Showing posts with label central. Show all posts
Showing posts with label central. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Fitness out of Community

We have a mantra at Crossfit Central that we go to with every group we train. We believe in Building a Fit community. To us, this means a couple of different things. These can go in either order, and that is developing community out of fitness or developing fitness out of community. I want to dive a little bit deeper into the understanding of what this means.
Some of our programs are set up as fitness classes that anybody from any background can come into. Every Boot camp and CrossFit class is open to the public to come into so that they as individuals can join a group of other individuals who want to strive to expand their fitness abilities. In every one of these programs, the same process has occurred. They were all strangers to each other in the beginning. Nobody spoke allot to one another in the beginning. The workouts absolutely forced a common bond for the group so that they began to encourage and support each other to finish the workouts. These workouts are not easy task, each person that attempts them will feed off of external motivation to help them through. As the fitness levels have increased in the group, so to has each person's desire to drive the others to go harder and faster during the workouts to then they would have done otherwise. This sense of giving it your all for the others in the group, helps to elevate the energy and excitement of the workouts and form bonds through celebration of accomplishments. No longer are these people individuals in a group fitness class, but they are now a team of competitors training for one each others advancements towards conquering new barriers.
The other side of what we do is a bit of a different scenario. We train groups of people who have known each other either through work or long time friendships who didn't need our workouts to develop a bond. This is the case with our corporate programs we train. The picture above shows several of the team of Rosenthal and Watson Law firm who were basically brother and sisters when we started working with them. My objective with this group was strictly fitness. Their encouragement could be seen from the start. It was perfect for them to all feel comfortable with each other from the start. This group has held each other accountable and have continued to come primarily because of that factor alone. On their own, doing a fitness program was not in there best interest, but with there close friends who they have known for a while, have used that bond to motivate each other to achieve a healthier lifestyle. They celebrate together the fact that the others in the group are looking better. Fitness out of community is such a powerful phenomenon. For me, being able to have been adopted into this type of family environment has been such a privilege.
This post is a major Thank You to every group that I work with. It has been a fun experience to see you all grow!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

The Advocare Opportunity


Lately I've been speeking alot about the Advocare Products. This has been an amazing product that I've used for the last nine years to optimize my health and performance. I've wanted everyone I come in Contact with to enjoy these products as much as I have. Now though, I am understanding to another level what I have my hands on. This company is much more powerful than what the products can do for our lives. This Company is one of very few, that really allows an outlet for people to relieve themselves from many things that could be viewed more as a bondage than a blessing. I've seen the bigger vision of this company and the message that they are bringing to this country. I have to say that my involvement now has become much greater and I really believe that it is my resposibity to help deliver the message to as many people who might need it just as much as I did.

Contact me for any further questions or Check it out for yourself.
www.Advocare.com/02037554

Monday, October 22, 2007

BootCamp to CrossFit



Becky and Allison have been 2 very loyal bootcampers for several months now. Each of them have experienced great results from their 2 day a week program. A month ago they each thought they would like to have an extra day of workouts to take themselves to new heights. They began asking me about the indoor class and if I thought they could do it. Of course I thought that they could do it, but because Crossfit is more weight intensified, I let them know that it would be a different type of challenge.
They did great in their first month. I know that they are experiencing different types of soreness now and their bodies are starting to respond to the new style of training. I've actually been so impressed with their stamina, I've decided to start going to the bootcamp that they attend with Jeremy to improve that element of my fitness. The bootcamp and the Crossfit Class are 2 entirely different animals. Both great independent programs, but also a tremendous compliment to one another.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

One of those Days










CrossFit workouts are designed so that anyone can complete them. There is a sence of accomplishment that comes along with the completion of everyone of them. Sometimes when you look at the exercises and the number of reps written underneath those 3 Letters W-O-D(Work out of the Day), it can seem very deceiving. Yesterday was like that in the fact that all of the movements were relatively quick in easy. The rep numbers were all 30 and below. Most of the workouts are meant to be completed as quickly as possible. 3... 2... 1... Go! Today's WOD by initially seemed to be one that we would be able to move 100 miles an hour throught the whole thing. 10 minutes into it, and we realized that we were nowhere near being done. 15 minutes, and we wer wondering why we were moving so slow. 20 minutes, uncertainty of wanting to finish crossed our minds. 25 minutes, our hearts racing and doing all we could to keep our breathing under control. How much longer? Can I finish? Will our bodies keep going?


Being a Crossfitter will definitely challenge you in ways that you have probably never experienced before. If it wasn't hard then we wouldn't love it so much. Every now in again though, I believe there are those workouts that it is ok to say, "Lets never do that one again!" Thank you Carey for your kind heartedness putting this one together. I think we should name this one after you.

"Crazy Carey"
30-25-20-15-10-5
Kettlebell Swings
Push-ups
Med Ball Cleans
Pullups
Squat Jumps
Dips

Pics: 6:15 pm class showin what there made of. Good job to you all!

Thursday, October 4, 2007

First Time for Everything


Every one knows this. Very rarely do we accomplish a challenging task in one attempt. If a baby didn't try to walk again after falling flat on its tail, or keep trying after 2 steps and smack on its face, where would we all be? We'd be crawling around looking like a bunch of babies. But we aren't babies so we'd really just be crawling around looking silly. Fortunately though, we didn't quit trying. Neither will the babies quit. So just like we get up and walk every morning, they too will be walking soon right along next to us. I'm no expert in babies, but I’m guessing from the time they start to try walking to the time they are actually able to walk very well is around the 4 to 5 month frame. Jenny Ervin has been working out at Crossfit Central now for about 6 months. When she started, pulling her body up an inch was an accomplishment. Not even close to doing a pull-up. She had a goal in her mind though that she was going to be able to do a pull-up. Last month I told her that she was going to get one by the end of the month. Almost with no help of mine, she finally got her first 2 weeks ago. chin to the bar. I had to count it because the pic looked so good. Now, she can do 5 in row. In 2 weeks, she will do 10 in a row. Not only is she doing them, but she has perfect technique. A lot of woman come to our gym with no prior experience of pull-ups. It's always the same "I don't think I will do those" or just "yeah right". Here is the deal. At Crossfit, women are strong and confident. This is the place where women do pull-ups. So when you come expect that you will be doing them before long. Congrats Jenny. You are now among the few.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Fight Gone Bad II












Photos by Dave Re Www.DaveRePhoto.com


Wow! I'm not sure we could have asked for this weekend's event to turn out any better than it did. I woke up at 4:45 am and was just eager for the entire day to get started. We had been planning things out for close to 2 months for this event. About 6 months ago Jeremy and I were having breakfast at Whole Foods and we decided to go up on the Pavillion to see if putting on a bootcamp there would be a possibility. Thats the day the idea to do the Fight Gone Bad Fundraiser spurred. We were up there thinking how it could be set up. Its amazing that the actual event was set up almost entirely identical to how it was visuallized in our minds. Beyond that, the amount of individuals who were actually there to show support was mind blowing. Everything we needed came together to make this a great turnout.

Friday, September 21, 2007

One Hard Worker


Eric Ditmer has been attending Crossfit Central's Bootcamp programs for about a year now. He is one the the stronger runners that I know and is over all in great shape. In the last couple months, he has takin interest in our indoor programs as well. As most of the clients that come indoors, Eric was very unfamiliar with a majority of what we do. None the less he has stepped up and been ready to take in all he could about becoming a better all around athlete. I am honored to work with such hard working and highly committed individuals such as this man. It's easy to see why he has achieved great levels of success in his career. With continued effort against the physically demanding challenges CrossFit brings, he will surely be right up with the best of them in this new sport.
Eric is pictured here performing the Olympic style Split Jerk at 100% effort. In my opinion... pretty damn good!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Speed


I think a lot of time in Crossfit we tend to forget one of our key components to which is Speed. I know that many of our workouts are "for time" and we try to get the workout done as fast as possible. I believe we should work more on quick burst speed like 10 to 20 meter sprints so that our bodies can be prepared to get from A to B as fast as possible no matter how far away it is. Just like when we do 10 sets of 1 for increasing strength, these quick sprints will enable our bodies to develop a whole new muscle contraction that 400 and 800 meter runs cannot.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Back in the Gym


There is something about being back in the gym here at Crossfit Central. Maybe it's just that I missed Austin and all of its natural beauty. Being from West Texas, I am still in awe of this amazing city. Coming back though, getting back to CrossFit; this is truly rejuvenating for me. I know that every single one of our clients that comes to the gym is energized and excited to be there. That makes my job so much simpler. Thanks Austin. You people have some amazing qualities and I'm grateful to be about of it. I'm pumped to be back and I'm ready to help make sure this city rises to The Fittest in the entire country.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Leaving it all out there!


Raising the bar for ourselves seems to be a constant challenge that we will continuously have to do. All I know is that if you aren't constantly giving it your all in whatever you do, there is very little to no chance for improvement. While I was in Midland, I was constantly faced with overcoming levels of fatigue that tested my abilities to be good teacher and mentor for all the young athletes I worked with. Crossfit has really reminded me that I am always able to keep pushing myself beyond the limits that I’ve already reached so that I can continue to improve these abilities. We all can do things better than what we currently do if we stay focused and continue to push through the temporary suffering we must go through for improvement. When you give your all, you know you gave your all.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Winding down and Gearing up


I've had a blast this summer out in Midland, TX. The response that I've gotten from these kids has been beyond what I could expect. These 140 young athletes have volunteered their time and sacrificed their summer relaxation to become better leaders and teamplayers. It's funny how it is when you get tied in and attached to things. When I was leaving Austin, I didn't want to get away from all the great things going on in the Crossfit gym, and now that I coming back in about a week I so much love to stay here to continue to work with these dedicated and committed individuals. I will have to accept that the timing in everything I'm doing is exactly where it should be and whatever the future holds will be just as amazing as the venture I currently am experiencing. All you Crossfitters in Austin be ready for my return because I'm ready to take you all to a whole new level so that you will really be "The fittest people in Austin."
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Tuesday, July 24, 2007

A little help


Sometimes finding a way to get through a workout can seem darn near impossible. You body is exhausted, you can't breathe and you may not even be able to see strait. I've found myself in that situation before, and luckily there have been people around me that encourage me to keep on pushing. It's amazing how much that helps you get through to the end. Everybody should have some external motivation from others. When that happens, more can be accomplished than you may have ever thought. Encourage, encourage, encourage... then celebrate what happens.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Called Out!


If you are familiar with Crossfit Central's boot camps, then you are well aware of the ladder drills. Those same drills are a key component in the PowerPlant speed and agility program as well. Every day these athletes go through these drills to help develop speed, coordination, agility and accuracy. Today in camp one of the kids made a comment that saying he would smoke me on the ladder. I couldn't resist the opportunity to jump in and prove him wrong. Thanks Jeremy and Zach for incorporating them into your programs to allow me the practice to show up some 7th and 8th grade kids today. I love the competition!

More about the Speed Ladder(Click)
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Sunday, June 17, 2007

Trigger Point Certification


When it comes to speedier recovery, massage plays a vital role in the process. More blood flow into the muscle allows more oxygen to the area which results in more rapid healing. This benefits muscle, bones and ligaments. Cassidy Phillips of Trigger Point Technologies has developed the most amazing equipment for self-massage and put together an outstanding certification course to explain the how's and why's of incorporating it into our daily activities. I'm now a true believer and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this up and coming new phenomenon.

Check out Cassidy's site at TPTHERAPY.com

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

What builds a team?




Vincent Lombardi: Quote on Teamwork
"The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual".

Posting has been a task for me lately. I been seeing some great things unfold over the last 2 weeks with some great young people in Midland, TX. Each one of these individuals has a strong desire to better themselves as athletes and individuals. I'm so grateful to be here in this West Texas town to work with them all.
Every single one of these athletes has made a commitment with there teamates to show up at 8 AM during their summer break and do whatever it takes to win a state championship.

See more at PowerPlant Ultimate Athletic Training

Thursday, May 31, 2007

We are CrossFit!



When I travel out of town, the first thing I do is find out if there is a CrossFit affiliate in the area in which I can train. Theres something to the essence of training in a Crossfit gym that no other gyms can compete. I believe a majority of CrossFit trainers and clients feal the same way. I had the privelage of working with a few out of towners recently that came from other Affiliates to train with us here in Austin at CrossFit Central.
Michael Dieck and his wife Natalie stopped in for one of our evening classes as they were passing through. Michael is a newly certified Crossfit Trainer and works with Crossfit 5280 in Castle Rock, Colorado. He showed up in Texas and lit up one of our more demanding workouts in a time of 24 min and 38 secs.
3 Rds for time
row 1000 meters
15 man makers
2 Muscle-ups
Tad and Angela Olsen(right) made an even longer journey as the came from Crossfit Rockford(Illinois). These 2 individuals came with no nonsence as they were in Austin only for 3 days and did 3 straight workouts. Every time they stepped foot in the gym they were lights out even though the temperature was much hotter and the humitity was fierce even for me the entire time they were here.
You guys are all great and i'm so glad you were able to come out to Crossfit Central. I can't wait to return the favor when I come to your neck of the woods.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Getting Past the Hurt!


There is a point that we hit in which we feel like we put so much effort into something that it begins to hurt. When we keep focusing all of our energy to a specific task because we want so bad the to see the positive results that can come out of it. Why bother doing anything, especially when they where on us mentally, physically and emotionally while we do them?
Once you accomplish, finish, or defeat the challenges of life that once stood infront of you, then you feel proud of what you've done. You overcame so much and worked so hard to finally see the benefit of why it was you set out to do the thing in the first place.
When you train hard such as we do in Crossfit, you know exactly what it means to "Hurt" while you are pushing yourself through the workout. Every time you step up to a challenge of the workout you have to get your mind in the right place. You will be tested, you will be challenged, you will want to stop and rest... but you always have to tell yourself that "Pain is Temporary" and push to finish as fast as possible. When its all over and you know that you couldn't possibly have done any better because you gave your all, then you will be proud of what you've done. Glory and self-respect are meant for each one of us. Do your best at all times because "Pride last Forever" and you deserve it

Monday, May 28, 2007

Memorial Day Challenge





This Saturday in Plano, TX 100 people showed up at a local Jr. High School to either compete or show support in a workout/ competition/ funraiser event that rallied support in more ways than one. Crossfit Plano hosted this Memorial Day Challenge " a fitness competition to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (www.specialops.org). SOWF provides college scholarship grants, not loans, to surviving children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel killed in combat or training missions."

The workout was one that no individual just thinks about doing on their own when they are getting ready to slip on the workout gear and hop out the door to get there daily sweat on. This workout is truly testing mentally and physically and without a group commited individuals at your side, quite possible one that you would consider not finishing.

Named after Navy Seal Lt Michael Murphy(a true warrior who lost his life fighting for our country) "The Murph" consists of:

1 mile run

100 pull-ups

200 Push-ups

300 Squats

1 mile run


Lt. Murphy found it enjoyable to do this workout in full body armor. Now ask yourself... "Am I prepared?" I know he was.





Monday, May 21, 2007

Why we Squat?

By nature, the way we sit is in the squat position. This day in age however we rely on chairs, sofas, benches, etc. when we sit. Because of this many peoples bodies are becoming more and more decreped simply because people no longer rely on their own body to keep themselves strong. Squating is absolutely vital so that we may keep our hips, knees and back sound and functional as we move into our later years. This movement is in all ways necesary, natural and functional and without question the most important thing we can do for ourselves and our future mobility.
I myself have experienced amazing rehabilitation in my knees and lower back by repetively doing more body weight squats in the last 18 months. 3 knee surgeries with very little rehab in between put me in jeopardy of not being able to workout my lower body for the rest of my life. I couldn't except that possibility so I slowly recouped my way into lower body recovery by using the squat to strengthen the muscles around my knee without pounding too much on the joint. Now i'm able to do more than i've done with my lower body since I first injured myself 8 years ago.
I do strongly suggest every individual do more squats, but at the same time recognize the technique that will make the movement work to your benefit. Bad form could cause more damage that good.

Nicole on "Squat Therapy"
http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/SquatTherapy.wmv

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