Hollow body

[Dan Houlihan]

Thanks for all the great info. I tried searching for answer but could not find it, sorry if this is basic.

Can someone explain the reason the hollow body position is ideal for so many exercises?

Thanks

[Guest]

Hollow body helps with proper muscle activation in many exercises such as levers etc. When doing a handstand, for instance,  it helps stabilizing the midsection and i.e. it gets easier to balance. 

 

There is probably more to it, hopefully someone more experienced can fill in?

[Guest]

"More leverage", as commented in another thread by Coach Sommer himself.

[Sean Whitley]

From a non strength training perspective, its fundamental for skill moves. My abilities dramatically improved when it clicked how to use hollow and arch shapes in skill work. Just bouncing on a trampoline for example, a tight hollow shape gives so much more control and height. 

If you start strength training and conditioning before or alongside skill work, all those hours accumulated in hollow and arch shapes will subconsciously carry over into efficient and aesthetic skill work.

[Jono]

As well as the above, a hollow body looks the most aesthetic for all of the levers. Looks bad when you see an arched back etc.

[Mats Trane]

Have a look at this post

https://www.gymnasticbodies.com/forum/topic/13016-hollow-vs-neutral-spine/

and this:

https://www.gymnasticbodies.com/forum/topic/5959-scapula-position-for-basic-and-static-exercises/

[Aaro Helander]

For the sake of reference experiece, also take a look at this short article about the hollow body pull-up, by Pavel Tsatsouline:

 

http://www.strongfirst.com/the-best-upper-body-pull/