July 2, 2009
090703 FRIDAY "Angie"
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Heather working out the day after breaking her thumb. What is your excuse for not coming in? (From what I understand, her injury involved a Jeep, ninjas and a drunken goat).
Olympic lifting warm up: Romanian Deadlift, 3 sets of 8. Go light, keep a flat back, and work those hamstrings.
Workout: "Angie"
Complete for time:
100 pull-ups,
100 push ups,
100 sit ups,
100 air squats.
Post time to comments.
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Article from Robb Wolf's Blog
Post Workout Nutrition: High or Low Carb?
"When we talk health and longevity we are talking insulin management and carbohydrate flux. For many people insulin resistance is more important to deal with than performance, at least initially. If one is sick, or just less than optimally well, it’s tough to imagine optimum performance. Also, from a purely aesthetics (gasp!) perspective we might want to lean out for summer and not be a fatty. That was certainly my situation and I feel a good bit better at sub 10% body fat, especially when Chico is a balmy 106*F. I have tinkered with higher carbs PWO for several months and my signs of insulin resistance were simply not budging. I still have some cortisol issues that are likely driving some of this…multi time zone travel really kicks my ass! So I finally wised up and went back to what has worked so well for me in the past. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:42 PM | Comments (20)
July 1, 2009
090702 THURSDAY
+++3pm class Canceled this Saturday for the 4th of July, MORNING CLASSES AS USUAL!+++
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The class leers as Craig teaches thrusters (except Jeff. . . he seems more interested in his hands than what Craig has to say).
Olympic Weightlifting Warm up: Hang power snatch from the mid thigh, 10 reps. Hang power snatch from the knee, 10 reps. Start light (PVC or empty bar), add weight and repeat - 2 rounds or 40 total reps. Make sure the bar brushes the top of the thighs or belly every time.
Workout:
As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes.
10 reps of the barbell combo (155lbs men, 105lbs women):
- Power Clean
- Hang Split Clean right leg forward
- Hang Split Clean left leg forward
10 Ring Dips
Post rounds (and fractions of rounds) completed to comments.
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Article:
Celiac Disease Four Times More Common than in the 1950s.
". . . Celiac disease has become much more common in the last 50 years, and we don't know why," says Joseph Murray, M.D., the Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist who led the study. "It now affects about one in a hundred people. We also have shown that undiagnosed or 'silent' celiac disease may have a significant impact on survival. The increasing prevalence, combined with the mortality impact, suggests celiac disease could be a significant public health issue. . . "
Click here for complete article.
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Don't forget to email Laci (laci.jackson@gmail.com) your plans on visiting the CrossFit Games next weekend!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:57 PM | Comments (14)
June 30, 2009
090701 WEDNESDAY "Happy Birthday Stav!"
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Happy Birthday Stavros! (and No, he is not 400 - or 40 for that matter).
Olympic Weightlifting warm up.
Workout: 4 rounds for time.
Run 400m
Rest 2 minutes
Post 400m times for each round to comments.
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Article (I guess I better post it because I had a bunch of people email me! Don't get me wrong though, I do like it when people email me good articles. -jj):
Can you get fit in 6 minutes a week?
“. . .There was a time when the scientific literature suggested that the only way to achieve endurance was through endurance-type activities,” such as long runs or bike rides or, perhaps, six-hour swims, . . . Gibala and his colleagues had a group of college students, who were healthy but not athletes, ride a stationary bike at a sustainable pace for between 90 and 120 minutes. Another set of students grunted through a series of short, strenuous intervals: 20 to 30 seconds of cycling at the highest intensity the riders could stand. After resting for four minutes, the students pedaled hard again for another 20 to 30 seconds, repeating the cycle four to six times (depending on how much each person could stand), “for a total of two to three minutes of very intense exercise per training session,” Gibala says.
Each of the two groups exercised three times a week. After two weeks, both groups showed almost identical increases in their endurance (as measured in a stationary bicycle time trial), even though the one group had exercised for six to nine minutes per week, and the other about five hours. Additionally, molecular changes that signal increased fitness were evident equally in both groups. “The number and size of the mitochondria within the muscles” of the students had increased significantly, Gibala says, a change that, before this work, had been associated almost exclusively with prolonged endurance training. Since mitochondria enable muscle cells to use oxygen to create energy, “changes in the volume of the mitochondria can have a big impact on endurance performance.” In other words, six minutes or so a week of hard exercise (plus the time spent warming up, cooling down, and resting between the bouts of intense work) had proven to be as good as multiple hours of working out for achieving fitness. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:00 PM | Comments (71)
June 29, 2009
090630 TUESDAY
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Jared Rosten looking more like 'Wolverine' than his brother Darren.
Olympic Weightlifting warm up:
10 Presses from behind the neck, empty bar. 10 Push press from behind the neck, if comfortable with the weight add two 10's. 10 Push Jerk (aka power jerk) from behind the neck, if comfortable add another set of 10's or 25's , 10 Split Jerk (aka jerk) from behind the neck, if comfortable add another set of 10's, 25's or 45's. Keep it light and work on form.
Workout: For time.
135 lb Thruster (95lb women. scale down as necessary), 10 reps,
50 Double-unders,
135 lb Thruster, 8 reps,
40 Double-unders,
135 lb Thruster, 6 reps,
30 Double-unders,
135 lb Thruster, 4 reps,
20 Double-unders,
135 lb Thruster, 2 reps,
10 Double-unders.
Post time to comments.
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Article: Lean mass better for developing bones in young people.
". . .“A larger child is going to have larger bones just because he’s heavier,” Wey said. “But if you have two kids at the same weight, the one whose weight is dominated by fat mass is more likely to have smaller bones than the one whose weight is dominated by lean mass. Smaller bones are weaker than larger bones.”. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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DCFers going to the Games!
Laci will be helping organize what people bring to the games, carpooling, etc. Please email her if you plan on making it out there.
Email her:
- How many people in your party (significant other, kids etc).
- Dates you will be attending.
- If you plan on driving each day or staying accommodations nearby (hotel, camping, etc).
- What you would like to bring food/beverage wise if you have a preference (our tents will be 'pot luck')
- What types of equipment you can provide (chairs, carpet, tent shade, etc)
Click here for Laci's email.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 5:40 PM | Comments (52)
June 28, 2009
090629 MONDAY
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Dean takes a leisurely stroll with some 45lb plates (ones that he will have to do burpees if he puts them down).
Olympic Weightlifting Warm up (in addition to class warm up):
Overhead squat - 10 reps with PVC, 10 reps with empty bar, 10 reps with empty bar again or light load.
Workout:
Deadlift
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Post loads to comments.
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article:
A little extra weight may protect against an early death.
". . . It may be that a few extra pounds actually protect older people as their health declines, but that doesn't mean that people in the normal weight range should try to put on a few pounds," said Mark Kaplan, DrPH, coauthor and Professor of Community Health at Portland State University. "Our study only looked at mortality, not at quality of life, and there are many negative health consequences associated with obesity, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. . ."
Click here for complete article.
What this study doesn't seem to address is to the health of the underweight people (people who are sick tend to be very "underweight", cancer, etc) . . . And the fact that many athletic people are considered "overweight" due to the added muscle mass (I am borderline obese for example). Once again the BMI demonstrates it's flaws -jj
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Video: Highlights from the 1999 World Championships where Shahin Nasirinia wins the Gold Metal for the 85 KG weight class (187lbs). He is wearing red and black vertically striped singlet. I recommend watching the entire video, but you can see his snatch at 0:42 (175 KG, 385lbs! I believe), and 1:33. His clean and jerks are at 2:30 5:08 and 8:58. His final lift is 215 KG (which is 473 pounds!).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 6:12 PM | Comments (26)
June 26, 2009
090627 SATURDAY
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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 25, 2009
090626 FRIDAY "Disagreement Gone Bad"
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Smok'n Hot Ladies, Moms, Diablo CrossFit "She Devils" - (Carry, Holly and Tami converge on the Boardwalk before last weekend's level 1 seminar). Can you guess how many kids they have between them?
Workout: "Disagreement Gone Bad"
3 rounds, counting reps for each exercise. Add up total reps for "score".
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
Compare to results on March 7th, 2009
Post total reps completed to comments.
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Article:
From the glass to the brain in six minutes.
"Only six minutes after consuming an amount of alcohol equivalent to three glasses of beer or two glasses of wine, leading to a blood alcohol level of 0.05 to 0.06 percent, changes have already taken place in the brain cells . . ."
(No. This does not mean it is recommended that you drink 3 drinks and try to race home in less than 6 minutes. -jj)
Click here for complete article.
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The CrossFit Games are just 2 weeks away! Buy your tickets now if they haven't sold out already. With D-Roe competing for the singles title and team DCF competing for the Affiliate Cup, you won't want to miss it TRUST ME!
If you already plan on going, post where you are staying, or if you plan on driving out (so we can arrange carpooling).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 2:07 PM | Comments (29)
June 24, 2009
090625 THURSDAY "Happy Birthday Donna!"
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Everyone wish Donna a Happy Birthday (Donna cleaning at the Catalyst Athletics Olympic Weightlifting Seminar)
Workout:
For time:
50 Sit-ups,
50 Double-unders,
50 Sit-ups,
Walking Lunge, 50 steps,
50 Sit-ups,
50 Burpees,
50 Sit-ups.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
". . .Early settlements in the Fertile Crescent between 9,000 and 10,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period, created a completely new environment for any wild animals that were sufficiently flexible and inquisitive (or scared and hungry) to exploit it. The house mouse, Mus musculus domesticus, was one such creature. Archaeologists have found remains of this rodent, which originated in the Indian subcontinent, among the first human stores of wild grain from Israel, which date to around 10,000 years ago. The house mice could not compete well with the local wild mice outside, but by moving into people’s homes and silos, they thrived. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Donna is also a "Diablo CrossFit Mentor" - Someone who has gone ahead to become CrossFit Level One Certified. You find out all the different DCF mentors and more about what it means to be a 'Mentor' on our Trainer Page.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:37 PM | Comments (35)
June 23, 2009
090624 WEDNESDAY "The Chief"
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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 22, 2009
090623 TUESDAY "Fran"
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Russ, Tami, Carry, and Holly get certified at Aromas! (Look for the horns)
Workout: "Fran"
21 - 15 - 9
Thrusters (95/65)
Pull Ups
Post time to comments.
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Article: From Dr. Eades' Blog "Protein Power"
Low-carbohydrate diets increase LDL: debunking the myth
" . . .This week sees the publication of yet another study showing the superiority of the low-carbohydrate diet as compared to the low-fat diet. This study, published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrates that subjects following the low-carb diet experience a decrease in triglyceride levels and an increase in HDL-cholesterol (HDL) levels; and that these changes are accompanied by a minor increase in LDL-cholesterol (LDL), which prompts the authors to issue a caveat. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:18 PM | Comments (31)
June 21, 2009
090622 MONDAY
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Next time you see Matt in the gym, congratulate him on his wife's twins! (Yes, another Matt with Twins).
Workout:
Back squat
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article:
How Obesity Increases The Risk For Diabetes
". . . It had been well established that obesity promotes insulin resistance through the inappropriate inactivation of a process called gluconeogenesis, where the liver creates glucose for fuel and which ordinarily occurs only in times of fasting. Yet, not all obese people become insulin resistant, and insulin resistance occurs in non-obese individuals, leading Montminy and his colleagues to suspect that fasting-induced glucose production was only half the story. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:49 PM | Comments (25)
090621 SUNDAY
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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 18, 2009
090619 FRIDAY
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15 people doing "Cindy". No problem.
Workout:
Complete as many rounds in 20 minutes as you can of:
Handstand push-ups 5 reps (full ROM shoulders to hands on Parallettes)
Bench press 135 pounds, 10 reps (sub incline push ups on Parallettes)
Push press 95/65 pounds, 15 reps
Dips 20 reps
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article: From Mark's Daily Apple.
Yet another Primal Primer: Animal Fats
"Animal fats have recently been implicated as the cause of heart disease, obesity and, in a roundabout convoluted stretch of logic, global warming. If you let health officials tell it, they’re pure evil. Reviled, shunned, and lambasted by the general public (thanks to less-then-sterling endorsements by health officials), animal fats have really gotten a bad rap.
It wasn’t always this way.
No, for hundreds of thousands of years, animal fats played a huge role in the human diet – whether it was Grok going straight for the fatty organs and tossing the lean muscle meat to the dogs, Prometheus making a meager sacrifice to the gods more appealing by draping it in swathes of fat, or Mom cooking with real butter instead of margarine. But you already knew that. I don’t have to sell you guys on the beauty of animal fat . . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:29 PM | Comments (20)
June 16, 2009
090617 WEDNESDAY
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Some of DCF's "She Devils" went to Catalyst Athletics for their Olympic lifting seminar last weekend.
Workout:
Hang power snatch 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 reps
Post loads to comments.
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article:
'Shortcuts' Of The Mind Lead To Miscalculations Of Weight And Caloric Intake, Study Finds
". . . When estimating calories, study participants assumed portion sizes were culturally typical and guessed no caloric differences between small and large portions. . .
. . ."We have evolved in a very different environment," Geier said. "It used to be that food was scarce, and you ate what was available because you didn't know where your next meal would come from. That is not the case anymore. Although we have yet to prove this, we believe that the ecology of eating in the current food environment has become an example of the atypical situations demonstrated in this new article, which may be an explanation for why almost 70 percent of American adults are either overweight or obese. This represents a cognitive explanation for why America is gaining so much weight. The eating environment has morphed into an atypical scenario where our usually helpful mental mechanisms betray us."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:17 PM | Comments (16)
June 15, 2009
090616 TUESDAY
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Kristine, Meg and Tami avoid rope burn with a little bit of preparation.
Workout: Rest Day.
Yes, you read that correctly - REST DAY.
Classes will go on as usual. You can come in and make up a workout you missed, or do a workout assigned by the trainer for that class.
"Resting" is a critical part of training. Read the article below for more details on resting and how many days per week you should be training.
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Article: "Training Volume"
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.
CrossFit is unique in that the workouts are so short compared to other training methods, people have a hard time grasping what is a good Training Volume for them. Many neophyte CrossFitters get so enthralled with the program and/or with getting better (or at least not sucking so bad), that they start coming 5, 6, and even 7 days a week! More is not better when it comes to the highly demanding workouts that CrossFit administers. It is easy to overdue, and the side effects can be glaring and even subtle.
How much training you can handle is primarily based upon your “out of the gym” habits; your sleep, nutrition, stretching/massage, baseline activity levels, etc. The more sleep you get, the better you eat, and better you handle everyday stress, the more often you will be able to train and make progress. Age and genetics can also play a roll, but these things are generally fixed for any individual, and once determined change little over time.
Below (and above) is a chart showing a few of the recommended training day schemes on a weekly basis. The first options are where we direct most new CrossFitters to start. If their bodies can handle that amount of Training Volume and they would like more training days per week, we recommend using the additional calendars listed. . .
The general concept is simple; spread the training and rest days throughout the week as much as possible, try to avoid having more than 2 rest days in a row, and more than 3 work days in a row.
The most training per week we recommend is the “3 on 1 off” regimen at the bottom of the chart. This type of training routine is about the maximum of what anyone can handle for any length of time, and it is also assumed that a rest ‘week’ or half intensity ‘week’ be used every 6 – 8 weeks.
Remember that if you have been training hard and your performances have plateaued, or even decreased, something needs to change. The most common reason we see performance dip with beginners is Over training (aka Under recovery).
Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. Note in your journal how you feel so that you can reference it later.
Post your schedule to comments.
-jj
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:30 PM | Comments (15)
June 14, 2009
090615 MONDAY
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One cop counting for another during FGB. . .? I think the Firefighters want a recount.
Workout:
Run 5k (3.1 miles). Scale the distance down if necessary.
One alternate version of scaling is to run as many laps as possible (up to 10) in 30 minutes.
Post time to comments. Don't forget to check your performances against the CrossFit.com comments and "Beyond the Whiteboard"
Below is the gym's 500m loop. 10 laps is 5000m.
Start outside the gym by the 'box', run wide around parking island, then down to the end of the parking lot, run out toward Hookston, and around the street sign (Hookston and Estand), follow the curb back around the curve (staying on the sidewalk), turning back toward the gym at the other parking lot entrance (the one with the steep slope). You do not have to run around the 'box' each lap.
The link for the map can be found here: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2917646
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Article:
Poor Sleep Is Associated With Lower Relationship Satisfaction In Both Women And Men.
. . ."When we look at the data on a day-by-day basis, there seems to be a vicious cycle in which sleep affects next day relationship functioning, and relationship functioning affects the subsequent night's sleep," said principal investigator Brant Hasler, clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the University of Arizona. "In this cycle, conflict with one's partner during the day leads to worse sleep that night, which leads to more conflict the following day. Although these results are preliminary due to the relatively small sample size and a subjective measure of sleep quality, the woman's perception of the relationship seems particularly important, as it impacts both her own and her partner's subjective sleep quality that night." . . .
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:16 PM | Comments (27)
June 13, 2009
090614 SUNDAY "Congratuation Laci and Andrew" and "Nasty Girls"
Congratulations to Andrew and Laci for graduating on Saturday. And DOUBLE Congrats to Laci because today is her BIRTHDAY!
Workout: "Nasty Girls" (yes "again" we are committed to doing the CrossFit.com workouts for at least a week. And yes, we still expect an improvement from last week).
3 rounds for time of:
50 Squats
7 Muscle-ups (sub 3 sets of 7 chest to bar pull ups and 7 ring dips for each round of M/us).
10 Hang power cleans (135lb men, 95lb women)
Post time to comments. Then compare your results to CrossFit.com or Beyond the Whiteboard.
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Article:
Even moderately restricted carbohydrate diets keep people feel full longer.
". . . In a standard American diet, according to Gower, 55 percent of daily calories consumed come from carbohydrates: sugars, starches and fiber. The control diet used in their study contained 55 percent of daily calories from carbohydrates, in contrast to their "moderate-carb diet" which was 43 percent of calories from carbohydrates. The moderate-carb diet had more fat than their control diet—39 percent versus 27 percent of calories—so that protein intake could be the same percentage. The researchers matched the protein intake of both diets studied (18 percent of calories) because protein may influence both satiety ("fullness") and insulin secretion. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:16 PM | Comments (12)
June 12, 2009
090613 SATURDAY
+++This week is "CrossFit.com Week"! We will be following the CrossFit.com website workouts for at least 7 days. You will be able to compare your performances from CrossFitters around the world on the CrossFit comments section as well as on Beyond the Whiteboard+++
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DJ and Luca after DJ's last Kickboxing win.
Don't forget about our Muay Thai classes Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 9am!
Workout From CrossFit.com:
Walking lunge 100 ft. (Yes, more lunges)
21 Pull-ups (and yes, more pull ups)
21 Sit-ups
Walking lunge 100 ft.
18 Pull-ups
18 Sit-ups
Walking lunge 100 ft.
15 Pull-ups
15 Sit-ups
Walking lunge 100 ft.
12 Pull-ups
12 Sit-ups
Walking lunge 100 ft.
9 Pull-ups
9 Sit-ups
Walking Lunge 100 ft.
6 Pull-ups
6 Sit-ups
Post time to comments. Then compare your results to CrossFit.com or Beyond the Whiteboard">Beyond the Whiteboard.
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Article:
Vitamin D levels linked to effective fat loss.
". . .On average, subjects had vitamin D levels that many experts would consider to be in the insufficient range, according to Sibley. However, the authors found that baseline, or pre-diet, vitamin D levels predicted weight loss in a linear relationship. For every increase of 1 ng/mL in level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol—the precursor form of vitamin D and a commonly used indicator of vitamin D status—subjects ended up losing almost a half pound (0.196 kg) more on their calorie-restricted diet. For each 1-ng/mL increase in the active or "hormonal" form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol), subjects lost nearly one-quarter pound (0.107 kg) more.
Additionally, higher baseline vitamin D levels (both the precursor and active forms) predicted greater loss of abdominal fat. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:43 PM | Comments (10)
June 11, 2009
090612 Friday "Cindy"
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Stavros during the ride portion of his last Triathlon (and representing DCF well with his non-triathlete 'gunz')
Workout: "Cindy"
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes.
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Youth in England 'double' steroid use.
". . . Data from health clubs and GPs' surgeries show that as many as 250,000 people could be regularly injecting or taking the drug in pill form.
Researchers say use has boomed over the last decade as young men have become more image-conscious and the drug has become more easily available. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:15 PM | Comments (22)
June 10, 2009
090611 THURSDAY "Rowing Repeats" and "Broke Caveman Shopping List"
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Some of Vallejo and Concord's Finest get to know each other. . .
Workout:
4 rounds
500m row
Rest 2 minutes (approximately if there is a large class and not enough rowers).
Post row time to comments.
Try to either A) pace all the rowing efforts so that the times are as close together as possible. or B) Set a PR on the first round, then just try not to throw up for the next 3 rounds.
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CrossFit Games Accommodations Confusion!
Apparently, there are two "Motel 6"s near the games site. If you use a map program to look up which one is closer you might get an incorrect result.
The closer of the two Motel 6s is in
GILROY
not Watsonville. They still have some single bed rooms available if anyone is interested in switching over.Here is the info:
6110 Monterey Rd., Gilroy, California
Front desk 408-842-6061 Fax 408-842-6020
Special Code - CrossFit
Special Rates: $53.99 Thursday - $71.99 Friday & Saturday does not include Breakfast
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Diablo CrossFit Nutrition Article: "What to buy at Costco?" aka "Part 1 of the 'Broke Caveman' series"
One of the inherent flaws in shopping for “Paleo” or “Primal” foods is that the act of going to the grocery store itself is not “Paleo”. Where Grok the caveman usually had to search long and hard to get food (and not to mention, any food he did get was “good” food), the super markets and ‘Mega’ markets we have today create the exact opposite problem; buying the right foods in a sea of junk.
Places like “Trader Joe’s” (definitely a favorite around here), and “Whole Foods” (aka ‘Whole Paycheck’) can make it much easier to find the right foods, their locations and pricing can life tough if you are trying eat like a caveman. . . on a caveman’s income. . .
(Continued from above)
Costco has become one place where I can get large quantities of primal foods at a cost that wouldn’t make Grok take out a second mortgage on his cave, or sell one of his ‘groklings’. But like any modern market, a little caution must be used before you end up spending hundreds of dollars on food that will go bad before you can eat it, and maybe even an inflatable slide/waterpark.
First thing, make a list before you go. Don’t depend on memory, you’ll get distracted, and you’ll buy things you don’t need, and forget the things you do.
Eat a meal or snack before you go. You won’t be able to resist all the freebies if you are hungry, not to mention your food choices will be skewed.
Now here is a receipt you can use as a basic list of stuff you should look to buy at Costco. I’ll explain everything below
Eggs – ESSENTIAL! You can’t go wrong with 5 dozen eggs. That’s 60 blocks of protein for the Zone people out there. $0.10 a block is not bad at all.
Salmon – 6 cans of ‘Wild Alaskan’ salmon. Good stuff. I like it better than tuna. You can eat it right out of the can. About 40g of – omega 3 laden - protein per can, 240g of protein total.
Mixed Nuts – These do not have peanuts, but a lot of other good nuts. They are salted (I buy un-salted when they have them). I usually ‘cut’ these by adding lots of raw almonds, and cashews that are unsalted.
Apple chips – Ingredients = Organic Apples, Organic cinnamon . . . 30 apples in a bag! These things are awesome and cheap, but be careful with them. To many carbs per mouthful, and they are quite addictive.
Almond Crunch – Similar to above, very tasty. Also very easy to overdue. I use these as a desert, and sometimes with almond milk as a ‘cereal’ substitute. Throw some small fruit (berries) on top and you will have a bowl of crunchy heaven. The “MARBLU” below the almond crunch is something very similar with the berries already added. This is new, so I am not sure how it will turn out.
Broccoli – ESSENTIAL! Bag of broccoli florets. Don’t buy heads of broccoli unless you have a lot of time, and you can get it extra cheap. The bags are soooo much easier to work with.
Spinach – ESSENTIAL! I bought two boxes because this stuff is so good. Not to mention it cooks down to nothing.
Yogurt - I use this as a dessert, as a sub for sour cream, to make Tzatziki. . . I bought two of these because I am going to make a huge batch of Tzatziki.
Tillamoos cheese – Cheese isn’t paleo. . . but it is one of my “Fu-Q” foods. It is great as a fast snack that adds protein and fat to a meal.
Smoked Salmon – More “Wild Alaskan” salmon. This has preservatives, and is fairly pricey for what you get (I think this is only 14oz). But it is fast and easy. It will also last more than a week as ‘ready to go’ food.
Asparagus – Not something I buy every time because it can go bad quickly, but still a great easy dish to make.
Cucumbers – Also something that can go bad quickly, but is very versatile as a salad addition or just for snacking.
“BNSL” is Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – ESSENTIAL! Easy to cook, easy to prepare. These usually come in 4 or 6 breast packages. I generally stick them right in the freezer when I get home unless I plan on cooking them that day or the next.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – my primary cooking oil
Raspberries – Great with the yogurt or “almond cereal” mentioned above (Jax loves these). Make sure you get ones that haven’t already started to turn south.
Not bad for $150. I can also tell you that this food will fill your fridge. So make sure that you have a lot of space in the refrigerator part of your fridge (there will be a limited impact on the freezer).
Important Info:
I am buying for myself, my wife, and our 13 month old son, so that should give you an idea of volume for the price. This amount of food will usually get us through about 2 weeks, sometimes with some ‘supplementation’ from Safeway or other market (usually just milk for our son Jax, and sweet potatoes).
Some other “Regulars” that didn’t make the list are: Ground beef logs, apples, raw almonds, Fish Oil and a few others. These items might take the bill right up to $200.
One thing you will notice is the lack of foods that can be stored outside of the refrigerator. Remember that “good foods go bad”. Anything that can be stored for a long period of time without refrigeration is suspect. Unfortunately this means that you will have to make more trips to the store to buy food, just accept it.
Another thing you will notice is that all but two items are under $12, even though most of them are "certified organic".
I hope that this helps everyone make better choices while doing their own “hunting and gathering” in the treacherous land of boxed carbs, sugar laden booby-traps, and low fat concoctions that can all stick “healthy” on the label.
Post questions below.
Also, post any items that I might have missed, or even better, post your own shopping list!
-jj
(and for the record, I buy all my booze at BevMo).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:22 PM | Comments (35)
090610 WEDNESDAY
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Synchronized wall balls can be a thing of beauty.
Workout:
7 rounds for time of:
10 reps Sumo-deadlift high-pull, (men:95lbs, women:65lbs)
10 Ring dips.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Relationship Found Between Napping, Hyperactivity, Depression And Anxiety
". . .Results indicate that children between the ages of 4 and 5 who did not take daytime naps were reported by their parents to exhibit higher levels of hyperactivity, anxiety and depression than children who continued to nap at this age. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Video:
Nancy power snatching for the "Randy" hero WOD (not bad for just learning the Power Snatch!).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 1:10 AM | Comments (23)
June 8, 2009
090609 TUESDAY
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Tami Lacey's Shiner after last Muay Thai Kickboxing match.
Workout:
6 rounds for time.
5 Weighted dead hang pull ups (no kipping) Men use 45lb dumbbell, Women use 25lbs,
5 Strict presses, Men use 95lbs, women use 65lbs
200m run
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Researchers First To Document Early Signs For Diabetes In Kids As Young As 7
". . .The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children parallels the pediatric obesity epidemic. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over the past two decades, the prevalence of children who are obese has doubled, while the number of adolescents who are obese has tripled. And according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 31.9% of children and adolescents were overweight (BMI at or above the 85th percentile) and 16.3% were obese (BMI at or above 95th percentile).
Insulin resistance/poor insulin sensitivity is closely associated with increased total body fat and may precede development of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Indicators of impaired insulin sensitivity have yet to be clearly identified in children prior to puberty.
The LSUHSC researchers found that the child's current fat weight is the strongest predictor for poor insulin sensitivity which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:03 PM | Comments (27)
June 5, 2009
090606 SATURDAY "VERSUS"
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Bill does some heavy thrusters while Mike P tries to keep up.
Workout: "Versus"
Each athlete will pick one person to compete against. While person 'A' runs 400m, person 'B' will complete as many rounds as possible of:
10 Dumbbell Thrusters (45lbs or 25lbs)
20 abmat sit ups (use dumbbells to anchor feet if desired)
When person 'A' returns, person 'B' must leave immediately to complete their next 400m run.
Each 'opponent' will make 4 laps. When returning from your run start back where you left off (i.e. 7 thrusters completed before running means that you would complete the next 3 before doing sit ups).
The winner of the match is the person who completes the most rounds while their opponent is running.
Post who your opponent was and number of rounds completed to comments.
(If you don't have a partner, you can compete against yourself by timing your runs, then doing as many rounds as possible in the time you did your first run in after each lap).
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Article:
Exercise More, Not Less, To Ease Aching Back, Study Suggests
"A University of Alberta study of 240 men and women with chronic lower-back pain showed that those who exercised four days a week had a better quality of life, 28 per cent less pain and 36 per cent less disability, while those who hit the gym only two or three days a week did not show the same level of change.
"While it could be assumed that someone with back pain should not be exercising frequently, our findings show that working with weights four days a week provides the greatest amount of pain relief and quality of life,". . ."
Click here for complete article.
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T-Shirts!
Everyone wants t-shirts. We have 4 women's and 2 men's designs in the works not including Jorgy's upcoming Skull (Suffer Now And Rest Later Design). So, give us your votes on the following designs. List your favorite and your 2nd favorite as follows: G1, G2 (for Girls #1, Girls #2). Click on the comments to see the entries!
These are all American Apparel shirts. Click on each pic for a larger image.
Girls # 1
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:29 PM | Comments (37)
June 4, 2009
090604 THURSDAY "Nasty Girls"
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Carry spots Holly through some Muscle Ups.
Workout: "Nasty Girls"
3 rounds for time of:
50 Squats,
7 Muscle-ups (sub 3 sets of 7 chest to bar pull ups and 7 ring dips for each round of M/us).
10 Hang power cleans, 135lb men, 95lb women)
Post time to comments and/or Beyond the Whiteboard
Download a video of Annie, Eva and Nicole doing the original "Nasty Girls" workout here.
And here is a video of the People at Petranek's in LA doing the workout:
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Article:
Glucose metabilism linked to violent crimes in alcohol intoxicants.
"A Finnish study now finds that low glycogen level – which means non-oxidative glucose metabolism – predicts forthcoming violent offending among antisocial violent offender males in a prospective 8-year follow-up study. . . "
Click here for complete article.
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CROSSFIT GAMES LODGING AND SHUTTLE INFO. (including special rates!)
(Click 'Continue Reading' below for details)
From Deana at CrossFit:
SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM THESE HOTELS TO CROSSFIT EVENT
$15.00 A DAY - $40.00 FOR THREE DAYS PER PERSON - contact info below
'Gilroy Hilton Garden Inn'
6070 Monterey Rd., Gilroy, California 95020
Attn: Stacie Vuksanaj, Sales Coordinator
Front desk 408-842-5138 Fax 408-840-7022
Special Code - CrossFit
Contact hotel for room rates
Zone Breakfast $10.95
www.hgigilroy.com
Many DCFers are staying at the Motel 6 below
'Motel 6'
6110 Monterey Rd., Gilroy, California
Attn: Maria Zarazua, General Manager
Front desk 408-842-6061 Fax 408-842-6020
www.motel6.com
Special Code - CrossFit
Special Rates: $53.99 Thursday - $71.99 Friday & Saturday does not include Breakfast
Marina (Next to Del Monte Beach, Marina)
'Best Western - Beach Dunes Inn'
3290 Dunes Rd., Marina, California 93933
Res 800-550-0055 Front Desk 831-883-0300
www.beachdunesinn.com
Special Code: CrossFit
Special Rate: $129.00 +tax Double includes Breakfast
'Quality Inn & Suites'
3280 Dunes Rd., Marina, California 93933
Res 800-550-0055 Front Desk 831-384-1800
Special Code: CrossFit
Special Rate: $109.00 + tax Single $129.00+ tax Double includes Breakfast
www.qualityinnmarina.com
'Sanctuary Beach Resorts'
3295 Dunes Rd., Marina, California 93933
Attn: Jeff Perrine Sr. Sales Manager
Front desk 831-883-9478 fax 831-883-9477
www.TheSanctuaryBeachResort.com
Special Code: crossfitsbr
Special Rate: (1King - Sofa) Dunes View DXL $249.00,
(1King -Sofa) Dunes View Suite $296.00
(1 King) Ocean View Suite $341.00
(1King- Sofa) Ocean View Suite $377.00
Breakfast is available, in room only at $10.00 per meal.
Reservations can be making on line at TheSanctuaryBeachResort.com or by calling 831-883-9478
'Comfort Inn & Suites' Marina
140 Reservation Road, Marina, California 93933 USA
Email: gm.ca569@choicehotels.com
Front desk 831-883-4000 fax 831-883-4001
www.comfortinn.com/hotel-marina-california-CA569
Special Code: 1501
Special Rate: $148.99 Single & Double (minimum - 2adults 2 children / +$10.00 per person over minimum) includes Breakfast
'Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites'
189 Seaside Circle, Marina, California 93933
Front desk 831-884-2500 fax 831-884-2510
www.marinahie.com
Special Code: CrossFit/At Your Service Premier Event Planning
Special rate: $149.00 Single & Double includes Breakfast
Salinas
'Courtyard Marriott'
17225 El Rancho Way, Salinas, California
Reservations: 831-775-0491
Special Code: CrossFit
Special Rate: $149.99 Single and Double includes Breakfast
www.courtyardmarriottsalinas
"Residence Inn, Salinas"
17215 El Rancho Way, Salinas, California
Reservations: 831-755-0410
Special Code: CrossFit
Special Rate: $159.00 Studio and 1 Bedroom Suites includes Breakfast
www.residenceinnmarriottsalinas
'Laurel Inn Motel & Conference Center'
801 W Laurel Drive, Salinas, California s
Reservations: 831-449-2474
Special code: CrossFit
Special rate: $86.00 -1 bd. King or Queen includes Breakfast
www.laurelinnmotelsalinas
As your destination management company "At Your Service Premier Event Planning" will be coordinating hotel shuttle service from hotel listed above. To order your shuttle passes call (831)625-5363 24/7. $15.00 per day or $40.00 for a 3 day pass, per person. (Limited parking on site). We will also be arranging discounts on hotel room rates, local restaurants, shopping, and various other discounts for members of the CrossFit Community to enjoy. Discounted hotel room rates please refer to the "Special Code" Listed above.
In contacting any of the afore mention hotels and referring to the Special Code any member of the CrossFit Community will received the Special Rate listed. These special rates will only be held until June 20th or until all the rooms are sold out.
In addition "At Your Service Premier Event Planning" offers airport pickups and drop off @discounts to CrossFit Community Members on all national and international flights. For more information or to make travel / accommodations call 831-625-5363 or visit us on line at www.travelays.com.
Victoria Ann Grillo
Sales and Event Coordinator
Monterey Limousine
At Your Service Travel & Transportation
P.O. Box 1024
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
831-625-5363, Fax 831-622-9010
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 2:17 AM | Comments (44)
June 3, 2009
090603 WEDNESDAY
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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)
June 1, 2009
090602 TUESDAY "Filthy Fifty"
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Julie D will be another one of the ladies on DCF's Affiliate Cup Team.
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.
(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:
Omega Fatty Acid Balance Can Alter Immunity And Gene Expression
". . .Anthropological evidence suggests that human ancestors maintained a 2:1 w6/w3 ratio for much of history, but in Western countries today the ratio has spiked to as high as 10:1. Since these omega fatty acids can be converted into inflammatory molecules, this dietary change is believed to also disrupt the proper balance of pro- and anti- inflammatory agents, resulting in increased systemic inflammation and a higher incidence of problems including asthma, allergies, diabetes, and arthritis.
Floyd Chilton and colleagues wanted to examine whether theses fatty acids might have other effects, and developed a dietary intervention strategy in which 27 healthy humans were fed a controlled diet mimicking the w6/w3 ratios of early humans over 5 weeks. They then looked at the gene levels of immune signals and cytokines (protein immune messengers), that impact autoimmunity and allergy in blood cells and found that many key signaling genes that promote inflammation were markedly reduced compared to a normal diet, including a signaling gene for a protein called PI3K, a critical early step in autoimmune and allergic inflammation responses. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Our very own Alex Rollin has been doing well playing for the Gary Southshore "Railcats"
It looks like he is currently ranked third in the Northern league! (click here to see his stats)
Great job Alex! We can't wait to have you back.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:58 PM | Comments (35)
May 31, 2009
090601 MONDAY
+++NEW SCHEDULE! See below for details.+++
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Yvonne is one of the team members for DCF's Affiliate Team (competing the same weekend as the CrossFit games).
Workout:
Back Squat
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
Bonus Mini Metcon to follow.
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Article:
Ballerinas And Female Athletes Share Quadruple Health Threats
". . .The dancers completed questionnaires on their menstrual patterns and eating habits, and underwent a blood test for hormonal levels. Thirty-six percent of the group had disordered eating habits and 77 percent were in a calorie deficit. Twenty-seven percent were currently amenorrheic, 23 percent had low bone mass density and nine percent were taking birth control. . .."
Click here for complete article.
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New Schedule Starts Today!
Primary Changes:
- Open Gym now starting at 5am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- 8am Tues, Thurs, class is canceled.
- Muay Thai is now also on Mondays!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:21 PM | Comments (26)
090531 SUNDAY
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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 29, 2009
090530 SATURDAY "Nicole"
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Mother and daughter deadlifting together.
Workout: "Nicole"
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes
Run 400m
Max reps pull ups (that means go to failure folks).
Note number of pull ups for each round, and post to comments.
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Article:
Breastfeeding and weaning diet may shape a child's body composition.
"Most studies linking infant feeding to later body composition focus on differences in milk feeding, but our study also considered the influence of the weaning diet," said Dr. Siân Robinson, PhD, of the MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre, University of Southampton in the United Kingdom and lead author of the study. "We found that, independent of the duration of breastfeeding, children with higher quality weaning diets including fruits, vegetables, and home-prepared foods had a greater lean mass at four years of age."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 4:09 PM | Comments (11)
May 28, 2009
090529 FRIDAY
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Kevin rocks his "Irish Yoga" shirt. See what Kevin said about his first few months at DCF below:
'In February after a blood test my doctor told me if I didn't change my lifestyle I could develop NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a life threatening condition). ALT, the enzyme in your blood that tests for this, was 64 on my blood test (with a normal range being 36 or below). I also had unmeasurable triglycerides and high cholesterol.
Yesterday I had to go back for a follow up blood test and my ALT was 35 (or normal) my total cholesterol went from high to normal, a 20% reduction, my triglycerides went from unmeasurable to high, but a 45% reduction, my good cholesterol was raised and LDL (bad cholesterol) lowered. My physician was amazed at the progress.
Basically I've been going to crossfit 3 days a week for 8 weeks and following the diet principles of the paleo plan, fasting when I can, and drinking a glass of red wine every day. I can't wait to go back and get another test in 6 months to see if my Triglycerides are normal as well. You guys are literally, "lifesavers" thanks for helping me live a healthier life.' - Kevin
Workout: Thruster Ladder
With a continuously running clock, perform one thruster the first minute, two thrusters the second minute, etc. Continue until you cannot perform the allotted number of thrusters in one minute.
Prescribed weight for Men is 115lbs
Women use 75lbs
Scale up or down as necessary.
Post loads and number of round completed to comments.
Compare performances with April 10th by clicking here.
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Are you using "Beyond The Whiteboard" yet?
You should definitely think about using this awesome resource for tracking your performances, and plotting your path to total fitness DOMINATION.
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Article:
"How David Beat Goliath" by Malcom Gladwell
". . .When they finally arrived at Aqaba, Lawrence’s band of several hundred warriors killed or captured twelve hundred Turks, and lost only two men. The Turks simply did not think that their opponent would be mad enough to come at them from the desert. This was Lawrence’s great insight. David can beat Goliath by substituting effort for ability—and substituting effort for ability turns out to be a winning formula for underdogs in all walks of life, including little blond-haired girls on the basketball court. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Announcements:
- New Calendar starting June 1st! (don't worry we've changed little)
- New pricing staring June 1st (only for new members, if you are current with DCF, you are 'grandfathered in')
- CPR certification seminar will be rescheduled for June
- Olympic Weightlifting Seminars coming to the "The Shed" soon!
- Rowing clinic coming soon as well.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:42 PM | Comments (24)
May 26, 2009
090526 WEDNESDAY "Fight Gone Bad"
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Here we can see the awesome jump house and the amazing D-Roe dominating at "Cornholing".
Workout: "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. 3 rounds total.
1. Wall-ball: 20 pound ball, 10 ft target men ,14lb ball, 8 ft target women. (Reps)
2. Sumo deadlift high-pull: 75 pounds men 55lbs women (Reps)
3. Box Jump: 20" box (Reps)
4. Push-press: 75 pounds men, 55lbs women (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. Add up all reps for a total 'score'.
Post score to comments.
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Article from Mark's Daily Apple:
The definitive guide to feeding primal babies.
"It’s commonly portrayed as the realm of infant formula, rice cereal, applesauce, teething biscuits, Zwieback toast and Cheerios. And in the following months a large pantry selection of strained this or that in tiny glass, commercial jars… Add to this picture more recent concoctions like toddler formula, Elmo crackers, mini juice packs, fruit gummies, and “Graduate” lines. All of this begs the question, exactly when and how did baby/early toddler nutrition become a string of processed convenience foods? The ingredient lists often smack more of Candyland than the “wholesome goodness” claimed on the labels. Was this really what nature intended? Can’t we do better by our baby Groks? What would Grandma Grok have to say about all of this? We’ve taken up the kid question before, but I thought it was time for a definitive focus on the youngest of the seedling set. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Events:
We haven't heard from too many people about the First Aid / CPR / AED Certification seminar this Thursday. If we don't get some more sign ups by the end of the day we will have to cancel/postpone it for a later date.
The cost is still $75 and it includes First Aid, Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED), as well as CPR (Adult, Child, and infant). The certification will last two years. You won't find a better deal than that.
Please email me at jeremy@diablocrossfit.com if you are interested in attending.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:06 PM | Comments (22)
May 25, 2009
090526 TUESDAY
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A big thanks to CrossFit Solano for coming out in force to our Barbecue!
Workout:
Power Clean
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Add weight each round. Touch and go on the floor only (no resting with the bar on the floor).
Post loads to comments.
Bonus Mini Metcon to follow.
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Article:
Genetic link between heart disease and periodontitis.
". . .The relationship between the dental disease periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been known for several years. Although a genetic link seemed likely, until now its existence was uncertain. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:08 PM | Comments (28)
May 24, 2009
090525 MONDAY "Memorial Day"
+++7am workout and breakfast afterward. 11am - 2pm open gym and Barbecue (feel free to stop by and see the gym!)+++
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Diablo CrossFit's Flag stands above every workout.
Workout:
Pick your favorite Hero WOD from CrossFit's FAQs.
Click here for a complete list.
Post workout and results to comments.
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Article:
Study - By nature people are naturally optimistic.
". . .Eighty-nine percent of individuals worldwide expect the next five years to be as good or better than their current life, and 95 percent of individuals expected their life in five years to be as good or better than their life was five years ago.
"These results provide compelling evidence that optimism is a universal phenomenon," said Matthew Gallagher, a psychology doctoral candidate at the University of Kansas and lead researcher of the study. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:46 PM | Comments (17)
May 23, 2009
090524 SUNDAY "Danny"
+++7am class on Monday, then Memorial Day Barbecue and open gym from 11am - 2pm (all other classes canceled).+++
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Ron and Lynn C know the secret to a good marriage. . . GHD sit ups.
Workout: "Danny"
Oakland SWAT Sergeant Daniel Sakai, age 35, was killed on March 21, 2009 in the line of duty along with fellow officers Sergeant Ervin Romans, Sergeant Mark Dunakin, and Officer John Hege. Daniel is survived by wife Jenni and daughter Jojiye. - crossfit.com
As many rounds as possible in 20 min of:
24" box jump, 30 reps
115 pound push press, 20 reps
30 pull-ups
Post rounds to comments.
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Article:
Compound In Turmeric Spice May Stall Spread Of Fat Tissue
"The researchers theorized that dietary curcumin could stall the spread of fat-tissue by inhibiting new blood vessel growth, called angiogenesis, which is necessary to build fat tissue. Curcumin is a bioactive component in curry and turmeric that has been consumed daily in Asian countries for centuries without reported toxic effects. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post your favorite curry dish to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:31 PM | Comments (6)
May 22, 2009
090523 SATURDAY
+++7am class on Monday Morning! Then open gym and barbecue from 11am - 2pm+++
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New Diablo CrossFit shorts based upon MMA fighter shorts from Soldier Fight Gear (flexible, breathable, full drawstring, and more). Sub 2 minute "Grace" and Stav's calves not included.
Workout 10am - DCF qualifier A:
For time. 6 rounds:
5 reps Squat clean thruster (135men / 85women) or or squat clean and Jerk
200 Meter Sprint
(squat cleans must be utilized for the WOD to be "Rx'ed" - no power cleans then front squats)
Workout 3pm - DCF qualifier B -
Max rounds in 3 minutes of:
3 Deadlift (245lb men / 175lb women)
6 Ring Dips (small band assist for women)
9 Wall Ball (20/10 men, 14/8 women)
Rest 1 minute.
Repeat for a total of 5 cycles. Record total rounds completed for all 5 cycles. Start where you left off each round when counting (don't keep starting on DLs).
Post results to comments.
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Article from the Life Spotlight:
"The real truth about "healthy" grains"
". . . Many plants use lectins as a defense against hungry animals. Thus, an animal that is not adapted to the lectins in the plant it’s eating may suffer damage or death. … Grains and legumes (beans, soy, peas, peanuts) are rich in some particularly nasty lectins. Especially wheat. Some can degrade the intestinal lining. Some have the ability to pass through the intestinal lining and show up in the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they may bind all sorts of carbohydrate-containing proteins in the body, including the insulin receptor. They could theoretically bind the leptin receptor, which also contains carbohydrate (= it’s glycosylated), potentially desensitizing it. This remains to be tested, and to my knowledge is pure speculation at this point. What is not so speculative is that once you’re leptin-resistant, you become obese and insulin resistant, and at that point you are intolerant to any type of carbohydrate. . . "
Click here for complete article.
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Don't forget to come to our Open house and Barbecue on Monday (Memorial Day). We will be having open gym, food, and beer from 11am - 2pm. Please stop by and say Hi! Click her for details.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:14 PM | Comments (15)
May 21, 2009
090522 FRIDAY "Randy"
+++Limited hours for Memorial day! 11am - 2pm for Open gym only (no official classes)+++
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Mike P rocks out some muscle ups (why miles has that look on his face, I don't know).
Workout: "Randy"
(In honor of Randy Simmons, 51, a 27 year LAPD veteran and SWAT team member who was killed February 6 in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Simmons' wife and two children. First posted 13 February 2008) - www.crossfit.com
75 power snatches (video can be downloaded here)
Rx'ed weight is 75lbs, but a weight should be used that will allow proper form even into the higher rep ranges.
Post time to comments.
(and don't forget to compare your results with other CFers at "Beyond the Whiteboard")
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Article:
Vitamin D key to healthy brain
". . .They suggested it might trigger an increase in protective hormonal activity in the brain. However, the only data to back this up so far comes from animal studies.
There is also some evidence that vitamin D can dampen down an over-active immune system.
Alternatively, it may boost levels of antioxidants that in effect detoxify the brain. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:24 PM | Comments (29)
May 18, 2009
090519 TUESDAY
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Olympic Weightlifter and CrossFit Football coach, Max Mormont talks of the virtues of the 'high bar back squat'.
Workout:
High bar back squat
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
Post loads to comments.
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Click "Continue Reading" below to see how to try out for the DCF Affiliate Competition team.
Diablo CrossFit's Affiliate team tryouts:
If you would like to try out for the DCF Affiliate team and compete on Friday before the CrossFit games, you will have to complete the following workouts this week (you have to finish them by Sunday). It is up to you to choose when you will do them. The first two workouts must be performed in the first day. The last workout on the last day.
It is up to the athlete to schedule their tryout with a trainer (to witness).
DCF Affiliate Challenge WODs:
Workout A -
For time. 6 rounds:
5 reps Squat clean thruster (135men / 85women) or or squat clean and Jerk
200 Meter Sprint
Workout B -
Max rounds in 3 minutes of:
3 Deadlift (245lb men / 175lb women)
6 Ring Dips (small band assist for women)
9 Wall Ball (20/10 men, 14/8 women)
Rest 1 minute.
Repeat for a total of 5 cycles. Record total rounds completed for all 5 cycles. Start where you left off each round when counting (don't keep starting on DLs).
Wourkout C - (to be announced).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:16 PM | Comments (29)
May 17, 2009
090517 MONDAY "DCF is CrossFit Football Certified!"
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Jeremy Jones and Jimmy Greninger at the very first CrossFit FootBall Certification Seminar at CrossFit Balboa
Workout - Rocky Mountain Qualifier #2
3 rounds for time of:
10 Chest-to-Bar Pullups
10 Front Squats, 165 lbs (105 lbs for women)
10 Burpees
Post Time To Comments. Compare times to Rocky Mtn. Qualifier: Men & Women
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Article: President's Council on Physical Fitness Launches New National Adult Fitness Test
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) launched its new national Adult Fitness Test. The online self-test, available at www.adultfitnesstest.org, measures overall fitness levels by assessing aerobic fitness, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition. Read more here.
Editor's note: It's really easy to be incredibly cynical of this test. It's also quite sad just how pathetically out of shape Americans are. So, we have to start somewhere and I give the Administration credit for initiating the evaluation process.
Posted by Craig at 8:57 PM | Comments (31)
May 14, 2009
090515 FRIDAY
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Craig seems more concerned with Rick Heilman's (former DCF coach, and now "CrossVestite" between DCF and CF Santa Clara) pace than his own.
Workout: Deadlift.
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Post loads to comments.
Bonus minimetcon (miniature metabolic conditioning workout) to follow
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Article:
Intermittent Fasting has a new name. . .
". . .F is not about starvation, it’s not about crash dieting, and it’s not about quick weight loss (even if results may happen quickly for some). To me it’s all about a lifestyle and lasting approach to improving your health, redefining your relationship with food, to reduce unnatural cravings, get back in tune with the natural survival design of our bodies, optimizing your glucose energy metabolism (which will in turn make you more effective in burning, and not storing, fat) and just an easy and simple approach to lasting results. Heck people are out there breaking through weight loss plateaus just using IF and not changing up anything else!. . ."
Click here for comlete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:11 PM | Comments (18)
090514 THURSDAY "Helen"
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Ever wonder what goes on after our morning classes. . . Now you know (participation not required).
Workout: "Helen" - 3 rounds for time.
400m run
21 kettlebell swings (54lb men / 35lb women)
12 pull ups
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Vitamins may undo exercise efforts.
". . . Men who took vitamin C and E supplements showed no changes in their free radical levels, whereas those who did not take these antioxidants showed increased levels of free radical oxidative stress.
After four weeks of intensive exercise training, insulin sensitivity was restored only in the group of men who did not take antioxidant supplements.
The men who took the vitamin supplements fared worse, metabolically. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 1:21 AM | Comments (18)
May 12, 2009
090513 WEDNESDAY
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"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!"
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 10, 2009
090511 MONDAY
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Roger demonstrates some skills on the parallettes (like HSPUs).
Workout:
Strict Press
Handstand Push Ups on Parallettes (hands to shoulder, not just head to floor).
5, 5, 5
Alternate between movements (3 sets of 5 for each movement).
DO NOT do HSPUs with back against the wall. Scale the handstand push ups by putting your knees (more basic) or toes (more advanced) on a box. The higher the box, the more difficult the HSPU will be. Try to get your hips over your shoulders. Elbows should NOT flair out to the sides but stay in front of your body, similar to the Strict Press.
Post loads for Strict Press, and scaling method for HSPUs to comments.
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article:
Probiotics May Help Ward Off Obesity
Amsterdam, the Netherlands: One year after giving birth, women were less likely to have the most dangerous kind of obesity if they had been given probiotics from the first trimester of pregnancy, found new research that suggests manipulating the balance of bacteria in the gut may help fight obesity.
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:07 PM | Comments (16)
May 9, 2009
090510 SUNDAY "Happy Mother's Day"
+++Class as usual today!+++
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Part of the Gymnastics Workshop this Saturday at DCF with Roger Harrell and Andres De La Rosa of CrossFit Marin (why Heather and Tami are smiling, and everyone else isn't. . . is just part of the story).
Workout: "3 times a Newbie - Sympathy for Mom"
3 rounds for time. Rx'ed means doing it with a 20lb weight vest (optional for Mothers)
400m Run
10 pull ups
20 push ups
30 sit ups
40 squats
Post time, and thanks to your mother to comments.
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Article:
Undiagnosed Diabetes Takes an Economic Toll
"Approximately 6.3 million adults—or one fourth of the people in the U.S. with diabetes mellitus—are unaware they have the disease, and this undiagnosed population accounts for an estimated $18 billion in health care costs each year, according to a new study. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:24 PM | Comments (3)
May 8, 2009
090509 SATURDAY
Holly looks like she is enjoying herself a the Qualifiers (Tom Campitelli photo from the Qualifier)
Workout:
5 rounds for time.
30 Double Unders
20 Kettlebell Swings (54lb, 35lb, 26lb)
100m Waiter Walks (see old post linked 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.
Compare results to the last time we did this workout on November 7th, 2008
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Massage After Exercise Myth Busted.
"A Queen’s University research team has blown open the myth that massage after exercise improves circulation to the muscle and assists in the removal of lactic acid and other waste products. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Don't give up on massage just yet. . .
Massaging Muscles Facilitates Recovery After Exercise.
". . .The massaged muscles recovered an estimated 60 percent of the strength after the four-day trial, compared to restoration of about 14 percent of strength in muscles that were exercised and then rested.
Similarly, the massaged muscles had fewer damaged muscle fibers and virtually no sign of white blood cells, the presence of which would indicate that the body was working to repair muscle damage, when compared with the rested muscles. The massaged muscles weighed about 8 percent less than the rested muscles, suggesting that the massage helped prevent swelling, Best said. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:59 PM | Comments (4)
May 7, 2009
090508 FRIDAY
+++Olympic Lifting and 3pm CrossFit canceled this Saturday for Gymnastics Seminar+++
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Stavros in the starting position of a clean during the NorCal Qualifiers.
Also. . .
Stavros cheering on Darren at the final event While Kenny Castro drives (another great photo from Tom Campitelli, you can find more of his work from the event here.)
Workout:
For time, going to failure each set:
100 total pull ups
100 total GHD sit ups (sub 150 abmat sit ups for people who cannot do full extension)
Failure on pull ups is any time your feet touch the floor, or you let go of the bar. Failure on GHDs or sit ups is pausing of any kind (you must be moving continuously). Alternate between exercises.
Post time, and total number of sets used to complete the workout to comments.
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Not heard on the video when D-Roe gave Angel the 'Five' -
"C'mon. We're going to the Games baby!"
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Article from The Life Spotlight:
Which is Better Sugar or Artificial Sweeteners?
". . .Yes, you read that right…”sugar is okay”. I politely informed him that there was nothing “okay” about sugar, which he argued adamantly against.* Luckily, he gave me an idea for another post…this one!
So which is worse: sweeteners or artificial sweeteners? And is either “okay”? . . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 2:30 PM | Comments (26)
May 6, 2009
090507 THURSDAY
+++Olympic Lifting and 3pm CrossFit canceled this Saturday for Gymnastics Seminar+++
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Yvonne didn't hold back on height for her burpees during workout A at the Regionals.
Workout "A" from the Regionals:
Row 500m
30 Burpees
10 Shoulder-to-Overhead (Men: 165#, Women: 95#)
It's up to you to decide on the technique to employ for the shoulder-to-overhead movement (shoulder press, push press, push jerk, etc.). Efficient technique will be rewarded.
Scaled Version:
Row 500m
30 Burpees
10 Shoulder-to-Overhead (Men: 105#, Women: 65#)
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Bedtime Routine Improves Sleep In Infants And Toddlers, Maternal Mood
"A new study demonstrates that the use of a consistent bedtime routine contributes to improvements in multiple aspects of infant and toddler sleep, bedtime behavior and maternal mood. . .?
Click here for complete article.
Do you think that if a "bedtime routine" helps infants and toddlers, it will also help you sleep? You bet.
Post your "bedtime routine" to comments.
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Gymnastics & Parkour Seminar This Saturday! (only a few spots left, email jeremy@diablocrossfit.com if you are interested in going).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:26 PM | Comments (14)
May 3, 2009
090504 MONDAY "Darren Takes Second Place at the Regionals!"
Darren clearing the last turn of the 3rd workout. (You can see Jorgy cheering in the background).
Find Julie D checking Darren's pull ups in this one.
Congratulations to D-Roe for taking second place at the NorCal Qualifiers!
Workout:
Back Squat
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article:
Dietary fat triggers long term memory formation
"UC Irvine researchers have found that eating fat-rich foods triggers the formation of long-term memories of that activity. The study adds to their recent work linking dietary fats to appetite control and may herald new approaches for treating obesity and other eating disorders. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Gymnastics and Parkour Seminar this weekend. Don't forget to sign up with jeremy@diablocrossfit.com to reserve a spot!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:39 PM | Comments (34)
May 1, 2009
090502 SATURDAY
+++DCF CLOSED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FOR NORCAL QUALIFIERS - Everyone should head down to Aromas and Cheer on your fellow DCFers!+++
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A few DCFers headed out to a local track to work on some sprinting, and to find out what their mile times were (is Stavros making the "One World" sign? I can't tell -jj)
Workout (for those of you stuck at home):
6 rounds.
Sprint 1 minute
Rest 1 minute
Measure total distance traveled (i.e. "5 trips around the block, etc).
Use Map My Run or other online resource to measure distances.
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Article: From Mark's Daily Apple
"How Not to get the Swine Flu"
"Swine flu. Even the hype surrounding it is pandemic. It’s made headlines in every major newspaper and magazine. The CDC has a new press release every half hour. TV talking heads and radio pundits furrow their brows and express extreme consternation as they tell us to start “bracing for the worst.” President Obama has asked for another billion-and–a-half dollars (that we don’t have) to fend off this impending menace. Frightened school boards are halting classes everywhere until they are given a better action plan. Cruises are cancelled, trips are postponed, pigs are slaughtered, nations are blamed. It’s crazy. . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Fundraiser:
Diabetes Dash 5k fun run at UC Davis Arboretum May 31st at 10am.
All proceeds will go straight to UCD Medical Center for Diabetes research.
Download entry form here. Download waiver here.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:16 PM | Comments (8)
April 29, 2009
090430 THURSDAY "Cindy"
+++DCF CLOSED THIS WEEKEND FOR NORCAL QUALIFIERS - Everyone should head down to Aromas and Cheer on your fellow DCFers!+++
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We had quite a good turnout for out "Introduction to Elite Nutrition" Seminar. You can expect more seminars like this in the future.
Workout: "Cindy"
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Depression linked to abdominal obesity (visceral fat).
". . .The researchers found a strong correlation between depression and visceral fat, particularly among overweight and obese women. The results were the same even when the analysis adjusted for other variables that might explain the accumulation of visceral fat, such as the level of physical activity. The study found no association between depressive symptoms and subcutaneous fat. The findings were the same for both black and white women.
Powell speculated that depression triggers the accumulation of visceral fat by means of certain chemical changes in the body – like the production of cortisol and inflammatory compounds – but said that more research is needed to pinpoint the exact mechanism."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:45 PM | Comments (12)
April 27, 2009
090428 TUESDAY "Goodbye for now Alex"
+++CLASS AT DCF CLOSED THIS WEEKEND - Everyone should come to the Qualifiers to cheer on our fellow DCFers+++
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Alex will be leaving DCF for a spell while he plays Baseball in Indiana. He plans on resuming coaching upon his return (in approximately 5 months or so).
Workout: (Alex would have really liked this workout)
For time.
Run 800m
15 Thrusters (135lbs men, 95lb women, or less if needed)
Run 400m
12 Thrusters
Run 200m
9 Thrusters
Run 100m
Thrusters must start from the floor every set (don't use racks).
Post time to comments.
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Article from Jon Gilson at "Again Faster":
Ian Carver: A better way (implementing CrossFit in Law Enforcement departments).
". . .In Patrol you go from zero to 60. You're out talking to somebody and the next thing you know it's a foot pursuit and you're going over fences and then you're getting in a fist fight. That exact scenario happened to me prior to me leaving there one day. That was really a changing life for me was getting into a fight with a guy that I chased for a long time, getting stuck in a backyard with him and just being in a literal toe-to-toe fist fight for about a minute and a half straight until the first units got there. . .
. . .Win or lose law enforcement combat in public, it’s not go home as the loser. It's you don't go home. And that right there, with him latched onto my gun, grabbing for my gun in that backyard and me doing all I could to fight this guy off and keep myself safe was the catalyst for me to go, "Okay, this is not the right way to train. There's got to be a better way. I know it's out there somewhere. Now what do I do?" . . ."
Click here for complete article.
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EVENTS:
May 2nd & 3rd is the NorCal Regional Qualifiers (that is this weekend folks!).
Directions to Aromas can be found by clicking here.
Please post to comments if you are looking for someone to carpool with.
May 9th is the Gymnastics and Parkour Workshop at Diablo CrossFit.
YOU MUST RESERVE YOUR SPOT AHEAD OF TIME. Email jeremy@diablocrossfit.com if you plan on attending.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:58 PM | Comments (15)
April 26, 2009
090427 MONDAY
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Max Aita and Martin Pashov from California Strength visited DCF last week to help the DCF crew with some power clean practice.
Workout:
Power Cleans
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Touch and go on the floor each set. Letting go of the bar, or resting with the bar on the ground counts as a termination of a set.
Post loads to comments.
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Video: Martin Pashov clean and jerks 405 at Diablo CrossFit.
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Article from the "Life Spotlight"
Marketing Lies: There is no such thing as healthy sugar
". . .Simple; we want to believe it. We want to believe that we can “have our cake and eat it too”. That is, we want to think that we can get that sweet sensation without destroying our bodies. Unfortunately, it’s not true. Along with trans fats, sugar is the worst thing you can put in your body. . . "
click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:25 PM | Comments (31)
April 25, 2009
090426 SUNDAY
Workout: Pull up ladder
1 pull up the first minute, 2 pull ups the second minute, 3 pull ups the third minute. . . continue until you cannot complete the number of pull ups in the 60 seconds allotted.
Post number of rounds completed plus additional pull ups completed to comments.
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POSE method of running clinic today!
"In order to excel at any sport and to avoid being injured you need to learn proper technique. Running is no different and yet most running instruction consists of "Run this far" and "Run with this intensity". Very few running coaches actually teach you how to run. At our running clinic you will learn HOW to run. Tim Hill, your clinic coach, is Northern California's only POSE Method of Running coach."
Click here to sign up ($75 per participant).
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Article: Even modest exercise can reduce negative effects of body fat.
. . . "Scientists now know that obesity is associated with a low-grade systemic inflammation. Obese people have higher levels of circulating inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), which are produced and secreted by fat tissue. This inflammation then triggers the systemic diseases linked with metabolic syndrome, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease," he said. . .
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 6:22 PM | Comments (7)
April 24, 2009
090425 SATURDAY "Number 2"
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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 23, 2009
090424 FRIDAY "Annie"
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6am Mike "Cabbie" C. shows the horns while wearing his Cal shirt after a workout.
Workout: "Annie"
For time.
50, 40, 30, 20, 10
Double Unders
Sit ups (feet anchored okay)
Post time to comments.
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Grass Fed Beef has been divvied up at the Shed! If you haven't got it already you can pick it up there in the freezer. See the articles below for many recipes and cooking tips.
Grass Fed Beef Recipes by beef cut
Recipes by www.americangrassfedbeef.com
Cooking tips from Mt Vernon Farm.net
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Article: Vitamin D linked to asthma severity
"They found that children with lower vitamin D levels were significantly more likely to have been hospitalized for asthma in the previous year, tended to have airways with increased hyperreactivity and were likely to have used more inhaled corticosteroids, all signifying higher asthma severity. These children were also significantly more likely to have several markers of allergy, including dust-mite sensitivity. . ."
Click here for complete article
Post thoughts to comments.
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Next weekend (May 2nd - 3rd): NorCal Regional Qualifiers!
May 9th: Gymnastics and Parkour Seminar at Diablo CrossFit
Coming Soon (dates aren't set yet): CPR certification seminar, Rowing Clinic, Olympic Lifting Clinic.
Please post to comments which of these events you would be interested in attending.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:24 PM | Comments (33)
090423 THURSDAY
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Who wouldn't enjoy a morning with your friends, a medicine ball, and a course to run around?
Workout:
SoCal Regional Qualifier No 3.
For Time:
2k Row
Followed by six rounds of:
20 Box Jumps (24"/20")
10 Wall Balls (20lb/14lb - BOTH TO 10 FT TARGET if possible ladies)
If you are not sure if you can complete the above workout in less than 30 minutes (or if you are new), complete the 1/2 Qualifier (1k row, 10 box jumps, 5 wall ball)
Post time to comments. (and you know the drill, you can look up your 'virtual/theoretical' placement here for men and here for women).
And before people start looking into it too far, in my experience your 'theoretical' time at your home gym is probably anywhere from 5 - 15% faster than what it would be in competition (due to the lack of stress, stringent judging, etc).
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Article:
Witnessing Violence Affects Kids Health
"School-aged children who witness violence in urban communities show symptoms of post-traumatic stress. They also suffer physiological effects with a disruption to their normal cortisol production pattern during the day, which may have long-term negative effects on their health. . ."
Click here for complete article.
(I wonder how much television and video game violence affects kids health as well. -jj)
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 3:34 AM | Comments (19)
April 19, 2009
090420 MONDAY
Some of the DCF ladies at the Level 1 cert a few weeks ago (Yvonne, Meg, Jasmine, Sarah, Donna, and Jamie)
Workout:
Split Jerk from behind the head.
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Take the weight off the rack each time like you are going to do a back squat, then use the split jerk to get it overhead.
Download videos here: (Quicktime, windows media file
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article:
Link between sleep and pain found
"A new study suggests that sleep problems lead to increased pain and fatigue in cancer patients. The results indicate that interventions aimed at trouble sleeping would be expected to improve both pain and fatigue in this patient population. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:27 PM | Comments (28)
April 18, 2009
090419 SUNDAY
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DCF invades South Lake Tahoe (Nick, Jamie, Paula and JJ).
Workout:
For Time:
Walking Lunges 100m
30 Deadlifts 225# / 135#
30 Ring Dips
30 GHD Sit Ups
Wallking Lunges 100m
Post time to comments. Beginners: Cut distance, weights and repetitions in half.
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Article:
Fatty Liver Disease and Aerobic Capacity linked
"Poor aerobic fitness is strongly associated with obesity and its consequent risks of heart disease, strokes and diabetes – now considered worldwide epidemics. But the underlying link has long puzzled scientists. New research in The Journal of Physiology connects low aerobic capacity to another serious condition – non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – and suggests that the resulting liver problems play a crucial step developing obesity-related illnesses. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:36 PM | Comments (7)
April 17, 2009
090418 SATURDAY "Kelly"
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Russ loves Wall Ball (don't we all?).
Workout: "Kelly"
5 rounds for time.
Run 400 meters
30 box jump, 24 inch box
30 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball (10' target for men, 8' target for women)]
Beginners should perform "Half Kelly" (run 200, 15 box jumps, 15 wall balls, 5 rounds).
Post time to comments.
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Article:
". . . Although a higher SPF sunscreen, if used properly, should allow you to stay in the sun that much longer without burning, it isn't clear if high SPF sunscreens block any more than 97 percent of burning rays. "Block" is a misleading term because no product you can see through will block 100 percent of the sun from your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using at least a 15 SPF, reapplied every two hours, after swimming or sweating. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:34 PM | Comments (9)
April 16, 2009
090417 FRIDAY "Jackie"
Meg shows Dave how to look good doing thrusters.
Workout: "Jackie"
For time.
1000m row
50 thrusters (45lbs)
30 pull ups
Post time to comments.
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Article found on CrossFit Balboa.
". . .Corn is considered the number-one carcinogen in the American diet. It is responsible for more cancer deaths than all of the pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other additives that contaminate our food. Many scientists believe that corn is responsible for more cancer deaths in America than cigarettes. Grains, in general, are so carcinogenic that the EPA now requires people who are exposed to them in their work (mill workers, grain elevator operators and some bakers) to wear respirators to provide protection against the cancers and lung disease that plague them. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:30 PM | Comments (32)
April 15, 2009
090416 THURSDAY "Danny"
Big Dave got his thruster face on at the Level 1 Cert.
Sadly, another hero workout today from CrossFit.com: "Danny"
Complete as many rounds in 20 minutes as you can of:
24 inch Box Jump, 30 reps
115 pound Push Press, 20 reps
30 Pull-ups
Post rounds completed to comments.

This workout is for Oakland SWAT Sergeant Daniel Sakai, age 35, was killed on March 21, 2009 in the line of duty along with fellow officers Sergeant Ervin Romans, Sergeant Mark Dunakin, and Officer John Hege. Daniel is survived by wife Jenni and son Jojiye.
We will not forget Danny. God bless your family and the families of your fellow officers who died that terrible day.
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Article: Lean Times Bring Workouts Home
The recession has caused people to cut back on everything from travel to eating out. Now, it is spawning a new low-budget fitness movement. These low-cost and easy fitness alternatives range from dusting off old dumbbells to jumping rope or kickboxing in front of the television.
Read on! People are dropping their gym memberships because they are not going, are not getting results, are not having fun, and are bored! The globo gyms are letting people down. Park workouts are a blast!
Posted by Craig at 9:52 PM | Comments (23)
April 14, 2009
090415 WEDNESDAY
Workout:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
Run 400m
2 rope climbs (15 foot ascent)
10 ring dips
Post rounds and fractions of rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Why that big meal just made you hungry
". . . This happens in part because refined carbohydrates raise blood-sugar levels, setting up an insulin surge that drives blood sugar down again, causing rebound hunger. That insulin spike also interferes with leptin, the hormone secreted by fat cells that should tell the body to stop eating. Obese people have loads of leptin, but it either doesn't get to the brain, or the brain becomes resistant to it. "This is not a failure of willpower, it's a physical mechanism," Dr. Aronne writes. The body also becomes resistant to insulin, setting the stage for diabetes.
Other researchers have described similar phenomena. An article in this month's Medical Hypothesis argues that for some people, refined foods with high sugar and carbohydrate content can be just as addictive as tobacco and alcohol. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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The Norcal Regional Qualifiers are looking for volunteers! If you aren't already competing, you should seriously consider signing up to help run the event (it is a great way to get on the 'inside' of all the fun stuff going on behind the scenes).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:21 PM | Comments (24)
April 12, 2009
090413 MONDAY "Welcome Jace Anders Greninger"
+++Introduction to Elite Nutrition Workshop Sold out!+++
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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 11, 2009
090412 SUNDAY "Happy Easter"
+++Schedule as usual today!+++
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Macy completing her first workout for the second time 3 months later. . . and killing it.
Workout:
Tabata Sumo Deadlift High Pull (95# men, 65# women)
Rest 1 minute
Tabata L sit (count total seconds feet are off the floor)
Rest 1 minute
Tabata Kettlebell swings (2pood men, 1.5pood women)
Rest 1 minute
Tabata box jumps or step ups - choose one and use it for the entire interval (24" men, 20" women)
A "Tabata" is 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest for 8 rounds (4 minutes total). Complete as many reps as possible in 20 seconds. Your 'score' is the lowest number of reps completed in any 20 second interval. Write your score down for each exercise during the rest interval.
Post reps for each exercise as well as total reps completed to comments.
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Article:
Sleep: Spring cleaning for the brain.
". . . Sleep — by allowing synaptic downscaling — saves energy, space and material, and clears away unnecessary "noise" from the previous day, the researchers believe. The fresh brain is then ready to learn again in the morning.
The researchers — Giorgio Gilestro, Giulio Tononi and Chiara Cirelli, of the Center for Sleep and Consciousness — found that levels of proteins that carry messages in the synapses (or junctions) between neurons drop by 30 to 40 percent during sleep. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Registration for the Nutrition Workshop is CLOSED. Hopefully we can have another one in the near future for those who missed this one. (and believe me, after seeing the results from the people who go to this one, you'll won't want to miss the next one. -jj)
Registration for the Gymnastics and Parkour Workshop is still $60 until the end of the day today (then it will be $75 from tomorrow forward).
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CrossFit Solano and CrossFit Vallejo raised over $13,000 for the fallen Oakland Police officers! Click Here to see CF Solano's comments about the event.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:31 PM | Comments (11)
April 10, 2009
090411 SATURDAY "3 times a Newbie"
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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 9, 2009
090410 FRIDAY
+++Sprint Practice at DVC at 11:30am, see below for details.+++
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Andrew demonstrates perfect form for bailing out of an overhead lift. Herm from CrossFit Los Altos judges his form intently.
Workout:
With a continuously running clock, perform one thruster the first minute, two thrusters the second minute, etc. Continue until you cannot perform the allotted number of thrusters in one minute.
Men use 115lbs
Women use 75lbs
Scale up or down as necessary.
Post loads and number of round completed to comments.
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Article:
For ADHD it is better to teach skills rather than prescribe pills.
"The results, published in the March issue of Clinical Psychology Review, found that teaching parents and teachers how to respond when children do things the right way -- as well as when they display harmful or aggressive behavior -- is effective, and in some cases more effective, than medication for ADHD. . . "
Click here for complete article.
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Diablo CrossFit's Elite Scholastic Althletics Program has it's own class!
3:30pm Monday - Friday is our special ESA class for young athletes. Contact us by emailing info@diablocrossfit.com to reserve a slot for your student athlete or team today.
"It pays to finish first!"
The Gymnastics Seminar will be $75 for those who sign up after Sunday. Sign up now for $60!
Track training 11:30 at DVC track.
Jan Maynard will be leading a track workout. We'll time everyone in the mile, and 400m, if they're interested. Or just come out and run. If it's rainy, we'll scrap it. If not, we'll see you there!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:47 PM | Comments (14)
090409 THURSDAY
+++Regular Schedule this weekend (Good Friday and Easter Sunday). Come workout. God would want you to.+++
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Ron and Kaela, two more of Diablo CrossFit's satisfied customers.
Workout: For time.
21 - 15 - 9
Burpees (chest to floor every rep)
135lb Hang Power Cleans (scale down if necessary)
GHD sit ups (touch the floor every rep, scale to abmat sit ups if necessary)
Post time to comments.
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Article:
"The whipping cream, butter, vegetable oil diet helps reduce seizures"
". . .Their approach has been effective, as seen in an as yet unpublished study of 43 patients at Children’s Hospital, between the ages of twelve months and 15 years. Of these children who started on the ketogenic diet between 2002 and 2006, half had a greater than 90 percent reduction in seizure frequency. . .
"The carbohydrate-restricted ketogenic diet also requires strong parental support, according to Zupec-Kania. “Fat comprises between 80 and 90 percent of the diet’s calories and is provided by foods such as whipping cream, butter and vegetable oils. The remaining calories are allocated to essential protein requirements from meat and fish, and secondarily to low-carbohydrate vegetables and fruit,” she says. “The elimination of carbohydrate-rich foods such as simple sugars, bread, pasta, cereals grains and milk makes this diet difficult for many patients to follow.". . . "
Click here for complete article.
(I find it interesting that they make such a big deal out of how hard the diet was, and how detrimental it can be to you health when there are entire societies -see Inuit, etc- that have lived on animals alone for thousands of years. . . In fact, I know people who have lived on this diet personally, and they have had no "side effects" -jj).
Post thoughts to comments.
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Events:
Oakland Police Memorial Workout at CrossFit Solano this Saturday (CrossFit Vallejo is also helping host)! It should be a great time, and an easy way to show your support to those who serve behind the shield every day. Try not to miss it!
The Nutrition Workshop roster is filling up fast, you better email jeremy@diablocrossfit.com or stavros@diablocrossfit.com to reserve your spot right away.
The CrossFit NorCal Qualifiers are May 2nd and 3rd, and we expect EVERYONE from the gym to come cheer on our competitors. At last year's CF Games, we had one of the largest groups from any gym (and we only had 1/3rd of the number of people). You can see pictures from last year's event by clicking here (as well as pictures of myself 20lbs fatter).
This year, I want at least 3 times as many people from The Shed.
Post to comments if you are going to the NorCal Qualifiers as either a competitor or as an athlete.
Also - Don't forget to reserve a spot for our Gymnastics Workshop on May 9th!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:34 AM | Comments (29)
April 7, 2009
090408 WEDNESDAY
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Stretching before a workout, or new dance class?
Workout: Team Workout!
2 partners working as a team. 1 person works out at a time, the other provides encouragement and counts reps. You'll want to trade off as soon as the person who is working out gets tired. Each athlete needs to get at least 5 repetitions in for each exercise each round (no "hogging the movements")
60 double unders (share the rope if you have to)
40 push presses with 95lb or 65lb barbell
100m walking lunges with 25lb dbs or 15lb dbs
As many rounds as possible in 30 minutes.
(If doing it by yourself, do half the reps/distance as many rounds as possible in 20 min).
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
(first posted on diablocrossfit November 22nd, 2008)
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Pizza vending machines?!
(I am distressed and yet vaguely hungry at the same time when I see this video -jj)
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Article:
20% of preschoolers are obese, study says
"A striking new study says almost 1 in 5 American 4-year-olds is obese, and the rate is alarmingly higher among American Indian children, with nearly a third of them obese.
Researchers were surprised to see differences by race at so early an age. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:08 PM | Comments (30)
April 6, 2009
090406 TUESDAY "Gymnastics Workshop May 9th"
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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)
April 5, 2009
090406 MONDAY "Running Angie"
+++Diablo CrossFit Open Full Time Today!+++
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Holly, Shannon and Carry after the "Brickyard" race Sunday (not pictured, Mountain, Hylie and Tami). After some recent comments they decided to only wear their numbers.
Admit it. You enlarged the photo.
Workout: "Running Angie"
For time.
100 pull ups
Run 400m
100 push ups
Run 400m
100 sit ups
Run 400m
100 squats
Run 400m
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Infant weight gain linked to childhood obesity
". . ."There is increasing evidence that rapid changes in weight during infancy increase children's risk of later obesity," says lead author Elsie Taveras, assistant professor in the HMS Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention and co-director of the One Step Ahead clinic, a pediatric overweight prevention program at Children's Hospital Boston. "The mounting evidence suggests that infancy may be a critical period during which to prevent childhood obesity and its related consequences." . . ."
Click here for complete article
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Make sure you sign up for "Introduction to Elite Nutrition Workshop" by emailing jeremy@diablocrossfit.com or stavros@diablocrossfit.com.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 3:05 PM | Comments (30)
April 1, 2009
090402 THURSDAY
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". . .And 7pm is only for pimps, playas, and procrastinators" - Prashant N. 7pm class regular.
Workout: For time.
100 squats
4 rope climbs (15' ascent, use of feet encouraged)
75 squats
3 rope climbs
50 squats
2 rope climbs
25 squats
1 rope climb
Post time to comments.
Scaling: Two 'rope lay downs' in lieu of rope climbs, or 'rope assisted pull ups' x 10 per rope climb. Air squats can also be cut in half if needed.
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Article:
Sleep problems linked to suicide.
". . .People with two or more symptoms of insomnia were 2.6 times more likely to report a suicide attempt than those whose sleep was not disturbed.
Early morning waking was the single trait most strongly linked to suicidal behaviour. . .
Experts have suggested that a lack of sleep might affect the way the brain works, leading to poor judgement and less ability to control impulses. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Oakland Police Fund Raiser at CrossFit Solano, Saturday April 11th.
Post to comments if you are thinking about attending.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:50 PM | Comments (48)
March 31, 2009
090401 WEDNESDAY
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Travis always has great shirts.
Workout:
Strict Press
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Bonus Mini Metcon to follow.
Post loads to comments.
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Article:
"The Hoops Whisperer" - Lawyer becomes NBA's most sought after trainer
". . .Mr. Ravin's goal is to create so much chaos and stress on a player during workouts that the physical game becomes less cerebral and more automatic. He uses a combination of humbling psychological tactics and exhausting, unorthodox and sometimes spontaneous drills. He's been known to fire tennis balls at players while they're dribbling or make them stare straight ahead while dribbling two balls in each hand in uneven rhythms and walking from side to side.
In one particularly exhausting drill, Mr. Ravin throws 25 balls, one at a time, in different directions. The player's job is to catch them after only one bounce and then shoot. . ."
Click here for complete article.
(Sounds a lot like CrossFit to me. . . now where did I put that tennis ball trainer. . . -jj)
Post thoughts to comments.
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Affiliate Throwdown at CrossFit Santa Clara this Saturday!
Post to comments if you are interested in going (it is time the rest of the CF world gets to see some DCFers outside of their habitat).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:42 PM | Comments (52)
March 30, 2009
090331 TUESDAY
Ed Tracey (from Oakland Police Department) and DCF Trainer and CrossFit Santa Rosa Fire's Stavros at CrossFit Oakland's Fund Raiser on Saturday. (A great photo from Thomas Campitelli. Click his name to see more of his work - good stuff).
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 to January 9th by clicking here.
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Website:
Albert & Eve - Organic and Local fruit and veggies delivered to your doorstep (if you live in the East Bay).
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Article:
Pregnancy: Bad Oral Hygiene Can Lead To Complications In Pregnancy And Problems For Babies
"Bacteria from a mother's mouth can be transmitted through the blood and amniotic fluid in the womb to her unborn child. This could contribute to the risk of a premature delivery, a low birth-weight baby, premature onset of contractions, or infection of the newborn child. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:03 PM | Comments (36)
March 29, 2009
090330 MONDAY
Our Diablo CrossFit Bank of America Climb Team that raised $2,557 for lung cancer research: Craig, Yvonne, Lauren, Adam and Tami.
Most of the team made it to the top in about 10 minutes. Exact results posted below.
Workout:
Front Squat
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
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"Climb California" Results, out of 1086 Climbers, DCF definitely excelled.
DCF Results:
Craig H.: 10:10. 40th overall. 10th in 40 - 49 age group.
Adam M: 10:46 61st overall. 16th in 20 - 29 age group.
Lauren L: 10:51(!) 67th overall. 6th OVERALL WOMEN!! 3rd in 20 -29 age group!
Yvonne: 11:05 (!) 71st overall. 9th OVERALL WOMEN! 2nd in 40-49 age group!
Tami L: 11:56 (!!) 141 overall. 1st in 50 - 59 AGE GROUP!!
Results by age group, click here.
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Article:
Optimal Running Speed Associated With Evolution Of Early Human Hunting Strategies
". . .The result debunks the long-standing view that running has the same metabolic cost per unit of time no matter the speed — in other words, that the energy needed to run a given distance is the same whether sprinting or jogging. Though sprinting feels more demanding in the short term, the longer time and continued exertion required to cover a set distance at a slower pace were thought to balance out the difference in metabolic cost, says Karen Steudel, a zoology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:25 PM | Comments (34)
March 28, 2009
090329 SUNDAY
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Need extra weight to deadlift? Filip and Jordan are for hire.
Workout: For time.
Run 800m
30 chest to bar pull ups
12 strict handstand push ups
Run 800m
20 chest to bar pull ups
8 strict handstand push ups
Run 800m
10 chest to bar pull ups
4 strict handstand push ups
Use parallettes to allow your head to go past your hands if possible.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
CrossFit is dangerous? What about marathons and triathlons?
". . . Statistics show that for every million participants in these 26.2-mile running races, there will be four to eight deaths.
The rate for triathletes is far higher - 15 out of a million, the new study shows. Almost all occurred during the swim portion, usually the first event. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:43 PM | Comments (21)
March 26, 2009
090327 FRIDAY "Elizabeth"
+++Oly and Muay Thai Canceled Tomorrow! (10am and 3pm class as usual)+++
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Jan (center, in red) leads a group of cyclists back from one of his Saturday rides. The riders leave every Saturday at 7:45am from the DCF parking lot.
Workout: "Elizabeth"
For time.
21 - 15 - 9 reps
135lb squat cleans (sub 95, 65 or even a medicine ball if form work is needed)
Ring dips
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Another nail in the coffin for high fructose corn syrup: "Fructose metabolism in the brain increases food intake and obesity"
". . .M. Daniel Lane and co-workers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore have now pulled together work, largely in their laboratory (many papers beginning in 2000), dealing with the role of malonyl-CoA in the signaling system in the brain (specifically the hypothalamus) that has inputs into the higher brain centers that determine feeding behavior, most notably appetite. Two papers in the journal PNAS in 2007 and 2008 showed that glucose and fructose act quite differently in the brain (hypothalamus) - glucose decreasing food intake and fructose increasing food intake. Both of these sugars signal in the brain through the malonyl-CoA signaling pathway and have inverse effects on food intake. . ."
Click here for the complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Events This Saturday!:
- Diablo CrossFit Ladies Night starts at Manora's, then moves over to the Holy Cow across the street. Email Yvonne if you'd like to attend.
- Don't forget to sponsor one of our 'Stair Climbers' climbing the Bank of America Building Tomorrow to raise money for Lung Cancer research.
- Also (for those of you not going to the San Francisco climb), CrossFit Oakland is hosting a fund raising event for the 4 Oakland Police Officers killed last weekend (Sgt Mark Dunakin, Officer John Hege, Sgt Daniel Sakai, and Sgt Ervin Romans), The event will go from 9a.m. to 11a.m at CrossFit Oakland.
Please post to comments if you wish to go (so we can arrange a carpool).
If you can't make it and would just like to donate some money. We are collecting at the gym. Just give a check or cash to any trainer and we'll make sure it gets to the families of the fallen officers.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:41 PM | Comments (29)
080326 THURSDAY
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Remember that Luca's Muay Thai class is open to all DCFers. No experience necessary!
Workout:
6 rounds for time.
24 Double Unders
12 "L" pull ups
If you cannot do "L" pull ups, do 10 assisted pull ups and accumulate 20 seconds of "L Hangs" each round. An "L Hang" is completed by hanging on the bar and pointing your legs parallel to the ground creating an "L" shape. If this is too challenging, bend the knees so that only the thighs are parallel to the ground (shins pointing straight down).
Post time to comments.
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Special Event at CrossFit Oakland this Saturday:
March 28th, from 9a.m. to 11a.m. CrossFit Oakland will honor the lives of Sgt Mark Dunakin , Officer John Hege, Sgt Daniel Sakai, and Sgt Ervin Romans. They will be doing a Hero WOD called "OPD" and asking that every participant donate a minimum of $10 to help the families of the slain officers.
If you want to donate directly to the trust funds that have been established:
Three trust funds have been set up to help the families of three of the slain officers. Checks can be made out to Dunakin Children's Family Trust, Romans Children's Family Trust and Sakai Family Trust. The checks can be mailed to the Oakland Police Officers Association, Attn: Renee Hassna, 555 Fifth St,, Oakland CA 94607.
Wire transfers can be made directly to Merrill Lynch accounts for the three families: Dunakin Children's Family Trust, a/c #204-04065; Romans Children's Family Trust, a/c #204-04066; Sakai Family Trust, a/c #204-04064.
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Article:
"Hunger Hormones" affected by poor sleep.
". . .On the face of it, a decreased level of ghrelin would seem to inhibit weight gain; it is an increase in ghrelin, after all, that stimulates appetite. But Motivala compared his findings with other, earlier studies on sleep deprivation and speculates that a switch may occur during the day: Sleep loss leads to increased ghrelin and decreased leptin, a "double whammy" that stimulates appetite. Motivala is currently working on a study to examine this switch. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 1:54 AM | Comments (47)
March 24, 2009
090325 WEDNESDAY "Helen"
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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 22, 2009
090323 MONDAY "We Mourn"
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We mourn the loss of four Oakland Police officers. (Clockwise from top left): John Hege, Sgt. Daniel Sakai, Sgt. Ervin Romans and Sgt. Mark Dunakin.
Diablo CrossFit will be collecting donations for the families of the officers. We will also plan on having a fund raiser in the near future.
Workout:
Deadlift
3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Post loads to comments.
Bonus mini metcon to follow.
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Article:
Mice With Disabled Gene That Helps Turn Carbs Into Fat Stay Lean Despite Feasting On High-carb Diet
"Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have identified a gene that plays a critical regulatory role in the process of converting dietary carbohydrates to fat. In a new study, they disabled this gene in mice, which consequently had lower levels of body fat than their normal counterparts, despite being fed the equivalent of an all-you-can-eat pasta buffet. . . "
Click here for complete article.
(Or you could just eat less carbs and not have the side effects from turning the gene off or the carb consumption. -jj)
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 6:36 PM | Comments (13)
March 21, 2009
090322 SUNDAY
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Lauren (with the 20lb weight vest) and Travis have a 'photo finish' at the end of their 400m walking lunges.
Workout: "Tabata This" (last posted Dec 7th, 2008)
Tabata Squats
Tabata Pull ups
Tabata Push ups
Tabata Sit ups
Tabata Row
No rest between exercises. The order can be changed if necessary.
From CrossFit.com:
"Tabata Intervals ( 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest repeated 8 times) is applied in turn to the Squat, Rower, Pullups, Sit-ups, and Push-ups with a one minute rotation break between exercises. Each exercise is scored by the weakest number of reps (calories on the rower) in each of the eight intervals. During the one minute rotation time allowed the clock is not stopped but kept running. The score is the total of the scores from the five stations.
Scoring Example:
A total score of 53 (Execllent score, BTW) is determined by adding up the lowest number of reps in any set of each exercise.
18 squats
4 pull-up
12 push-up
13 sit-up
6 row (use the calorie counter and call each calorie a rep)
This score is a 53."
Post scores to comments.
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Article:
Sweets cravings makes sense for some kids
". . . "The relationship between sweet preference and growth makes intuitive sense because when growth is rapid, caloric demands increase. Children are programmed to like sweet taste because it fills a biological need by pushing them towards energy sources," said Monell geneticist Danielle Reed, PhD, one of the study authors.
Across cultures, children prefer higher levels of sweetness in their foods as compared to adults, a pattern that declines during adolescence. To explore the biological underpinnings of this shift, Reed and University of Washington researcher Susan Coldwell, PhD, looked at sweet preference and biological measures of growth and physical maturation in 143 children between the ages of 11 and 15.
The findings, reported in the journal Physiology & Behavior, suggest that children's heightened liking for sweet taste is related to their high growth rate and that sweet preferences decline as children's physical growth slows and eventually stops. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Does increased 'sweets' intake mean increased growth (especially for bone growth), or do these kids just need calories (in which fat might be a better option)?
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 5:32 PM | Comments (7)
March 20, 2009
090321 SATURDAY
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Diablo CrossFit's Rhodes visits CrossFit Coronado. And apparently their equipment can't handle the 'work capacity' of DCFers.
Workout:
4 rounds for time.
40 Double Unders
30 Sit ups
20 Ring dips
1 Rope Climb (15' one ascent)
Post time to comments.
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Article/Video:
Watch CrossFit Virtuosity's Keith Wittenstein at on Good Morning America.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:12 PM | Comments (12)
090320 FRIDAY "Fran"
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Mark counts Tami's medicine ball cleans while Jamie and Jax (wearing the cool hat) provide encouragement.
Workout: "Fran"
For time.
21 - 15 - 9
Thrusters (95, 65lb)
Pull Ups
Post time to comments.
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Saturday's 8am ride and 3pm run with Jan are happening as usual this Saturday. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early (minimum to both events).
Click "continue reading" below to see Jan's comments about last Saturday's treks, as well as the plan for this Saturday.
Saturday,March 28th is the Climb California American Lung Association Event. We still have not reached our fund raising goal so please sign up now if you plan on doing the climb, and if you don't please sponsor one of our athletes.
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Benchmarks
I have been hearing a lot about goal setting lately and I feel it is time to bring back our old tradition officially. . .
Every one of our members will be required to come up with three performance goals to achieve by the end of 2009. Some of us have already done this, others have never heard of it. Allow me to explain.
Without clearly defined goals we may be putting out a lot of effort, and making some serious headway. . . but not necessarily in the direction we wish to head. It is like driving at night with a zippo lighter instead of you headlights. You'll get somewhere, but you won't know where it is until you get there, it may not be where you wanted to go, and chances are you'll run off the road a few times and most likely run over more than a few undesirable objects along the way.
It is a good idea to choose some clearly defined, measurable goals that we hold ourselves to. "Getting in better shape," "drop a few pounds," and my favorite "eat healthier" are total B.S. when it comes to clearly defined, measurable results. "Get a sub 5 minute 'Fran'," "Loose 15lbs of body fat," and "stop eating refined carbohydrates 6 days a week" are much better goals.
For our requirements, the minimum will be three performance benchmarks. One gymnastics (such as X number of pull ups, muscle ups, etc). One metabolic conditioning aka 'Metcon' (sub 30 minute 'Filthy Fifty'', Sub 4 minute "Newbie", etc). And one strength/power (back squat 350lbs, clean and Jerk bodyweight, etc). Other goals regarding your health and well being are completely encouraged and should be included (they are just not required).
Your goals should be 'lofty' but not too far fetched. If you choose a goal that is unobtainable, it will actually act as a de-motivator, and make you avoid thinking about it.
Why am I mentioning it here? Because the only thing better than writing down your goals is to write them down publicly. Once you have written them down for all to see, not only will you hold yourself accountable, you peers will also hold you accountable as well.
For those of you who remember this drill from last year (and for those of you looking for some ideas), Click Here to see the post from last year. (it is actually kind of funny to read people's goals from then - Stavros worried about doing ONE muscle up!)
And here is a post from the end of 2008 asking people to start thinking about their 2009 goals right then.
Post your goals for 2009 to comments, as well as where you are at currently (i.e. 20 kipping pull ups. Currently at 0).
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We need your 'Yelp'!
Do you use "Yelp" the online review website? If so, and you feel so inclined, please leave us a review. We'd love to have the feedback, and I am sure that there are plenty of people out there that would love to hear about your experiences at Diablo CrossFit directly from you.
Even if you are just a fan of our website. Make a note of it on Yelp (or any other review website that you might use). If you are like most DCFers, all your friends are already sick of hearing about how great CrossFit is - now it is time to tell the world! Thanks -jj
"Great job last week on the ride to Lacey, Sonya, Grace, Jennifer, and Josh. Glad to see more people last week. This week we will be going up to Cummings Sky way again. It is 25 miles out and back with some climbing. Depending on how everyone is doing at the turn around we may go a little further. Every one is welcome and nobody rides alone. See you all on Saturday morning 7:45 meet 8:00am leave.
Great job on the trail run Dean, Jennifer, and Alex. I love that I am getting worked by everyone who comes out on the run that I am supposed to be leading. This week we will do the same loop (6 miles). Meet at Stage Dr. and Reliez Valley Rd. at 2:45 and we will start running at 3:00. You can do a shorter loop if you would like to meet at the Briones Parking lot off of Reliez Valley road. It is a 4 mile loop from there. We will stop and stretch there and then leave from there at 3:15. Last week we didn't stop and missed somebody so this will not happen again. See you all out there." - Jan
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 1:09 AM | Comments (43)
March 19, 2009
090319 THURSDAY "Happy Birthday Judy"
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The ladies enjoy some "Push'O'War" in the 6am class - and today is Judy's birthday! She is on the far right of the picture making it look easy. I am not sure what age she started CrossFit at, but after 5 months I will say that she now performs better than many 30 somethings I have seen outside of our gym (so I am going to say, late 30s).
Workout:
6 rounds for time
Sprint 200m
Rest 1 minute
Post round times and total time to comments. Compare to 400m run times.
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Article:
Mark Sisson and his 'Daily Apple' come out with a great article with regards to Microwaves and the "Primal Blueprint".
What is your favorite 'Paleo' or 'Primal' microwaved dish? - Post to comments.
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Video:
The next time you wonder where you are supposed to workout while on a tropical vacation, just refer to this video:
The April 2009 issue of Men's Health includes a fascinating story about Frenchman Erwan LeCorre and his "natural Movement" approach to fitness. Read the story here. Above is a YouTube video that explains LeCorre's ideas and methods.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 1:05 AM | Comments (26)
March 17, 2009
090318 WEDNESDAY "The Chief" and "Test yo' Skillz"
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Up, over, down, back up, back over and down the Diablotron pull up ladder. Part of the DCF "Royal Rumble" Qualifier.
Workout: "The Chief" (last prescribed at The Shed Nov 14th, 2008 - and it looks like a lot of old scores are on that posting. -jj )
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.
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.
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Article:
Stress so bad it hurts -- Really
". . .Psychological stress can turn into physical pain and illness in a number of ways. One is the body's primitive "fight-or-flight" mechanism. When the brain senses a threat, it activates the sympathetic nervous system and signals the adrenal glands to pump out adrenaline, cortisol and other hormones that prime the body for action. Together, they make the muscles tense up, the digestive tract slow down, blood vessels constrict and the heart beat faster.
That's all very useful for outrunning a mastodon. But when the threat is a tanking stock portfolio or an impending layoff, the state of alarm can last indefinitely. Muscles stay tense and contracted, which can make for migraine headaches, clenched jaws, knots in the neck and shoulders, and pangs in the lower back. Some of those body parts are already under pressure from long hours at the computer, restless sleep, grinding teeth and poor posture. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts (from your brain or even your "gut brain") to comments.
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CrossFit Seattle (previously known as CrossFit North) came up with a great set of parameters for measuring a CrossFitter's overall abilities and ranking them into levels.
Download file">Click here for a PDF file with a spreadsheet for all the major components Click here for the Skill Levels 'Frequently Asked Questions'
Then CrossFit Toronto came up with this niftey little multiple choice style test that gives you a graphical representation of where you stand.
Most intermediate CFers should be able to go through this test and know (if not guesstimate) where they are at.
See my original one from back in Nov 2006 vs my estimation of March 2009 below:
November 2006 (originally posted here)
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A perfectly 'well rounded' athlete (pun intended), will have a perfectly round bubble corresponding to their fitness level (from beginner to elite, or Level 1 - Level 4). You can see that my chart has changed somewhat. It looks as though my pushing ability has gone down, many of my other attributes have gone up or stayed the same. My 'Hips' and my 'Speed' made the biggest improvements (most likely these are related).
What is your strongest attribute? What do you need the most work on?
Post results to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:36 PM | Comments (26)
March 16, 2009
090317 TUESDAY "Happy St Patrick's Day!" and the "Filthy Fifty"
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The infamous "Flag Carry". (A photo from Andrew Lau's pictures of the Royal Rumble on our Flickr site - Click Here to see more).
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.
(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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The first person who can name all the DCFers that went to Aromas this weekend will get a free DCF sticker.
Congratulations to everyone who completed the cert!
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Article:
Not enough Vitamin D could mean too much fat on adolescents.
"A Medical College of Georgia study of more than 650 teens age 14-19 has found that those who reported higher vitamin D intakes had lower overall body fat and lower amounts of the fat in the abdomen, a type of fat known as visceral fat, which has been associated with health risks such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and hypertension. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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The "California Climb" event is coming up on Sunday the 28th. Please sign up for the DCF team, or help sponsor a Diablo CrossFitter "Rise to the Challenge". (NTM we have go to show all the other gyms out there competing how badass we are).
Go to our "Events Page" for more details.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:02 PM | Comments (39)
March 15, 2009
090316 MONDAY
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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 11, 2009
090312 THURSDAY
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Diablotron in Pennsylvania: CrossFit Berks aka 'Corpsfit'.
Workout (originally posted on CrossFit.com 050811)
Three rounds for time of:
55 pound Dumbbell (Kettlebell) Snatch, 20 reps, alternating arms
20 Pull-ups
Run 400 meters
Full squat snatches (no power snatches).
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Obesity associated with detrimental changes in ovaries.
Obese women have alterations in their ovaries which might be responsible for an egg's inability to make an embryo, according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Climb California American Lung Association Event March 22nd - We have raised over $700 so far, but we have a long way to go to raise $10,000.
Sign up Now or sponsor one of our Athletes Today!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:01 PM | Comments (21)
March 9, 2009
090310 TUESDAY "Happy Birthday Margaret H, Andrew L, Travis and Matt B's Twins"
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Craig and Yvonne with John Welbourn of CrossFit Balboa
(John's shirt reads: "I wish I knew how to quit you. - CrossFit Brokeback Mountain). Not in this picture, Maximilian Mormont & Gillian Formaneck.
Congratulations to Matt B and his wife who just had twins on Saturday (Matt is so dedicated to training, he even made it into the gym for back squats yesterday).
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Make sure you congratulate him!
Workout (for Margaret and Andrew's birthday):
400m walking lunges for time.
(scale to 200m or even 100m if needed).
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Don't listen to the "Corn Refiners Association" hype
New study finds missing link between high fructose corn syrup and insulin resistance.
. . ."Fructose is much more readily metabolized to fat in the liver than glucose is and in the process can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease," he continued. NAFLD in turn leads to hepatic insulin resistance and type II diabetes. . .
Click here for complete article.
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ZONING UPDATE
The Zoning Commission will be meeting tomorrow at 7:30pm at the same place as last time. We have asked for an extension to weigh our options. Hopefully the only thing that will be happening at the meeting is the granting of an extension.
Attendance is not mandatory.
That being said. Please feel free to attend if you already planned on going and/or you have nothing else going on (we could use some ears in the house just in case).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:09 PM | Comments (21)
March 8, 2009
090309 MONDAY
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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 7, 2009
090308 SUNDAY "Cindy"
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Jordan deadlifts 475 for 3 reps. No wraps. No Straps. All heart. 500+ coming soon!
Workout: "Cindy"
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes.
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Love handles put the squeeze on lungs
"There's more bad news for people who carry excess weight around their waists: Not only is abdominal obesity associated with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and a host of other health problems collectively known as "metabolic syndrome," a new study has found that a high waist circumference is strongly associated with decreased lung function—independent of smoking history, sex, body mass index (BMI) and other complicating factors. . .
. . .Moreover, adipose tissue itself is known to be involved in a complex metabolic feedback cycle— the mass of adipose tissue in one's body directly and positively correlates with pro-inflammatory markers and negatively correlates with anti-inflammatory markers.
"[A]dipose tissue may act as an additional source of systemic inflammation." wrote Dr. Leone. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Royal Rumble at DCF Next Weekend at 11:00am. See our Events Page for details.
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Diablo CrossFit favorite Coach Mark Rippetoe has come out with a barbell training DVD:
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training DVD
And I'll leave you with some Coach Rip Wisdom:
"...what should my ideal body weight be for this program? Have you made a table for this, or what do you recommend?" - trainee
"Your ideal bodyweight as an ectomorph at 6' 0" will be 214.378 lbs. There. Happy? And if you lose or gain a pound, I will have you killed. It is important to be ideal.." - Rip
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:09 PM | Comments (9)
March 6, 2009
090307 SATURDAY "Disagreement Gone Bad"
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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)
March 5, 2009
090306 FRIDAY
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Dean is hitting his first Triathlon this season at Stanford this Saturday (we know he'll do great).
Workout:
Power Clean
3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Post loads to comments.
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Pleasant Hill Meeting Back On! (Sorry for the confusion).
Tuesday, March 10th. Same place, same time as before (7:30pm P.H. City Hall).
No comments from us, but we will still get to hear the discussion and the answer from the Planning Commission.
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Muay Thai Seminars the next two weekends with Luca's trainer Doc Docto:
1. Sunday in Antioch 8 March 2009 from 1pm to 3pm.
2. Saturday in Sacramento 14 March 2009 from NOON to 3pm.
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Article:
Diet high in saturated fat may reduce allergic reactions
. . ."We certainly would not advocate eating a high fat diet because of its link to obesity implications and numerous health implications such as increased risk of heart disease and diabetes."
(Arrgh! Just when I thought I had found a mainstream article touting the benefits of a high fat diet, they throw that statement right at the end. How can the scientists who did this study be so damn ignorant? -jj)
Click here for complete article
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:26 PM | Comments (22)
March 4, 2009
090305 THURSDAY
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How Yvonne got her foot stuck in the rings. . . we may never know . . . (good thing she is flexible).
Workout: "Michael"
Three rounds for time of:
Run 800 meters
50 Back Extensions
50 Sit-ups
Post time to comments.
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Video:
I'd hire her as a trainer. -jj
(Kaela helping coach at CrossFit Solano)
Our Youngest Coach from DJ on Vimeo.
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EVENTS in March:
- The city of Pleasant Hill has put our issue on hold for now (click here for details)
- March 14 is Diablo CrossFit's next Royal Rumble! 11:00am, teams of 4. It is Free, but you must pre-register at support@diablocrossfit.com! This includes Diablo CrossFitters. So we know how many people are coming (more details on our events page). We also need volunteers to help run the event ('helpers' will be paid in food and beer), please email if you are interested.
- We have not had many people sign up for the California Climb event on March 28th. If you can't make it, please donate to one of our esteemed members who has decided to climb 52 stories of the 'Bank of America Building' to raise money for lung cancer research! Click here for the team page
Don't forget that people who make it to the top of the building get to enjoy free massages, food and drinks at the Carnelian Room Restaurant. So if you are interested please sign up right away!
Event details (like start times, how to get guest passes to the Carnelian Room, age group categories, and how to win team trophies) can be found here. I think we have a shot at 'fastest team' if we get enough people to go!
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Article:
Is one diet as good another? This study says 'No' and tells you why.
". . .Although both plans were equal in calories, half the group followed a moderate-protein diet (40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, 30% fat) while the other followed a diet based on USDA's food-guide pyramid (55% carbohydrates, 15% protein, 15% fat). . .
. . .Although the amount of weight lost in both groups was similar, at 4 months participants in the protein group had lost 22 percent more body fat than members of the food-pyramid group. At 12 months, the moderate-protein dieters had lost 38 percent more body fat."The additional protein helped dieters preserve muscle. That's important for long-term weight loss because muscle burns calories—if you lose muscle, and you used to be able to consume 2,000 calories without gaining weight, you'll find that now you can only eat, say, 1,800 calories without weight gain," he said. . .
. . .The protein diet was easier to follow and maintain long-term, with 64 percent of the moderate-protein dieters completing the study compared to 45 percent of dieters using the high-carbohydrate diet, Layman said.
"Subjects on the moderate-protein diet reported that they weren't as interested in snacks or desserts, and they didn't have food cravings. When you eat protein, you feel full longer," he said. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Do you eat a diet of more than 40% protein? (i.e. the "Zone") Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 2:43 PM | Comments (25)
March 3, 2009
090304 WEDNESDAY
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Happy Birthday Hylie! (on Tanya's back)
Workout:
For time:
135 lb Thruster, 10 reps
50 Double-unders
135 lb Thruster, 8 reps
40 Double-unders
135 lb Thruster, 6 reps
30 Double-unders
135 lb Thruster, 4 reps
20 Double-unders
135 lb Thruster, 2 reps
10 Double-unders
Post time to comments.
Reduce thruster weights as necessary (95lb intermediate, 65lb beginner). Count double under attempts if you cannot do double unders (if you can. . . ONLY count the ones that you make).
(originally posted on the CrossFit Mothership Saturday 080531)
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Video:
"A meal to die for"
Post thoughts to comments (thanks Tami for sending me this).
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Testimonial from daytime regular Tami L:
"In the past two months of Crossfit I've added 6 lbs. of muscle and lost 6 lbs. of fat. Body fat went from 25% to 17.8%. My BMR went from 1266 to 1419. LDL decreased, HDL increased, and a long list of other measurables that have gone through the roof! (in a positive way)
Dr. Bergman at Chiro Kenetics (an endurance athlete and coach to professional Ironmen athletes) was really surprised.
I've been going to Chiro Kinetics for two years and have never had such great results.
He asked me what I've been doing, I said, Crossfit :)
Thanks
Tami "
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:37 PM | Comments (23)
March 2, 2009
090302 TUESDAY
+++Bike rides and Trail Runs every Saturday! See below for details.+++
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On Friday, Diablo CrossFit had close to 20 people do "Murph" as prescribed. With more than 5 20lb weight vests, I never expected there to be a time when there would be a line for people waiting to do "Murph" (Bryan, Jesse, Craig-wearing a weighted belt, Shannon-raising the roof, and Holly).
Workout:
30 muscle ups for time.
If you cannot do a muscle up, perform 90 "chest to bar" pull ups and 90 "shoulders touching rings" dips. Partition the reps as needed.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Unhappy children end up Un-well in later life.
Researchers found those described as "miserable" or "unhappy" by teachers were five times more likely to be off work through ill-health in middle age.They said these children were also likely to be more prone to depression.
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Saturday Bike Rides and Trail Runs!
With the help of our resident Triathlon Guru: Jan Maynard, Diablo CrossFit is going to be helping host and organize training for Triathlons for those DCFers who are interested. It is also a fun way for us to get some additional variety in our training by doing some swimming, cycling, and running outside of the gym.
Bike Rides
From Jan:
"This will be a weekly ride leaving from DCF at 8:00 sharp try to be there by 7:45. All levels welcome. It will be a "no drop ride" meaning you will not ride alone. We will start with shorter rides and work are way up in mileage through out the next couple months so that everyone can become comfortable riding in a group. If there is rain in the forecast please check the DCF web page the evening before in case the ride is canceled due to torrential down poor. Be safe and wear proper bike attire (helmet).
This week we will be riding up to the turnout on Cummings Sky Way. This ride has a couple of easy to moderate climbs and once you get on to Alhambra there is very little car traffic. There is no water at the turn around so make sure that you carry enough water and nutrition to get you trough a 2 hour ride. It is 25 miles round trip from DCF. Please email Jan directly if you are interested in coming out so that he has a idea of who is coming. See you all out there."
Click here for a Google map of the route
Trail Runs
From Jan:
"We will meet at the corner of Stage dr. and Reliez Valley Rd. at 2:45 and the run will start at 3:00pm. The loop is 6 miles of very hilly running, I will be keeping the group together. This run will likely take 1:30 min to complete and is 90% on trail. There is water 3 1/2 miles into the run. I will be running rain or shine every Saturday that I am in town. Any one that can run close to 6 miles are welcome, your pace doesn't matter."
Click here to see the trail loop.
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The "Tri for Fun" is a series of Triathlons in the Pleasanton area that many beginner and intermediate Triathletes enter. Some of you might remember that Stavros entered last year and fairly well (with little to no 'Triathlon' training).
Here are the details:
Tri for fun #1 6/20/09
Tri for fun #2 7/18/09
Tri for fun #3 8/15/09 http://onyourmarkevents.com/TriForFunInfo.htm
Tri For Real 9/20/09 http://onyourmarkevents.com/TriForRealInfo.htm
Post to comments if you are interested in the weekly rides, trail runs or doing some Triathlons this year.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:44 PM | Comments (23)
March 1, 2009
090302 MONDAY
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Julie D. just scored over 250 on a MENs Rx Fight Gone Bad!
Workout:
Power Snatch - 3, 3 reps
Snatch Grip Deadlift - 3, 3 reps
Clean Grip Deadlift (aka conventional deadlift) - 3, 3 reps
Sumo Deadlift - 3, 3 reps
Add weight for each set. Each exercise should also allow significantly more weight to be used than the last exercise.
Post weights used to comments.
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Article:
Health campaigns that promote exercise may cause people to eat more
(maybe that is why so many couch potatoes who watch sports are overweight - jj)
Post thoughts to comments.
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Norcal Team competition at CrossFit Silicon Valley this Saturday, March 7th at 12 noon.
2140 Bering Dr.
San Jose, CA. 95131
(click here for google map).
(remember - Royal Rumble at DCF on March 14th)
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:43 PM | Comments (10)
February 28, 2009
090301 SUNDAY
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A family that rows together, grows together (The Zuckermans).
Workout:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes.
30 Box Jumps (24" box)
20 GHD sit ups (or sub abmat sit ups)
100' Farmer Carries (53lb kbs)
Post number of rounds plus fractions of rounds to comments.
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A great observation by Boz of CrossFit San Francisco.
Consider this from Malcom Gladwell's research:
". . .a German team of psychologists published a similar study. They had a group of subjects look at cartoons, either while holding a pen between their lips--an action that made it impossible to contract either of the two major smiling muscles, the risorius and the zygomatic major-- or while holding a pen clenched between their teeth, which had the opposite effect and forced them to smile. The people with the pen between their teeth found the cartoons much funnier. Emotion doesn't just go from the inside out. It goes from the outside in. What's more, neither the subjects "assuming the position" nor the people with pens in their teeth knew they were making expressions of emotion. In the facial-feedback system, an expression you do not even know that you have can create an emotion you did not choose to feel. . ."
So next time you are facing a tough workout either alone or with a group. Don't fret the workout, just laugh at craziness of doing it. When suffering through it, grin with delight. You might just like the workouts even more than you already do.
And even if you don't. . . others around you might.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:26 PM | Comments (6)
February 27, 2009
090228 SATURDAY
+++Dustin Fights Today! See yesterday's post for Details (and Muay Thai class is canceled today).+++
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You'd think it was Chris' job to jump on stuff, but he is actually an amazing Dentist.
Workout:
5 rounds.
Strict Press to Failure
Push Press to Failure (or 10 reps)
Push Jerk to Failure (or 10 reps)
Use your 3 - 5 rep max for strict press. Increase weight each round as needed.
Bonus 'Metcon' to follow.
Post loads used each round to comments.
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Article:
Want to beat cancer? Just live cleanly.
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:21 PM | Comments (12)
February 26, 2009
080226 THURSDAY "Josh"
+++ Muay Thai canceled this Saturday for Dustin's Fight+++
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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 22, 2009
090223 MONDAY
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Some of the ladies at the "DCF Family Dinner" at Chevy's in Pleasant Hill (Jamie, Yvonne, Vicky, Donna, and Kelly).
Workout:
Back Squat:
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
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Article:
"Eating your veggies" doesn't mean what it used to.
"If the economy isn't grim enough for you, just check out the February issue of the Journal of HortScience, which contains a report on the sorry state of American fruits and veggies. Apparently produce in the U.S. not only tastes worse than it did in your grandparents' days, it also contains fewer nutrients . . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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TUESDAY NIGHT - People interested in carpooling to the Planning Commission Meeting are meeting at the gym at 7pm SHARP. Everyone else who plans on going to the meeting directly, be there by 7:30.
Address: 100 Gregory Ln. Pleasant Hill, Ca
Specific directions and map will be posted tomorrow.
We really need your support! If you are a public servant, please wear your uniform. If not, just come as you are. We really appreciate anybody who can come down.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:24 PM | Comments (18)
February 21, 2009
090222 SUNDAY
Workout:
5 rounds for time -
5 Deadlifts (275lbs, 180lbs, or whatever you can handle safely)
10 Burpees (jumping to touch target 12" above your highest standing reach)
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Egg-irony: High cholesterol foods may lower blood pressure.
"Researchers in Canada are reporting evidence that eggs — often frowned upon for their high cholesterol content — may reduce another heart disease risk factor — high blood pressure."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:19 PM | Comments (5)
February 19, 2009
090220 FRIDAY
++ DCF FAMILY NIGHT IS TOMORROW AT 5:00PM AT CHEVY'S IN PLEASANT HILL ++
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Stavros tangles with GI Jane while wearing full turnouts and on SCBA air.
Workout:
With a continuously running clock do one pull-up the first minute, two pull-ups the second minute, three pull-ups the third minute... continuing as long as you are able.
Use as many sets each minute as needed.
Post number of minutes completed to comments.
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Article:
Post thoughts to comments.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PLEASE SEE OUR EVENTS PAGE FOR DETAILS ON SATURDAY'S EVENTS:
CFO Affiliate Team Competition
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:36 PM | Comments (13)
February 18, 2009
090219 THURSDAY "Grace"
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Abby makes sure that JJ and Daren are okay after "GI Jane"
Workout: "Grace"
30 reps clean and jerk (or overhead anyhow) for time. 135lbs is Rx'ed, but you can use any weight that is challenging.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Dr. Eades gives some good examples of the paleo diet improving health
". . .The Paleolithic era refers to that period of history of the genus Homo, which began more than 2 million years ago and ran until the Neolithic period started circa 10,000 years ago. The Neolithic era dates to the time when early man set down roots both literally and figuratively when he started to cultivate plants for food and domesticate animals. The Paleolithic era ends and the Neolithic era begins with the advent of agriculture. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Rumble at CrossFit Oakland this Weekend (Saturday) at 11am.
And here is the complete "Rumble" schedule for the future:
Sat Feb 21: CrossFit Oakland
Sat Mar 7: CrossFit Silicon Valley
Sat Mar 14: Diablo CrossFit
Sat Apr 4: CrossFit Santa Clara
Sat May 9: CrossFit San Francisco
Sat May 30: CrossFit One World
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:39 PM | Comments (17)
February 17, 2009
090218 WEDNESDAY
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Partner pull ups. Easier for the pullup-ee or harder for the pull up -or?
Workout:
6 rounds for time.
Run 400m
25 back extensions (light 'good mornings' can be subbed for back extensions).
Post time to comments.
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Article:
First brain study shows benefits of exercise on quitting smoking
"
. . . The study adds weight to a growing body of evidence that exercise can help manage addiction to nicotine and other substances. It backs up previous studies, which have shown that just one short burst of moderate exercise can significantly reduce smokers' nicotine cravings.. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Final day to get your emails in!
Please email support@diablocrossfit.com with your letters of support.
Please send them in by Noon today and help us keep our awesome new location.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:32 PM | Comments (14)
February 16, 2009
090217 TUESDAY
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Alan, Chris and Ron leave matching sweat puddles during "GI Jane".
Workout:
5 rounds for time.
1 Rope Climb
10 Ring push ups
One arm dumbbell power snatch (10 right, 10 left) 50lb/35lb/25lb
30 seconds of L-sit position (break it up as much as needed to get a cumulative 30s)
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Bigger waist line linked to Migraines.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Kelly Starrett (aka "K-Star") from CrossFit San Francisco will be putting on an event at CrossFit Santa Cruz.
Training the Injured Athlete with Kelly Starrett.
From Hollis: "Kelly is coming to our gym to explain the how and why we can keep training while injured. Injury is part of life. How do we deal with it? How does it affect our training and what can we do about it?" "
This is a one day event.
March 14th
9am-4pm
Cost $200
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Today is the last day to get your emails in!
Please send your emailed letters to "support@diablocrossfit.com" right away.
You can download an example letter here (in 'Word' format).
Our Planning Commission meeting will be held at 100 Gregory lane, Pleasant Hill, Ca, on Tuesday February 24th at 7:30pm. EVERYONE IS INVITED. WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE TO COME AS POSSIBLE (no you won't have to say or 'do' anything unless you want to).
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:21 PM | Comments (13)
February 15, 2009
090216 MONDAY
+++Class as usual today+++
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Holly beats her daughter Clarie to the top of the rope.
Workout:
Front Squat
Handstand push up (increase depth as much as possible)
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Alternate between exercises.
Post loads and depth of shoulders past hands to comments.
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Article:
Parents on food aid forced to no longer use whole milk
Last month, the federal government stopped paying for whole milk for pregnant and nursing mothers and children older than 2. Mothers can receive vouchers to buy the fattiest milk only for their babies younger than 2. Moms and older siblings must wean themselves off whole milk and turning to low-fat varieties like 2 percent, 1 percent or skim.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Next "Royal Rumble" at CrossFit Oakland this Weekend (Saturday the 21st). Interested? Post to comments.
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Petition Collection today at 11am. WE NEED HELP! Come to the class at 10:30 if you are interested in helping out. Lunch will be provided.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:32 PM | Comments (9)
February 13, 2009
090214 SATURDAY
+++CLASS TODAY AND SUNDAY AT 3pm!+++
Workout (originally posted 080531 on crossfit.com)
For time:
135 lb Thruster, 10 reps
50 Double-unders
135 lb Thruster, 8 reps
40 Double-unders
135 lb Thruster, 6 reps
30 Double-unders
135 lb Thruster, 4 reps
20 Double-unders
135 lb Thruster, 2 reps
10 Double-unders
Post time to comments.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Article:
Exercise cuts colon cancer risk
Post thoughts to comments.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please send those emails for our meeting with the city.
Download this file if you concerned about what to say, and/or how to say it.
Send them to support@diablocrossfit.com right away!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:49 PM | Comments (7)
February 12, 2009
090213 FRIDAY "GI Jane"
+++NEW WEEKEND CLASSES ADDED! SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 3pm class every weekend! (get your workout in before going out to party that night -or- sleep in after being out late)+++
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Functional Fitness warm up (Dave carries Matt).
Workout: "GI Jane"
100 burpee pull ups for time.
Chest hits the deck and chin over the bar every time.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
From my new favorite CrossFit Blog - John Welborn's CrossFit Balboa
". . .A 2001 study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that coffee has significantly more total antioxidant activity than cocoa, green tea, black tea, or herbal tea. And a study published in 2006 concluded that coffee "...may inhibit inflammation and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory diseases in postmenopausal women.". . ."
Click here for complete article.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DCF's very own Tami and Justine show you how to make beef jerky at home with just a regular oven:
You can expect more nutrition videos and articles from Diablo CrossFit in the future. So stay tuned!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Monday around noon we plan on having a workout, then going around to the surrounding homes to get a census (see: petition) of what the neighbors think of having a gym in the Light Industrial part of Pleasant Hill.
We will provide the workout, forms, and possibly lunch. So if you can make it down (it is President's Day after all) please let us know.
And keep writing those emails!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:17 PM | Comments (13)
February 11, 2009
090212 THURSDAY "One Bar Linda"
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Nancy, Dave, Marnie, and Michelle (part of "Team 6am")
Workout:"One Bar Linda"
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 reps of the triplet:
Deadlift: 1 1/2 body weight
Ring dips: +1/4 body weight
Weighted Dead hang Pull Ups: +1/8
Post time to comments.
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A few eggs a day will keep the doctor away: "Eating less eggs has no effect on cholesterol"
"A University of Surrey team said their work suggested most people could eat as many eggs as they wanted without damaging their health. . . "
Click here for complete article.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Our prayers go out to Moises (local Alameda Cop and Long time DCFer) who will be going into surgery today to repair his torn pec (from grappling. . . not CrossFit!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Keep the letters coming!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:38 PM | Comments (9)
090211 WEDNESDAY "AMRAP 1/2 Kelly"
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Mark leads the class through 'Overhead Walk' form (no he is not threatening to 'Hulk Smash' the dbs) to Stephanie, Carry, Strong Meg, Laci, Vikki (hiding behind Mark), Yvonne, Jasmine, Miles and Bryan.
Workout:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes
200m run
25 box jumps (24in box for advanced, 20in intermediate, 12 in box beginner)
25 wall balls (20lb/10ft advanced, 14lb/10ft intermediate, 10lb/8ft beginner)
Post number of rounds, and fractions of rounds completed to comments.
Compare your total number of repetions completed to your last "Kelly" score.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Article:
Pentagon Reports that US troops obesity doubles since 2003
". . .From 1998 to 2002, the number of servicemembers diagnosed as overweight remained s teady at about one or two out of 100. But those numbers increased after 2003, according to the study, and today nearly one in 20 are diagnosed as clinically overweight.
There may be even more overweight troops than the report shows, Kilpatrick said, because the study includes only servicemembers diagnosed as overweight during a visit with a doctor. The actual percentage of troops who are found to be overweight during fitness trials could be higher, he said . . ."
Click here for complete article.
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"Letter of the Day"
In our quest for assistance to prove to the city of Pleasant Hill that a zoning text change is good idea for all, we will try and highlight some of the letters you guys send in here on the website.
Today's is from Ron L:
" This in regards to the Pleasant Hill planning commissions zoning hearing affecting Diablo Crossfit. My name is Ron Lorensen I am an active member of Diablo Crossfit. I would like to see the zoning rules amended to include small business like Diablo Crossfit in light industrial parks. In the time that I have been a member I have seen no negative impacts that DCF has or could have or be having on the park. I do not understand the what the commissions real concerns are . Fitness facilities located within industrial zones are not uncommon. I have lifted weights for over 25 years and have worked out at many fitness facilities located in industrial zones, so this is not a unique situation! . . ."
Click "Continue Reading" below for the rest of the letter.
And don't forget to write your letter to support@diablocrossfit.com today!
" We are also in a time where economies throughout the nation are on the decline from the federal down to the local level. Small businesses such as DCF are often the 1st impacted. But in DCF's case it is having a positive experience at its current location. I see this as a win win situation for both the city of Pleasant Hill and DCF. I live in Crockett and have no real reason to go to Pleasant Hill with the exception of using the DCF facility. Many times after my workouts I have stopped and shopped at other Pleasant Hill businesses, Starbucks, Healthy Feet and Barnes and Nobles to name a few. So the city makes more revenue from the location of the DCF facility. My amount might be small but it all adds up over time.I don't speak for Jeremy here but would suggest that members of the board visit the DCF facility and see it for what it really is. A family oriented fitness center where not only is functional fitness is attained but a positive character as well. Lets work together to make this a win, win situation for not only DCF and the city but for its members as well."
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:02 PM | Comments (7)
February 8, 2009
090209 MONDAY
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Miles sometimes wonders why he keeps coming back.
Workout:
Power Clean - 5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Touch and go each rep (no resting on the floor for more than a split second).
Post loads to comments.
Mini Metcon after.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Article: Buying experiences, more than buying material things, leads to greater happiness.
The study demonstrates that experiential purchases, such as a meal out or theater tickets, result in increased well-being because they satisfy higher order needs, specifically the need for social connectedness and vitality -- a feeling of being alive. . .
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:10 PM | Comments (9)
February 6, 2009
090207 SATURDAY
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Traivmeister (doing push ups) rises to the challenge of "Angie."
Workout:
Shoulder press 1-1-1-1-1 reps
Push press 3-3-3-3-3 reps
Push Jerk 5-5-5-5-5 reps
Post loads used to comments.
Bonus mini Metcon afterward.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Article from Mark Sisson's Daily Apple: Great game recipes.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:01 PM | Comments (2)
February 5, 2009
090206 FRIDAY "Filthy Fifty"
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Nancy is a pro when it comes to scaling the rope.
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.
(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).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Article:
Melissa Byers of "Byers Gets Diesel" fame has a great article that (with the help of Mathieu Lalonde) 'dumbs down' some the science behind the nutrition plans we push at DCF (The 'Paleo Diet' and "The Zone").
"The fourth member of our group this weekend was Mathieu Lalonde, from Cambridge, MA. In Matt's own words, "I have no background in nutrition and exercise. I'm a chemist with a lifelong interest in nutrition and human performance. My background allows me to understand the nutrition and exercise literature that I delve into as a hobby. I obtained my bachelor's degree in science with a concentration in chemistry from the University of Ottawa (Canada). I then obtained my PhD in organic chemistry at Harvard University. I am currently pursuing post-doctoral studies in inorganic chemistry at Harvard." (Translation: Matt is scary Smart.) . . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:01 PM | Comments (4)
February 4, 2009
090205 THURSDAY
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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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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"
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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.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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 2, 2009
090203 TUESDAY
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Our very own Jorgy takes home the Fish Tournament Bass from CrossFit One World (see it in our lobby right now). Rodil rocks the 'diablo' shirt in the background.
Mike Mathers (original DCFer and now CF Solano / Diablo CrossFitter) is leaving for Korea soon. He won't be living in the States for at least a few years.
(pic not really SFW, but still pretty funny)
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A going away party for "Ruiner" is tonight at CrossFit Solano: "On 3 Feb 09, we will be sending Mike "Ruiner" off with a celebration after the 630pm class. Please bring your own sodas, beer or other beverages. Pizza will be provided but we ask that if you partake to please pitch in $5. Also, if you would like to bring a desert or other dish, you are more than welcome to. The event is open to all CrossFitters and their families."
Workout:
6 Rounds of
400m run
2 mintute rest
Post times to comments.
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Article:
Banning sugar makes kids smarter?
". . . standardized test scores increased 15 percent at the school within the first year of the program. She said discipline problems decreased by 23 percent. Student health has improved and obesity at the school has been virtually eliminated. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:20 PM | Comments (13)
February 1, 2009
090202 MONDAY
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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 30, 2009
090131 SATURDAY "Mike's 30th"
Workout: "Mike's 30th"
3 rounds for time
10 man makers (35lb / 25lb / 15lb)
10 turkish get ups (use same weight dumbbell as above)
10 pull ups
10 wall ball (10' target 20lb ball, 8' target 14lb ball)
Post time to comments.
(Everyone be sure to thank Mike for the workout).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Article:
Mark Sisson give some 'primal' comfort food suggestions.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Posted by Jeremy Jones at 3:45 PM | Comments (8)
January 28, 2009
090129 THURSDAY
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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.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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
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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.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Video: From Jon Gilson's Again Faster - Double Unders
Double Unders from Patrick Cummings on Vimeo.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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"
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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 25, 2009
090126 MONDAY
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Team "Holla" (Stavros, Jasmine, "Strong Meg", and Darren), lead DCF team at the Royal Rumble.
Workout:
Deadlift
Weighted pull up
3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Alternate between exercises each round.
Bonus Metcon after.
Post loads used to comments.
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Bored with your regular weights? Try lifting dwarves.
Gym in London has 'human' weights.
Members of Gymbox in Bank, central London, can choose to lift any of five differently sized "human weights".
Wearing Lycra catsuits which label their weight, they sit on specially adapted machines and shout words of encouragement.
The "dumbbells" include two dwarfs – 32-year-old Arti Shah, who weighs just 4.5 stones (30kg) and 64-year-old Mike Edwards, who weighs 8 stones (55kg).
At the other end of the scale for those with stronger muscles is 24 stones (155kg) Matt Barnard, 37.
Gymbox owner Richard Hilton said: "A lot of our members felt that lifting metal weights was boring and not especially motivating.
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:02 PM | Comments (10)
January 24, 2009
090125 SUNDAY "Royal Rumble Roundup"
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"A few" spectators gather to watch heat 1 of DCF's first 'Royal Rumble'.
RESULTS FROM THE RUMBLE POSTED TO "Continue Reading" Below.
Workout:
Tabata double unders (count attempts if you can't DU yet, otherwise only count what you make)
Rest 1 minute
Tabata push ups
Rest 1 minute
Tabata L Sit (count seconds*)
Rest 1 minute
Tabata squats
A 'Tabata' is 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated 8 times (4 minutes total per exercise). Your "score" for each exercise is the lowest number of reps in any single round.
*For L sits, watch the clock closely and score for each round is how many seconds you keep your feet up. Pace yourself, if you can't maintain an 'L' for a single second at the end, your score will be zero.
Post scores for each exercise as well as your total.
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Royal Rumble Round Up.
I wouldn't say that the event went without a hitch, but I think it went pretty damn good for about a week of planning (actually . . . only about a day of planning). We had visitors from CrossFit Oakland, CrossFit Solano, CrossFit Unlimited, CrossFit One World (Will) and CrossFit Santa Clara (home of the 'rump of death'). About 56 people competed in all (14 teams of 3 - 5 people).
What were your experiences? What recommendations do you have? What was your favorite moment?
Post answers and thoughts to comments.
Pictures should be up on our Flickr account soon. Stay tuned for a video in the future as well!
Royal Rumble Results thrown upon the big screen:
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I am not quite sure I understand them myself. Hopefully the comments below provide some clarity!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:29 PM | Comments (13)
January 21, 2009
090122 THURSDAY
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Tami blocks Luca's kick in the DCF "Coliseum"
Workout:
For time:
95 pound Clean and Jerk, 50 reps
Post time to comments.
This is actually a two handed, overhead, anyhow, 50 reps for time. The best times will most likely power clean and push jerk.
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Article:
Sleep tips from 'sleep medicine'.
". . . Whether you suffer from insomnia or are just having an off night, the solution is mostly mind over matter.No gadgets, no pills, no hypnotism, just some sound advice from Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Dr. Lisa Woofe, a physician who specializes in sleep medicine.
Set your internal clock.
"Have stringent times for getting into and out of bed," Woofe said. "Your body has a clock that helps regulate your brain when you're awake and asleep, and your body will autoÂstart the sleep process accordingly."
Get steamed. "Before bed, take a hot shower and then enter a relatively cool bedÂroom," Woofe recomÂmended as a way to copy the natural effects of a warming sun setting.
"Imagine an ancient man living out on a prairie. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post your sleep tips to comments.
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"Royal Rumble" this Saturday at DCF! See our "Events Page" for details.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:51 PM | Comments (14)
January 20, 2009
090121 WEDNESDAY
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Mark sends Newbie Prashant off on his shuttle run after answering a math question during the class warm up.
Workout:
"Candy"
Five rounds for time of:
20 Pull-ups
40 Push-ups
60 Squats
OR
"Maggie"
Five rounds for time of:
20 Handstand Push-ups
40 Pull-ups
60 One legged squats, alternating legs
Post time to comments
Compare to "Cindy and Mary"
(Originally posted on CrossFit.com Friday, July 28th)
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"Hump Day" article:
Gait may be associated with orgasmic ability.
"A new study found that trained sexologists could infer a woman's history of vaginal orgasm by observing the way she walks. The study is published in the September 2008 issue of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, the official journal of the International Society for Sexual Medicine and the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:45 PM | Comments (11)
January 19, 2009
090120 TUESDAY
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The Saturday class puts the "Diablotron" through it's paces.
Workout:
5 rounds with 1 minute rest in between each round.
As many times as possible in 3 minutes:
3 handstand push ups (strict, hands to shoulders)
6 knees to elbows
9 double unders
Post number of circuits completed each round and total rounds to comments.
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Article:
Study links water pollution with declining male fertility.
". . .The study identified a new group of chemicals that act as ‘anti-androgens’. This means that they inhibit the function of the male hormone, testosterone, reducing male fertility. Some of these are contained in medicines, including cancer treatments, pharmaceutical treatments, and pesticides used in agriculture. The research suggests that when they get into the water system, these chemicals may play a pivotal role in causing feminising effects in male fish. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:04 PM | Comments (10)
January 18, 2009
090119 MONDAY
+++Class as usual today+++
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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 16, 2009
090117 SATURDAY
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Carry works the bag during Jimmy's Fight Fit Class (an invitation only class, talk to Jimmy or JJ for details).
Workout:
For time:
25 Walking lunge steps
20 Pull-ups
50 Box jumps, 20 inch box
20 Double-unders
25 Ring dips
20 Knees to elbows
30 Kettlebell swings, 2 pood
30 Sit-ups
20 Hang squat cleans, 35 pound dumbells
25 Back extensions
30 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball
3 Rope climb ascents
If you can't complete in order due to limited equipment. Note order exercises were completed in to comments.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
A call to arms for 'low-carb' followers
. . .As you can see from the graph at the top of this post, obesity is galloping along and shows no signs of slowing down. According to the latest figures from the National Center for Health Statistics (from which the above graph was taken), almost 70 percent of Americans (between the ages of 20 and 74) are either overweight or obese. Despite the growing rates of childhood obesity, there is a much lower rate of childhood obesity than there is adult obesity. Since childhood precedes adulthood, one can only assume that most of the children who are not overweight now will ultimately become overweight or obese as they enter and progress through the ranks of adulthood. . .
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:43 PM | Comments (5)
January 15, 2009
090116 FRIDAY
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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
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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 13, 2009
090114 WEDNESDAY
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This picture is from the old gym, but Jan's facial expression was just too hard to pass up. Jan definitely knows how to "GET SOME".
Workout:
After a 'healthy' warm up, choose a pull up movement (Kipping pull up, band pull up, jumping pull up, etc) and perform 10 repetitions every minute for as long as you can complete all 10 reps in the allotted minute.
Post total number of pull ups completed to comments.
GREAT video on kipping pull ups from Again Faster by Robb Wolf: part 1
The Kipping Pullup - Part One from Patrick Cummings on Vimeo.
Part 2.
The Kipping Pullup - Part Two from Jon Gilson on Vimeo.
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Article:
". . . Diet stumbling blocks… The eternal question for a lot of people, I know. But the lucky thing is this: the Primal Blueprint isn’t another diet. It’s a way of eating for life. Nonetheless, it is (or can be) a major transition for most people. As I’ve said in the past, eating PB-style totally goes against the grain (yeah, yeah - unavoidable pun) in our society. In a culture of bread, bakeries, chips, popcorn, pasta, rice and potatoes at every turn, it takes a real turnabout in thinking as well as eating. Initially, the concept of the PB may feel restrictive to someone who’s had a lifetime’s worth of sandwiches, pizza, fast food, etc. But if you can get past the ingrained (O.K. - last one, I promise) mindset, you’re good to go. It’s why it’s crucial (as we’ve said in the past) that you focus not on what you’re giving up but what you’re taking on - the change you’re welcoming into your diet and lifestyle. Once people stop carrying the torch for the habitual/comfort foods, they see that the PB actually opens up their diet to a world of possibilities (as well as energy, satiety, etc.) that the old foods could never match. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:36 PM | Comments (26)
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)
January 11, 2009
090112 MONDAY
Stavros leads the class (with Hardway Byan and Scott) back in after an awesome warm up. (Why do I hear "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" whistling in the background? - jj)
Workout:
Back Squat - 5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Afterward: 'Surprise' Mini-metcon
Post loads used to comments.
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Article:A single gene might fuel overeating risk
. . .In the latest study, the UCL team offered 131 four to five-year-olds a mixed plate of sweet and savoury biscuits within one hour of finishing a full meal.Those who carried one or two of the key FTO variants were more likely to tuck in despite the fact that they should have been full.
Lead researcher Professor Jane Wardle said: "We believe this research tells us more about how some children are more responsive to signals in their bodies encouraging them to eat when full than others. . .
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:52 PM | Comments (27)
January 10, 2009
090111 SUNDAY
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The class bangs out some sumo deadlift high pulls.
Workout:
5 rounds for time:
10 Wall Ball Burpees
10 overhead squats (95lbs or 65lbs)
Post time to comments.
Wall Ball Burpees: Start with a wall ball shot, then drop down, place the ball on the ground, kick your legs back, do a push up with your hands on the ball (chest touches ball), bring your legs back up, stand up, squat clean the ball, then do another wall ball shot. . . rinse and repeat.
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Article:
'The power of less' from Tim Ferris of "The 4 Hour Work Week" and Leo Babauta of "Zen Habits".
"To learn a skill, I often look — not for the best in the world — but for people who’ve made the greatest progress in the shortest period of time. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:07 PM | Comments (8)
January 8, 2009
090109 FRIDAY
Sarah's first class at the new digs.
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 to November 8th by clicking - 081108 by clicking here, or October 6th - 081006 -by clicking here)
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Article
A very timely "primal" bar from Mark Sisson's Daily Apple:
". . .So with that, we went to our unofficial Mark’s Daily Apple kitchen to put it to the test! There were a couple of missteps (and even one small toasting incident that could have constituted a fire!) but we think we’ve finally nailed it.The following is the new and improved official Mark’s Daily Apple Primal Energy Bar: . . ."
Click here for complete article.
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Ice Fishing Tourney #2 at CrossFit One World January 31st!
(The newer model Concept II rowing machines have a "Fish Game" on them, and apparently it is a blast to play).
Last time we had a single DCFer in attendance, and he reported a smashing good time. This time it would be great to have a whole contingent of DCFers go (then we can carpool with a DD).
From Freddy: "Buy in for the tournament is $10. Winner takes the pot (minus 10% awarded to the highest scorer of the tournament).
Sign-ups start at 6:00 pm. Brackets start forming at 6:45 pm. The single elimination tournament begins at 7:00 pm. There will be a jumper for kids and a keg of beer for the adults. We request everyone bring something simple for a potluck dinner.
Come out for a good time even if you choose not to go fishing!"
Post to comments if you are interested in going.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:47 PM | Comments (17)
January 7, 2009
090108 THURSDAY
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Mountain coaching a personal training session near the "Monkey Bars of the Apocalypse".
Workout:
With a continuously running clock perform one Sumo Deadlift High Pull the first minute, 2 SDHPs the second minute, 3 SDHPs the third minute. . . etc. Continue until you are no longer able to do the number of prescribed SDHPs in the allotted 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 into your final round to comments.
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Videos from "Good Eats". Alton Brown nails the Carbohydrate / Fat / Protein breakdown explanation (at 2:57 of part 1) and the horrible ingredients of an 'off the shelf' bar at the beginning of part 2, but misses a lot of other points throughout (vilification of fat, etc). Not to mention his 'bars' all have gluten and/or soy in them (granted the video is more than a few years old, so I will cut him some slack).
DCF favorite Robb Wolf introduced a great recipe for 'pemmican' in one of the early issues of the Performance Menu.
'Steve's Club' in also has "Paleokits" - organic, free range beef jerky, nuts, seeds and berries in exact zone proportions. Proceeds go to supporting 'Steve's Club' a non-profit organization devoted to kids with 'an excess of life challenges' in the Camden, New Jersey area. Buy direct from them if you want to support a good cause.
Post to comments if you would like to see some Paleokits at DCF.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 6:31 PM | Comments (15)
January 5, 2009
090106 TUESDAY
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Our Flag, one of the pride pieces of our gym.
Workout:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
10 Ring dips
20 Kettlebell swings (54lb / 35lb)
30 ft Walking lunges with dumbbells (25lb/ 15lb)
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Disease awareness helps business blossom.
Experts trace the increase in diagnoses — which led to a boom in demand for gluten-free products — to the 2003 release of a landmark study by the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research. It estimated nearly one in every 133 Americans, or about 2.3 million people, has the genetic disorder, although most are undiagnosed. The study helped spread awareness of the disease, according to Alessio Fasano, medical director at the center.U.S. sales of gluten-free food, roughly $700 million in 2006, are rising 15 percent to 25 percent a year, according to research firms Mintel International and Information Resources Inc. Manufacturers expect sales to remain strong because celiac sufferers don't outgrow the disease. . .
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:20 PM | Comments (4)
January 4, 2009
090105 MONDAY
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Who needs to go to the theater? 16 foot wide High Definition wide screen for CrossFit videos, Fights, and other 'Events'. Check back for upcoming showings.
Workout:
Thruster
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
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Article:
Mary Dan Eades give us her 'essential' cookbooks
What are your favorite paleo/zone cookbooks? Post to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:04 PM | Comments (3)
January 3, 2009
090104 SUNDAY "Once, Twice, Three times a Newbie."
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Josh Jorgensen's last few steps of a 3 mile journey carrying a 95lb keg from the old gym to the new one.
Workout: "Once, Twice, Three 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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This Sunday's workout is dedicated to a local soldier killed in Iraq.
Concord resident Ben Tollefson killed in Iraq.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:33 PM | Comments (7)
January 2, 2009
090103 SATURDAY
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Craig waxes eloquently in front of our new changing rooms with Rhodes and Stavros (two other major contributors to helping set up the new place) Jan and Jenn (who did our AMAZING mural), as well as Bryan (one of our top athletes) and Mike E (one of our originals).
Workout:
4 rounds for time.
10 Power clean (155, 135, or 95)
1 Rope climb 15'
400m run
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Wallace and Gromit join the fight against obesity
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:02 PM | Comments (13)
December 30, 2008
081230 TUESDAY "Helen"
+++ HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: Wed, December 31st - Closed at 11:30am (all morning classes still on).
Thursday, January 1st - Come help us move at 10am to the new 'Shed'.
Muay Thai Canceled Thursday and Saturday.+++
Video of everyone doing "McFlurry" in honor of Miguel Flores (Thanks again Big Dave for filming and editing the video).
Thanks again to Liz, Will and Herm for making a special workout even more special.
Workout: "Helen"
3 rounds for time.
400m Run
21 Kettlebell swings (54lbs, 35lbs)
12 pull ups
Post time to comments.
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Did you complete your 2008 goals? Here is an exerpt from the last post at the beginning of the year:
"In brief. . . now is not the time to make plans like "I want to eat healthier this year." or "I am going to loose a few pounds." These are undefinable, impossible to track, and easy to fudge.
Now is the time to say things like "I am going to eat less than 10g of refined carbs a day from now on." and "I will lose 10 lbs of 'Fat' without loosing muscle mass." In contrast, these are clear, easy to track, and black and white. Either you accomplished them or you didn't. Either you made clear progress, or you didn't.
Physical progression is not tracked by time, it is evaluated based upon accomplishments and performance.
Just because you have been "CrossFitting" for a year doesn't mean you are a better athlete than when you started. Improvements in performance of desired tasks means that you are a better athlete.
December's "Girls and Heroes" marathon has been part of this process. By attempting these benchmark workouts, even for your first time, you have now set a point to track progress. A point to improve or a reference to loose ground.
Now we are going to go a step further. For 2008 we are asking all DCFers to come up with at least 3 goals for 2008.
One strength based (examples include, a double bodyweight deadlift, CrossFit Total of 1000, etc)
One gymnastics based (examples include, an L-sit duration, a number of consecutive pull ups, etc)
One metabolic conditioning based (examples include a sub 9 min "Helen", or "Murph" as Rx'ed, etc)
You are not limited to 3 choices. Many of us at The Shed have more than three goals to accomplish before big stopwatch signals "TIME!" for the end of the year. Think of 2008 as one big "Workout of the Year" (WOY) and you have only 365 days to finish your benchmarks.
Choose wisely, and don't be afraid to choose something big. If you "Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star. "
The final part of setting benchmarks with us is that you have to announce them publicly. So you have to post them here, or write them on the white board at The Shed. We are all in this together, and we will rely on each other for help and encouragement (as well as some reminding).
So post your goals for 2008 "WOY" in the comments section, and prepare to celebrate your victory as each one is smashed."
See everyone's posts here.
For 2009 we are asking the same thing. At least three goals, one from each category.
You don't have to post them now. Go ahead and think about them for a few days, and we will all post them in the new year.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 3:37 AM | Comments (12)
December 28, 2008
081229 MONDAY "Gwen"
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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 27, 2008
081228 SUNDAY "Jackie"
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Not only does Big Dave know how to do a mean box jump, he also knows how build a mean box as well - as you will see at the new gym.
Workout: "Jackie"
1000m Row
50 thrusters (45lbs)
30 pull ups
For time.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
No breakfast, earlier sex: Japan study
"In a study of 3,000 people, those who did not regularly eat breakfast when in their early teens said they lost their virginity at an average age of 17.5, versus an overall average of age 19 for all Japanese.For those who had a morning meal when they were younger, the average age of having the first sexual experience was 19.4. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:53 PM | Comments (10)
December 26, 2008
081227 SATURDAY "Nicole"

Luca starts the clock and Darren is already talking trash to Rick (Kevin in the background takes the opportunity to get a head start).
Workout: "Nicole"
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
Run 400m
Max rep pull ups
Post reps completed each round to comments.
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Article from Mark Sisson's Daily Apple:
"The many uses of almond meal"
"As you might recall from our pie and cracker recipes, and Son of Grok’s pizza recipe we like to use almond flour or almond meal as a foundation for Primal baking. It has a similar consistency to traditional flours (albeit denser and heavier), forms good batter with eggs and other fats, and it gives whatever you’re making a nice nutty quality. Almond meal is also fairly taste-neutral; it has a distinct nutty taste that coincidentally works well with many food combinations. So just what is almond meal (or almond flour, for that matter)? . . "
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:22 PM | Comments (9)
December 23, 2008
081224 WEDNESDAY "Angie"
+++HOLIDAY SCHEDULE!!+++
Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24th - Class at 6am, 9:30 and 10:30. Open gym and evening classes canceled.
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25th - NO CLASSES
New Year's Eve: Wednesday, December 31st - Class at 6am, 9:30 and 10:30. Open gym and evening classes canceled.
New Year's Day: Thursday, January 1st - COME HELP US MOVE TO OUR NEW GYM at 10am! Moving/Partying expected to last until the early evening (3 - 4).
Muay Thai is also Canceled for the next two Saturdays!
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1030 turnout for "McFlurry." Notable visitors are Liz from CrossFit San Diego (who knew Miguel personally) gray tank top in the center, Herm aka "Quads" from CF Los Altos (baldy below Liz), Will. . . who doesn't know how to make diablo horns apparently (actually he is repping the CF One World sign, totally legit) red pants next to Herm, our own Big Dave on the far left, who worked the video camera the whole time, and Rick from CF Santa Clara (and also an original DCFer) behind Liz.
Thanks for coming out and showing us a good time everyone!
Workout: "Angie"
For time:
100 pull ups
100 push ups
100 sit ups
100 squats
Complete all 100 reps of each exercise before moving on to the next.
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Scientists show how Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, etc combat cancer.
". . ."These vegetables contain compounds called isothiocyanates which we believe to be responsible for the cancer-preventive and anti-carcinogenic activities in these vegetables. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts have the highest amount of the isothiocyanates. . ."
Click here for complete article.
(So make sure you grab some broccoli on the appetizer tray at the before the Christmas Dinner -jj).
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:31 PM | Comments (6)
December 21, 2008
081222 MONDAY "Randy"
+++HOLIDAY SCHEDULE!!+++
Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24th - Class at 6am, 9:30 and 10:30. Open gym and evening classes canceled.
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25th - NO CLASSES (go spend time with your family, or watching Bond movies on cable).
New Year's Eve: Wednesday, December 31st - Class at 6am, 9:30 and 10:30. Open gym and evening classes canceled.
New Year's Day: Thursday, January 1st - COME HELP US MOVE TO OUR NEW GYM at 10am! Moving/Partying expected to last until the early evening (3 - 4).
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Not only is Jenn helping us with a 'top secret' project for the new gym, she is also wearing a Chiquita Banana shirt and matching pants.
Workout: "Randy"
75 Power Snatches at 75lbs for time.
Post time to comments.
Video: Sage Burgener demonstrates the Power Snatch with her dad Mike narrating.
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Article:
The biggest losers are getting bigger.
"We know that when we watch The Biggest Loser on television that what we are watching is a carefully contrived fiction. The people on the show, the people wearing the colorful T-shirts and sleeping in coordinated colorful rooms, they are an experiment in social conditioning. If you give people enough money and put them into team environments, you can get them to do anything, even things that are painful and potentially harmful to their metabolisms. You can scream at them and walk on their legs and they will do it, even when you make them cry 14 times a day, they will do it. And you can trot out past winners and say, "Look, it works. See? It totally works." That's what they say, anyway.Check out a few of the former Losers and how they are doing now. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:58 PM | Comments (7)
December 20, 2008
081221 SUNDAY
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Darren reps his DCF shirt on the DCF platform.
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.
Compare to results posted here.
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Article:
Quality of sleep determines where memories are stored.
As time passes, our memories are transferred to different parts of the brain in order to ideally store our past experiences. While scientists have known that sleep plays an important role in helping consolidate memories, a new study investigates the role of sleep a step further, and shows how one night of sleep can lead to changes in brain activity six months after an event has occurred. . .
click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:39 PM | Comments (3)
December 19, 2008
081220 SATURDAY "Kelly"
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Rick may be "two timing" with Jason's gym CrossFit Santa Clara, but he will always be a "DCFer". Hector's face says how much he loves lunges.
Workout: "Kelly"
5 rounds for time.
Run 400 meters
30 box jump, 24 inch box
30 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Going outside -- even in the cold -- improves memory and attention
U-M psychology researchers Marc Berman, John Jonides and Stephen Kaplan found memory performance and attention spans improved by 20 percent after people spent an hour interacting with nature.Researchers believe the findings could have broader impact on helping people who may be suffering from mental fatigue.
"Interacting with nature can have similar effects as meditating," Berman said. "People don't have to enjoy the walk to get the benefits. We found the same benefits when it was 80 degrees and sunny over the summer as when the temperatures dropped to 25 degrees in January. The only difference was that participants enjoyed the walks more in the spring and summer than in the dead of winter." . . .
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:07 PM | Comments (8)
December 18, 2008
081219 FRIDAY "GI Jane"
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Judy and George kicking ass in the 0600 class.
Workout: "GI Jane"
100 "Burpee Pull Ups" for time
A "Burpee Pull Up" is performed by kicking the legs back and dropping down into a push up position, completing a push up, bringing the feet back to the starting position, standing up, jumping to do a pull up.
-Chest must hit the floor each rep or it doesn't count.
-Chin must go over bar every time or it doesn't count.
-Bar must be at least 6" above your outstretched fingers at your furthest reach (heels down).
Post time to comments.
Video: Greg Amundson does "GI Jane" in 10:17
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". . . Exercise helps many children with autism spectrum disorders - a term that encompasses various degrees of autism - cope in other ways, medical experts say. Aerobic activity can lengthen an autistic child's attention span, improve behavior and foster friendships with other kids.A team of researchers at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers State University of New Jersey studied the effect of jogging and walking on a 5-year-old autistic boy.
After jogging, the boy showed much less self-stimulation - which can take many forms including rocking, hand-clapping or biting. The effect diminished after 40 minutes, though his behavior remained better than before his exercise.
"The exercise had to be intense," center director Sandra Harris said. "It was the vigorous impact of the activity that seemed to make the difference.". . ."
Click here for complete article
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:30 PM | Comments (21)
December 17, 2008
081218 THURSDAY "Diane"
+++JANUARY 1st IS OUR BIG MOVE DAY - SEE BELOW!+++
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Lauren observes Jenny P's great full extension form on a push press.
Workout: "Diane"
21 - 15 - 9 rep rounds for time of
Deadlift (225, 185, or even 45lbs if you need to work on form)
Handstand Push Ups
Post time to comments.
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Article:
Mark Sisson's Top 10 Favorite Books
"A few readers have asked me to offer up a list of my favorite books. That’s always a tough call since typically my favorite book is the one I’ve just finished (I also typically don’t finish a book I don’t like). Nevertheless, there are a few books that are probably more relevant to MDA and my health and fitness philosophies than others. In no particular order, here are five novels and five from the “health/medicine/fitness” category that come to mind as having shaped my worldview one way or another. . . "
Post thoughts to comments.
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As many of you may know (or should know) we are moving to our new "Shed" this month.
On January 1st we will be having a final workout at the Shed in the late morningm (10AM), moving all the stuff onto trucks/trailers, then unveiling the new gym and having a big party (free food, refreshments, and beer).
If you'd like to help us move, and say 'goodbye' to our little Shed and say 'hello' to a new gym and a new year, post to comments below.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:43 PM | Comments (18)
December 16, 2008
081217 WEDNESDAY "Badger"
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Jimmy a few months into CrossFit on the left, about a year later on the right (and time for some new shorts!)
Workout: "Badger"
3 rounds for time.
95 pound Squat clean, 30 reps
30 Pull-ups
Run 800 meters
Post time to comments.
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Article from Dough Chapman at Hyperfit USA.
"We first started doing CrossFit back in late 2004 and affiliated in early 2005. The single greatest innovation the program advocated was the time clock. The clock measures what each specific workout is and creates a unique performance data point. I introduced the concept to my clients to help them shift perspective on training. The paradigm shift was profound, and resulted in shifting the training from not just working hard; we were working very hard, and being able to measure their specific performance in every workout. . .. . .Definition of a Clock Whore: Person who is so obsessed with beating the clock/others that they will prostitute themselves and sacrifice important and vital components of training such as range of motion, repetitions or other performance metrics for a "better" time. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:58 PM | Comments (16)
December 15, 2008
081216 TUESDAY "Filthy Fifty"
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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 14, 2008
081215 MONDAY
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Darren gets into the holiday spirit.
Workout:
Back Squat - 3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Strict Press - 3, 3, 3, 3, 3,
Deadlift - 3, 3, 3, 3, 3
You can go through all of one movement completely or rotate through the movements each set.
Post max loads for each movement to comments.
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Article:
New study links hormone use to increased breast cancer risk.
". . .Taking menopause hormones for five years doubles the risk for breast cancer, according to a new analysis of a big federal study that reveals the most dramatic evidence yet of the dangers of these still-popular pills.
Even women who took estrogen and progestin pills for as little as a couple of years had a greater chance of getting cancer. And when they stopped taking them, their odds quickly improved, returning to a normal risk level roughly two years after quitting.
Collectively, these new findings are likely to end any doubt that the risks outweigh the benefits for most women.
It is clear that breast cancer rates plunged in recent years mainly because millions of women quit hormone therapy and fewer newly menopausal women started on it, said the study's leader, Dr. Rowan Chlebowski of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. . . "
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:55 PM | Comments (23)
December 13, 2008
081214 SUNDAY "Erin"
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A couple of months ago Jasmine couldn't do a single pull up. Now she is a pull up machine.
Workout: "Erin"
Five rounds for time:
Dumbbells split clean, 15 reps (40lbs is Rx'ed)
21 Pull-ups
Post time to comments.
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Mis-Judged study:
"'Low Carb' diets can affect dieter's cognition skills"
". . .Low-carb dieters showed a gradual decrease on the memory-related tasks compared with the low-calorie dieters. Reaction time for those on the low-carb diet was slower and their visuospatial memory was not as good as those on the low-calorie diet. However, low-carb dieters actually responded better than low-calorie dieters during the attention vigilance task . . .
. . .The hunger-rating did not vary between participants on a low-carb diet and those on a low-calorie diet. The only mood difference between dieters was confusion, which was higher for low-calorie dieters during the middle of the study.
"Although this study only tracked dieting participants for three weeks, the data suggest that diets can affect more than just weight," says Taylor. "The brain needs glucose for energy and diets low in carbohydrates can be detrimental to learning, memory and thinking." . . ."
Click here for complete article.
It is just great how the "sure" the article is, considering it was 19 women, for three weeks, and the results were pretty mixed (low carb had higher attention and less confusion, but weaker memories and reactions?). I guess we will also have to wait until Feb 2009 to see the actual calorie numbers and macro nutrient breakdowns. -jj
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:02 PM | Comments (4)
December 12, 2008
081213 SATURDAY "Mr. Joshua"
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Issiah (Santa's little helper) has ushered in some Christmas gifts early.
Workout: "Mr. Joshua"
5 rounds for time:
Run 400 meters
30 Glute-ham sit-ups (sub abmat sit ups for scaled down version)
250 pound Deadlift, 15 reps (sub lower weight for scaled down version)
Post time to comments.
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Article from Mike O'Donnel at "The IF Life":
Make your own flu shot. . . or just stay healthy in the first place.
A recent post over at Marks Daily Apple about flu shots reminded me that tis the season for mass panic and blind faith in some magical formula to save us all. Now, I have never had a flu shot (and never will) but that is my personal choice. Heck everything I do to my body is my choice. If someone wants a flu shot it’s their choice to do, but they better know why they are doing it….and not just taking someone else’s word for it. So below I list my reasons I do not ever get a flu shot:
Click here for the complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:45 PM | Comments (4)
December 11, 2008
081212 FRIDAY "2 minute defense"
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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 9, 2008
081210 WEDNESDAY "Cindy"
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From left to right: Miles, "Quads", Carry, Hector, Ashley, Jared, Amy, and Nancy "swing for the fences" against Helen.
Workout: "Cindy"
As many rounds as possible in 20 min -
5 Pull-ups
10 Push-ups
15 Squats
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article: Personal care products might contain harmful chemicals.
. . .THE DIRTY DOZENAt least that's what the National Geographic Green Guide authors call the 12 chemical ingredients to avoid in cosmetics and other personal-care products. . .
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:40 PM | Comments (10)
December 8, 2008
081209 TUESDAY "Michael"
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Oh yes. A new "Shed" is coming. . .January 1st.
Workout: "Michael"
3 rounds for time.
800m run
50 back extensions
50 sit ups
Post time to comments.
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DCF Exclusive! Article From Diablo CrossFit's own Mark Lind:
After the couple weeks ago's posting on fish oil and cod liver oil, I happened to be at both Whole Foods and Costco in the same day. I also happened to have a pen and paper handy, so I decided to see about pricing of fish oil. Things to consider when doing comparisons... since Fish Oil is not a "drug", there is no standard "dose" like there is with something like Ibuprofin, so you can't compare "per serving" on different labels. In addition, some fish oil is purified to remove most of the non Omega-3 elements. This makes total volume of fish oil an invalid comparison (some fish oil has more Omega-3 per ml than others).
When reading labels for comparison purposes, it's important to normalize to the amount of EPA, DHA and "other" Omega-3s you get per serving, then calculate: the total servings in the container multiplied by the total omega-3 per serving to get grams of Omega-3 in the container you are buying. Divide the price for the container by this number to come up with the omega-3 per dollar figure.
Another thing to consider when comparing prices is the "fish burp" element. I have been paying up and taking high grade liquid fish oil for several months (I drink it straight--the fancy lemon flavored stuff), and I have never had a fish burp. I have heard that cheaper oils (both liquid and capsules) have a higher fish burp component to them. You can also purchase enteric coated capsules so the fish oil doesn't get let out until it passes your stomach (making fish burps impossible since burps come from your tummy). I am not sure if enteric coating interferes with absorption, however (anyone seen any studies on this?)
Lastly, consider the convenience factor. Transporting and keeping capsules around is very handy, although there's a big difference between taking 17 capsules per day and taking 5 per day (to get your 5g Omega-3 per day we'll use as a reference).
All that said, here are the numbers...
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:04 PM | Comments (28)
December 7, 2008
081208 MONDAY "Isabel"
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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 6, 2008
081207 SUNDAY "Tabata This"
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Jason shows good full extension while wife Amy counts reps.
Workout: "Tabata This"
From CrossFit.com FAQs:
"Tabata Intervals ( 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest repeated 8 times) is applied in turn to the Squat, Rower, Pullups, Sit-ups, and Push-ups with a one minute rotation break between exercises. Each exercise is scored by the weakest number of reps (calories on the rower) in each of the eight intervals. During the one minute rotation time allowed the clock is not stopped but kept running. The score is the total of the scores from the five stations.
Scoring Example:
A total score of 53 (Execllent score, BTW) is determined by adding up the lowest number of reps in any set of each exercise.
18 squats
4 pull-up
6 push-up
13 sit-up
12 row (use the calorie counter and call each calorie a rep)
This score is a 53."
Post scores to comments.
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Article: Happiness is infectious, and your friends' friends' friends may influence your happiness.
"In a study that looked at the happiness of nearly 5000 individuals over a period of twenty years, researchers found that when an individual becomes happy, the network effect can be measured up to three degrees. One person's happiness triggers a chain reaction that benefits not only their friends, but their friends' friends, and their friends' friends' friends. The effect lasts for up to one year.The flip side, interestingly, is not the case: Sadness does not spread through social networks as robustly as happiness. Happiness appears to love company more so than misery. . .
. . . the researchers found that when an individual becomes happy, a friend living within a mile experiences a 25 percent increased chance of becoming happy. A co-resident spouse experiences an 8 percent increased chance, siblings living within one mile have a 14 percent increased chance, and for next door neighbors, 34 percent.
But the real surprise came with indirect relationships. Again, while an individual becoming happy increases his friend's chances, a friend of that friend experiences a nearly 10 percent chance of increased happiness, and a friend of *that* friend has a 5.6 percent increased chance—a three-degree cascade. "
Click here for the complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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DCF Crew Member Katy Stewart and her husband, Elan and son, Drake are featured in today's Conta Costa Times! They are innkeepers at the East Brother Light Station on East Brother Island near Richmond - how cool is that? The CC TImes reports that they are relinquishing their posts soon. Hopefully, they'll be closer to their DCF family - that's a heck of a commute for the DCF Girls class, Katy!.
Read article here: Historic Richmond B&B seeks innkeeper
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Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:48 PM | Comments (10)
December 5, 2008
081206 SATURDAY "Elizabeth"
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Jared, Carry and Herm do some synchronized pull ups during "Helen"
Workout: "Elizabeth"
21 - 15 - 9
Squat Clean 135lbs
Ring Dips
Post time to comments.
Alternate: "Team Elizabeth"
Choose two partners of equal ability for a group of 3 people total (if partners are of different ability, scale for each person i.e. medicine ball cleans and box dips vs full 135lb squat cleans and ring dips).
Each person performs Elizabeth as prescribed in succession with no two teammates working out at the same time. As soon as the first person is done, the second person can go, and so on.
Post times for individuals as well as teams. The winning team gets to stay at the Shed, while all the loosing teams have to run a 400m lap together.
Jolie from CrossFit One World doing Elizabeth at The Shed back in May (with Moises going head-to-head):
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Article from Mark Sisson's Daily Apple: "Cowpooling: Sharing a Side"
"You grow much of your own produce, visit your local farmers’ markets for the foods that you can’t grow yourself and have even started participating in a food co-op, but you’re still left high and dry when it comes to purchasing a decent steak.Enter Cowpooling, the latest buzz term for the practice under which a group of neighbors team up to purchase a whole cow from a local farm. The cow is then butchered to order and the various cuts divvied up among the neighbors (who presumably aren’t going to argue over who gets the last T-bone!)
But, beyond the nifty name (seriously, cowpooling? Genius!) how exactly is it any different to good ol’ fashioned cow-sharing? Well, typically when you sign up for a cow-share, you’re signing up to have access to the cow’s fresh raw milk as opposed to, well, the actual cow. In addition, when you’re participating in a cowshare, you generally have to pay for a portion of the cow’s upkeep, usually in the form of a holding fee to the farmer. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Are you interested in "Cowpooling" with some fellow DCFers? Post it to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:20 PM | Comments (31)
December 4, 2008
081205 FRIDAY "Nancy"
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Not only does Gwen's 3 year old daughter Jada throw down a mean game face. . . she can also bust out burpees faster than her mom (who is pretty darn fast).
Workout: "Nancy"
5 rounds for time:
400 meter run
15 Overhead squats (use 95lbs, 65lbs, 45lbs, or a stick - whatever you can handle with proper form)
Post times to comments.
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Article by Robb Wolf at CrossFit Norcal
(Holiday) "Aftermath"
"We had an interesting consensus amongst most of our clients today: “I Feel Like Shit”. These folks have been eating a clean, paleo-esque diet for anywhere from one to several months and have been feeling and performing great. Then Thanksgiving happened.These folks added in a a bunch of wheat in the form of bread and stuffing, mashed potatoes, deserts of every imaginable variety...a goodly bit of booze (makes dealing with family easier...so I’ve heard) and today was pretty damn rough. It’s an interesting lesson because these folks were not sick on their previous food of good protein, fats, fruits and veggies. They feel like hell from the good-ol grains and carbs the food pyramid is built on. Interesting, no? Here were the common complaints. . ."
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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Observation from yesterday's article:
From the article: "Founded in 1983, Bally operates 347 facilities nationwide that serve at least 3.1 million customers."
3,100,000 customers divided by 347 facilities is about 8,933 clients per gym.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:40 PM | Comments (14)
December 3, 2008
081204 THURSDAY "Barbara"
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'Handyman' Nick counts reps for Brodie.
Workout: "Barbara"
5 rounds, Each round for time:
20 Pull-ups
30 Push-ups
40 Sit-ups
50 Air Squats
Rest 3 minutes in between each round.
Post time for each of 5 rounds and total time to comments.
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Article:
"Bally's Total (BANKRUPT) Fitness" . . .Again! (Click for complete article).
Failing economy or "Fitness Regime Change" ? Post thoughts to comments.
(my observation using 'Google Trends')
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Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:48 PM | Comments (15)
December 2, 2008
081203 WEDNESDAY "Fran"
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'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)
December 1, 2008
081202 TUESDAY
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Rodil, Stavros, Herm from CrossFit Los Altos, and Darren enjoy some post "Helen" beer on Sunday.
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And now Herm (a certified badass doing Helen with a 20lb weight vest and 70lb kb) will now also be known as "Quads".
Workout:
Power Clean
3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Touch the floor and go between reps (no resting with the bar on the floor). Go as heavy as possible. Post loads to comments.
Coach Rip discusses the bar position during the jump:
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Article:
More wisdom from "The IF Life": Things your personal trainer won't tell you
"Having been a trainer myself for years and years I can tell you that I have met some great smart trainers, and some I’m not even sure how they got certified. Most people seem to trust their trainers 100% when it comes to advice on how to get into shape, yet isn’t the information only as good as the source it comes from. Some trainers may have a Masters in exercise physiology, some may have no formal background in fitness. While a degree is one thing, experience and the ability to get results is another. Much like a nutritionist who went to school to learn about nutrition, yet may also tell you to follow the food pyramid, eat 10 servings of grains all day and eating 6x a day is the best way to speed up your metabolism (which we already know is not true from the posts about the science of meal frequency Part I and Part II). Trainers are also in the business of training, so there is incentive to keeping people around month after month. So here are some things that you may not be getting from your trainer….but need to know. . ."
Read the complete article here.
Post thoughts to comments (and notify me immediately if and DCF trainer commits these offenses. -jj)
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:18 PM | Comments (8)
November 30, 2008
081201 MONDAY "New Schedule Starts TODAY!"
+++See below for new schedule+++
+++Jenny V's Last Workout Today, come join us for the party at 6pm (bring some food if you'd like).+++
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Fight Gone Bad on Saturday. From left to right: 'Hardway' Bryan, 'I should have gone heavier' Holly, 'Venezuelan Vixen' Jenny V, Craig, Carry W, Meg, Jasmine, 'Handyman' Nick, Donna, Brodie and Lauren get some FGB action.
Workout: "Jenny's Last DCF WOD"
5 Handstand Push ups
10 Knees to elbows
15 Jumping Squats
20 Back extensions (or light 'good mornings')
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes.
Post rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Naps boost sophisticated memory
Indeed, scientists increasingly are focusing less on sleep duration and more on the quality of sleep, what's called sleep intensity, in studying how sleep helps the brain process memories so they stick. Particularly important is "slow-wave sleep," a period of very deep sleep that comes earlier than better-known REM sleep, or dreaming time.Fishbein suspected a more active role for the slow-wave sleep that can emerge even in a power nap. Maybe our brains keep working during that time to solve problems and come up with new ideas. So he and graduate student Hiuyan Lau devised a simple test: documenting relational memory, where the brain puts together separately learned facts in new ways.
Click here for complete article
Post thoughts to comments.
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New Schedule:
We have added some new class times as well as modified some class times. Please note the primary differences:
-There is now class EVERY WEEKDAY at 9:30 and 10:30am.
-Evening Classes are ON THE HOUR.
-Sundays are "BRING YOUR FRIENDS" day. Sundays are free to all people looking to get started in CrossFit. So it is a great time to bring a friend!
-Muay Thai Kickboxing is open to all DCF members (no extra charge for Muay Thai)!
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:08 PM | Comments (6)
November 29, 2008
081130 SUNDAY "Helen"
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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 28, 2008
081129 SATURDAY "Fight Gone Bad"
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Alex eats 225lb thrusters for breakfast (usually at 6am).
Workout: "Fight Gone Bad"
n 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.
Post score to comments.
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Article:
Holiday Crime Prevention Tips from CrossFit Alpha (By Chris Drewry)
The holidays are upon us. A time for reflection, thanksgiving, family, and merriment. This season of the year empowers some of us with a sense of giving and charity, but for others it can embolden them to commit acts of violence and wickedness. Unfortunately, crime doesn't take a holiday. In fact, it often spikes during the holidays.One of the more common crimes is the personal attack. Be it in the form of a robbery or assault, this is one of the most pervasive encroachments of our personal security that can occur, and can often scar victims emotionally and mentally. Especially when it occurs this time of year.
The question that begs to be answered it this: How can we reduce our chances of becoming a victim to a personal attack if we are alone? . . .
Click here for complete article
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:18 PM | Comments (6)
November 26, 2008
081127 "Thanksgiving" and a Birthday of sorts
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:
Thurs: 8am at Briones Park (see Below)
Friday: 10am
Saturday: 10am
Sunday: 10am
NEXT WEEK: NEW SCHEDULE STARTING MONDAY DECEMBER 1st!
I am not sure exactly when Diablo CrossFit was 'conceived' but I do know that our first post hit the "interwebs" on November 27th 2005.
I guess that would make this our 3rd Birthday!

Click Here to see a summarized progression of how we have grown!
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Workout: DCF "Unofficial" Turkey Trot
Time: 8AM Meet & Greet we'll start up the hill no later than 8:30
Place: Lafayette, Hwy 24 & Pleasant Valley Road - Briones Park SE Parking Lot*
We'll be running to the top (and there might be a surprise or two thrown in for good measure), then walking (unless you want to run).
RSVP to the 'comments' link below so we know how many to plan for.
Bring:
Trail Shoes (if you got ‘em)
Water
Wrist stopwatch
*Directions: Hwy 24 to Pleasant Hill Rd Exit. North on Pleasant Hill Rd. ½ mile. Briones parking lot is on your left (no turns possible). Proceed on Pleasant Valley to stoplight at SpringHill Rd -make a U-Turn and entrance will be 100’ on the right.
Course Information: Running Map (click for course map)
This is a smooth crushed gravel 8’ wide trail with a 600’ net elevation climb over 1.13 miles. The 1st ½ mile is a gradual climb with some flat spots – a nice warm up. The 2nd half mile is laced with several steep pitches and deceptive “tops” forcing that extra push.
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Article:
Click "Continue Reading Below"
Leave a comment about your first visit to The Shed.
Our first workouts were at my garage in Concord. Sadly I don't have any photos of those workouts. I do have some pictures of our park workouts though:
First Park Workout with the three partners:

Our first 'regular' home Larkey Park:

Rob doing ball slams and box jumps off of park benches:

Craig doing sit ups in the grass:
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After getting run off of the park, and having the sprinklers hit us too many times, we finally decided to get a 'box' of our own (and you can read about some of our park infractions here.)
And apparently, December 8th 2006th is when we moved into "The Shed".
The first 'good' pic of Stavros:
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Our first video:
It was cold and lonely back then:
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Second video (with some pretty sketchy form and, apparently, I didn't own any workout pants):
The first pic of Darren doing what he does best. . .sitting & watching.
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Classes fill up and we start to add evening classes (not to mention we begin to get more equipment):
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Luca's first action shot:
Sarah doing Fran her first time:
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Rick and Jorgy make their first appearance:

Darren and Stav return to working out at the Shed:
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Our favorite photo of Jorgy and Rick:
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A pull up bar and white boards get added (circa August 2007):
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In October of 2007 things really started to take off:
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Our first 'Open House' goes well (as does our second set of shirts):
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Although these shirts didn't sell too well:
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Possibly Nate and Carry's first photo?
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"Hardway" Bryan's first appearance (read about it here).
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First sign (and a lot of records on the whiteboard):
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Jax Jones is born April 30th, 2008 (Had to throw that one in there):
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Mark jerking his way to success:
By Memorial Day 2008, our numbers (and family members) had grown even more:
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Shirt number 3 (or was it 4?):
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In early July, we brought one of the largest contingents of CrossFitters from any one gym (over 30 spectators total):
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Mid July, JJ goes full time running the gym and has a swinging good time:
Some of our most 'Legit' regulars on Labor Day:
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As of November, we are outgrowing our little "Shed" (in a good way):
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Thanks for taking this trip down memory lane. . .And thank you all for being a part of my dream.
I have a lot to be thankful for, but first I'd like to thank all my friends at Diablo CrossFit. If it weren't for you people, I wouldn't have the best job in the world.
I love all you guys and gals. I can't wait to head off into future as we make DCF one of the best places to train at in the world!
-jj
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:13 PM | Comments (14)
November 24, 2008
081125 TUESDAY
+++Check our Schedule Page for our Holiday Schedule! (it's on the 'Google' Calendar)+++
+++Don't forget about our Turkey Trot on Thurs. Click here for details+++
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I would not want to run into Alan in a dark alley when he has his "Gameface" on.
Workout:
Every 4 minutes complete the following:
10 Sumo Deadlift High Pull (135lbs, 95lbs, 65lbs, 45lbs)
15 Ring push ups (change body angle to scale)
200m Sprint
Repeat 5 rounds. Record time for each round to comments.
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Mark Sisson's Daily Apple brings us some great 'Primal' Thanksgiving day recipes
Given it’s Thanksgiving week, we thought we’d devote Monday to the big menu. (Check back tomorrow for this week’s Dear Mark!) Yup, we’re taking on the mother of all carb-laden holidays, and we aim to please. The truth is, you absolutely, positively can make Thanksgiving a primal success, and you needn’t compromise taste or tradition to stay on track this holiday. No franken-foods (Can we say Tofurky?) or flavorless “health” concoctions here. We think Grok – as well as William Bradford – would be pleased, and we hope you are too. Happy Thanksgiving to all our American Apples. And for our international readers: even if you aren’t joining in on turkey day this week, we offer up these recipes as a great menu for any upcoming parties or holidays. Bon Appétit, everyone! . .
(Although I must warn you, you might want to only view this article after you have eaten a big meal, or if you are about to eat something. The pictures alone will make you hungry! -jj)
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts or other recipe resources to comments.
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Some of you may know that everyone's favorite Venezuelan Vixen Jenny V. is leaving us to live in Miami. I was really disappointed that we didn't do a party for Trainer Nate, I don't want that to happen again. We plan on sending Jenny off in style by having a special workout and party next Monday. So be ready for a great workout, and if you can stick around, some refreshments and good company. -jj
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:13 PM | Comments (7)
November 23, 2008
081124 MONDAY
+++ Holiday Schedule for Thanksgiving - See Below +++
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Jared looking lean during a power clean.
Workout:
Strict Press - 5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Weighted Pull Up - 5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Alternate between exercises. Post loads used to comments.
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Article from Mike O'Donnel at 'The IF Life'
Eating more meals DOES NOT speed up your metabolism Part II
In Part I of learning about how eating more meals does not speed up your metabolism, we covered many research studies that showed there was no benefit for so called accelerated thermogenesis with more meals. While eating 6x a day can work to lose weight, it’s not necessary and in some cases may actually cause MORE harm to your long term weight loss efforts.Here’s what some other extremely smart fitness writers (not that I am calling myself extremely smart, just saying these people know their stuff hands down) also touched on this subject. Once again could this whole myth finally stop gaining momentum…..or are we cursed to ongoing modern media health gossip not getting people real lasting results? . . .
Click here for complete article.
Post thoughts to comments.
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WED: Same as usual.
THURS: Turkey Trot at 8am (see post below)
FRI: 10am workout
SAT: 10am workout
SUN: 10am workout
NEW SCHEDULE COMING MONDAY DECEMBER 1ST! Stay tuned for details.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:10 PM | Comments (5)
November 22, 2008
081123 SUNDAY
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Super Shannon and Super Bryan move some serious weight (Bryan has 240lbs total). That is also Jenny V with the heavy bag in the background.
Workout (originally posted August 29, 2004 on CrossFit.com):
Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:
95-pound Hang squat clean, 15 reps
12 Ring dips
21 Sit-ups
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article from Scott Kustes' Modern Forager:
How the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K work
. . .Vitamin A is probably most well-known from your mother’s admonitions to “eat your carrots, so you can see well.” One of the many roles of vitamin A is eyesight, but this vitamin is also key for proper gene transcription, immune function, embryonic development, bone metabolism, and (Teenagers take note!) skin health and acne prevention. Vitamin A also affects the production of growth hormone and testosterone. . .
Click here for complete article.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 6:04 PM | Comments (5)
November 21, 2008
081122 SATURDAY and Turkey Trot Details
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The sun goes down during the 5pm class.
Workout:
2 partners working as a team. 1 person works out at a time, the other provides encouragement and counts reps. You'll want to trade off as soon as the person who is working out gets tired. Each athlete needs to get at least 5 repetitions in for each exercise each round (no "hogging the movements")
60 double unders (share the rope if you have to)
40 push presses with 95lb or 65lb barbell
100m walking lunges with 25lb dbs or 15lb dbs
As many rounds as possible in 30 minutes.
(If doing it by yourself, do half the reps/distance as many rounds as possible in 20 min).
Post number of rounds completed to comments.
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Article:
Does eating Omega-3s lower violent behavior?
. . .Consider, for example, a study conducted by researchers in Finland. They tested prisoners convicted of violent crimes and found that they had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids than ordinary, healthy subjects. Why? Omega-3's foster the growth of neurons in the brain's frontal cortex, the bit of gray matter that controls impulsive behavior. Having enough of these fatty acids may keep violent impulses in check. Violent criminals may not be the only ones who would benefit from more fatty acids in their diet. In a recent double-blind trial, when omega-3's were given to people with a history of substance abuse, the symptoms of "anger" fell by 50 percent. . .
Click 'Continue Reading' below for full article.
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DCF "Unofficial" Turkey Trot Details:

Date: Thu, Nov 27
Time: 8AM Meet & Greet we'll start up the hill no later than 8:30
Place: Lafayette, Hwy 24 & Pleasant Valley Road - Briones Park SE Parking Lot*
We'll be running to the top (and there might be a surprise or two thrown in for good measure), then walking (unless you want to run).
RSVP to the 'comments' link below so we know how many to plan for.
Bring:
Trail Shoes (if you got ‘em)
Water
Wrist stopwatch
*Directions: Hwy 24 to Pleasant Valley Rd Exit. North on Pleasant Valley Rd. ½ mile. Briones parking lot is on your left (no turns possible). Proceed on Pleasant Valley to stoplight at SpringHill Rd -make a U-Turn and entrance will be 100’ on the right.
Course Information: Running Map (click for course map)
This is a smooth crushed gravel 8’ wide trail with a 600’ net elevation climb over 1.13 miles. The 1st ½ mile is a gradual climb with some flat spots – a nice warm up. The 2nd half mile is laced with several steep pitches and deceptive “tops” forcing that extra push.
New York Times Magazine
April 16, 2006
Idea Lab
Does Eating Salmon Lower the Murder Rate?
By STEPHEN MIHM
Most prisons are notorious for the quality of their cuisine (pretty poor) and the behavior of their residents (pretty violent). They are therefore ideal locations to test a novel hypothesis: that violent aggression is largely a product of poor nutrition. Toward that end, researchers are studying whether inmates become less violent when put on a diet rich in vitamins and in the fatty acids found in seafood.
Could a salmon steak and a side of spinach really help curb violence, not just in prison but everywhere? In 2001, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a senior clinical investigator at the National Institutes of Health, published a study, provocatively titled "Seafood Consumption and Homicide Mortality," that found a correlation between a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids (most often obtained from fish) and lower murder rates.
Of course, seeing a correlation between fatty acids and nonviolence doesn't necessarily prove that fatty acids inhibit violence. Bernard Gesch, a senior research scientist at Oxford University, set out to show that better nutrition does, in fact, decrease violence. He enrolled 231 volunteers at a British prison in his study; one-half received a placebo, while the other half received fatty acids and other supplements. Over time, the antisocial behavior (as measured by assaults and other violations) of the inmates who had been given the supplements dropped by more than a third relative to their previous records. The control group showed little change. Gesch published his results in 2002 and plans to start a larger study later this year. Similar trials are already under way in Holland and Norway.
What would it mean if we found a clear link between diet and violent behavior? To start with, it might challenge the notion that violence is a product of free will. "But how do you exercise that free will without using your brain?" Gesch asks. "And how, exactly, is the brain going to work properly without an adequate nutrient supply?" The belief that people choose to be violent may be irrelevant if the brain isn't firing on all cylinders. This may especially be the case for impulsive acts of violence, which are less a choice than a failure to rein in one's worst instincts.
Consider, for example, a study conducted by researchers in Finland. They tested prisoners convicted of violent crimes and found that they had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids than ordinary, healthy subjects. Why? Omega-3's foster the growth of neurons in the brain's frontal cortex, the bit of gray matter that controls impulsive behavior. Having enough of these fatty acids may keep violent impulses in check. Violent criminals may not be the only ones who would benefit from more fatty acids in their diet. In a recent double-blind trial, when omega-3's were given to people with a history of substance abuse, the symptoms of "anger" fell by 50 percent.
Of course, omega-3's are widely hailed these days as a miracle substance, credited with boosting health in dozens of ways. But Gesch warns against what he calls "silver bullets." The state of the evidence, he says, "doesn't allow us to pinpoint which dietary fat is responsible for changes in behavior." In his new study, he will look into whether several interdependent nutrients may play a role.
Gesch further adds that we shouldn't expect nutrition alone to banish violent behavior. "The brain needs to be nourished in two ways. It needs to be educated, and it needs nutrients. Both social and physical factors are important." Simply throwing fish and vegetables at violent criminals is unlikely to have a lasting effect on its own.
Caveats aside, there's something that many people may find unnerving about the idea of curing violent behavior by changing what people eat. It threatens to let criminals evade responsibility for their actions. Think, for example, of the infamous "Twinkie defense," in which an accused murderer's lawyer suggested that junk food was partly to blame for his client's compromised mental state. More controversial, perhaps, is the brave-new-world idea of using diet to enforce docility and conformity to the rules, a sort of state-sponsored version of that timeless parental demand to children everywhere: "Eat your vegetables."
Then again, we already live in a society in which parents have resorted to drugs like Ritalin to quell unwanted outbursts and impulsive behavior. And when you approach it from that perspective, changing what people eat may not be so radical after all.
Stephen Mihm teaches history at the University of Georgia.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:53 PM | Comments (19)
November 20, 2008
081121 FRIDAY
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"Murph" on Veteran's Day. . . Can you name all the people in the photo? (no cheating by scouring flickr). Post ideas to comments.
Workout:
Run 400m
Rest 2 minutes
6 rounds
Post times to comments.
There are two ways to approach this workout. First is the "Fly and Die" method. In this method you go has hard as you can from the get-go, then just try and maintain the rest of the workout.
The second method is to pace your runs so that they all end up being within a few seconds of each other. With the last sprint or two being the shortest (but still within a few seconds of the other sprints if you paced correctly).
Compare to 080713 and even the 200m sprints on 081105.
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Article from Scott Kustes on "The Art of Manliness"
Back at the beginning of July, Brett asked the question, “Is Cooking Manly?” The poll results were astoundingly lopsided: 95% yes, 5% no. It looks like a vast majority of us are convinced that being able to turn a heap of meat and vegetables into a delicious meal is a vital skill for a man to have.Why then does it seem that so many men are unable to do something as simple as grilling a proper steak, much less doing something more involved like making a pot of soup (an exceedingly simple task)? Frankly, I know so many guys that would have trouble feeding themselves if a blizzard came through that it’s laughable.
Why do so many of us think it’s manly to cook, yet are unable to do so? Obviously the average male thinks it’s great to be able to slap a steak or some pork chops on the grill. But what about cooking in the kitchen? Is the kitchen the realm of women? Today, let’s look at some reasons that every man should be able to put together a meal, and by “meal” I mean meat AND side dishes, cooked on a grill, a cast iron skillet, or in the oven. . .
Read entire article here.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:50 PM | Comments (10)
November 19, 2008
081120 THURSDAY
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Just about 2/3 of the stuff currently in our little "Shed".
Workout:
With a continuously running clock, complete 1 pull up the first minute, 2 pull ups the second minute, 3 pull ups the third minute. . . until you can no longer complete the required number of pull ups in the allotted minute.
Post number of rounds completed and number of pull ups finished in the last round to comments.
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Article:
. . . The Case Against CrossFitA closer look at this controversial workout program
by Charles Poliquin
“The best program is the one you’re not using,” is one of my favorite axioms. I say this because I’ve never believed that there is one perfect workout system. The high-intensity training methods of the late Arthur Jones work…for a time. Strongman training works…for at time. And weightlifting and powerlifting methods work…for a time. Variety, whether it be correcting a lack of it or too much of it, is one of the keys to making continual progress with your training and achieving your goals. And that brings up the topic of CrossFit, Inc. TM.
If you Google the words “Poliquin” and “CrossFit,” you’ll find that there has been a considerable amount of discussion about my recent comments on another website about this method of training. Although my intent was to make a few general comments about what I thought of this method of training - and throw in a few wisecracks in the process - it’s obvious that a more in-depth discussion about CrossFit is in order. So, here it is. . .
Read the complete article here.
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Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:34 PM | Comments (10)
November 18, 2008
081119 WEDNESDAY "Filthy Fifty" and Anne's Birthday!
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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+++
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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 16, 2008
081117 MONDAY
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Bryan (aka "Hardway") went to his level I CrossFit certification this weekend (make sure you congratulate him and ask about his experience).
Workout:
Overhead Squat
5, 5, 5, 5, 5
Post loads to comments.
Annie and Nicole discuss Overhead Squats:
Nicole Carrol talks about her 15 OHS with bodyweight:
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Article from Malcom Gladwell:
. . .At sixteen, he made a visit to Wall Street, keeping an eye out for a "nice-looking, tall building," as he later recalled. He picked 43 Exchange Place, where he started at the top floor and worked his way down, asking at every office, "Want a boy?" By the end of the day, he had reached the third-floor offices of a small brokerage house. There were no openings. He returned to the brokerage house the next morning. He lied that he was told to come back, and bluffed himself into a job assisting the janitor, for three dollars a week. The small brokerage house was Goldman Sachs. . .
Read entire article here.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:38 PM | Comments (17)
November 15, 2008
081116 SUNDAY
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Mitchel gets a personal record by repping out 185lb deadlifts (Husband Mike provides vigorous encouragement).
Workout:
Move as much weight as possible as far as possible in 20 minutes.
Examples for exercises: Farmer carry, waiter walks, shoulder carry, weighted vests, medicine ball throw, sled drag, even tire flips, etc.
Multiply the total distance traveled for each exercise to the weight moved (your bodyweight doesn't count). Add up each exercise for your 'score'
Example: 100lb farmer walk, 100m, 2 times. Plus a 400m sandbag carry with 50lbs added would be 100 x 100 x 2 + 400 x 50 = 40,000 lb.m in 20 minutes.
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Article from Mark Sission's Daily Apple:
10 steps to "Primalize" your pantry
The freezer has ice cream and frozen pizzas, but it’s the pantry that harbors the usual carb suspects - chips, cookies, crackers, pasta, cereal and bread galore. If you’re not careful this cool and dark space could derail your best efforts to eat Primally. So follow these 10 easy steps and you’ll be well on your way to having a truly Primal pantry. . .
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:50 PM | Comments (7)
November 14, 2008
081115 SATURDAY "Nate's Last WOD"
+++Workday Tomorrow after the 10am class. Come help make the Shed nice, clean and organized before the weather changes+++
+++Interested in a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot at Acalanes Park? Post it in comments. If enough people are interested you can expect a resurrection of our old tradition.+++
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Meg shows hubby Darren how to do air squats correctly.
Workout: "Nate's Last WOD"
4 Rounds for Time
400m run
15 Pull Ups
15 SDHP (115, 95, or 65lbs)
15 Burpees
15 GHD Sit Ups
Post time to comments.
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Articles:
Just How Important is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Because the body can create its own vitamin D, it is technically not a vitamin, but a pro-hormone, a precursor to the hormones the body needs to function. Vitamin D has no active role in the body other than to be converted to usable hormones by the liver and kidneys.This vitamin (we’ll stick with vitamin since that’s how it’s known commonly) is responsible for maintaining blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, growing bone, and shoring up the immune system. Let’s have a look at a few of the issues that are caused by a vitamin D deficiency.
Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:49 PM | Comments (12)
November 13, 2008
081114 FRIDAY "The Chief"
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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


