“These are strength exercises that involve no external loading. Bodyweight serves as the only loading agent. General strength exercises improve coordination, body control, and flexibility. They also can be used to improve muscular strength and strength endurance, depending on the work/rest scheme used. General strength activities are often the best way to address muscles and muscle groups that are not directly involved in the gross movements we use most in training. Because of the lack of external loading, general strength work is a good way to prevent and alleviate muscle and strength imbalance situations.
General strength can then enhance gross motor performance by preventing imbalance related dysfunction and by activating and educating smaller muscle groups that are responsible for proper action of gross movements. Like bodybuilding lifts, general strength work can be used as a tool to achieve endocrine and energy system fitness.
They can serve as a primary strength training modality for young athletes, and a primary recovery modality for older athletes. These exercises can be classified into the following categories.” Boo Schexnayder
That may be the best definition I’ve ever been given. Not surprised that it came from the master of simplicity. Have a conversation with Boo and you’ll see how he can make aeronautcial engineering seem like 9th grade mathematics. =)