lateral box jumps

New stuff in today’s workout

In the October coaches meeting, someone asked me if there was a typo on the October 16th programming. Nosiree, that there is a 10-rep max back squat.
This will challenge you to:
1. Be mentally tough
2. Take in oxygen under load
3. Handle a heavy load over time (do it right & you’ll have a barbell on your back for 60-90 seconds)
HOW DO I CHOOSE A LOAD?
Well, you’ve got 15 minutes to get there.
But here’s my challenge to you – the last time we did sets of 5 back squats, what was your heaviest set?
Take that number, and do it 10 TIMES!
You’ll have to go at a slower pace…
And work on breathing between reps…
And concentrate… and stay tight…
And tell the demons in your head to shut the hell up.
But do it. Let me know how it goes…

And oh yeah, part B has something new for you too.
Carry something heavy – is it two kettlebells?
Is it a med ball?
Is it a weight vest?
Is it a sandbag?
Your choice… what’s heavy & challenging for you?
HAVE FUN!

SFH in da house

Our friend John from Stronger, Faster, Healthier will be at the box tonight with samples of post-workout protein and fish oil. Say hello and grab some recovery drink after you train tonight!

Alyssa reppin’ out some banded push ups

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
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. Back squat: In 15 minutes, find your 10-rep max back squat.
B. For time:
200m heavy carry (your choice)
20 burpees
200m heavy carry
20 sit ups
200m heavy carry
20 pistols (10L/10R)
200m heavy carry
20 lateral box jumps

And coming tomorrow…

A. Rope Climb: 10 minutes skill practice
B. 10-1 Ladder Not for time:
Deadlift
Burpee
*Begin your first set of deadlifts at 30-35% of your 1-rep max.
Add weight each set.
Set your weights in your sets to get to 85% your 1-rep max for your last lift.
Then we’re jumping rope or AirDyning so save your legs some for that. The point of this work is to lift a heavy load (WITH PERFECT FORM) as the reps get lower but not actually max out today. Save that for next week’s CrossFit Total.)
Rest 3:00
Then, for time: 100 double unders, 400 singles OR 20 AirDyne calories.
C: 2:00 hollow rock test or 100 sit ups for time.

WED 10.16.13 SFH samples & crazy stuff in today’s WOD Read More »

Recovery tools

There’s plenty of talk about the injury risks associated with CrossFit, and the fact is that you can get injured doing any sport…or walking down the street, for that matter.
Yesterday in class, a student thanked me for incorporating a thorough warm up and mobility work into every class at CFM. I like to think of it as “prehab”…the more we can do the prevent injury through good mobility, the more likely you are to have a long, sustainable, healthy CrossFit career!
Recently I had to rehab a frustrating back injury… one that I sustained the week after lifting at USAPL Nationals, when I should have been taking it easy letting my body recover instead of plunging back into CrossFit. Many of you are curious about my progress back to healthy training, so I’m FINALLY writing about everything I do for recovery.
I realize many of us live on a tight budget, so I’m also including a price range for various recovery options, so you can prioritize and decide which might be right for you.

Recovery Aid	How it works	Cost	Where to go
Sleep	Quality sleep in a cool, dark room (especially between the hours of 10p-2a NIGHT OWLS!) is important for recovery & regeneration.	FREE	Your bed
Water	Drinking plenty of water flushes toxins from your body & prevents dehydration. Consume a MINIMUM of ½ oz of water per 1 pound of bodyweight.	FREE	The water cooler
Mobility	Most injuries are caused by a lack of mobility. Foam rolling and stretching regularly will speed recovery & increase range of motion of joints, to prevent injuries.	FREE	Anywhere! Do it when you wake up, on your own before/after CrossFit class or attend one of our free yoga classes (Free for CFM students Thurs 8:15p & Sun 6p)
Supplements For ALL CrossFitters, I recommend SFH post-workout protein (after workouts), SFH fish oil (daily) & Advocare Nighttime Recovery (before bed)	These supplements will speed recovery and decrease inflammation in the form of aches, pains & muscle soreness. SFH makes the cleanest, best quality protein & most highly concentrated fish oil I have found.	$25-65	Many are available in the CFM Pro Shop, online or at a local health food store.
Chiropractic & ART	The nervous system controls every organ, tissue & cell in the body. By gently adjusting the spine, a good chiropractor can remove the nerve interference (subluxation) that can create disease in the body. Active Release Techniques (ART) treats problems with muscles, nerves, ligaments, fascia & tendons. Headaches, back pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, joint pain & nagging athletic injuries are just a few conditions that can be resolved with ART.	$45 per wellness visit; $70 chiropractic adjustment & ART (monthly deals are available); insurance accepted	Midtown Life Studio at Juniper & 8th
Cryotherapy	During the three-minute session, you stand in the “cryosauna” (picture below) where cold nitrogen gas gets blown on your body, reducing your skin’s surface temperature. The cold air helps with athletic recovery, injury/pain relief, as well as additional aesthetic, health & wellness benefits.	$45-70 per session	Icebox Cryotherapy in Buckhead is offering a SPECIAL for CFM students – $75 for TWO sessions!
Sensory deprivation float chamber	Soak for 60-90 minutes in a big bathtub full of water & LOTS of epsom salts. Flotation is great for stress relief, relaxation & recovery. Once you’re settled, it is virtually impossible to distinguish what parts of your body are in contact with the water and which aren’t, tricking your brain into a “floating” sensation. Check out my video testimonial HERE.	$40-75 per 90-minute float	FLO2S in Little Five Points is offering a SPECIAL membership for CFM students – $99 per month gets you THREE one-hour floats (no contract required).
Massage	There are many different types of massage, but if you have an injury or lots of muscle soreness, a good sports massage can decrease muscle tension, provide pain relief, reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic movement to break up & release toxins.	Usually around $60 for one hour or $90 for 90 minutes.	I go to a massage therapist in Johns Creek, which is a HIKE! There are many good sports masseuses in Midtown though. CFM student & yoga teacher Monica Miller is one of them.

The “cryosauna” at Icebox Cryotherapy
One of two float chambers at FLO2S

Matt & Wes on Wednesday’s AMRAP…if you’re participating in the CFMakeover and haven’t tested the workouts yet, do them in any of tomorrow’s classes or during Sunday Open Gym 1-2p.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Dyer
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Dyer
8a: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
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)

Buy in: 200m run
then: 40-30-20-10 reps of:
Lateral hops (over parallette)
Walking Lunges
Sit Ups
Double Unders
then: 20-15-10-5
Burpees
American KB Swing 53/35
Lateral box jumps 24/20
Cash out: 200m run

And coming tomorrow…

Make up the CFMakeover prelim workouts OR Team WOD outside
Work in teams of 2-4…the fewer teammates you have, the tougher the workout!
Buy in: partner carry 1 length of the parking lot (each partner must carry. scaled option: farmers carry with KBs)
100 atomic sit ups 45/25
100 russian kb swings 70/53
100 bench dips (use benches from inside)
100 overhead walking lunges 45/25
100 pull ups (Last part inside. Check the clock for your finishing time!)

*Surprise! Three times during the WOD your coach will yell “PLANK” and every team member has to drop and hold a plank for 20 seconds.
One team member working at a time.

FRI 10.4.13 Recovery Tools 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 »

Farm-to-Table Restaurants

By ITP student Uran Piedra
Beka recently posted an awesome blog with a great listing of places to get locally-grown groceries. There are so many reasons to eat locally-grown or locally-sourced food, but if you’re feeling lazy, hate cooking, or simply don’t have the time, you can still get your farm-to-table fix. Atlanta actually has a number of really yummy restaurants that serve local food. So pick one from the list below, and dig into some backyard deliciousness without the hassle of cooking. If you know of any others, share the knowledge with your fellow CFMers in the comments!

Midtown:
Empire State South
Bantam + Biddy
Ecco
Westside:
Miller Union
Abattoir
Bacchanalia
Yeah! Burger
Buckhead:
Holeman & Finch
Farm Burger (also has locations in Decatur and Dunwoody)

Early registration perks for the CFMakeover

Our Fall challenge starts October 1, and just to sweeten the deal, we have a few bribes to entice you to get in the game early!
Register by next Tues, 9/24 AND you get 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.

Coach-in-training Tirzah leading Bob L and Shri through power cleans.

Today’s schedule

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

Workout of the Day

A. Deadlift: 4×4 workups (add 5# from last DL workout)
B. 6 rounds for time: 10 wall balls 20/14
10 lateral box jumps (5 L/5 R)

And coming tomorrow…

A. Weighted pull ups: 4×4 workups
B.As many rounds as possible in 10 minutes:
3 Power Cleans @ 55% of 1 RM
5 Pull Ups
10 Push Ups
15 Air Squats or 1 round of “Cindy”

WED 09.18.13 Farm-to-Table dining Read More »

Schedule updates

Effective immediately, the Tuesday 8p class will now be Open Gym (apparently the 8p Tues time slot is unpopular w our advanced athletes :)). Join Lis for skillwork, strength work, to make up a recent WOD, or do another workout of your choosing. Other open gym sessions continue on Wed nights at 8p with Raul & Sundays 1-2p with Dyer. The coach on duty is there to help you with whatever you choose OR we can give you some ideas!
8AM CLASSES will continue through the end of the month on TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS only. Attendance average is currently TWO in those classes… it needs to be 3+ to stay on the schedule. So if you like it, GET TO IT!
REMINDER that yoga classes are included in your membership, and do not count toward your weekly class limits. So join Samantha Thursdays at 8:15p and Monica Sundays at 6p to get some great mobility & stretching, as well as balance & meditation work! And speaking of yoga…

Yoga and YOU

By Coach Amy (did you know she’s also a certified yoga instructor???)
Balancing the role of CrossFit coach and yoga instructor gets tricky sometimes.
I try not to get too preachy about how and why yoga can benefit your body AND your movements (especially in an overhead squat!) so luckily I came across this blog post that will preach at you for me. Yay!
Specific mobility work, like from the posters on the wall behind the rowers (yeah, those things) is always good. But just like when we’re on our own to choose what to do, we do what we know we’re good at and we avoid what we’re not. You know you do it.
You check the blog the night before, see burpees, and skip the WOD. We’ve all done it.
But rarely is a yoga class itinerary posted; you just gotta show up and let go. So, my less-than-zen friends, my challenge to you is this: for the next month, double your yoga intake. Hit the CFM classes on Thurs & Sun nights!
And if you’re a regular yogi but just do power classes, try something different.
Restorative. Gentle. Yin. Something!
Heck, I’ll even come to the gym and show you some stuff. Like the article says, understand the importance of doing what you suck at. And if that’s yoga, lay out your mat and just breathe.

Danny & The Chief

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. 10 mins double under skill work OR mobility
B. Every min on the min for 15 mins:
Complete 2 power cleans & 10 double unders
*Go as heavy as possible on power cleans. Sub 10 tuck jumps for double unders.
C. 2:00m hollow rock test (ONLY if you didn’t do it yesterday)

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 4×4 workups (add 5# from last DL workout)
B. 6 rounds for time: 10 wall balls 20/14
10 lateral box jumps (5 L/5 R)

TUES 09.17.13 Yoga & YOU Read More »

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.
Warming 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 »

STRONG! screening & PRIDE fundraiser is this Fri!

Help us support the Atlanta PRIDE committee as we celebrate our new Olympic Lifting coach Cheryl Haworth. Get your tickets here – NOW just a $5 donation to join the fun!

POSE Running seminar is this Sat, Aug 17

Join Coach Amy for an hour of skills & drills practice to make you a more efficient runner! Register here today for the Early Bird $15 price.
Congrats to all who finished this summer’s To Helen Back Challenge! Our prize winners are Chris H (not pictured), Anastasiya, Ellen, Dave, Tirzah, Allison J, Brianne & Stuart. Thanks to VitaCoco, Big Peach Running Co, Parq, Rira & the Nook for donating prizes!

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Back squat: 5-5-5+
B. Hang snatch
3-2-1-3-2-1
C. Tabata air squat (hold bottom of squat on rest) then Tabata push ups (hold top of push up on rest)

And coming tomorrow…

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

TUES 8.13.13 STRONG! screening Read More »

Best. Summer. Ever.

As I laid at the pool Sunday until almost 8pm with FULL SUN, it hit me that summer is here. All the good – pool & lake time, sunshine, afternoons at the park… and the bad – thunderstorms, mosquitoes, muggy days (and nights!) are here to stay for the next few months.
At CFM, we’ve got lots in store for you: the Helen Challenge, another CFM Happy Hour each month, Quarterly Progress checks in July, another Food as Fuel session in August, some fun with our neighbors Fab’rik & Big Peach Running Co and more Olympic Lifting awesomeness with Cheryl Haworth.
I’m personally looking forward to seeing everyone’s progress with the Helen Challenge. I’m also gonna finish settling into my new apartment, take a few weeks vacation next month (part work – USAPL Nationals, the CrossFit Games & a BIZ seminar… and part play – visiting my family & hitting the beach!), and celebrate my birthday in August!
What are your plans for summer? What’s important to you between now and Labor Day? Let us know what’s important to you this season. Post in the comments. How will you make this your best summer ever?

Congrats to Big Dan F & his wife Nancy on the birth of their BIG 10# BOY, John Jackson, born 6.24.13!

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Back squat 3-3-3+
B. 6 rounds for time –
5 Handstand push ups
5 Lateral box jump L (step down)
5 Lateral box jump R (step down)
Rest 1 minute between rounds

And coming tomorrow…

A. Max reps chin up: 3 sets, rest 5 min between sets (DO MOBILITY WORK DURING BREAKS)
B. Rope climbs: 10 min of skillwork
C. Time trial: 2k row

WED 06.26.13 Summa’ summa’ summatime Read More »