Return of the ROM

CrossFit and CrossFit style workouts are full of jargon and lingo that make things a little difficult for people just starting out.  EMOM, AMRAP, T2B, C2B, OHS, HSPU you get the idea.

Back in the day we had an acronym that was used frequently called ROM which stood for "Range Of Motion." 

Certain movements such as KB swings and and GHD sit-ups can have ranges of motion that have to be fixed for competition (to create an equal standard) but that standard is possibly out of the "safe" range of motion for many individuals who have limitations.  Not everyone should be doing full range of motion all the time.

We used to put ROM for the individuals who did not perform the competition standard for range of motion on any movement, and this lead many people to push past appropriate levels and cause themselves to be injured.  Their only motivation was getting the coveted "Rx" next to their score instead of ROM, which caused me to get lack on the use of ROM so people didn't make inappropriate choices.

I am letting everyone know that we are bringing back the ROM, and that it will have many uses.  As an example, in an Open, Hero or Named WOD where we keep track of the best score, if you are not getting a full range of motion on Push ups = ROM  or when you don't clap or jump on a Burpee = ROM.  

However, in most cases, when you see ROM, I want you to view it as a scaling option.  It was not appropriate for this person to do the full range of motion in that exercise.   Rather than completely change the movement, we shortened the range of motion as a scaling option.  

Do not immediately assume that the individuals were caught cheating.  Rather your first reaction should be that they were being sensible about their fitness and chose a standard different than the competition standard from the beginning of the workout, because it was the right scaling for them.

Hope this makes sense.  As of tomorrow, the ROM has returned!

-C-