Double Unders

Stay on track through the Holidays: Part 2

By Coach Beka
As promised, here are some of my favorite recipes for this time of year. Share your favorite recipes in the comments!
Maple Bacon Pecan Roasted Butternut Squash
Primal Cauliflower Casserole (not strict paleo)
Apple Pie Tartlets
Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Paleo Stuffing (scroll down to second recipe)
Tripp, Levy & Cassie with the chin-over-bar hold in yesterday’s WOD.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
8a: Open Gym- Tirzah
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
4p: All Levels CrossFit- Jim
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. 10 minutes goat work
B. Fran-ish
21-15-9:
One Arm (right) Dumbbell/kettlebell Thrusters
One Arm (left) DB/KB Thrusters
Pull Ups

And coming tomorrow…

Lift for Life is a fundraiser workout raising money for those in the Philippines devastated by Typhoon Yolanda. If you feel moved to donate to the cause, there is a link below.
Lift for Life: “Yolanda”
BUY IN: 100 Double unders (sub 200 singles)
As many rounds & reps as possible in 24 minutes:
11 burpees
7 ground to overhead
13 back squats
CASH OUT: 100 Double unders (sub 200 singles)

100 double unders in the beginning represents the evacuation prior to Yolanda. The 24-minute AMRAP represents when Yolanda hit, and ravaged the Philippines for 24 hours. We end with 100 double unders, to represent the persevering endurance of the recovery/relief efforts.
DONATE

Sunday

The 12n class will do a special hero WOD in memory of Alex Viola
From Coach Dyer: Staff Sgt. Alex Anthony Viola was killed in action on November 17, 2013 by an improvised explosive device in the Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Alex is survived by his parents and sister. I never met Alex, but I understand that he was a badass in the gym and in life. Hats off to the good people at Proving Grounds DGA for creating this workout in his honor. Please come to the gym on Sunday and give it everything you have.
“Alex”
Row 1000 meters
Power Snatch x 20 (155/110)
Burpee (over the bar) x 60
Power Snatch x 20
Row 1000 meters

FRI 11.22.13 Paleo Thanksgiving recipes Read More »

Get out of your rut!

I wasn’t thrilled with my performance at the state powerlifting meet.
Yes, I won my weight class & set a new state record with my final squat.
But I was also frustrated with my performance because my numbers were flat or down- I squatted 292# (at 148# body weight) which was a PR for me at that weight class BUT six months ago I squatted 286# at a body weight of 142#… More than 2x my body weight.
I bench pressed 142#… Been stuck at that same weight for three meets now.
And I deadlifted 302#… 40# shy of my PR for that weight class.
No, it wasn’t my best meet. But this is the last time I’ll bitch about it.
Life is about making progress, constantly challenging yourself and striving for improvement.
When you’re moving sideways, recognize it, and find a way out of your rut.
When I missed my final deadlift attempt, I sat alone for about 30 minutes to reflect.
I was frustrated. Stagnant. In a rut.
How do I move on from this?
So I took last week off from training and met with my coach to dissect the meet & make a new plan of attack for the next meet. I’m adding another day of lifting and two days of yoga to my training. And I’m mixing up my training schedule for a change of scenery & to work with a new training partner.
Are you in a rut?
Don’t bitch about it. ACT. GO. DO.
Stop moving sideways and make forward progress.
Set new goals, start tracking your numbers to gauge your progress (if you don’t already… YOU SHOULD!), change up your training schedule, or just take some time off.
Or maybe you need to talk with your coach to reassess your game plan. Let us know how we can help.

Coach Cassie, Kira & Alyssa.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
8a: Open Gym – Tirzah
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
4p: Open Gym- Jim
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
8p: Open Gym- Lis

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Snatch: 3-2-1-3-2-1
B. Complete 4 rounds:
10 right arm KB/DB Snatch
10 left arm KB/DB Snatch
Max Rep Double Unders (1 attempt)
SCORE= total double unders (scale: singles)
Cash out*: 100 double unders or 200 singles
*only cash out if your total score is <100 double unders or <200 singles

And coming tomorrow…

A. Mobility or skill review
B. “Master’s Triple Take”
As many rounds as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Thrusters, 95/65
10 Pull ups
rest :30
As many rounds as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Power Cleans, 95/65
10 Burpees
rest :30
As many rounds as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Jerks, 95/65
10 Box Jumps, 20″

TUES 11.19.13 – Moving sideways? Read More »

What are you training for?

As a competitive powerlifter, that’s an easy question for me to answer. Since USAPL Raw Nationals back in July, when I qualified to compete at the Arnold in Ohio at the end of February, I’ve known I’ll be training for that meet – the biggest powerlifting contest of my career thus far.
So last weekend’s state meet was a small stepping stone on the way to the Arnold. I wasn’t thrilled with my performance – all my numbers were flat or down, and I tweaked my back while bench pressing with poor form.
I’m excited to hold another record & be a state champ, but I’m also excited to learn from the experience and get back to work.
After taking last week off to recover mentally & physically from the stress of competing & cutting weight, I am stir crazy and excited to start my new training cycle today.
The Arnold is 15 weeks away and I’m excited to get stronger, compete again on a national stage, break some more records, and squat 300 pounds!
So what are you training for?
Set a goal – give it a by-when date.
Maybe it’s an actual “game day” – a CrossFit competition, powerlifting or Olympic lifting meet, endurance or obstacle race.
Or maybe it’s another deadline – lose x inches or body fat before your wedding, or vacation, or another important event… Do five strict pull ups by the end of the year.
Whatever it is, pick something.
What are YOU training for?
Answering this question is important.
It’s your motivation for training, your reason to get to the gym, your focus when you’re here, and sometimes it’s a way out of that rut you’re in.
So think about it, and tell us in the comments.
What are you training for?
Tory & Brittany at last week’s Bring a Friend Day

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Tirzah
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
4p: Open Gym- Jim
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

On a continuously running clock:
20 min to find 1 rep max bench press
THEN 2 min to find max standing broad jump
THEN 2 rounds:
Max rep plyo push ups in 1 minute
Max rep overhead walking lunges 45#/25#
No rest between movements/rounds.
Been at CFM awhile? Compare to 07.19.13 and 05.08.13

And coming tomorrow…

MON 11.18.13 What are you training for? Read More »

CFMakeover results

Congrats to everyone who completed our first CFMakeover!
We crowned the winners at Thurs night’s Halloween party. Here are the results:
1st place male- Patrick/P-Lane
1st place female- Hope
2nd place male- Dozier
2nd place female- Amanda C
Get Swole winner- Emilio
Honorable mention (WOD improvement)- Stuart & Shannon
Honorable mention (Physique change)- Zack & Christine

Congrats to all who played the game & thanks to our sponsors for donating prizes: FLO2S, Icebox Cryotherapy, Midtown Life Studio, Drs. Baumrind & Baumrind Family Dentistry, lululemon howell mill, Park Tavern, RiRa Irish Pub, Yeah! Burger, Parq restaurant & KillCliff.

Congrats to our CFMakeover winners Stuart, Dozier, P-Lane, Amanda, Christine & Hope (not pictured: Emilio, Zack & Shannon)

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Tirzah
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
4p: Open Gym- Jim
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Deadlift: 3×5 workups
B. 5 rounds for total reps of:
15 seconds DUs or singles, Rest :45
15 seconds weighted or strict pull ups, Rest :45
15 seconds burpees, Rest :45

And coming tomorrow…

A. Overhead squat: 12 min to find one-rep max
B. Every minute on the minute for 10 minutes:
Perform a standing double broad jump and 3 snatches at 65% of 1RM
*Two consecutive broad jumps focusing on minimizing ground contact time between jumps.
*Cover as much ground as possible with your broad jump.
*Minimum distance is double your height. For each round you dont jump the minimum distance, perform 5 barbell roll outs after the workout.

MON 11.4.13 Congrats CFMakeover winners! Read More »

New classes in November!

GOOD NEWS! Starting in November, we’ll be offering more Open Gym access during off-peak hours AND those hours won’t count toward your weekly class limits as they did in the past.
So what’s that mean? You have more access to CFM! For instance, Bronze members can attend two regular classes a week PLUS as many Open Gym hours as you wish!
Open Gym will still be supervised by one of the CFM coaches.
This is a great time for:
-beginners to get extra skill work on movements you need help with
-aspiring Team CFM competitors to do accessory work/skill work
-Olympic lifting, powerlifting or gymnastics skill work
-MOBILITY WORK!!!
The new Open Gym schedule will be:
Mon-Fri: 8-9a
Mon-Thurs: 4-5p & 8-9p
Sun: 1-2p
So yes, the M & Fri 8a and M & Th 8p classes will go away, but you’ll still have access to a CFM coach during Open Gym, just not in a structured class setting.
We’ll also be adding another membership option – unlimited access to yoga & Open Gym only, as a month-to-month option, for $100 per month. Check your email later this week for more details, and/or hit Lis up with questions.

We’re also adding a new yoga class, led by Coach Amy (did you know she’s also a certified yoga instructor?!?), Wednesday mornings at 11a. Come do yoga & stay for CrossFit at noon!

Congrats to Liz M on a new deadlift PR (bonus points for the salty camera stare after the lift!)
Matt T PR’ing during CrossFit Total!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
8a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
8p: Open Gym- Lis

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Front squat: 15 min to find your 3-rep max
B. Row sprint: 1 minute for max meters
C. For time:
Accumulate 3 minutes in each position:
1. plank
2. left-side plank
3. right-side plank

And coming tomorrow…

A. 3 rounds: Max strict pull ups or ring rows, rest 3 min*
*CFMakeover challengers, use set 1 as your re-test/finals result.
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 15 minutes*:
20 double unders (or 60 singles)
10 burpee broad jumps (jump your height…we’ll premark the floor)
5 handstand push ups
*CFMakeover challengers, use same modifications as you did for prelims.

TUES 10.29.13 New Open Gym access! Read More »

If you haven’t retested your baseline workout recently, get in early or stay after class to do it this week!
Handstand push ups

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
6:30p: Group Intro- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Beginner CrossFit- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

5 rounds for time:
7 handstand push ups
14 pistols
21 double unders

And coming tomorrow…

Oly Total
FULL squat snatch 1 rep max
FULL squat clean & jerk 1 rep max

MON 10.21.13 Quarterly Progress Checks are this week! Read More »

Earn your carbs!

Keep this phrase in mind when you decide whether to order sweet potato fries or broccoli at dinner.
Or for the non-paleo peeps in the crowd: Keep this phrase in mind when you decide to order a bowl of pasta or a steak at dinner.
Did I earn my carbs today?
On days you do a tough CrossFit workout, you earned them. On days you sat on the couch all day, you did not.
I’m not trying to make you feel guilty, just giving you something to think about when you wonder why the stubborn body fat is hanging around.
Recently I struggled with this concept.
I’ve been eating strict paleo all month but not dropping bodyfat.
Then it dawned on me.
HEY LIS! You’re not doing any conditioning these days… ONLY powerlifting.
So I’m not really earning those carbs. I cut them WAAAAAY back this week, and already lost a pound and a half.
*DISCLAIMER: I do not recommend combining CrossFit with a ketogenic (or very low carb) diet. Your performance will suffer. But on rest days, consider cutting back on carbs.

Reed with Turkish get ups

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Beginner CrossFit – Cassie
8:15p: Yoga – Samantha

Workout of the Day

A. Rope Climb: 10 minutes skill practice
B. 10-1 Ladder NOT FOR TIME:
Deadlift
Burpee
*Begin your first set of deadlifts at 30-35% of your 1-rep max.
Add weight each set.
Set your weights in your sets to get to 85% your 1-rep max for your last lift.
Then we’re jumping rope or AirDyning so save your legs some for that. The point of this work is to lift a heavy load (WITH PERFECT FORM) as the reps get lower but not actually max out today. Save that for next week’s CrossFit Total.)
Rest 3:00
Then, for time: 100 double unders, 400 singles OR 20 AirDyne calories.
C: 2:00 hollow rock test or 100 sit ups for time.

And coming tomorrow…

A. Every minute on the minute for 10 minutes:
3 muscle ups OR 5 strict pull ups (EVEN)/5 ring dips (ODD)
B. Every minute on the minute for 10 minutes:
5 handstand push ups OR 3 wall climbs
C. Every minute on the minute for 10 minutes:
15 double unders OR 50m row

THURS 10.17.13 Earn your carbs! Read More »

Ian’s CFMakeover Goal

By Instructor Training Program student Ian
My October goal is to lose five pounds by the end of the month.
Ideally, this weight would all be bodyfat, but it’s quite difficult to have just body fat loss unless you are using supplements, read the full review of peak bioboost to buy the best one in the market. To minimize muscle mass loss during the month, I plan on eating at least one gram of protein per pound of lean body weight, and lifting regularly.
I’ll eat meat (pork and chicken primarily), vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, and kale), as well as nuts (almonds, cashews, etc). I am not going with a strict paleo route and will occasionally treat myself to a slice of bread as long as it fits my caloric needs.
I’ve calculated my basal metabolic rate and after adjusting it for my three to five workouts a week, I arrived at 2868 calories per day.
To lose weight, I am going to need to eat at caloric deficit from that number, so I’ll aim for 2400 calories per day from the foods above.
I will continue to do CrossFit. Due to the caloric deficit, I expect my performance at metcons to suffer, but I expect my lifting to stay consistent. It’s unlikely that I’ll set new personal records this month, but my goal is to maintain my current lifts. I’ll continue to squat and deadlift heavy, and be sure to get to the gym on days those lifts are programmed for the CFM WOD.
Tiernan flying through muscle ups

Today’s schedule

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Single arm press: 5×5 workups
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 15 minutes:
20 unbroken double unders OR 50 unbroken singles (if you miss, start again)
10 knees-to-elbows
2 Turkish get ups per side

And coming tomorrow…

A. Single leg step ups to knee-high box: 4×8 workups
B. Fran
21-15-9
Thrusters 95/65
Pull ups

THURS 10.10.13 Ian’s CFMakeover Plan Read More »

PRIDE Parade Sunday at 1p

This weekend the Atlanta Pride festival invades our neighborhood and we’re THRILLED to be a part of the fun!
The parade starts at Ralph McGill & Peachtree Street, goes down Peachtree to 10th Street and up 10th to Piedmont Park.
Join your CFM buddies as we PULL the only human-powered float in the parade…
That’s right, we need YOU to help us pull Richard (AKA “Tech”)’s truck 1.85 miles along the parade route!!!
Meet us at 12n in the Atlanta Civic Center near Ralph McGill & Piedmont (we’ll post details by Friday on where we are in the parade line-up/how to find us).
Wear your blue CFM t-shirt and/or SOMETHING FAAAAABULOUS!

Ian leading Tech & Doug through power cleans.

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Front Squat: 5-5-5
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 10 minutes:
5 Muscle Ups OR 10 Supine Ring Pull Ups
10 True Push Ups

And coming tomorrow…

WED 10.9.13 Join the CFM float for the PRIDE Parade! Read More »

Recovery tools

There’s plenty of talk about the injury risks associated with CrossFit, and the fact is that you can get injured doing any sport…or walking down the street, for that matter.
Yesterday in class, a student thanked me for incorporating a thorough warm up and mobility work into every class at CFM. I like to think of it as “prehab”…the more we can do the prevent injury through good mobility, the more likely you are to have a long, sustainable, healthy CrossFit career!
Recently I had to rehab a frustrating back injury… one that I sustained the week after lifting at USAPL Nationals, when I should have been taking it easy letting my body recover instead of plunging back into CrossFit. Many of you are curious about my progress back to healthy training, so I’m FINALLY writing about everything I do for recovery.
I realize many of us live on a tight budget, so I’m also including a price range for various recovery options, so you can prioritize and decide which might be right for you.

Recovery Aid	How it works	Cost	Where to go
Sleep	Quality sleep in a cool, dark room (especially between the hours of 10p-2a NIGHT OWLS!) is important for recovery & regeneration.	FREE	Your bed
Water	Drinking plenty of water flushes toxins from your body & prevents dehydration. Consume a MINIMUM of ½ oz of water per 1 pound of bodyweight.	FREE	The water cooler
Mobility	Most injuries are caused by a lack of mobility. Foam rolling and stretching regularly will speed recovery & increase range of motion of joints, to prevent injuries.	FREE	Anywhere! Do it when you wake up, on your own before/after CrossFit class or attend one of our free yoga classes (Free for CFM students Thurs 8:15p & Sun 6p)
Supplements For ALL CrossFitters, I recommend SFH post-workout protein (after workouts), SFH fish oil (daily) & Advocare Nighttime Recovery (before bed)	These supplements will speed recovery and decrease inflammation in the form of aches, pains & muscle soreness. SFH makes the cleanest, best quality protein & most highly concentrated fish oil I have found.	$25-65	Many are available in the CFM Pro Shop, online or at a local health food store.
Chiropractic & ART	The nervous system controls every organ, tissue & cell in the body. By gently adjusting the spine, a good chiropractor can remove the nerve interference (subluxation) that can create disease in the body. Active Release Techniques (ART) treats problems with muscles, nerves, ligaments, fascia & tendons. Headaches, back pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, joint pain & nagging athletic injuries are just a few conditions that can be resolved with ART.	$45 per wellness visit; $70 chiropractic adjustment & ART (monthly deals are available); insurance accepted	Midtown Life Studio at Juniper & 8th
Cryotherapy	During the three-minute session, you stand in the “cryosauna” (picture below) where cold nitrogen gas gets blown on your body, reducing your skin’s surface temperature. The cold air helps with athletic recovery, injury/pain relief, as well as additional aesthetic, health & wellness benefits.	$45-70 per session	Icebox Cryotherapy in Buckhead is offering a SPECIAL for CFM students – $75 for TWO sessions!
Sensory deprivation float chamber	Soak for 60-90 minutes in a big bathtub full of water & LOTS of epsom salts. Flotation is great for stress relief, relaxation & recovery. Once you’re settled, it is virtually impossible to distinguish what parts of your body are in contact with the water and which aren’t, tricking your brain into a “floating” sensation. Check out my video testimonial HERE.	$40-75 per 90-minute float	FLO2S in Little Five Points is offering a SPECIAL membership for CFM students – $99 per month gets you THREE one-hour floats (no contract required).
Massage	There are many different types of massage, but if you have an injury or lots of muscle soreness, a good sports massage can decrease muscle tension, provide pain relief, reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic movement to break up & release toxins.	Usually around $60 for one hour or $90 for 90 minutes.	I go to a massage therapist in Johns Creek, which is a HIKE! There are many good sports masseuses in Midtown though. CFM student & yoga teacher Monica Miller is one of them.

The “cryosauna” at Icebox Cryotherapy
One of two float chambers at FLO2S

Matt & Wes on Wednesday’s AMRAP…if you’re participating in the CFMakeover and haven’t tested the workouts yet, do them in any of tomorrow’s classes or during Sunday Open Gym 1-2p.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Dyer
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Dyer
8a: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
4p: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Amy

Workout of the Day (WOD)

Buy in: 200m run
then: 40-30-20-10 reps of:
Lateral hops (over parallette)
Walking Lunges
Sit Ups
Double Unders
then: 20-15-10-5
Burpees
American KB Swing 53/35
Lateral box jumps 24/20
Cash out: 200m run

And coming tomorrow…

Make up the CFMakeover prelim workouts OR Team WOD outside
Work in teams of 2-4…the fewer teammates you have, the tougher the workout!
Buy in: partner carry 1 length of the parking lot (each partner must carry. scaled option: farmers carry with KBs)
100 atomic sit ups 45/25
100 russian kb swings 70/53
100 bench dips (use benches from inside)
100 overhead walking lunges 45/25
100 pull ups (Last part inside. Check the clock for your finishing time!)

*Surprise! Three times during the WOD your coach will yell “PLANK” and every team member has to drop and hold a plank for 20 seconds.
One team member working at a time.

FRI 10.4.13 Recovery Tools Read More »