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February 2014

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
1:15p: College CrossFit- Michael
4p: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Amy

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Bench press: 4×4 work ups
B. Tabata box jumps: :20 on, :10 off for 8 rounds. Shoot for 10+ per round. Select box height (or stack plates) accordingly.
C. Row or AirDyne sprints: 8 rounds of :15 sprint, :45 recover

And coming tomorrow…

Open WOD 14.1: Scaling options will be available.

FRI 02.28.14 Read More »

Join the CFM Pteradactyls!

The CrossFit Open begins tonight with the announcement of the first workout, “14.1”, tonight at 8pm. CrossFit Midtown will be doing the Open workouts on Saturdays, so join the CFM team at games.crossfit.com or just show up on Saturdays to try the workouts. This week’s workout announcement is hosted at our neighbors to the west, CrossFit North Atlanta. It will also be streamed online.

Cheer on Coach Lis at the Arnold!

Lis is competing Friday morning at the Arnold Sports Festival in the USAPL Pro Raw Powerlifting Challenge. You can watch the action streaming live online at usapowerlifting.com. She lifts in Flight B of the morning session (8a-12:30p) and hopes to set a few more state records and make it to the podium.

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Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
1:45p: College CrossFit- Kelly
4p: Open Gym- Jason
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Jason
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Skill work: 10 min handstand practice
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 12 minutes of:
2 handstand push ups
4 kettlebell snatch R
4 kettlebell snatch L

Unless you can demonstrate THREE strict handstand push ups for your coach prior to the workout, you won’t be allowed to do kipping handstand push ups in that workout. GET STRONG!

And coming tomorrow…

A. Bench press: 4×4 work ups
B. Tabata box jumps: :20 on, :10 off for 8 rounds. Shoot for 10+ per round. Select box height (or stack plates) accordingly.
C. Row or AirDyne sprints: 8 rounds of :15 sprint, :45 recover

THURS 02.27.14 The 2014 CrossFit Open starts today! Read More »

Get to know our new Head Coach Michael!

Michael takes over as our full-time Operations Manager & Head Coach next week. He’s already been coaching classes for a few weeks, so you may already have met him.
Welcome to the team, Michael!

Name: Michael T. Aaron
Age: 29
How long coaching CrossFit? I started coaching in 2010.
Other coaching certifications: MovNat Level 1 Certified Trainer. I went through the certification course this past weekend at here at Crossfit Midtown, so if you saw a group of us running barefoot, balancing on 2x4s, crawling, or vaulting boxes on Saturday or Sunday, this is what I was doing. Any one interested in MovNat (www.movnat.com) feel free to ask me next time at the gym.
Day job: I’m the new operations manager and head coach at Crossfit Midtown. I look forward to meeting all of our members in the next few weeks!
Athletic background/achievement: I was a multi-sport athlete growing up: swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, track & field, football; then 4 years of rugby in college. I play rugby now for Atlanta and our team has had national success finishing in the top 16 in the county in Rugby 7s (new Olympic version of rugby) in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013 as well as top 16 in Rugby 15s in 2009 and 2013.
How long doing CrossFit: I was introduced to Crossfit in 2008 through rugby as a way to becoming a fitter, more powerful athlete. I quickly became convinced that CrossFit is the best General Physical Preparation program in existence, and have been turning others on to CrossFit ever since.
Favorite CrossFit movement:one-arm dumbbell snatch
Favorite movement to coach: deadlift
In my spare time I enjoy: reading, watching movies and tv shows. Anything scifi/fantasy. Game of thrones, the walking dead, Star Trek. Avid chess player and card and board games.
Favorite quote: “A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does” — Dan Millman: Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Advice to new CrossFitters: Be patient with your progress: building strength, developing technique with each movement, and increasing your endurance takes time. Have a positive attitude and give your best every day at the gym. Don’t avoid WODs because you don’t like them. Most of the time that is exactly what you need.

904072_10151406711528506_938895050_oCoach Michael

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Jason
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
1:45p: College CrossFit- Jason
4p: Open Gym- Michael
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Raul
8p: Open Gym- Raul

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Deadlift: 5×3 workups
B. 5 rounds for time:
15x burpees
50x double unders (sub 150 singles)

And coming tomorrow…

A. Skill work: 10 min handstand practice
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 12 minutes of:
2 handstand push ups (modify: strict press)
4 kettlebell snatch R
4 kettlebell snatch L

WED 02.26.14 Coach Spotlight: Michael Read More »

Get to know Coach Amy

Amy coaches the Wed 12n & Fri 4, 5 & 6p classes.
Name: Amy Rakestraw
Age: Shame, shame. You never ask a lady her age
How long coaching CrossFit: I started with CFM in March 2013…it’s almost my 1 year anniversary!!!
Other coaching certifications: Russian Kettlebell (RKC/SFG), Certified personal trainer, Yoga, TRX
Athletic background/achievements: I used to be a gymnast and dancer in my younger years (I would choreograph dances with the neighborhood kids on my back porch to Debbie Gibson), I was in color guard and a cheerleader in HS. And then I became a slug until I found BURPEES!
“Day job”: This. Yes, it is awesome. And I love it.
Favorite CrossFit movement: I love to deadlift. I’m not great at it, but I really want to be.
Favorite workout or movement to coach: Double unders. I consider myself the double under whisperer.
In my spare time I enjoy doing: I really like to run. Which is good because I also really like to sit on a patio with a good margarita and some chips and salsa! Apparently I get really good at riddles after a margarita. Or two.
Favorite quote: I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being – Hafiz
Advice to new CrossFitters: Form first! Own the movement and then add weight.

imageCoach Amy

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
1:45p: College CrossFit- Kelly
4p: Open Gym- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
6:30p: Group Intro- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
8p: Open Gym- Kelly

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Overhead squat: build to a tough single in 12 minutes
B. 30-20-10 for time:
Overhead squat- 50% of Bodyweight (mod as needed)
Ring dips

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 5×3 workups
B. 5 rounds for time:
15x burpees
50x double unders (sub 150 singles)

TUES 02.25.14 Coach Spotlight: Amy Read More »

Support Carlos & his CFM models!

Over the last several weekends, CFM’s very talented photographer Carlos has been shooting his new photo series: WORDS. The photos will be on display at his first gallery show in Atlanta in late March. Stay tuned for more details to see his work… And see if any of his CFM models- Tiff, Monica, Lis and Uran- make it into the show!

imageHarvey & the 6p crew at last week’s Bring-A-Friend Day

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Rebecca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
4p: Open Gym- Lis
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. Skill review: thrusters, power cleans, jerks
B. “Master’s Triple Take”:
Complete as many rounds & reps as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Thrusters, 95/65
10 Pull ups
rest :30
Complete as many rounds & reps as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Power Cleans, 95/65
10 Burpees
rest :30
Complete as many rounds & reps as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Jerks, 95/65
10 Box Jumps, 20

Post 3 scores- total reps for each of the three mini-WODs

And coming tomorrow…

A. Overhead squat: build to a tough single in 12 minutes
B. 30-20-10 for time:
Overhead squat- 50% of Bodyweight (mod as needed)
Ring dips

MON 02.24.14 Words Read More »

IMG_1827 copy
Dyer

Get to know Coach Dyer

Our resident Olympic Weightlifting expert, Dyer is one of the founders/owners of CFM. He coaches Sundays and occasionally subs for the AM classes.
Name: Dyer
Age: 38
How long coaching CrossFit: 1 year
Other coaching certifications: USAW Sports Performance Coach
Athletic background/achievements: West Coast Buzzer Beater Champion
“Day job”: Lawyer
How long doing CrossFit: 3 years
Favorite CrossFit workout: Lizzie – 7:25
Favorite workout or movement to coach: the clean
In my spare time I enjoy: playing with my kids
Favorite quote: “Do it now.”
Advice to new CrossFitters: Make it your mission to learn how to do the movements as perfectly as possible and take pride in getting it right regardless of the weight. Record your workouts somewhere that you’ll be able to find in a year or later. Set some goals.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
1:15p: College CrossFit- Lis
4p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly

Here are some tips for today’s workout, 13.5 from last year’s CrossFit Open!

13.5 Tips and Strategy with the guys from Barbell Shrugged

13.5 Additional Info on Time Bonus and Scaling

Workout of the Day (WOD) – Games Open 13.5

Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 4 minutes of:
15 thrusters 100/65#
15 Chest to bar Pull-ups (scale Jumping Chest to bar Pull-ups)

If 90 reps (3 rounds) are completed in under 4 minutes, time extends to 8 minutes.
If 180 reps (6 rounds) are completed in under 8 minutes, time extends to 12 minutes.
If 270 reps (9 rounds) are completed in under 12 minutes, time extends to 16 minutes.

*If you finish early, use the remainder of time for skillwork of your choice.

And coming tomorrow…Team WOD

In teams of four, perform 3 rounds each, advancing to the next station only once the team member in front of you has moved on (conga-line style)::
15 Box Jump-Overs (24/20)
20-Meter Bear Crawl with Dumbbells
25 Russian Kettlebell Swings (70/53)
30 Wall Ball Shots (20/14)

**MOD height & weight for beginners

FRI 02.21.14 Coach Spotlight: Dyer Read More »

The CFM team needs two more competitors!

Kelly is getting a SCALED team together for a Spring CrossFit league. Details are below.
Email Kelly if you wanna play!

Georgia Fitness League’s Spring 2014 team competition series:
Week 1 – Saturday, April 19th at Fitness Battalion CrossFit (West Midtown)
Week 2 – Saturday, May 3rd CrossFit Breaking Boundaries (Roswell)
Week 3 – Saturday, May 17th CrossFit Indulto (Sandy Springs)
Week 4 – Saturday, May 31st CrossFit Atlanta (West Midtown…this is a tournament, so likely a longer time spent competing)

Cost is $85/person for scaled teams & $100/person for Rx teams. Contact Kelly by THIS FRIDAY to register!

Competing is an awesome experience & it really allows you to dig deep and discover your true CrossFit potential! Adrenaline & endorphins are a beautiful thing! If you want your hormones to give you a real boost, consider using these testosterone pills.

imageAmanda B deadlifting with last week’s AM crew.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
1:45p: College CrossFit- Jason
4p: Open Gym- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie
8:15p: Yoga- Samantha

Workout of the Day (WOD) – BRING-A-FRIEND DAY!

A. Skill work: 10 min double under practice + 2 min Max Rep Double Unders
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 15 minutes:
20 Russian kettlebell swings
20 situps
20 supermans

And coming tomorrow…Open WOD 13.5

Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 4 minutes of:
15 thrusters 100/65#
15 Chest to bar Pull-ups

If 90 reps (3 rounds) are completed in under 4 minutes, time extends to 8 minutes.
If 180 reps (6 rounds) are completed in under 8 minutes, time extends to 12 minutes.
If 270 reps (9 rounds) are completed in under 12 minutes, time extends to 16 minutes.

*If you finish early, use the remainder of time for skillwork of your choice.

THURS 02.20.14 Georgia Fitness League- who wants in? Read More »

The Open starts next week!

The CrossFit Open starts next week, with the announcement of the first week’s workout on Thursday night. Each week of the Open, they make a huge production out of the workout announcement followed by a live demo of the workout by two CrossFit superstars, just minutes after the announcement.
CrossFit just announced the venues for the live announcements AND THE FIRST ONE IS RIGHT HERE IN ATLANTA!
We’ll have more details soon on how you can go watch the live announcement at CrossFit North Atlanta, our affiliate neighbors in West Midtown.
Read the announcement and sign up for the Open here.

imageDJ POB… If you see this man, ask him to return our iPod. It will be freshly loaded with wodtastic tunes.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Jason
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
1:45p: College CrossFit- Jason
4p: Open Gym- Michael
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Raul
8p: Open Gym- Raul

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Overhead squat: OHS skill work OR work up to a heavy set of 5 in 12 minutes. If you went heavy Monday, just work up to a moderate set of 5.
B. 5 rounds for time:
2 muscle ups
4 handstand push ups
10 box jumps 24/20″

And coming tomorrow…BRING A FRIEND DAY!

A. Skill work: 10 min double under skill work
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 15 minutes:
20 Russian kettlebell swings
20 situps
20 supermans

WED 02.19.14 The 2014 CrossFit Open kicks off in ATL! Read More »

Get to know Coach Ben

Ben coaches Monday nights at 5 & 6pm.
Name: Ben Sapp
Age: 30
How long coaching CrossFit: Off and on for 3 years
Athletic background: football and baseball in high school
Other job: Selling/leasing commercial real estate
How long doing CrossFit: 4 years
Favorite CrossFit workout: whatever comes up tomorrow
Favorite workout or movement to coach: Handstand push ups
In my spare time I enjoy: Riding my bicycle, climbing and hiking.
Favorite quote: “For every strike brings me closer to the next home run” – Babe Ruth
Advice to new CrossFitters: It’s not about the clock. Everyone starts from the bottom. With time, patience and determination you’ll be able to achieve whatever your goals are for CrossFit.

imageCoach Ben (he’s not always green :))

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
1:45p: College CrossFit- Kelly
4p: Open Gym- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
6:30p: Group Intro Session- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
8p: Open Gym- Kelly

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A1. Bench press: 5×3 work ups (rest 1min)
A2. Chin ups: Max reps x 5 (rest 1min)
B. For time:
300m Row
25 air squats
100 double unders (sub 300 singles)
25 hand release push ups
300m Row

And coming tomorrow…

A. Overhead squat: OHS skill work OR work up to a heavy set of 5 in 12 minutes. If you went heavy Monday, just work up to a moderate set of 5.
B. 5 rounds for time:
2 muscle ups
4 handstand push ups
10 box jumps 24/20″

TUES 02.18.14 Coach spotlight: Ben Read More »

Bring yo’ Friends on Thursday!

February’s Bring a Friend Day is this Thursday. Bring a buddy to any CrossFit class all day for a free workout suitable for all experience & fitness levels.

imageCongrats to Hovis who competed on a team this weekend (with wife Michele) at the Garage Games One competition. They placed 2nd in their division!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Rebecca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
4p: Open Gym- Lis
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. Front squat: In 12 min find your 3-rep max.
B. For time: 21-15-9
Unbroken wall balls*
Pull ups

*If the ball drops, start set again. If you miss squat depth or the wall target on a rep, do an extra rep before letting the ball drop.

And coming tomorrow…

A1. Bench press:
5×3 work ups (rest 1min) A2. 5x rep strict chin ups (rest 1min)
B. For time:
300m Row
25 air squats
100 double unders (sub 300 singles)
25 hand release push ups
300m Row

MON 02.17.14 Bring a Friend Day is Thursday! Read More »

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