Michael Aaron

Upcoming CFM Events

Wednesday, Sept 14th: 5:45am-8am and 3:30-8pm. Dunk Truck at CFM for body composition testing. Sign up here!
Saturday, Sept 17th: 2-3:30pm. CFM Social & Potluck.
Thursday, Sept 22nd: Bring-A-Friend Day!! There will be an all levels partner friendly WOD. Invite a friend, family member, or co-worker to join you for the WOD.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Stacy
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Stacy
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Justin
4p: Open Gym- Brianna
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Brianna
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Tina
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Tina
8:15p: Tuesday Yoga- Jackie
Sign up for yoga this week and next. Click here to reserve

Workout of the Day (WOD)

Baseline Plus Test [17 Minute Time Cap]
Level 3
2 Rounds
500m Row
40 Goblet Squats (24/16kg)
30 Wall Sit Ups
20 Deficit Pushups (3.5”/2.5”)
10 Strict Pullups

Level 2
2 Rounds
500m Row
40 Air Squats
30 Wall Sit Ups
20 Pushups
10 Pullups

Level 1
1 Round
500m Row
40 Air Squats
30 Wall Sit Ups
20 Incline Pushups (30”)
10 Ring Rows (toes under the rings)

Post time to complete the WOD. Ex: 11:40 L3

Coach’s Corner
This workout has been developed by Neal Maddox to be the first of 2 benchmark workouts. It is modeled off one of the original benchmark workouts and adapted to create appropriate skill levels for our wide range of athletes. The original workout was only 1 round no matter what the skill level, but we are challenging both our level 2 and level 3 athletes to take it up a notch with 2 rounds.

Pick a level based on your current abilities, not because you feel like you should be an X level athlete. The goal is to move as quickly through the workout as possible without getting stuck on one movement due to it being too heavy or too advanced of a movement. We will be retesting this workout in 6 weeks for all CFM members. Enjoy the workout and this variation on the Baseline!

And coming tomorrow…

20 Minute AMRAP “Open Test”
50 Wall balls (20/14) to (10/9ft)
50 Double Unders
40 Box Jumps (24/20”)
40 Toes to Bar
30 Chest to Bar Pullups
30 Bar Facing Burpees
20 Cleans (145/100)
20 Jerks (145/100)
10 Snatches (145/100)
10 Muscle Ups

Post total reps completed in the WOD. Ex: 286 Rx.

TUES 09.13.16 “Baseline Plus” Read More »

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Stacy
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Stacy
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
4p: Open Gym- Anthony
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony
8p: Strength Training/Open Gym- Michael

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Clean + Push Press: In 15 minutes work up to a heavy single power clean + push press.
(95% of 1 RM Push Press)

B. 4 Rounds
1 Minute: 1 set of max reps push press (80% of Part A.)
1 Minute: 1 set of max toes to bar
Rest 3 minutes between rounds

Post load for heavy push press and total reps of press and toes to bar in the WOD
Ex: 245#, 21 at 205#, 55 Rx

And coming tomorrow…TUESDAY

Baseline Plus Test [17 Minute Time Cap]
Level 3
2 Rounds
500m Row
40 Goblet Squats (24/16kg)
30 Wall Sit Ups
20 Deficit Pushups (3.5”/2.5”)
10 Strict Pullups

Level 2
2 Rounds
500m Row
40 Air Squats
30 Wall Sit Ups
20 Pushups
10 Pullups

Level 1
1 Round
500m Row
40 Air Squats
30 Wall Sit Ups
20 Incline Pushups (30”)
10 Ring Rows (toes under the rings)

Post time to complete the WOD. Ex: 11:40 L3

MON 09.12.16 Read More »

Upcoming CFM Events

Saturday, Sept 10th: 9-12am. Lurong Kickoff Party & Team Selections.
Monday, Sept 12th: Start of Lurong Championship Challenge! Click here to read more.
Wednesday, Sept 14th: 5:30am-8am and 3:45-8pm. Dunk Truck at CFM for body composition testing!!
Thursday, Sept 22nd: Bring-A-Friend Day. There will be an all levels partner friendly WOD. Invite a friend, family member, or co-worker to join you for the WOD.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Stacy
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Stacy
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Justin
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Front Squat: In 8 minutes work up to a heavy single (from rack) (90% 1 RM).

B. Clean & Jerk: In 8 minutes work up to a heavy single (90% 1 RM).

C. Partner WOD “Two Face” [16 Minute Time Cap]
4 Rounds
10 Pullups** (L3 = C2B)
10 Power Clean
10 Front Squats
10 Push Jerk
(m = 65/95/115, w = 45/65/85)

**Scale to Kipping Single Pullups 1:2 (5 reps/rd), Barbell Pullups 1:1, Ring Rows 1:1

All Rounds and reps are individual totals. Each team has 1 barbell. At 3,2,1…go the first partner begins on the pullups while the other starts on the barbell. When both partners are on the barbell they partition their reps and may alternate who is working any way. Time is complete when both partners have finished the 4 rounds.

Post load for squat, jerk, and time for WOD. Ex: 275#, 245#, 11:50 L3.

Lurong Kickoff Party

Lurong Kickoff Party Saturday, September 10th!! This Saturday we have an information session for Lurong and will be announcing the teams for the 7-week Fall Nutrition and Fitness Challenge. At 9:30am we’ll meet to discuss Lurong and our team format as well as take measurements for CFM members and Lurong Participants. See below for the class schedule for Saturday. Click here to learn more and register: select CrossFit Midtown.

The Championship Challenge combines diet, fitness, and accountability for the CrossFit community. Click here to unleash your inner Champion! — The Championship Challenge combines diet, fitness, and accountability for the CrossFit community.
Click here to unleash your inner Champion!

Schedule of Classes
8:30am Gym Opens — Michael
9-10am Open Gym — Travis
9:30-10am Lurong Information Session
**Starting weight & measurements
**Review of Lurong Events Calendar
**Team Roster Announcement (Members, Captains, Coach Adviser)
**Selection of Team Heroes (Justice League Theme).
10-11am Team WOD “Deadshot” (Open to all CFMers!!) — Travis
11am-12pm Open Gym/Food samples catered by Fresh N Fit Cuisine — Travis
12:15pm Yoga — Monica

And coming Saturday…

“Deadshot” [30 Minute Time Cap]

Teams of 5
Complete 5k Row
Team members may alternate rowers as often as they like. While 1 team member is rowing the other teammates will complete the following:
10 Rounds
15 D-ball Deadshots**
20 AbMat Situps

All distances and rounds and reps are team totals. 1 person working at a time on the row while 1 person at a time is working on the rounds of deadshot and situps. Teams may partition the row, rounds, and reps any way. Time is complete once both the row and 10 rounds are finished.

**Levels for Deadshots
L1 = 15# to 10ft / 10# to 8ft
L2 = 20# to 10ft / 15# to 9ft
L3 = 20# to 12ft / 20# to 10ft

Post time to complete the WOD. Ex. 21:21 Rx.

Saturday Schedule

9a: Open Gym- Travis
10a: All Levels CrossFit- Travis
11a: Open Gym- Travis
12:15p: Yoga- Monica Miller. Click here to reserve

Sunday Schedule

9a: All Levels CrossFit- Travis
10a: All Levels CrossFit- Travis
11a: Strength Training/Open Gym- Travis
12:15p: Yoga- Alexis Story. Click here to reserve

FRI 09.09.16 Lurong Kickoff Party!! Read More »

Upcoming CFM Events

Saturday, Sept 10th: 9-12am. Lurong Kickoff Party & Team Selections.
Monday, Sept 12th: Start of Lurong Championship Challenge! Click here to read more.
Wednesday, Sept 14th: 3:30-8pm. Dunk Truck at CFM for body composition testing. Sign up here!
Thursday, Sept 22nd: Bring-A-Friend Day!! There will be an all levels partner friendly WOD. Invite a friend, family member, or co-worker to join you for the WOD.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Travis
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Travis
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Justin
4p: Open Gym- Anthony
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Travis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Travis

Workout of the Day (WOD):

A. Deadlift: In 15 minutes work up to a 5 rep max.

B. “Golf Carting”
8 Minute AMRAP
20/15 Cal Bike or 20/15 Cal Row
15 Pushups
100ft Farmers Walk (32’s/24’s)
15 Slam Balls (20/15)
20 Lateral Step Ups & Over (24/20”)
20 AbMat Situps

Rest 2 minutes after the first AMRAP and repeat starting with 20/15 Cal Row instead.

In a shotgun start, one person on each team starts on a different movement and moves down the list to complete the round. 100/95 reps per round. Continue the second AMRAP where you started the 1st AMRAP. The team with the most reps from their individuals wins the race.

Post load for deadlift and total individual reps completed (50ft carry = 5 reps)
Ex: 400#, 305 Rx.

And coming tomorrow…

A. Front Squat: In 8 minutes work up to a heavy single (from rack) (90% 1 RM).

B. Clean & Jerk: In 8 minutes work up to a heavy single (90% 1 RM).

C. Partner WOD “Two Face” [16 Minute Time Cap]
4 Rounds
10 Pullups** (L3 = C2B)
10 Power Clean
10 Front Squats
10 Push Jerk
(m = 65/95/115, w = 45/65/85)

**Scale to Kipping Single Pullups 1:2 (5 reps/rd), Barbell Pullups 1:1, Ring Rows 1:1

Post load for squat, jerk, and time for WOD. Ex: 275#, 245#, 11:50 L3.

THUR 09.08.16 Read More »

CrossFit Midtown is very excited to announce our September 2016 Member of the Month, David Holland! Read on to learn more about David and his CrossFit journey. Thank you for being such an outstanding member of the CFM community!

Name: David Holland
Nickname: “Mad Dog” (I used to wear a shredder with a picture of a rabid dog on it, and I tend to “vocalize” a lot when I lift heavy things)
Age: 47
Hometown: Jackson, MS (yeah, I don’t believe it either)

How did you get exposed to CrossFit? Some friends of mine were doing it and made it sound really fun, so I decided to drink the Kool Aid.

What brought you to CrossFit Midtown? I was visiting Atlanta and came as a drop-in. Mike was the coach and made me feel really welcome so when I moved here I decided to join.

What was your very first day at CrossFit Midtown like? It was hot (I came at noon), but the rest of it was a blur. I just remember feeling very comfortable with the staff.

What changes have you seen in your overall health and fitness level since starting CrossFit? Unlike most people, I actually gained weight doing CrossFit – about 30 pounds (of muscle). I’m a lot stronger now, and I’ve discovered that I can do some things that I never thought possible for me. I’m still no gymnast, but I can squat.

What kind of changes have you you experienced since starting CrossFit that were completely unexpected? The more fit I got, the more confident I became in my life. My self perception has always been a bit skewed, but the gains I made at CrossFit forced me to challange many things I thought I knew about myself.

Getting new people to drink the "kool aid" on Bring-a-Friend Day — Getting new people to “drink the kool aid” on Bring-a-Friend Day

Favorite WOD: Used to be “Cindy” before I got bigger. Now I have to love “Fran.”

Least favorite WOD: “Mary Ann” — still no HSPUs.

Favorite CrossFit Midtown moment: I hit a large PR back squat a few weeks ago. After I moved back to Atlanta, I had a hard time getting back into my fitness groove for about a year, but I hit several new PRs this year — this one was my favorite.

Hobbies, Talents and or Interests Outside of CrossFit: I’m a recovered drug addict (16 years) who’d been subjected to an rx drug treatment, so I spend a lot of my time with men in recovery.

Advice for new CrossFitters: Don’t be afraid that you’re going to look stupid. It’s OK not to be graceful when trying new things, and even some basic movements (like squats) require us to move in ways that may seem silly at first.
Also, it took me about 3-6 months to get used to some of the most basic movements, like back squats. I had to learn to feel confident that I wasn’t going to fall over before I could work on getting strong, but once I got into the grove my strength skyrocketed. So don’t be afraid to scale a lot while you’re getting used to the movements.
And lastly, if you didn’t fail at something today, you weren’t reaching far enough.

September 2016 Member of the Month, David Holland Read More »

Ellen taking the team relay hand off from Jeannette from "Baton Relay" WOD — Ellen taking the team relay hand off from Jeannette in the “Baton Relay” WOD

Upcoming CFM Events

Saturday, Sept 10th: 9-12am. Lurong Kickoff Party & Team Selections.
Monday, Sept 12th: Start of Lurong Championship Challenge! Click here to read more.
Wednesday, Sept 14th: 3:30-8pm. Dunk Truck at CFM for body composition testing. Sign up here!
Thursday, Sept 22nd: Bring-A-Friend Day!! There will be an all levels partner friendly WOD. Invite a friend, family member, or co-worker to join you for the WOD.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Ellen
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Ellen
8a: Open Gym- Ellen
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Brianna
4p: Open Gym- Brianna
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Brianna
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Tina
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Tina
8p: Strength Training/Open Gym- Michael

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Team “DVB” [35 Minute Time Cap]
8 x 200m Run with a single Medicine Ball (20/14)
8 Rounds
10 Wallballs (20/14) to 10ft
1 rope climb**
4 x 200m Run with a single Medicine Ball (20/14)
4 Rounds
10 Wallballs
1 rope climb
2 x 200m Run with a single Medicine Ball (20/14)
2 Rounds
10 Wallballs
1 rope climb

**Wear long socks or pants to protect your legs for rope climbs. Rope climbs only permitted if wearing long socks or pants. Scale for Rope climbs:
10ft climb 1:1, Seated box rope climb 2:1, floor plank rope climb 1:1, ring rows 5:1.

All reps and distances are team totals. One athlete working at a time. Partners may partition the rounds and reps any way. For the run, partners may alternate 100, 200, or 400m on the runs for 1600m, then 800m, then 400m total.

B. Calf Smash & Stretch
Barbell calf smash 1:30 each side
Banded distraction ankle stretch: 40 sec calf, 40 sec achilles each side

Post time to complete the WOD. Ex: 30:40 Rx.

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: In 15 minutes work up to a 5 rep max.

B. “Golf Carting”
8 Minute AMRAP
20/15 Cal Bike or 20/15 Cal Row
15 Pushups
100ft Farmers Walk (32’s/24’s)
15 Slam Balls (20/15)
20 Lateral Step Ups & Over (24/20”)
20 AbMat Situps

Rest 2 minutes after the first AMRAP and repeat starting with 20/15 Cal Row instead.

Post load for deadlift and total individual reps completed (50ft carry = 5 reps)
Ex: 400#, 305 Rx.

WED 09.07.16 Read More »

CFM Fall Lurong Living Championship Challenge

The Challenge starts on Monday, September 12th and now is the time to jump on board! This is the final weekend to join and registration is $44.95 and closes this Sunday, September 11th so sign up today to participate.
Click here to learn more and register: select CrossFit Midtown.

Test You Limits. Then Break Them!

We invite you to take on the 7 week Championship Challenge.

The Lurong Living Championship Challenge was created to accomplish 3 main goals.

First, it is a service to our members to provide a platform to track nutrition, set goals, and be accountable for working out regularly. The Challenge also lets our coaches at CFM focus on doing what we do best: coaching, inspiring, and encouraging our members to reach the next level.

Second, the Challenge offers the opportunity for CrossFitters to compete on the same playing field, no matter their skill level, athletic prowess, or experience. The weighted scoring system balances 3 primary categories: diet, performance, and improvement. You can be confident that all members of our gym will be challenged and be pushed to reach new levels.

The third reason. We participate in the Lurong Living Championship Challenge to unify our community. Not only can all levels of athletes compete together but our gym will be competing against other gyms from across the country. At the same time, you will know that your brothers and sisters are going through the same challenge and lifestyle changes as you.

We are all in this together, and the Challenge and online platform is methodically designed to help us see real, sustainable change in our body, health, and performance!!

Upcoming CFM Events

Saturday, Sept 10th: 9-12am. Lurong Kickoff Party & Team Selections.
Monday, Sept 12th: Start of Lurong Championship Challenge! Click here to read more.
Wednesday, Sept 14th: 3:30-8pm. Dunk Truck at CFM for body composition testing. Sign up here!
Thursday, Sept 22nd: Bring-A-Friend Day!! There will be an all levels partner friendly WOD. Invite a friend, family member, or co-worker to join you for the WOD.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Travis
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Travis
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Justin
4p: Open Gym- Anthony
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Brianna
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Brianna
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Brianna
8:15p: Tuesday Yoga- Jackie
Sign up for yoga this week and next. Click here to reserve

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Power Snatch: In 10 Minutes work up to a moderate/heavy single. (80% of 1 RM)

B. “Twister”
3 Rounds of 5 Minute AMRAP:5 Minute Rest between each AMRAP
On a running clock:
1st AMRAP: 0-5:00
10 Power Snatch (m = 45/75/95, w = 35/55/65)
10 Bar over Burpees

2nd AMRAP: 10:00-15:00
15 Power Snatch (m = 75/95/115, w = 55/65/85)
15 Bar Over Burpees

3rd AMRAP: 20:00-25:00
30 Power Snatch (m = 95/115/135, w = 65/85/95)
30 Bar Over Burpees

Post snatch and reps completed in each AMRAP.
Ex: 190#, 55, 45, 54 L3

And coming tomorrow…

B. Calf Smash & Stretch
Barbell calf smash 1:30 each side
Banded distraction ankle stretch: 40 sec calf, 40 sec achilles each side

Post time to complete the WOD. Ex: 30:40 Rx.

TUES 09.06.16 Lurong Kickoff Party Saturday 9am-12noon!! Read More »

Sky's Out, Thighs Out — Sky’s Out, Thighs Out
Enjoy the Holiday under the sun! Wear Sunscreen.

Today’s schedule

Labor Day!! — GYM CLOSED. Regular classes resume Tuesday.

Workout of the Day (WOD)

Holiday Travel Workout (Labor Day)
21-15-9 Reps for Time
2 minutes of running at 5k pace at the beginning of each round. Run out for 60 seconds then back to start.
Pushups (scale to incline pushups)
Jumping Air Squats
Situps

Post time to complete the WOD. Ex: 13:34 Rx

And coming tomorrow…TUESDAY

A. Power Snatch: In 10 Minutes work up to a moderate/heavy single. (80% of 1 RM)

B. “Twister”
3 Rounds of 5 Minute AMRAP:5 Minute Rest between each AMRAP
On a running clock:
1st AMRAP: 0-5:00
10 Power Snatch (m = 45/75/95, w = 35/55/65)
10 Bar over Burpees

2nd AMRAP: 10:00-15:00
15 Power Snatch (m = 75/95/115, w = 55/65/85)
15 Bar Over Burpees

3rd AMRAP: 20:00-25:00
30 Power Snatch (m = 95/115/135, w = 65/85/95)
30 Bar Over Burpees

Post snatch and reps completed in each AMRAP.
Ex: 190#, 55, 45, 54 L3

MON 09.05.16 Labor Day! Gym Reopens Tuesday Read More »

"Running slowly only makes you good at 1 thing. Running slowly. Run fast, lift heavy." 7am Track Meet. 100m sprints. — “Running slowly only makes you good at 1 thing. Running slowly. Run fast, lift heavy.” 7am Track Meet. 100m sprints.

Upcoming CFM Events

Monday, Sept 5th:Labor Day! Gym will be closed for the holiday. Resume regular schedule on Monday.
Saturday, Sept 10th: 9-12am. Lurong Kickoff Party & Team Selections.
Monday, Sept 12th: Start of Lurong Championship Challenge! Click here to read more.
Wednesday, Sept 14th: 3:30-8pm. Dunk Truck at CFM for body composition testing
Thursday, Sept 22nd: Bring-A-Friend Day. There will be an all levels partner friendly WOD. Invite a friend, family member, or co-worker to join you for the WOD.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Stacy
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Stacy
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Justin
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Squat Clean: E2MOM for 12 minutes: 2 reps working up to a heavy double.

B. “Mexican Jumping Beans” [14 Minute Time Cap]
10 Squat Cleans, 100 Double-Unders**
8 Squat Cleans, 80 Double-Unders
6 Squat Cleans, 60 Double-Unders
4 Squat Cleans, 40 Double-Unders
2 Squat Cleans, 20 Double-Unders
(m = 65/95/135, w = 45/65/95)

**Scale DU to DU+singles (40-32-24-16-8), Speed Step 1:1, Singles 1:1.

Post load for clean double and time for the WOD. Ex: 235#, 11:16 L3

And coming Saturday…

Partner “Eva” [40 Minute Time Cap]
5 Rounds**
4 x 200m
30 Kettlebell Swings (m = 16/24/32, w = 12/16/24kg)
30 Pullups*

*Scale the Pullups to Kipping Single Pullups 1:2 (15/round/team), Barbell Pullups 1:1, Ring Rows 1:1.

All reps and distances are team totals. One athlete working at a time. Partners may alternate 100, 200, or 400m on the runs for 800m total per round. **Level 1/Level 2 = 4 Rounds For Time. Level 3 = 5 Rounds.

Post time to complete the WOD. Ex. 36:40 L3.

Saturday Schedule

9a: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony
10a: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony
11a: All Levels CrossFit- Anthony
12:15p: Yoga- Lana Wilson. Click here to reserve

Sunday Schedule

9a: All Levels CrossFit- Brianna
10a: All Levels CrossFit- Brianna
11a: Strength Training/Open Gym- Brianna
12:15p: Yoga- Alexis Story. Click here to reserve

FRI 09.02.16 Happy Labor Day Weekend! Read More »

Today’s schedule

Workout of the Day (WOD):

A. “Family Feud”
Split class into 2 teams

20 Minute AMRAP
40m Prowler Push (100/50)
100m Sandbag Carry (45/25)
200m Sprint

In a relay fashion, the teams form a single file line each. Athlete 1 starts with the 40 meter prowler. As soon as that athlete returns, he or she moves onto the 100 meter sandbag. Athlete 2 can then start the prowler… and so forth.

B. Bulletproof Shoulders
Side Plank Rev-Fly 20x/side
Mod Pushup Y-hold (15 sec hold) 4x/side “Palm facing down”
Scapular Pushups 15x
T’s (on a box) [5 reps + Overload] 4x “Thumbs up”
W’s (on a box) [5 reps + Overload] 4x “Pinkies up”
Side Ext Rot. w/ 5# plate 15x/side

Post rounds completed by the team. Ex: 22 team of 4 Rx.