pull ups

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 »

Stay on track through the Holidays: Part 1

By Coach Beka
The holidays are right around the corner and if you’re anything like me, you have some SERIOUS inner struggles about dessert and home-cooked meals this time of year.
With Thanksgiving next week, I want to share a few tips that help me stay on track, and a surprisinging experience with my dental physician is ahead, by the way check this teeth whitener with light, a great option for the holidays.

Then tomorrow’s post will focus on resources/recipes to bring so you’re not stuck with gluten-filled, sugary food as your only option.
Tip 1: As tempting as it is, don’t starve yourself on Thanksgiving Day leading up to the big meal. Have a healthy balanced breakfast and drink plenty of water before diving into the turkey. This will keep you from overindulging and throwing your body way off track. One of my favorite breakfast is the peanut butter porridge, is SO tasty! Do you love peanut butter and porridge oats? You’ll love this Peanut Butter Porridge Recipe.
Tip 2: Exercise. I know you’ve been busting your butt in the gym, but take Thanksgiving morning as an opportunity to get some exercise in. My family always takes a 3 or 4 mile walk/run before we start cooking. Everyone has fun!

And starting Monday the CFM blog will feature one extra no-equipment-needed Workout of the Day for you to do while traveling, when the box is closed, or between rounds of turkey!
Tip 3: If you’re trying to stay away from gluten, dairy or any other specific ingredient, make sure to bring an alternate dish yourself. If the only desserts in front of you are the ones full of bad stuff, chances are you’re still going to eat it. Bring some paleo brownies instead! Drink lots of orange juice is a recommendation from the CLIA Kits, it says the vitamin c will boost your immune system and with your defenses up you will feel strong and avoid any virus, flu or cold.
Tip 4: STAY POSITIVE. If you happen to stumble into a plate of pumpkin pie, stuffing & cornbread, get back on track with your next meal. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy time with family & friends. Last year I had to find Parramatta emergency dental service on Thanksgiving, so this year I hope I will spend the time in the family circle. Eat what makes you feel good, but realize you might not feel so wonderful if you decide to indulge. Either own your healthy eating, stay clean and explain to those who ask that it makes you feel better… OR, enjoy the day, don’t feel guilty, and prepare to get back on track with clean eating & a workout on Friday. Either way, be thankful you have the freedom to choose!
And if you do want to eat clean this season, stay tuned for my recipe resource post tomorrow.
Email Tirzah to place your hoodie pre-order by Sunday December 1. We won’t have many extras, so make sure to get your pre-order in! $40 zip-up royal blue hoodie in XS-XXXL. Black pullover hoodie sweatshirts are coming too!

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- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym – Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Rope climbs:10 minutes 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

And coming tomorrow…

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

THURS 11.21.13 – Healthy holiday tips 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 »

Bring A Friend Day today

Bring your buddies to try CrossFit at any class today.
We’re doing a partner workout, so you can be your friend’s buddy and help them through the workout.
As usual, we’ll take plenty of time to review the movements and help students & guests scale appropriately.
If you have a friend who wants to join us, please just email us ahead of time so we’ll be expecting you. Then show up a little early to fill out your waiver.
AND EVERYONE WEARS A NAMETAG TODAY!!! 🙂
Danny, Mrs. Flader & Ellen at the last Bring-A-Friend Days

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- Beka
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie

Workout of the Day (WOD)

Partner WOD:
As many rounds as possible in 20 mins:
10 wall balls
10 walking lunges
10 kettlebell swings
(One partner works at a time)

And coming tomorrow…

A. Goat work: Ten minutes to work on a skill of your choice
B. “Jackie”:
For time –
1000m row
50 thrusters 45/35#
30 pull ups

THURS 11.14.13 Bring A Friend! Read More »

My L1 Experience

by Tirzah
Last month I joined a group of 64 CrossFitters who shared the same goal as me: to learn a lot, meet some new folks and pass that durn test.
To neatly sum up my CrossFit Level 1 Seminar experience, it was a weekend filled with anticipation, excitement…and a lot of squats.
I felt like it was my first day of school.
I pulled into CrossFit Atlanta’s parking lot and noticed everyone was doing the same thing…waiting in their cars looking at others waiting in their cars.
Finally someone that looked official walked toward the entrance and we all stopped sizing each other up and walked in. The box was set up like a classroom with all the chairs facing the whiteboard. As we sat down, in what apparently became our assigned seating since no one budged from their original spot, folks finally began introducing themselves, shaking hands and making corny jokes.
The next two days were filled with lectures, demonstrations, WODs* and a lot of jokes.
If you ever decide to pursue your L1* and have the pleasure of getting Mike G as an instructor you’ll find out what I mean. I really enjoyed the entire weekend.
I also want to give credit to CFM’s Instructor Training Program for helping me prepare for and complete the certification, giving me the opportunity to now call myself…
Tirzah White, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer !!!

*CrossFit terms:
WOD: Workout of the Day
L1: Level 1 certification course

Tirzah & her classmates & instructors at last month’s CrossFit Level 1 certification course.

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- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Open Gym- Cassie
8:15: Yoga- Samantha

Workout of the Day

A. 10 min muscle up skillwork OR 30 muscle ups for time
B. For time:
21 Thrusters 135/95#
800m Run
15 Thrusters
400m Run
9 Thrusters
200m Run

And coming tomorrow…

A. Goat work: 10 minutes to work on a skill of your choice
B. “Helen” – 3 rounds for time:
400m run
21 kettlebell swings 53/35
12 pull ups

Dress warmly! We’re getting some extra running in this week before the weather gets too cold to play outside!

THURS 11.7.13 My L1 experience Read More »

Five Open Gym Tips

by Coach Dyer
With LOTS more Open Gym time added to the CrossFit Midtown schedule in November, Dyer wrote up some tips on how to make the most of all the new gym access you’ll have. Good luck!
We have a bunch of free open gym times now. Here are five habits I’ve observed from people who get the most out of open gym sessions (these aren’t rules for attending, just suggestions to get most out of your time):
1. They get to work right away. When there’s no coach telling you that it’s time to start warming up, it’s tempting to sit around on the foam roller for 15 minutes. Don’t do that. Be ready to start warming up as soon as open gym begins (if not sooner).
2. They plan their warm-up in advance and move with purpose. Run, row, etc. and use the warm-up movements that you’ve learned in class. Keep moving through the warmups with purpose to get to your workout. Ask the coach on duty if you want specific warm-ups for certain things, but be ready to tell the coach what you’re doing for your workout.
3. They know what workout or strength/skill work they want to do in advance. If you show up with no idea what you want to do, you’re 10 times more likely to screw around when you arrive or mess up your warmup. You don’t necessarily need to have an entire workout planned – saying that you just want to work on your clean and jerk or muscle-up is OK – but, the more detail you have the more you’ll get out of the session.
4. They talk to the coach. Coaches are there to help and really want to help. Tell them what you want to do and if you have any questions ask. Just don’t burn all your time talking about kipping progression theory
5. They don’t plan to do too much. The session is only an hour. So, you won’t have time to warm-up, take your snatch, clean and jerk to maximum, get in 5 sets of squats, work on your rope climbs and do Cindy all in the same session. Use the classes as a template for what can be accomplished in an hour and plan accordingly.

Reminder no 8p Beginner class tonight & no 8:15 yoga. Join the Glow Stick WOD at 7p and stay for the Halloween party at 8!

Last year’s Halloween WOD

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Tirzah/Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7p: GLOW STICK WOD- Cassie
8p: CFMakeover Awards & Finals Party

Workout of the Day (WOD)

Partner “Cindy”
As many rounds & reps as possible in 20 minutes:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
OR, if you insist on working solo:
“Chelsea”*:
Every minute on the minute for 30 minutes:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
*Modify reps or number of rounds as needed.

And coming tomorrow…

A. Every min on the min for 8 mins:
4 ea single leg step ups (knee high)
B. Every min on the min for 8 mins:
4 ea single arm press
C. Every min on the min for 8 mins:
:30 max box jumps

THURS 10.31.13 Happy Halloweeeeeeen! Read More »

REMINDER:

Open Gym schedule starts NOV 1 (that’s Friday). We’re super excited you all are chomping at the bit to get in for Open Gym time though!

Halloween Party is tomorrow

The 8p CrossFit class & 8:15p Yoga class will both be cancelled so we can celebrate all the CFMakeover prize winners! Join us at 7p for a GLOW STICK partner WOD (all levels welcome… BRING A FRIEND!) and stay for some not-paleo beverages. The Thursday night 7p class doesn’t count against your weekly class limits, so you can still get an extra workout in tomorrow, Fri or Sat. Get after it!

Congrats on all the October PRs

Here’s a few more videos from Friday afternoon classes CRUSHING CrossFit Total. Post to the comments if you set a PR last week, so we can all celebrate with you. Way to go!

Regina’s back squat PR!

P-Lane’s back squat PR!

Kelli’s press PR! (sorry girl, I barely caught this one!)

Greg’s deadlift PR!

Ben’s deadlift PR!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Rebecca
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Ben
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. 3 rounds: Max strict pull ups or ring rows, rest 3 min*
*CFMakeover challengers, use set 1 as your re-test/finals result.
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 15 minutes*:
20 double unders (or 60 singles)
10 burpee broad jumps (jump your height…we’ll premark the floor)
5 handstand push ups
*CFMakeover challengers, use same modifications as you did for prelims.

And coming tomorrow…

Partner “Cindy”
As many rounds & reps as possible in 20 minutes:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
OR, if you insist on working solo:
“Chelsea”:
Every minute on the minute for 30 minutes:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats

WED 10.30.13 More CrossFit Total PR videos! 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