What better than a Hellenic inspired post for today.  In ancient Greece, the pursuit of perfection of the mind and body was a primary goal of everyone, young and old.  In our workouts we also strive for perfection…the perfect squat, the perfect deadlift, the perfect technique that signifies the perfect the movement.  As I emphasized before, focus on each rep/set to strive for perfect form.  Before you know this form will become habit and you’ll be setting yourself up for success and longevity by focusing on quality.  As Jon Gilson points out in his article “The Non-Negotiability of Perfection,” intensity of the workout and form are not mutually exclusive as many might think.  Don’t fall into the trap that Jon highlights:

Athletes often set up a false dichotomy between perfect form and intensity, assuming that as one increases the other must necessarily fall.  This idea is a thinly disguised excuse for athletic complacency.  Rather than revisit proper technique through low-intensity, low-excitement skill work, the athlete chooses to pursue personal records with diminished form.  The unstated reason for this choice: it’s easy on the ego to put up “good” WOD times. Taking a hit to your “Fran” time in order to perform perfect thrusters is not going to move you up the records board—at least not right away—and the blow to the ego is too much to bear.

 Work hard today, and everyday on the quality of your form both for your own safety and in order to keep progressing.  Fitness is not a race, but rather a journey.  Be patient and up-front with yourself and strive for perfection in the same manner as the ancient Greeks.

WOD 5.05.10

Deadlift 1×5 

500m Row-off 

C/O: 30 secs total L-Sit holds