midtown atlanta crossfit

Hope and Heather. Heavy bag hitting for the Captain America WOD

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Becca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Becca
8a: Open Gym- Becca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
4p: Open Gym- Michael
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
7p: YOGA Front Room- Monica
8p: Open Gym- Kelly

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Front Squat: 4 sets of 3 reps. Worksets all at the same weight. Max reps in final set.

B. 10 minutes as many rounds as possible (AMRAP):
6 Front squat (115/85)
8 Pullups
10 Shoulder to overhead (115/85)

Post load and max reps for final set of Front Squat. Post rounds and reps from WOD. Ex: 280# 4 reps, 10 + 14 reps Rx

And coming tomorrow…

A. 12 minutes every minute on the minute (EMOM)
1st: Max Rep Jump Rope Singles
2nd: Max Rep Double Unders
3rd: Rest

B. 3 Rounds for time [14 minute time cap]
20 Medball Overhead Waling Lunges (20/14)
15 Cal Row
10 Medball Power Slams (20/14)
5 Jumping Air Squats 6” target

Post total reps of singles and DU. Post time to finish WOD. If time capped post total reps (50 reps per round). Ex: 340, 187, 7:21.

MON 07.07.14 Read More »

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
4p: Open Gym- Jason
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Jason
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
8p: Open Gym- Lis

Workout of the Day: Bring A Friend Day!

A. Shoulder Press: 3 sets of 5. Worksets. Rest 2-3 minutes between sets.

B. Partner WOD
10 Rounds:
12 Kettlebell Swings (32/24kg)
10-20-30-40ft Suicide Sprint
12 Medball Passes 10ft (14/10)

And coming tomorrow…

A. Front Squats: 5 sets of 3 reps working up to heavy set of 3. Rest 2-3 minutes between sets.

B. 3 Rounds of:
3 minutes as many rounds as possible (AMRAP):
OPEN: 200m Sprint
__ 5 Front Squat (50% Part A.)
__ 5 Pullups
__ 5 Toes To Bar
__ 5 Power Clean (50% Part A.)
1 minute rest

Post 3 Rep Max Front Squat, and total reps from 3 rounds of AMRAP and load.
ex: 285#, 164 @ 145#

THUR 05.29.14 Bring A Friend Day!! Read More »

Join the CFM Pteradactyls!

The CrossFit Open begins tonight with the announcement of the first workout, “14.1”, tonight at 8pm. CrossFit Midtown will be doing the Open workouts on Saturdays, so join the CFM team at games.crossfit.com or just show up on Saturdays to try the workouts. This week’s workout announcement is hosted at our neighbors to the west, CrossFit North Atlanta. It will also be streamed online.

Cheer on Coach Lis at the Arnold!

Lis is competing Friday morning at the Arnold Sports Festival in the USAPL Pro Raw Powerlifting Challenge. You can watch the action streaming live online at usapowerlifting.com. She lifts in Flight B of the morning session (8a-12:30p) and hopes to set a few more state records and make it to the podium.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
1:45p: College CrossFit- Kelly
4p: Open Gym- Jason
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Jason
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Skill work: 10 min handstand practice
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 12 minutes of:
2 handstand push ups
4 kettlebell snatch R
4 kettlebell snatch L

Unless you can demonstrate THREE strict handstand push ups for your coach prior to the workout, you won’t be allowed to do kipping handstand push ups in that workout. GET STRONG!

And coming tomorrow…

A. Bench press: 4×4 work ups
B. Tabata box jumps: :20 on, :10 off for 8 rounds. Shoot for 10+ per round. Select box height (or stack plates) accordingly.
C. Row or AirDyne sprints: 8 rounds of :15 sprint, :45 recover

THURS 02.27.14 The 2014 CrossFit Open starts today! Read More »

Get to know our new Head Coach Michael!

Michael takes over as our full-time Operations Manager & Head Coach next week. He’s already been coaching classes for a few weeks, so you may already have met him.
Welcome to the team, Michael!
Name: Michael T. Aaron
Age: 29
How long coaching CrossFit? I started coaching in 2010.
Other coaching certifications: MovNat Level 1 Certified Trainer. I went through the certification course this past weekend at here at Crossfit Midtown, so if you saw a group of us running barefoot, balancing on 2x4s, crawling, or vaulting boxes on Saturday or Sunday, this is what I was doing. Any one interested in MovNat (www.movnat.com) feel free to ask me next time at the gym.
Day job: I’m the new operations manager and head coach at Crossfit Midtown. I look forward to meeting all of our members in the next few weeks!
Athletic background/achievement: I was a multi-sport athlete growing up: swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, track & field, football; then 4 years of rugby in college. I play rugby now for Atlanta and our team has had national success finishing in the top 16 in the county in Rugby 7s (new Olympic version of rugby) in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013 as well as top 16 in Rugby 15s in 2009 and 2013.
How long doing CrossFit: I was introduced to Crossfit in 2008 through rugby as a way to becoming a fitter, more powerful athlete. I quickly became convinced that CrossFit is the best General Physical Preparation program in existence, and have been turning others on to CrossFit ever since.
Favorite CrossFit movement:one-arm dumbbell snatch
Favorite movement to coach: deadlift
In my spare time I enjoy: reading, watching movies and tv shows. Anything scifi/fantasy. Game of thrones, the walking dead, Star Trek. Avid chess player and card and board games.
Favorite quote: “A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does” — Dan Millman: Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Advice to new CrossFitters: Be patient with your progress: building strength, developing technique with each movement, and increasing your endurance takes time. Have a positive attitude and give your best every day at the gym. Don’t avoid WODs because you don’t like them. Most of the time that is exactly what you need.

Coach Michael

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Jason
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Amy
1:45p: College CrossFit- Jason
4p: Open Gym- Michael
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Raul
8p: Open Gym- Raul

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Deadlift: 5×3 workups
B. 5 rounds for time:
15x burpees
50x double unders (sub 150 singles)

And coming tomorrow…

A. Skill work: 10 min handstand practice
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 12 minutes of:
2 handstand push ups (modify: strict press)
4 kettlebell snatch R
4 kettlebell snatch L

WED 02.26.14 Coach Spotlight: Michael Read More »

Get to know Coach Amy

Amy coaches the Wed 12n & Fri 4, 5 & 6p classes.
Name: Amy Rakestraw
Age: Shame, shame. You never ask a lady her age
How long coaching CrossFit: I started with CFM in March 2013…it’s almost my 1 year anniversary!!!
Other coaching certifications: Russian Kettlebell (RKC/SFG), Certified personal trainer, Yoga, TRX
Athletic background/achievements: I used to be a gymnast and dancer in my younger years (I would choreograph dances with the neighborhood kids on my back porch to Debbie Gibson), I was in color guard and a cheerleader in HS. And then I became a slug until I found BURPEES!
“Day job”: This. Yes, it is awesome. And I love it.
Favorite CrossFit movement: I love to deadlift. I’m not great at it, but I really want to be.
Favorite workout or movement to coach: Double unders. I consider myself the double under whisperer.
In my spare time I enjoy doing: I really like to run. Which is good because I also really like to sit on a patio with a good margarita and some chips and salsa! Apparently I get really good at riddles after a margarita. Or two.
Favorite quote: I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being – Hafiz
Advice to new CrossFitters: Form first! Own the movement and then add weight.

Coach Amy

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
1:45p: College CrossFit- Kelly
4p: Open Gym- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
6:30p: Group Intro- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
8p: Open Gym- Kelly

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Overhead squat: build to a tough single in 12 minutes
B. 30-20-10 for time:
Overhead squat- 50% of Bodyweight (mod as needed)
Ring dips

And coming tomorrow…

A. Deadlift: 5×3 workups
B. 5 rounds for time:
15x burpees
50x double unders (sub 150 singles)

TUES 02.25.14 Coach Spotlight: Amy Read More »

Support Carlos & his CFM models!

Over the last several weekends, CFM’s very talented photographer Carlos has been shooting his new photo series: WORDS. The photos will be on display at his first gallery show in Atlanta in late March. Stay tuned for more details to see his work… And see if any of his CFM models- Tiff, Monica, Lis and Uran- make it into the show!

Harvey & the 6p crew at last week’s Bring-A-Friend Day

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Rebecca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
4p: Open Gym- Lis
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. Skill review: thrusters, power cleans, jerks
B. “Master’s Triple Take”:
Complete as many rounds & reps as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Thrusters, 95/65
10 Pull ups
rest :30
Complete as many rounds & reps as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Power Cleans, 95/65
10 Burpees
rest :30
Complete as many rounds & reps as possible in 3 minutes:
10 Jerks, 95/65
10 Box Jumps, 20

Post 3 scores- total reps for each of the three mini-WODs

And coming tomorrow…

A. Overhead squat: build to a tough single in 12 minutes
B. 30-20-10 for time:
Overhead squat- 50% of Bodyweight (mod as needed)
Ring dips

MON 02.24.14 Words Read More »

The CFM team needs two more competitors!

Kelly is getting a SCALED team together for a Spring CrossFit league. Details are below.
Email Kelly if you wanna play!

Georgia Fitness League’s Spring 2014 team competition series:
Week 1 – Saturday, April 19th at Fitness Battalion CrossFit (West Midtown)
Week 2 – Saturday, May 3rd CrossFit Breaking Boundaries (Roswell)
Week 3 – Saturday, May 17th CrossFit Indulto (Sandy Springs)
Week 4 – Saturday, May 31st CrossFit Atlanta (West Midtown…this is a tournament, so likely a longer time spent competing)

Cost is $85/person for scaled teams & $100/person for Rx teams. Contact Kelly by THIS FRIDAY to register!

Competing is an awesome experience & it really allows you to dig deep and discover your true CrossFit potential! Adrenaline & endorphins are a beautiful thing! If you want your hormones to give you a real boost, consider using these testosterone pills.

Amanda B deadlifting with last week’s AM crew.

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Michael
8a: Open Gym- Michael
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Kelly
1:45p: College CrossFit- Jason
4p: Open Gym- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie
8:15p: Yoga- Samantha

Workout of the Day (WOD) – BRING-A-FRIEND DAY!

A. Skill work: 10 min double under practice + 2 min Max Rep Double Unders
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 15 minutes:
20 Russian kettlebell swings
20 situps
20 supermans

And coming tomorrow…Open WOD 13.5

Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 4 minutes of:
15 thrusters 100/65#
15 Chest to bar Pull-ups

If 90 reps (3 rounds) are completed in under 4 minutes, time extends to 8 minutes.
If 180 reps (6 rounds) are completed in under 8 minutes, time extends to 12 minutes.
If 270 reps (9 rounds) are completed in under 12 minutes, time extends to 16 minutes.

*If you finish early, use the remainder of time for skillwork of your choice.

THURS 02.20.14 Georgia Fitness League- who wants in? Read More »

Those poor plates…

We have an epidemic lately of 10# & 15# plates splitting in half, so we’re kicking off the new SAVE THE BUMPERS awareness campaign, immediately.
I KNOW taking weight overhead gets heavy. But from now on, no matter how fatigued you are, when your barbell is loaded with only 10# or 15# bumper plates, please escort it back to the ground.
Do not drop it from overhead and leave that poor bumper plate to fend for itself against the mean ole hard floor.
Then your coach has to take the pieces of that poor plate and put them in Lis’s office. And then Lis comes in and stumbles over it, almost breaking her neck, only to realize yet another of her beloved bumper plates has gone to an early grave.
Bless their little bumper hearts.

Congrats to Marvin who got his muscle up Wednesday night after a mere five minutes of prep with Coach Raul. Get it!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Dyer
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Dyer
8a: Open Gym- Lis
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
4p: All Levels CrossFit- Jim
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Jim
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Jim

Workout of the Day (WOD)

13.1: Do as much of the following as possible in 17 minutes-
Proceed through the sequence below completing as many reps as possible in 17 minutes of:
40 Burpees
30 snatches 75/45#
30 Burpees
30 snatches 135/75
20 Burpees
30 snatches 165/100
10 burpees
As many snatches as possible at 210/120

And coming tomorrow…

A. Skill work: 10 minutes of practice on PISTOLS (one-legged squats)
B. Partner workout: 3000m Row* (partners switch every 500m)
*Non-rowing partner does as many rounds & reps as possible while partner rows:
10 Pull Ups
15 Ab Mat Sit-Ups
20 Thrusters (95/65)

***For score, take total time to row the 3000m, then subtract :45 per round of AMRAP completed (subtract :01 per rep).

FRI 01.10.14 SAVE THE BUMPERS! Read More »

Big 2014 goals:

by Coach Lis
Just like every month, we’ve erased the Goals board at the gym & there’s a blank slate just waiting for everyone to add new goals for the month & the year. Think of it as your community accountability partner. That goal will be up there all month, encouraging you to get after it with every training session!
I’ve got some big goals to post on the board that I also want to share here on the blog, using you guys as my unofficial accountability partners moving into 2014.
This year I’ll be stepping back from the day-to-day operations of CrossFit Midtown to explore a few of my other passions… business coaching & personal training.
I’ll still be coaching classes, leading intros & training regularly at CFM. I’m also starting a local business coaching group to help Atlanta area CrossFit affiliates & other small gyms become better businesses. And I’ll be doing some personal training at CFM & around the Atlanta area.
I often marvel at the power of the CrossFit rumor mill & the awesome stories I hear about myself! So I just want to set the record straight that I am NOT leaving CrossFit Midtown. I’m still part owner of this business & will continue to be an active part of this community I love so much.
This month we’ll be hiring a full-time Operations Manager to take CFM to the next level.
If you want more details on the Operations Manager position (maybe you know someone who’s a great fit!?!), or have any feedback or questions at all for me, please email me or snag me at the box.
What are your big goals for 2014? Post in the comments!

Congrats to all who set & achieved goals in December. Post your new ones at the box this week!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
8a: Open Gym- Lis
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
4p: Open Gym- Jim
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. Back squat: 5 @ 65%, 5@70%, 5@75%, 5@80% of 1-rep max
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 12 minutes:
10 lateral box jumps 24/20″
12 wall balls 20/14#
14 abmat situps

And coming tomorrow…

A. Snatch: 2-2-2-2-2
B. 5 rounds for time:
10 walking lunges (5 ea leg)
10 Russian kettlebell swings 70/53
10 hand-release push ups

MON 01.06.13 Big 2014 goals 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 »