atlanta midtown crossfit

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 »

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

And coming tomorrow…

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 »

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE WHO SET A NEW PERSONAL RECORD (PR) IN THE BOX THIS WEEK!

Don’t forget to add it to the PR board so we can celebrate with you!

CrossFit Total

By Coach Beka
CrossFit Total is the total of your maximum-effort back squat, press and deadlift. This is our final progress check this week, and one of my favorites!
As excited as you may be to find out what your 1-rep max (hopefully a PR!) is, don’t take a lot of attempts to find it.
We’ll treat this like a powerlifting meet. Warm up, then take three attempts at your best squat. Then warm up for press & take three attempts to find your max press. Finally, warm up for deadlift and then take three attempts to find your max deadlift.
After warming up, the first attempt should be a weight you know you can do for three reps. The second attempt should be a weight you know you can do for a single rep (current PR), and you’re shooting for a new PR on your third attempt!
Don’t forget to record your results! A lot of our strength work is based on a percentage of your 1-rep max.
Happy PR Friday! 🙂

Levy & Christine finishing strong on Wednesday’s OPT Tester

Today’s schedule

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

Workout of the Day (WOD)

CrossFit Total
Add 1 rep max totals together:
Back squat
Press
Deadlift

And coming tomorrow…

Make up day
Make up any WOD you missed during quarterly progress checks…Do your Baseline; Monday’s HSPU, pistols & jump rope WOD; Tuesday’s Oly Total; Wednesday’s 1-rep max weighted pull up & OPT Tester (row, kb swing, burpee, kb swing, row); Thursday’s 20 min thruster, pull up, burpee AMRAP; Friday’s CrossFit Total.

FRI 10.25.13 CrossFit Total Read More »

CrossFit Problems: Calluses

by Coach Ben
Hand calluses. At first they seem cool. They’re considered a sign of hard working hands.
After a workout, they give a painful reminder that you held on to that bar for as long as you could for every rep possible. But after a while they start to become an eyesore. They seem never to go away.
And then you make a habit of picking at them.
It’s important to take care of your hands. Here are some helpful ways to prevent those hard, bothersome calluses.
1. Callus Scraper – Use one after a long, hot shower when your skin is soft and damp. Scrape calluses until they’re smooth and even.
2. Taping – Taping your hands is a good way to prevent calluses. Tape is good because they are thinner than grips and if you take the time to make a good tape strap then you can use them a few times. Here’s an example:

3. Grips – I personally like using grip straps. The common complaint with straps is that in the beginning it may be harder to grip the bar. It takes a lot of pull-ups to break in grips so they move with your hands nicely.
4. Post-Care- After a workout, wash your hands with soap and water. And put some lotion or skin ointment on them later. Everyone loves the smell of some Tiger Balm before bed.

Group planking

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis & Tirzah
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)

As many rounds & reps as possible in 20 minutes:
20 thrusters 135#/95#
20 pull ups
20 burpees

And coming tomorrow…

CrossFit Total
Warm up, then take three attempts to find your one-rep max of:
Back squat
Strict Press
Deadlift

THURS 10.24.13 Hand care Read More »

CFMakeover check-in…

by Coach Beka
We’re two weeks into the CFMakeover challenge and I want to check in with you guys… This post isn’t just for the challengers though, it’s for everyone. Staying on track with healthy life choices isn’t always easy. Here are a few strategies I use:
-PLAN AHEAD! Grocery shopping on the weekend is necessary to keep me on track.
-Plan out meals and snack ideas.
-Sleep eight hours as often as possible. This helps my cravings and makes me feel good enough to want to stay on track with workouts and meals.
-Find restaurants you know have healthy/paleo options for weekend nights out. Sometimes we’re going to want to indulge when we’re out to eat…just be smart about it and don’t go overboard.
-Have healthy snack options on hand. This helps me between meals.
-RELAX. If you have a bad day or two, it’s not the end of the world. Being healthy is about maintaining a healthy diet and reasonable outlook.
The CFM crew pre-Pride parade yesterday. Super fun times…thanks to all who came to play!

Today’s schedule

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Front squat: 5-5-3-3-1-1-1
B. 3 rounds for time:
20 Walking Lunge w OH DB/KB R
20 Walking Lunge w OH DB/KB L
15 Strict Pull Ups

And coming tomorrow…

A. Split jerk: 2-2-2-2-2
B. Complete 5 rounds for time of:
3 Push Jerks or Split Jerks 155/100#
6 Pull Ups
9 Push Ups

MON 10.14.13 CFMakeover check-in Read More »

Don’t confuse simple with easy

Saturday I spent the day at CrossFit North Alpharetta learning from Ben Bergeron, founder/owner of CrossFit New England (one of the most successful affiliates in the world).
Ben is well-known in the CrossFit world for being a brilliant programmer & coach. CFNE has sent a team to compete at EVERY CrossFit Games, making the podium several times. Ben also does distance coaching for CF superstars like Chris Spealler & Becca Voight.
And now, he’s a business coach too.
I learned a lot at the seminar, but nothing terribly technical or complicated.
Ben encouraged us to keep our businesses simple: Do the right thing. Be good to people. Set a routine. Work hard. Take time to train yourself. Treat your team like family. Spend time getting to know your members. Read.
It never surprises me when a successful business ninja tells me to read more.
Duh. That’s simple, right?
So why don’t we do more of the simple stuff to make us happier & more successful?
Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy.
This week I challenge you to take 10 minutes each day to do something simple YOU KNOW is good for you… Read, meditate, start a gratitude journal, do something nice for someone else.
What will you do?

Congrats to everyone who attacked Friday’s tough workout, especially Tiff who powered through it solo as the only student in the 8a class. Get it, girl!