plank

Quarterly Progress Checks

Next week 8/14-2/21 is the quarterly progress checks where we retest workouts from the previous year. There will be benchmark WODs or lifts each day.

Is this your first Quarterly Check-In Week?

Here’s what’s about to go down…
1. Retest your baseline! For one of your workouts for the week, you’ll retest your Baseline. You also have the option to retest your Baseline WOD on Sunday at Open Gym on 8/14 or 8/21 from 11am-12pm OR any Open Gym during the week.
2. Goal-Setting & reflection: At the beginning of class on Mon & Tues, we’ll take 5 minutes to reflect on our progress over the last three months and since the beginning of 2016. We’ll look to set some goals for the next quarter. If you prefer to spend more time on goal-setting, join Mike next Thursday evening, August 18th from 7-7:30pm for a goal-setting workshop. We’ll take some time to visualize what we want our future to be like, then set smaller, action steps to achieve our longer-term goals.
3. Record your results! If you haven’t been doing it already, now is the time to start tracking your progress in the gym. Use the Zen Planner Phone App, or you can track through the Zen Planner web page. Or Google Docs, or old school with a journal. We have journals available at the ProShop.

It’s time to put all your hard work and training to the test. Are we getting fitter? Are we healthier? Next week marks the perfect time to re-evaluate our goals and make plans with actionable steps for the next 3 months and into the 2017. If you have any questions about Quarterly Progress Checks (QPC), ask your coach at the gym or email us.

Together we rise. Together we prevail. Forward to the morning. — Together we rise.
Together we prevail.
Forward to the morning.

Today’s schedule

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

Workout of the Day (WOD):

A. Bench Press: 3 sets of 5 reps. Worksets at the same weight. Max Reps in the final set.

B. 14 Minute Every minute on the minute (EMOM):
ODD: 2x50m Shuttle sprint for time
EVEN: 20 seconds reverse plank hold (Purvottanasana)

Post load and reps for Bench, and total time (seconds) for sprints. Ex: 245#, 6 reps, 148 seconds

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 5 sets of 2 reps. Working up to heavy set of 2 touch and go. Start at 80% of 1 RM deadlift. Rest 2 minutes between sets.

B. 10 Minute AMRAP Ascending Ladder
Rep Rounds of:
3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-…
Ring Rows
AbMat V-Ups
6 Deadlift (225/155) [65% of part A]

Post final load for deadlift and total reps completed in AMRAP. Ex: 375#, 208 Rx

Upcoming CFM Events

Friday, August 12th: 7-7:30pm. Nutrition & Lurong Championship Challenge Information Session. Click here to sign up and more details. Lurong Challenge begins, Monday, September 12th.
Sunday, August 14th-21st: Quarterly Progress Check-Ins. Check back on Thursday’s for more details. We’ll be testing C&J and Snatch, Fran, Mary Anne, McFeaters, and Baseline.
Tuesday, August 23rd: 7:30pm. Advance screening of Mechanic: Resurrection featuring Jason Statham.
Thursday, August 25th: Bring-A-Friend Day. All levels beginner friendly partner WOD.
Saturday, Sept 10th:9-12am. Lurong Kickoff Party & Team Selections.
Tuesday, Sept 13th:3:30-8pm. Dunk Truck at CFM for body composition testing

THUR 08.11.16 3rd Quarterly Progress Checks Next Week! Read More »

Get to know our new Athlete Manager Ellen!

Ellen starts full time this Month. She joined CFM a few months after the gym opened and in her first year became one of our strongest athletes. From athlete to coach to now manager, she has become an example member of CFM. She always gives positive words of encouragement, introduces herself to new members, brings a smile to class, and celebrates the hard, honest efforts of others.
Welcome to your new role at CFM, Ellen!
Name: Ellen Flader Thomas
How long coaching CrossFit? I started coaching in 2014.
Day job: I’m the new Athlete Manager at Crossfit Midtown. I look forward to meeting all of our members in the next few weeks!
Athletic background/achievement: I was a college swimmer at Emory specializing in breaststroke and IM. During my time at Emory our team won 2 NCAA championships and 4 conference championships. Individually I was a NCAA All American, conference champion, and conference record holder. After college I took up running and completed several 10Ks and half marathons before starting CrossFit.
How long doing CrossFit: 3 years.
Favorite CrossFit movement: I have a love/hate relationship with Fran. It was my first Crossfit WOD and it’s been fun to watch my improvement over the last 3 years. My time now is around 7 minutes RX… still have A LOT of room for improvement!!
Favorite movement to coach: Double unders or Olympic lifts. It’s really fun to see people make progress in these tougher movements.
What do you enjoy about coaching: Helping people be their best and cheering them through the workouts.
In my spare time I enjoy: Sleeping, eating, spending time at the park or the river with my hubs and our dog Cayenne.
What’s some of your CFM memorable moments: Moving WODs & all parties!
Favorite quote: “Sports do not build character, they reveal it.”
Advice to new CrossFitters: Don’t compare yourself to other people in the gym. Even though we write our scores down on the white board, it’s not about anyone else’s time or weight. Focus on your own journey.

Today’s schedule

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

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Deadlift: In 16 minutes work up to a 5 rep max.

B. 14 minute EMOM
ODD:
8 sumo deadlift high pull (24/16kg)
AMRAP Burpee Box Jumps (24/20)

EVEN:
30 seconds pushup position plank hold

Post load for Deadlift and total reps of BBJ. Ex: 355#, 38 Rx

And coming tomorrow…

“Nautical Nancy”

5 Rounds [17 minute time cap]
400m Row
15 Overhead Squat (m = pvc/65/95, w = pvc/45/65)

**Click here to see WOD description:
“Nautical Nancy” WOD Description and Standards

Post time to complete the WOD or every unfinished rep when time expires results in a 1 second penalty per rep. Ex: 11:41 L3

MON 10.05.15 Coach Spotlight: Ellen Read More »

USAPL Georgia & Southern States meet is Saturday

If you’ve been in my class anytime in the past month, you probably know I’m competing in my 4th powerlifting* meet this weekend (will she EVER stop talking about it?!?).
While I’ve already set five state records (2 in squat, 1 in deadlift, 2 in total) in two different weight classes, this is my first shot at a state title. I hope to win the individual title and score points toward earning my team (Team Rohr) the state title as well.
The meet is in the gym at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross (the last time I was in a high school gym, I think I was a basketball cheerleader circa 1997).
I lift in the afternoon session, beginning at 2:30 and wrapping up around 7. To be more precise, my first squat probably won’t happen until closer to 3, since I’m in the 2nd flight of the session, and probably on the tail end of it.
Admission is $10 (donated to MHS athletics). I hope a few of you can make it!
There’s an after-party at Dave & Buster’s for anyone who cares to hang around and celebrate with me. See you Saturday!
I’ll also be posting updates via Twitter & Facebook, so friend request or follow me @lissaunders if you want details.

*”What’s powerlifting,” you ask? It’s one of the many sports combined to make up what we know as CrossFit. In a powerlifting meet, each athlete gets three attempts at a max back squat, then three attempts for a max bench press, and finally three attempts at a max deadlift.
As an aside, while I appreciate the inquiries, NO, I won’t be lifting in the Olympics anytime soon. THAT sport (also a big part of CrossFit) is called Olympic Lifting, and those lifts are the snatch and clean & jerk.

Here’s my last heavy squat before the meet – a single rep at 265#

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Tirzah
11a: Yoga- Amy
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
4p: Open Gym- Jim
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Raul
8p: Open Gym – Raul

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. 5k row time trial OR Recovery day: 50 turkish get ups, not for time (Compare to 07.11.13)
B. Core work –
ADVANCED: For time:
Accumulate 2 minutes holding a static GHDSU with torso parallel to the floor.
Every time you break, complete 20 Hip Extensions
RX: For time:
Accumulate 2 minutes in a plank hold. Every time you break, complete 20 supermans

And coming tomorrow…

A. 10 min muscle up skillwork OR 30 MU for time
B. For time:
21 Thrusters, 135/95
800m Run
15 Thrusters, 135/95
400m Run
9 Thrusters, 135/95
200m Run

WED 11.05.13 Come support Lis this weekend! 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 »

CFMakeover concludes this week!

Congrats to everyone who’s made it this far. Be sure to get your final measurements done before Thursday so you’ll be eligible for prizes! Sign up here.
We’ll award prizes to winners in a few categories…you could win cash or prizes from Icebox Cryotherapy, FLO2S, RiRa, Big Peach, Yeah! Burger, Park Tavern and Kill Cliff.
Come see who wins and celebrate Halloween with CFM this Thurs at 8pm!

Congrats to Emilio on a new deadlift PR!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
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)

A. Hang power clean: Take 15 minutes to work up to a heavy single.
B. For time:
9 Hang Power Cleans 185/125#
15 Toes to Bar
6 Hang Power Cleans 185/125
15 Toes to Bar
3 Hang Power Cleans 185/125
15 Toes to Bar

And coming tomorrow…

A. 15 min to find 3 rep max front squat
B. 1 min row for max meters
C. Accumulate 3:00 in each position:
1. plank
2. L side plank
3. R side plank

MON 10.28.13 CFMakeover finals this week! Read More »

Athlete Profile: Kelli O

aka KO, Kel, Kelsers, BBPF
Hometown: Originally from Mobile, AL. Just to beat you to it: An Alabama State trooper pulls over a pickup truck on I-20. He says to the driver, “Got any ID?” The driver says, “Bout what?”
To my credit, I grew up just outside of Atlanta and have lived in Midtown for over a decade.
Age: Apparently ladies don’t reveal their age… I’m 29 and holding.
Occupation: Corporate Zookeeper aka HR Manager
Three words to describe you: Because I’m so incredibly shy, I asked my friends to answer this question. Because I’m humble, I’m going to share ALL of their responses : ) – Caring, Witty, Awesome, Amazeballs, SassyPants, Bright, Sincere, Happy Go Lucky, Positive, Funny, Loyal, Energetic, Empathetic, Adventurous, Ambitious, Outgoing, Friendly, Smart, Vivacious, Considerate, Family Oriented, Cheerful, Positive, Humorous, Charismatic, Engaging, and most importantly, BBPF.
Editor’s note: Former CFM student Charles Barkley (yes, THE Sir Charles) once asked about Kelli, referring to her as “that pretty brown-haired girl… big booty, pretty face.” Hence, the BBPF nickname
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? As many of my FB friends know, I have a knack for finding random, entertaining videos/pics on the interwebs. I’m also dangerous with my iPhone camera, PhotoShop (see below), and video editing. I believe you are all familiar with my work on the Prancercise video.
Other talents: when you really get me laughing, I sound like a seal (or the guy from Revenge of the Nerds, but seals are cuter); I can give anyone a run for their money on “Aunt of the Year” – I have 5 nephews and a niece under the age of 6.
When did you first start CrossFitting?: I joined CF Peachtree in 2010, but I started a new job with long hours and then I injured my ankle playing soccer so my CF career was cut short. After surgery, lots of physical therapy, and a personal trainer to help me to gain confidence in the weight room again, I came back to CrossFit here at CFM.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? What made you try it? I blame Christine Wilson. I heard there were hot guys who worked out with their shirts off and any girl can appreciate a little eye candy. In all seriousness though, I just wanted to get stronger.
Favorite WOD: Is there such a thing? I’d much prefer a TWOD especially to “Don’t Drop That Thun Thun Thun”. (Please see Lis’ FB wall for an example… & the T stands for “twerk”)
Least Favorite WOD: Kelly – Probably just because they don’t even know how to spell it correctly. Everyone knows that “Y” is a bullsh*t letter.
Sports & fitness background: Grew up playing soccer & basketball, but was also a swimmer and dancer. My mom liked to see me take dance because it allowed me to be girly (I have 3 older brothers). My dad liked the fact that I took dance because it helped me on the soccer field. These days, it just helps me coach/choreograph prancercise routines.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? A picture is worth a thousand words:
Both Kelli & her minime have undergone drastic transformations since starting CrossFit… THAT, or Kelli really does have a PhotoShop habit. You decide.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I laugh more, sweat more, and am way more sore… However, I wouldn’t say that any of that is unexpected.
Favorite CFM moments: A) Filming the Prancercise video…everything about that day. B) Falling off the stationary dip bar when I got distracted because someone took off his shirt – Glad Christine was there to watch and laugh at me.
Note: if you take your shirt off, I will look – I have no shame. It’s totally platonic. Moreover, if I laugh when you take your shirt off, it’s because I’m thinking back to falling… I’m not actually laughing at you.
Any advice for people just getting started? Just have fun! Go at your own pace and learn the correct form from the beginning. (Easier said than done!)

Dan rocking out kettlebell swings during To Helen Back prelims.

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Back squat: 5-5-5 @ 65%
B. 6 rounds for time:
200m run
10 kettlebell swings
5 pull ups

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 5-5-5 @ 65%
B. Skill: 10 mins of muscle up skill work OR
EMOM 10: 3 muscle ups
C. 3 rounds: Accumulate 1 min each in center, L & R side plank

WED 7.17.13 Athlete Profile: Kelli O Read More »

Who’s sore?

Your first month of CrossFit can be full of muscle soreness. Here are some tips to help you through it:
1) Get moving: I know, it’s the hardest thing to do when your muscles are sore, but GET MOVING! Go for a walk or easy jog, come to yoga class (included in your membership – classes are Wed 12n, Thurs 8:15p & Sun 6p) or get back to the box for another workout (if you’re super sore, it’s okay to move at half-speed or modify the workout).
2) Hydrate! Drinking more water will help flush toxins and lactic acid from your body.
3) Eat well! The Paleo diet* is designed to reduce inflammation in your system. Increase the protein in your diet and cut out inflammatory food groups like processed carbs (grains & gluten & sugar), dairy and legumes. Unfortunately, that post-WOD beer also won’t speed your recovery (but it might temporarily numb the pain :)).
4) Use healthy supplements NOT pain killers! Ibuprofen and other pain killers can inhibit muscle growth and stress your liver. Instead, invest in some good recovery supplements like SFH Recovery protein, fish oil & the new Nighttime Recovery formula sold in the CFM Pro Shop. These will help reduce inflammation, increase muscle growth and speed recovery so you get back to 100% faster! Like all other SARMs, Ligandrol was developed to aid the treatment of medical conditions like osteoporosis and muscle wasting.
5) Use other recovery aids. Soak in a warm Epsom salts bath, get a massage and/or use a foam roller or lacrosse ball to help get the lactic acid and soreness moving out of your system.
Hang in there & keep up the good work. Your coaches are here to help. Let us know if you have other recovery questions!

*Food as Fuel class

Join Lis next Thursday night 6/13 at 7p for a free workshop to learn the details of the Paleo diet and get answers to all your nutrition & supplement questions.

Bridget hearts wall balls.

Workout of the Day

A. Deadlift:3-3-3+
B. Every minute on the minute for 10 minutes:
12 walking lunges (odd rounds)
10 hand release push ups (even rounds)
C. Planks: Accumulate 2 min each in center, left & right side plank

And coming tomorrow…Benchmark Friday

A. Back Squat: 3-3-3+
B. 10 min goat work
C. Annie:
50-40-30-20-10
Double Unders
Sit ups

Sub 3x singles for DUs

THURS 06.05.13 Who’s sore? Read More »

Goal Setting

Next Wednesday night at 7 pm, Rachel from lululemon howell mill is hosting a free goal-setting workshop at the gym. Join us as she leads us through some exercises to visualize ourselves in the future and set some BHAGs – big, hairy, audacious goals!

Fran Challenge

Fran Challengers, check your inbox! You received an email Tuesday confirming your prelims Fran time and t-shirt size. We’re placing the shirt order this week so email Sam ASAP to confirm your shirt size! EVERYONE – save the date and plan to attend the Fran Finals Party on Saturday, July 28th at noon. We’ll be grilling out, celebrating everyone’s improvement and awarding prizes, so don’t miss the fun!

Rachel pushes through her Fran thrusters as Betsy and Vabs cheer her on.

Workout of the Day

1. Squat cleans – take 15 minutes to work to a heavy single
2. 5 Rounds –
Max Push Ups
1 60-yd shuttle run*
Rest 2:00
*Begin sprint from the push-up position.

Cash-out: 3 x 1:00 plank hold (1 min each – center, L & R side, for three rounds)

THURS 07.05.12 Read More »

Good News!

Welcome to Crystal and Rohan!
And great job to Matt on his first muscle-ups yesterday… and 2nd, and 3rd, and 4th, and… well, he did ALL 12 in the WOD! Also, Sam hit a new personal record (PR) on his 3 rep max deadlift. Congrats!

T-shirts and tumblers

See Lis if you missed the Grand Opening Celebration and didn’t receive a tumbler AND/OR if you haven’t picked up your new member t-shirt yet. New shirts are also in at the Pro Shop… get an American Apparel track shirt (unisex) or a ladies racerback tank for $25 each!

Class Levels

Beginning next week, we’ll be enforcing class levels. Starting Tuesday, 6/26, the 7PM TUESDAY, 6PM WEDNESDAY and 5PM THURSDAY classes will be for Beginners. These classes will focus on fundamental movements and we’ll do a scaled or modified version of the daily WOD. If you are an advanced athlete, you’re welcome to attend this class for some “back to basics” work, or you can attend a different class that day or take a rest day.
Refer to the schedule on the website or email Lis with questions.

Paleo Night at Urban Pl8

Next Tuesday is Paleo Night. Post in the comments if you want to join the CFM table for a delicious four-course paleo meal for just $25. We’ll make an 8:30 reservation so people can head straight there after the 7pm class.