Gravity Oppresses You! Resist!
Tuesday, August 5th
Push Press 5-5-5-5-5
plus
For time:
50 squats
10 pull-ups
50 squats
20 pull-ups
50 squats
30 pull-ups
50 squats
Post loads and time to comments.
National Barbell Strength Month
Monday, August 4th
Squat 5-5-5-3-3-3
Afterward:
Three rounds for time:
10 Lunging buelers
15 kettlebell swings, 1.5 pood (1 pood for women)
25 sit-ups
Post loads and metcon time to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
PVCF participation retroactive to August 1st. Buy your way in tomorrow with only four (4!) burpees. The CrossFit Burpee Challenge (CrossFit Santa Cruz)
Suck It Up, Buttercup
Saturday 080802
Due to rower limitations, we will be subbing runs as follows. Huzzah!
Run 800 meters
85 pound Thruster, 21 reps
15 Pull-ups
Run 400 meters
85 pound Thruster, 18 reps
12 Pull-ups
Run 200 meters
85 pound Thruster, 15 reps
9 Pull-ups
Time each round separately and post times to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
CrossFit - The Good and the Bad (Brian Degenero)
A Muscle-Wha...?
30 Muscle-ups for time
If you cannot do the muscle-ups do 120 pull-ups and 120 dips.
Post time and enthusiasm to comments.
So, what exactly is a muscle-up? Here's an explanation from the father of CrossFit himself, Greg Glassman, along with BJ Penn on the rings:
Read more here.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Definitive Guide to the Primal Eating Plan (Mark's Daily Apple)
Couch Mouse to Mr. Mighty by Pills Alone (NYTimes.com)
The Myth of Moderate Exercise (Time.com)
Jakicic and his colleagues originally designed their study to measure whether weight loss could really be achieved and maintained through moderate-intensity exercise, akin to "walking when you're late for a meeting," he says, or whether it was preferable to engage in shorter bursts of more vigorous-intensity activity, "like, when you're late for the bus, chasing it down." The problem was that not enough of the women stuck with their assigned exercise categories for the researchers to gather enough meaningful data.
Not to toot our own horn too much, but this is where CrossFit shines. It's a lot easier to consistently exercise at great intensity when a) you're working alongside other people and b) you're receiving "motivation" from trainers who have a horror of poor technique and take slacking as a personal affront.
One other point: while diet and exercise may not be a "reliable cure" for obesity, they damn well are 100% effective in preventing it. Develop good habits now and avoid problems later. Read more...
What, No Cute Name?
Thursday, July 31st
Not for this one. Although you might come up with a few colorful names of your own...hey! That's not a bad idea. Best name wins a special, never-again-to-be-offered, super-secret prize.
Ten rounds for time of
10 Deadlifts, 135lbs (95lbs women)
15 Push-ups
Post time and workout names to comments.
Don't Sweat It
Tuesday 080730
Yes, HQ is calling for a 15 K run today. And, yes, we too trembled with fear when we saw it. But considering how most of you have yet to run a 5 K, we've taken mercy on your souls, and decided to give you guys another shot at it. Yes, lucky you! But be forewarned, the next time a run comes up it could be a 42,195 K run and who knows how lenient we'll be then! Get yer butts in here. Let's do this!
Run 15 K
Post time to comments.
Articles:
Gym Machine Hurls Woman (Why Machines Are Bad, Reason No. 240):
In the age-old battle of human vs. machine, the "abductor" defeated its foe - a portly woman - at a Harlem gym yesterday.
A "very large lady" at the New York Sports Club was "sling-shot" off equipment known as the "abductor" - and had to be hauled from the gym in a rescue basket by firefighters, authorities said.
The accident was reported before noon at 345 W. 145th St., where a 38-year-old woman was using the machine, which firms muscles of the hips and inner thighs, witnesses said.
"If you are on a machine, it's you versus the machine," said another gym member who also asked not to be identified.
"She put too much weight on the machine. She was, like, sling-shot from it."
Classic.
Speaking of those shiny devices of modern age, here is another example of Human vs. Machine (and one of my most fav videos of all time, ever!):
Oh, Helen
Tuesday, July 29th
"Helen"
Three rounds for time:
Run 400 meters
1 1/2 pood Kettlebell X 21 swings (or 55 pound dumbbell swing)
12 Pull-ups
This will be the (sub)urban obstacle course version. Out the door, down the stairs, avoid the cars in the driveway. Maybe we'll set up some barricades and barbed wire to make it even more interesting. Post time to comments.
New August Schedule
Okay, okay. You talked; we listened. Starting Monday, August 4th, PVCF will now hold classes five mornings a week, at 7 and 8AM. No more 7PM class. You're welcome! See the Schedule page for details.
Read more...Monday, Monday
Monday, July 28th
Three rounds for time:
30 sumo deadlift high pulls, 75lbs
30 jumping pull-ups
30 wall balls, 20lbs
Post time to comments.
CrossFit got here too late to save Mama Cass, but you've got to admit, she did a mean Mashed Potato:
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Salon Fitness (via gawker.com)
"The idea is that you can work out and then go downstairs for a manicure or a blow-dry, and you're ready for the workday, or a night out," Mr. Farel, who grew up on the outskirts of the French city of Lyon, said.
ZOMFG why didn't we think of this first?! Don't worry, this is one trend we won't let slip by. PVCF is now offering free Mohawks to our clients. Sign up in comments! Read more...
Michael
Saturday 080726
'"Michael"
Three rounds for time of:
Run 800 meters50 Back Extensions
50 Sit-ups
Post time to comments.
Read more...Jeremy
Friday 080725
In honor of Jeremy
Three rounds, 21-15- and 9 reps, for time of:
95 pound Overhead squats
Burpees
Post time to comments.
Read more...Most Feared of the CrossFit Girls?
Thursday, July 24th
"Fran"
Three rounds, 21-15- and 9 reps, for time of:
95 pound Thruster
Pull-ups
Post time to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.Want to Save the Economy? Go on A Diet (newscientist.com)
Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell: "UFOs exist, and NASA is covering it up." (dailytelegraph.uk)
Natural selection in action? Soy foods 'reduce sperm numbers' (news.bbc.co.uk) Read more...
Old Skool
Wednesday, July 23rd
This one is from crossfit.com's July 2004 archive. Consider yesterday's metcon a warm-up.
For time:
100 Squats
30 Box Jumps, 20 inches
30 Kettlebell swings, 1.5-pood
30 Sit-ups
30 Power cleans, 65 pounds
30 Burpees
30 Wall-ball shots, 20 pounds at 10-foot target
Run 800m
Post time to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Wikipedia entries for "epic"
Work the Jerk
Tuesday 080721
Push jerk 3-3-3-3-3 reps
But, as you should all know by now, the fun doesn't end there! Following today's strength work, we'll top off with this little metcon --
One round for time:
100 Squats
Run 800m
100 Squats
C'mon, it's only one round...how bad can it be?
Articles:
7 Painless Ways to Stay Healthy In The Office
Mirrors Don't Lie. Mislead? Oh, Yes.
Men Are From Mars (I knew it!)
Are You Too Old To Exercise?
The Difference between Bodybuilding and Lifting Weights:
Most people are on a constant search for the path of least resistance. A drug, a supplement, a "breakthrough technique" a new machine, a shortcut in exercise form - anything and everything they think will help them reach their goals with less effort and in less time. This is typical human nature. Unfortunately, this is also faulty thinking and you will NEVER become a champion with this type of attitude.Read more...
Monday, July 21st
Squat - Work up to a new 3RM
Afterward, 3 rounds:
Sumo deadlift high pull, 75lbs (50lbs women), max reps in 1 min.
Double-unders, 1 min. (The sub for double-unders is...double-unders! But if you really can't do them, box jumps are okay)
Rest 1 min.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Yesterday the CF Affiliate Blog linked to our Mission Statement. In the words of Johnny Rotten, "We mean it, maaaaaan."
Feel Better for Ten Bucks (T-nation.com, let those with delicate sensibilities beware)
"The limits of the human body have yet to be discovered":
(via CrossFit Central Santa Cruz)
Tabata Something Else
Saturday 087019
"Tabata Something Else"
Complete 32 intervals of 20 seconds of work followed by ten seconds of rest where the first 8 intervals are pull-ups, the second 8 are push-ups, the third 8 intervals are sit-ups, and finally, the last 8 intervals are squats. There is no rest between exercises.
Post total reps from all 32 intervals to comments.
You are Not a (Wo)Man, You are Dynamite!
Friday, July 18th
Power Snatch 3-3-3-3-3-3-3
Afterward:
3 rounds:
Max rep dumbbell thrusters, 1 min.
Max rep sit-ups, 1 min.
Rest, 1 min.
(Teams of two. Team with top combined score does not have to do 25 remedial push-ups apres workout.)
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Fatigue is All in the Mind (poweringmuscles.com via crossfitnyc.com)
The Diaphragm Plunger (CrossFitSF again via CrossFitNYC [Sorry to bite your rhymes, Allison B., but what can I say? You come up with the good stuff.])
Ecce Homo, pg. 90, "Why I am a Destiny" (The Nietzsche Channel)
Push It
Thursday, July 17th
Complete as many rounds in 20 minutes as you can of:
15 Push-ups
12 Ring dips
115 pound Push-press, 9 reps
Man, I can hear the gnashing teeth already--I'd bet that ring dips are our athletes' least favorite exercise. Here, enjoy the old-skool stylings of Salt 'n Pepa, and try not to think about it:
Post time to comments. And while you're at it, post your other least favorite exercises (so we know what to program extra often).
Core of Molten Iron
Wednesday, July 16th
"Leviathan"
For time:
10 barbell roll-outs
2 burpees
10 barbell roll-outs
4 burpees
10 barbell roll-outs
6 burpees
10 barbell roll-outs
8 burpees
10 barbell roll-outs
10 burpees
10 barbell roll-outs
12 burpees
10 barbell roll-outs
14 burpees
10 barbell roll-outs
16 burpees
10 barbell roll-outs
18 burpees
10 barbell roll-outs
20 burpees
Compare to 080424. Post time to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Math is hard, but the Zone is easy:
The Third Place
Tuesday, July 15th
Overhead complex 1-1-1-1-1
Set up a bar with approx. 65% of your front press 1RM. (Percentage calculator here.) Without putting the bar down, press it five times, push press it five times, and push jerk it five times. Putting the bar down before completion is a foul; the athlete must bellow "SORRY!", then pick up the bar and continue.*
Afterward, "Sprint Cindy". Ten rounds of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, 15 squats for time.**
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Valuable: Starting Strength Wiki
Eat This!
Three Simple Steps to Enter the Zone (via CrossFit Santa Cruz Central)
Batman Does CrossFit (Scientific American)
Well, sort of.
What's a realistic training regimen (for Batman)?Perhaps you've noticed that cardboard box taking up valuable sitting space on the bench next to the fridge. Perhaps not. Either way, that's the PVCF Book Exchange. If you've got a book you think someone else might enjoy, bring it in, drop it in the box, and fish around for something new for yourself. I know a bunch of you are voracious readers--what titles are in your beach bag this summer? Post recommendations to comments.
I didn't give a training manual in my book, but he'd want to do specialized weight training to build up an ability to work at a really high rate for maybe 30 seconds to a minute (the maximum time period associated with his fights). One of the early comics shows him holding an enormous weight over his head. That's not the right kind of adaptation toward punching and kicking. He's got to make sure he's doing all the skill training at the same time so that he's actually using the (physical) adaptations he's slowly gaining. In conventional martial arts, when people take weapons training, you're doing a kind of power-strength training.
*Kidding!
**20lbs weight vest encouraged. Not kidding. Read more...
Karen
Monday, July 14th
Deadlift 5-5-5-3-3-3
then "Karen"
150 wall balls for time (men 20lbs, women 14lbs)
Post loads and time to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Chess Boxing, "The Biathlon of the 21st Century" (Time.com)
Insulin and Sugar (The IF Life)
You have heard “insulin” discussed here many times, I’ve said that sugar is your #1 enemy in Fat Loss 101, and I have also said that the biggest health factor that contributes to most all degenerative diseases as being insulin resistance. But really…it’s quite simple to just take control, and that is what we need to do (as we do have full control and responsibility for everything we put in our mouths). Looking at the Standard Food Pyramid above that has been taught to everyone (esp kids) as the healthy way to eat….is it any wonder our rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer and other diseases are skyrocketing?
Sugar comes in many forms: the high fructose corn syrup in your Snapple (and in about 10,000 other items the typical American consumes), that loaf of Wonder Bread (did you know that white bread has a glycemic index rating of 100? It basically turns to sugar as soon as you swallow it), that bowl of fettuccine, even that cold delicious Budweiser (or six) you enjoyed this weekend. Guys, it's simple: eat less sugar, be less fat. Pick your favorite sugary, starchy food, the one you can't imagine living without. Post it to the comments page, and make a public vow to give it up for the month of August. Read more...
Power and Speed
Saturday 080712
4 rounds of:
10 Sledge Hammer Swings on Monster Tire (Thanks again, Brian!)
100m Dash
Clean 100 lb sandbag (50 lbs for women) to shoulder and jog back to the starting line
50 Squats
Jump rope until your next turn
Extra! Extra!!:
Hey, we made the news afterall! Firefighters Fight Heart Disease with CrossFit
Almost Famous
Friday, July 11th
"Almost Famous"
Three rounds for time:
5 squat clean and press, 95lbs (women: 65lbs)
10 pull-ups
15 kettlebell swings, 1.5 pood (women: 1 pood)
20 double-unders (if you can't do DUs, box jumps)
Post time to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Casting Out Demons (CrossFitSF via CrossFitNYC)
...most of us have some version of an excuse that we pull out during our most difficult efforts. And, we may be the only ones that ever actually hear it. Try to recognize yourself doing it, stop, and write it on the board. Poof, the crutch is gone and ego is laid to waste.
What's your favorite excuse? Post that to comments too. Read more...
We've Escaped This Long Enough
Thursday 080710
Run 10 K
This WOD has come up a few times since we opened in February, and each time, whether it was raining on that particular day, or it was posted on the only day we're closed (Sunday), there was a justifiable reason not to do it. But now we're out of excuses. It's a perfect day for a long run--cool, dry, and sunny (for the UV-averse, the tall trees bracketing the Manhan Trail provide ample shade). So many people dread running, but running in groups ain't nothing but a good time. So get in here! We recommend arriving to the earlier classes to avoid the freaks that come out at night. And, by freaks, we mean those nasty little skeeters and other blood-sucking arthropoda.
Post time to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Top Ten Modern Life Survival Skills (Lifehacker.com)
Why Aren't We Going to the Gym? (The Onion)
And Now for Something Completely Different
Wednesday, July 9th
Turkish Get-ups
1/1-1/1-1/1-1/1-1/1
For those of you who've done TGUs before, these will be barbell get-ups, single reps left and right, working up to a one-rep max. A very interesting test of strength, coordination and balance. N00bs will learn the movement sans weight, then start with the 5lbs dumbbells and work from there. Afterward: five minutes of burpees, 30 secs, planks, 30 sec. Sounds easy, right? We'll see :)
Here's Chris "Speal" Spealer, all 135lbs of him, proving once again why he's the man:
Post loads and time to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
And you thought we were kidding about those notebooks: Kaiser Permanente study finds keeping a food diary doubles diet weight loss (via CrossFit Virtuosity)
The Nose That Never Knows (Slate.com)
The Case Against Cardio (Mark's Daily Apple)
Being the type A that I am, I read Ken Cooper’s seminal 1968 book Aerobics and celebrated the idea that you got to award yourself “points” for time spent at a high heart rate. The more points, the healthier your cardiovascular system would become. Based on that notion, I should have been one of the healthiest people on the planet.Read more...
Unfortunately, I wasn’t - and that same mindset has kept millions of other health-conscious, nirvana-seeking exercisers stuck in a similar rut for almost 40 years. It’s time to get your head out of the sand and take advantage of your true DNA destiny, folks!
Benchmark Au Go Go
Tuesday, July 8th, 2008
"Angie"
For time:
100 Pull-ups
100 Push-ups
100 Sit-ups
100 Squats
Post time to comments.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
And you thought "Grace" was hard? 14 year-old Kallista Pappas c+j's her body weight 30 times at the CF Games (crossfit.com)
Controlled Burn (Again Faster)
Overdoing the Sauce (Modern Forager)
For those of you dreading this WOD because of torn-up hands:
How To Make a Tape Grip (mspt47.com)
Also: Dealing With Rips
If you have to continue your workout, place a clean bandage over it, and use some sports tape to secure it. Tip: To keep the tape from rolling and bunching together, wrap the tape around your hand in a vertical fashion. In other words, go from your wrist to the base of a finger to cover the rip, wrap around the back of the finger, and back down to the wrist, again covering the rip. Continue once or twice around the wrist to secure the tape.Read more...
Amazing!
Monday, July 7th
Congratulations to Caity Matter of Rogue Fitness and Jason Khalipa of CrossFit Unlimited, gold medal winners in this year's CrossFit Games. We were glued to games.crossfit.com all weekend, hitting the refresh button until our fingers were raw. If it was this exciting from 3000 miles away, I can't imagine how fun it must've been to witness the competition first hand. Next year maybe we'll field a team. East Coast represent!
Today's workout is
"Grace"
For time:
30 clean and jerk, 135lbs (95lbs for women)
Traditionally, "Grace" is an overhead, anyhow workout. Squat cleans, power cleans, push presses, push jerks, and split jerks are all okay. Post time to comments (and load if you're scaling). This one's going up on the big board, so work hard and fast, but work safe. We'll be hammering you even more than usual on form today, and strictly enforcing pause and reset if your technique comes off the rails.
News, Articles, Links, Etc.
Make Better Choices Now (CrossFit Virtuosity)
Worst. Sign. Ever. (via Eric Cressey)
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