wall balls

Homeostasis & sleep

by Instructor Training Program member Uran

Homeostasis is your body’s ability to maintain healthy function, regardless of what’s going on in the external environment.
Everything from insulin response when you eat to shivering when you’re cold are a result of the body’s ever-present desire to maintain stability.
But the body’s ability to stay in homeostasis can be affected by external factors. When not given the proper tools, it will lose the battle to finding its molecular center, resulting in illness or disease.
So how can you help the biological cause?
Start by working on your sleep.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol. If you check out my site, you will learn that excess cortisol can lead to various problems in male as well as female hormones, resulting in hormonal imbalances.
In excess quantities, cortisol can lead to weight gain, but it can also break down skin collagen, the protein that keeps your skin looking smooth and wrinkle-free.
Sleep deprivation can also stop the body from releasing enough human growth hormone. Because the human growth hormone helps increase muscle mass and strengthen bones, you’re actually working against all your hard work at the gym by robbing yourself of sleep.
To add fuel to the weight gain fire, lack of sleep can also affect the peptides that regulate your appetite, causing you to feel more hungry throughout the day.
So do yourself and your body a favor and sleep seven to nine hours a night in a cool, dark room, and stay tuned for Part 2 when we’ll discuss homeostasis and nutrition. If you find it hard to fall asleep at night and end up taking longer naps during the day, you might want to reverse that cycle with morning coffee. If that does not help, taking smart pills like Modafinil that you can get on will definitely help.

Congrats on all the November PRs (personal records)! Let’s finish 2013 strong with lots more in December!

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- 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. Clean: 3-2-1-3-2-1
B. Complete 10 rounds for time:
10 wall balls
10 barbell rollouts

And coming tomorrow…

A1. Bench Press: 3 at 70% of your one-rep max, 3 @ 80%, 3 @ 90%
A2. Dips: 3 x 10 (1 min rest)
B. Complete 5 one-minute rounds:
You have one minute to complete the following:
5 thrusters 95/65
Max rep rope climbs
*Rest 1 min between rounds

Holiday Travel Workout

5 rounds for time:
Bear crawl 50 meters
Burpee broad jump 50 meters

TUES 12.3.13 Homeostasis & sleep Read More »

Set your December goals!

Get to the box this week & add your goals to the whiteboard. Remember to track your new PR’s throughout the month too!
Dan, Alison, Lee H, Arielle, Lee M, Bridget & Lis celebrating Bridget’s b-day

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- Lis
8p: Open Gym- Lis

Workout of the Day (WOD)

Overhead Squat: 2 RM, 1 x max reps @ 80% of 2 RM
B. Complete 7 rounds for time:
20 steps Walking Lunges w/ DB/KB overhead (10 steps holding weight in L arm overhead, 10 steps holding in R arm overhead)
3 reps – Push Up + Wall Climb

And coming tomorrow…

A. Clean 3-2-1-3-2-1
B. Complete 10 rounds for time:
10 wall balls
10 Barbell Rollouts

Holiday Travel Workout

10 rounds:
Sprint 100 meters
Rest 1 minute

MON 12.2.13 Happy December! Read More »

Holiday schedule

Don’t forget we’ll have a limited schedule the next few days to give our team some time off to enjoy Thanksgiving!
Wed: No 7p class, no 8p Open Gym
Thurs: No classes… eat up then TURKEY TROT!
Fri: 12n Hero WOD w Tirzah
Sat: 10a Team WOD
Sun: Back to regular schedule – 12n CrossFit & 1p Open Gym w Carlos, then 6p Yoga w Monica

Dave & Dick with modified L-sits

Today’s schedule

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

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Deadlift: 3 sets of 5 work-ups
B. 5 rounds for time:
15 Pull ups
20 Kettlebell swings, 53/35#
25 Wall Balls 20/14#

Holiday Travel Workout

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 rounds:
Burpees
Between each round of burpees, do a 20-second plank hold

Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Workout

Turkey Trot:
Run two miles…one forward, one backward. Alternate as often as you like, but half the distance is in reverse (safety tip: do this on a track if you can…if you’re on public streets, run w a buddy so you can take turns spotting for/guiding each other)

And coming Friday…

“Tommy V”
21 thrusters 115/80#
12 Rope Climb
15 Thruster
9 Rope Climb
9 Thruster
6 Rope Climb

WED 11.27.13 Holiday schedule Read More »

The 1000-rep Rule

Next time you’re frustrated about your Olympic-lifting form, consider this… The fine peeps at Catalyst Athletics insist you practice & practice to get the first perfect rep, AND THEN, you have 999 more to become an expert. So work hard & enjoy the journey! Check it out: Http://www.catalystathletics.com/blog/blog.php?blogID=1798
Justin R crushing overhead squats!

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- Jim
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Tirzah
8p: Open Gym- Tirzah

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Clean & Jerk: 2-2-2
B. 4 rounds for time:
2 handstand push ups – (Rx+: deficit HSPU. Hands on parallettes or additional plates)
4 muscle ups (Scaled: jumping muscle up or 4 dips, 4 pull ups each round)
6 hang squat cleans, 185/135

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 3 sets of 5 – work ups
B. 5 rounds for time:
15 Pull ups
20 Kettlebell swings, 53/35
25 Wall Balls 20/14″

Holiday Travel Workout

3 rounds for time:
10 squats
10 walking lunges
10 jump squats
10 jumping lunges

TUES 11.26.13 The 1,000 Rep Rule Read More »

Bring A Friend Day today

Bring your buddies to try CrossFit at any class today.
We’re doing a partner workout, so you can be your friend’s buddy and help them through the workout.
As usual, we’ll take plenty of time to review the movements and help students & guests scale appropriately.
If you have a friend who wants to join us, please just email us ahead of time so we’ll be expecting you. Then show up a little early to fill out your waiver.
AND EVERYONE WEARS A NAMETAG TODAY!!! 🙂
Danny, Mrs. Flader & Ellen at the last Bring-A-Friend Days

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- Beka
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

Partner WOD:
As many rounds as possible in 20 mins:
10 wall balls
10 walking lunges
10 kettlebell swings
(One partner works at a time)

And coming tomorrow…

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

THURS 11.14.13 Bring A Friend! Read More »

Wed night parking

Tonight, CFM’s neighbor, Fab’rik, is hosting the Grand Opening of their new thrift store a few doors down.
Out of respect for our students, they will be blocking off the entrance to our parking lot so their guests are forced to park elsewhere.
If you’re coming to the box tonight, when you arrive, just move the cones blocking the driveway and park behind the building as usual.
OR, park (for free) a half block north in any of the New South Construction spots in the pay lot located between 13th & 14th, West Peachtree & Spring. This overflow parking is always available to our students on week days after 4:45p & weekends.
Paul & Gers on thrusters

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. Deadlifts: 3×5 work ups
B. As many rounds as possible in 8 minutes:
10 True Push Ups
10 Supine Ring Pull Ups
10 Toes To Bar

And coming tomorrow…BRING A FRIEND!!!

Partner WOD:
As many rounds as possible in 20 mins:
10 wall balls
10 walking lunges
10 kettlebell swings
(One partner works at a time)

WED 11.13.13 Parking tonight Read More »

My goals for the CFMakeover

By Coach Beka
My goal for the challenge isn’t as black & white as just gaining muscle or leaning out. It’s a little of both. I’m excited about this challenge because it’s unlike any of the ones I’ve done in the past…it’s not just nutrition and we aren’t all doing the exact same thing. This is where we get to choose what WE want out of it and how disciplined we will be to get there.
My goals are: Eat mostly paleo: very clean, non-processed food. I’ve done strict paleo before and leaned out more than I wanted. I’m a borderline hard gainer. There will occasionally be a piece of gluten-free bread or white potatoes in my meal.
Limit “open meals” to twice a week: Even in those I will stay gluten-free and dairy-free.
CrossFit 5x per week & yoga at least 1x a week
Limit alcohol to one day a week: No sugary mixers, no shots. Liquor with soda water or wine.
Eight hours of sleep a night: Coaching most of the morning classes makes this a challenge, but I will do my best to be asleep at 9:15 the night before coaching.
Increase back squat max, deadlift max and max strict ring dips.
Get into a regular supplement routine: Take nighttime recovery, fish oil and post-workout protein.

I want to feel better, look better, sleep better & eat better…not just for October, but on a maintainable level. #LBN

Coach Beka during the Summer 2013 To Helen Back Challenge.

Today’s schedule

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

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Deadlift: 3×5 work-ups
B. 4 rounds for reps: :30 work, :30 rest- 1. Rope climbs 2. Wall balls 3. KB/DB russian twists 4. Row for max calories

And coming tomorrow…FRIDAY FUN!

Buy in: 200m run
THEN: 50-40-30-20-10 reps of:
Lateral hops (over parallette)
Walking Lunges
Sit Ups
Double Unders
THEN: 20-15-10-5
Burpees
American kettlebell swings 53/35#
Lateral box jumps 24/20
THEN cash out: 200m run

THURS 10.3.13 Beka’s CFMakeover Goals Read More »

Quality groceries on a budget

by ITP student Uran
I’ve heard people complain that eating healthier, be it Paleo or otherwise, is too expensive.
Trust me, I understand. If you’ve ever tried to do your weekly grocery shopping at Whole Foods, you’ve probably walked out of there gasping for breath at the realization that you just dropped a small fortune on a week’s worth of groceries for ONE person.
Here are some tips and tricks on eating clean and keeping your wallet happy:
Shop around – Yes, it takes a little bit more planning and time to hit up more than one store, but it can really be worth it in terms of savings. Trader Joe’s is your best bet for most of the week’s food if you’re eating paleo…great prices on organic, free-range chicken, frozen wild-caught fish, grass-fed meats, grass-fed and raw-milk cheeses (if you’re into dairy), cage-free eggs, nuts, coconut oil, and organic produce.
Dekalb Farmer’s Market is another great choice for veggies and some clean meats as well. They have a gigantic selection so you’d be hard-pressed not to find what you’re looking for there.
Finally, Kroger (specifically the Ansley Mall Kroger) is great for everything else. They have a pretty decent organic produce selection and always have good sales on goodies like sweet potato chips, lara bars, Amy’s soups, coconut waters, etc.
Don’t buy everything organic – If you can afford to buy everything organic, go for it. But if you can’t/don’t want to, then just buy organic for the “dirty dozen.”
Plan your meals in advance – Spend just 30 minutes figuring out what you’d like to cook in the coming week, buy some items in bulk and get more bang for your buck. Learning to love leftovers is helpful here as well. You can make 3-4 portions of one meal, and have it several times over the course of the week.
Plus, you’ll cook less and avoid the what-am-I-eating-for-dinner crisis, which will help keep you on track during the CFMakeover. Win-win-win!

Congrats to Emilio on getting his muscle up last night. He’s had the strength to get there for awhile now, and his hard work on technique & transitions finally pays off!!!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
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. 3 rounds: Max strict pull ups or ring rows, rest 3 min*
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 use Part A, Round 1 for STRENGTH WOD 2 result. However you scale today’s workout is the same way you’ll scale for retest at end of month.

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 3×5 workups
B. 4 rounds for reps: :30 work, :30 rest- 1. Rope climbs 2. Wall balls 3. KB/DB russian twists 4. Row for max calories

WED 10.2.13 Quality groceries on a budget Read More »

Listober CFMakeover Goals: get LEAN & stay SWOLE 🙂

Coach Lis breaks down her goals for the CFMakeover.
In October 2010 I competed in another box’s Paleo Challenge and came in third place. I ate strict paleo for 30 days…no booze, no grains, no dairy. My only indulgence was a post-workout shake that wasn’t entirely paleo.
At the time I was a bartender at the Nook, on Piedmont Park. YES I was pouring fish bowls and surrounded by totchos at every shift and I STILL stayed clean. SOBERTOBER, ya’ll.
It was worth it. In 30 days I lost 7# of bodyfat AND gained 4# of muscle. I FOUND MY ABS! I slept better, felt stronger and got relief from my seasonal allergies, IBS and acne.
Since then, I continue to eat 80/20 paleo… indulgences are weekend alcohol, dark chocolate and sweet potato fries.
Here’s the plan this time around:
In November, I compete in the USAPL state powerlifting meet. I’m currently about 10# heavier than the weight class I hope to compete in. So I need to cut weight, yet maintain my strength.
I will eat strict paleo with exceptions for pre/post workout supplements, limit alcohol and sugar, and focus on recovery to stay healthy.
OH, and I have a weekend trip to NC planned 10/18-20, so I’m allowing myself one cheat weekend. 🙂
Goals:
*Lose 6# of bodyfat
*Maintain muscle mass
*10 Strict Pull Ups
Diet:
*Strict paleo with ONE cheat weekend
*NO alcohol (SOBERTOBER), sugar, grains, dairy or legumes
*100 oz of water a day
Meals:
*I’ll lean on my girl Chef Veronica at Edesia Meals, the BEST paleo meal delivery service in town, for most of my grub.
*I’ll also cook a few meals on Sundays to freeze/save as backups. SO EXCITED it’s pumpkin season. NO, not the fake syrup sh*t they put in your coffee. REAL pumpkin, like the kind I’ll put in this pumpkin chili recipe… my FAVORITE of the season.
*AND I’ll shop in the CFM Pro Shop for a few backup snacks like Paleo Kits & Epic Bars.
Training & Recovery:
*Whatever my coach tells me to do 🙂
*Lift M, W, F, Sat
*Wed night Metal Yoga at Tough Love
*2 add’l conditioning days: sled pulling/tire flips
*8 hours of sleep a night
*Weekly massage
*Weekly acupuncture
*Weekly float tank (sensory deprivation)
*2x/wk chiropractic adjustments & ART
*3x/week cryotherapy
Other
*Daily meditation
*Daily journaling

What are your goals for the CFMakeover? Post in the comments below… Not registered yet? What are you waiting for? Get in the game to change your life by Halloween! Check out CFMakeover details here.

We’ll place the CFMakeover t-shirt/v-neck orders Monday. Let us know your size!

Today’s schedule

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

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. 10 min mobility work
B. 10 min goat work
C. “Karen” – For time:
150 wall balls 20/14

And coming tomorrow…Team Chipper

Work in teams of 3-4. Complete in any order, but once you start one movement, you must complete all reps before starting another movement.
40 Tire flips
60 Box jumps
80 Kettlebell swings
100 Burpees (jump to a 45# plate)
120 Walking lunges
Optional cash out:100 yard sled drag OR prowler push

FRI 09.27.13 Lis’s CFMakeover game plan Read More »

The Paleo Diet

By Coach Beka
With the CFMakeover right around the corner, let’s address a common question: What IS paleo and why is it so common with CrossFitters?
Paleo is a very clean, back-to-basics way of eating.
It’s not a fad, it’s not a trend, it’s a lifestyle.
It’s free of all the refined foods, trans fats and sugar prevalent in the Standard American Diet (SAD :().
So what foods are paleo?
Meat & seafood, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and healthy fats…the way our bodies were meant to eat…the way our ancestors ate before the Industrial Revolution when grains & corn syrup & chemicals (Yellow #9 anyone???) invaded grocery stores.
This is why people who follow a paleo lifestyle have more energy and lower instances of conditions like autoimmune disease, heart disease, depression, IBS, seasonal allergies and other inflammation issues.
We’ll discuss paleo in more detail at our CFMakeover pre-challenge huddle meeting this Saturday at 10a. I’ll break down the basics for you guys & take questions. I have tons of great resources and tips so don’t miss it!
If you’re still on the fence about joining the challenge & want to come to the meeting this Sat to ask questions before deciding whether to join, BRING IT ON!

CFMakeover Challengers

GO HERE to sign up for a prelim measurements time slot.

Great energy in our noon class Monday!

Today’s schedule

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

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Deadlift: 4×4 workups (add 5# to last deadlift workout)
B. 5 rounds for time:
5 Power Cleans 185/120#
20 Double Unders

And coming tomorrow…

A. 10 min mobility work
B. 10 min goat work
C. “Karen” – For time:
150 wall balls 20/14

THURS 09.26.13 So what IS paleo? Read More »