Monday, April 26, 2010


When things get tough, what do you do?


This is an expansive question with countless variables and infinite outcomes. In some instances it is an easy question to answer. The answer is to adapt, persevere, and overcome.

This is usually how I storm through barriers, but there are some situations that prove impassable. In order to reach your life's destination(if we ever really reach it?), the path must be re-routed.

Once upon a time, the direction you were headed seemed bright and exciting, and you went racing down the path. But it may have become dark, rocky, slippery, and cold. The speed and enthusiasm at which you traveled the path is lost and has continued to diminish until you are at a standstill.

Sometimes, the answer is to stop. turn around. find a new path.

You must find a new path that revives the passion and excitement for the journey. This is not easy! How do you really know, without a doubt, that an obstacle is truly impassable? How do you really know that the correct answer is to quit and save your energy for the journey back? It may take time to come to this answer, and once you realize it, you must now return back from where you came - passing over many of the same obstacles you have already faced. The thing is, you now know that you can make the passage. This experience gives you power and confidence - power and confidence you will soon need once you find the detour that now holds many unknown obstacles and barriers.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

RESULTS-BASED FITNESS


If you have not noticed(unlikely)...the WODs at CrossFit Central have morphed into a slightly different structure. The "Programming Team"at CC - Big Mike, myself, and Zac Thiel -have implemented a more frequent exposure to the "heavy lifts". Variations of the deadlift, squat, and press have made appearances on a weekly basis........The results are profound!!!

It should be fairly obvious to all that increasing strength will promote a higher work capacity at higher intensities. Simply put, if a 135# barbell "feels" like a 95# barbell due to increased strength, an individual will be better able to move that load quickly and with fewer breaks, which equates to a higher WORK capacity!!! Pretty straight forward, right?!

If for some reason this is still not sinking in....you can always analyze RESULTS. CrossFit is a "results-based fitness program".

Last week, many of the athletes in my classes set new PR's(personal records), as I am sure of many of the classes at CC due to this new program structure.

  • Cassie Mason set two PR's!!! One for the deadlift - 195# from 165# - and Back Squat - 100# from 85#.
  • Brian S. set a new DL PR of 405# from 385#.
  • Mary de'S...Old DL PR 190# - New PR 225#.
  • Jim C. PR'ed his DL from 335# to 355#.
  • Antoine H. jumped from 335# to 365# within 1 month!!!
  • Cecily B. also jumped up from a 225# DL to a 235# DL in less than a month!!!!
  • David B. set a new DL at 275#, and had some HUGE body composition changes!!!
There are many more, but I think you get the idea...THIS S*#T WORKS!!! Congrats to all!!! Keep up the great work!








Friday, April 9, 2010

ENERGY


It's been a while so I thought I better catch up. This week has been an extremely busy week, but it has also been very beneficial in many ways. All of the classes that I coach are now nearing full capacity!!! The 530am class at RunTex(pictured above)has gone from 2 to 15(not all shown)in about a month and a half! Crazy!!! I must say that the energy in the class has exploded, and people are coming to "kill it" each and every morning!!!

The classes in the evenings are also makin' things happen. PR's are falling from the sky...Including some PR's of my own.

Recently, I set a new 3-rep Back Squat record of 345#...and on Wednesday of this week, I pulled a 450# Deadlift, which crushed my old PR of 435#!


All of that being said, I can't stress this enough:

Intense, Positive Energy is Everything!!!!


If you're lookin' to make change in any aspect of your life...find that intense, positive energy and things will flow.

Friday, April 2, 2010

GETTING THE URGE


I will preface the video below with this:

In order to make the move to ATX a possibility, I made the decision to sell my 2008 Harley Nightster(same as above). Now, I am finding it difficult to live without the thrill of riding. As much as it probably scares my mom and Crystal to hear this, I am getting that urge again, and this H-D ad didn't help. Watch and you will understand.

Ben and Elliot, Enjoy!