need to include it in your workouts. Rather than putting time toward learning how to kip, use that time to develop strength.
CrossFit gyms will vary on whether or not they include kipping movements in their workout programming. At Cannon Fitness and Performance, we prioritize strength and stick to strict movements – no kipping.
To learn more about what we have to offer and how we can help you achieve your fitness goals, contact us today.