yoga

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 »

Earn your carbs!

Keep this phrase in mind when you decide whether to order sweet potato fries or broccoli at dinner.
Or for the non-paleo peeps in the crowd: Keep this phrase in mind when you decide to order a bowl of pasta or a steak at dinner.
Did I earn my carbs today?
On days you do a tough CrossFit workout, you earned them. On days you sat on the couch all day, you did not.
I’m not trying to make you feel guilty, just giving you something to think about when you wonder why the stubborn body fat is hanging around.
Recently I struggled with this concept.
I’ve been eating strict paleo all month but not dropping bodyfat.
Then it dawned on me.
HEY LIS! You’re not doing any conditioning these days… ONLY powerlifting.
So I’m not really earning those carbs. I cut them WAAAAAY back this week, and already lost a pound and a half.
*DISCLAIMER: I do not recommend combining CrossFit with a ketogenic (or very low carb) diet. Your performance will suffer. But on rest days, consider cutting back on carbs.

Reed with Turkish get ups

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
6p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7p: All Levels CrossFit- Cassie
8p: Beginner CrossFit – Cassie
8:15p: Yoga – Samantha

Workout of the Day

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.

And coming tomorrow…

A. Every minute on the minute for 10 minutes:
3 muscle ups OR 5 strict pull ups (EVEN)/5 ring dips (ODD)
B. Every minute on the minute for 10 minutes:
5 handstand push ups OR 3 wall climbs
C. Every minute on the minute for 10 minutes:
15 double unders OR 50m row

THURS 10.17.13 Earn your carbs! 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 »

The Paleo Diet

By Coach Beka
With the CFMakeover right around the corner, let’s address a common question: What IS paleo and why is it so common with CrossFitters?
Paleo is a very clean, back-to-basics way of eating.
It’s not a fad, it’s not a trend, it’s a lifestyle.
It’s free of all the refined foods, trans fats and sugar prevalent in the Standard American Diet (SAD :().
So what foods are paleo?
Meat & seafood, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and healthy fats…the way our bodies were meant to eat…the way our ancestors ate before the Industrial Revolution when grains & corn syrup & chemicals (Yellow #9 anyone???) invaded grocery stores.
This is why people who follow a paleo lifestyle have more energy and lower instances of conditions like autoimmune disease, heart disease, depression, IBS, seasonal allergies and other inflammation issues.
We’ll discuss paleo in more detail at our CFMakeover pre-challenge huddle meeting this Saturday at 10a. I’ll break down the basics for you guys & take questions. I have tons of great resources and tips so don’t miss it!
If you’re still on the fence about joining the challenge & want to come to the meeting this Sat to ask questions before deciding whether to join, BRING IT ON!

CFMakeover Challengers

GO HERE to sign up for a prelim measurements time slot.

Great energy in our noon class Monday!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
12n: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
5p: All Levels CrossFit- Beka
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: 4×4 workups (add 5# to last deadlift workout)
B. 5 rounds for time:
5 Power Cleans 185/120#
20 Double Unders

And coming tomorrow…

A. 10 min mobility work
B. 10 min goat work
C. “Karen” – For time:
150 wall balls 20/14

THURS 09.26.13 So what IS paleo? Read More »

Accountability Ideas

By Coach Beka
At CFM we have weekly staff meetings, and every Monday we share our positive focus and critical tasks for the week. I’ve realized when it comes to my personal tasks (preparing meals at home, sticking to my workout routine, etc), there’s always something that lingers around for a while without getting accomplished.
PROCRASTINATION at its finest.
From now on when I realize that I’m putting a task off to the side, work or personal, I’m going to come up with something to hold myself accountable to…aka, something I would HATE having to do if I don’t get that task done by the deadline. Thanks to Lis for sharing this blog post containing tips, phone apps and programs to keep us accountable to our goals.
I will definitely be putting some of these to work during our CFMakeover Challenge next month!

Hans making tuck jumps look easy!

Today’s schedule

6a: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
7a: All Levels CrossFit- Lis
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. 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”

And coming tomorrow

A. 10 min mobility work
B. 10 min POSE skillwork
C. “Nancy”
5 rounds for time:
400m run
15 overhead squats 95/65

THURS 9.19.13 Accountability for Procrastinators 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 »

CFMakeover Save the Dates:

Our October lifestyle challenge is three weeks away! Mark your calendars for these important dates & register today.
Mark your calendars:

Pre-Challenge Huddle – Sat, Sept 28 at 10a
Prelims testing – Oct 1, 2 & 3*
Paleo Supper Club at Caramba Cafe – Fri, Oct 4 (instead of Oct Happy Hour)
Finals testing – Oct 29, 30 & 31*
Awards & Halloween party – Thurs, Oct 31

*Alternate testing dates can be arranged.

Is the CFMakeover a “paleo challenge”?

Lots of people are asking whether you have to eat a strict paleo diet during this challenge. YES… as much as possible, we recommend you clean up your diet to see dramatic results in 30 days! BUT, the challenge is less about being perfect and more about creating new, healthy habits. So make it what you want. Set goals before the month starts, stick to them, and you’ll get results.
Some examples: Eat strict paleo 6 days a week. Cut back alcohol consumption to 1x a week (OR do a whole SOBERtober). Eliminate gluten. Eliminate sugar. Avoid processed foods. Sleep eight hours a night. Do mobility work daily. Train regularly. Work hard in the gym. Meditate daily. Visit the farmer’s market each week. Plan, shop and prepare meals every Sunday. Bring lunch to work 3x a week. Try one new recipe each week. Take fish oil daily. Look amazing in your Halloween costume.
AND THE LIST GOES ON… We’ve got FIVE CFMers signed up already. What are your goals for the challenge? Post in the comments below.

Cost: $40 for CFMembers (Gold: $34, Silver: $36); $50 Friends & Family. REGISTER NOW!

Anne loves rope climbs!

Today’s schedule

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Bench press: 4×4 workups
B. For time: BUY IN: 3 rope climbs, then
30-20-10 of
Russian kettlebell swings
Lateral hops
Abmat sit ups
then, CASH OUT: 3 rope climbs

And coming tomorrow…

A. 10 min snatch skillwork
B. 10 min muscle up skillwork
C. “Amanda”
9-7-5 reps of-
Muscle up
Snatch* 135/95

*Full squat snatch

THURS 9.12.13 – CFMakeover save the dates Read More »

Bring-A-Friend Days today, tomorrow & Sat!

Invite your friends to join us for any class today, tomorrow & Saturday. PLEASE RSVP to reserve guest spots. The WODs this weekend are planned to accommodate larger than normal class sizes, but we’re still capping classes at 20 (14 CFMers, 6 guests) per class.

Reflecting

Today I turn 34, and CrossFit Midtown has been open just over 15 months. Every year on my birthday I like to spend some time reflecting on the past year.
Last year on my birthday, I coached every class at the gym that day. I also coached most of the classes that week. This year, I have an amazing team of coaches & Instructor Training Program students to keep the gym running smoothly. I want to take this time to thank everyone coaching & helping out this weekend to allow me to spend my birthday weekend at the beach rather than glued to CFM like I was last year. Beka, Tirzah, Cassie, Dyer, Amy, Justin, Ian, Carlos, Uran, Khaki, Raul, Ben, Samantha & Monica – thanks for the best birthday present I could ask for: keeping the CFM machine running smoothly & taking pride & passion in your work!
And thanks to all of you, our students, for continuing to make CrossFit Midtown a great community, a great place to train, and for trusting your coaches to help you get healthier, faster, stronger and LOOKING BETTER NAKED.
If anyone would like to join me for a nightcap this evening, I’ll be at the Nook at 10p to sing a karaoke ditty or two before departing to spend the weekend in Dewey Beach, Delaware. BRING IT!
To Helen Back finals crew

Today’s schedule

Workout of the Day (WOD)

BRING-A-FRIEND
A. Deadlift: 5-5-5+
B. In teams of 3-4, rotate through each station 3x for max reps in 1 minute:
1. Burpees
2. Ring Rows (advanced: prop feet on box)
3. Overhead walking lunges (45/25#)
4. Air squats
Rest :30 between stations

And coming tomorrow…

BRING-A-FRIEND
A. Strict press: 5-5-5+
B. Partner WOD: Race your partner!
1. Partner 1 does max push ups while Partner 2 runs 400m
2. Switch
3. Partner 1 does max situps while Partner 2 rows 500m
4. Switch
5. Partner 1 does max pull ups while Partner 2 does 50 double unders or 150 single unders (jump rope)
6. Switch
*The goal is to get as many reps as possible while your partner is running/rowing/jumping rope. Compare scores with your partner at the end. Who won two out of three? Losing partner has a 25 burpee penalty!

THURS 8.22.13 Bring-A-Friend Days Read More »

Bring-A-Friend Thursday!

There are still spots available in all classes this weekend. Email friends at crossfitmidtown.com to reserve a spot!

June updates

This update is headed to your inboxes soon, but I just can’t wait to tell you what’s coming next month… so you, our nine devoted blog readers, get to hear it here first!
We’re adding a Sunday 12n class. This will change our Open Gym session to 1-2p. So we’ll now have a structured Sunday class from 12 to 1 and an Open Gym session from 1 to 2.
Beginner classes will switch to Mondays at 8p, Thursdays at 8p and Saturday mornings at 9.
GYMNASTICS CLASS with Cassie is coming Tuesday nights at 8p!
AND we’re starting a Boot-Camp-style Park Program at Piedmont Park in mid-June. Stay tuned for more details.

Beka coaching the Murph crew through pull ups on Monday.

Yoga is tonight at 8:15p.

Workout of the Day (WOD)

A. Back squat: 5-5-5+
As many rounds & reps as possible in 10 minutes of:
10 partner wall balls*
10 burpee leap frogs

*Ball doesn’t touch the ground on partner wall balls… one partner squats & throws it to target between two partners, other partner catches, squats and throws back up to target between partners, original partner catches and squats… etc

And coming tomorrow… BRING-A-FRIEND FRIDAY!

A. Weighted pull ups: 5-5-5+ OR Strict pull ups 5-5-5+ OR
Pull Up negatives 2 sets of 5, then burnout set of 5+ strict pull ups (in a band for set 3)
Partner Cindy:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:
5 pull ups (mod w partner assistance – no bands)
10 push ups
15 squats
One partner works at a time.

Guests are welcome to join us on Thursday, Friday & Saturday this week, if they reserve a spot in class by emailing us. Our CFM community looks forward to seeing you!

05.30.13 Bring-a-Friend Thursday! Read More »

NEW YOGA CLASS Sundays at 6p

Starting this weekend, Monica will be teaching yoga Sundays at 6pm at CFM! This expands our yoga offerings to three classes a week – Wed at 12n with Beth, Thurs at 8:15p with Laura, & Sun at 6p with Monica! Yoga is included in your membership. It DOESN’T count toward your weekly class limits, so you’ve got no excuse to skip it. Come on in and get your yoga on!

NO CLASSES AT CFM SATURDAY!

We’ll hold ONE WOD Saturday at 10am over at the Piedmont Park Active Oval. So come for that OR PLEASE join us for the entire Field Day, Saturday morning from 9a-12noon. All proceeds benefit Strong4Life. Email Tirzah if you’d like to volunteer or if you still want to register a team.

Field Day will happen RAIN OR SHINE!

Stay tuned to the blog this week for announcements & the CFM Facebook page Sat AM for updates. If necessary, we’ll relocate the games back to CFM.

Speaking of the CFM Facebook page…

Did you know we film a new silly dance video to post on YouTube for every 100 new fans we get on Facebook? Welllll, we’re hoping to score ONE THOUSAND…1,000… FANS before Saturday so that we can enlist the help of our new student Antony (He’s a breakdancer. How cool is that?) to make the BEST VIDEO EVER at the Anniversary Party. Please help us recruit more fans. Share the CFM page on your FB page and help us break the 1000 mark!

ANNIVERSARY PARTY SATURDAY 7-10p AT CFM!

Here’s why you should come:
These guys will be here from 7 to 9p dishing up some BBQ for ya (paleo & not-paleo options available :)). We’re picking up the tab from 7 to 8, so get here early!

Yoga today at noon!

Rowing class tonight at 7p

Here’s the rowing WOD:
1 x 5 min at 2k split time
2 x 4 min at 2k split minus 1 sec
3 x 3 min at 2k split minus 2 sec
2 x 2 min at 2k split minus 3 sec
1 x 1 min at 2k split minus 4 sec
Notes: Rest 1:30 between each segment. If you do not know your 2k split time, it’s ok. I will work with you to figure out a good pace for the workout.

Workout of the Day

20 min to find 1-rep max bench press THEN…
2 min to find max standing broad jump THEN…
2 rounds:
1 min max plyo push ups
1 min max overhead lunges 45#/25#

No rest between movements/rounds.

And coming tomorrow…

A. Pull ups: Weighted pull ups – 5-5-5+ at 75% of last week’s 1 rep-max OR
Negatives 5-5-5
Rest 3 minutes between sets
B. As many rounds & reps as possible in 10 minutes:
5 ring dips
5 wall balls 20/14
5 box jumps 24/20

WED 05.08.13 Sunday Yoga! Read More »