Posted: 9/21/2012 7:56:18 AM EDT
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Since this was brought up in another thread I thought I would start this thread. GPP is one of those terms that like everything else in the fitness world everyone has their own definition to this and is slowly being butchered. So what is your definition/ideas on it?
I like Bondarchuk's (Soviet track coach, wrote Transfer of Training) definition that GPP is stuff that won't increase sporting results except in novices. Which means GPP must be defined within the context of sport. Running is specific to a runner but general to a powerlifter. Even though GPP wont make you better at your sport it will provide a platform for continued sport performance. More than one horribly out of shape powerlifter has gotten into better cardiovascular shape and saw their lifts increase. Not because doing cardio makes you better at squatting, benching and deadlifting but because the were finally in good enough shape to do the training loads they had to do to get stronger. Even though a muscle may not be a prime mover or even synergist for a sporting movement, strengthening it will provide balance to the joint which will allow for continued improvement in your sport. No one gets stronger from getting hurt (maybe smarter though). A common example in everyday life is the recommondation for someone to strengthen their abs to reduce the likelihood of a back injury or releive chronic back pain. I'm using examples that are pretty apparently general, not everything is as obvious. I think it is best to view it as a sliding scale rather than a general box and a specific box. Somethings are apparently general such as running for a powerlifter and somethings are not, such as pushing a heavy prowler for a powerlifter. So thats my opinion on this. If you can't relate to the idea of sports just replace sport with goal. As for GPP and crossfit, I really have no idea what to say when you might find out the specific events minutes before doing them and those events could be nearly anything. |
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I honestly think the best and most succinct way to describe GPP is "work capacity". Regardless of whether it's related to your specific sport or not. It's general work ability for anyone in any sport. Can you run 2 miles? Can you squat your bodyweight for some reps? Can you do some pullups? Can you drag 90lbs on a sled a football field in under 1 minute? No? You're lacking in some General fitness. 1) Get something heavy(ish) 2) carry it, drag it, push it, pull it, throw it. 3) rinse and repeat. ––> GPP. |
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Quoted: I honestly think the best and most succinct way to describe GPP is "work capacity". Regardless of whether it's related to your specific sport or not. It's general work ability for anyone in any sport. Can you run 2 miles? Can you squat your bodyweight for some reps? Can you do some pullups? Can you drag 90lbs on a sled a football field in under 1 minute? No? You're lacking in some General fitness. 1) Get something heavy(ish) 2) carry it, drag it, push it, pull it, throw it. 3) rinse and repeat. ––> GPP. Yeah I agree with this. Basically GPP = being able to do any sort of physical activity... you may not be awesome at it, but you can at least do it. The examples above are good. While this particular person that can do the above isn't going to be an amazing athlete, he can meet any sort of demand that is made of his body at any time (ie- go for a long hike, evade zombies in the apocalypse, pick up another person that is injured etc...) As far as crossfit goes, lots of CFers like to say we don't specialize...that's sort of true, but IMO competitive CFers sort of specialize in GPP if that makes sense- which allows us to do that event that we didn't even know what it was until 5 minutes before without issue.
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