Check out our new site. www.titanfit.com

Looking for TitanFit? Go to our new site. www.titanfit.com










Tuesday 080101

Workout

4 mile run or 8k row (yes I know they are not equal, but I want you to run...I will so you should too!)

Check out the following link (thanks KF)...http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=249629

an excerpt from the article reads:
Comparing CrossFit to most gym workouts is like watching the training sequence in “Rocky IV.” Rocky is getting ready to fight the Russian, Ivan Drago. Drago’s got the latest, greatest, most high-tech equipment and a team of clipboard-wielding exercise scientists at his disposal. Rocky has an old wagon, a ton of snow, and a drunk guy puffing on a cigar. With CrossFit you are Rocky — not Ivan — only without the drunk guy (unless I have been on a bender)or the wagon.

Monday 071231

Workout
"Elizabeth "
For time:
21-15-9
135 lbs Clean
Ring Dips

The sub for ring dips is 4/1 bench dips, 3/1 bar dips or 2/1 jumping ring dips.

Sunday 071230

Workout
5 rounds for time of:
500 Meter Row
50 Squats (air squats)
30 Back extensions

This one is courtesy of HQ's site.

Saturday 071229

Rest!

Everyone seems to do a "best of'" as the year ends. The following are some of my favorite images posted on TitanFit in 2007!


CD with a new DL PR! (with paint fumes in the air)


JB after saying we needed harder workouts


Notice a trend?


JB with a BWT OHS!




MM during the Get-up/Lunge workout. No lie, during the workout she said "this sucks!"


KF after one of the Tabata sessions


The Sunday Crew


Just because!


Cause I still can't do a proper push-up

Friday 071228

As the New Year approaches, we get the inevitable questions about working out (e.g. is CrossFit too hard? I have not worked out in X years, is CrossFit for me? and If I lift weights, won't I get big bulky man-like muscles?) I laugh a lot at that last one. I have worked out for years trying to get big bulky man-like muscles to no avail - but I digress.

TitanFit and its CrossFit based workouts is the answers to your questions. At TitanFit we provide REAL hands-on personal training with each session. We are here to assist you in becoming better athletes - there is one in each of us!

Check out the following link...the Nave Seals use CrossFit, maybe you should to.

After writing that line, I thought of those that say I do not need/want to be as fit as a Navy Seal - I just want to be fit. Aha, that is the secret. Truly, honestly, deep down, there is really only one (1) kind of fit. Fit or un-fit, in reality. The difference between us and the Nave Seals is not a desire for fit or un-fit but the degree of how fit.

OK, let me try again. CrossFit will get you fit. It can be scaled up to the needs of the elite (e.g. FBI Agents, Navy Seals, or can be scaled down to the needs of those like me that are middle managers.

http://navyseals.com/training-fitness

an excerpt from the site reads:
In every category of training, SEALs operate at the razor sharp tip of the spear. This is why only the best training methods are used to develop and equip America’s elite.

In the last few years, a growing insurgency of the program
CrossFit® has emerged as the preeminent strength and conditioning program for many SEALs, to the extent that it is utilized in every phase of BUD/S and SQT, and within the SEAL Teams as an integral component of the PT program.

The NavySEALs.com CrossFit program is designed for universal scalability making it the perfect application for any committed individual regardless of experience. We use the same routines for individuals seeking to get into shape for the first time, as elite athletes or warriors prior to an event or combat. We scale load and intensity; we don’t change programs. The needs of veteran SEAL Operators and BUD/S wannabes differ by degree not kind. You can find your best fitness from the same regimen.

Getting in shape for the world class Navy SEALs is no walk in the park. However, if you can push yourself to the limit, then the rewards will be great!

Workout
For time:

Run 800m
21 Push Ups
12 SDHP (The very strong use 115# and the rest of us use 85#)

Run 400m
21 Push Ups
12 SDHP

Run 800m
21 Push Ups
12 SDHP

Thursday 071227

Workout

CFT (CrossFit Total) find your 1RM on:
Squat
Press
Deadlift

The following link provides a nice description of the how to and "rules" for CFT

http://www.crossfit.com/journal/library/52-2006_CFTotal.pdf
Compare to:
TITANFIT: Friday 071130

Wednesday 071226

Workout
For time:
30, 20, 10 reps of
95 lbs - OHS*
Ring Push-ups
Pull-ups

The workout looks like 30 OHS, 30 Ring Push-ups, and 30 Pull-ups. Then 20 of each followed by 10 of each.*For OHS, depending on current strength level, use 45, 65 or 95 lbs.

Tuesday 071225

Merry Christmas!

Rest

Monday 071224

Workout

DL
Try SN grip for a change or try elevated. Regardless of your choice, do 5 sets of 2 reps.

Check out this link
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/health/nutrition/20BEST.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1198458116-ZdpzYZHvQ04s6dJ1logzSQ

It appears (gosh) that the calorie counters on the globo gym's equipment may not be accurate...

An excerpt from the article reads:
Jim Zahniser, a spokesman for Precor, cautions that the company’s machines are not supposed to give the exact number of calories for you. Instead, they are estimates of the calories an average person would burn at that work level. And, the company explains on its Web site, there is no easy way to know whether you are that average person.

Sunday 071223

Yesterday JB and KF were lamenting how they have not BPed in 6-8 months. So what do we find on HQ's site!

Workout for CFers that OLY
3 rounds for time of:
Row 500 meters
BWT BP x30

If you are unable to do your BWT for 30 (90) reps, pick a percentage and give it a go.

Workout for Oly CFers (rest 10 minutes between exercises)
Snatch - max for the day
Clean & Jerk - max for the day
Front squat - max for the day


JB while completing "Badger" x3 :95 pound Squat clean, 30 reps, 30 Pull-ups, Run 800 meters and sporting a TitanFit t-shirt!

Saturday 071222

Workout (for the Oly CFers)*

Snatch balance – work up to a heavy single. This MIGHT be more than your SN 1RM, don't be surprised
2-position snatch – floor then hang – 60% (of your 1RM) x4 sets
2-position clean + push jerk – floor then hang – 60% x3 sets

3 rounds for time of:
250 M Row sprint
Kipping Pull-ups – near max (stop just short of failure)...for me that's like 3 pull-ups.

Workout (for the CFers that Oly)

For Time:
3x
500M row
BS BWT x15

*Courtesy of the Performance Menu

Friday 071221

Rest!

Today is the first day of Winter. That is GREAT news, as it means Spring is right around the corner.

Thursday 071220

Workout
For time:

42 - Wall Ball*
21 - Pull-ups

30 - Wall Ball
15 - Pull-ups

18 - Wall Ball
9 - Pull-ups

*20 lbs for the strongest and 12 lbs for the rest of us.

Wednesday 071219

Workout
Back Squat
80%-85% of 1RM x1, 2, 3, x3


Here KF has Cleaned 110% of his body weight. Pound for pound, he is currently TitanFit's STRONGEST Olympic Full Squat Clean lifter!
Congrats KF!

Tuesday 071218

I CAN'T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS IN JULY!
Workout
12 days of Christmas (AKA - Blame Fuller!)

For time:
1 – Burpees
2 - 95 lbs PP
3 - 95 lbs FS
4 - 95 lbs PCLS
5 - 95 lbs DL
6 - Box Jumps
7 - Pull-ups
8 - Push-ups
9 - Ab Mat sit-ups
10 - Get-ups (5 each arm)
11 - 53 lbs KB Swings
12 - A 500M Row


KF at the top of box jumps...trust me, he cried out Bah Humbug! Sorry, I could not help myself.

SW at the end of box jumps...

EDITOR'S NOTE:
I have been advised, to really follow the song, the workout needs to be:
1 Burpee
the 2 Dead Lift and 1 Burpee
then 3 Power Cleans, 2 Dead Lifts and 1 Burpee etc.

I have updated the order of events. Thank you Mr. Berg.

Monday 071217

Rest!

Yesterday I was able to Power Snatch 185 lbs and was satisfied with my effort. Check out the following video of a 198 lbs SINGLE arm snatch. I better re-evaluate my commitment.

Sunday 071216

Workout
For time:

5 rounds of
20 - Pull-ups
20 - 35 lbs KB Swings
20 - Ring Push-ups
20 - AB Mat Sit-ups

Now doesn't that sound like fun for a snowy Sunday!

Saturday 071215

HAPPY B-DAY CHRIS
Workout (Rowing Fran)
For time:

1oooM Row
21 Thrusters*
21 Pull Ups

750M Row
15 Thrusters
15 Pull Ups

500M Row
9 Thrusters
9 Pull Ups

*75 lbs for the very strong and 55 lbs for the rest of us

Friday 071214

Workout

For time 21-15-9 of:
Burpees (yea burpees!)
OHS - 95 lbs
500M row

Tabata Project
Beam Touch


KF mid Burpees (yea burpees!)


KF OHS

Thursday 071213

Rest!

Yesterday I gleefully read an article about those that are likely to join gyms after the first of the year - you know, the New Years Resolution group. The gist of the article is:

  • Exercise is good for all so be happy for those that try
  • Most will quit by March as they are not as resolute as they believe
  • Part of the downfall is preparation - fitness is new to them so the "traditional" gym is not the best place for them.
The article says that those new to fitness should:
find a support network; people who are either at the same fitness level or close to it. Or, if possible, someone who is far more advanced and willing to take them under their chiseled wing. Going at it alone is not easy, and can be rather intimidating to some. Sharing numbers, tips, results, and positive reinforcement with others will help enormously in keeping you on track. This is why it is paramount that you begin forming this network before January 1st, as you do not want to lose focus or time scrambling to organize this support system after the New Year's bell has already rung.

That advise works well in the CrossFit environment, especially here at TitanFit. The hallmark of TitanFit is our hands-on, training. As member have attested, each session at TitanFit is truly a personal training session. We build, scale, enhance each workout to fit your current needs and to help you become a better athlete.

As the New Year approaches, it is likely we will have a few new folks in the fold. Taking that first step is often the most difficult, but being truly fit, fit for a lifetime is what TitanFit is all about.

Wednesday 071212

"Warm-up"
Work up to

Back squat - 80% x3 x3 (80% of your 1RM)
Snatch pull - 90% x 3 (90% of your SN 1RM...think triple extension)

Workout

500M row x8 w/ 2:00 minute rest between efforts*

*Shoot for sub 2:00 minutes per 500M efforts.

Tuesday 071211

Workout
High Hang Clean (stand tall, very little leg movement...thing only shrug and elbows)
1 x5
Push Jerk + Split Jerk
1+1 x3

Do a HHCL then 1 Push Jerk followed by 3 Split Jerks using the same weight. DO NOT LOWER THE WEIGHT TO THE GROUND. Use a weight (65%-70% of your 1RM) that allows you to complete each round with a lot of speed!

MetCon
2x
1000 meter row
50 - 45 lbs Thruster 45 lbs
30 - Jumping pull-ups

KF after today's WOD
KF's Sweat Angel
Tabata Project
Push-ups

The following is from CrossFit HQ...enjoy.



Monday 071210

Workout

Over-head x2 x7 (start with Press and through Push-press to Jerk)
Front squat - 80% x3 x5

Tabata Project
KB Swings

Sunday 071209

Rest!

Today, Sunday, we will open the doors at 1:00 P.M. versus the normal noon start time.

Recently we (I) broke one of the PVC paralletts that JB made a few months ago (see above - no fat jokes please).



KF was kind enough to make another pair. His remedy, make them of steel. These bad boys weigh a good 8 lbs apiece! I heard KF say, under his breath, try to break these fat boy!

Saturday 071208

Olympic Warm-up

Clean Pulls
Work up to 3 sets of 3 reps @ 110% of your Squat Clean 1RM

Workout
1000M Row
25 - Air Squats
750M Row
25 - Push-ups
500M Row
25 - Pull-ups
750M Row
25 - 53 lbs KB Swings
100M Row
25 - Lower Back Extensions
Work hard to keep consistent 500M row pace in the 2:00 - 2:15 range.

For those that are working to dial in the Olympic moves...from the performance menu.

Workout
Work up to 95-100% or your 1RM in:
Snatch - heavy single
Clean & Jerk - heavy single
Back squat - heavy single



Come on-at least, take the darn stairs!

TOO FUNNY!

Friday 071207

Olympic Lifting Warm-up
OHS - work up to 70% of 1RM x5 x3

Workout
Deadlift 1Rm

Tabata Project
Row for calories

Here are my rows...(yes I will change the date on the rower, just noticed). Note to self, do not do Tabata before heavy lifting!

Post stuff to comments section

Thursday 071206

Remember we are incorporating Olympic lifting in each session. Some days it will be the "warm-up", others it will be the main component. Doing so affords us the opportunity to get better and that's really why we do these crazy arse workout anyway, right?

Warm-Up
Hang Full Squat Cleans
65% of your 1RM x2 x5

Workout
For time:
3 sets of 15 reps of
35 lbs - KB Swings
12 lbs - Wall Ball
Ring Push-ups
35 lbs - SDLHP (use the same KB from the swings)
Sit-ups
500M row


CW rockin' the swings...

If you do not have access to bumpers or just not ready to do the Oly warm-up, do 5 sets of the MetCon versus 3. As always, have fun.

Post times, weights, thoughts about the awesome T-shirts Megan designed, who do you think would win in a fight, Superman or Captain America or what ever else you'd like to discuss to the comments section.

Wednesday 071205

REST!

T-Shirts are in!

Thanks to Megan for all of her hard work on the design and getting the darn things orders...did I mention they are tagless! Without her, we would be lifting topless...wait a minute!

Stop in and buy a few for your friends and family this holiday season, or order on-line (to order on-line check out the left hand border of this page...



Tuesday 071204

Workout
Fartlek* 10K row/run

Back in my track days this was our typical weekend run...run a mile, sprint to the meter, jog 100M, sprint to the stop light, etc...

As I am rowing vs. running the examples below will reflect rowing...

Today lets do:

Warm up – easy rowing/running for 5 to 10 minutes

  1. Steady, hard pace (e.g. 2:00 - 2:30 pace @ 500M row) for 1000M
  2. Slow recovery (e.g. 2:40 pace @ 500M) for about 1000M
  3. Easy pace (e.g. 2:10-2:40) for 10 minutes with 60 second burst (1:50 pace) every 3 minutes
  4. Easy pace (e.g. 2:10 - 2:40) for 10 minutes with 10 second burst every minute
  5. repeat until you finish the 10K.

I like this type workout because I've done it in the past, it helps past the time (I worry about the efforts, intervals vs. the overall time) and it is more like a CrossFit workout vs. steady state running....enjoy!

Monday 071203

Workout

Snatch:
Work up to 70% of 1RM x2 x10

Clean and Jerk:
Work up to 65% x1(CL)+2(Jerks) x4

The plan is to begin incorporating more Olympic movements in or workouts. Most days we will do a CrossFit type MetCon workout after we "warm-up"/work technique for the Olympic lifts. For our ME days, we will incorporate efforts that will benefit Olympic lifting...that and the whole Tabata Test. It will be fun around here for the next few months!

This workout was designed by Mike's Gym. Mike's Gym is a CrossFit affiliate and is a Regional Training Center for USA Weightlifting

Sunday 071202

Happy Birthday Bay! We miss you!

Workout
For time:
30-20-10
Calories - Row
53 lbs KB Swings
Push-ups
Sit-ups
45 lbs Thrusters

Do you remember KF and JB all smiles in the picture from 071128? Check out the pics from today!

JB after a session of box jumps

KF hating push-ups...yes these are harder than "normal" push-ups

Tabata Project WOD - Walking Lunges

BEST EFFORT

Female

Megan - 14

Male

Kurt - 17

Saturday 071201

Rest!


photo from vitality4lifeshop.com

Do you remember a few years a go when vibrating exercise equipment received press for improving stamina, blurred vision, building muscle and improving health? Well, it is with a great deal of sadness that I must report scientist at the Mayo Clinic have concluded that there is no evidence that whole body vibration provides and fitness benefits. I better cancel the orders TitanFit has placed (tongue firmly planted in cheek)

Manufacturers of vibrating platforms claim that training sessions of only a few minutes twice a week can produce measurable effects. How can this be? How can merely standing still while your body shakes be effective?

I must admit after completing workout like Fran or Linda my whole body does indeed shake, but that's another thing all together, I think.

Friday 071130

Last day of the month, it's a nice time to see where we are strength wise...

Workout

CFT (CrossFit Total) find your 1RM on:
Squat
Press
Deadlift

The following link provides a nice description of the how to and "rules" for CFT.
http://www.crossfit.com/journal/library/52-2006_CFTotal.pdf

Compare to:
TITANFIT: Tuesday 071023

Thursday 071129

Workout (A) (AKA - BLAME CHRIS)
For time:
21, 15, 9 of
30 lbs DB Snatch (each arm)
Pull-up

For those that have completed this workout, we also offer

Workout (B)
For time:

Run 400m
21 - KBS (M use 53 lbs and W use 35 lbs)
12 - Pull Ups
Row 500m
15 - Deadlifts (M use 225 lbs and W use 165 lbs)
Run 400m
30 - Thrusters (M use 45 lbs and W use 30 lbs)
30 - 20 inch Box Jumps
Row 500m
15 - OHS (M use 95 lbs and W use 65 lbs)

Chose A or B...Post times to comments sections. Tomorrow is CFT, so get your mind right!

Have you seen the recent study that suggests, women with "hourglass" figures, are smarter and have smarter children? The research scientists at the Universities of Pittsburgh and California, Santa Barbara, used data from a study of 16,000 women and girls, which collected details of their body measurements and their scores in cognitive tests. The report reads, that those with waists smaller than hips, with the ideal ratio being between 0.6 and 0.7., scored higher on cognitive test.

Here's a link to the story.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article2848055.ece

First Annual TitanFit'ympics

I find it is easier to train if there is a goal (other than health) in mind. To that end, and because we need something to do the morning of the Super Bowl, TitanFit will hold its inaugural competition.

The contest starts at noon February 3, 2008 and the events are:

  1. Pull-ups
  2. Air Squats
  3. Push-ups
  4. 500M row

There is a division for men and women. As a contestant, you can compete in any or all 4 events.

Rules:
Pull-ups – The contestants can use any grip (e.g. overhand, underhand, mixed). The Pull-ups must be full range of motion [e.g. from full hang (no bent elbows) to chin over the top of the bar]. The count starts with the first Pull-up and ends when the contestant is unable to get their chin over the bar. Each contestant can use chalk, but can not use straps, gloves or any other device(s) that aid in grip. The contestant with the highest number of repetitions is the winner. The judge, that’s me, will perform the official count and my judgment is final!

Air Squats – Each contestant will squat to a TitanFit provided Dynamax medicine ball. For each repetition to count, the contestant’s bottom must touch the ball. The count starts with the first repetition that touches the ball and ends when the contestant is unable to perform additional repetitions, if 2 consecutive repetitions do not touch the ball and or if there is a 3 second or more delay between consecutive repetitions (the air squats are to be a continuous movement).

Push-ups – Each contestant will perform full push-ups (e.g. full plane/plank position, knee push-ups are not allowed hips must be in-line with shoulders). For each repetition to count, the contestant’s chest must touch a TitanFit provided contact point that will be 2-3 inches off the ground. The count starts with the first repetition and ends when the contestant can no longer perform a repetition or when any part of their body (other than feet and hands) touch the ground.

500M Row - Each contestant will row on the TitanFit provided Concept II rowing machine. The contestant that rows the fastest 500M will be declared the winner.

More info to come!

Wednesday 071128

Workout

"Elizabeth":
21-15-9 reps of:
135 lbs Cleans
Ring dips

Scale this one if 135 lbs is too heavy. If you do not have access to rings, do a 3 for 1 "regular" dips or 4 to 1 "bench" dips for each ring dip...

I have no idea why they were laughing. Maybe the workouts are not hard enough! OK boys we'll see you in the next picture...

Tuesday 071127

Rest!

A courageous high school student in Ohio, Claire Markwardt, sustained a broken tibia in the final few meters of the Ohio State cross country meet two weeks ago. As not to let down her team, she crawled to the finish line.

Managing to finish 67th overall, she helped her team to a fourth-place finish in the team standings. "She said she heard it crack about three times while she was running," Berkshire coach Julie Cole said. "When she tried to do her final kick there, it just gave out on her. The senior crawled the last 15 meters and was the Badgers' fifth scorer.

The scene is capture in the YouTube video below at about 1:40 into the video. It is shocking to see her fall in pain. I do not want my, your or any one's daughter to injure themselves, but I hope we all learn to compete with a will to win!




Claire is now one of my heroes!

Monday 071126

Workout

Deadlift:
85% of your 1RM x1, x2, x3 - x3

If you were successful in all 9 sets during your last DL 85% session, add 10-20 lbs and give it a go.

Sunday 071125

Workout
For time:
1000M Row/800M Run then
10 rounds for time of:
4- 45 lbs hang barbell snatch
4- 45 lbs Overhead squat
4- 45 lbs Overhead lunge
20 - Sit-ups

Remember to pull with your elbows out, catch the snatch as low as possible and keep your shoulders engaged throughout the SN, OHS and OHL.

Saturday 071124

Workout

For time:
5x
12 - Thrusters*
12 - Pull-ups

*Gents use 135 lbs, 115 lbs or 95 lbs. Ladies use 75 lbs, 65 lbs, 45 lbs or 15 lbs. Pick a weight that is a challenge (e.g. if you normally do Fran with 95 lbs or 45 lbs, add some weight so your next Fran will be easier).

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggests that friends have an even more important effect on a person's risk of obesity than genes do! Link to the article below:

An excerpt from the articles reads:
The authors observed that when two persons perceived each other as friends, if one friend became obese during a given time interval, the other friend's chances of following suit increased by 171%. Among pairs of adult siblings, if one sibling became obese, the chance that the other would become obese increased by 40%. The results of this study also indicate that obesity is clustered in communities. For example, the risk that the friend of a friend of an obese person would be obese was about 20% higher in the observed network than in a random network; this effect vanished only by the fourth degree of separation.

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/4/404

Post times, weights used and thought of the article in the comments section.

Friday 071123

Rest!

Thursday 071122

Happy Thanksgiving!
Do it when everyone else is eating desert

Workout
5 Rounds for time:
20 Pull ups
30 push ups
40 sit ups
50 squats

This should be a quick one for ya'. If you workout today and your buddy does not, you're a day up!

Remember to be thankful.

Wednesday 071121

Workout

Clean and Jerk: work up to 80% x1, 70% x1, 83% x1, 73% x1, 85% x1, 75% x1, 88% x1, 75% x1 notice the wave?

When complete, do FS (you are already warmed up) @ 80%-85% of your 1RM x1, x2, x3.
Have you heard about FreeRice.com? http://www.freerice.com

FreeRice is an on-line vocabulary game that donates grains of rice for each correctly answered question. The site shows you a word and four possible definitions and/or synonyms. You pick the one that most closely matches. You then find out if you were right or wrong and, if you were wrong, what the correct definition.


There are 50 vocab levels to master...I keep trying to raise my score bit by bit, but currently, I am stuck on level 40.


To play:
  1. Click on the answer that best defines the word.
  2. If you get it right, you get a harder word. If wrong, you get an easier word.
  3. For each word you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice to the UN World Food Program.

If you have some free time and want to see how profuse your vocabulary is - while donating food, give it a shot.

Post vocab level and weights in comments section...

Tuesday 071120

Workout
OHS - find your 1RM
I will do 95 x10 x2, 135 x8, 205 x5, 225 x2, 1 x max, 1 x max

Rest 5 minutes then:

500M Row x 3 @ sub 2:00 minute pace with 3 minute rest. Last effort go for PR.

JB at lockout w/ BWT OHS

Those of you, like me, that started working out in globo gyms in the 80's will find the following very familiar... it was posted by hyperfitUSA - A CrossFit affiliate in in Ann Arbor MI. http://www.hyperfitusa.com/ Enjoy!

Monday 071119

REST!

Check out this video - Rob Smith, broke the world record in a 500m row with a time of 1:15.9! When you watch the video, notice how calm and relaxed he is. He maintains his composure and form through the entire piece, in spite of the incredible difficulty of each stroke...and I was happy with my 1:33.

Sunday 071118

Yesterday JB and I were talking before the workout. I said I was going to post FGB today - he said we should do Filthy Fifty. When I woke up this morning, I discovered the CrossFit gods answered JB's prayers. BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU WISH FOR!

Workout

For time:
50 Box jump, 24 inch box
50 Jumping pull-ups
50 Kettlebell swings, 1 pood (35 lbs)
Walking Lunge, 50 steps
50 Knees to elbows
50 Push press, 45 pounds
50 Back extensions
50 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball (or 45 lbs Thrusters)
50 Burpees
50 Double unders

Scale this please. For some 50% of this workout will be more than enough. Although I want you to scale, I also want you to finish. There’s nothing like completing a task that you felt was impossible. If you pick 10, 25, 30 or 50 of each…FINISH. You will be better for the effort. Trust me!

Saturday 071117

Workout

For time:
800M Run/1000M row then...
5 Rounds:
10 - SDHP (Guys use 95# and Ladies use 65#)
10 - Ring Dips
10 - Ab Mat Sit-ups

The ring dips can be "normal", jumping, or we can revert to ring push-ups...

Kurt does not like ring dips...

Lately I have received a few questions on how to perform a kipping pull-up. Check out the following to get a better understanding casue at 265 lbs I'm not a lot of help.


Friday 071116

Workout

"Jack-Ellen-ie"

For time:

3x
750M Row
30 - 45 lbs Thrusters
10 - Pull-ups
20 - 35 lbs KB Swings

Thursday 071115

REST!

As I preach the gospel of TitanFit/CrossFit, I often get the "I don't want big bulky muscles" response from women. STOP IT! My response is, has been and will always be - women need to build muscle MORE than men!

The following is an excerpt from an article entitled Strong, Lean and Happy - Why every woman should strength train.
By Selene Yeager, Prevention

the link for the article is:
http://health.msn.com/dietfitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100172177&GT1=10514

Strength training works because making muscles fires up your metabolism and keeps your body running at its fat-burning best. (This is why many men can toss down a bucket of wings and a pitcher of beer without a worry about weight gain — they naturally have more muscle.) Every pound of muscle on your body burns between 30 and 50 calories a day — even when you're sleeping. Every pound of fat burns only two to five calories. Women often blame their weight problems on sluggish metabolisms when what's really to blame is their lack of muscle.

Unless you start strength training, the problem only gets worse. As we get older, we naturally lose some of our muscle mass. Starting somewhere after age 35, women start losing about a half-pound of muscle a year. By the time we are 50, that can jump to up to a pound loss each year. That's why women in their late 30s and 40s often complain that even though they are not eating or exercising differently, they are still gaining weight — they are literally losing metabolism-revving muscle.

The good news is that you can stop early midlife fat spread in its tracks just by adding a little muscle. Researchers at Tufts University in Massachusetts found that people who strength trained for 12 weeks and increased their muscle mass by just 3 pounds could eat 15 percent more calories — that's about 300 calories (the amount in two slices of cheese pizza!) a day for an average woman — without gaining an ounce. Even better, they also lost fat pounds in the process.Over time, these muscle-metabolism gains can add up to major fat losses.

OK, enough words, like they say, a picture speak a thousand words...

Real women (Not models types) doing real pull-ups

95 lbs OHS

showing the benefits of squats

OK, next time you go to the gym, bypass the stationary bikes and elliptical - with its never seen in everyday life motion. Bypass the spin class, juice bar and cardio theatre. Bypass the "toning" classes, turn off America's Top Model, those darn reality shows and whatever they are showing on HGTV. Pick up a barbell.

If you are new to lifting, unsure where and how to start, Come to TitanFit or find a CrossFit affiliate (we're world wide, check the affiliate link on the left border of this page) and start to get really fit.

Photos courtesy of CrossFit.com (http://www.crossfit.com/)

Wednesday 071114

Workout
"Linda"
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 reps of the triplet:
Deadlift: 1 1/2 body weight
Bench press: body weight
Clean: 3/4 body weight
Set up three bars and storm through for time

Linda is a daunting workout. My first attempt took over an hour. SCALE this baby especially if it is your first attempt. There are several ways to scale this workout. One can do just the even reps and or lower the percentages of your body weight used for each lift.

One of the tricks I use is to remind myself that after I complete the round of 8, I am half way done. Post time and weights used to the comments section.


CW Squat Clean

Tuesday 071113

Workout

Power Snatch + OHS @ 70%* x1 x5
Power Clean + FS @ 70%* x1 x5
Rest 5 Mins
2x
40 - AB Mat Sit-ups
30 - Squats
20 - Push-ups
10 - Pull-ups
*70% or your 1RM

Yesterday I read an article on-line entitled - 5 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight. It was adapted from The TNT Diet, the revolutionary guide to transforming your body — and your life, written by Jeff Volek, PH.D., R.D., & Adam Campbell, M.S., C.S.C.S., Men's Health


It lists the five mistakes that many people make as:

  1. Following Bad Advice
    Sometimes the government goofs. In late 1970s, the United States began advocating a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. In the early 1970s, the average daily energy intake was 2,450 calories. By the year 2000, that number had risen to 2,618. Almost all of those extra calories came from carbohydrates, according to the Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES).
  2. You Eat Fat-Free Foods
    Warning: Low-fat foods may make you fat. Cornell University researchers reported that when overweight men and women were told they were eating low-fat M&Ms, they consumed 47 percent more calories than those who were given regular M&Ms (the M&Ms were actually all the same). On average, low-fat foods contain 59 percent less fat, but only 15 percent fewer calories than full-fat products.
  3. You (Still) Don't Eat Breakfast
    Sure, you've heard this one before. But it's important: Researchers at the University of Massachusetts found that people who don't eat breakfast are nearly five times more likely to be obese than those who make it an everyday habit. That's because if you sleep for 6 to 8 hours, and then skip breakfast, your body is running on fumes by the time you get to work. And that sends you desperately seeking sugar, which happens to be easy to find.
  4. You're Eating Too Much Sugar
    You've stopped drinking regular soda? Great, but your diet is probably still filled with the sweet stuff. Check the label of your breakfast cereal. Some products marketed as healthy are packed with sugar. Case in point: Kellogg's Smart Start Health Heart cereal contains more sugar per serving — 17 grams — than a serving of Froot Loops. The problem: Sugar raises your blood levels of insulin, a hormone that signals your body to stop burning — and start storing fat.

NUMBER 5!

You Don't Lift Weights
In a study at the University of Connecticut, we put overweight men on a 1,500-calorie-a-day diet, and divided them into three groups — one that didn't exercise, another that performed aerobic exercise 3 days a week, and a third that did both aerobic exercise and weight training. Each group lost almost the same amount of weight — about 21 pounds. But the lifters shed 5 more pounds of fat than those who didn't pump iron. Why? Their weight loss was almost pure fat, while the other two groups lost just 15 pounds of lard, along with several pounds of muscle.

The article advises: Make three total-body weight training sessions a week a non-negotiable part of your weight loss plan. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that lost muscle is replaced by fat over time. This not only makes you look flabby, but it also increases your pants size — even if you somehow manage to keep your scale-weight the same. The reason: Each pound of fat takes up 18 percent more space on your body than each pound of muscle.

We all know those that say, "I'm the same weight I was in high school, so I don't need to workout." I hate scales, they lie. If you are using a scale to judge your level of fitness, you are making a mistake. Being fit comes in all shapes and sizes. Based on the insurance charts I am obese. I have friends that are in the "normal" range that can not run, lift things off the ground or lift things over their heads.

Those "normal" range friends always call me when they want/need something moved or a jar opened. OK, kidding about the jar thing, but you know what I mean. Being fit is not a number on the scale. How do your clothes fit? Are you out of breath climbing stairs (or do you avoid stair whenever, wherever possible)?

Get Fit. Do CrossFit!

Monday 071112

Happy Veteran's Day!

Workout
3M run or 7k Row

Yes, I know they are not the same distances - I am encouraging you to run.

As the 3 on 1 off does not always fit real life schedules, a few member came in yesterday and DL'ed for 1RM and finished the workout with 5 sets of:

500M rows with negative splits (each row needed to be faster than the proceeding row or a
500M row penalty)
25 ring push-ups

C Dub got a PR on DL and JB rowed 1:40 for his last 500M split. Maybe I should workout on my off day too!



JB's socks allowed him to row faster!

Sunday 071111

Rest!

If posting the garage heater was not bad enough, check out this picture.

Above are the current barbell selection of TitanFit.

Saturday 071110

Workout

"Cindy"
Complete as many rounds in 20 minutes as you can of:
5 Pull-ups
10 Push-ups
15 Squats

1 round per minute is the target...how close will you get? Make sure you do "legit" push-ups (e.g chest, and thighs touching the deck...see photo)


Eva T. performing a "legit" push-up
Photo courtesy of CrossFit.com (http://www.crossfit.com/)

Friday 071109

Workout
"Kelly"
5 Rounds for time of:

500M Row or 400M Run
30 - 24 Inch Box jump
30 - 45 lbs Thrusters

I have NEVER (only tried once) finished this workout. Remember to scale. Use a lower box or a lighter weight for the thrusters, walk if you have to...but by all means, FINISH. You will be better for doing so.

post times and weights to the comments section.


JB with an easy jump

Welcome CW...nice workout choice for your first time with us.

Thursday 071108

I am now that guy in the neighborhood - the one that we all avoid making eye contact with. I am that guy as I ask each person that passes the house to come in for a workout. Yesterday one of my neighbors mentioned he would like to start with us, but the workouts seem a bit tough for his current level of fitness.

One of the best things about CrossFit is the workouts are scalable. Many are unable to initially do the workouts as prescribed. That is not a problem, use less weight. Today's workout, for instance, calls for 95 lbs Overhead Squats. If 95 lbs is too much (and for many it is) lower the weight. Use 65 lbs, 45 lbs or even good old PVC. Complete the prescribed number of repetitions and note the weight used. Once you are able to complete the repetitions at the lower weight, use a little bit more the next time.

If you are unable to do the prescribed number of pull-ups (again using today's workout as an example) do as many "regular" pull-ups as you can and complete the workout with jumping pull-ups. You'll be surprised what you can accomplish if you don't impose limits before you start.
Workout

"Josh"
For time:
95 pound Overhead squat, 21 reps
42 Pull-ups

95 pound Overhead squat, 15 reps
30 Pull-ups

95 pound Overhead squat, 9 reps
18 Pull-ups

JB at lockout with 95 lbs OHS

Wednesday 071107

REST!

It must be a luck day with the 11 surrounded by the 7's...

A few days ago I felt a little twinge in my lower back while dead lifting. The "twinge" occurred because I rushed my workout trying to get it done before any member arrived. I'm fine, thanks for asking, but it reinforces the need for good mechanics and form for everyone.

Because of the "twinge" I spent some time in bed watching TV. Got to love TV, but that story is for another time and another place. Anyway, while letting my brain and back rest, I saw a home gym infomercial. "Pumped arms. Ripped abs. Legs of steel," it said. "Twelve pounds of muscle in six weeks," and "Results are easy, with just one simple workout, 20 minutes a day, three times a week." All for $25 a month.

The New York Times reported that this little home gym company spent $16 million for paid programming on national cable channels in 2005 - more than any other company spent on a piece of home exercise equipment. Their source was the Infomercial Monitoring Service.

As a former Marketeer, I love this infomercial. It is clear and simple. Like all commercials the more the message touts a huge difference the less likely there is a difference. Think about the cola wars, lite (or light) beer, plasma TV, flame broiled versus frying and the like. The more they spend telling you about how they are better, the more likely they are the same as their competitors.

Think about the CrossFit model. We don't have commercials. We say try it and if you like it keep coming. OK, truth be told we do have business cards and we are in the process of ordering t-shirts, but that's about it as far as advertising goes. This CrossFit thing is a grassroots movement. We are people that are interested in being fit over having ripped whatever. No special bikes or treadmills, just a barbell and your willingness to put forth the effort.

More to the point, what the infomercial does not say - but the manufacture of the home gym's literature does is, for maximum fat loss, (while using this equipment) one needs to stick to a daily diet of 1,500 calories. I think I had that many calories today at lunch, but again that's another story for another time and place.

Nor does the infomercial mention that to get their satisfaction guarantee refund, one needs to disassemble the equipment, pack it into its original boxes and pay for its shipment back to the manufacture. With CrossFit, the satisfaction guarantee is based on how hard you are willing to work. Like in life, one gets the results they work for. If CrossFit is not meeting your needs, you are free to go back to the big box gyms.

All in all, I think I will stick with CrossFit. My fitness gains have been steady and measurable. I may not have achieved the pumped arms, ripped abs, blah, blah, blah as outlined in the infomercial, but I do have real fitness. Fitness that will last a lifetime. I can lift things over my head. I can lift things off the ground. I am more flexible, agile and have more stamina that I did 10 years ago.

While not an infomercial, check out what the LA Times said about CrossFit...“The regimens are short and brutal, replacing ordinary weight lifting and steady-state aerobic training with mixed-up, amped-up, double-espresso workouts that leave you reeling — and quickly begin melting fat, building muscle, increasing flexibility and giving you measurable increases in both aerobic capacity and strength.”
-The Los Angeles Times

OK, it is time for me to turn off the TV and grab a barbell. How about you? Are you looking for "fool's gold", the quick fix, or are you willing to work hard and have a life changing experience? Do what you will, but to paraphrase, The CrossFit Revolution Will Not Be Televised!

Come to Indy's most personal training facility and discover what Mo' Better Fitness is all about.

Tuesday 071106

Workout

For time:

3 x
35 - Calories Rowing
30 - Ring Push-ups
25 - Squats
20 - Pull-ups
15 - 65 lbs Thrusters
10 - 24 inch Box Jumps

Monday 011105

Workout

For time:
3 times
20 - 24 Inch Box Jumps
20 - 53 lbs KB Swings
20 - 53 lbs SDLHP

For this workout all you'll need is a 24 inch box and a 53 lbs KB...

Sunday 071104

Workout:

HealthLift (AKA) Dead Lift
Today we will find a 1RM. To get there we will do: reps of 5, 3, 3, 1, 1, 1, 1

I KNOW you have seen it before, but pay attention to the starting point of the bar for each lifter. At the start, the bar needs to be close to your shins (think mid foot), hips lower than you shoulders and your shoulders over, not behind, the bar.



Saturday 071103

REST!

Finally a use for the treadmill!

Friday 071102

Workout:
"Helen"

Three rounds for time:
Run 400 M/500M row
21 - 24 k KB swings (or 55 lbs dumbbell swing)
12 - Pull-ups

You know the drill...scale to your fitness level. Those that can not do 50+ lbs KB swings need to use less and if you can not do full pull-ups, jumping pull-ups are allowed.

Compare to 070912:
http://titanfit.blogspot.com/2007/09/070912.html

Here's a YouTube Video of some of the CrossFit trainers @ CF HQ workin' Helen



As winter approaches, we will complete a named workout at least once in a 7 day cycle. I know that means they are more likely to repeat over the next 4 months, but I see that as an opportunity for us to improve our times and or the amount of weight we get to throw around.

Thursday 071101

Wow a new month already...

Workout:
FS (Front Squats)

85% of your 1RM x1, x2, x3 - x3

If you were successful in all 9 sets during your last FS session, add 10 lbs and give it a go.

We Are Official, Official!

We are now linked to the CrossFit Affiliates (www.crossfit.com/cf-affiliates/) page and can be found on the main page (http://www.crossfit.com/) of the Mothership!

Tell all of your friends!

Wednesday 071031

Workout:

For time:
10-32k-KB Swings
20-65 lbs Over-head Squat (OHS)
30-65 lbs Power Snatch
1000M row
30-65 lbs Power Snatch
20-65 lbs OHS
10-32k KB swings

Scale the workout. If this is your first attempt at high rep Olympic lifting, use an un-loaded barbell or a 15 lbs training barbell. For the Swings use a KB or DB that takes some effort to complete all 10.

Tuesday 071030

Rest!

Check, check it, check it out...

As we all know it is getting colder outside. It is not, however, getting colder in the garage! Check out the heater, guaranteed to increase the ambient temperature by 60 degrees. We will not be sweatin' to the oldies, but we will still sweat!



How sad is it that I took a picture of the garage heater?!

Monday 071029

Workout:
Fractured Lil' Runny Angie

2 rounds for time
Run 400/500M Row
25 - Pull-ups
25 - Push-ups
25 - Sit-ups
25 - Air Squats

Compare time to 071021


Seth performing sit-ups

Pull-ups

Sunday 071028

Workout:

100M run
20-65 lbs Thrusters

100 M run
20-Pull-Ups

100M run
20-24 inch Box Jumps

100M run
20-Lower Back Extensions

100M run
20-Sit-Ups

100M run
20-65 lbs Push Press

100M run
20-35 lbs Over Head Lunges

Saturday 071027

Workout:
Power Clean (PCL)+ 1 Front Squat (FS) x1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1

The workout is perform a PCL, while the weight is in the rack position (see yesterday's video) perform a FS. Lower the weight, back to the floor, rest, and repeat 6 more times.

This will allow us to find our 1RM for the PCL. As that is the case you should attempt to add weight each additional set. If you are wondering the gold standard for PCL is 100% of your body weight.

Friday 071026

REST!

Tomorrow we will perform FS (Front Squats). Please review the first 2 minutes of the following 10 minute video. The first 2 minutes touches on the warm-up and the rack position. It is a must see for those that are new to FS.

Thursday 071025

I have a $4,000.00 bicycle in my basement, yes $4,000.00. There was a time I had thoughts of being a bike racer. I discovered that while riding a bike is fun and going fast is even more fun, biking was disastrous on my body for maintaining everyday, necessary strength. That and I DO NOT have the right build for the sport.

I still ride, just not nearly as much as I use too. Based on the visible muscularity of one of the world's top riders and former leader of the Tour of France Michael Rasmussen, (see following photo) maybe I made the right choice...



Workout:

3 rounds for time

30 - Ring Push-ups
25 - Air squats
20 - Calories Rowing
15 - 95 lbs Thrusters*
10 - 24 Inch Box Jumps

* Scale to your fitness level. Those that have CrossFitted the longest should use a weight that is 50% - 55% of their body weight. Those that are new to CrossFitting should of course use less.

Wednesday 071024

On Monday, October 22, 2007, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who joined the elite Navy SEALs after college, was awarded the nation's highest battlefield award, the Medal of Honor, for a valiant attempt to save the lives of comrades that cost him his own. Read the full story in the link below.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-murphy-medal,0,2605432.story

Workout:
"Murph" In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.

For time:
1 mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 mile Run

It has been reported that this workout was one of Mike's favorites and he'd named it "Body Armor". CrossFit re-named it "Murph" in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.

Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Start and finish with a mile run. If you've got a twenty pound vest or body armor, wear it. For those that are new to CrossFit, scale the workout (e.g. run 800M and or 25% - 50% or the required reps).

Tuesday 071023

Workout:

CFT (CrossFit Total)
find your 1RM on:
Squat
Press
Deadlift

The PDF link that follows gives some hints on the 3 lifts. It contains a "how to" for each and things to avoid. It is a must read for those that are new to weightlifting.

http://www.crossfit.com/journal/library/52-2006_CFTotal.pdf


Pondering the Deadlift