Examining the Turkish Get Up

Turkish Get-Ups

As I alluded to in my Dan John podcast from a few weeks ago, we're using more and more Turkish get-ups (TGU) in our programming.  Obviously, it's a fantastic exercise, but it's got me thinking more and more about why it's so great.

When you break down a get-up, here's a short list of benefits I can think of:

-       Improved shoulder stability (especially in the low traps and rotator cuff)

-       Improved thoracic spine extension

-       Improved core strength/stability

-       Improved hip mobility in multiple planes

-       Improved hip extension

And while that's all fine and dandy, I think if we simply look at those isolative points, we're missing the boat to a degree.  Here are some of the reasons I like to include Turkish get-ups in my programming.

1.     Break the monotony!

So much of what we do in the gym is purely front-to-back or side-to-side.  With TGU's, it breaks that monotony.  It's not only good for our bodies, but for our brains as well.

2.     A Fantastic Diagnostic Tool

While a great initial assessment is important, we also need to adopt the "always assessing" mindset.  Quite simply, we're always watching our clients and athletes move from the second they walk in the door. 

TGU's not only give us a better idea of how they move, but also the limitations they suffer from, and asymmetries that we should be working to address.

3.     Regaining our athleticism

As I mentioned above in #1, so much of what we do in the gym is regimented and strict.  While a maximal deadlift is friggin' cool, it's definitely not the most athletic thing I've ever seen. (And yes, I'm sure powerlifters everywhere are going to be fuming all over the Interwebz after I write this one!)

Athletics force us to react to different situations, and adapt to them.  This is one of the major benefits of TGU's - they put us in a much more dynamic environment and force our body's to adapt and overcome.

As you can see, I'm a huge proponent of the TGU and it's something I'm going to be employing heavily in upcoming programs.  If you'd like more information on the TGU, I'd highly recommend checking out Brett Jones and Gray Cook's Kettlebells from the Ground Up DVD and manual at Dragon Door. 

You can also find out more about kettlebell training in general from the two podcasts I've linked below (because I know everyone likes free stuff!):

Dan John podcast

Brett Jones podcast

Stay strong

MR

(Robertson Training Systems is an Affiliate for Dragon Door)