pull up

Merry CrossFitMas Eve!

CFM’s CrossFitmas Holiday Party is Fri from 7 to 10 in the box. We’ll provide the main course and some drinks. You bring an appetizer or dessert to share.
DJ POB will be spinning tunes & Stuart is bringing the ice luge!
Feel free to bring friends & family. We hope you can join us.
***Free overflow parking will be available in the New-South-Construction-marked spots in the pay lot at 13th & West Peachtree.

The CFM team wishes you a happy holiday season! We hope you can join us this Fri at our CrossFitmas party… 7 to 10 pm at the gym (in case you live under a kettlebell and missed all the other announcements).

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
8a: Open Gym- Tirzah
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
4p: Open Gym- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
8p: Open Gym- Beka
8:15p: Yoga- Samantha

Workout of the Day (WOD)

BRING A FRIEND Team WOD:
In teams of 3-4, rotate through 4 stations 3 times for max reps –
1. Russian KB swings
2. Air squats
3. Hollow rocks
4. Plyo push ups

And coming tomorrow…

12 Days of CrossFitMas
1- Burpee
2- Handstand Push Ups
3- Abmat situps
4- Lateral med ball throws
5- Wall balls
6- OH walking lunges
7- Russian kettlebell swings
8- KB snatch (4 ea arm)
9- Goblet squats
10- Pull ups
11- Toes to bar
12- Box jumps

Holiday Travel Workout

3 rounds for time:
50 yards lateral shuffle L
50 yards lateral shuffle R
50 yards butt kicks
50 yards high knees

THURS 12.12.13 Merry CrossFitMas Eve! Read More »

Recovery time

by Coach AmyThere’s a lot of talk these days about the power of staying present, but is it really that easy?
We’re so attached to our devices:
we tune out the world as we run/shop/sleep with music…
we’re constantly burying our faces in Facebook/email/Candy Crush…
we check our iPad/iPhone/smart device the minute there is silence surrounding us.
But when you take a moment to be quiet, you can tune in to a lot of important stuff that we choose to ignore, like aches and pains.
I tell our students all the time: PAIN IS NOT NORMAL!
It’s not something you just suck up and push through. It is your body’s way of telling you SOMETHING IS WRONG!!!
Lately I see a lot of ignoring and pushing through in the classes I teach, and while you know your body and your limits better than I, I still know that by your 10th workout/class in a row, it’s probably time for a break.
There is such a thing as overtraining. And here’s the thing:
You may be 20-something now, youth on your side, your whole life ahead of you and you may continue to push through those days when your body is advising you otherwise.
But what about when you’re 40-something and not able to heal as fast or still suffer from a 20-year-old injury and now your mobility is limited and you hurt all the time?
Or when you’re 60-something and can’t run and play and pick up your grandkids because your rotator cuffs and lower back are so beat up you can barely bend over and pick up your socks?
Train hard but train smart; you want to live a full and active life for a long time.
So the next time you find yourself in silence, take a moment. Tune in.
And then grab that electronic device and check out this post Lis shared awhile back on making training sustainable.
Take time for recovery: foam roll, mobilize, take rest days, SLEEP, and if the pain lingers, see a professional like a doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist to address the issue.
DO IT!
Wes’s daughter Addison helping Dad & Joe keep track of rounds on their Saturday partner workout a few weekends ago.

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- Amy
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Amy

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Goat work: Ten minutes to work on a skill of your choice
B. “Jackie”:
For time –
1000m row
50 thrusters 45/35#
30 pull ups

And coming tomorrow…

Partner WOD: Fight Gone Bad Bodyweight
In teams of 2, complete 3 rounds each:
Partner A: 1-min max reps while Partner B rests, then
Partner B: 1-min max reps while Partner A rests.
Then go on to next movement, rotating until both partners have done three rounds max reps of all movements
1-min max push ups
1-min max sit ups
1-min max air squats
1-min max calories rowed

FRI 11.15.13 Rest is good! Read More »

Introducing the Fall 2013 challenge…

It’s time for your CFMakeover!
THIS OCTOBER – Nutrition… Fitness… Recovery.
Upgrade your life in one month!
Challenge includes:

Kickoff meeting
Nutrition workshop
T-shirt
Facebook accountability group
Before & After – pics, measurements, body comp testing & 4 WOD tests
Halloween Awards party

Mark your calendars:

Prelims testing – Oct 1, 2 & 3*
Finals testing – Oct 29, 30 & 31*
Awards & Halloween party – October 31

*Alternate testing dates can be arranged.

YOU CHOOSE your primary goal – GET LEAN (lose fat) or GET SWOLE (gain muscle) – and compete for cash & prizes. Cash & prizes awarded to overall winners & challengers who improve most in four different categories:

Most improved body comp (fat loss)
Most improved body comp (muscle gain)
Most improved WODs
Most improved friends & family challenger

Cost: $40 for CFMembers (Gold: $34, Silver: $36); $50 Friends & Family. REGISTER NOW!

Sneak peek of what we learned during the Ancestral Health Symposium last month. Stay tuned for more info throughout the month on eating locally!

Today’s Schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
8a: All Levels – Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
8p: Advanced CrossFit- Lis

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Power clean: 3×3
B. “The Chief”
Max rounds in 3 minutes of:
3 Power cleans 135/95
6 Push-ups
9 Squats
Rest 1 minute. Repeat for a total of 5 cycles.

And coming tomorrow…

A. Back squat: 4×4 workups (add 5# to last BS workout)
B. 15, 10, 5 reps for time:
Thruster 95/65
Box Jumps 24/20
Pull Up

TUES 9.10.13 It’s time for your CFMakeover! Read More »

Athlete Profile: Ester K

Hometown: Marietta, GA
Age: 27
Occupation: Event Marketing
Three words to describe you: loyal, competitive, adventurous
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? coaching volleyball, playing volleyball, basketball and tennis, concerts, traveling and EATING
When did you first start CrossFitting?: February 2013 (6 months ago)
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? What made you try it? My best friend was doing it and he suggested I try. He told me that my competitive nature and the fact that I really enjoy working out and pushing myself, that it would be a great fit for me. I’ve always been in the gym and/or active whether it’s crosstraining, running, playing sports, lifting, etc, but it’s a different kind of workout that I’ve never tried. So, I figure I would give CrossFit and shot, and I have really enjoyed my experience with it.
Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I have no clue what it was exactly, but I know it involved pull-up and me using a green band. I felt silly watching everyone else not use and band while I was struggling just to get my foot in it. HA! Well, I made it a goal to get out of bands by week 6–thanks to Cassie always riding my ass.
Favorite WOD: People have favorites? I guess I like the ones that require more endurance. I’m not always the strongest, but I think I do better when the WOD requires some endurance to finish strong.
Least Favorite WOD: Angie
Sports & fitness background: volleyball and basketball athlete, other than that, I just love working out. Well, maybe not love, but don’t feel as gross if I do 🙂
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Definitely stronger. I feel a more all-round fit–endurance, strength with weight and against body weight, and technically sound.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I always thought I was competitive against others, but I’ve found that I’m more competitive against myself than anything. For example, I’m mad at myself if I could’ve pushed harder or gotten a better time–not because of anyone else doing better or more, but because when I’m finished I like to know that I couldn’t have given any more than I did…UNLESS it has to do with maxes…I HATE lifting heavy for some reason.
Favorite CFM moments: First strict pull-up!
Any advice for people just getting started? Do what you can as best as you can, and you will gradually start to see the difference. Let the coaches push you, you’ll be amazed at what your body is actually capable of as opposed to what you think you are capable of.
Do you follow the paleo or primal lifestyle? What is your nutrition philosophy? Umm, no. Nutrition philosophy?…I don’t work out to be a stick (obviously haha), I workout so I can eat and be merry 🙂
What did you eat today? Smoothie in the morning; taco salad with no chips or tortilla, just ground turkey meat, black beans, lettuce and salsa; some cherries; dinner has not happened yet. Since I’m writing this on a Friday, I’m sure dinner will be somewhat unhealthy. Dang it!
Here’s the most recognizable part of Ester. She’s that chick with great legs who usually trains in the early evening classes. We’re about to see less of Ester as she takes some time off to coach the St. Pius girls’ volleyball team. Good luck this season!

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Overhead squat: 5-5-5+
B. Complete 8 rounds:3 Power Cleans @ 75% of body weight
3 Broad Jumps for max distance
*Once you finish power cleans, perform 3 broad jumps for max distance.
*Rest 2 minutes between rounds.

And coming tomorrow

A. Bench press: 5-5-5+ @70%
B. “Cindy” As many rounds as possible in 20 mins:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats

THURS 08.08.13 Athlete Profile: Ester K Read More »

Wayne powers through the row during Fight Gone Bad.

Athlete Profile – Wayne Morrissette

Hometown:Montgomery, Alabama
Age: 38 (39 on August 15. Another Leo…Hey Uran!)
Occupation: Global Supply Chain Learning Project Manager
When did you first start CrossFitting?: I am entering week 4
Favorite WOD: I can’t remember the name but the one with the sprints where you pulled people with the big rubber band thingy (Editor’s note: Wayne is referring to RESISTED RUNNING… coming up again next week!)
Least Favorite WOD: anything with pull ups and burpees
Three words to describe you: introverted, funny, meteorologist
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Have “worked out” off and on for years, have played softball in various city leagues since ’98 and have also played on local soccer and flag football teams. Weekend warrior extraordinaire.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? My first introduction to CrossFit was the Baseline workout. Sounded pretty harmless and it was a “baseline” so it couldn’t be SO bad, right? Going from exercise to exercise without stopping, and starting out the gates way too hard made the last part of the workout very challenging. I felt like I was going to die and it took me about an hour to finally cool off and catch my breath. It wasn’t cute but right then I knew that CrossFit would be more than just “working out” or “going to the gym” and that this was going to be a heckuva journey.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? After 3 weeks, I’ve already noticed my work pants getting noticeably looser. I’ve also noticed that I’m able to recover and catch my breath a lot faster after workouts and I’m able to get through the warm up (bear crawls and inchworms sucked balls at first) with a lot more energy to spare now. For me, that’s progress.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I tend to live life in my comfort zone. CrossFit has shown me that I have a lot more in me than I give myself credit for, and that I can experience a lot more success and fulfillment in the things I do when I’m willing to push past where things are comfortable. There’s a whole new world out there.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFM moments: I haven’t done many of the “extra curricular activities because of other things I have going on, but in the time I have spent in the box, I’m incredibly inspired watching the more “Elite” and experienced Crossfitters bang through their WODs. These guys have also been very encouraging and helpful to me and that means a lot to me just starting out.
Any advice for people just getting started? Just go and get into it. Listen to what people say and ignore the voice that says “Are you crazy? You can’t do that?” Before you know the workout is over and you’ve accomplished more in an hour than you ever did with the 3 sets of 10-12 for 1 hour plus
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? Softball, soccer, extreme weather, storm chasing, weather forecasting, people watching, politics, sports spectating, theater, symphony, joke cracking
What did you eat today? So far just 4 eggs and sauteed spinach cooked in coconut oil, raw pecans a litte later
Do you follow the paleo or primal lifestyle? What is your nutrition philosophy? Since a couple of weeks before starting Crossfit I’m about 60-70% Paleo (higher during the week, lower on weekends). Try to stay away from processed fake crap and try to stick with eating stuff that burns clean and doesn’t leave a nasty residue.

Hooverball is Sunday at 10!

Join us Sundays at 10 am for Hooverball in the park (meet in the Piedmont Park Active Oval, nearest the Botanical Gardens/14th St gate). It’s lots of fun. Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen and a towel. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll do a short pre-Hooverball warm up WOD.

CrossFit Endurance and POSE Running workshop

-Do you want to improve your running technique and race times?
-Are you clueless on how to work CrossFit Endurance workouts into your exercise routine?
-Or do you just hate running and wish to improve your form to make it less painful and more enjoyable?

Join James Taylor, CrossFit Endurance-certified trainer and former Georgia Tech cross country and track & field athlete, for a 90-minute workshop to learn how to improve your technique, become a more efficient runner, and learn how to train for your next race.
Workshop includes:
-Pre- and post- workshop video evaluation of running technique, discussion of individual technical issues and identification of long-term solutions
-Discussion of general technical principles and methods to prevent common injuries
-Practical drills to improve running technique
-Detailed, sample programming ideas for various training goals
-Q&A

Price: $25
When: Thursday, 7/19, 7-8:30 pm
Register online or in the gym.

Workout of the Day

1. Back Squat – 3 sets of 3 reps at 30X0 tempo
(30X0 means 3 seconds down, no rest at bottom, EXPLODE up, no rest at top)
2. Three-minute Fran:
21-15-9
Thrusters
Pull Ups
Select thruster weight and pull up modifications accordingly to finish all reps AS CLOSE TO THREE MINUTES AS POSSIBLE.
To do this workout “Rx” you must finish all reps between 2:50 and 3:10.
3. Cash-out: 3 attempts – max hang from pull up bar

FRANDAY 07.06.12: Athlete Profile – WAYNE MORRISSETTE Read More »

Uran killing that Hooverball serve.

Athlete Profile – Urán Piedra

Hometown: Lawrenceville (OTP)
Age: 25 and I’ve got a BIRTHDAY COMING UP ON AUGUST 5TH!!! Just sayin 😉
Occupation: Sales/Marketing/Accounting/Finance/Operations at a biotech startup
When did you first start CrossFitting?: I actually spent about 3 months or so at BTB a few years back, but I just restarted Crossfit when I joined CFM about three weeks ago. Since then, I have been working out every day. I am soon planning to buy peptides usa as well to burn the excessive stubborn fat I have.
Favorite WOD: I don’t really know them well yet. Modified Annie seemed pretty good.
Least Favorite WOD: Fran *shivers*
Three words to describe you: Determined, resourceful, hungry
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I was not at all athletic until college when I joined the crew team. That’s when I really started to get the motivation to want to improve my physical fitness. For the past few years though, my workouts have been sporadic at best.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? My first exposure to CF was through BTB’s boot camp years ago. We got free Saturday classes at the gym as part of the boot camp, so I went in that first Saturday and did something called “Helen on Crack”. I don’t remember what they added to Helen, but it was brutal.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? So far nothing major, but its only been three weeks. 🙂
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Seeing how amazing the community is at CFM. Everyone there is so nice and welcoming. To be honest, Crossfit intimidated the hell out of me, but I’m constantly blown away by how friendly and helpful the people are.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit/CFM moments: HOOVERBALL! It’s seriously awesome even if you’re terrible and uncoordinated like I am. Also, the Fran challenge was really cool to watch. Actually participating was another story, but watching the heat before mine was really inspiring.
Any advice for people just getting started? Listen to your coach, and don’t get discouraged. Some of the movements are really complex and take people years to get right, so if you don’t get it the first day, don’t beat yourself up. Also, focus on how much you’re learning/improving day to day rather than the things you can’t do yet. Those are the things I try to remember every time I go to the gym.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I mostly just work, sleep, and eat. Not very exciting.
What did you eat today? Breakfast was coffee and a Fage greek yogurt. For lunch I brought balsamic grilled chicken, roasted broccoli, and a banana. Dinner remains to be seen.
Do you follow the paleo or primal lifestyle? What is your nutrition philosophy? I’m usually Paleo about 90% of the time. The other 10% is reserved for the occasional slice of pizza or plate of tater tots (sometimes together). Although, eating grains usually leaves me feeling horrible, so I tend to stay away.

How was your first half of 2012?

Can you believe it’s the end of June already? It seems like just yesterday I was scouring Midtown for the right gym space. And now here we are, seven weeks since opening and almost 50 members strong. I am so proud of what we’re building here, and I appreciate all of you being a part of it.

So before we dive on into July, take some time to reflect on the first half of 2012. What was awesome about it? What can you do to make the second half of 2012 even better? Set some goals for the rest of the year. Where do you want to be at the end of July…the end of the summer…the end of the year…by July 2013…July 2017…July 2022?

If you need some help with goal-setting, let me know. AND plan to attend our Goal-Setting Workshop on Wednesday, July 11 at 7pm as Rachel from lululemon howell mill will lead us through some imagination, vision and goal-setting exercises.

Hooverball is Sunday at 10!

July 4th Holiday Schedule

CFM will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th. The 6 and 7 am classes will also be cancelled on Thursday, July 5th. All other classes next week will be held as regularly scheduled.
We’ll post a no-equipment-needed WOD on Tuesday in case you wish to get moving on your own on the 4th.