Stretch Rayner 11/11/2022 Stretch Rayner 11/11/2022

Building Straight-Arm Scapular Strength Part 2: The Foundations

Scapular push-ups, scapular rows, handstand shrugs, dip shrugs, RTO ring support holds, and passive and active hangs are all excellent tools for building scapular strength, but they can get a little boring once you’ve master them.

I still do them, but a good place for them is in the warm-up as activation drills.

If you're new to SASS and you're still getting ready to train front levers, planche and handstands, what can you do to build SASS?

Stretch Rayner 04/11/2022 Stretch Rayner 04/11/2022

Building Straight-Arm Scapular Strength Part 1: Awareness

I thought I was strong when I first started Gymnastics Strength Training (GST). I'd been lifting weights in the gym for years and increasing my squat, deadlift, chin-up, overhead press and bench numbers.

But it didn't prepare me for GST, especially Straight-Arm Scapular Strength (SASS) movements.

I couldn't hold a Tuck Planche.

I couldn't Skin The Cat or hold a Back or Front Lever.

I couldn't hold a Handstand.

I was strong. But what was I missing?