bench press

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 »

What are you training for?

As a competitive powerlifter, that’s an easy question for me to answer. Since USAPL Raw Nationals back in July, when I qualified to compete at the Arnold in Ohio at the end of February, I’ve known I’ll be training for that meet – the biggest powerlifting contest of my career thus far.
So last weekend’s state meet was a small stepping stone on the way to the Arnold. I wasn’t thrilled with my performance – all my numbers were flat or down, and I tweaked my back while bench pressing with poor form.
I’m excited to hold another record & be a state champ, but I’m also excited to learn from the experience and get back to work.
After taking last week off to recover mentally & physically from the stress of competing & cutting weight, I am stir crazy and excited to start my new training cycle today.
The Arnold is 15 weeks away and I’m excited to get stronger, compete again on a national stage, break some more records, and squat 300 pounds!
So what are you training for?
Set a goal – give it a by-when date.
Maybe it’s an actual “game day” – a CrossFit competition, powerlifting or Olympic lifting meet, endurance or obstacle race.
Or maybe it’s another deadline – lose x inches or body fat before your wedding, or vacation, or another important event… Do five strict pull ups by the end of the year.
Whatever it is, pick something.
What are YOU training for?
Answering this question is important.
It’s your motivation for training, your reason to get to the gym, your focus when you’re here, and sometimes it’s a way out of that rut you’re in.
So think about it, and tell us in the comments.
What are you training for?
Tory & Brittany at last week’s Bring a Friend Day

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
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- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

On a continuously running clock:
20 min to find 1 rep max bench press
THEN 2 min to find max standing broad jump
THEN 2 rounds:
Max rep plyo push ups in 1 minute
Max rep overhead walking lunges 45#/25#
No rest between movements/rounds.
Been at CFM awhile? Compare to 07.19.13 and 05.08.13

And coming tomorrow…

A. Snatch: 3-2-1-3-2-1
B. Complete 4 rounds:
10 right arm KB/DB Snatch
10 left arm KB/DB Snatch
Max Rep Double Unders (1 attempt)
SCORE= total double unders (scale: singles)
Cash out*: 100 double unders or 200 singles
*only cash out if your total score is <100 double unders or <200 singles

MON 11.18.13 What are you training for? 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 »

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!

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)

A1. Weighted pull ups:A2. Bench press: 3×5 workups
B. 3 rounds for time:
10 Box jumps
20 OH walking lunges
400m run rest 2 min

And coming tomorrow

A. Snatch:
15 min to a heavy double
B. Time trial: 500m row

MON 10.6.13 Keep it simple Read More »

Tirzah reporting for duty: Mission get SWOLE

ITP student & CFM Office Manager Tirzah breaks down her goals for the CFMakeover:

I’ve done a lifestyle challenge before (last year’s Whole Life Challenge) and I learned a lot about what works for me. As a moderate pescatarian (by that I mean I’ll eat salmon and that’s about it for meat), my diet is mostly comprised of veggies, fruit, fish, nuts and some quinoa.
I take SFH Fortified & Recovery protein after workouts, which has really helped my progress & recovery.
My issue with the last challenge was I felt like I leaned out too much. I’m what you would call a “hard gainer” and if I’m not diligent about meal prep I’ve noticed that my gains slow down a bit.
Here’s the plan this time around:
Goals:
*Gain 5-6# of muscle
* Add 5# to my 3RM Front Squat
* 7-10 Strict Pull Ups
*Increase endurance
Diet:
***Last challenge I was strictly paleo and I noticed two things: I became too lean for my liking but I really like the definition I developed. So this time around I will do the following:
*Eat moderately Paleo but include quinoa, SFH protein, and oatmeal from time to time for breakfast.
*NO Alcohol
*Minimal sugar (no added sugar in foods)
*Plenty of H20
*Plenty of veggies, fish and fruit
Meal Planning:
*Grocery shopping Saturday mornings
*Cook for the upcoming week on Sunday (breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks)
Training:
*CrossFit M,T,W,F,Sun
*Run 2x wk
*Yoga 1x wk

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.

Tirzah competed with Team CFM at the Rise of the South competition a few weekends ago & set new PRs in her clean AND clean & jerk! She’s ready to set more PRs in next months CFMakeover.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Raul
8p: Open Gym – Raul

Workout of the Day (WOD)

Complete 4 rounds: Max Rep Bench Press 185/120
Max Rep Strict Pull Ups
15 Medicine Ball Sit Up Throws 20/14
*For med ball throws, get into a sit up position about 6-8 feet from the wall. Start with your back flat on the ground and the ball overhead. Sit up while flinging med ball against the wall, catch and repeat. Post total number of reps on bench & pull ups to comments.

And coming tomorrow…

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

WED 9.25.13 Tirzah’s CFMakeover game plan Read More »

Last day for CFMakeover Early Bird perks!

Our Fall challenge starts October 1…that’s just ONE WEEK AWAY! To sweeten the deal, we have a few bribes to entice you to get in the game early!
Register by midnight tonight and you’ll earn the following perk:
Gold members – one 15-minute skill session with Coach Lis or Coach Beka, to work on a skill of your choice.
Silver, Bronze or Basic members – free Open Gym access in October. You can attend CFM’s Open Gym sessions WITHOUT using one of your weekly visits. Open Gym times are Tues 8-9p, Wed 8-9p, Sun 1-2p.
Local non-members – free CFM yoga in October (classes are Thurs 8:15p & Sun 6p)
Remote non-members – one 15-minute nutrition consult with Coach Beka.
*These perks are not interchangeable (in other words, no, a Basic member can’t opt instead for a skill session).

Check out CFMakeover details here.

Leslie and Kevin powering through burpees and chin ups!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Justin
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Justin
8a: All Levels CrossFit- Justin
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
8p: Open Gym- Lis

Workout of the Day

A. Power clean:5×3 (workups)
B. Jerk: 5×1 (workups)
C. Tabata row OR AirDyne OR jump rope singles OR double unders (if you trained on 9/4, choose a different option from what you did then)

And coming tomorrow…
Complete 4 rounds: Max Rep Bench Press 185/120
Max Rep Strict Pull Ups
15 Medicine Ball Sit Up Throws 20/14
*For med ball throws, get into a sit up position about 6-8 feet from the wall. Start with your back flat on the ground and the ball overhead. Sit up while flinging med ball against the wall, catch and repeat. Post total number of reps on bench & pull ups to comments.

TUES 9.24.13 Last day for CFMakeover Early Bird perks! Read More »

CFMakeover Save the Dates:

Our October lifestyle challenge is three weeks away! Mark your calendars for these important dates & register today.
Mark your calendars:

Pre-Challenge Huddle – Sat, Sept 28 at 10a

Prelims testing – Oct 1, 2 & 3*

Paleo Supper Club at Caramba Cafe – Fri, Oct 4 (instead of Oct Happy Hour)

Finals testing – Oct 29, 30 & 31*

Awards & Halloween party – Thurs, Oct 31

*Alternate testing dates can be arranged.

Is the CFMakeover a “paleo challenge”?

Lots of people are asking whether you have to eat a strict paleo diet during this challenge. YES… as much as possible, we recommend you clean up your diet to see dramatic results in 30 days! BUT, the challenge is less about being perfect and more about creating new, healthy habits. So make it what you want. Set goals before the month starts, stick to them, and you’ll get results.
Some examples: Eat strict paleo 6 days a week. Cut back alcohol consumption to 1x a week (OR do a whole SOBERtober). Eliminate gluten. Eliminate sugar. Avoid processed foods. Sleep eight hours a night. Do mobility work daily. Train regularly. Work hard in the gym. Meditate daily. Visit the farmer’s market each week. Plan, shop and prepare meals every Sunday. Bring lunch to work 3x a week. Try one new recipe each week. Take fish oil daily. Look amazing in your Halloween costume.
AND THE LIST GOES ON… We’ve got FIVE CFMers signed up already. What are your goals for the challenge? Post in the comments below.

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

Anne loves rope climbs!

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. Bench press: 4×4 workups
B. For time: BUY IN: 3 rope climbs, then
30-20-10 of
Russian kettlebell swings
Lateral hops
Abmat sit ups
then, CASH OUT: 3 rope climbs

And coming tomorrow…

A. 10 min snatch skillwork
B. 10 min muscle up skillwork
C. “Amanda”
9-7-5 reps of-
Muscle up
Snatch* 135/95

*Full squat snatch

THURS 9.12.13 – CFMakeover save the dates Read More »

Labor Day schedule

CFM will have regularly scheduled classes on Saturday, August 31 & Sunday, September 1. On Monday, September 2nd, in observance of Labor Day there will be only one class, at 12n.
Tirzah at To Helen Back finals.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
8p: Beginner CrossFit- Lis

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Bench press: 5-5-5+
B. Every min on the min for 16 mins:
Odd: 2 rope climbs
Even: 10 kettlebell swings

And coming tomorrow…

A. Overhead squat: 5-5-3-3-1-1-1
B. Every min on the min for 10 mins:
3-position snatch @ 60% snatch 1RM
C. 2:00 hollow rock test

MON 8.26.13 Labor Day schedule Read More »

July programming

Our focuses this month are on preparing to retest our maxes on several lifts throughout the month (see below) AND to improve at running, kettlebell swings and pull ups (for everyone, but especially those participating in the Summer Challenge: To Helen Back)
Quarterly Progress Checks are coming up! What does that mean for you? It means you’re preparing to go BEAST MODE and set some new personal records (PRs!) this month on several lifts that we will be testing, or maxing out on. We’ll also be preparing the Helen challengers to DOMINATE Helen when they compete again on Saturday, August 10th.
Choose your training/testing days wisely – for instance, if you’re hoping to break some personal records on the CrossFit Total, I recommend taking off the day or two prior, so you’re fresh for those lifts. Here are some important testing dates in July programming:
Every Wed in July – HELEN practice. Programming on Wednesdays throughout the month includes running, kettlebell swings and/or pull ups.
Tues, July 9 – Front squat 1 rep max
Thurs, July 11 – 5k row time trial
Fri, July 12 – FRAN!
Tues, July 16 – Overhead squat 1 rep max
Fri, July 19 – Bench press 1 rep max
Sun, July 21-Sat, July 28th: Quarterly Progress Checks*:
Retest your Baseline WOD this week!
Mon 7.22- 5 rounds for time: 7 handstand push ups, 14 pistols, 21 double unders
Tues 7.23- Olympic Total (1 RM Snatch + 1 RM Clean & Jerk)
Wed 7.24- 1RM Weighted Pull Up & For time: 250m row, 15 kb swings 70/53, 25 burpees, 15 kb swings, 250m row
Thurs 7.25- As many rounds & reps as possible in 20 minutes of: 20 thrusters 135#/95#, 20 pullups, 20 burpees
Fri 7.26- CrossFit Total (1RM Squat, 1RM Press, 1RM Deadlift) & AirDyne 1 min max calories test
*Makeup Days will be Sunday, 7/21 and Saturday, 7/28

THANKS TO OUR 1000 FACEBOOK FANS! Here’s the “thank you” video on YouTube… OUR version of Prancercise.
DISCLAIMER: CFM is in no danger of becoming a Prancercise-specific facility any time in the future. Ever. We MAY host regular Prancercise sessions in the park though. Or Walmart, as in this case:

Leaor on Team Fight Gone Bad. Congrats to Leaor, Amanda, Ellen, Rusty, Jim H, Adrian, Leigh and all the other CFMericans who ran the Peachtree Road Race last week. Hopefully everyone had a great run!

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Bench press:4 sets of 4 @80% of 1 rep max (if you don’t know your max, choose a weight that will be challenging for 4 sets of 4)
B. Skill work or EMOM10: 10 min pistol or DU skill work OR Do 6 pistols & 20 DU every minute on the minute for 10 minutes
C. Complete 8 rounds for time:
6 Overhead Walking Lunges
6 Dynamic Push Ups*
12 Russian Twist w DB or KB

*In case you aren’t familiar with the dynamic push up or Russian twist, here are a few videos explaining the movements:

And coming tomorrow…

A. Front Squat: In 10 min, find your 1 rep max
B. Clean & Jerk: 2-2-2
C. EMOM8: Every minute on the minute for 8 minutes, perform 6 power cleans & 3 thrusters 95/65

MON 07.08.13 July programming focuses Read More »

Increasing Your Rowing Intensity

by Rowing instructor & ITPer Uran
If you’ve been coming to rowing class or just checking out the programming, you may have noticed a trend. We did a 2k time trial on May 1st, and the past couple weeks’ workouts have been based on your average 2k split time, or the time it takes to row 500m. The focus this month is on increasing our rowing intensity.
Even if you have no interest in rowing specifically, it’s still built into some of the CrossFit programming. Whether during the warm-up or “Jackie” (or in tomorrow’s 1k time trial during the regular class WOD), good technique goes a long way, and it never hurts to be faster, particularly if being on the erg makes you cringe!
Once you’ve established safe rowing technique, you can start to work on rowing more efficiently by applying more power and slowing the recovery. On the drive back from the starting position, increase your power by engaging the legs at the start. Only when the legs are almost completely extended should you open the hips and follow through with the arms. On the recovery, do that in reverse, but take your time. You’re not doing yourself any favors by rushing back up for another pull. Remember that it’s called recovery for a reason, and a good rule of thumb is the recovery period should be twice as long as the stroke. Here’s what that looks like:

Rowing class tonight at 7p!

Here’s the workout: 1 x 6 min at 2k split time
2 x 5 min at 2k split minus 1 sec
3 x 4 min at 2k split minus 2 sec
2 x 3 min at 2k split minus 3 sec
1 x 2 min at 2k split minus 4 sec

Rest 1:30 between each segment.

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Bench Press: 5-5-5+
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 15 minutes of:
5 situps
6 box jumps 30/24
7 kb swings 53/35

And coming tomorrow…

A. Max ring rows: 3 sets max reps ring rows or supine ring pull ups. Rest 5 min between sets.
B. Double unders: 10 min double under skill work OR
Advanced athletes attempt OPT’s “FLIGHT SIMULATOR”:
5 unbroken double unders
10 unbroken double unders
15 unbroken double unders
20 unbroken double unders
25 unbroken double unders
30 unbroken double unders
35 unbroken double unders
40 unbroken double unders
45 unbroken double unders
50 unbroken double unders
45 unbroken double unders
40 unbroken double unders
35 unbroken double unders
30 unbroken double unders
25 unbroken double unders
20 unbroken double unders
15 unbroken double unders
10 unbroken double unders
5 unbroken double unders