Paleo Challenge

I have been about 80-85% following the paleo diet. On Monday, January 2nd, myself and many others from CrossFit FTF will be doing a month long paleo challenge. I will keep everyone updated about how each day is going. I have bought three cook books to help prepare myself to be better at eating paleo. Also I think having support from others will help keep me on track. Keep checking back!!

www.paleotable.com
www.ftfpaleo.blogspot.com

The Next Best Thing

After having a lunch date with a former professor from grad school and a good friend of mine, the idea of whats next in life was brought up. The idea about working on the "Next best thing." Not worry so much about the future, but working on the small things, the next best thing. My good friend and I took this to heart as now we meet every week for 2-3 hours to work on the next best thing in our life. Him and I have been talking about writing a book for a year now...and now we are starting on it...this is the next best thing for us because it is our experience and expertise on fitness and performance training. It is also just good that we make the time to sit and "talk shop," really keeping a open mind set and growing and learning each and every day!

What I think CrossFit is...

CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program which goals are to improve work capacity across broad time and modal domains. CrossFit is constantly varied, high-intensity, and focuses on functional movement. What does that all mean? CrossFit trains you for the unknown, just like life. We cannot predict what life throws at us and CrossFit can help you become better prepared for the unknown situations. CrossFit only teaches functional movements; natural movements of our body. No more bicep curls or leg extensions because we do not actually use these movements in life. For example, if you are parent, what do you do often with your child? You pick him or her up (deadlift), hold them over head when you play with them (push press), or run around the back yard (cardio). Do you ever feel exhausted after you play with your kids? CrossFit can help you become stronger, faster, more efficient, healthier, etc.

CrossFit is fun! It takes different realms of fitness such as weightlifting, gymnastics, metabolic conditioning (cardio), rowing, biking, swimming, etc. and puts it all together. You will learn to use your body in ways you thought was impossible. You will become less prone to injury because technique is taught and emphasized more than how fast or heavy you can go. It is for everyone…and we mean everyone! CrossFit is a family…when you do not show up to the gym…we will call and ask about you. We care.

What is Elite Performance?

My definition of elite is not a traditional one. Elite performance is when an athlete performs to the best of their ability...my job is to focus on the athlete and their abilities..I do not train my athletes to be better then others...I do not compare my athletes with others...I train my athletes to push and discover their elite performance...I don't train to the competition...

Myth about CrossFit

There has been a lot of articles and talk in the fitness world about CrossFit. The biggest thing is that it is dangerous and that you are going to get hurt from doing those lifts, doing that many reps, going that deep in squat, etc.

Let me think for a moment....I have trained in multiple different fitness philosophies and here is the true hard fact....YES you could get hurt because you are physically moving. The thing is if you move you could possibly get hurt...walking to your car...running...playing sports, etc. If you are moving there are possible exposure to injuries...but CrossFit doesn't automatically mean injury. In my opinion CrossFit is an injury prevention program because we teach technique over weight...full range of motion to insure prevention of injury. If you walk into a CrossFit gym and you see ugly technique...injuries here and there....that is not CrossFit's fault...that is the coaches in the gym. It is important that the coaches in CrossFit have the correct certifications and educational background...in my opinion. At my gym we teach technique over weight...we don't care who you are or what your fitness experience is...if your technique sucks...take the weight off...do the bar...or do the PVC pipe...technique, technique, technique!! My favorite quote for a CrossFit gym..."Leave your ego at the door." So before you believe anything you read or hear, walk into a CrossFit gym and watch a class...ask questions. I think you will be very surprised at what you see!

Not Letting It Get to Me

I had a wonderful opportunity approach me recently. I was very excited for this opportunity, it would have been life changing. In the end, it didn't go as well as I had planned, again still life changing. I am very appreciative for the opportunity that was given to me because I grew a lot from it. I learned something new about my self, I gave myself feedback, I reflected and I moved forward a better person. Whether you believe this or not, we are put on this world for a purpose...some will look for a long time for their purpose...but once you have discovered what your purpose is, you must go for it. I have found why I have spent many years in school...many hours...many sacrifices...challenges...moments of growth...I am going to take my purpose and excel. I am a coach...I help others succeed...I train others to be better than me...to be better then their perception of themselves. That is what I do.

Failure is Not an Option

We as a society are afraid to fail...why? There is no such thing as failure. Life is all about how you perceive events. If you look at something as a failure, then yes you have failed. When opportunities do not go your way, look at them as learning opportunities. My mentor in grad school, Dr. Jenelle N. Gilbert, was a huge believer of this process. She made me and others a strong believer as well. There is no mistakes, only learning opportunity. It is important to look at events that do not go your way as a way to learn and progress. Reflect on the situation and take the feedback to make yourself a better person. Again, don't dwell on the things you can not control...I understand this may be more tough for some then others...once you learn to really change your mind set; everything else seems to be a 'breeze.' Remember failing is not an option because you never fail...you learn...you grow...you become better.