burpees

Stay on track through the Holidays: Part 2

By Coach Beka
As promised, here are some of my favorite recipes for this time of year. Share your favorite recipes in the comments!
Maple Bacon Pecan Roasted Butternut Squash
Primal Cauliflower Casserole (not strict paleo)
Apple Pie Tartlets
Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Paleo Stuffing (scroll down to second recipe)
Tripp, Levy & Cassie with the chin-over-bar hold in yesterday’s WOD.

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- Jim
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. 10 minutes goat work
B. Fran-ish
21-15-9:
One Arm (right) Dumbbell/kettlebell Thrusters
One Arm (left) DB/KB Thrusters
Pull Ups

And coming tomorrow…

Lift for Life is a fundraiser workout raising money for those in the Philippines devastated by Typhoon Yolanda. If you feel moved to donate to the cause, there is a link below.
Lift for Life: “Yolanda”
BUY IN: 100 Double unders (sub 200 singles)
As many rounds & reps as possible in 24 minutes:
11 burpees
7 ground to overhead
13 back squats
CASH OUT: 100 Double unders (sub 200 singles)

100 double unders in the beginning represents the evacuation prior to Yolanda. The 24-minute AMRAP represents when Yolanda hit, and ravaged the Philippines for 24 hours. We end with 100 double unders, to represent the persevering endurance of the recovery/relief efforts.
DONATE

Sunday

The 12n class will do a special hero WOD in memory of Alex Viola
From Coach Dyer: Staff Sgt. Alex Anthony Viola was killed in action on November 17, 2013 by an improvised explosive device in the Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Alex is survived by his parents and sister. I never met Alex, but I understand that he was a badass in the gym and in life. Hats off to the good people at Proving Grounds DGA for creating this workout in his honor. Please come to the gym on Sunday and give it everything you have.
“Alex”
Row 1000 meters
Power Snatch x 20 (155/110)
Burpee (over the bar) x 60
Power Snatch x 20
Row 1000 meters

FRI 11.22.13 Paleo Thanksgiving recipes Read More »

Gratitude

by Coach Amy
This time of year it’s easy to remember to be thankful. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about right? One night where we sit around and stuff ourselves silly and maybe mention what we’re thankful for before we dig in.
But what about daily gratitude?
Do you remember to feel grateful for the mundane things, like grocery shopping?
Because thank goodness you have access to an organized store that has fresh, healthy food, and a lot of it.
And the money to pay for all that good food.
And the working car (or legs!) that got you there on a safe street.
And a warm, cozy home where you can store your food and keep it fresh for days.
And the physical ability to walk to your car, the mental capacity to get you to and through the store, the strength to pick up all of those grocery bags (thanks CFM!).
The list can go on and on.
So before you start to complain about the traffic, or the idiot that cut you off, or the lady standing in front of you paying with a check…take a deep breath and smile.
Because you’re alive.
And while even that is beyond our control, we can be thankful for every day we have here.
Starting now.
A good way to start your daily gratitude?
Start a list. Add three things every day that you’re grateful for. They can be little things that made you smile throughout the day, they can be big things that you don’t want to take for granted.
Heck, you don’t even need to write them down. Think of something before you get out of bed in the morning. Be grateful for the simple fact that your eyes opened again. And remember to give your loved ones a hug/call/high five when you think of them. Tell that person you’re sorry. Release the grudge from ten years ago.
Don’t assume there’s a later, or tomorrow, or next week.
Live now. And be grateful for today.
Noon class Jackie

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Tirzah
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Tirzah
8a: Open Gym- Tirzah
11a: Yoga- Amy
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
4p: Open Gym- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Raul
8p: Open Gym – Raul

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Mobility or skill review (thrusters, power cleans, jerks)
B. “Master’s Triple Take”
As many rounds as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Thrusters, 95/65
10 Pull ups
rest :30
As many rounds as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Power Cleans, 95/65
10 Burpees
rest :30
As many rounds as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Jerks, 95/65
10 Box Jumps, 20″

And coming tomorrow…

A. 10 minutes rope climb skill work
B. As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
:30 handstand hold
:30 l-sit
:30 chin over bar hold
:30 bottom of squat hold

WED 11.20.13 – Gratitude Read More »

Get out of your rut!

I wasn’t thrilled with my performance at the state powerlifting meet.
Yes, I won my weight class & set a new state record with my final squat.
But I was also frustrated with my performance because my numbers were flat or down- I squatted 292# (at 148# body weight) which was a PR for me at that weight class BUT six months ago I squatted 286# at a body weight of 142#… More than 2x my body weight.
I bench pressed 142#… Been stuck at that same weight for three meets now.
And I deadlifted 302#… 40# shy of my PR for that weight class.
No, it wasn’t my best meet. But this is the last time I’ll bitch about it.
Life is about making progress, constantly challenging yourself and striving for improvement.
When you’re moving sideways, recognize it, and find a way out of your rut.
When I missed my final deadlift attempt, I sat alone for about 30 minutes to reflect.
I was frustrated. Stagnant. In a rut.
How do I move on from this?
So I took last week off from training and met with my coach to dissect the meet & make a new plan of attack for the next meet. I’m adding another day of lifting and two days of yoga to my training. And I’m mixing up my training schedule for a change of scenery & to work with a new training partner.
Are you in a rut?
Don’t bitch about it. ACT. GO. DO.
Stop moving sideways and make forward progress.
Set new goals, start tracking your numbers to gauge your progress (if you don’t already… YOU SHOULD!), change up your training schedule, or just take some time off.
Or maybe you need to talk with your coach to reassess your game plan. Let us know how we can help.

Coach Cassie, Kira & Alyssa.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
8a: Open Gym – Tirzah
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
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. 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

And coming tomorrow…

A. Mobility or skill review
B. “Master’s Triple Take”
As many rounds as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Thrusters, 95/65
10 Pull ups
rest :30
As many rounds as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Power Cleans, 95/65
10 Burpees
rest :30
As many rounds as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Jerks, 95/65
10 Box Jumps, 20″

TUES 11.19.13 – Moving sideways? 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…

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.

MON 11.4.13 Congrats CFMakeover winners! 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 »

Be at the box next Thurs, 10/31!

We’ll be celebrating with a special HalloWOD. Join us at 7p for our 2nd annual GLOW STICK WOD… this will be a partner WOD suitable for all skill levels. Guests are welcome so grab a partner, coordinate costumes (or not… but it’d be a whole lot cooler if you did ;)) & come do a workout in the spoooooky neon light of glow sticks!
Then at 8p we’ll have a HALLOWEEN BASH to crown the winners of our October CFMakeover challenge. Everyone is welcome. Come join the fun next Thursday night!

Save the date: DECEMBER 13th

…for the LEGENDARY CFM CrossFitmas party, 7 to 10pm at the box.
Noon class working hard

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
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. Weighted pull up: Find your one-rep max OR do 3 sets of 5 strict pull ups OR do 3 sets of 5 negatives
B. For time:
250m row
15 kettlebell swings 70/53#
25 burpees
15 kettlebell swings 70/53#
250m row

And coming tomorrow…

As many rounds & reps as possible in 20min:
20 thrusters 135#/95#
20 pullups
20 burpees

WED 9.23.13 Halloween Party & CFMakeover Finals 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 »

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 »

New Month, New Goals!

by Coach Beka
With each new month comes a fresh, empty goal board at CFM. Make sure to write your goal(s) for the month next time you’re in the box! A few tips for your goal setting, in and out of CFM…
1. Set Goals that Motivate You
2. Set SMART Goals –
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time Bound.
3. Set Goals in Writing
4. Make an Action Plan
5. Stick With It!

And don’t forget the PRs!

PR stands for personal record. ANY TIME you do something for the first time – a double under, a 12″ box jump, a strict pull up, a handstand, a workout “Rx’ed” – or a new personal best at any lift… You write it on the board! Let’s see how many PRs we can get this month. LIS will commit to do a burpee for every PR on the board at the end of the month. Put her to work!

Congrats to everyone who crushed your August goals!

Today’s schedule

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A1. Max rep strict chin ups: 3 sets, rest 2:00
A2. Max rep ring dips: 3 sets, rest 2:00
B. 3 rounds for time: 30 Overhead walking lunges 45/25#
20 hollow rocks
10 burpees

And coming tomorrow…

A. 10 min mobility work
B. Goat Work: 10 min to work on any skill you choose!
C. Grace
30 clean & jerks for time 135/95#

THURS 09.05.13 Goals & PRs Read More »

Pistol This!

by Coach Cassie
Today we’re doing pistol (one-legged squat) skillwork. Here are some tests to gauge what might be holding you back from executing pistols properly – having the proper balance, strength and hip & ankle mobility all factor into pistols.
**If your answer is YES to a question below, you’re good to go! The questions that are answered NO determine which type of pistol progression you should practice.**
Balance: Can you jump up and down on one foot and stick the landing without falling? From a standing position, can you perform a lunge with your knee kissing the ground lightly AND stand back up without falling?
From a lunge on ground position, with your back ankle extended (shoelaces of back foot touching the ground) can you stand back up without falling?
If balance is an issue, here’s your pistol progression: Lunge on the ground with ankle extended, do lunge step-ups on a box (step behind box) or Lunge Step-ups on a box (step to side of box, swinging leg out).
Strength: In your lunge position on the ground, can you lift your back foot off the ground and stand up? Can you back squat or front squat your body weight?
If strength is an issue, here’s your pistol progression: Candlestick roll to pistol (uses momentum of your body to assist with the pistol) or lunge on the ground with ankle lifted off ground and stand up.
Mobility: Can you do a proper air squat? Chest up straight? Hip crease below parallel? Heels secure on the floor? AND knees pressed out over pinky toe?
If mobility is an issue, here’s your pistol progression: Hold a weight plate out in front of you with straight arms while performing the pistol. This helps activate and engage the posterior chain to allow the athlete to properly sit back into the squat rather than lurch forward.

Danny doing roll outs.

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- Raul
8p: Open Gym – Raul

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Single arm press: 5×5 each side (workups)
B. Pistols: 10 min pistol skillwork OR find weighted pistol 3RM
C. Tabata: row OR AirDyne OR jump rope singles OR double unders

And coming tomorrow…

A1. Max rep strict chin ups: 3 sets, rest 2:00
A2. Max rep ring dips: 3 sets, rest 2:00
B. 3 rounds for time: 30 Overhead walking lunges 45/25#
20 hollow rocks
10 burpees

WED 9.4.13 Pistol this! Read More »