The short answer to this is, “Absolutely.” Now, I know what most of you are thinking. “What about my barbell numbers?” Ahh yes, the beloved barbell. Some of you guys and gals really love that thing. Well, what I can tell you will be off is your timing.
The barbell, especially in weightlifting (clean/jerk/snatch), requires a TON of coordination and accuracy. There’s just no way to really improve on those things without doing the movements or variations thereof (and lucky you, we’ll be posting some videos of working on that coordination thing, too). We will be snatching with dumbbells (or even heavy handled bottles, if that’s the equipment you have in your home), but as you all know, it’s not quite the same. Speed, which is equal parts muscle contraction and neurological proficiency, will definitely be affected.
Again, I know what you’re thinking, “What about my strength gains?” Well, the good news for you is that as long as you keep up with at-home workouts, you’ll be fine. You see, strength is not as dependent on neurological proficiency as speed is. Have you ever heard someone say, “He’s got old man strength.” Well, the reason for that is that strength tends to take much longer to wear off than almost any other physiological adaptation. And, since most of us will likely be doing plenty of bodyweight movements during this time, you’ll be filling in gaps that you couldn’t uncover by continuing to use the barbell.
What do I mean by that? Well, bodyweight movements are the only movements that allow for increases in strength only while increasing strength-to-weight ratios. In other words, weight can remain constant (your bodyweight), and you can still see improvement in strength gains.
So, keep hitting your workouts hard and stay diligent on your nutrition habits!
Interested in learning more about our at-home workouts and online fitness training and nutrition? Email jobie@crossfitvirilis.com or schedule a time HERE.