WOD

Thank you Veterans!

Thanks to all the CFMers who serve/have served in the military. We thank you for our freedom & your service!

State champ!

Saturday I competed at the USAPL Georgia & Southern States Powerlifting meet. Thanks to all who came to cheer me on. I set a new state record in back squat (check it out here) and won the gold medal in the 148# weight class, and my team won gold as well!

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

Workout of the Day

A. Back squat 5×5 work ups
B. Every min on the min for 10:
3 power cleans 135/95
5 kb swings 70/53

And coming tomorrow…

“WADE”
Complete 5 rounds (use same DB/KB entire workout):
11 One Arm KB/DB Snatch
12 One Arm DB Thrusters
11 Weighted pull ups (w DB/KB… Or scale to strict pull ups/use a band)

MON 11.11.13 Thank you Veterans! Read More »

Bring-A-Friend Day is next Thursday!

Do your friends, family, co-workers and/or neighbors wonder about this CrossFit stuff you’ve been blabbing on about? Are they curious about the WODs, calluses and muscle soreness you’ve been rambling about? Well now they can join you once a month to check out the madness at CFM!
In the past we’ve held Bring-A-Friend Days once a quarter for three days at a time. We’re changing things up a bit… NOW, CFM will have ONE Bring-A-Friend Day per month, starting next Thursday.
We’ve planned a partner workout for that day, suitable for all levels. Invite your friends to join you for any class of the day. Just ask them to email us with the subject BRING A FRIEND to reserve a spot in a class of their choice.
Wes, Ian I & Darcy on step ups

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka & Uran
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: 10 minutes to work on a skill of your choice
B. “Helen” – 3 rounds for time:
400m run
21 kettlebell swings 53/35
12 pull ups

And coming tomorrow…

Team WOD:
In teams of 2 or 3:
20-min AMRAP:
One partner runs 400m while other partner(s) complete AMRAP:
1 Rope Climb
10 Mountain Climbers
15 Wall Balls 20/14

FRI 11.8.13 Bring-A-Friend Day next Thursday! Read More »

My L1 Experience

by Tirzah
Last month I joined a group of 64 CrossFitters who shared the same goal as me: to learn a lot, meet some new folks and pass that durn test.
To neatly sum up my CrossFit Level 1 Seminar experience, it was a weekend filled with anticipation, excitement…and a lot of squats.
I felt like it was my first day of school.
I pulled into CrossFit Atlanta’s parking lot and noticed everyone was doing the same thing…waiting in their cars looking at others waiting in their cars.
Finally someone that looked official walked toward the entrance and we all stopped sizing each other up and walked in. The box was set up like a classroom with all the chairs facing the whiteboard. As we sat down, in what apparently became our assigned seating since no one budged from their original spot, folks finally began introducing themselves, shaking hands and making corny jokes.
The next two days were filled with lectures, demonstrations, WODs* and a lot of jokes.
If you ever decide to pursue your L1* and have the pleasure of getting Mike G as an instructor you’ll find out what I mean. I really enjoyed the entire weekend.
I also want to give credit to CFM’s Instructor Training Program for helping me prepare for and complete the certification, giving me the opportunity to now call myself…
Tirzah White, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer !!!

*CrossFit terms:
WOD: Workout of the Day
L1: Level 1 certification course

Tirzah & her classmates & instructors at last month’s CrossFit Level 1 certification course.

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- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie
8:15: Yoga- Samantha

Workout of the Day

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

And coming tomorrow…

A. Goat work: 10 minutes to work on a skill of your choice
B. “Helen” – 3 rounds for time:
400m run
21 kettlebell swings 53/35
12 pull ups

Dress warmly! We’re getting some extra running in this week before the weather gets too cold to play outside!

THURS 11.7.13 My L1 experience 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 »

“No cream in my coffee, please…”

by Coach Ben
A friend of mine just started the Whole 30 challenge (30 days of strict paleo).
Her biggest struggle with clean eating is cutting the cream from her coffee (but she eventually learnt how to do it through the Sip’s website). Although I love my coffee black I can understand it may be hard to take away that yummy artificial Bailey’s Sweet Caramel (NOW in pumpkin spice) creamer she has first thing in the morning….EVERY DAY. Proper storage is an essential but easily overlooked factor in coffee’s taste. Even mild exposure to sunlight and oxygen will reduce shelf life and diminish flavor, so it’s best to keep beans in a dark, coffee canister.
That stuff is good but it’s crap.
That’s when I talked to her about Bulletproof Coffee.
If you research “bulletproof coffee” you’d think the people who drink it are drinking crack or getting paid to rave about it.
But I love it.
Bulletproof coffee is the name for a “paleo” recipe made with black coffee, grass-fed unsalted butter or ghee and MCT oil (fats naturally found in coconut and palm kernel oil).
You can find pastured butter or ghee at Trader Joe’s and get MCT oil at the health food store.
Then brew your coffee and put it in the blender with a tablespoon of butter and MCT Oil.
Blend it up and VOILA!
The fats from the butter and oil naturally provide the energy and fats that your body needs.
Currently I’m also experimenting with crushed vanilla bean and pumpkin spice for different natural flavors but in the end I still love my black coffee.
I suggest you research this stuff and try to get away from the artificial creamer. It will do your body good.

NOTE: There is “bulletproof coffee” (using your own coffee, you can make at home) and then Bulletproof Coffee (the brand). I find that using your own works just fine.

Some of the CFM Halloween crew, clockwise from top left: Captain America/Raul, Heman/Lis, Flashdance/Cassie, Duck Dynasty/Stuart, Ball player/Kira, Bumblebee/Alyssa & Amanda/herself 🙂

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
8a: Open Gym – Tirzah
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. 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.

And coming tomorrow…

TUES 11.04.13 No cream in my coffee, please! 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…

MON 11.4.13 Congrats CFMakeover winners! Read More »

Congrats on a great October!

It’s time to set your November goals. Write them on the whiteboard at the box & remember to add your PRs to the board when you set them!
October PRs
October Goals

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. Every min on the min for 8 mins:
4 ea single leg step ups (knee high)
B. Every min on the min for 8 mins:
4 ea single arm press
C. Every min on the min for 8 mins:
:30 max box jumps

And coming tomorrow…PARTNER WOD

As many rounds & reps as possible in 20 minutes:
25 med ball sit-up/toss to partner
20 Burpee (partner holds plank – no plank no rep)
15 Partner Squats (with med ball between your backs)
10 kettlebell swings (one partner swings while one rests)

FRI 11.1.13 Happy November! Read More »

Five Open Gym Tips

by Coach Dyer
With LOTS more Open Gym time added to the CrossFit Midtown schedule in November, Dyer wrote up some tips on how to make the most of all the new gym access you’ll have. Good luck!
We have a bunch of free open gym times now. Here are five habits I’ve observed from people who get the most out of open gym sessions (these aren’t rules for attending, just suggestions to get most out of your time):
1. They get to work right away. When there’s no coach telling you that it’s time to start warming up, it’s tempting to sit around on the foam roller for 15 minutes. Don’t do that. Be ready to start warming up as soon as open gym begins (if not sooner).
2. They plan their warm-up in advance and move with purpose. Run, row, etc. and use the warm-up movements that you’ve learned in class. Keep moving through the warmups with purpose to get to your workout. Ask the coach on duty if you want specific warm-ups for certain things, but be ready to tell the coach what you’re doing for your workout.
3. They know what workout or strength/skill work they want to do in advance. If you show up with no idea what you want to do, you’re 10 times more likely to screw around when you arrive or mess up your warmup. You don’t necessarily need to have an entire workout planned – saying that you just want to work on your clean and jerk or muscle-up is OK – but, the more detail you have the more you’ll get out of the session.
4. They talk to the coach. Coaches are there to help and really want to help. Tell them what you want to do and if you have any questions ask. Just don’t burn all your time talking about kipping progression theory
5. They don’t plan to do too much. The session is only an hour. So, you won’t have time to warm-up, take your snatch, clean and jerk to maximum, get in 5 sets of squats, work on your rope climbs and do Cindy all in the same session. Use the classes as a template for what can be accomplished in an hour and plan accordingly.

Reminder no 8p Beginner class tonight & no 8:15 yoga. Join the Glow Stick WOD at 7p and stay for the Halloween party at 8!

Last year’s Halloween WOD

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Tirzah/Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7p: GLOW STICK WOD- Cassie
8p: CFMakeover Awards & Finals Party

Workout of the Day (WOD)

Partner “Cindy”
As many rounds & reps as possible in 20 minutes:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
OR, if you insist on working solo:
“Chelsea”*:
Every minute on the minute for 30 minutes:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
*Modify reps or number of rounds as needed.

And coming tomorrow…

A. Every min on the min for 8 mins:
4 ea single leg step ups (knee high)
B. Every min on the min for 8 mins:
4 ea single arm press
C. Every min on the min for 8 mins:
:30 max box jumps

THURS 10.31.13 Happy Halloweeeeeeen! Read More »

REMINDER:

Open Gym schedule starts NOV 1 (that’s Friday). We’re super excited you all are chomping at the bit to get in for Open Gym time though!

Halloween Party is tomorrow

The 8p CrossFit class & 8:15p Yoga class will both be cancelled so we can celebrate all the CFMakeover prize winners! Join us at 7p for a GLOW STICK partner WOD (all levels welcome… BRING A FRIEND!) and stay for some not-paleo beverages. The Thursday night 7p class doesn’t count against your weekly class limits, so you can still get an extra workout in tomorrow, Fri or Sat. Get after it!

Congrats on all the October PRs

Here’s a few more videos from Friday afternoon classes CRUSHING CrossFit Total. Post to the comments if you set a PR last week, so we can all celebrate with you. Way to go!

Regina’s back squat PR!

P-Lane’s back squat PR!

Kelli’s press PR! (sorry girl, I barely caught this one!)

Greg’s deadlift PR!

Ben’s deadlift PR!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
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*
*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.

And coming tomorrow…

Partner “Cindy”
As many rounds & reps as possible in 20 minutes:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
OR, if you insist on working solo:
“Chelsea”:
Every minute on the minute for 30 minutes:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats

WED 10.30.13 More CrossFit Total PR videos! 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