5B's Pull-up Jam

August 9, 2010 // Al Kavadlo

This past Saturday was a big workout day for your ol’ buddy Al.

First, I took advantage of Summer Streets by running a few miles during the morning hours. Then after leading my bootcamp workout at Tompkins Square Park, I headed into Crown Heights, Brooklyn to participate in the 12th annual 5B’s Pull-up Jam.

There were six events: muscle-ups, pull-ups, push-ups, dips, squats, and sit-ups. I only participated in the first two events as it had been a long day and with so many participants, the contest was going to go into the night.

The muscle-up contest was first, and it was the only event that wasn’t divided into weight classes. I got to compete with the big boys (literally!). For this event, competitors were given 2 minutes to do as many reps as possible without coming off the bar. I managed to get 18 reps, which was enough to finish it the upper 50% of the competition but not enough to take home a trophy.

The pull-up contest had a lot more competitors and, as a lightweight (I’m barely 160 lbs. these days), my division went last. For this event, we were again given 2 minutes, but we were allowed to come down from the bar in order to rest. The judges were being lenient with form, allowing kipping and not enforcing a dead hang. They were, however, very strict about the chin clearing the bar for a rep to count. I managed 43 official reps in the two minute time allowance, as a few of my reps were not credited.

All in all it was a great day and I hope to participate next year. Watch the video below for more:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyKPrSPL8Gw