March 1, 2010
Tuesday - March 2, 2010
The CrossFit Running and Endurance Certification Seminar was a huge success this weekend. Expect a lot of running drills in the next few weeks!
Olympic weightlifting warm up: Pressing snatch balance, snatch balance, heaving snatch balance. One set of 8 for each, only go up in weight if you feel comfortable with the movement.
Workout: "Fran on a Rope"
21 - 15 - 9
Thrusters(Advanced: 95lbs , Intermediate: 65lbs, Novice: 45lbs)
4 - 3 - 2
Rope climbs (Intermediate: 3-2-1 rope climbs, Novice: 6 - 5 - 4 "rope lay downs")
Alternate between exercises. Record total time.
Log your results online by clicking here.
Article: Regular use of analgesics (Advil, Tylenol, etc) linked to hearing loss.
". . .For aspirin, regular users under 50 and those aged 50-59 years were 33% more likely to have hearing loss than were nonregular users, but there was no association among men aged 60 years and older. For NSAIDs, regular users aged under 50 were 61% more likely, those aged 50-59 were 32% more likely, and those aged 60 and older were 16% more likely to develop hearing loss than nonregular users of NSAIDs. For acetaminophen, regular users aged under 50 were 99% more likely, regular users aged 50-59 were 38% more likely, and those aged 60 and older were 16% more likely to have hearing loss than nonregular users of acetaminophen. . . "
Click here for complete article.
(Thanks to Mike E. for the article. His usual analgesic is whiskey and a leather strap to bite down on so his hearing is perfect. -jj)
Competition at CrossFit East Bay this Saturday!
Max Lewin will be hosting a CrossFit competition in Berkeley this Saturday - March 6th, 2010, CrossFit East Bay, 520 20th Street, Oakland, CA 94602. It is open to anyone, who wants to go down and go head to head with some local gyms?
(From Max - Subject to change at any time):
Event One:
Event will start promptly at exactly 11AM (in event of unexpectedly large turnout, events will staggered and times will be changed).
Run 6.2K
As many "rounds" as possible of:
4 Burpees
3 Chest-To-Bar Pull-Ups
2 Deadlift 275/185
Movements may be done in any order, however for a "round" to count, the prescribed number of reps must be completed. For example 100 Burpees, 75 C2B Pull-Ups and 2 Deadlifts = ONE round.
40 minute time limit
Event Two:
Event will start Promptly at 12:40PM
Top five male and female finishers will compete;
AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible In 15 Minutes) of the complex:
Carry a loaded Barbell weighing 135/95 150 feet.
Without putting it down perform:
1 Deadlift
1 Hang Clean
1 Thruster
1 Back Squat
1 Shoulder to Overhead
The bar touches the ground momentarily on the Deadlift. Touching the ground otherwise is a miss and the rep must not be counted.
That is one rep.
Scaling:
For those needing to scale:
Event will start promptly at exactly 11:45AM.
Run 4K
As many rounds as possible of:
4 Burpees
3 Pull-Ups
2 Deadlift 185/135
Movements may be done in any order, however for a "round" to count, the prescribed number of reps must be completed. For example 100 Burpees, 75 C2B Pull-Up and 2 Deadlifts = ONE round.
30 minute time limit
Anyone wishing to try workout two after the top finishers have been declared will be able to. Scaling will be 95/65.
Those not able to do the scaled workout cannot compete.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:21 PM | Comments (13)
February 22, 2010
Tuesday - Feb 23, 2010
Laci, Scott, Darren, Matt and Shannon at CrossFit Oakland for the Competition last Saturday.
Workout: Push Press
3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
Metabolic Conditioning Workout:
Stair Climb Preparation! As many "arm assisted virtual stair steps" as possible in 9 minutes, or try to accumulate 700 vertical feet. 350 steps (24") or 420 steps (20") - as long as it takes less than 9 minutes.
Use any box height you'd like. Add up total reps to the box height used to get total vertical distance traveled.
Different than a "skipping step up", an "arm assisted virtual stair step" is completed using box of any given height. Starting with both feet on the box, one foot is lowered to touch the foot down to the floor behind the box. When the foot returns to the top of the box, 1 rep is completed. Alternate legs. The 'arm assist' can come from a fixed bar like a low pull up bar, a rope or ring, that allows the arms to aid in getting to the movement. If you plan on running to the top of the Bank of America during the 'Climb for Air' race, you should be using your left hand predominantly.
(Everyone can thank Mountain for the idea).
Log total distance traveled (not reps), or time it takes to get to 700 vertical feet.
Log your results online by clicking here.
In case you didn't catch these videos on Mark's Daily Apple
Reprogram Genes: Epigenetics
Right now, everyone who is eating Primal is re-programming their genes for health, longevity, performance, fat loss, etc. Hang in there! It gets easier!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 5:50 PM | Comments (25)
February 4, 2010
Friday - Feb 5, 2010
Workout accomplished. (Danny H.)
Workout: Clean (power or squat cleans acceptable, dropping the bar between reps is allowed, but rest between reps should be a few seconds maximum)
3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
Record loads used for each round.
Metabolic Conditioning Workout: As many rounds as possible in 10 minutes.
20 Deadlifts (advanced: 135lbs, intermediate: 75lbs, novice: 45lbs)
30 Jumping chest to bar pull ups (use bar 2-4 inches above your head height)
1 min rest
Record total rounds.
Log your results online by clicking here.
Video From TED Talks: What is the optimum formula for longevity To find the path to long life and health, Dan Buettner and team study the world's "Blue Zones," communities whose elders live with vim and vigor to record-setting age. At TEDxTC, he shares the 9 common diet and lifestyle habits that keep them spry past age 100.
(Its 20 minutes long, but worth it! -jj)
(I don't agree with everything reviewed in the video, but it does have some really interesting points and observations. -jj)
Free CrossFit Classes at Sports Basement Walnut Creek!
For the next 4 Sundays (7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th) we will be doing free CrossFit classes at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek at 12:30pm. No experience necessary! Get your apprehensive friends and family to try it out. Of course, all Diablo CrossFit Regulars are welcome as well.
See you there!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:18 PM | Comments (14)
February 2, 2010
Wednesday - Feb 3, 2010
Chris D, Matt C, and Ray M attempt some synchronized wall balls.
Workout: Front Squat
3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
Record loads used for each round.
3 rounds for time
10 Burpees
10 Ring Dips (advanced: no band, intermediate: blue band, novice: green band)
40 ft overhead lunge* (advanced: 45lb plate, intermediate: 25lb plate, novice: 10lb plate)
*40 feet is 10 tiles the short way.
Log your results online by clicking here.
Article: CrossFit in the Wall Street Journal
" . . . Delgado never liked traditional gyms. "I felt like it was zombies walking around from machine to machine," he says. So when he discovered CrossFit centers, which tout military and police special-operation units among its proponents, he says he immediately fell for it. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Article: A great summary of the 'Big Fat Lies' that have led us to the obesity epidemic (from the other side of the pond).
"For the past 30 years we've been told to eat less and exercise more, to cut back on calories and on saturated fat and, on the whole, we're doing it.
Our calorific intake between the years 1974 and 2004 decreased by 20 per cent. We are eating about 20 per cent more fruit and vegetables than in the Seventies.
We are doing approximately 25 per cent more exercise than we were in 1997. . .
. . .The UK Government has suggested that to stop further weight-gain and help reduce weight, people need to do about 60 to 90 minutes of light exercise a day.
The average person with children and a job will, realistically, struggle to fit in this amount of exercise every day or even every week.
A little bit here and there is not enough to make any real difference to weight loss, especially if you are on a starch-rich diet.
So the Government's advice to eat a starch-rich, low-fat diet and to exercise more is based on inconclusive science, while the evidence we see all around us is that we are getting fatter following this advice. . . "
Click here for complete article.
(Thanks to Scott for the article. You're no fatty, and you don't believe the big fat lies either. -jj)
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:04 PM | Comments (12)
January 26, 2010
Wednesday - Jan 27, 2010 "Grace"
Diablo CrossFit welcomes Ashlyn Ruth Kalogirou to the family!
Workout: "Grace"
30 Clean and Jerks (135lb men, 95lb women)
(really 'overhead anyhow', just get it from the ground to full overhead lockout anyway you want).
Log your results online by clicking here.
Getting good sleep:
Performance, and especially weight loss progression, can be slowed and even halted if you aren't getting good sleep. When doing workouts such as ours (even just in general), the traditional 8 hours is what most (as in 95% of people) need. But we really mean 8 HOURS. Many people think they can get by with less, but all they are doing is "getting by" - not thriving and making good progress. Below are a couple more gadgets/ideas to help you master the art of "Elite Resting".
Monitor your sleep rhythms:
Click on this article from Life Hacker about an iphone app that will help you monitor your sleep patterns. You basically put the phone in your bed with you and it monitors your movements. (I don't know how it works for couples, but maybe there is a setting for two people).
Pitch black environment:
Sleeping in a "pitch black" environment is also very important, especially if you have shift work, etc. Our ancestors slept when it got dark. Candles and firewood were hard enough to generate, wasting them doesn't make much sense. Sleeping in was hard when the sun came out at 5 in the morning and they didn't exactly have 'blackout curtains'.
Eliminate all artificial light (cell phone charging, digital clocks, I won't even mention the TV/Cable box lights. . . ), as well as any light infiltrating through the window. Here is an article talking about blackout curtains you can install yourself behind regular curtains.
If you have decent curtains but they do not close far enough, you can always use paper clamp style clips (look bad but work) or magnets (more subtle) to get the drapes to do what you want.
Supplemental Aids:
A couple of good supplements that can help you get a better nights sleep is melatonin (I prefer the 'sub-lingual drops'). Another is magnesium. Ancient Minerals is a great brand, Natural Calm is also good.
If you want to be an All Star in the gym, and in life, you have to also be an All Star in bed. . .er. . .when sleeping. . . .you have to be a good sleeper. Man that came out wrong. -jj
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:47 PM | Comments (30)
January 17, 2010
Monday - Jan 18, 2010
+++Classes as usual Today!+++
Leah didn't lift the most weight on the one handed deadlift competition, but she sure got a lot of bonus points due to the stiletto heels and simultaneous 'beverage' consumption.
Group Warm Up: Box jumps for height. Focus on full hip extension. No need to go for maximum height, but challenge yourself.
Workout: Power Cleans
5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
Dropping the bar after every rep is acceptable, but waiting more than a few seconds between reps is not.
Metabolic Conditioning Workout: As many rounds as possible in 8 minutes
20 lunge jumps*
10 pull ups
*A 'lunge jump' is performed by getting in the lunge position, one knee touching the floor (use of an abmat for padding is recommended) then jumping up and switching legs so that the other knee touches the ground. Each knee down is one rep (so it is 10 right and 10 left total). Walking lunges can be substituted if jumping is too difficult.
Log your results online by clicking here.
Article: Vigor Quest (supplementing for eternal youth).
". . . Under Comite’s guidance — and at an annual cost of about $10,000, most of it not covered by insurance — Bellizzi has gobbled vitamins and prescription-strength Omega-3 fatty acids. He follows a low-glycemic diet, lifts weights and jogs, all of which is familiar-enough health-and-fitness fare. Comite asserts, however, that “lifestyle alone isn’t enough” to counter the corrosive effects of aging. Therefore, twice a week Bellizzi grabs a pinch of abdominal skin and injects himself with human chorionic gonadotropin, or H.C.G., a hormone distilled from the urine of pregnant women. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Skills Clinic Tonight at 6pm: "Programming Your Own Workouts for Competing in CrossFit Competitions" Tonight at 6pm
Looking to tweak your training to fill up the gaps and weaknesses? Want to know how you get the most gains performance wise before entering a CrossFit (or CrossFit style) program. Then this class is for you.
Sign up here.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 5:14 PM | Comments (12)
January 15, 2010
Saturday - Jan 16, 2010 "Sports Basement Party Today!"
+++3pm class at Sports Basement Today!+++
Miles overhead squats some good weight.
Workout: Overhead Squat
3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
Metabolic Conditioning Workout:
As many double unders as possible in 5 minutes.
Log your results online by clicking here.
Article: "Age couldn't kill him. . . .but apparently minivans can take the life force out of you even if you are 104 years old."
"Joe Rollino once lifted 475 pounds. He used neither his arms nor his legs but, reportedly, his teeth. With just one finger he raised up 635 pounds; with his back he moved 3,200. He bit down on quarters to bend them with his thumb.
People called him the Great Joe Rollino, the Mighty Joe Rollino and even the World’s Strongest Man, and what did it matter if at least one of those people was Mr. Rollino himself. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Sports Basement Party today at 1:30pm!
Free wine, beer and food from 1:30 to 3:00pm. Get 20% off the entire store! We'll have a barbell for some max effort lifts as well.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 2:00 PM | Comments (7)
January 7, 2010
Friday - Jan 8, 2010 "Fran"
Jasmine 9+ months pregnant. Just a few weeks (or less) left!
(I like to call this one "now you see the belly - now you don't!" Good luck Jaz, you are an inspiration to us all and we're all rooting for a fast and simple delivery! -jj)
Workout: "Fran"
21 - 15 - and 9 reps of
Thrusters (95lbs men, 65lbs women)
Pull ups
Record total time.
Log your results online by clicking here.
Video: "Weightlifting Fail" (Actually it is a deadlift, and it was successful -if not a little off form wise-, but watch what happens when the blood pressure effect sets in)
Article: Why You Should Step Up Your Workout - WSJ
". . . Dr. Williams' studies have shown that exceeding the federally recommended exercise guidelines can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, glaucoma, diabetes and other diseases by as much as 70% above the benefits of merely meeting the guidelines. "There is no gene or drug discovery that comes close" to the effects of more and more-vigorous exercise, says Dr. Williams, a staff scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley Calif. . ."
Click here for complete article.
At first I was excited to read about this 'heretic' challenging the Conventional Wisdom. Then I saw what he was prescribing. . . 40+ miles per week! Increase 1.4 weekly miles per year after middle age! Whoa. More is not necessarily better, but I will admit that his research does point to 'more' than the minimum is a step in the right direction. -jj
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:14 PM | Comments (35)
January 6, 2010
Thursday - Jan 7, 2010
Laci hammering out chest to bar pull ups (Laci is another DCFer going to the CrossFit sectionals).
Workout:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
Run 400
20 Virtual Shoveling Reps* (men use empty bar plus 45lbs on one side, women use empty bar plus 25lbs on one side).
*A virtual shoveling rep is moving the bumper plate on the one end of the olympic bar over a 12" high parallette and back to the starting position. Switch sides (which hand is in front) as often as you'd like.
Record total rounds.
Log your results online by clicking here.
Article: The Hidden Benefits of Exercise.
"Medical experts say inactivity poses as great a health risk as smoking, contributing to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, depression, arthritis and osteoporosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 36% of U.S. adults didn't engage in any leisure-time physical activity in 2008.
Even lean men and women who are inactive are at higher risk of death and disease. So while reducing obesity is an important goal, "the better message would be to get everyone to walk 30 minutes a day" says Robert Sallis, co-director of sports medicine at Fontana Medical Center, a Southern California facility owned by managed-care giant Kaiser Permanente. "We need to refocus the national message on physical activity, which can have a bigger impact on health than losing weight." . . . "
Click here for complete article.
Don't forget to come to Sports Basement on January 16th at 1:30 for the Diablo CrossFit party!
DCFers, their families and friends will get 20% purchases! We are also planning on letting people try for some 1 rep maxes in the barbell movements (Clean, Snatch, Deadlift, etc). So you can show off your freakish strength to all your family and friends!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:09 PM | Comments (35)
December 2, 2009
Thursday - Dec 3, 2009
New workout attire: Snuggie? Post thoughts to comments.
Workout: Rest Day or, Practice your Year End Goals or, Do a Workout You Missed.
If you have slipped through the cracks and don't have any Y.E.G.s yet (or you are some of the lucky people who have completed their Y.E.G.s), you can make up a recent workout or do a workout assigned by the trainer.
Training Frequency:
"One important yet often overlooked part of physical training is “Rest”. The ratio of days working out to days resting is usually referred to as “Training Volume”. Having a good training to rest ratio will ensure that you are making the progress and gains desired at a good pace while not overdoing it and suffering from slowed performances, injury and illness. . ."
Click here to read an article we posted back in June.
Bringing a friend or two to Mark Sisson's free seminar Monday night? Make sure to have them sign up (or create an account for them) by clicking here!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 5:58 PM | Comments (12)
November 24, 2009
Wednesday - Nov 25, 2009
+++Holiday Schedule Posted Below+++
Recognize Danny? That's okay, people wouldn't recognize you if you'd lost 50 plus pounds either.
Workout:
5 rounds for time of:
300 m Row
10 GHD Sit-ups*
Record total time.
Full range of motion GHD sit ups are one hand touching the floor to one hand touching the foot/ankle support of the GHD machine. Scale down by only going to parallel to the floor with the torso, or doing 2x abmat sit ups instead.
Article: Study finds that fat around the midsection nearly doubles the risk of Dementia
". . ."Anyone carrying a lot of fat around the middle is at greater risk of dying prematurely due to a heart attack or stroke," says Deborah Gustafson, senior lecturer at the Sahlgrenska Academy. "If they nevertheless manage to live beyond 70, they run a greater risk of dementia." . . ."
Click here for complete article.
Fat around the midsection? Sounds like classic insulin resistance to me. "Type III Diabetes" anyone? -jj
Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule posted to "Continue Reading" below
(Free!) Thanksgiving 'Turkey Drag' up Briones (bring your family and friends)
This will be the 4th year we've had our own version of the "Turkey Trot" up the Briones trail. Each year has been a different challenge so you can expect another optional variation this year as well.
Time: 9am
Place: Parking lot entrance off of Pleasant Hill Road (across from Alcalanes High School).
Workout length: at least an hour
Notes: It might be muddy. Wear shoes you can get messy with (and with good treads).
All other classes will be canceled on Thursday.
Friday we will have limited hours:
9am - 6pm (classes and open gym during those hours will be as normal).
Weekend Classes as Normal!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:46 PM | Comments (13)
November 2, 2009
091103 Tuesday
Dan Smith strikes a 'Captain Morgan' pose during some step ups.
Olympic weightlifting warm up: 5 hang muscle snatches, 5 hang power snatches, 5 hang squat snatches. Try not to put the bar down for all 15 reps. Complete 2 - 3 sets if possible. Keep the weights light to moderate.
Workout (originally from CF.com):
50 Burpees for time.
Jump one foot above reach each rep. Scale down to a lesser height if 12 inches is too high.
Record total time.
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Article: Another nail in the coffin for static stretching before a workout/sporting event.
". . .In static stretching, "you're taking the muscle to the point where it naturally wants to go, and then you're taking it a little bit farther," said Meller. That produces microscopic tears of muscle fibers and does nothing to prevent injury, he said. It also may weaken the muscle slightly, increase the possibility of injury and inhibit performance, according to him and the CDC study. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:59 PM | Comments (35)
September 8, 2009
090909 Wednesday "Vegas"
DCF's banner flying above the Pure Pankration ring (next fights scheduled for Sept 24th).
Workout: "Vegas" (courtesy of Mountain)
7 squat cleans (135lbs men, 85lbs women)
7 burpees
7 overhead lunge steps with bumper plate (45lbs men, 25lbs women)
As many rounds as possible in 21 minutes.
Beginners should stay extremely light on the squat cleans and work on form. Use a medicine ball or empty bar if you have to.
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Article: "What's really in supplements"
"When Dan Gerkey was trying to get into better shape a few years ago, he tried out a dietary supplement from a local store that promised to help build his strength. At first, the stuff worked. But after several weeks the police officer, who lives in Fraser, Mich., started feeling exhausted, and his wife noticed a yellowish tinge in his eyes.
Soon, Mr. Gerkey's skin also yellowed, and it itched so fiercely that taking a shower or pulling on his socks became agonizing. Eventually, a liver specialist at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit figured out the pills' ingredients list included the name of a steroid, which he linked to the liver damage that was the main cause of Mr. Gerkey's symptoms. Mr. Gerkey, 40, ended up losing 35 pounds before he recovered. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:10 PM | Comments (16)
August 12, 2009
090812 WEDNESDAY "400m Repeats"
The class goes over the hang power snatch.
Olympic Weightlifting Warm Up: 30 medicine ball squat cleans. Thighs must go below parallel. Use a few sets and rest as much as you want. Advanced athletes can use a bar and go heavier.
Workout: 4 rounds.
Run 400m
Rest 2 minutes
Record times for each round.
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Video: ESPN's "Outside the Lines: Carry On"
The story of two best friends and their power to overcome the "challenges" of their lives to excel in sport and in life. Warning - this video is a tear jerker.
Click here to watch the video.
I just have to ask - what's your excuse for not training or missing your last workout? -jj
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Article: Optimism Appears To Lower Women's Risk Of Death, Heart Disease
". . .Race also appears to modify the relationship between optimism and death, with a stronger association seen in African-American women as compared to white women. Among African-American women, optimists (vs. pessimists) had a 33 percent lower risk of death across eight years of follow-up. Among white women, optimists (vs. pessimists) had a 13 percent lower risk of death. Researchers also found that optimists (as compared to pessimists) were more likely to be younger (especially in blacks); live in the Western United States; report higher education and income; be employed and have health insurance; and attend religious services at least once a week.
Optimists were less likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or depressive symptoms, smoke, be sedentary or have a high body mass index. However, the relationship between optimism and heart disease and death persisted even after considering all of these factors. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:34 AM | Comments (35)
August 10, 2009
090811 TUESDAY "Number 2"
+++5am class canceled this Wednesday and Friday!+++
Mountain coaches Riley in the background, Juliana hammers out the deadlifts on her own.
Olympic Weightlifting Warm Up: 10 overhead squats with light to moderate weight, pausing at the bottom of each rep. 10 heaving snatch balances with light to moderate weight. Us as many sets as needed and rest often to keep good form (you don't have to do it all in one set).
Workout: "Number 2"
As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes of:
10 Wall Balls (20lb ball, 10' target for men. 14lb ball, 8' target for women)
10 Sumo Deadlift High-pulls (44lb kb men, 35lb kb women)
10 Ring Push-ups
10 Double Unders
Post total rounds to comments.
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" . . .One follow-up study of 40,842 longitudinal study participants showed poor fitness level accounted for about 16 percent of all deaths in both men and women. The percentage was calculated by estimating the number of deaths that would have been avoided if people had spent 30 minutes a day walking. This percentage was significantly higher than when other risk factors were considered, including obesity, smoking, high cholesterol and diabetes. The Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study also found that moderately fit men lived six years longer than unfit men.
More examination of 14,811 female patients in the ACLS showed that women who were very fit were 55 percent less likely to die from breast cancer than women who were not in good shape. This was after the researchers had controlled for BMI, smoking, family history of breast cancer and other possible risk factors. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:25 PM | Comments (44)
August 9, 2009
090810 MONDAY "Happy Birthday Vickie!"
They aren't kickball champions, but they can make a mean human pyramid.
Workout: Back Squats
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Post loads to comments.
Bonus Mini Metcon: (in honor of Vickie's 47th birthday)
4 rounds of
1 rope climb
7 box jumps (24" box)
17 double unders
Post time to comments.
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Video: Here is a Latvian named Konstantinovs squatting 727lbs "raw" (without aid of a 'suit' that assists in squatting).
Coincidentally, he "totals" (squat + bench press + deadlifts) 2,217 lbs. Just for reference here he is doing 55 consecutive pull ups:
.
Did I mention he weighs 308 lbs?
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Article: People get happier as they age.
"Most people get happier as they grow older, studies on people aged up to their mid-90s suggest.
Despite worries about ill health, income, changes in social status and bereavements, later life tends to be a golden age, according to psychologists.
They found older adults generally make the best of the time they have left and have learned to avoid situations that make them feel sad or stressed. . ."
Click here for complete article.
My question is. . . Is it that people that live until their 90's have become 'happier' or is it that people have to learn to be 'happy' if they want to live until their 90's? -jj
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:02 PM | Comments (43)
July 25, 2009
090726 SUNDAY "DT"
Laci levitating? Or midway through a power clean?
Workout: "DT"
In honor of USAF SSgt Timothy P. Davis, 28, who was killed on Feburary, 20 2009 supporting operations in OEF when his vehicle was struck by an IED. Timothy is survived by his wife Megan and one-year old son T.J.
Five rounds for time of:
155 pound Deadlift, 12 reps
155 pound Hang power clean, 9 reps
155 pound Push jerk, 6 reps
Post time to comments.
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Article: Progressive strength training benefits older people in their daily life.
". . . Muscle strength decreases naturally as people age. This reduction in muscle strength could affect older adults carrying out daily activities. Progressive resistance strength training is a type of strength training that uses free weights, exercise machines, or elastic bands to strengthen muscles. Key to this type of this exercise is adjusting the resistance, or weight, according to the person's progress. This exercise can be prescribed to help older adults gain the strength necessary to carry out everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, bathing or doing housework. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:10 PM | Comments (10)
July 17, 2009
090717 FRIDAY
Coach Glassman visits the DCF tent at the 2009 CrossFit Games.
Workout:
Back Squat
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Post loads to comments.
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article: Previous Exercise Helps Stroke Patients Recover Faster.
"A person who has exercised regularly prior to the onset of a stroke appears to recover more quickly, say researchers from Mayo Clinic in Florida, who led a national study. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 2:36 AM | Comments (24)
July 9, 2009
090710 FRIDAY
+++3pm classes will be canceled this weekend due to the games. But don't worry, I'll be posting workouts you can do at home so if you can't make the morning classes you can still get a workout in! Olympic lifting class and Muay Thai is canceled this weekend as well.+++
Setting up for the 2009 CrossFit Games - Notice where everyone's eyes will be.
Workout:
Strict Press
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Post loads to comments.
Bonus Mini Metcon To follow.
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Article: Another study showing a reduced diet thwarts aging and disease.
"Writing today in the journal Science, a team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital reports that a nutritious but reduced-calorie diet blunts aging and significantly delays the onset of such age-related disorders as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy. . .
Click here for complete article.
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Video: I don't think these monkeys are taking advantage of the whole life extension / reduced disease thing.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:03 PM | Comments (21)
July 7, 2009
090708 WEDNESDAY
+++3pm classes will be canceled this weekend due to the games. But don't worry, I'll be posting workouts you can do at home so if you can't make the morning classes you can still get a workout in! Olympic lifting class is canceled this weekend as well.+++
Jamie loves tire flips.
Olympic weightlifting warm up: Overhead squat - 10 reps with PVC, 10 reps with empty bar, 10 reps with empty bar again or light load.
Workout:
With a continuously running clock, perform one sumo deadlift high pull the first minute, two SDHPs the second minute, three SDHPs the third minute, until you are unable to complete the designated number of reps in the minute allowed. Use as many sets as need each minute.
Rx'ed weight is 135lbs for elites, 95lbs for intermediates and 65 (or less) for beginners. But don't think that lighter is "easier" on this one.
Post number of rounds, and number of reps completed into the last round. (i.e. 9 rounds +8 reps)
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Article: "Coffee (caffeine actually) may 'reverse' some symptoms of Alzheimer's."
". . .The mice were given the equivalent of five 8 oz (227 grams) cups of coffee a day - about 500 milligrams of caffeine.
The researchers say this is the same as is found in two cups of "specialty" coffees such as lattes or cappuccinos from coffee shops, 14 cups of tea, or 20 soft drinks.
When the mice were tested again after two months, those who were given the caffeine performed much better on tests measuring their memory and thinking skills and performed as well as mice of the same age without dementia. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Today is your last day to get tickets online for the discounted price for the CrossFit Games! You have until midnight. Tickets go up to $20 a day plus parking after that. You won't want to miss this year's games. Trust me.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:32 PM | Comments (34)
June 26, 2009
090627 SATURDAY
Mike C with "Fran Personal Record" in his eyes.
Workout:
3 rounds for time
200m Plate Farmer Carry* (45lb plates men, 25lb plates women)
Each drop or set down during the carry do 5 burpees (not including the drop at the finish line)
25 wall ball (20lb/10ft men, 14lb/10ft women)
Post time to comments.
"Plate Farmer Carry" - Two olympic style plates or bumpers carried at the sides with fingers through center hole.
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Article: How High Carbohydrate Foods Can Raise Risk For Heart Problems.
". . . "Looking inside" the arteries of students eating a variety of foods, Dr. Michael Shechter of Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine and the Heart Institute of Sheba Medical Center — with collaboration of the Endocrinology Institute — visualized exactly what happens inside the body when the wrong foods for a healthy heart are eaten. He found that foods with a high glycemic index distended brachial arteries for several hours.
Elasticity of arteries anywhere in the body can be a measure of heart health. But when aggravated over time, a sudden expansion of the artery wall can cause a number of negative health effects, including reduced elasticity, which can cause heart disease or sudden death. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 4:55 PM | Comments (14)
June 23, 2009
090624 WEDNESDAY "The Chief"
Is this a picture of Cabby and Nancy doing a stellar job of leading the class though Coach Jimmy's warm up? . . . or the DCF Dance Squad preparing for their demo at the Games?
Workout: “The Chief”
Max rounds in 3 minutes of:
135 pound Power cleans, 3 reps
6 Push-ups
9 Squats
Rest 1 minute. Repeat for a total of 5 cycles. Start over with Power Cleans each cycle.
Total up rounds and fractions of rounds for each cycle. Post total rounds and number of rounds completed for each of the 5 cycles.
Compare your times to March 17th, 2009.
Post score to comments.
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Article:
Melatonin shows promise as an anti-aging aid.
". . .At Laboratoire Arago, Elodie Magnanou and her co-workers studied the long-term effects of melatonin on the Greater White-toothed shrew, a small nocturnal insectivorous mammal. Under normal conditions, this animal shows the first signs of aging after reaching 12 months, mainly through the loss of circadian rhythm in its activities. By continuously administering melatonin, starting a little before 12 months, the appearance of these first signs was delayed by at least 3 months, which is a considerable period in relation to the lifespan of this shrew*. . ."
Click here for complete article.
(My question is, is it the melatonin or is it getting consistent and restful sleep into the later years? -jj)
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:16 PM | Comments (19)
June 21, 2009
090621 SUNDAY
Craig's Father: William F. Chittenden b. 7/19/33 - d. 9/24/08
Workout: DAD
For time.
Row 500m
40 Thrusters (m45# / w25#)
40 Double Unders
Run 400m
20 Pull Ups
20 Kettle Bell Swings (1.5p / 35lb)
GRANDDAD: Rest 2 minutes and complete "DAD" again.
Post results to comments.
Compare to original "Dad" workout by clicking here.
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Article:
Got Ear Plugs?
" . . . The scientists found that on average, the MTA subways had the highest noise levels, at 80.4 decibels (dBA), followed by the Path trains, at 79.4 dBA, and the tram, at 77.0 dBA. The lowest average levels measured, 74.9 dBA and 75.1 dBA, were obtained from the LIRR and Metro-North trains, respectively. The very highest levels measured in the study were found on an MTA subway platform (102.1dBA) and at a bus stop (101.6 dBA). . . "
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 5:25 AM | Comments (10)
June 3, 2009
090603 WEDNESDAY
Jesse will be leaving us eventually, he just got his Navy Commission! Congratulations Jesse!
Workout:
5 rounds for time.
10 Deadlifts (225 men, 185 women, or whatever weight can be lifted safely).
Run 400m
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Nutrition and health of agriculturists vs hunter gatherers.
". . .The anthropological record of early man clearly shows health took a nosedive when populations made the switch from hunting and gathering to agriculture. It takes a physical anthropologist about two seconds to look at a skeleton unearthed from an archeological site to tell if the owner of that skeleton was a hunter-gatherer or an agriculturist.
Unlike the Egyptian mummy data, there is usually no soft tissue material left when remains of early man are found. But the skeletal remains of hunter-gatherers show them to be much healthier than agriculturalists. Hunter-gatherers had better bones, had no signs of iron-deficiency anemia, no signs of infection, few (if any) dental cavities, fewer signs of arthritis and were in general larger and more robust than their agriculture-following contemporaries. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:31 AM | Comments (39)
May 31, 2009
090531 SUNDAY
Eleni watches Nancy's awesome form on "Randy"
Workout:
For time:
Run 800m
100 push ups
Run 400m
100 sit ups
Run 200m
50 push ups
Run 100m
50 sit ups
Post time to comments.
(compare results to March 31st, 2009)
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Article:
Treating gum disease helps rheumatoid arthritis sufferers
". . .People, who suffer from gum disease and also have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, reduced their arthritic pain, number of swollen joints and the degree of morning stiffness when they cured their dental problems. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:35 AM | Comments (11)
May 19, 2009
090520 WEDNESDAY
Jimmy G, Eva Twardokens from CrossFit Santa Cruz Central, Rookie from CrossFit Endurance, Jeremy Jones, and Justin Lascek from CrossFit Witichta Falls at the CrossFit Football Certification seminar (and yes, Justin is wearing a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" t-shirt).
Workout:
4 rounds for time.
Run 400m
Rest 2 minutes
Record each rounds time to comments.
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Article:
". . .According to the Autism Research Institute and Defeat Autism Now, some children with autism cannot properly digest gluten. Instead of passing through the digestive system, the protein breaks down into peptides that leak into the bloodstream of children with ASDs and trigger an opiatelike effect in the brain. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments (and if you avoid Gluten).
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Workout C posted to "Continue Reading" Below
For time:
200 Meter Punching bag shoulder run (85lbs -large bag- men, 50lbs -small bag- women)
50 chest to bar Pull ups
100 meter sled drag, using black and red rope, 44lb/26lb kb inside sled, must put rope over shoulder
200 Farmer carry (45lbs men, 35lbs women)
75 Box Jumps
100 meter tire flips (Big tire men, Medium tire women)
100 meter sled drag, using black and red rope, 44lb kb inside sled, must put rope over shoulder
100 Air Squats
200 Meter Punching bag shoulder run (85lbs -large bag- men, 50lbs -small bag- women)
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:20 PM | Comments (19)
May 12, 2009
090513 WEDNESDAY
"Super" Bryan and "Super" Shannon will be leaving us to move to Colorado soon. Make sure you say goodbye. (click here if you want details about their going away party this Saturday).
Workout:
Front Squat
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Post loads to comments.
Bonus mini-metcon to follow.
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Article:
Eating fish, nuts and olive oil may be associated with reduced risk of age-related blindness.
". . .After adjusting for age, sex and smoking, eating one serving of fish per week was associated with a 31 percent lower risk of developing early AMD. The association was stronger among individuals with a lower intake of linoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid found primarily in vegetable oils. Eating one to two servings of nuts per week was associated with a 35 percent lower risk of early AMD.
"In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that increased intake of omega-three polyunsaturated fatty acids and regular consumption of fish and/or nuts in the diet may protect against the development of early AMD," the authors write. These fatty acids may protect the eyes by preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries or reducing inflammation, blood vessel formation and oxygen-related cell damage in the retina. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments (if you can see the keyboard. -jj).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:58 PM | Comments (24)
May 11, 2009
090512 TUESDAY "Happy Birthday Mountain!"
Happy Birthday Mountain!
Workout:
For time.
33 clean and jerks (or "overhead anyhow") 95 lbs men / 65lbs women, less for beginners
33 muscle ups -bar or rings- (sub 99 chest to bar pull ups and 99 ring dips, divided however you want), beginners should do only 50 reps of each
33 clean and jerks (or "overhead anyhow") same as above
(For the record, Mountain wants those who can to do it with 135lbs instead of 95).
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Research says that older people need more sun (vitamin D).
". . .Researchers at the University of Warwick have shown vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome, a combination of medical and metabolic disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Shannon and Bryan Stornetta are leaving the 'nest' to move to Colorado!
They are having a going away party Saturday Night. Details can be found here.
Post to comments if you plan on attending, and you can sign up in the link above.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:56 PM | Comments (36)
May 4, 2009
090505 TUESDAY
Jorgy get's ready to start his heat.
Workout:
As Many reps as possible in 10 minutes.
Muscle Ups (3 sub chest to bar pull ups and 3 ring dips for each muscle up if you can't do muscle ups)
"Ground to Shoulder" (for example power cleans) Male: 185#, Female: 105#
Post score to comments.
See the results from the Qualifiers by clicking here.
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Article:
"In a study of 7746 French male civil servants the researchers found that men whose heart rate increased the most during mild mental stress just before an exercise test had twice the risk of dying of a sudden heart attack in later life than men whose heart rate did not increase as much. The study is the first to discover this association and since taking a patient’s pulse is an easy and inexpensive procedure, it suggests a way of identifying people who may be at increased risk. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:45 PM | Comments (25)
April 24, 2009
090425 SATURDAY "Number 2"
Jamie watches the clock during Tabata L sits.
Workout: "Number 2"
As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes.
10 Wall Ball (men: 20lb ball-10ft target, women: 14lb ball-8ft target)
10 sumo deadlift high pull (95lb, 53, 35 or 26 depending on skill)
10 ring dips (or ring push ups)
10 Double Unders
Post number of rounds to comments.
Last time we did "Number 2" was January 27th (click here for posting)
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Article:
Adding walnuts to a diet may help older people improve motor and behavior skills
"Adding a moderate, but not high, amount of walnuts to an otherwise healthy diet may help older individuals improve performance on tasks that require motor and behavioral skills, according to an animal model study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS)-funded scientists. Walnuts contain polyphenols and other antioxidants and essential fatty acids. . ."
Click here for complete article
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:21 PM | Comments (16)
April 12, 2009
090413 MONDAY "Welcome Jace Anders Greninger"
+++Introduction to Elite Nutrition Workshop Sold out!+++
Diablo CrossFit's newest member: Jace Anders Greninger. Congratulations Coach Jimmy and Kelly!
Workout:
Overhead Squat
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article:
Study examines the power of exercise to prevent breast cancer
"A new federally funded University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study aims to learn whether women at high risk of breast cancer can use exercise to meaningfully reduce their risk of getting the disease. Building on evidence that reducing estrogen in the body reduces cancer risk, and that elite female athletes experience a drop in estrogen levels that often cause them to stop ovulating and menstruating, the WISER Sister trial will investigate two different levels of regular treadmill exercise as a possible intervention for breast cancer risk reduction. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:00 PM | Comments (34)
April 10, 2009
090411 SATURDAY "3 times a Newbie"
Sarah sets a new PR for Deadlift.
Workout: "3 times a Newbie"
3 rounds for time.
400m run
10 pull ups
20 push ups
30 sit ups
40 squats
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Benefit Cancer Patients Undergoing Major Operations
New research from Trinity College Dublin published in this month’s Annals of Surgery points to a potentially significant advance in the treatment of patients undergoing major cancer surgery. The study was carried out by the oesophageal research group at Trinity College Dublin and St James’s Hospital. A randomised controlled trial showed omega-3 fatty acids given as part of an oral nutritional supplement resulted in the preservation of muscle mass in patients undergoing surgery for oesopahageal cancer, a procedure normally associated with significant weight loss and quality of life issues. . .
Commenting on the significance of the results, Dr Aoife Ryan said: “The results were extraordinary in the sense that no previous nutritional formulation had revealed such an outcome, with supplemented patients maintaining all aspects of their body composition in the three weeks following surgery. Patients given the standard supplement without omega 3 lost a significant amount of weight comprising 100% muscle mass. In fact 68% of patients suffered ‘clinically severe’ weight loss post surgery in the standard group (without omega 3) versus only 8% in the omega 3 group. The significant finding was that the patients did not lose just fat, as one would expect with weight loss, but instead they depleted their muscle stores significantly. Research has shown that a loss of 5lbs of weight produces significant effects on quality of life and a patient’s ability to mobilise and perform simple activities of daily living. Losing 4 lbs of muscle is even more significant”. . ."
Click here for the complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:52 PM | Comments (13)
April 6, 2009
090406 TUESDAY "Gymnastics Workshop May 9th"
Mike P. doing his part for the team farmer carry sprints.
Workout:
Back Squat.
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article:
Difference In Fat Storage May Explain Lower Rate Of Liver Disease In African-Americans
"Where different ethnic groups store fat in their bodies may account for differences in the likelihood they'll develop insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Events:
-Oakland PD Memorial WOD at CrossFit Solano Saturday. Heats start at 8am, so you will still have plenty of time to get stuff done the rest of the day. Post to comments if you plan on going
-Introduction to Elite Nutrition Workshop NEXT Tuesday night from 7pm - 9pm (NOT tonight!). . . If we get enough people, Stavros said he would wear his mullet and new shorts.
-Norcal CrossFit Qualifier is May 2nd and 3rd! Mark your calendar, start getting good sleep now. Post to comments if you have already signed up. If you haven't yet - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?
NEW EVENT! Gymnastics Workshop/Seminar Saturday May 9th from 2 - 6pm!
The very skilled Roger Harrel and Andres De La Rosa from CrossFit Marin (these are the guys who pioneered the 'CrossFit Gymnastics Certs') will be coming to DCF to do a Basic Gymnastics and Parkour Workshop. This seminar will be for all skill levels and abilities, so don't be afraid to come down and get some stellar instruction from the specialists!
For more information go to our Events Page. And sign up by emailing jeremy@diablocrossfit.com Space is limited, so you should probably sign up right away to reserve your spot!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 4:20 PM | Comments (24)
March 24, 2009
090325 WEDNESDAY "Helen"
Holly's dog Odin visits Diablo CrossFit.
Workout: "Helen"
3 rounds for time.
400m run
21 Kettlebell swings (54lbs, 44lbs)
12 pull ups
Post time to comments.
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New Event: DCF Ladies' Night! (and no it doesn't involve any of the CrossFit 'Girls')
Saturday, March 28th all DCF women are invited to come out to San Fran for a night of dinner, dancing and figurative debauchery at the "Holy Cow".
8:00 pm at a Thai restaurant located across the street from the Holy Cow, then over to the 'Cow' for drinks and dancing. Post to comments if you plan on going, or contact Vickie by clicking here.
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Article:
Robb Wolf nails all the points at once regarding the "Red meat causes cancer" rubbish and "Fish oil fad hurts the environment" B.S. (as well as many others).
Click here for the complete awesome complete article.
(After reading these articles separately over the last few weeks, and seeing Robb's response. . .as always. . .Robb is SO my hero. -jj)
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:34 PM | Comments (53)
March 15, 2009
090316 MONDAY
Andrew's new favorite exercise from the Royal Rumble: Slosh pipe runs.
Workout:
Thrusters
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
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Article:
Diabetes and high cholesterol linked to faster cognitive decline Alzheimer's patients.
"A history of diabetes and elevated levels of cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, are associated with faster cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study from Columbia University Medical Center researchers. These results add further evidence of the role of vascular risk factors in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:45 PM | Comments (26)
March 8, 2009
090309 MONDAY
Jimmy's got hops (50 inch hops in fact).
Workout:
Back Squat:
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Bonus mini metcon to follow
Post loads to comments.
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Article:
New research links diabetes and cognitive decline
"Blindness, renal failure, stroke and heart disease are potential complications of type 2 diabetes, which currently afflicts more than 15 million Americans. Now research from Tel Aviv University has found more worrying news ― type 2 diabetes can be a risk factor accelerating cognitive decline and dementia."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:30 PM | Comments (27)
March 6, 2009
090307 SATURDAY "Disagreement Gone Bad"
Dan, Tami, Margaret, Brendhan (of Brand X), and Kaela get some ring dips under the Diablotron.
Workout: "Disagreement Gone Bad"
3 rounds for time
1 minute Rowing (count calories)
1 minute box jumps (24", 20")
1 minute Medicine ball cleans (20, 14lb)
1 minute push press (65, 45lbs)
1 minute rest
Post total reps completed to comments.
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Bike Ride 8am meet at the Shed
Trail Run: at the corner of Stage dr. and Reliez Valley Rd. at 2:45
Click here for more details (scroll down a bit).
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Article:
Starting to exercise in your 50s may add as much life as quitting smoking.
". . .The team found that those who were doing high levels of activity at the age of 50 lived 2.3 years longer than sedentary men and 1.1 years longer than those who reported medium levels of activity - once a range of factors such as weight, alcohol intake and smoking was taken into account.
But interestingly the researchers found that those who increased their activity level to high - whether they were in the moderate or low group - from the age of 50 to 60 also lived the longest. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:37 PM | Comments (3)
February 26, 2009
080226 THURSDAY "Josh"
+++ Muay Thai canceled this Saturday for Dustin's Fight+++
See our very own Dustin Stephens Fight in a kickboxing "Smoker" this Saturday. See below for details.
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
Post time to comments.
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The fights are at Guila Hawaiian Kajukenbo:
4389 Hillcrest Ave. Antioch, CA. 94531
(at Wildhorse Rd. by 7eleven)
The fights should start around 10am, but we don't know exactly when Dustin will fight.
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Article: From the "Life Spotlight"
Get your vitamin D checked (why and how).
". . .So it’s glaringly obvious that vitamin D has a huge impact on health. Given that, it’s important to know what your vitamin D status is. Enter D-Action - “A Consortium of Scientists, Institutions and Individuals Committed to Solving the Worldwide Vitamin D Deficiency Epidemic”. Basically, you sign up, they send you a vitamin D test kit, and you send it back to get your reading. It’s part of a 5-year long study and is cheap. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:41 AM | Comments (14)
February 24, 2009
090225 WEDNESDAY - We're not done yet!
Diablo CrossFit preparing to present to the Pleasant Hill Planning Commission.
Workout:
5 rounds for time
10 ring dips
15 wall ball (20lb 10ft target or 14lb 8ft target).
20 double unders
Post time to comments
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Commission Verdict: Not enough information.
After a long discussion, and a passionate showing by DCFers. The Pleasant Hill Commission has decided to wait for more information to make a decision. - Remember that the Commission's job was to take all "Fitness Studios" into account, Not just Diablo CrossFit.
We would like to graciously thank the 50 + members who were able to attend the meeting that ran for almost 3 hours (ending around 10:15pm), especially those who came forward to speak on our behalf.
I am confident in saying that even Craig, Rob and myself did not expect the outpouring of community support that was presented (let alone the Planning Commission and the Planning Staff). Once again I am humbled by this community.
Our fight is not over. We will be soliciting the help of our members to help us compile more data and information so that the Planning Commission can make an informed decision at their meeting on March 10th.
If you'd like to help please email us at info@diablocrossfit.com.
You can also post your comments about the meeting to comments below.
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Article:
A drink a day increases cancer risk in women.
" . . .Overall, alcohol is to blame for about 13% of breast, liver, rectum, mouth and throat cancers, the researchers say.They estimate that about 5,000 cases of breast cancer in the UK - 11% of the 45,000 cases diagnosed each year - can be attributed to women's consumption of alcohol. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:16 PM | Comments (16)
February 4, 2009
090205 THURSDAY
Ramon Deadlifting over 400 for reps of three (no this was not his last set either).
Workout:
Back Squat
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
Mini Metcon after.
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Article:
Practicing balance and coordination transfers over to less falls.
"The researchers found:• None of the trained participants fell on the slippery floor and seven of the eight never lost balance.
• The control group's performance on the slippery floor revealed their lack of training. Their performance was akin to the trained group's first training slip on the platform . . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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And since everyone keeps complaining about being sick. . . here is a great article from The IF Life on how to beat the flu for less than $4 a day.
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Event (in case you missed yesterday's comments): 22nd annual Willie Davenport Olympian Track and Field Clinic at James Logan High
"Two dozen Olympic track and field athletes and coaches will provide instruction in every event Saturday, Feb 7 at the 22nd annual Willie Davenport Olympian Track and Field Clinic at James Logan High.
The event, which is open to individuals and teams of all levels, will feature special guests Billy Mills, the 1964 Olympic gold medalist in the 10,000 meters, Stephanie Brown, gold-medal winner in the discus at the Beijing Olympics last summer, and Pittsburg native Eddie Hart, 4x100 relay gold medalist in 1972.
Registration is from 8-9 a.m. Saturday, with the clinic running from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lunch is included in the price. Fee is $25 for individuals, $10 for youths 12 and under, $350 for teams, and $500 for teams of 30 or more."
Online registration is available at www.logantrackandfield.com.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:46 PM | Comments (12)
February 3, 2009
090204 WEDNESDAY "Angie"
Judy gets caught leaving another 'sweat angel' on the floor of DCF after a hard workout.
Workout: "Angie"
For time.
100 pull ups
100 push ups
100 sit ups
100 squats
All 100 reps of each movement must be completed before moving onto the next exercise.
Post time to comments.
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Article(s): Vitamin D getting some good press (so be sure to get some sun when you can! -jj)
Sun during pregnancy builds stronger, larger bones for babies
Vitamin D tied to muscle power in adolescent girls.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:51 PM | Comments (24)
February 1, 2009
090202 MONDAY
Mountain and Sarah swing some Kettlebells during the late morning class (Pamela watches).
Workout:
3 rounds for time.
20 Kettlebell Swings (54lb, 35lb, etc)
30 Sit ups
40 Double Unders
Post time to comments.
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Article: Study finds genetic link between sleep disorders and depression
"A study in the Feb. 1 issue of the journal Sleep was the first to use twin data to examine the longitudinal link between sleep problems and depression. Results of this study demonstrate that sleep problems predict later depression; the converse association was not found. These findings are consistent with the theory that early treatment of sleep problems may protect children from the development of depression. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:51 PM | Comments (13)
January 28, 2009
090129 THURSDAY
Vikki hits the 400m loop hard during the 0600 class.
Workout:
For time.
21 'Chest to bar' pull ups (use a band if needed to get full ROM)
21 'Chest to floor' burpees
15 'Chest to bar' pull ups
15 'Chest to floor' burpees
9 'Chest to bar' pull ups
9 'Chest to floor' burpees
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Brief, High Intensity Interval Training may Thwart Diabetes
As little as three minutes of high-intensity exercise every other day may help sedentary people ward off diabetes, results of a small clinical study suggested. . .
Click here for compete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Don't miss "Doc" Docto's seminar in Martinez Feb 7th! (This one of the guys that trained Luca - so you know he doesn't get more legit than that)
Check our Events Page for details about the "Fish Tournament" at CrossFit One World on Saturday!
Also - This Sunday's 'special' event will be a 'Paleo Pot Luck' for those wanting to participate. Please bring your favorite Paleo or Zone dish with the recipe to share. Hopefully we can make this "Recipe Taste and Swap" a regular occurrence at DCF. Talk to or email jj for details.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:31 PM | Comments (12)
January 27, 2009
090128 WEDNESDAY
Andrew not only sleeps during his pull ups, he has also takes a mean set of pictures. See his pictures from the Royal Rumble on our Flickr account.
Workout:
4 rounds for time
Run 400m
50 squats.
Post time to comments.
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Video: From Jon Gilson's Again Faster - Double Unders
Double Unders from Patrick Cummings on Vimeo.
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Article:
Cutting calories can boost memory.
". . .They also showed other signs of physical improvement, with decreased levels of insulin and fewer signs of inflammation.The researchers said that these changes could explain the better memory scores, by keeping brain cells in better health.
They wrote: "To our knowledge, the current results provide first experimental evidence in humans that caloric restriction improves memory in the elderly. . . "
Click here for complete article.
(Now if we can get a good study comparing Caloric Restriction, Intermittent Fasting, and Regular 'Diets', we'd be on to something. -jj)
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 4:25 PM | Comments (10)
January 26, 2009
090127 TUESDAY "Number 2"
Ron and Chris finishing the overhead tire carry during Saturday's workout (Ron looks kinda evil and ready for more, Chris. . . not so much).
Workout: "Number 2"
As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes:
10 wall ball (20lb ball, 10 ft target or 14lb ball 8 foot target)
10 sumo deadlift high pull (95lb, 53, 35 or 26 depending on skill)
10 ring dips (or ring push ups)
10 double unders
Compare to September 19th, 2008
Post number of rounds and fractions of rounds to comments.
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Video: CrossFit Oakland's Mike Minium interviews Jason Khalipa (CrossFit Santa Clara) and Tamara Holms (also from CrossFit Oakland) in front of DCF.
The Nor Cal Regional registration is OPEN! Click here to go to the website and register to compete.
"To register, you'll need to use the Google Checkout button at the upper right-hand side of the [regional qualifier] blog.You'll receive an email confirmation once your order has been placed, as well as a shipping confirmation email once we charge your credit card or debit card. We won't be physically shipping you anything, but this email will serve as confirmation of your registration.
The registration fee is $75 through the end of February. Beginning March 1, the fee will increase to $100. So get in while the getting's good!
(And in case you're wondering, you will be getting a t-shirt.)
If you have any questions about registration, contact us at NorCalCFRegionals@gmail.com."
Post to comments if you are registered or plan to register and/or come just to watch (and cheer DCFers on).
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Article:
'Best Life' magazine presents a pretty in depth look at Omega-3s.
". . .We are, it is often--and accurately—said, what we eat. Recent diet trends, from Atkins to South Beach, have put the emphasis on upping our intake of protein or cutting out carbohydrates. Meanwhile, cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats have been stigmatized, leading to the belief that waging a total war on fat is the best way to get a slimmer waistline and a longer life. But fats are as crucial to a healthy body as protein is; they end up holstered into the heart, protecting organs, and building the cells of the brain, an organ that is itself 60 percent fat. The key to good health lies not in ruthlessly striking fat from our diets, but in eating the best possible fats for our bodies. And a growing chorus of nutritionists agrees that those fats are omega-3s. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Don't forget about CrossFit One World's Fish Tournament this Saturday (There will even be a jumper house for the kids, and a keg for the 'big' kids).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:37 PM | Comments (20)
January 18, 2009
090119 MONDAY
+++Class as usual today+++
Tanya and Hylie get some double unders done.
Workout:
Hang squat clean
3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Post loads to comments.
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Article:
"Eating garlic is one of the best ways to lower high blood pressure and protect yourself from cardiovascular disease. A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) shows this protective effect is closely linked to how much hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced from garlic compounds interacting with red blood cells. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:02 PM | Comments (5)
January 15, 2009
090116 FRIDAY
Stavros representing DCF at CrossFit 2008 Affiliate Cup winners (and awesome hosts): CrossFit Oakland.
Workout:
4 rounds for time
500m Row
15 strict presses (115lbs - for advanced, 75lb, or 45lb)
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Midlife coffee and tea consumption decreases risk of late life dementia.
. . .At the midlife examination, the consumption of coffee and tea was assessed with a previously validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Coffee drinking was categorized into three groups: 0-2 cups (low), 3-5 cups (moderate) and >5 cups (high) per day. Further, the question concerning tea consumption was dichotomized into those not drinking tea (0 cup/day) vs. those drinking tea (≥1 cup/day).The study found that coffee drinkers at midlife had lower risk for dementia and AD later in life compared to those drinking no or only little coffee. The lowest risk (65% decreased) was found among moderate coffee drinkers (drinking 3-5 cups of coffee/day). Adjustments for various confounders did not change the results. Tea drinking was relatively uncommon and was not associated with dementia/AD. . .
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:14 PM | Comments (10)
090115 THURSDAY
The class enjoys some overhead squats on a nice sunny day.
Workout:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
10 GHD sit ups (or 30 abmat sit ups)
20 double unders
30 squats
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Discovery supports theory of Alzheimer's disease as form of diabetes.
Now scientists at Northwestern University have discovered why brain insulin signaling -- crucial for memory formation -- would stop working in Alzheimer’s disease. They have shown that a toxic protein found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s removes insulin receptors from nerve cells, rendering those neurons insulin resistant. (The protein, known to attack memory-forming synapses, is called an ADDL for “amyloid ß-derived diffusible ligand.”)With other research showing that levels of brain insulin and its related receptors are lower in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, the Northwestern study sheds light on the emerging idea of Alzheimer’s being a “type 3” diabetes. . .
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:04 AM | Comments (12)
January 12, 2009
090113 TUESDAY "The extent of my neurosis"
The extent of my neurosis.
(I drew these concept drawings in early December, about 3 weeks before we started moving into our new gym. -jj)
Workout:
6 rounds.
Run 400m
Rest 2 minutes.
Post times for each round to comments.
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Article:
Can Antioxidants do more harm than good?
'Conditioning Research' has a couple of new studies that might make you think twice about taking your special "antioxidant blend". . .
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:54 PM | Comments (24)
December 28, 2008
081229 MONDAY "Gwen"
Miles looking ready for action, while Andrew bangs out some more wall ball shots.
Workout: "Gwen"
Clean & Jerk 15-12-9 reps
Touch and go at floor only. Even a re-grip off the floor is a foul. No dumping. Use same load for each set. Rest as needed between sets.
Post loads used to comments.
First posted here on CrossFit.com (also what looks like the birth of "Helen")
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Article:
5 tips for lifelong learning and the adult brain
"Learning & the Brain is a conference that gets marked on my calendar annually because I always return home having either been exposed to new information, or with a new brain teasers job interviewperspective on an old topic. Last month’s conference in Cambridge, MA, themed Using Emotions Research to Enhance Learning & Achievement, was no exception. As with previous conferences, in addition to the many keynote sessions, I focused on the adult learning strand, since so much of my time is spent providing professional development for, and collaborating with adults. Here are five conference cues as they relate to education. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:58 PM | Comments (13)
December 15, 2008
081216 TUESDAY "Filthy Fifty"
Gwen dominates some tire flips, as Rebeka gets ready for her set with the tire.
Workout: The "Filthy Fifty"
Click here to see the last time we did the Filthy Fifty at the Shed.
For time:
50 Box jump, 24 inch box
50 Jumping pull-ups
50 Kettlebell swings, 1 pood
Walking Lunge, 50 steps
50 Knees to elbows
50 Push press, 45 pounds
50 Back extensions
50 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball
50 Burpees
50 Double unders
Post time to comments.
(Scaling option: The "Dirty Thirty" is another option for scaling - instead of just using reduced weights for the different exercises. If you don't think you can finish the full "Fifty" workout in 40 minutes or less, you should think about using this option).
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Article: Pollution and Chemicals has the future male population on the run.
". . .Many have been identified as "endocrine disrupters" – or gender-benders – because they interfere with hormones. These include phthalates, used in food wrapping, cosmetics and baby powders among other applications; flame retardants in furniture and electrical goods; PCBs, a now banned group of substances still widespread in food and the environment; and many pesticides. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:20 PM | Comments (8)
December 11, 2008
081212 FRIDAY "2 minute defense"
Jenny's going away party. We miss you Jenny!
Workout: "2 Minute Defense"
5 rounds at 135lbs -
1 Power Clean
3 Hang Squat Cleans
2 Jerks
200 Foot run
Then rest 2 minutes
Then. . .5 rounds at 135lbs -
1 Power Clean
3 Hang Squat Cleans
2 Jerks
200 Foot run
Notice it says "foot" not meters. Scale the bar weight as needed for proper form.
Post total time to comments.
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Article (Thanks to Judy for the good read!):
Exercise builds small blood vessels in the brain, study says
". . .The models showed that the exercisers had 43% more blood vessels with a diameter of 0.4 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters. While an average of about 100 blood vessels of that size was found in the non-exercisers, an average of 143 was found in the exercisers. More important, there are thousands of blood vessels in the brain that are smaller than 0.4 millimeters, Rahman said, so it's likely that exercise also increases the number of smaller blood vessels. . ."Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Exercise builds small blood vessels in brain, study says
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
12-03-08
Dec. 2--CHICAGO -- Exercise is known to help prevent cognitive decline and maintain the brain as people age, and now researchers think they know one reason why.
People who engaged in long-term, regular exercise had substantially more small blood vessels in their brains and more blood flow than people who performed little exercise over the years, according to a study presented Monday.
"Exercise increases the number of blood vessels in other parts of the body," said lead researcher Feraz Rahman of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. "What we didn't know is that it also affects the brain."
The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging and a new three-dimensional computer reconstruction to make models of small blood vessels and blood flow in the brains of 12 healthy adults ages 59 to 75. None was considered to be cognitively impaired.
The study was presented at the Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting and is expected to be published in the next few months. It was conducted at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Half the volunteers had engaged in aerobic exercise at least three hours a week over the previous 10 years. The other group exercised less than one hour a week.
The models showed that the exercisers had 43% more blood vessels with a diameter of 0.4 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters. While an average of about 100 blood vessels of that size was found in the non-exercisers, an average of 143 was found in the exercisers. More important, there are thousands of blood vessels in the brain that are smaller than 0.4 millimeters, Rahman said, so it's likely that exercise also increases the number of smaller blood vessels.
Rahman compared the exercise effect to that of the branching system of a tree. While there were similar numbers of larger blood vessels and arteries, the number of smaller vessels branching off from them was reduced in the less active people.
"Other studies have shown that exercise prevents cognitive decline in the elderly," he said. "The blood vessel and flow differences may be one of the reasons. Aerobic exercise is a vital part of healthy aging."
New vessels formed
The growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis, is known to occur around the body, including in the brain, as a response to regular exercise, said David Harder, associate dean for research at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
The researchers "have confirmed what we've known using newer technology," he said. "They can actually see and count the blood vessels."
Exercise initiates a complex process that leads to the formation of new blood vessels in the brain, Harder said. When the muscles of the body are used, electrical impulses are sent from the spine through long nerve fibers to the brain.
These electrical signals stimulate cells in the brain known as astrocytes. The astrocytes, in turn, send out a type of fatty acid that causes blood vessels to dilate. The substance, known as EET, also promotes the growth of new blood vessels, he said.
Exercise doesn't make people smarter, he said, but older people who regularly exercise tend to be more alert. And the increased blood flow in the brain that is established as a result of exercise might help maintain cognitive function as people age, said Harder, who also serves as director of the college's Cardiovascular Research Center.
"It probably is beneficial in terms of being able to maintain a normal functioning brain," he said.
For instance, Harder said his lab has been looking at slices of brains from people who died after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Those brain slices show a lack of density of small blood vessels known as capillaries.
Relationship to stroke
The study also might explain why people who exercise are less likely to have a stroke, said Arvind Ahuja, chairman of neurosurgery at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee.
"Exercise induces a lot of changes in the body that you are not aware of," he said.
For instance, exercise prompts the release of substances that help improve blood flow, he said.
But a key question still needs to be resolved.
Does exercise not only increase the number of blood vessels and capillaries, but also help maintain cognitive function, asked Vivek Prabhakaran, assistant professor of neuroradiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health.
Some observational studies suggest exercise helps people retain their mental ability as they age.
But a larger study that measures blood vessels and cognitive performance together is needed.
The University of North Carolina and the National Institutes of Health funded the study.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 3:40 PM | Comments (14)
December 10, 2008
081211 THURSDAY "Daniel"
+++6am Thurs Morning Class Canceled+++
Shane always has a very nice smile while working out.
Workout: "Daniel"
For time.
50 Pull-ups
400 meter run
95 pound Thruster, 21 reps
800 meter run
95 pound Thruster, 21 reps
400 meter run
50 Pull-ups
Post time to comments.
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Article from Mike O'Donnel at The IF Life:
Surviving the Holiday Weight Gain Trap.
"Well the holiday season is upon us, and so is the chance that we could sabotage our fat loss efforts and pack on the holiday pounds. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Imagine if you were able to keep healthy, still look and feel great, enjoy holiday parties and still lose fat. It’s possible with a few tricks. Hey I’ll be the first one to tell you NOT to stay home and go out and have some fun, of course fun doesn’t have to mean drinking egg nog till you are sick or diving into a desert tray. It just means that you can have some fun, but also if you understand how to counteract a few “off” days you may have then things are not so bad. So here are some tips and tricks on how to survive from now until New Years. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:49 PM | Comments (19)
December 7, 2008
081208 MONDAY "Isabel"
Our very own Stavros representing at CrossFit NSC in Scotts Valley
Workout: "Isabel"
Snatch 30 reps for time (135lbs is Rx'ed, but a weight should be used that can be handled properly).
Post time and load used to comments.
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Article from Mark Sisson's Daily Apple
New links between exercise and cancer.
". . . And, as the Swedish medical school Karolinska Institutet so bluntly put it, exercise “cuts cancer death in men,” too. The Swedish researchers examined some forty thousand men of varying ages for seven years. Of that group, around 3700 developed cancer; 1,153 died from it. For those cancer patients who also walked or cycled for at least thirty minutes a day, the survival rate increased 33% against those who didn’t exercise at all. An extensive (60 to 90 minutes a day) exercise program was even shown to reduce the incidence of cancer by 16%. . ."
Click here for complete article
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:55 PM | Comments (15)
December 2, 2008
081203 WEDNESDAY "Fran"
'Hardway' coaches Holly during her last Fight Gone Bad experience (and no, this was not a posed picture).
Workout:
"Fran"
Three rounds, 21-15- and 9 reps, for time of:
95 pound Thruster
Pull-ups
Post time to comments.
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Article from Scott Kustes at Modern Forager:
What are Advanced Glycation End products:
"A reader sent in a question about Advanced Glycation End-Products, or AGEs. He basically wanted to know what they are, how they’re formed, and how the body deals with them. In this post, I’ll attempt to answer that question to see what this tells us about what to eat and how to prepare it. . . "
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:56 PM | Comments (10)
November 29, 2008
081130 SUNDAY "Helen"
Julie, Paula, Katy and Jasmine do Fran. . . (and it's alright Katy, Fran makes most of the veterans cry too).
Workout: "Helen"
3 rounds for time.
400m run
21 kettlebell swings 1.5 pood or 54lbs
12 pull ups
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Researchers identify a potentially 'universal' mechanism of aging
Oberdoerffer found that a primary function of sirtuin in the mammalian system was to oversee patterns of gene expression (which genes are switch on and which are switch off). While all genes are present in all cells, only a select few need to be active at any given time. If the wrong genes are switched on, this can harm the cell. (In a kidney cell, for example, all liver genes are present, but switched off. If these genes were to become active, that could damage the kidney.) As a protective measure, sirtuins guard genes that should be off and ensure that they remain silent. To do this, they help preserve the molecular packaging—called chromatin—that shrink-wraps these genes tight and keeps them idle. . .. . ."We then began wondering what would happen if we put more of the sirtuin back into the mice," says Oberdoerffer. "Our hypothesis was that with more sirtuins, DNA repair would be more efficient, and the mouse would maintain a youthful pattern gene expression into old age."
That's precisely what happened. Using a mouse genetically altered to model lymphoma, Oberdoerffer administered extra copies of the sirtuin gene, or fed them the sirtuin activator resveratrol, which in turn extended their mean lifespan by 24 to 46 percent. . .
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:10 PM | Comments (12)
November 18, 2008
081119 WEDNESDAY "Filthy Fifty" and Anne's Birthday!
Anne (left of Jamie and Ryan "aka DEATH") had one small request for her birthday. . . the FILTHY FIFTY! (and NO she is not fifty years old. . . she's something like 29 I believe - jj)
Workout: "The Filthy Fifty"
Check 080819 for the last time we did it at DCF
For time:
50 Box jump, 24 inch box
50 Jumping pull-ups
50 Kettlebell swings, 1 pood
Walking Lunge, 50 steps
50 Knees to elbows
50 Push press, 45 pounds
50 Back extensions
50 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball
50 Burpees
50 Double unders
Post time to comments.
(Scaling option: The "Dirty Thirty" is another option for scaling - instead of just using reduced weights for the different exercises. If you don't think you can finish the full "Fifty" workout in 40 minutes or less, you should think about using this option).
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Article:
Lifespan varies between European countries, but so does the number of "good" years after 50.
Lead researcher Professor Carol Jagger, from Leicester University, said: "What we have here, for the very first time, is data we can really compare."And it really questions whether the countries with the longest life expectancies are the healthiest.
"In the case of the UK, we are looking pretty average, but slightly better than our life expectancy figures suggest."
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Video: The most powerful person on Earth (unless you know someone with 261 "horsepower").
There you have it folks. . .don't eat processed food, and possibly drink melted butter, eat raw mutton, and have sex 15 times a day. . . and don't sleep from birth. Seems easy to me -jj
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:14 PM | Comments (20)
November 17, 2008
081118 TUESDAY "Christine"
+++ Diablo CrossFit "Turkey Trot" Scheduled for 9:00am Thanksgiving morning at Acalanes Trail - Free for everyone+++
Josh N does some kettlebell swings at the morning class.
Workout: "Christine"
Row 500
12 Bodyweight Deadlifts
21 Box Jumps
3 rounds for time.
Post time to comments.
Video - Pat Barber does "Christine" in 8:22 at CrossFit One World:
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Article:
Vitamins seen as no help in fighting heart disease.
After eight years, the researchers found no difference among the groups in the incidence of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure or angina. And taking the vitamins did not reduce the need for cardiac revascularization, a surgical operation to restore adequate blood flow to the heart.
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:35 PM | Comments (14)
November 13, 2008
081114 FRIDAY "The Chief"
Stavros and Jeremy do "Jason" at CrossFit Santa Clara (Jason Khalipa's affiliate) while Issiah (aka "Zay Zay") cheers us on. We didn't beat Jason or "Andy" (17:54!) but DCF was well represented.
Workout: "The Chief"
Max rounds in 3 minutes of:
135 pound Power cleans, 3 reps
6 Push-ups
9 Squats
Rest 1 minute. Repeat for a total of 5 cycles.
Post rounds completed for each of the 5 cycles.
From CrossFit.com:
Each year in the United States Navy, a highly qualified and elite cadre of Sailors are selected and promoted to the join the ranks of Chief Petty Officer. Since 1893, "The Chiefs" have been relied upon by subordinates and superiors alike for their personal example, technical expertise and above all, their unique leadership capabilities. As the induction process for newly selected Chief Petty Officers is now underway throughout the US Navy, we thought it appropriate to inaugurate "The Chief" in honor and recognition of all past and present CPOs. Thanks to them and their families for their self-sacrifice, ability to adapt, tireless dedication to mission and devotion to country.
Bionic and Heinz do "The Chief" at CrossFit Hardcore
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Article:
A study of almost 360,000 people from nine European countries found waist size a "powerful indicator" of risk.Each extra 2ins (5cm) raised the chance of early death by between 13% and 17%. . .
At the extremes, men with waists exceeding 47ins (119cm) had a doubled rate of death compared with those with waists under 31.5ins (80cm), and a similar statistic was found when women with waists over 39ins (99cm) were compared to those under 25.5ins (64.7cm).
An increase in risk of death could be plotted every time the belt was let out by another two inches - for two people with the same BMI, every additional 2ins (5cm) on their waistband added up to a 17% increase in risk for men, and 13% for women.
Click here for entire article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:56 PM | Comments (15)
November 11, 2008
081112 WEDNESDAY
Super Bryan, Jared and Lauren do the Deadlift Burpee workout.
Workout:
4 rounds,
Row 500m
Rest 3 minutes
Post times for each 500m sprint to comments.
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Videos regarding high HDL, calorie restriction, SIR2, and insulin.
Part 1
Part 2
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:53 PM | Comments (24)
November 6, 2008
081107 FRIDAY
+++MUAY THAI AT 1 PM TOMORROW+++
Eric loves burpees. Especially when you have to jump 12" every time.
Workout - 5 rounds for time:
30 Double Unders
20 Kettlebell Swings (54lb, 35lb, 26lb)
100m Waiter Walks (see picture below), 54b, 35lb, 26lb dumbbell or kettlebell (should be the same weight as the kb swings). Alternate arms as needed, but no forward motion unless the arm is locked out overhead.
Post time to comments.
Dan John leads CFHQ through some waiter walks back in the day.
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Article:
Vitamin may help prevent Alzheimer's
A vitamin found in meat, fish and potatoes may help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease - and even boost memory in healthy people.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:17 PM | Comments (6)
October 30, 2008
081031 FRIDAY "Happy Halloween!" and "Happy Birthday Mark!"
+++5:30 and 6:30 CLASS CANCELED TONIGHT FOR HALLOWEEN PARTY+++
Happy Birthday Mark!
Workout: "Mark's Funky 40"
400m run
40 Pull Ups
40 Box Jumps (20" box)
40 HandStand Push-Ups
40 Walking Lunges (no weight)
40 Pushups
40 Knees To Elbows
40 Good Mornings
40 Double Unders
40 Burpies
400m run
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And here is an article especially pertinent to Mark from 'The IF Life':
Prevent Alzheimer's with your diet
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We'll see you all tonight at the Party!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:55 PM | Comments (14)
October 23, 2008
081024 FRIDAY
+++No Muay Thai On Saturday+++
Hardway Bryan and Mike 'get some' with the Kettlebells.
Workout:
Back Squat
Strict press
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Alternate between exercises for a total of 25 reps of each movement. Add weight each round if possible.
Post loads used to comments.
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Article:
Mentally 'hard' jobs decrease Alzheimer's risk
Scientists found tissue damage was much quicker to lead to memory loss in the less intellectually stimulated.They suggest mentally tough work, or genes which help people achieve such careers, may help the brain compensate for disease. . .
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:28 PM | Comments (8)
October 19, 2008
081020 MONDAY
"A Few" DCFers encourage 'Super Bryan' while he tackles Karen.
Workout (From the CrossFit Mothership):
Complete as many rounds as possible 20 minutes of:
95 pound Thruster, 5 reps
95 pound Hang Powercleans, 7 reps
95 pound Sumo Deadlift High-pull, 10 reps
Post rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Fatty Acids link to Alzheimers
Tests on mice showed that reducing excess levels of the acid lessened animals' memory problems and behavioural changes.Writing in Nature Neuroscience, the team said fatty acid levels could be controlled through diet or drugs. . .
Scientists from Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease and the University of California looked at fatty acids in the brains of normal mice and compared them with those in mice genetically engineered to have an Alzheimer's-like condition.
They identified raised levels of a fatty acid called arachidonic acid in the brains of the Alzheimer's mice.
Post thoughts to comments.
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BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY CHALLENGE RESULTS!
JJ - First (actually . . . 6th overall)
Jorgy - Second (7th overall)
Stavros - Third (9th overall)
Super Bryan - Fourth (12th overall)
Super Shannon - First (about 5th for overall women)
Here is a link to a picture of the overall scores (although it is somewhat blurry):
Big Girls Don't Cry Challenge 2008 Results
(and here is another copy that is might be clearer)
Here is a listing of the results:
Men:
Place Name FRAN KAREN GRACE TOTAL
1 Jason Khalipa 0:02:23 0:05:08 0:01:49 0:09:20
3 Brandon Banks 0:03:26 0:06:31 0:02:00 0:11:57
2 Daniel Hester 0:03:12 0:07:09 0:01:49 0:12:10
4 Tyler Begiebing 0:04:25 0:06:39 0:02:13 0:13:17
5 Herm Blancaflor 0:03:09 0:08:20 0:01:59 0:13:28
6 Jeremy Jones 0:03:18 0:08:03 0:02:55 0:14:16
7 Josh Jorgensen 0:03:59 0:07:23 0:04:30 0:15:52
8 Jason Feudale 0:03:48 0:08:31 0:03:50 0:16:09
9 Stavros Kalorgirou 0:04:07 0:08:21 0:04:02 0:16:30
10 Paul Perez 0:05:39 0:08:31 0:02:55 0:17:05
11 Anthony Camacho 0:05:19 0:08:39 0:03:10 0:17:08
12 Bryan Stornetta 0:04:45 0:07:55 0:04:38 0:17:18
13 Chris Stroud 0:04:13 0:09:08 0:04:30 0:17:51
14 Lucas Robinson 0:07:48 0:07:36 0:03:08 0:18:32
15 Armando Arroyo 0:04:39 0:10:00 0:03:53 0:18:32
16 Dave Cohodes 0:05:34 0:09:29 0:04:06 0:19:09
17 Kirk Wu 0:06:48 0:08:23 0:04:21 0:19:32
18 Josh Johnson 0:05:21 0:08:37 0:06:31 0:20:29
19 Dalbir Atwal 0:06:58 0:09:55 0:04:29 0:21:22
20 Jason Luk 0:05:31 134 DNF 0:05:51 #VALUE!
21 Gary Neil 0:07:34 146 DNF 0:05:12 #VALUE!
22 Connor Banks 0:03:51 0:07:06 DNF #VALUE!
23 Bruce Kaabipour 0:09:05 130 DNF 0:07:11 #VALUE!
24 Dan Hay 0:09:33 127 DNF 0:09:47 #VALUE!
25 Larry Pastor DNF 109 DNF 0:09:05 #VALUE!
Women:
Place Name FRAN KAREN GRACE TOTAL
1 Candace Hamilton 0:03:27 0:08:34 0:03:31 0:15:32
2 Michaela Xavier 0:05:04 0:07:50 0:04:46 0:17:40
3 Jenn Carlos 0:05:09 137 DNF 0:05:18 #VALUE!
4 Breanne Feudale 0:05:05 103 DNF 0:05:14 #VALUE!
5 Shannon Storneta 0:08:13 127 DNF 0:06:38 #VALUE!
6 Stef O'Brien 0:08:27 137 DNF 0:07:08 #VALUE!
7 Smita Jandaur 0:08:46 143 DNF 0:08:48 #VALUE!
8 Ritu Riyat DNF 133 DNF 0:04:49 scaled #VALUE!
9 Carmen Mendez 0:07:32 103 DNF Scaled 0:05:51 Scaled #VALUE!
10 Veronica Vellanueva 0:07:28 Scaled 79 DNF Scaled 0:04:57 Scaled #VALUE!
11 Jan Areepitak DNF 72 DNF 28 DNF #VALUE!
12 Christine Dacanay DNF 114 DNF 0:6:38 Scaled #VALUE!
NICE JOB DCF!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:06 PM | Comments (12)
October 16, 2008
081017 FRIDAY "Quarter Gone Bad"
From left to right - Yvonne, Liz, Mountain, Sarah, Jaz's friend, Vicky, and Jamie behind the rower. These ladies know how to party.
Workout: "Quarter Gone Bad"
5 rounds for total reps of:
135 pound Thruster, 15 seconds
Rest 45 Seconds
50 pound Weighted pull-up, 15 seconds
Rest 45 Seconds
Burpees, 15 seconds
Rest 45 seconds
(Thruster load can be scaled down, and weighted pull ups can be scaled down to strict or band pull ups if needed)
Post total number of reps to comments.
Video: Quarter Gone Bad in action
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Article:
10 REALLY good reasons why you shouldn't miss out on sleep.
You may literally have to add it to your to-do list, but scheduling a good night's sleep could be one of the smartest health priorities you set. It's not just daytime drowsiness you risk when shortchanging yourself on your seven to eight hours. Possible health consequences of getting too little or poor sleep can involve the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition to letting life get in the way of good sleep, between 50 and 70 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder—insomnia or sleep apnea, say—that affects daily functioning and impinges on health. Consider the research . . .
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:29 PM | Comments (7)
October 15, 2008
081016 THURSDAY
Jeremy goes in for some tire flips while Stavros provides encouragement (and Jamie and Jax yell from the sidelines).
Workout:
With a continuously running clock, perform 1 sumo deadlift high pull the first minute, 2 sumo deadlift high pulls the second minute, and continue adding one rep each minute until you can no longer complete the allotted reps in the minute.
The weight should be fairly heavy. If you are unsure about the weight, intermediate/advanced men should use approximately half their body weight, intermediate/advanced women should use about 1/3rd.
Post weight used and number of complete minutes and additional reps to comments.
Sumo Deadlift High Pull Video:
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Article from the Fitness Spotlight:
Do our ancestors tell us everything we need to know about diet and health?
I have been following the Palaeolithic lifestyle for nearly a year now. You may know it as the ‘caveman diet’, although this does not do justice to the concept.The premise is that by eating what our ancestors ate and exercising as they exercised, we optimise our health and fitness. Since they ate like this and exercised like this for hundreds of thousands of years, natural selection dictates that our bodies will be designed to function best under those conditions. . .
Post thoughts to comments.
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The "Big Girls Don't Cry" Competition is THIS SUNDAY. Please post below if you are going to be able to swing by and cheer some of our own as we compete against other top CrossFitters! (There is also a few open slots, so let me know if you are interested).
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Local Fundraiser Today!
Rocco's Pizza and Beer for a Purpose:
Download Flyer Here: Download file
From Michelle Rooney:
"For those of you who don’t know, I sit on the board as a medical advisor for a local non-profit melanoma foundation, SCARF. SCARF was founded in honor of Sherri Tennant, a nurse who worked with us at Diablo Valley Oncology. She was an amazing and courageous woman who unfortunately lost her battle with melanoma in 2006. SCARF’s mission is to educate the community about prevention and early detection of melanoma. Rocco’s pizzeria is hosting a fundraiser for SCARF on Thursday, October 23rd. All you have to do is either dine in or order take out from Rocco’s anytime on the 23rd, mention SCARF, and 25% of the net proceeds go to our NPO. I will be there most of the evening, eating pizza, probably drinking beer, and pretending to watch the world series…I would LOVE to see all of you. Please bring family and friends!"
If you don't come to the Shed tonight, I expect you to swing by Rocco's and support such a good cause. If you do come to the Shed, I expect you all to have some post workout nutrition at Roccos. DON'T FORGET TO MENTION SCARF! -jj
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:27 PM | Comments (6)
October 13, 2008
081014 WEDNESDAY
Mark, JJ and Darren all competed in a fitness event hosted by the "Raw" Gym here in Walnut Creek. Pics and an article should be up soon.
Workout:
5 rounds for time:
10 Overhead squats (95lbs)
15 Kettlebell swings (1.5 pood, 54lbs)
20 Wall ball (20lb ball, 10ft target)
Post time to comments.
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Article from Scott Kustes at "Modern Forager":
Does Red Meat Cause Colon Cancer
I was involved in a discussion recently where the statement of “red meat causes colon cancer” was spoken. Figuring that to be a gross over generalization, I decided to do some sleuthing and see what the record shows regarding red meat and colon cancer. I meandered over to Google, typed in “red meat” and came up with a screen full of search results. Of the first five hits, four are irrelevant (a comic strip called “Red Meat” and a honky tonk band called…”Red Meat”) and the fifth is to Wikipedia. . .
Post thoughts to comments.
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Diablo CrossFit Halloween Party!
DCF is co-sponsoring a very 'exclusive' Halloween party on Friday Oct 31st at "Class" (1321 Locust St). The party will run from 7pm to midnight.
More details to follow soon (a lot of promises today huh? -jj)
Download file">Download Flyer by clicking here.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:42 PM | Comments (7)
October 2, 2008
081003 FRIDAY "Sarah Does Kelly For Her Birthday!"
Trainer Sarah (green tank, tattoos) leading the "Girls Class" through 400m of walking lunge hell! As a birthday gift, Sarah wanted to do "Kelly" so . . .
Workout: "Kelly". . .
but instead of 30 reps box jumps and 30 reps of wall ball, we are going to do 33 reps of each because it is her birthday.
5 rounds for time:
Run 400 meters
33 box jump, 24 inch box
33 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball (10' target men, 8' target women)
Post time (and birthday congratulations) to 'comments'.
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Article:
New study proves that pain is not a symptom of arthritis, pain is the cause of arthritis.
Pain is more than a symptom of osteoarthritis, it is an inherent and damaging part of the disease itself, according to a study published today in journal Arthritis and Rheumatism. More specifically, the study revealed that pain signals originating in arthritic joints, and the biochemical processing of those signals as they reach the spinal cord, worsen and expand arthritis. In addition, researchers found that nerve pathways carrying pain signals transfer inflammation from arthritic joints to the spine and back again, causing disease at both ends. . .
So as I see it, stay active and take your fish oil to prevent pain and inflammation in the first place. -jj
Post thoughts to comments (and no jokes about Sarah's age and arthritis).
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GYMNASTICS WORKSHOP THIS WEEKEND!
From Roger Harrell and Andres De la Rosa and CrossFit Marin:
The gymnastics seminar on Sunday September 21st was a lot of fun and we had a great time! We wanted everyone to experience a little of what it’s like to be in a real gymnastics program so it was a bit of a whirlwind, especially since we actually got in at least a little bit of all the events. This time the format will be a little bit different. . .
Click "Continue Reading Below for Details".
"First off, Roger will run a 1.5 hour trainer’s seminar from 3:30pm-5pm with Russell “The Gremlin” Bruel and myself as assistant coaches. The material covered will include teaching ring progressions, including skin-the cat and lever progressions as well as spotting forward rolls and press to shoulder stand on rings. On floor we will be covering handstand progressions and drills. The focus here is teaching how to teach these skills.
Subsequently, I will be running another gymnastics workshop/class from 5:30-8:30pm. The emphasis here is to actually be in an intense CrossFit adult gymnastics class and while rookies and noobs are welcome, we will try to progress past the basic movements into beginner and intermediate skills. This time we’re not going to try to hit every event, but rather get into more depth on three events for the course of the class. The events covered will be floor (with a focus on back tumbling and back handsprings), parallel bars (swings, handstands, back up rises and pirouettes, and intermediate skills if appropriate), and rings (basic swing, press shoulder stand/handstand, crosses, back up rises and shoot supports, aka birdie-ups if appropriate). One of my personal projects in CrossFit is to get CrossFiters doing shoot supports on rings. I am especially curious to see who is going to be the first female CrossFiter to get one. The prerequisites involve good swing technique, spacial awareness while rotating, a strong support on rings, and explosive abdominal strength. Jolie Gentry has been coming to our gymnastics classes on Mondays, so she might be the one to do it first, but I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody else comes to our seminars and beats her to it. If you want to see a video of what it is check out this link to Roger’s gymnastics resource site: http://www.drillsandskills.com/video/display?path=ria007.mpg. The gymnast in the video does a really nice one. It’s really NOT as hard as it looks. I got one on my first or second try, (it was a long time ago, I can’t remember precisely) and if I can do it, you certainly will be able to!
Lastly, we will have our open skill request session from 8:30-9pm. If there is enough interest, we might even stay later than that. Last seminar, Chris Stroud from One World and Jason Khalipa from CrossFit Santa Clara took advantage of the open skill request session to work on their back-flip technique. They got spotted through some pretty descent ones! What particular gymnastics skill do you want to nail down?
Here is the pricing schedule for this Session:
Trainer’s session 3:30-5pm: $60
Gymnastics workshop 5:30-8:30pm: $60
If you sign up for both: $100 > save $20!
The address is:
300 Piedmont Ave, suite 604
San Bruno, CA, 94066
We are planning on keeping the coach to student ratio at about 1:8; we only have 3 committed coaches currently, so that’s only 24 slots. There was a waiting list of people that wanted to come to the last seminar but weren’t able to because it filled up, but will be attending this one, so there is a chance that this one might fill up as well. Please let me know right away if you are coming. I do apologize about the extremely late notice. I got injured last week which negatively impacted my productivity and I failed to get this out. I hope to see you guys there, and if you have any questions feel free to call or e-mail me.
P.S.: It’s CrossFit Marin’s 2nd birthday, so if you’d like to hang out afterwards and stay for some pound cake, (40% butter Fat, 40% Protein, urr a little bit of sugar.) we’d love your company! My parents can bake some exquisite deserts!
-Andres De la Rosa
Co-Founder, CrossFitMarin
Phone #: 415.260.0043
www.CrossFitMarin.com
Amadraeus@CrossFitMarin.com"
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:55 PM | Comments (16)
081002 THURSDAY
Dave hammers out some wall ball during his FGB performance.
Workout: "Push Up Annie"
Complete 50-40-30-20-10 rep rounds of the following exercises for time:
Double Unders
Abmat Sit ups
Push ups
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Performance Standards and Form by Mike Minium at CrossFit Oakland
. . .Why does this matter? It matters whether you care about competing or whether you don't.If you care about competing, then you want to make sure that you're on a level playing field and that the competition is fair. If I were to challenge someone to a 400m run and then run 300m while my competitor runs 400m, then our performances aren't really comparable (to say nothing of the fact that I cheated). In the same vein, if I challenge someone to max number of push presses in one minute, and then proceed to do push jerks while my competitor does push presses, then once again, our performances are not comparable. It's apples and oranges. I wanna level the playing field.
If you don't care about competing, but you do care about making improvements in the movements we do, then you'll want to take note of our movement standards as well. If you have it as a goal to squat 250 lbs, you'll want to know what the correct bottom of a squat is so that you can get it. If you load 250 lbs on the bar and then go down into a half-squat and come back up, then you really haven't done a squat. . .
Mike really lays it out nice in this article. I couldn't have said it better myself. -jj
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Video - recently featured on The IF life:
Dr. Ron Rosedale talks about common cholesterol myths. (The video is a little quirky, as it is an audio discussion pasted over some film footage, but the talking points are great).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:32 AM | Comments (22)
September 29, 2008
080930 TUESDAY "Elevation"
Donna hitting the 8' mark during her fight gone bad wall ball.
Workout:
Workout: "Elevation"
In 20 minutes, try to accumulate as many feet of "Elevation" as possible using the following exercises. Next to each exercise is the number we used for distance at the SHED. If you are doing this at on your own, you may change the values to what you have to work with. We also gave two different scores based upon height (over 6 foot is on the left, under 6 foot is on the right).
Rope Climb: 6 foot and up = 11 / 6 foot and under = 12
Muscle Up (bar or rings): 5 / 4
Pull Up: 2.5 / 2
Ring Dip: 2 / 1.5
Box Jump (same for both heights): big box = 3, med box = 2, small box = 1
Step ups (same for both heights): big box = 1.5, med box = 1, small box = 0.5
Post total number of "Feet" accumulated in the 20 minutes.
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Article from Scott Kustes at Modern Forager:
Eight ways to lower your testosterone
. . .For those wondering what role testosterone plays in the body, here are just a few of the irritations brought about by this hormone: enhanced libido, increased energy, increased production of red blood cells and protection against osteoporosis. And who would want all of that stuff? Not me! Read on to learn the ways you can make sure you keep your testosterone levels as low as possible, ensuring a lack of sex drive and low energy levels. . .
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CrossFit One World does "Century Gone Bad". I am so jealous.
(Video may not be WSFS. . . I guess it depends how your work feels about people doing pull ups, drinking beer, and yes, vomiting.)
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:12 PM | Comments (20)
September 28, 2008
080929 MONDAY
Some of the spectators who came out for "Fight Gone Bad" on Saturday.
Craig really loves the box jumps on Fight Gone Bad
Mark's family ask him why he thinks this is "fun"
Email us if you have pictures from the event you'd like to load on our "Flickr" site.
Workout:
5 rounds for time,
10 power cleans (135lb men, 95lb women)
15 ring dips
400m run
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Half bar of dark chocolate a week is enough to promote heart health
By studying the participants recruited, researchers focused on the complex mechanism of inflammation. It is known how a chronic inflammatory state represents a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, from myocardial infarction to stroke, just to mention the major diseases. Keeping the inflammation process un-der control has become a major issue for prevention programs and C reactive protein turned out to be one of the most promising markers, detectable by a simple blood test.. . . people having moderate amounts of dark chocolate regularly have significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein in their blood. In other words, their inflammatory state is considerably reduced." The 17% average reduction observed may appear quite small, but it is enough to decrease the risk of cardio-vascular disease for one third in women and one fourth in men. It is undoubtedly a remarkable outcome".
Chocolate amounts are critical. "We are talking of a moderate consumption. The best effect is obtained by consuming an average amount of 6.7 grams of chocolate per day, corresponding to a small square of chocolate twice or three times a week. Beyond these amounts the beneficial effect tends to disappear".
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:20 PM | Comments (12)
September 19, 2008
080920 SATURDAY
+++OLY CLASS CANCELED TODAY+++
Saturday class claims another victim.
Workout: "Number 2"
As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes:
10 wall ball (20lb ball, 10 ft target or 14lb ball 8 foot target)
10 sumo deadlift high pull (95lb, 53, 35 or 26 depending on skill)
10 ring dips (or ring push ups)
10 double unders
Post number of rounds and fractions of rounds to comments.
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Article:
Study Finds Longevity, Cancer and Diet Connected
Scientists studied a gene called TOR, which regulates cell growth and plays a role in the development of cancer. "In C. elegans, the tiny roundworm that our lab studies, as well as some other animals, a loss of TOR has been shown to slow aging. Our work with C. elegans reveals that TOR depends on a second gene called pha4/FoxA to control the aging process," says study co-author Susan Mango, PhD, HCI investigator and professor in the University of Utah Department of Oncological Sciences.The study also reveals calorie restriction plays a role in how these genes work. "When there's lots of food, TOR gets active, which decreases the action of pha4/FoxA down the line, and that in turn shortens the lifespan of C. elegans," says Mango. "When there's little food, there's little TOR and more pha4/FoxA, and that results in a longer lifespan." In short, a low calorie diet can affect the TOR and pha4/FoxA genes in worms, slowing the progression of aging.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:30 PM | Comments (1)
September 18, 2008
080918 THURSDAY
New 6am Firebreathers Alan and Nancy just got engaged last Friday! They are doing weighted lunge walks to prepare for their walk down the aisle next year. CONGRATS GUYS!
Workout:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
Row 500m
20 lunge steps with 35lb dumbells
15 ring dips
10 hollow rocks
Post number of rounds and fractions of rounds completed to comments.
Jeff Tucker explaining "Hollow Rocks" and the "Hollow Position" in relation to the hand stand (again):
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Article:
Cutting calories could limit muscle wasting in later years
. . .The researchers found increasing amounts of iron in the muscle cells of aging rats fed a typical unrestricted diet. The older the rats got, the more iron accumulated in the mitochondria and the more damage was done to its RNA and DNA. Rats of the same ages that were kept on a calorie-restricted diet — about 60 percent of the food typically ingested — seemed to maintain more normal iron levels in mitochondria, the researchers reported. . .. . .The problem occurs when metals such as iron accumulate in the mitochondria and react with oxygen. Iron can change the chemical structure of oxygen, triggering its metamorphosis into a free radical, an unstable atom that can upset the delicate balance inside the mitochondria. . .
(Now I hope they do an iron test on aging rats using the Intermittent Fasting protocol and compare them to these results. -jj)
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:18 AM | Comments (4)
September 16, 2008
080917 WEDNESDAY "Diane"
Rhodes loves deadlifts so much, he cries when he does them.
Workout: "Diane"
21 - 15 - 9 rep rounds of
225lb deadlifts
Hanstand Push ups
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Living Healthily Makes You Live Longer (DUH! . . .but here might be one example why -jj)
Among 24 men asked to adopt healthy lifestyle changes for a US study in The Lancet Oncology, levels of telomerase increased by 29% on average.Telomerase repairs and lengthens telomeres, which cap and protect the ends of chromosomes housing DNA.
As people age, telomeres shorten and cells become more susceptible to dying.
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Benchmark Check Up:
The year is coming to a close very quickly and it is time for everyone to check on their goals for 2008.
Here are some previous posts regarding goals for the year:
And for those of you who haven't been around long enough. . . it is time to choose your three benchmarks to be completed before the end of the year. The requirements are that you choose at least one for each category:
1. Gymnastics (example 5 consec muscle ups, 30 consec pull ups, 10 hspus, etc)
2. Strength (double bodyweight deadlift, CFT 1000, strict press body weight, etc)
3. Metabolic Conditioning (sub 4 Fran, sub 20 Filthy Fifty, sub 4 min DCF Newbie, etc)
Then work as hard as you can to achieve that goal by the end of the year.
Post them here if you haven't got them listed on one of the older posts already. Do it now. It is important that you do it publicly. We will encourage and help you.
You have got to the end of the year to get them done, so don't cheap out and pick easy stuff. Go big, but realistic. You will be amazed what you can accomplish with a deadline (as opposed to a 'resolution')
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:22 PM | Comments (14)
September 4, 2008
080905 FRIDAY
Steve from CrossFit Marina (in Huntington Beach) made sure our Luca had a good time on Labor day (and what Luca is looking at, we can only guess).
Workout:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes
10 Handstand push ups (or modified versions if needed)
30 box jumps (20 inch box)
Post number of rounds to comments.
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Article:
Exercise helps with memory function
Some volunteers were asked to complete three 50-minute sessions a week of moderate physical activity, such as walking, for 24 weeks. Others were not asked to increase their exercise levels.At the end of the study, the people in the exercise group achieved better scores in tests of their cognitive function, and lower scores in tests to determine signs of dementia.
Follow-up showed that the benefits persisted for at least another 12 months after the exercise programme was stopped.
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Fasting Articles from Scott Kustes at Modern Forager
What happens to your body when you fast Part 5 - Exercising and Rest
What happens to your body when you fast - Q and A
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:51 PM | Comments (11)
September 2, 2008
080903 WEDNESDAY "Nicole"
+++No Muay Thai This Thursday!+++
Our very on Mark Lind just got back from the CrossFit Kids Certification run by Mikki and Jeff Martin (left and center spots).
Workout:
"Nicole"
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
Run 400m
Max reps pull ups
Post number of pull ups each round to comments.
CrossFit explaining the kipping pull up Video:
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Article:
Taking the stairs may prolong life
Banning the use of lifts and escalators led to better fitness, less body fat, trimmer waistlines and a drop in blood pressure, a study of 69 people found.This translates to a 15% cut in the risk of dying prematurely from any cause, calculate the University of Geneva team.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:08 PM | Comments (7)
August 30, 2008
080831 SUNDAY "FGB Fundraiser team website is up!"
Jasmine nailed her first kipping pull up last week (you can see by the expression on her face that it took a lot of concentration).
Workout:
Perform 1 thruster the first minute, 2 thrusters the second minute, 3 thrusters the third minute and so on until you can no longer complete the number of thrusters in the allotted minute.
advanced: 135lb, intermediate: 95lb, beginner: 65lbs
Post load used and number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Blackberries slow cancer by altering hundreds of genes
The carcinogen affected the activity of some 2,200 genes in the animals' esophagus in only one week, but 460 of those genes were restored to normal activity in animals that consumed freeze-dried black raspberry powder as part of their diet during the exposure.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Below is a link to the Diablo CrossFit Fight Gone Bad Team web page. People wishing to participate at The Shed should register on the 'Athletes for a Cure' website and sign up for the DCF team.
Athletes for a Cure Website for Diablo CrossFit Link
Do it right away so you can invite lots of your friends and family to contribute to the cause. Spectators for the fundraiser are encouraged and there will be prizes and food as well as the event itself.
Make sure you mark your calendar on Saturday, September 27th!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 6:24 PM | Comments (13)
August 24, 2008
080825 MONDAY "Murph"
This is Olive during her warm up (you should see her workout weight).
Workout: "Murph" (same as the CrossFit Mothership)
For time:
1 mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 mile Run
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.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Killer Carbs - Scientist finds a link between aging and overeating
"The more carbs and sugars you eat, the more your appetite-control cells are damaged, and potentially you consume more," Dr Andrews said. . ."A diet rich in carbohydrate and sugar that has become more and more prevalent in modern societies over the last 20-30 years has placed so much strain on our bodies that it's leading to premature cell deterioration," Dr Andrews said. . .
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:36 PM | Comments (23)
080824 SUNDAY "Jimmy's 33rd Birthday"
Rhodes uses the keg as a base for his ring push ups (another picture of a keg? - gasp!)
Workout: "Jimmy's 33rd Birthday" (actually it was on Friday)
Ring push ups with 20 or 40lbs weight vest added.
175lb power cleans
Perform 33 reps of both exercises as fast as possible (mix the order any way desired).
Post time to comments.
Video of Nicole Carrol playing around with ring push ups:
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Article:
Steroids cause serious skin side effect in 21 year old man
(I do think it is interesting that the 21 year old "man" has been using steroids for a "while", and as far as muscle mass goes, it doesn't look like was actually that big. But it is bad news when you mess with your endocrine system. . . also, the pictures are pretty graphic, you have been warned -jj)
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Article:
Positive thinkers may decrease cancer risk
But the researchers admitted that women were questioned after their diagnosis, which might significantly change their outlook on life.
(I would expect it would change their outlook on life significantly. -jj)
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:26 AM | Comments (4)
August 21, 2008
080822 Friday
The pre-WOD procrastination.
Workout:
5 Rounds
1 minute Row (count Calories)
1 minute push press (115# men, 75# women)
1 minute rest
Post total calories/reps to comments
Push Press instructional video from Nicole Carrol and Annie Sakimoto
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Article from Scott Kustes at Modern Forager:
Part 4 What happens to you when you fast: Healing and longevity.
Let’s start with disease. We’ll start with The Big C, cancer, the second-leading cause of death in the United States. All of the studies I found were in rats and mice, but we have to remember that IF is still an emerging science. In our rodent friends, cell proliferation rates are lowered by 25% caloric restriction, but not as much as by Alternate Day Fasting. A report on another study showed that a 5% reduction in calories, but only being fed every other day, also reduced cell proliferation rates.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:19 PM | Comments (8)
August 19, 2008
080820 WEDNDESDAY "How Many Makimbas?"
Darren and Jeremy (your's truly) giving the horns after the 4 x 400m runs workout.
Workout:
Perform as many "Makimbas" in 20 minutes as possible:
1 Makimba =
3 rounds, 15 - 10 - 5 reps of
10lb dumbells (or more if you can handle it)
Burpees
Air squats
Post Number of Makimba's to comments.
Be careful you don't get Rhabdomyolysis.
Click here for CrossFit Kids doing a single Makimba Video
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"Hump Day" Article:
Contraceptive Pill May Affect Women's Partner Choice
"Disturbing a woman's instinctive attraction to genetically different men could result in difficulties when trying to conceive, an increased risk of miscarriage and long intervals between pregnancies. Passing on a lack of diverse genes to a child could also weaken their immune system. . ."
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Article:
Happiness the Key to Longer Life
"After reviewing 30 studies carried out worldwide over periods ranging from one to 60 years, the Dutch professor said the effects of happiness on longevity were "comparable to that of smoking or not".That special flair for feeling good, he said, could lengthen life by between 7.5 and 10 years. . ."
Post Thoughts To Comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:18 PM | Comments (10)
August 14, 2008
080814 THURSDAY
+++ Bring your favorite Health, Nutrition, and Fitness Books (2 or 3) to the Friends and Family Day so that people can can check out what to read +++
Darren doing some tire flips while everyone watches from the shade.
Workout:
4 rounds for time,
Run 400m
Rest 2 minutes
Post total time to comments.
Afterward, practice weighted ring dips 5, 5, 5, 5, 5
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Article:
Part 2: What Happens To Your Body When You Fast? - Playing With Hormones (from Scott Kustes again).
Last time, we started looking at the physiological effects of fasting. I first looked at it from the perspective of energy production. As we saw, fasting has several effects on hormones, such as glucagon, epinephrine, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). These hormonal effects allow the body to tap into its stored energy reserves so you can keep on trucking. Today, I want to look at a few additional hormonal effects. Part of the problem we run into is that studies thus far have been done on long-term fasting of multiple days, whereas we’re more interested in the short-term effects of Intermittent Fasting. So we’re going to have to do some educated theorizing. . .. . .If we look at growth hormone (hGH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), we also see increases during fasting. As Robb pointed out, these two hormones “are crucial in actions such as tissue repair, hypertrophy, DNA repair, lypolysis, and, to some degree, strength.” That seems to bode well for those of us engaged in intense activity and could explain why so many people report improved workout recovery while IFing. And while IGF has been linked to some forms of cancer, animals tested on IF protocols have shown increased IGF levels, but decreased levels of disease. . .
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:43 AM | Comments (14)
August 11, 2008
080812 TUESDAY
Matt E and Sean P giving it all up on the Newbie WOD Squats.
Workout:
1 pull up the first minute, 2 pull ups the second minute, 3 pull ups the third minute. . . go for as many rounds as possible until you can't do the number of pull ups required in the allotted minute for that round.
Advanced: start with 45lbs added, then drop to 20lbs when you can't keep up, then go do no weight added.
Post rounds (and loads if used) to comments.
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Article:
Running (exercise) can slow aging process
The work tracked 500 older runners for more than 20 years, comparing them to a similar group of non-runners. All were in their 50s at the start of the study.Nineteen years into the study, 34% of the non-runners had died compared to only 15% of the runners. . ..
Running not only appeared to slow the rate of heart and artery related deaths, but was also associated with fewer early deaths from cancer, neurological disease, infections and other causes.
And there was no evidence that runners were more likely to suffer osteoarthritis or need total knee replacements than non-runners - something scientists have feared. . .
Post Thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:31 PM | Comments (7)
August 2, 2008
080803 SUNDAY
Moises dominating the wheelbarrow during the Sheriff's Challenge last weekend. Congrats Mo!
More Pictures of Mo at the Challenge can be found Here.
Workout:
6 rounds for time,
Run 400m
Rest 2 minutes
Practice good running form, Use the POSE Method.
Post Time to Comments.
This month's (Issue 43 for August 2008) Performance Menu has a great article on POSE running. Be sure to check it out! (Click the link on the right --->)
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Article:
Post Thoughts to Comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:19 PM | Comments (6)
August 1, 2008
080802 SATURDAY
Bryan and Shannon S. (doing Single Arm Snatches above) will be representing Diablo CrossFit this weekend on their 100 mile bike ride (with over 8000 ft of elevation!) wearing their new DCF T-shirts. Be sure to ask them how it was when they get back next week.
Workout (From the CrossFit Mainpage Today):
85 pound Thruster, 21 reps
15 Pull-ups
Row 750 meters
85 pound Thruster, 18 reps
12 Pull-ups
Row 500 meters
85 pound Thruster, 15 reps
9 Pull-ups
Rest 2 minutes between each round. Time each round separately and post times to comments.
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Article:
Brain plays key role in appetite by burning fat for energy and regulating free radicals
"Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found the brain's appetite center uses fat for fuel by involving oxygen free radicals—molecules associated with aging and neurodegeneration. . .""In contrast to the accepted view, the brain does use fat as fuel," said Horvath. "Our study shows that the minute-by-minute control of appetite is regulated by free radicals, implying that if you interfere with free radicals, you may affect eating and satiety. . ."
The results also imply, added Horvath, "that each time a feeling of fullness or satiety is reached during a meal, you may be chipping away some time from your maximum lifespan as the most free radicals are produced when satiety-promoting brain cells are active."
Another clue to the lifespan and health benefits of Intermittent Fasting? -jj
Post Thoughts To Comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:08 AM | Comments (4)
July 27, 2008
080727 MONDAY
Tanya showing good dumbbell thruster form while Mark watches like a hawk for any flaws.
Workout:
10 rounds
100m sprint
1 minute rest
Afterward, 3 rounds of holding an L sit as long as possible.
Post total time for sprints and total time for L sits to comments.
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Article:
Stress in Men linked to higher Type II Diabetes Risk
The men with the highest levels of psychological distress were 2.2 times more likely to develop the condition than those with the lowest levels.Further analysis showed the link was independent of other factors including age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, smoking, physical activity and socio-economic background.
In the women assessed in the same study, there was no increased risk of diabetes in those with high levels of psychological distress.
Post Thoughts To Comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:10 PM | Comments (9)
080727 MONDAY
Tanya showing good dumbbell thruster form while Mark watches like a hawk for any flaws.
Workout:
10 rounds
100m sprint
1 minute rest
Afterward, 3 rounds of holding an L sit as long as possible.
Post total time for sprints and total time for L sits to comments.
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Article:
Stress in Men linked to higher Type II Diabetes Risk
The men with the highest levels of psychological distress were 2.2 times more likely to develop the condition than those with the lowest levels.Further analysis showed the link was independent of other factors including age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, smoking, physical activity and socio-economic background.
In the women assessed in the same study, there was no increased risk of diabetes in those with high levels of psychological distress.
Post Thoughts To Comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:10 PM | Comments (9)
July 21, 2008
080722 TUESDAY
Some of our evening class "Team 1800" doing the 'walking lunges of death' workout (a workout with over 400m of weighted walking lunges).
Workout - This one is great when you don't have any equipment (such as when you are in a hotel, in a waiting room, incarcerated, etc), but you want to work on strength and not just push ups and air squats.
As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes:
5 one legged squats (aka pistols) right leg
5 one legged squats (aka pistols) left leg
5 handstand push ups
Use a wall (counter top, etc) for balance or assistance on the pistols. And a wall for balance on the HSPUs.
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
More Seniors Hit the Gym (from USA Today)
. . .
In a study published in January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that regular use of Medicare-sponsored health club benefits was associated with lower long-term health care costs. Researchers determined that Silver Sneakers members who went to the gym two or more times a week over two years averaged at least $1,252 less in health care costs than those who visited a gym less than once a week over the same period.
Click 'Continue Reading' below for entire article.
By Maureen McKinney
Four years ago, Andrew Dancy, 80, received a card in the mail advertising a free gym membership through his Medicare provider, Humana, and the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program. Dancy, who had never belonged to a gym, absentmindedly added the mailer to a stack of papers on a kitchen shelf.
A few months later, after his wife of 52 years died, Dancy was wandering around the house when he saw the edge of the card sticking out of the pile.
"I pulled the card out, saw that it wasn't expired and thought, 'Well, I guess I'll give this a try,'" Dancy says. "I must have kept that card for a reason."
After a brief tour of the YMCA near his home in Cicero, Ill., just outside Chicago, Dancy began attending Silver Sneakers group fitness classes and exercising in the center's upstairs weight room. It wasn't easy, Dancy says, but after a few visits, he was hooked.
For many, it's the first time
Silver Sneakers is just one of the many programs aimed at the growing senior fitness market. The company partners with more than 40 Medicare health plans and Medicare Supplement Providers nationwide, which then offer the program to their members at no additional cost aside from their premiums, says Tricia Grayson, director of external communications for Silver Sneakers.
The average age of participants is 73, and 57% of those say they have never had a gym membership before joining, says Jennifer Fitzgerald, Silver Sneakers' account manager. After joining, 68% of members say they are exercising for 30 minutes at a time, three or more days per week.
In a study published in January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that regular use of Medicare-sponsored health club benefits was associated with lower long-term health care costs. Researchers determined that Silver Sneakers members who went to the gym two or more times a week over two years averaged at least $1,252 less in health care costs than those who visited a gym less than once a week over the same period.
"The insurance industry and other large organizations are focusing much more energy on preventive maintenance like this," says Cheryl Green, director of fitness and wellness at the Pav YMCA in Berwyn, Ill., where Dancy works out.
"Seniors who exercise often don't need to go to the doctor as much. They can come here and spend time with their peers, and then they feel better able to do things like grocery shop for themselves. They're also more committed to the program because they realize how precious their quality of life is."
Although the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program has been around since the early '90s, interest has been increasing steadily in recent years, Grayson says. In the past year, enrollment in the program grew by 32%, and participation also rose by 25%, she says. "We expanded into 24 new markets in 2008 and 27 new markets in 2007."
Personal trainers are taking notice, says Janie Clark, president of the American Senior Fitness Association, which specializes in education and certification for senior personal trainers. "When we started in the early 1990s, personal training for anyone was still very rare, and it was basically unheard of for seniors," Clark says. "Now we're getting calls from senior centers and gyms, clamoring for specialized trainers and information about the correct activity choices, equipment and recruitment."
Several factors are behind the shift, Clark says. For one, research has demonstrated the importance of regular exercise for seniors.
"Twenty years ago, personal trainers were afraid to do any kind of real, strenuous training with older adults," she says. "They were so cautious that the exercises they were doing were often not even effective."
Now, after much-needed research, Clark says, it is more widely known that strength training improves seniors' cardiovascular health and can help prevent falls. As older adults become better educated about the benefits of exercise, they also seek out programs on their own, Clark says.
"They want to be independent for as long as they can be, and they know that physical fitness is a big part of that."
Something to look forward to
Staying independent was a motivating factor for Dancy, who says he has increased strength and mobility after three years of frequent exercise. Now he wakes up before the sun rises just so he can be waiting when the fitness center opens its doors at a quarter to six. He is at the YMCA for an hour and a half each day, seven days a week, he says.
"It's something I look forward to," says Dancy, who also enjoys the social benefits of going to the gym. "It got me out of the house and now, I feel like I can get around easier and faster than a lot of people who are quite a bit younger than me. I feel like a spring chicken."
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:27 PM | Comments (4)
July 20, 2008
080721 MONDAY
Carry, Chanda, Jimmy and Mark spend some time on the floor after today's WOD.
Workout:
4 rounds for time.
10 Sumo Deadlift High Pull (135lb men, 95 women)
10 Floor wipers to each side (20 total) use the same bar as above.
10 Floor circles (5 clockwise, and 5 counter clockwise)
10 Walking lunges each leg (20 total) 45lb dumbbells men, 25lb dbs women
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Lessons from Luigi (and Mike from The IF Life)
. . .an individual who was dying at 40 years of age brought himself to a state of good health in less than one year, and through the careful exercise of self-control prolonged his life to 102 years of age with the full preservation of all his faculties to the very end. The living of each day was a joy in his life at all times.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:50 PM | Comments (2)
July 13, 2008
080714 MONDAY
Darren gives the Double Diablos
Workout:
Overhead Squat
5,5,5,5,5
Post loads to comments.
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Article:
Scientists learn how food affects mental health
Omega-3 fatty acids — found in salmon, walnuts and kiwi fruit — provide many benefits, including improving learning and memory and helping to fight against such mental disorders as depression and mood disorders, schizophrenia, and dementia, said Gómez-Pinilla, a member of UCLA's Brain Research Institute and Brain Injury Research Center. . ."Dietary deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in humans has been associated with increased risk of several mental disorders, including attention-deficit disorder, dyslexia, dementia, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia," he said. "A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in rodents results in impaired learning and memory.". . .
Preliminary results from a study in England show that school performance improved among a group of students receiving omega-3 fatty acids. In an Australian study, 396 children between the ages 6 and 12 who were given a drink with omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients (iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, B12 and C) showed higher scores on tests measuring verbal intelligence and learning and memory after six months and one year than a control group of students who did not receive the nutritional drink. This study was also conducted with 394 children in Indonesia. . .
A long-term study that included more than 100 years of birth, death, health and genealogical records for 300 Swedish families in an isolated village showed that an individual's risk for diabetes and early death increased if his or her paternal grandparents grew up in times of food abundance rather than food shortage.
"Evidence indicates that what you eat can affect your grandchildren's brain molecules and synapses," Gómez-Pinilla said. "We are trying to find the molecular basis to explain this."
Controlled meal-skipping or intermittent caloric restriction might provide health benefits, he said.
Excess calories can reduce the flexibility of synapses and increase the vulnerability of cells to damage by causing the formation of free radicals. Moderate caloric restriction could protect the brain by reducing oxidative damage to cellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, Gómez-Pinilla said. . .
In patients with major depression and schizophrenia, levels of a signaling molecule known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, are reduced. Antidepressants elevate BDNF levels, and most treatments for depression and schizophrenia stimulate BDNF. Here, too, omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial, as is the curry spice curcumin, which has been shown to reduce memory deficits in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and brain trauma. BDNF is most abundant in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus — brain areas associated with cognitive and metabolic regulation.
The high consumption of curcumin in India may contribute to the low prevalence of Alzheimer's disease on the subcontinent. . .
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:02 PM | Comments (5)
July 1, 2008
080702 WEDNESDAY
+++GO TO THE CROSSFIT GAMES BLOG FOR COMPETITION DETAILS WED NIGHT+++
+++REMINDER: The Shed will be closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for the CF Games. Anyone who would like to meet us there will receive a free workout.+++
Sheriff Bryan had to stop by and give Jorgy (above) and Rick (below) speeding tickets. . .
For doing "Fran" in sub 3 minutes and the "Filthy Fifty" in sub 14 minutes!!! F-ing Strong work guys!
Workout: 2 rounds for time,
50 doubleunders
40 pull ups
30 lunge steps with two dumbbells (alternating R,L) women: 25lb dbs, men: 45lb dbs
20 Deadlifts, women: 135, men: 225
10 Handstand push ups.
Post time to comments.
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Load up on your good cholesterol to avoid Alzheimer's
The researchers found that people with low levels of HDL were 53% more likely to suffer memory loss compared with the people with the highest levels of HDL.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:21 PM | Comments (19)
June 18, 2008
080619 THURSDAY
++== 8:00 AM CLASS CANCELED TODAY!! ==++
Jimmy and Brian dominating with the 20lb weight vests.
Workout:
5 rounds:
1 minute max reps weighted pull ups (20lb vest or 45lb dumbell)
1 minute max reps OHS (65lb or 115lb)
200m sprint timed
1 minute rest
Add up total reps for the pull ups and OHS, add up all the seconds from the sprints. Divide reps by seconds for score. Post total reps, total seconds, and score to comments.
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Quadruple Whammy of sleep study articles:
Lack of sleep linked to mortality in older men
Another key study finding is that men with more robust rest/activity rhythms had much lower mortality rates. Having greater levels of activity during the day and/or lower levels of activity during the night (better sleep quality) are characteristics of robust rhythms.
Teens perform better when starting school an hour later
Delaying an adolescent’s school start time by one hour has a positive effect on his or her cognitive performance. . .
Restricted sleep causes increases in high carb 'snack foods'
According to the results, when bedtimes were restricted to five-and-a-half hours study subjects consumed more energy from snacks. The carbohydrate content of ingested snacks also increased for this group.
The authors concluded that factors such as longer exposure to an environment with unlimited access to food and changes in reward seeking and motivation may underlie the increased consumption of snacks associated with recurrent bedtime curtailment.
Bright lights and melatonin helps elderly patients with dementia
The researchers found that bright light lessened cognitive deterioration by a relative 5 percent, reduced depressive symptoms by a relative 19 percent and diminished the gradual increase in functional limitations by a relative 53 percent.
Melatonin reduced the time to fall asleep by a relative 19 percent and increased total sleep duration by 6 percent, but adversely affected caregiver ratings of withdrawn behavior and mood expressions. The addition of bright light improved the adverse effect on mood. In combination with bright light, melatonin reduced aggressive behavior by a relative 9 percent.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:23 PM | Comments (11)
June 15, 2008
080616 MONDAY "That was Easy"
*** TUES. 8AM CLASS CANCELED, MUAY THAI CANCELED THURS & SATURDAY *** (Luca is getting a much needed vacation).
Quote of the week: "I would say 'that the only easy day was yesterday', but I know that I won't be sore from yesterday until tomorrow."
Workout:
Power Snatch 1 rep
Overhead Squat 2 rep
Start at a moderate weight (50%-70% of your approximate OHS max), add increments of 10 lbs (if you can power snatch more than 95) or increments of 5 lbs until failure. Back off one increment and perform as many OHS as possible with that weight.
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"The only fat loss guide you will ever need"
From "The IF Life" Blog (Mike's Stuff is phenomenal).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:50 PM | Comments (8)
June 14, 2008
080615 SUNDAY
*** SUNDAY NOON GROUP WORKOUT CANCELLED - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! ***
Dustin came to the Shed a little early for his workout and decided that he would try for a muscle up again. He cranked one out first try (and then did more later): ANIMAL.
Workout:
30 Muscle Ups for time.
(If you cannot do muscle ups, do 60 weighted pull ups with 20 lbs added, and 60 ring dips with 20 lbs added. Doing them on the rings is preferred).
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Japanese government wages war on waistlines (NYT article)
Under a national law that came into effect two months ago, companies and local governments must now measure the waistlines of Japanese people between the ages of 40 and 74 as part of their annual checkups. That represents more than 56 million waistlines, or about 44 percent of the entire population.
Those exceeding government limits — 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women. . .
To reach its goals of shrinking the overweight population by 10 percent over the next four years and 25 percent over the next seven years, the government will impose financial penalties on companies and local governments that fail to meet specific targets. . .
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:39 PM | Comments (6)
June 7, 2008
080608 SUNDAY
What Jenny is doing with the box over Jorgy's head, we can only guess.
Workout: Hill Sprints
Find the steepest hill you can find (the DCF hill works great, but a nice sand dune would be even better). Mark off 30 meters.
Perform 10 runs up the hill with a 2 minute rest and a walk back down after each sprint.
Post total time to comments.
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A better angle on our BBQ! Everybody (including DCF babies) is on camera! Nice horns, gang!
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Article: Brief, Intense Exercise Can Benefit The Heart, Study Shows
Short bursts of high intensity sprints--known to benefit muscle and improve exercise performance--can improve the function and structure of blood vessels, in particular arteries that deliver blood to our muscles and heart, according to new research from McMaster University. . .
"As we age, the arteries become stiffer and tend to lose their ability to dilate, and these effects contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease," says Maureen MacDonald, academic advisor and an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology. "More detrimental is the effect that blood vessel stiffening has on the heart, which has to circulate blood".
The research compared individuals who completed interval training using 30-second "all-out" sprints three days a week to a group who completed between 40 and 60 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling five days a week.
It found that six weeks of intense sprint interval exercise training improves the structure and function of arteries as much as traditional and longer endurance exercise with larger time commitment. . .
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 6:57 PM | Comments (9)
June 6, 2008
080607 SATURDAY
Bryan, Carry and Kelly duke it out with Fran.
Workout:
3,3,3,3,3,3,3,3
Alternating between the following two exercise (doing 8 rounds of each)
Squat Clean
Split Jerk
After warming up, work in the 80% of your max single or higher. Add weight each round if possible.
Post loads to comments.
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Article:
Some defects in DNA might be able to be fixed with vitamins and minerals
"Our studies have convinced us that there is a lot of variation in the population in these enzymes, and a lot of it affects function, and a lot of it is responsive to vitamins," Marini said. "I wouldn't be surprised if everybody is going to require a different optimal dose of vitamins based on their genetic makeup, based upon the kind of variance they are harboring in vitamin-dependent enzymes." . . .
"Our soldiers, like top athletes, operate under extreme conditions that may well be limited by their physiology," Rine said. "We're now working with the defense department to identify variants of enzymes that are remediable, and ultimately hope to identify troops that have these variants and test whether performance can be enhanced by appropriate supplementation." . . .
Since this experiment, the researchers have found 30 other variants of the MTHFR enzyme and tested about 15 of them, "and more than half interfere with the function of the enzyme, producing a hundred-fold range of enzyme activity. The majority of these can be either partially or completely restored to normal activity by adding more folate. And that is a surprise," Rine said. . .
Most scientists think that harmful mutations are disfavored by evolution, but Rine pointed out that this applies only to mutations that affect reproductive fitness. Mutations that affect our health in later years are not efficiently removed by evolution and may remain in our genome forever. . .
"There are over 600 human enzymes that use vitamins or minerals as cofactors, and this study reports just what we found by studying one of them," Rine said. "What this means is that, even if the odds of an individual having a defect in one gene is low, with 600 genes, we are all likely to have some mutations that limit one or more of our enzymes."
The subtle effects of variation in enzyme activity may well account for conflicting results of some clinical trials, including the confusing data on the effect of vitamin supplements, he noted. In the future, the enzyme profile of research subjects will have to be taken into account in analyzing the outcome of clinical trials. . .
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:52 PM | Comments (0)
May 30, 2008
080531 SATURDAY
Mike and Jorgy team lifting the big tire. . . Yes it took a few tries.
Workout:
4 rounds
500m Row
125 press to failure, push press to failure, push jerk to failure
rest 1 minute
Post row times and total number of presses to comments.
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Great Article from Lisabeth Darsh at Crossfit Watertown:
I refuse to become one of the walking undead. The unwell. The quitters, the complainers, the crybabies. Those who say “Oh, well, I’m fat” and just accept it. Those who don't even try. Those who won’t get off the couch and on the road to anything but the drive-through. I am so done with them.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:11 PM | Comments (8)
May 8, 2008
080509 FRIDAY "Diablo Diane"
Team 0600 dress code: Beanie, 20 lb weight vest, CrossFit Infidel shirt.
Workout:
"Diablo Diane" aka "Interval Diane"
5 rounds
30 seconds of 225 lb dead lifts
30 seconds of hand stand push ups
60 seconds rest
Post number of reps to comments.
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Video: Jon Gilson from Again Faster dishes out some help on the ever elusive Muscle Up.
Achieving the Muscle-up from Patrick Cummings on Vimeo.
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Article:
People with mentally demanding jobs reap cognitive benefits later in life
"Doing a job that is intellectually demanding creates thinking abilities that pay dividends into retirement -- regardless of intelligence or years of education, according to new research from the Duke University Medical Center."
In short. . .never stop learning, never stop challenging yourself. -jj
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:26 PM | Comments (19)
April 22, 2008
080423 WEDNESDAY "Jax", a couple birthdays, and the FF Challenge
Jimmy and JJ represent.
Workout: "Jax"
Not technically one of the ladies or one of the heroes, we dubbed this workout after the heroic effort that my son Jax is putting my wife through on her last legs of pregnancy.
All exercises completed with 20lb weight vest.
1 minute ring push ups
1 minute power clean 135 lbs
1 minute box jumps
1 minute rest
5 rounds for time.
Post total reps completed to comments.
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"Perls said the secret to a long life is now believed to be a mix of genetics and environmental factors such as health habits. He said his research on about 1,500 centenarians hints at another factor that may protect people from illnesses such as heart attacks and stroke - they appear not to dwell on stressful events.
"They seem to manage their stress better than the rest of us," he said. "
Post thoughts to comments.
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Speaking of Birthdays, today is Team 0600 Kelly's Birthday! She opted to use her birthday to get some 'all too important' sleep, but we can't wait to see her Friday.
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CrossFit Affiliate Article:
The Toughest Two Minutes
by Jon Gilson, Again Faster
Dubbed "the toughest two minutes in sports" by ESPN, the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge is tailor-made for CrossFitters. The participants, all active firefighters, scale a five-story tower with a 45-pound high-rise pack, pull a second pack up from the ground, rocket back down the tower, and hit every step en route. Picking up a 9-pound plastic hammer, they drive a 160-pound slug three feet along a skid. Abandoning this setup, the firefighters sprint through a serpentine course, pick up a charged fire hose, and drag it thirty feet through a pair of saloon doors. Pulling a handle, they unleash a jet of water on a circular target.
Ten feet distant, 175 pounds of dead weight waits for rescue. Grabbing the man-sized dummy around the torso, the firefighters backpedal fifty feet to the finish line, collapsing to the ground to the sound of a buzzer. The best athletes run the course in under 1:30.
Click here to continue reading. (Link: http://www.againfaster.com/articles/the-toughest-two-minutes.html)
Brandon Cunningham from Patrick Cummings on Vimeo.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:34 PM | Comments (11)
April 8, 2008
080416 WEDNESDAY
JJ sporting his high end "Keg Lifting Championship" T shirt.
Workout:
Accumulate in as few intervals as possible -
4 total minutes of static hanging on a pull up bar
3 total minutes of a hand stand against a wall
2 total minutes of L-sit
Mix in-between exercises as needed. The clock for each exercise only counts while in the proper position.
Post total time to comments as well as number of sets used.
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Article:
Study: Over the counter pain medication increases muscle mass and strength
"Thirty-six men and women, between 60 and 78 years of age (average age 65), were randomly assigned to daily dosages of either ibuprofen (such as that in Advil), acetaminophen (such as that in Tylenol), or a placebo. . .
All subjects participated in three months of weight training, 15-20 minute sessions conducted in the Human Performance Laboratory three times per week. The researchers knew from their own and other studies that training at this intensity and for this time period would significantly increase muscle mass and strength. They expected the placebo group to show such increases, as its members did, but they were surprised to find that the groups using either ibuprofen or acetaminophen did even better.
An earlier study from the laboratory, measuring muscle metabolism (or more precisely, muscle protein synthesis, the mechanism through which new protein is added to muscle), had looked at changes over a 24 hour period. This "acute" study found that both ibuprofen and acetaminophen had a negative impact, by blocking a specific enzyme cyclooxygenase, commonly referred to as COX.
But that study looked at only one day. Over three months, says Dr. Trappe, the chronic consumption of ibuprofen or acetaminophen during resistance training appears to have induced intramuscular changes that enhance the metabolic response to resistance exercise, allowing the body to add substantially more new protein to muscle. . ."
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:37 PM | Comments (8)
April 4, 2008
080405 SATURDAY
Blood on the bar, blood on the mat. Jimmy sacrifices a little blood for our Hero Randy Simmons.
Injuries do not have to be a part of training, but if you are ramping up intensity and trying to find your limits, injuries can (and will) happen. Going too intense too often or too soon will usually guarantee and accident and injury. How hard an athlete pushes them self is entirely personal and arbitrary. Don't push hard enough, and progress will be slower. Push too hard and progress will stop (and possibly regress) due to catastrophic injury.
Generally I believe in the 80 / 20 rule here. 80% of the time you should be doing movements with as much intensity as possible while adhering to strict form and safety. About 20% of the time (sometimes at the end of the workout, the last round, during a PR, etc) the 'intensity dial' should be turned up to find out where your current limit is (your limit will be ever changing, and it improves most the more you test it). Sometimes you won't even hit your limit, and sometimes you will bash your shin with the bar during "Randy" and draw a little blood - then don't even notice until a few minutes after you yell "TIME!". -jj
Workout (From Catalyst Athletics):
* Power snatch + snatch balance - 60% (of snatch) x 3 sets
* Power clean + push press + jerk – 55% (of clean) x 3 sets
* Overhead squat - 80% of snatch x 2 x 3
4 rounds for time:
100 m sprint
8 box jumps - mid-thigh height+
Post numbers and questions to comments.
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Article:
Post thoughts to comments.
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Stavros after giving it his all:
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:11 PM | Comments (15)
March 31, 2008
080331 MONDAY
We've created a monster: Mo with his 449 "personal record" deadlift.
Workout: "Fran"
"Fran"
Three rounds, 21-15- and 9 reps, for time of:
95 pound Thruster
Pull-ups
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Life expectancy increase only for educated, others reap no benefit
"It's no secret that over the last few decades, life expectancy in the United States has been rising. However, recent data shows that not everyone has benefited from this encouraging trend. New findings from Harvard Medical School and Harvard University demonstrate that individuals with more than 12 years of education have significantly longer life expectancy than those who never went beyond high school."
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:13 AM | Comments (19)
March 26, 2008
080326 WEDNESDAY
Myself showing the camera how much I enjoyed the 30 muscle up workout on Monday.
Sorry for the late post folks. The day got busy. . . and then I ended up at the hospital last night.
I ripped both my wrists during the 30 muscle ups for time workout from the CrossFit mainpage on Monday. No big deal, done it a few times. In fact, they didn't even bleed. I just lost a layer of skin. Tuesday afternoon I noticed a red line of inflammation going up my left arm.
I have seen it before, and I was pretty sure what it was. I called the advice nurse and they confirmed that I needed to go to the hospital right away because the little 'scratch' I had was "streaking" and that was a sign of blood poisoning.
After about 5 hours at the hospital, I was discharged after 1am. I got my Tetnus booster shot, an IV full of antibiotics and a bandage on my wrist. In the wait room, I also determined that "American Idol" has got to be one of the most annoying shows and that I'll never understand why people enjoy it. I think I would rather watch television in Japan (and that's saying a lot).
I guess the lesson is to pay attention even to minor injuries you have experienced in the past, and make sure you clean and cover any open cuts or abrasions before going on with your daily stuff.
I would like to mention that I do not think it was the rings that caused the infection. I believe that it happened some time in the next 24 hours when I didn't address my wrist at all.
Thanks to Jimmy and Kelly for holding down the fort and running the 0600 class for me. It is probably a good thing I didn't try and make it. I would have been very grumpy and it would have been hard not to take it out on our 0600 team.
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Article:
Women need to eat more protein. Especially when they get older (link)
"The researchers, from the University of Nottingham in the UK and Washington University School of Medicine in the US, speculated that the inability of the female body to perform the same function as effectively was linked to the hormonal changes of the menopause."
". . .From the age of 50 onwards, people lose up to 0.4% of muscle mass every year.
This can make them less mobile and at a higher risk of a life-threatening fall. At present, half of all elderly people who suffer a serious fall die within two years. "
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 1:29 PM | Comments (13)
March 24, 2008
080325 TUESDAY
TUESDAY MORNING
Oh the fun we have at the Shed
Lose your Breakfast with Luca:
4 Rounds for time of:
10 Turkish Get Up/Lunge, Lunge/ Lie Down(5 each arm 20%BW)
10 DB Power Cleans(20%BW)
400m Run
Post time and comments
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It's official low fat diets are wrongRead the article here
"Low-fat diets didn’t reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer or invasive breast cancer, according to three large studies published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The researchers divided 48,835 women into two groups based on diet-- one group with 19,541 women consumed a low fat diet and the other group with 29,294 women consumed their usual diets -- and followed the women for 8.1 years."
". . . Politically correct dietary theory, for example, postulates that high-fat diets -- particularly diets high in animal and saturated fats – can raise cholesterol levels to unhealthy levels. But in the much-vaunted Framingham Heart Study involving 5,200 men and women who have been extensively studied in over 1,000 published reports since 1948, high cholesterol levels were not associated with increased heart disease risk after age 47.
After age 47, in fact, those whose cholesterol went down had the highest risk of a heart attack. “For each 1 mg/dl drop of cholesterol there was an 11 percent increase in coronary and total mortality,” reported the study's authors."
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The 7 people at Monday's 0600 class was already a blur of motion before sunrise. What were you doing?
Workout:
As many times as possible, complete the following exercises
20 sledge hammer swings (15lb men / 10lb women)
20 dumbbell push presses (35lb men / 15lb women)
100m dumbbell farmer walk (45lb men / 30lb women)
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"God's Workout" - By Virginia Heffernan (a non CrossFiter).
"The superfit walk among us. They saunter or strut, depending on whether they’re showcasing their magnificent agility or their oxlike strength. They ignore the chatter in the health media over treadmill technique and pedometer steps. They scoff even at seemingly rigorous practices like Mysore Ashtanga yoga and marathon training. They are America’s self-styled fitness elite, adherents of a punishing online exercise regime called CrossFit, which orders its followers to cultivate a distinctly martial — not to say paranoid — ideal of “physical preparedness. . .”
And Lisabeth Darsh owner/trainer from CrossFit Watertown has already issued a response:
CrossFit: Preparing for Imagined Moments of Heroism
"Let’s hope that Virginia Heffernan is right and we’re wrong. Let’s hope, like she writes in her New York Times article (God's Workout), that we CrossFitters are preparing for "an imagined moment of heroism that may never come." May all of our efforts at achieving a fighting level of General Physical Preparedness (GPP) just be the result of succumbing to ridiculous hyperbole designed to make us buy into Greg Glassman’s crazy dream of bringing people home alive. Let’s hope (outside of the military, fire, and law enforcement personnel among us) that we civilians and desk jockeys never once have to use physical strength to survive in this world.
That’s a big hope. . ."
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:09 PM | Comments (13)
March 13, 2008
080314 FRIDAY
***0600 FRIDAY MORNING CLASS CANCELED THIS WEEK (MARCH 14th)***
Jorgy loves the Concept 2 rowing erg.
Workout:
Deadlift
5,3,3,2,2,2,1,1,1,1
Post loads to comments.
Afterward - practice handstands.
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Article(s):
Are you taking your Fish Oil pills?
At DCF we do feel that natural foods are the best way to go, and any supplementation is ancillary with few exceptions. One of them is Fish Oil, or more specifically Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Why are our diets so lacking? First of all, if you eat wild tuna, mackerel, sardines and salmon regularly (almost every day) you probably aren't lacking. These fish are full of 'fish oil' (hence the name). But if you also eat wild game meat (Buffalo, Elk, Deer, etc) you are probably in the clear as well. Grass fed beef also is a winner when it comes to Omega-3s. These meats are are not fed with grain or corn, therefore their meat is has about the same amount of Omega-3s as the fish!
You read that correctly. Grass fed beef and wild game meat is full of the best type of fat, and is probably as healthy as eating fish. So if you aren't a big fish fan, start ordering buffalo instead, and get to Trader Joe's for some pretty decent grass fed beef. Coincidentally, our hunter-gatherer (see genetic) ancestors only had access to wild fish and game, therefore their diets were chock full of these good fats.
All that being said, fish and grass fed beef are hard to get every day. And if you don't cook and eat grass fed beef right away it can take on that "gamey" flavor everyone hates. That is where Fish Oil Pills come in. Go out, buy some fish oil pills and take a few with every meal. Reap the rewards without dealing with "fishiness" or "gameyness".
Today's articles focus on Omega-3s and brain function, but the benefits don't stop there. Look through the archives for a ton of more articles on Fish Oil and Omega-3s.
Typical low Omega 3 diet of Americans place kids brains at risk
Fish Oils could protect the brain from decline
Omega 3's protect against Parkinsons, study says
Eating Fish, Omega-3s, fruit and veggies lowers risk of memory problems
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:52 PM | Comments (5)
March 7, 2008
080307 FRIDAY "CrossFit Total"
Moises is one of the most recent inductees to the Muscle Up Club (a few weeks ago anyway).
Workout:
"CrossFit Total"
Work up to your 1 rep max in the following exercises, taking as much time as needed.
Back Squat
Strict Press
Deadlift
Post loads and combined total to comments.
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Video: Attitude means more than limitations.
(He plays baseball too)
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Article(s):
Low testosterone linked to depression
"A study of about 4,000 men aged over 70 found those with lowest testosterone were three times more likely to be depressed than those with the most."
"They found those men whose level of free testosterone was in the bottom 20% were three times more likely to be depressed than those in the top 20%."
"A previous study of 800 men over the age of 50 found that those with low levels of testosterone had a 33% increased risk of death over an 18-year period than those with higher levels."
"Testosterone replacement therapy has also been shown to help elderly men with mild Alzheimer's disease.
Research has suggested that levels of testosterone in men of all ages are falling."
Exercise prescribed to help depression in UK
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:16 PM | Comments (6)
March 4, 2008
080305 WEDNESDAY "Filthy Fifty"
Darren left a puddle at the Shed so big it didn't go away after 4 hours (after we disinfected the floor). He also just completed "Linda" as prescribed at 215 bodyweight! (322 deadlift, 215 bench, and 162.5 clean) STRONG WORK.
Workout:
"Filthy Fifty"
For time:
50 Box jump, 24 inch box
50 Jumping pull-ups
50 Kettlebell swings, 1 pood
Walking Lunge, 50 steps
50 Knees to elbows
50 Push press, 45 pounds
50 Back extensions
50 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball
50 Burpees
50 Double unders
Post time to comments.
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Video: You're never too old to start. You're never too old to lift. You're never too old to kick ass.
Now shut up and go lift.
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Article(s):
Exercise linked to lowered stroke risk
“This study is the first to suggest that there may be a significant independent association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and fatal and nonfatal stroke in men and nonfatal stroke in women,”
"Men in the top quartile (25 percent) of CRF level had a 40 percent lower relative risk of stroke compared to men in the lowest quartile."
"Among women, those in the higher CRF level had a 43 percent lower relative risk than those in the lowest fitness level."
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For more information about training into the "golden years" be sure to check out Clarance Bass' website (it is on our "Friends" list for a reason!)
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:27 PM | Comments (14)
February 21, 2008
080222 FRIDAY *Updated* - Josh
Jimmy snuggles up to the bar after "The Bear" bar complex.
Workout:
Classic from the CrossFit Mothership (and especially good if you don't have any equipment).
4 rounds for time:
Run 400m
50 squats
Post time to comments.
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Articles:
Fit elderly boosts survival rates
"Scientists found 70-year-olds who take regular exercise, eat well, and do not smoke greatly increase their chance of living until 90.
The researchers estimate that longevity is only at most 30% down to our genes - the rest is down to lifestyle factors. . .
----ODDS OF LIVING TO 90---
No risk factors: (Non-smoker, normal blood pressure, normal weight, no diabetes, regular exerciser): 54%
One risk factor:
Sedentary lifestyle: 44%
High blood pressure: 36%
Obese: 26%
Smoker: 22%
Three risk factors (for instance, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes): 14%
All five risk factors: 4%
(All odds for a 70-year-old man)"
Why exercise gets harder with age
"Dr Gerald Shulman, who led the research, said: "The message is that, with ageing, the AMPK pathway has reduced activity."
He said this meant a person would have to work harder when trying to maintain the same benefits from exercise as they did when they were young.
"AMPK activity in our skeletal muscle is probably a good thing because it activation stimulates glucose uptake, increases fat oxidation [fat burning], and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis [production]," he said.
Dr Shulman added that the reduction could be a contributing factor to the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes because of its effect on fat burning and mitochondria production."
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Video: Crazy French Soccer Stunts
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*Updated*
Today is the one year anniversary of the death of SSG Joshua Hager. He was killed Thursday February 22 2007 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
In honor of Josh's life and all sheepdogs who 'put it out on the line', an alternate to the workout posted above (or in addition to), can be completed by those who choose.
"Josh"
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
For time.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:54 PM | Comments (4)
February 4, 2008
080205 TUESDAY
Moises of the Oakland sheriff department just got invited to take the Swat team's test, good luck Mo you'll nail it for sure
Lose your Breakfast with Luca:
ALL RIGHT LET'S START TO SEE THOSE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS AT WORK
FIRST OF THE YEAR: FIGHT GONE BAD
In this workout you move from each of five stations after a minute. This is a five-minute round from which a one-minute break is allowed before repeating. We've used this in 3 and 5 round versions. The stations are:
1. Wall-ball: 20 pound ball, 10 ft target. (Reps)
2. Sumo deadlift high-pull: 75 pounds (Reps)
3. Box Jump: 20" box (Reps)
4. Push-press: 75 pounds (Reps)
5. Row: calories (Calories)
The clock does not reset or stop between exercises. On call of "rotate," the athlete/s must move to next station immediately for good score. One point is given for each rep, except on the rower where each calorie is one point. We are going for the 3 rounds score.
Post score and comments
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Posted by at 8:30 PM | Comments (3)
January 28, 2008
080129 TUESDAY
No matter what the WOD the end result is always the same
Lose your breakfast with Luca:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:
1/4 BW DB Deadlifts - 20
1/4 BW DB F. Squats - 20
1/4 BW DB Push Presses - 20
400m Farmers Walk (1/4 BW DB)
***The Catch: Count the number of times you have to put down the DB's during the 20 minutes workout time. Add 3 burpees everytime the DB's hit the ground. After the WOD, perform all burpees for time.
Post reps and number of burpees.
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Article:
Gain up to 9 years just by exercising
"It all appears to boil down to the length of structures called telomeres -- which protect the DNA on the chromosomes, the researchers from King's College London wrote in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Many studies have shown telomeres get shorter over time, suggesting the cells are ageing or dying. The study, which extracted a DNA sample from their volunteers, found people who exercised more each week had longer telomeres."
". . .The study found people who exercised vigorously 3 hours each week had longer telomeres and were biologically 9 years younger than people who did under 15 minutes."
Posted by at 8:30 PM | Comments (2)
January 3, 2008
080103 THURSDAY
Best DCF Picture of 2007: Rick and Josh mid thruster, June 29, 2007.
Workout- Let's start the year with a bang
For time:
One Round of HELEN
400m Run
21 KB Swings (M 24kg/W 16kg)
12 Pull-ups
Put 2008lbs. over your head from the floor using any exercise/load/rep scheme you want, e.g. Clean & Jerk 100lbs. X 20 reps + 10lbs one-arm DB snatch (yes, the extra 8lbs. must be accounted for - this is 2008 after all, not 2000!)
One Round of CHRISTINE
500m Row
12 Deadlifts (BW)
21 Box Jumps
Post time and schemes.
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Article:
Free Weight Training Gets Workers With Rotator Cuff Injuries Back On The Job
"Resistance training, some of it job-specific, was successful in getting 90 percent of workers with severe rotator cuff injuries back to work, the majority (75 percent) at their previous job, after traditional physical therapy had failed to do so. Furthermore, all but one of the 42 employees in the study (98 percent) reported satisfaction with the resistance-training program and its outcome. . ."
". . . All 42 of the employees had been through surgery to repair their torn muscles or ligaments. All had already gone through weeks of traditional rehabilitation and physical therapy. Even so, none had been judged capable of going back to work and thus were eligible for disability and workmen's compensation settlements."
"Ninety-six percent of patients met or exceeded the physical function levels of their previous job, and 90 percent went back to work, most at their previous job. . . "
I can't say that I am surprised, but it is nice to see a study with some numbers. What I wish everyone understood is that an injury (work related OR FITNESS related) will not get 'better' if you just ignore it or quit using it altogether - i.e. it won't get 'better' than it was prior to injury, and you'll be lucky if it gets almost as good as it was. You have to let it heal, establish functionality, then make it stronger so that it won't happen again.
If you have an injured shoulder, exercise the other one until you can re-establish function. Have an injured knee, exercise the other one and work on upper body stuff. Stopping all training is probably the worst thing you can do. -jj
Posted by at 8:48 AM | Comments (6)
December 18, 2007
071218 WEDNESDAY "Badger"
This morning Aaron read an excerpt from "Lone Survivor" Marcus Luttrel's book about Operation Redwing and the story how Lt. Michael Murphy ("Murph") was killed in Afganistan.
It is important to remember that the Hero workouts are not just devastating workouts. They are homages to great warriors who lost their lives fighting for their country. It is with deep regret that Diablo CrossFit presents a new Hero to honor:
"Badger"
Complete three rounds for time of:
95 pound Squat clean, 30 reps
30 Pull-ups
Run 800 meters
Post time to comments.
In honor of Navy Chief Petty Officer Mark Carter, 27, of Virginia Beach, VA who was killed in Iraq last week.
Go here for more information about CPO Mark Carter, and click "Continue Reading" below for some comments about Mark Carter from the CrossFit comments page.
"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." General Patton (thanks to Brian McGlynn for the quote)
Now get out there and kick some ass for Mark "Badger" Carter.
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Health Article:
Fitness Level, not body fat, may be stronger predictor of longevity
SEAL chief killed in Iraq, Navy says
Staff writer
Posted : Friday Dec 14, 2007 12:03:13 EST
A Virginia-based SEAL who received two Bronze Stars with “V” devices was killed Tuesday in Iraq, according to a Navy release.
Chief Special Warfare Operator Mark Thomas Carter, 27, of Fallbrook, Calif., was killed in enemy action somewhere in Iraq. Carter was with Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2, based in Virginia Beach, Va.
Carter joined the Navy in 1998, according to Navy records, and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL school the next year. He was assigned to SEAL Team 3, based at Naval Base Coronado, Calif., then SEAL Team 7.
In April 2004, Carter was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck, Va., according to information provided by Navy Personnel Command. That group, formerly known as SEAL Team 6, is an ultra-secretive unit that reports to Joint Special Operations Command, which includes Delta Force.
He received his current assignment in July 2006. Carter was selected for chief earlier this year.
“I am honored to serve with and lead men and women like Chief Mark Carter. He was an outstanding SEAL, teammate, and great American,” Carter’s commanding officer, who was not named, said in a statement. “On behalf of my command, I extend my condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. His ultimate sacrifice, the most noble act for any American warrior, is our tragic loss, and I urge those who knew him to honor his life, in the best way we know how.”
In addition to his Bronze Star, Carter received a Joint Service Commendation Medal with “V” device, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, and an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, among other decorations.
“Losing any of the warriors serving in Naval Special Warfare is a significant loss, but losing a chief petty officer makes that loss even tougher,” said Lt. David Luckett, Naval Special Warfare Group 2 spokesman. “Like so many of his brothers in the SEAL community, Chief Carter lived the SEAL Code, and his actions on and off the battlefield embodied everything noble about serving in the Navy and in Naval Special Warfare.”
Carter is survived by his father, mother, three brothers and four sisters.
From the CrossFit Comments Page:
"badger was one of the most humble, kindest respectable down to earth team guys i've ever met and worked with. he was one of the first people to expose and introduce me to crossfit. i can vividly remember waking up and starting my day off and hearing the rev of the c2 or the slamming of home-made balls or the dragging and pulling of weighted tires...then to see badger sweating his ass off with his earphones plugged in and zoned out. that was over a year ago and seems like yesterday that i just saw him. godspeed bro and thanks for everything. it was an honor and my pleasure to have worked for you and with you...rip and my prayers are with your family and everyone else in tacdevron 2.
sk1 russell"
"While I join everyone else in wishing Godspeed to CPO Carter, I also wanted to point out (assuming the caption is correct) that the man made E-7 by the age of 27...
That should say quite a bit about the man.
AH"
"It's hard reading through all these comments, my eyes keep welling up. #16 AH said it, not only did Carter put on Chief by 27, he did it in 9 years, and all that time in the teams. He was assigned to DEV GRU and had two bronze stars with Valor devices. This SEAL was amazing. I always find it ironic that the best among us are the ones who volunteer to put themselves between our safety and those who would destroy it. Thank you, all of you who are out there keeping us safe. God bless you Chief, I hope He is welcoming you with open arms.
HooYah Chief Carter!
adamulm"
Posted by Craig at 9:57 AM | Comments (9)
November 24, 2007
071124 SATURDAY
Kellie showing great form on the deads. Notice her lower back arch at the start! She's checking her grip and feet, then she'll look forward and lift.
0730h WOD
3 Rounds For Time:
10 Turkish Get-Ups (35lb db)
5 Man Makers (35lb dbs)
Post time to comments.
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From the CF Main site today - the Pose running experts at CrossFit Newport Beach posted this cool drill to help teach the foot pull method.
Video: Eliminating the terrible pounding of heel to toe running.
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1st warning that someone may need full-time nursing assistance: they can't get up on their own (i.e, they can't squat). Best remedy: build muscle! CrossFit works best, I believe, because the movements are functional. Everyone must squat.
Article: Tips to build your muscle mass at any age.
Thanks, Mike, for the article.
Posted by Craig at 12:02 PM | Comments (3)
November 19, 2007
071119 MONDAY
A group of attendees "Get Some!" with a WOD at our Open House on Sunday (More Pictures after the jump).
Workout:
4 rounds for time:
500m row
20 Wall Balls
20 Kettle Bell Swings
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Pilot Program helps boost senors' activity levels and quality of life
Post thoughts to comments.
Photos from the Open House
Just getting set up.
Brian tries for a 42" box jump again right after a rather spectacular attempt that resulted in a few minor injuries.
Group Photo of the DCF Trainers as well as Mike Minium from CrossFit Oakland (center with brown cap) and Dion from CrossFit Napa (kneeling and wearing white).
Brian and Rick starting the first round of the "This Is Just Stupid" workout (aka Willie G.).
Brian beginning to take his eventual stout lead (after which Craig followed with an even greater lead) and crushing Rick and Jorgy's team.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 1:34 PM | Comments (4)
October 30, 2007
071030 TUESDAY MORNING
Tue Morning W/ Luca:
Today we had Josh, Rick and Ryan joining me for the 8 o'clock work-out.
I put them through a Clean and Jerk torture:
7 Rounds of Clean and Jerk
1min of work 1 min of rest count your total reps at the end
Follow by Tabata L-Sits
Good times,good times, see you on Thursday
Post weight and reps to comments.
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Article:
If you can't squat, you will die earlier
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by at 9:27 AM | Comments (1)
October 3, 2007
071003 WEDNESDAY
+++ Leadership Class Cancelled - Reschedule to Follow +++
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!
Our assorment of homemade medicine/slam balls. Why homemade? Because, with all the tossing, slamming, dropping, etc., ALL medballs will eventually break. We save quite a bit of money by making our own. Here's the recipe: The Slammer
For time:
Run 400 meters
60 Wall-ball shots, 20 pound ball (ladies 14#)
30 Handstand push-ups - bench assisted
Run 400 meters
40 Wall-ball shots, 20 pound ball
20 Handstand push-ups - bench assisted
Run 400 meters
30 Wall-ball shots, 20 pound ball
15 Handstand push-ups - bench assisted
Run 400 meters
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Finnish Grandmothers Give Details on Evolution
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Craig at 9:22 AM | Comments (4)
September 26, 2007
070925 WEDNESDAY "Cindy"
The 0600 regulars at sunrise (after the workout).
Workout:
Cindy
Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of the following:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
Post rounds (and fractions of rounds to comments).
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Hump Day Article:
It has been a while since we had a "Hump Day" Article, so here one is:
Senior Citizens More Sexually Active than Previously Thought
Now all we need is a study relating sexual activity and longevity. . . I-MEAN-how long you are going to LIVE (not the other kind, you bunch of sickos). -jj
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And here is a bonus article (just because it is so damn interesting):
Omega-3s fight Type I Diabetes
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:51 AM | Comments (4)
September 25, 2007
070925 TUESDAY MORNING
Sarah swinging the kettlebell for two. Congrats J & S!!
0800h WOD with Luca
Today Archie and I had some fun with the new Dumbells
5 sets of:
5 Dumbells Deadlift
5 H.P.C.
5 Front Squat
5 Push Presses
Increasing the weight each round with a 1 min round rest in between.
Finished off with some Flutter abs for fun. Good work, Archie, keep at it your 6pack will come soon.
####
070925 TUESDAY NIGHT DANCING WITH HELEN (AND NATE IN CHARGE!)
Warmup:
Jog
Two Sets:
10 pushups
10 situps
10 back extensions
10 squats
First-timer Ed set off on the Newbie WOD and blasted his way through it in 5:24 despite a long layoff from working out. It's true what they say, firemen do do it better.
"Helen"
3 rounds of-
400M run
21 KB swings
12 pullups
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Article:
I find the study interesting, although the recommendation at the end that 7 hours is optimal is a little off the mark, especially when taking ill people into account. -jj
Posted by at 9:28 AM | Comments (2)
September 17, 2007
070917 MONDAY
Charmaine makes her first rope ascent after less than 2 minutes of instruction!
0600h WOD
"Diane"
21-15-9 reps of:
225 pound Deadlift
Handstand push-ups
Post time to comments.
Substitutions for Handstand Push-ups? HSPU Variations
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Article:
Posted by Craig at 9:05 AM | Comments (1)
September 4, 2007
070903 - TUESDAY - BACK IN ACTION
Rachelle lovingly deemed this workout 'Box Jumps From Hell'...
40, 30, 20, 10 - Box Jumps
40, 20, 10, 10 - Push Ups
21, 15, 9, 3 - KB swings
Post time and KB weights to comments
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Article:
Exercise May Boost Levels of "Good" Cholesterol
Posted by robarnum at 9:28 PM | Comments (3)
August 24, 2007
070824 FRIDAY - "The Older I Get the Better I was. . .or Am?"
Dave doing Kettlebell Cleans. Dave returned for the workout at 6am after completing his first CrossFit workout last night at 7pm. Strong Work Dave!
Workout:
5 rounds for time
200m run
10 pull ups
10 squats with 135lbs
10 Kettlebell cleans
Post time to comments.
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59 year old makes it onto Div. III football team
. . .Flynt's position is still being determined, but he used to play linebacker. Wherever he lines up, he'll likely become the oldest player in college football history. Neither the NCAA or NAIA keeps such a statistic, but research hasn't turned up anyone older than their mid-40s. And even those are rare, for obvious reasons.
"I told him he's an idiot," said Jerry Larned, who coached Flynt at Sul Ross in 1969 and counseled him at the start of his comeback. "I said, `Gosh, dang, Mike, you're not 20 years old any more. You're liable to cripple yourself.' He understands all of that. But he has a burning desire to play. ... He is in great physical condition. He still runs a 5-flat 40 and bench presses I-don't-know-what. He's a specimen for 59 years old.
. . . "People have asked me, `Mike, what is the fountain of youth?' Well, it's strength training that builds muscle, increases bone density and burns calories," he said. "It's the one thing you can do in your 90s and benefit from.""
Don't let the number of years on the planet make you think you can't do something, whether it is being to old to compete . . . or being too young to play with the 'big boys' for that matter. -jj
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:26 AM | Comments (3)
July 30, 2007
070730 MONDAY
Dan's last day of using the assit bands! (Pic taken several weeks ago) Dan is now a kipping master - and does not blink at wods with 50+ pull ups. Great progress, man!
0600h WOD
5 Rounds For Time Of:
Overhead Squats x 10 (95#)
Ring Dips x 5
Knees to Elbows x 10
Record time & subs to comments.
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Exercise, caffeine fight skin cancer
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON—Can adding a cup or two of coffee to the exercise routine increase protection from skin cancer? New research indicates that just might be the case. Read more below..
Exercise, caffeine fight skin cancer
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON—Can adding a cup or two of coffee to the exercise routine increase protection from skin cancer? New research indicates that just might be the case. Read more below..
The combination of exercise and caffeine increased destruction of precancerous cells that had been damaged by the sun's ultraviolet-B radiation, according to a team of researchers at Rutgers University.
Americans suffer a million new cases of skin cancer every year, according to the National Cancer Institute.
In mice there is a protective effect from both caffeine and voluntary exercise, and when both are provided—not necessarily at the same time—protection is even more than the sum of the two, said Dr. Allan H. Conney of the laboratory for cancer research at Rutgers.
"We think it likely that this will extrapolate to humans, but that has to be tested," Conney said in a telephone interview.
Nonetheless, he added, people should continue to use sunscreen.
Exposing the mice to ultraviolet-B light causes some skin cells to become precancerous.
Cells with damaged DNA are programmed to self-destruct, a process called apoptosis, but not all do that, and damaged cells can become cancerous.
The researchers report in Tuesday's issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that they studied hairless mice in four groups. Some were fed water containing caffeine, some had wheels on which they could run, some had both and a control group had neither.
"The most dramatic and obvious difference between the groups came from the caffeine-drinking runners, a difference that can likely be attributed to some kind of synergy," Conney said.
Compared with the control animals, those drinking caffeine had a 95 percent increase in apoptosis in damaged cells. The exercisers showed a 120 percent increase, and the mice that were both drinking and running showed a nearly 400 percent increase.
Just what is causing that to happen is not yet clear, though the researchers have several theories.
"We need to dig deeper into how the combination of caffeine and exercise is exerting its influence at the cellular and molecular levels, identifying the underlying mechanisms," Conney said.
"With an understanding of these mechanisms we can then take this to the next level, going beyond mice in the lab to human trials," he said. "With the stronger levels of UVB radiation evident today and an upward trend in the incidence of skin cancer among Americans, there is a premium on finding novel ways to protect our bodies from sun damage."
Conney said the researchers were originally interested in the effects of green tea in preventing skin cancer and were doing tests on regular and decaffeinated teas.
They found the regular tea had an effect, but not the decaffeinated brew.
And, he said, researchers also observed that mice drinking caffeine were more active than those that didn't get it, so they decided to study the effects of exercise too.
They put running wheels into some of the cages. The mice "love to go on it," he said, and will jump on the wheels and run for several minutes, then get off for a while, and then get on and run some more.
And they found that both caffeine and exercise helped eliminate damaged skin cells, but the combination worked better than either alone.
"What we would like to see next is a clinical trial in people," Conney said.
Dr. Michael H. Gold, a Nashville, Tenn., dermatologist and a spokesman for the Skin Cancer Foundation, said he believes "the concept of systemic caffeine should be addressed further."
"I think the concept potentially has a lot of merit," he said in a telephone interview. But mice and humans are different and studies need to be done to be sure this also applies to people.
In the meantime, he said: "If you go outside, you have to wear a sunscreen ... it has to be caffeine and exercise with your sunscreen."
Posted by Craig at 10:20 AM | Comments (5)
July 18, 2007
070718 WEDNESDAY
Josh at the top with his KettleBell.
0600H wod
For time, 3 rounds of -
400m Run
21 Kettlebell Swings (1.5p)
10 Ringdips
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Today's reading: Don't believe the hype from vegetarians. A very extensive 7 year study found women with breast cancer did not reduce their risk of dying.
Women with breast cancer fared no better on fruit, vegetable diet
Half of patients in study added vegetable juice and cut fat from their diets, but equal numbers suffered relapse, died of disease
By Judy Peres
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Posted by Craig at 12:50 PM | Comments (3)
June 27, 2007
070627 WEDNESDAY
Craig teaching Thrusters to Barry and Connor.
Workout:
3 rounds for time,
50 Thrusters (45lbs)
35 pull ups
Post time to comments
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Article:
Are your thoughts making you old?
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:40 AM | Comments (6)
June 15, 2007
070614 Thursday "Helen"
"Helen"
3 rounds for time:
400 meter run
1.5 pood (54lbs) Kettlebell swing x 21
Pull-ups 12 reps
Post time to comments.
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Timed "baby" L-sits. How long can you go?
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Article:
Exercise Reverses Aging In Human Skeletal Muscle
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:53 AM | Comments (6)
April 20, 2007
070420 Friday - Strength Day
++ Next SHED Session, Mon Apr. 23 @0600h ++
Luca Grinding Out A Press. Click on pic for a cool demo on press power.
A shoulder press produces less power than a push press. A push press produces less power than a push jerk.
Today was strength day at DCF. Lots of recovery in between sets of 5 repetitions of Push Press. Recovery is key for strength training! I recommend a 1:20 or 1:30 ratio of exertion to rest, if possible. If your lift takes 10 seconds, then rest 200 - 300 seconds (3'20" - 5').
Friday wod
Shoulder Press 5,5,5,5,5
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Article:
Eat Well, Get Fit, Stop Smoking - Prevent Cancer
"Estimates hold that 20 to 30 percent of the most common cancers in the United States stem from being overweight or physically inactive. Research has linked weight gain to common cancers such as breast and colon cancer, as well as uterine, esophageal and renal cancers. "Women who lose weight in their adult years reduce their risk of breast cancer significantly," Colditz notes.
Furthermore, he asserts that a clear connection exists between higher levels of physical activity and lower incidence of cancer. "For example, even after diagnosis of breast cancer, physical activity has an impact on recurrence and survival," he says. "
Posted by Craig at 1:35 PM | Comments (2)
April 4, 2007
070404 Wednesday
++ Next SHED Session, Thu Apr 5 @ 1900h ++
Bosco & Sweat Demon.
WOD: Seven's Full
4 Rounds for Time of..
7 Ring Dips
7 Deadlift 225lb
7 Clean 135lb
7 Knees to Elbows
Scale weight for ability.
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Today's Reading:
Exercise may fend off arthritis in women
By MARGIE MASON AP Medical Writer
Contra Costa Times, April 4, 2007
Exercise may fend off arthritis in women
By MARGIE MASON AP Medical Writer
News Fuze
Article Launched:04/04/2007 04:01:30 PM PDT
Get moving, Grandma! Exercise isn't just about improving your heart and fighting flab that comes with aging. It may also be the answer to preventing stiff, achy joints that can lead to debilitating arthritis. An Australian study suggests the more time older women spend exercising, the better their chances are of staying pain-free from one of the biggest chronic conditions plaguing developed countries.
Even exercising as little as one hour and 15 minutes a week now can make a difference over the next three years, according to findings recently published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy.
"I don't think the results are suggesting that you should just become this maniac exerciser," said lead author Kristiann Heesch from the University of Queensland, Australia. "What it does suggest is that just adding some walking and moderate activity to your life can make a big benefit."
Doctors have long encouraged exercise among aging patients to keep joints flexible, muscles strong and to keep off weight, which is a leading risk factor for arthritis. This is the first study that focuses specifically on middle-aged and older women who did not have a history of stiff and painful joints. It looked solely at pain and symptoms reported by more than 8,700 Australian women over a three-year period, and could offer a vital clue about prevention.
Women in their 70s who exercised 75 minutes a week reported fewer symptoms of arthritis than those who did less, while more spry women who were active at least 2 1/2 hours weekly had even less pain in the three years that followed. Although there appeared to be a direct correlation between exercise and lower joint pain, the reasons why were less clear.
"Maybe the exercise directly benefits the joints. Maybe exercise makes you lose weight and the latter benefits the joints. Maybe exercise causes pain sensing receptors to become less sensitive so one feels less pain," said Dr. John Hardin, chief scientific officer at the Atlanta-based Arthritis Foundation, who did not participate in the study.
Conversely, exercise had no effect on arthritis symptoms reported by middle-aged women. Heesch said it's unclear why the results differed among the two age groups.
The findings also contradict some earlier research, which found no direct link between fitness and arthritis. The Australian study, published last week, focused on specific age groups of fairly healthy women predominantly from rural areas who had not been diagnosed with arthritis, which may partially explain the difference, Heesch said.
"If we could put out a pill that would solve a lot of problems, it would be physical activity, but we can't wrap it up into a little pill and give it to people," she said. "Particularly with the baby boomers getting older, there's going to be a lot more griping and need to address this."
She said walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi and even some weight training were all great ways for older women to exercise after getting their doctors' approval. More women than men suffer from arthritis, and the risk increases greatly with age.
"The fact that the study showed change in a short time speaks to the fact that exercise shows benefit quickly and is another reason to encourage people that exercise has a payback sooner than many people think," said Dr. Patience White, chief public health officer at the Arthritis Foundation.
One in five American adults has been diagnosed with arthritis—half of those over age 75 have reported it—costing billions of dollars each year. In both the United States and Australia, it is the No. 1 cause of disability.
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Posted by Craig at 6:00 PM
