Why combine training disciplines?
So, I train with three bunches of people. One group are the powerlifters - chalk everywhere, heavy metal blaring and tiny ranges of motion everywhere.
Next are the triathletes - gritted teeth, quotes from David Goggins and the inevitable "hey man, wanna do a marathon this weekend?"
Then the last group, ah the last group - the gymnasts. Always moving with grace, with flexibility even a yoga instructor would be jealous of, and the most tremendous strength.
I love combining the disciplines, but one thing I've noticed is how much stronger the gymnasts are compared to the other groups I train with.
You take a powerlifter and you put him/her on rings and they never do well. Its the inevitable shaking like their on an overdose, quickfire remark at the size of the gymnast's legs and then usually finishing with "ah, well at least I can bench a lot".
You take the gymnast and put him on the bench press and the results speak for themselves. Without fail, the gymnast will be close to a 1.5x bodyweight bench, without ever benching. They have no leg drive, no crazy arch, just pure, raw strength.
The only issue with gymnasts is their leg strength, they will buckle under a squat, they think having smaller legs will make them better at gymnastics and they hate cardio - usually. (remember these are all from my experience and are sweeping generalisations, take it with a pinch of salt).
So, if you're training to be the best in a sport and go to