KONONOV HANDSTAND WORKSHOP

Oleksiy blends the best of two careers--that of a world-class gymnast and an elite Cirque du Soleil performing artist--into a hands-on gymnastics workshop designed with CrossFitters in mind.

Oleksiy understands all too well the punishment CrossFitters frequently subject themselves to, and his workshop is designed with the premise that building gymnastics skills without a solid foundation leads to injury and frustration.

The workshop has a heavy preparation component in which Oleksiy and his team teach an in-depth warm-up which covers nearly every conceivable warm-up movement. The warm-up consists of a dynamic general warm-up, general flexibility and mobility movements, and very specific flexibility and mobility exercises which each have a carry-over to advanced gymnastics movements like handstand, handstand walking, bar and ring muscle-ups.

The workshop has teaching progressions for handstand, handstand walking, and for bar and ring muscle-ups, however, the workshop is not a break-out style workshop for these movements. The break-out style was for the warm-up movements.

Oleksiy's high-level training and experience give him a unique perspective on integrating the shoulders, hips, and core--a perspective which comes through clearly in his teaching methods.

It becomes quickly apparent to all participants that they can no longer neglect their efforts to integrate these three separate but functionally unified areas.

We had about 35 people from the gym take part in the workshop, and everyone left with something they could immediately work on to make improvements with both their gymnastics and CrossFit game.

I would definitely recommend this workshop to anyone interested in learning what the unique perspective of a world-class gymnast and Cirque du Soleil performing artist brings to the gymnastics components of CrossFit.

I've had the opportunity to work with Oleksiy for almost a year now. This has led to many discussions, exchange and observations. I can say with certainty that Oleksiy is dedicated to his work, not only as an acrobat but also as a professional conditioning coach. Once he has an idea in mind, he keeps focus while also being open and curious to suggestions or feedback. This is why I can truthfully recommend Oleksiy and encourage any work opportunity with him.

Oleksiy and his crew came to CrossFit 819 and put on an excellent gymnastics basics class. They were very attentive and it was obvious from the start that they're experts in their art. The class was well run, organized, and they stressed the most important parts of gymnastics movement. Would definitely like them to come back and give a more advanced class! Thanks Oleksiy, thanks guys.