Difficulty is context-specific

“That’s cheating”

This idea that exercise “progression” (whatever the sweet sugary shit that is) looks like being able to do something free-standing or without assistance NEEDS TO DIE.

Remember that the goal is CONTEXT SPECIFIC. An exercise’s function is determined by the goal. If the goal is to be good at balancing specifically, then sure, eventually, removing constraints (kind of) makes sense. But unless you’re intending on being a full-time tightroparationist (definitely a word) then removing constraints likely makes little sense.

If your principal goal is to get stronger (or its downstream effects), then constraints and references are a very good idea.

Most people wouldn’t see a bodybuilder or strong person using a machine and say “that’s cheating”. And yet, wall leaning X, Hatfield holds Y, and chest supported Z, somehow are remedial/regressive.

They aren’t. They’re a goal-specific method that considers the principles of overload and specificity.

Coaches, please note this to your trainees, and trainees please don’t worry about it. Just focus on consistent effort.

CONSISTENT. EFFORT.