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Deadlifting to “Failure”

By Coach Dyer
We’ve been doing max reps to failure on deadlift recently. This can be dangerous if you are not checking your form on every rep. For most, technical failure on the deadlift occurs several reps before you simply can’t lift the weight. Most commonly, the back becomes too fatigued to maintain a proper position and begins to round. As soon as you feel your back start to round on these deadlift sessions, you’ve reached technical failure and you should stop even though you might possibly pull out another rep or two. These lifting sessions are training, not tests. There’s no glory in injuring yourself just to put an 11 instead of a 9 on the board for your last set. Stop once you hit technical failure and save your back so that you can come back to fight the next day.

Strength cycle adjustments

Each week, you’ll adjust your weight on a lift based on the last time you did that lift. Here’s how to adjust this month:
If you did less than 5 reps, drop 5# on a DL or squat. Drop 2.5# on press (strict or bench).
If you did exactly 5 reps, keep weight the same and shoot for a PR on reps (6+).
If you did 6-9 reps, add 5# total to DL or squat. Add 2.5# to press.
If you did 10-13 reps, add 10# total to DL or squat. Add 5# to press.
If you did 14+ reps, add 15# total to DL or squat. Add 10# to press.
IMG_7880Warming up for Helen on Saturday.

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Deadlift: 5-5-5+
B. Every min on the min for 16 mins: Even – 8 Lateral box jumps
Odd – 10 wall balls 20/14

And coming tomorrow…

A. 3 sets max ring rows.
Rest/mobilize 5 min between rounds.
B. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 reps of:
Russian KB Swings 2/1.5 pood
Ring Dips

WED 8.14.13 Deadlifting to “failure” Read More »

Athlete Profile: Kelli O

aka KO, Kel, Kelsers, BBPF
Hometown: Originally from Mobile, AL. Just to beat you to it: An Alabama State trooper pulls over a pickup truck on I-20. He says to the driver, “Got any ID?” The driver says, “Bout what?”
To my credit, I grew up just outside of Atlanta and have lived in Midtown for over a decade.
Age: Apparently ladies don’t reveal their age… I’m 29 and holding.
Occupation: Corporate Zookeeper aka HR Manager
Three words to describe you: Because I’m so incredibly shy, I asked my friends to answer this question. Because I’m humble, I’m going to share ALL of their responses : ) – Caring, Witty, Awesome, Amazeballs, SassyPants, Bright, Sincere, Happy Go Lucky, Positive, Funny, Loyal, Energetic, Empathetic, Adventurous, Ambitious, Outgoing, Friendly, Smart, Vivacious, Considerate, Family Oriented, Cheerful, Positive, Humorous, Charismatic, Engaging, and most importantly, BBPF.
Editor’s note: Former CFM student Charles Barkley (yes, THE Sir Charles) once asked about Kelli, referring to her as “that pretty brown-haired girl… big booty, pretty face.” Hence, the BBPF nickname
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? As many of my FB friends know, I have a knack for finding random, entertaining videos/pics on the interwebs. I’m also dangerous with my iPhone camera, PhotoShop (see below), and video editing. I believe you are all familiar with my work on the Prancercise video.
Other talents: when you really get me laughing, I sound like a seal (or the guy from Revenge of the Nerds, but seals are cuter); I can give anyone a run for their money on “Aunt of the Year” – I have 5 nephews and a niece under the age of 6.
When did you first start CrossFitting?: I joined CF Peachtree in 2010, but I started a new job with long hours and then I injured my ankle playing soccer so my CF career was cut short. After surgery, lots of physical therapy, and a personal trainer to help me to gain confidence in the weight room again, I came back to CrossFit here at CFM.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? What made you try it? I blame Christine Wilson. I heard there were hot guys who worked out with their shirts off and any girl can appreciate a little eye candy. In all seriousness though, I just wanted to get stronger.
Favorite WOD: Is there such a thing? I’d much prefer a TWOD especially to “Don’t Drop That Thun Thun Thun”. (Please see Lis’ FB wall for an example… & the T stands for “twerk”)
Least Favorite WOD: Kelly – Probably just because they don’t even know how to spell it correctly. Everyone knows that “Y” is a bullsh*t letter.
Sports & fitness background: Grew up playing soccer & basketball, but was also a swimmer and dancer. My mom liked to see me take dance because it allowed me to be girly (I have 3 older brothers). My dad liked the fact that I took dance because it helped me on the soccer field. These days, it just helps me coach/choreograph prancercise routines.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? A picture is worth a thousand words:
photo (3)Both Kelli & her minime have undergone drastic transformations since starting CrossFit… THAT, or Kelli really does have a PhotoShop habit. You decide.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I laugh more, sweat more, and am way more sore… However, I wouldn’t say that any of that is unexpected.
Favorite CFM moments: A) Filming the Prancercise video…everything about that day. B) Falling off the stationary dip bar when I got distracted because someone took off his shirt – Glad Christine was there to watch and laugh at me.
Note: if you take your shirt off, I will look – I have no shame. It’s totally platonic. Moreover, if I laugh when you take your shirt off, it’s because I’m thinking back to falling… I’m not actually laughing at you.
Any advice for people just getting started? Just have fun! Go at your own pace and learn the correct form from the beginning. (Easier said than done!)

IMG_7299Dan rocking out kettlebell swings during To Helen Back prelims.

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Back squat: 5-5-5 @ 65%
B. 6 rounds for time:
200m run
10 kettlebell swings
5 pull ups

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 5-5-5 @ 65%
B. Skill: 10 mins of muscle up skill work OR
EMOM 10: 3 muscle ups
C. 3 rounds: Accumulate 1 min each in center, L & R side plank

WED 7.17.13 Athlete Profile: Kelli O Read More »

PRIDE Fundraiser: Screening of “Strong” on Fri 8.16

Join us at CFM on Friday, August 16th at 7pm for a screening of “STRONG”, a documentary about Olympian AND CFM student/coach Cheryl Haworth. Many of you have been in class with Cheryl and/or benefited from her Olympic Lifting coaching on Tuesday nights or during weekend Open Gym sessions. You may not know she’s also the topic of a critically-acclaimed documentary. We’ll be hosting a screening of the film as a fundraiser for the Atlanta Pride Committee. Suggested donation is $20. Tickets will be on sale this week… RSVP here for updates & more details.

And check out the trailer here:

IMG_7463Cheryl coaches Leaor on the snatch during Open Gym a few weeks ago. Several athletes have set new PRs (personal records) already, under her tutelage!

Workout of the Day (WOD)

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

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 5-5-5 @ 75%
B. 3 rounds for time:
21 russian kettlebell swings
12 strict pull ups

TUES 7.9.13 PRIDE Fundraiser & “Strong” screening is 8.16 Read More »

Time to reflect on June & prep for a fantastic July!

Congrats to everyone for making it through another stellar month. The weather has changed and you may have noticed as the humidity rises, it’s tougher to breathe through those tough metcons. Factor the weather in as just one more challenge added to each workout, pace yourself as necessary, and do the best you can. Be proud of yourselves for continuing this tough training as the weather makes it harder!
What accomplishments are you proud of in June?
Mine include:
1) settling into my new apartment
2) making big strides in developing the CFM team & delegating responsibilities
3) kicking off the new version of our Instructor Training Program
4) beginning to train with my new powerlifting coach in preparation for my July 20th meet
5) officially registering for USAPL Raw Nationals
6) starting work with a new naturopath/acupuncturist to help improve my health & well being
And now it’s time to set July goals…here are a few of mine:
1) Set PRs (personal records) on back squat, bench press & total at USAPL Raw Nationals on July 20th
2) Continued focus on recovery to stay healthy & make the most of the training sessions I have left before the meet, to include: sleeping 8+ hours a night, twice a week chiropractic adjustments & ART, 6x a week foam rolling/mobility work, drinking plenty of water, eating clean, limiting alcohol, taking epsom salts baths, continuing supplementation with fish oil, nighttime recovery, pre-workout Muscle Fuel, post-workout SFH Recovery & Fortified.
3) Gain three pounds of muscle before the meet (through regular lifting, LOTS of protein & NO metcons/cardio)
4) Work hard through 7/16 so I can enjoy the rest of the month OFF on vacation 🙂

What were your high points of June? What are your goals for July? Let’s keep this blog comments momentum rolling…share in the comments!

July programming

This month’s programming is focused on preparing all of our CFM athletes for Quarterly Progress Checks at the end of the month (the week of July 22nd…mark your calendars!) AND on training our participants in CFM’s Summer To Helen Back challengers to improve on their Helen times… stay tuned for a longer blog post tomorrow with details on what to expect from July programming.

PEACHTREE ROAD RACE!

Good luck to all our CFMericans running the Peachtree Road Race! If you’re not running but still want to join the CFM community to cheer on our team, join Lis & Jeremy…(who else is in?) Thursday morning at 11th & Peachtree to celebrate CFMerica this 4th of July!
What a good-lookin’ bunch of peeps at CFM’s 1st Anniversary Party back in May!

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Back Squat: 5@70%, 3@80%, 1@90% (of 1-rep max… if you don’t know your max, we’ll help!)
B. 5 rounds for max reps of: 1 minute max rope climbs or rope climb skill work or ring rows), rest :30
1 minute double unders, rest :30
1 minute hollow rocks, rest :30

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 5@70%, 3@80%, 1@90%
B. Split jerk: 2-2-2-2-2
As many rounds/reps as possible (AMRAP) in 8 minutes of:
5 toes to bar
3 burpee broad jump*
*Jump as far as you are tall each time (mark the floor w chalk for your height).
*For each broad jump you do not jump at least as far as your height, add a 1-burpee penalty after time expires.

MON 7.1.13 Whatchu got, JULY?!? Read More »

Olympic Lifting Seminar with Travis Cooper

Sunday, March 10th, Travis Cooper will be joining us for a six-hour seminar (9a-4p with an hour break for lunch) to teach us the finer points of the snatch and clean & jerk. Travis has competed and coached at the national & world levels. He is now a member of Team MDUSA and aspires to compete in the 2016 Olympics.
Register now! This seminar is limited to 24 athletes. Athletes and coaches of all levels will benefit from this course.

$75.00 – CFM Members
$85.00 – CFM Guests

Visit the FB event page for the seminar timeline and more info about Travis.


Lis & Dan make good on their lost SuperBowl bet and do 50 burpees (notice Dan actually does 51) as a triumphant Nate heckles around them. Nate was nice enough to provide background music for the festivities. Dan made good on his prediction of a 2:30 finish time and was nice enough to drag Lis out super fast, way off her pace, to a 2:42ish finish. Both would later regret this blistering pace and lack of a warm-up.

Quarterly Progress Checks:

This week, we’re retesting several benchmark workouts and setting new goals for the next three months. Who will you be by early May? Set your intention now.

Workout of the Day

A. CrossFit Total:
1 rep max of –
Back squat
Strict press
Deadlift
B. 1 minute AirDyne test for max calories

And coming tomorrow…

Partner WOD at all classes!
Choose between –
A. 5k row: you and your partner alternate as you wish. Each partner must row at least 2000 meters.
B. TabataISH: you and your partner each complete 8 rounds – :20 max reps of air squats, push ups, sit ups, pull ups. While Partner A works, Partner B rests. Count all reps for total score.

FRI 02.07.13 CrossFit Total! Read More »

Kerry and Anna rocking some cleans.

Athlete Profile: Kerry M.

Hometown: LaGrange, GA
Age: 40
Occupation: Regions Private Wealth Management
When did you start CrossFit?: I started CrossFit about 4 years ago with an instructor for 3 months and then thought I would try just using Crossfit.com to get my WODs and instruction. BIG MISTAKE. Finally, after
lackluster results and poor form that nearly shredded my shoulder, I was just about ready to quit. Then, I moved to Atlanta and a few weeks later CrossFit Midtown opened up only a block away. I joined in June and have loved it!
Favorite WOD: Call me crazy but I like WODs with pull ups.
Least Favorite WOD: Any AMRAP.
Three words to describe you: God, Family, Work
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played varsity tennis, wrestling, soccer and football in high-school. Even managed to be selected for GA All-State Football in 1994. After that high point, I went to college and basically stopped doing anything that closely resembled exercise. About 10 years ago I reached a peak of slothfulness and finally decided to get moving. I enjoyed spinning and exercise classes until I heard about CrossFit.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel?
I went in on a Saturday and the WOD was “Fight Gone Bad”. I gave it my all, was beat by most of the girls and still nearly croaked. No really. Turns out I had “rhabdomyolysis”, which is where muscle fibers are damaged and released into the bloodstream, often causing kidney damage. Seems that it’s often seen in 30+ year old guys who think they’re still 18. I haven’t done Fight Gone Bad since!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF? I can carry my 9 and 6 year old kids around the house while dodging our barking dog.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I have more confidence in all aspects of life and have met some really great, interesting people.
Any advice for people just getting started? You will second guess your decision to start CrossFitting for the first few weeks. Don’t give up! Follow your instructor’s guidance. Push yourself every day and you will soon be missing the days you can’t make it into CFM!
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Living my life for Jesus Christ and spending as much quality time as possible with my wife and kids. I also enjoy bird hunting and scuba diving.
What did you eat today? Well, I thought about eating 3 cookies but I only ate one. That counts as progress–right, Lis?!
Do you follow the paleo or primal lifestyle? What is your nutrition philosophy? No. I might try it one day but for now I eat healthy “family” meals with lots of chicken, fish, veggies, nuts…and cookies.

Labor Day Weekend

CFM is open for Labor Day… please check out the following schedule updates:
Saturday, September 1 – regular scheduled classes at 10 & 11 am
Sunday, September 2 – Hooverball at 10 am, Piedmont Park sand volleyball courts
Monday, September 3 – regular classes cancelled. Join Jeremy for open gym from 10am-12noon.

Workout of the Day

A. 10 minutes to a heavy power clean single
B. Deadlift: 3 sets of 15, 2 min rest
C. Three rounds:
8 Kettlebell Single Leg Deadlift R, 30 sec rest
8 Kettlebell Single Leg Deadlift L, 30 sec rest
8 Glute-Ham Raises, 30 sec rest

TUES 08.28.12 Athlete Profile: KERRY M. Read More »

Quarterly Check-In week wraps up

It’s been a busy week in the gym, testing several benchmark workouts including the Baseline. Congrats to everyone who conquered the Baseline this week…as a warm-up to the regular WOD, no less! SO MANY PRs! Be proud of your achievements over the past quarter and be sure to set some goals for the quarter ahead. Before we know it, November will be here, we’ll be wrapping up the Whole Life Challenge, and retesting all these workouts again. Good luck with today’s CrossFit Total!

REMINDERS:

Hooverball Sundays

Weekly Hooverball continues Sunday at the Piedmont Park active oval. Be there by 10 am to help claim a court. You can parallel park on Piedmont, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, or in the deck (access off Monroe). Come out and play!

CFM 2.0

We’re already getting a facelift! This weekend we’ll be knocking down a few walls in order to expand the gym floor and install a new pull up cage with squat racks, dip stands and more rings… as well as a few other improvements. We’ll still have Saturday morning classes at 10 and 11, but they’ll be outside, so come prepared for some fun with tires and sledgehammers!!!

Whole Life Challenge update

Team CFM is up to 12 Whole Life Challengers! Alison D, Erin, Beth, Dyer, Bri, Brianne, Laura S, Uran, Vabs, Courtney, Jeremy and Lis are in the game. Who else is joining us? We’re shooting for 40. Get in the game!Register here.

Mark your calendars:
Saturday, September 8 at noon- WLC Pre-Challenge Huddle
Friday, September 14- WLC Eve Not-Paleo Potluck
Saturday, September 15- WLC Prelims
Friday, October 12- Paleo Potluck
Saturday, November 10- WLC Finals, Awards Ceremony and Finals Party

Hooverball Sunday. Be there.

Workout of the Day

If it’s your first class of the week: Warm Up & retest Baseline

CROSSFIT TOTAL:
1RM Back Squat
1RM Strict Press
1RM Deadlift

Work up to your one rep max of each lift, in order: Back squat, then strict press, then deadlift. You’ll have 12 minutes at each lift, including warm up and three attempts. The heaviest of your three attempts will be your score for that lift. Add up the scores of the three lifts for your CrossFit Total score.

CASH OUT: 1 minute max effort AirDyne sprint for calories

Good Luck!

FRI 08.17.12 CrossFit Total Read More »

HOOVERBALL!

What a great showing for Hooverball yesterday! Congrats to the team of Fred, Jon, Cameron and Scott for winning the round robin tournament. Come on out next week for more fun Sunday at Piedmont Park!

Class Levels

Beginning this week, we’re enforcing class levels. Starting Tuesday, 6/26, the 7PM TUESDAY, 6PM WEDNESDAY and 5PM THURSDAY classes will be for Beginners. These classes will focus on fundamental movements and we’ll do a scaled or modified version of the daily WOD. If you are an advanced athlete, you’re welcome to attend this class for some “back to basics” work, or you can attend a different class that day or take a rest day.
Refer to the schedule on the website or email Lis with questions.

Paleo Night at Urban Pl8

Tomorrow is Paleo Night. Post in the comments if you want to join the CFM table at Urban Pl8 for a delicious four-course paleo meal for just $25. We’ll make an 8:30 reservation so people can head straight there after the 7pm class.

Workout of the Day – CrossFit Total

1 Rep Max Back Squat
1 Rep Max Strict Press
1 Rep Max Deadlift
Add up your three lifts for your score.

MON 06.25.12 CROSSFIT TOTAL Read More »

Good News!

Welcome to Crystal and Rohan!
And great job to Matt on his first muscle-ups yesterday… and 2nd, and 3rd, and 4th, and… well, he did ALL 12 in the WOD! Also, Sam hit a new personal record (PR) on his 3 rep max deadlift. Congrats!

T-shirts and tumblers

See Lis if you missed the Grand Opening Celebration and didn’t receive a tumbler AND/OR if you haven’t picked up your new member t-shirt yet. New shirts are also in at the Pro Shop… get an American Apparel track shirt (unisex) or a ladies racerback tank for $25 each!

Class Levels

Beginning next week, we’ll be enforcing class levels. Starting Tuesday, 6/26, the 7PM TUESDAY, 6PM WEDNESDAY and 5PM THURSDAY classes will be for Beginners. These classes will focus on fundamental movements and we’ll do a scaled or modified version of the daily WOD. If you are an advanced athlete, you’re welcome to attend this class for some “back to basics” work, or you can attend a different class that day or take a rest day.
Refer to the schedule on the website or email Lis with questions.

Paleo Night at Urban Pl8

Next Tuesday is Paleo Night. Post in the comments if you want to join the CFM table for a delicious four-course paleo meal for just $25. We’ll make an 8:30 reservation so people can head straight there after the 7pm class.

CFM member Dr. Austin Cohen hooks Lis up with an adjustment after posting a 3:29 Fran time!

Workout of the Day – Triple B Tabata

A tabata is 20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest for eight rounds.

Tabata row
Rest 1 minute
Tabata squats
Rest 1 minute
Tabata plank hold
Rest 1 minute
Tabata lateral hops

WED 06.19.12 Read More »

WOD

A. 3 x 1:00 Row @ 60%, 80%, 100%

B. DL 5RM

C. FOR FORM (not for time)

10, 9, 8…3, 2, 1 Dynamic Push Up

1, 2, 3…8, 9, 10 Supine Ring Pull Up OR Ring Row

Dynamic Push Ups:


The adorable Olivia, climbing on post-WOD Daddy (Dyer)

Don’t I come here to check out?

During yesterday’s shuttle runs I told Geoff and Alison they had to calculate their interval times during their rest break.
They joked with me about having to do math during the WOD.
“Don’t I come here to check out?” asked Geoff.
The answer is no. Maybe in your globo gym day you put on your headphones, hopped on the treadmill or elliptical, and stared at the TVs, tuning out as the minutes passed until your cardio was done.
At CrossFit Midtown, you’re here to learn and improve as an athlete. So don’t plan on “checking out” while you’re here. YES, we want you to leave work/stress/family life/etc at the door, but you do need to focus.
Be present. Focus on the skills we’re working on that day, and devote this time to improving your health and fitness. And keep up the great work!

5.16.12 Read More »

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