Diablo CrossFit


What Is CrossFit?

Started as a maverick gym in Santa Cruz, CrossFit has spread worldwide, becoming the principal strength & conditioning program for police academies and tactical op's teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, & hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide. Why? Because CrossFit works...FAST.

CrossFit delivers a fitness that is, by design, broad, general, and inclusive. CrossFit's specialty is not specializing. Daily life, like many sports and professions, (and even combat) requires broad levels of fitness. CrossFit's program is designed for universal scalability making it the perfect application for any committed individual regardless of experience. The needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree not kind.

To find out more about the principles and belief behind CrossFit, click here.




Friends



Support Operation Phoenix!

October 29, 2009

091030 Friday

+++ Oly Class Canceled On Saturday, Oct 31 +++

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Clara makes the 32" box. . . And as you can tell by the picture, that box is pretty close to 2/3rds her height.

Workout:

6 rounds for time of:
5 Weighted Pull-up 45 lbs (25lb women)
5 Shoulder Press 95 lbs (65lb women)
200m Run

Record total time.

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Looking for a decent ice cream substitute?

Try this: Coconut milk Ice Cream (dairy, soy and gluten free). It tastes phenomenal and they got the texture of dairy ice cream as well! I found it at Whole Foods. It isn't cheap ($5 a pint), but I think it might be worth it.

Anybody have good homemade ice cream substitutes or recipes for coconut milk ice cream?

Post them comments.

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Tomorrow is the last day you can try out for the October "Challenge of the Month" Farmer Carries! If you haven't tried at all yet, give it a go! If you have, try again and see what you can get!

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:30 PM | Comments (17)

October 27, 2009

091028 Wednesday "Max Effort Test Day"

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"100 mile Suzie" and "Rooney" hammering out some reps on the boxes during the Combat Conditioning class.

Workout: After a liberal warm up, perform as many of the following tests as desired -

400m run
500m row
Max push ups in a minute
Max sit ups in a minute (abmat, feet anchored if desired)
Tabata Squats
Max consecutive pull ups
Max weight from the floor to overhead
200m farmer carry (October Challenge)

Use a partner to count reps and keep time. DO NOT TRY AND DO ALL IN ONE DAY. Try to complete at least 2 - 3 within the hour.

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Specialty Skills Clinic: Rowing - Thursday Evening!

October 29th at 7:00 - 8:00 PM at The Shed

Proper rowing technique can improve your efficiency on the C2 Rower and dramatically reduce your rowing times. At this skills clinic, we'll show you:

> The proper position for "the catch"
> Correct back angle for the pull
> "Fast hands"
> How to read the C2 Monitor for improved performance
> How to manage Stroke Per Minute pacing
> Drills and tips for improving your stroke and speed

If you've already purchased your Skills Clinic Series, you can reserve your space here.

If you haven't purchased your Skills Clinic Series, just click here.

Space is limited to the number of C2 Rowers (8).

Future Skills Clinics:
Nov. 5: Double Unders
Nov. 12: Kettle Bells
Nov. 19: The Snatch
Dec. 3: Rings

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Article from Timothy Ferris: Gout - The missing chapter from the book 'Good Calories, Bad Calories'

". . .Moreover, the prevalence of gout seems to have doubled over the last quarter century, coincident (perhaps not coincidentally) with the reported increase in obesity, and it may have increased five- or even six-fold since the 1950s, although a large portion of that increase may be due to the aging of the population.(2) . . .

. . .This is another potentially harmful effect of fructose that post-dates the official reports exonerating sugar in the diet. And it is yet another mechanism by which sugar and high fructose corn syrup could be a particularly unhealthy combination. The glucose in these sugars would raise insulin levels, which in turn would raise blood pressure by inhibiting the kidney’s secretion of sodium and by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, as we discussed in an earlier chapter, and the fructose would do it independently by raising uric acid levels and so damaging the kidney directly. If this were the case, which has never been tested, it would potentially explain the common association of gout and hypertension and even of diabetes and hypertension. . . "


Click here for complete article.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:59 PM | Comments (25)

October 25, 2009

091026 Monday

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Jasmine (5.5 months pregnant), Malissa, and Jeff doing some "waiter walks".

Workout: Overhead Squats

5, 5, 5, 5, 5

Record loads used for each round

Metabolic conditioning workout: 2 rounds, count reps

1 minute tire flips, count reps (men use heavy tire, women use lighter tire)
1 minute of knees to elbows, count reps
1 minute of kb snatches (53lb men, 35lb women), alternate arms as desired
1 minute back extensions
2 minutes rest

Record total repetitions. Start on any exercise you want, but perform them in order. (Hint: if you do not have a partner to record repetitions for you, just keep a running total. i.e. 20 after tire flips, 38 after knees to elbows, 52 after kb snatches, and 53, 54, 55. . . at back extensions. etc.)

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Video: Sugar: "The Bitter Truth"

"Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, explores the damage caused by sugary foods. He argues that fructose (too much) and fiber (not enough) appear to be cornerstones of the obesity epidemic through their effects on insulin. . ."

Holy cow this is a good video. I've already watched it twice, and so should you (it is pretty long so I recommend watching it in parts). -jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:42 PM | Comments (34)

October 20, 2009

091021 Wednesday "Christine"

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Why Lauren is having so much fun and Justin is not. . .I have no idea (Probably because she is beating him).

Workout: "Christine" (at Travis' request, he's leaving us!)

Row 500
12 Bodyweight Deadlifts
21 Box Jumps (20inch)

3 rounds for time.

Record total time.

The alternate workout for those of you still a little tender from Monday's Deadlifts:

"Christine with a twist"

Row 500
12 Push Presses with half bodyweight
21 Box Jumps (20inch)

3 rounds for time.

Record total time.

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Article: Now I've always said that if you think it is expensive to eat good quality food, it is still a lot cheaper than paying for the hospital/pharmaceutical bills later. Apparently, this study says that nutritionally, vegetables, vegetable soups, and fruit are the best 'bang for you buck'. I am not sure I buy the soup thing, but the rest of this report does make some good sense.

I wonder how 'processed' versus 'unprocessed' foods compare? -jj

New affordable nutrition index is first measurement tool to evaluate affordable nutrition

"The ANI is guided by recommendations in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and calculates a food score based on nine essential nutrients to encourage (protein, fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C and E) and three nutrients to limit: saturated fat, added sugars and sodium.

Nearly 300 commonly eaten foods including fresh vegetables, fruits, grains from an independent food intake frequency questionnaire, and various convenience foods, including a variety of Campbell’s® soups, were assessed in the study. Results showed that dark colored vegetables, certain fruits and vegetable soups were among the most affordable, nutritious foods. . ."

Click here for complete article.

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Next Skills Clinic TONIGHT!: "Craig Coaches the Clean"

Wed, Oct. 21 at 7:00 PM


Sign up now by clicking here!
(you'll have to sign into your Mind Body account).

Topics to be covered:
Proper Start position
The 2nd pull
The scoop
The catch
Drills to improve technique

The number of athletes who can attend is limited so make sure you sign up right away to reserve your spot! You can purchase 10 packs for specialty clinics by clicking here.

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Justin (pictured above) is also a video producer. Here is a video he was inspired to produce for the Green Day song "East Jesus Nowhere"

Road To Nowhere - Set to "East Jesus Nowhere" by Green Day from On Point on Vimeo.


(There are a few DCFers in the video as well, good luck finding them)

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:08 PM | Comments (30)

October 19, 2009

091020 Tuesday "400m Repeats" and "Congratulations Nancy and Alan!"

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Kettlebells are Ringing! Congratulations Nancy and Alan! (and stay away from Napa unless you're looking for kids right away). Click "Continue Reading" below for a few more pictures!

Workout: "400m Repeats"

Four rounds,

Run 400m
Rest 2 minutes

Record time for each 400m.

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Next Skills Clinic: "Craig Coaches the Clean"

Wed, Oct. 21 at 7:00 PM


Sign up now by clicking here!
(you'll have to sign into your Mind Body account).

Topics to be covered:
Proper Start position
The 2nd pull
The scoop
The catch
Drills to improve technique

The number of athletes who can attend is limited so make sure you sign up right away to reserve your spot! You can purchase 10 packs for specialty clinics by clicking here.

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Article: Eating loads of sugary carbs will make you fat. . . and a sissy and possibly dumb(er). (Rats fed an "American Diet" -vs an "Atkins diet"- were prone to weight gain as well as increased stress and anxiety responses).

". . . investigated the effects of a typical American diet, which is high in fat and sugar, compared to an Atkins-type diet, which is high in animal and vegetable fat but low in sugar, on the physiology and behavior of rats. Lesson learned: choosing between the so-called American diet and the Atkins diet can make a difference in managing weight and one’s response to stress. They found that rats fed the American diet exhibited greater anxiety and gained more weight than rats which were fed either the Atkins diet or a control diet, which was low in both fat and sugar. . ."

Click here for complete article.

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The Bride showing off her hard earned CrossFit frame.

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At the altar (I bet Alan tried to do pull ups on the arch - or at least thought about it).

diablo%20crossfit%20jimmy%20jordan%20alan%20matt%20at%20the%20skversky%20wedding.jpg
Jimmy, Jordan, The Groom, and Matt (pre drinks I am told).

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Marnie, The Bride, and Michelle

Thanks to Michelle and Matt for the Pictures!

Alan and Nancy - We miss you guys - Can't wait to have you back, but there is no rush!

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:26 PM | Comments (36)

September 23, 2009

090924 Thursday "Fran"

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The coveted Leaderboard has a lot of room to be filled.

Workout: "Fran"

21 - 15 - 9

Thrusters (95lbs men, 65lbs women)
Pull ups

Record total time.

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Leaderboard Rules:

- Workouts must be completed as prescribed.

- Workouts must be witnessed and counted by a DCF trainer (other than the one doing the workout), or during class with a "designated counter" and a DCF coach supervising.

- Only the "top score" will remain on the Leaderboard. All other performances will be 'bumped off' as more people complete the workout better than the required benchmark performance.

- Must be posted as: Date - Name - score - Initials of trainer (i.e. 9/24/09 Kaiser Soze 3:01 JJ)

In short, if you want to get on the board, you have to do the workout with someone counting your reps and a trainer checking form. So for those of you shooting for a Sub 6 Fran (men) or a sub 7 (women), make sure you have someone counting for you!

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Article: "You are what you eat"

". . . According to Dr Humblestone, there are increased cases of young children and teens developing type 2 diabetes, and eventually obesity, which is normally prevalent in those over 35.

Childhood obesity issues are early signs of illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, gall bladder disease, respiratory problems, asthma and reproductive hormonal problems.

Ironically enough, he added, "one of the manifestations of civilisation is that we have half of the world dying of diseases caused by being overfed, and other parts where people are dying of starvation."

"But it's not just the amount of food people are eating, but the kind of foods as well," Dr Humblestone explained. "If your child is having a muffin or Danish and an orange juice for breakfast, they may feel energized to go to school, but it is very likely they will feel famished, experience a energy crash hours later, and need more carbs." . . ."

Click here for complete article.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:37 PM | Comments (38)

August 25, 2009

090826 Wednesday

Beer weighted lunges are just one example of functional fitness
Eleni does some beer weighted lunges after the workout for her birthday.

Workout: Push Press

3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3

(that's 7 rounds folks).

Post loads used.

Mini Metcon: As many rounds as possible in 12 minutes

5 Chest to bar pull ups
8 Burpees
100m Farmer carry* (45lb bumper plates men, 25lb bumper plates women)
*No penalty for setting down the bumper plates on the run.

Post rounds and fractions of rounds.

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Article: Study finds that Obese People Have 'Severe Brain Degeneration'

A new study finds obese people have 8 percent less brain tissue than normal-weight individuals. Their brains look 16 years older than the brains of lean individuals, researchers said today.

Those classified as overweight have 4 percent less brain tissue and their brains appear to have aged prematurely by 8 years. . .

Click here for complete article.

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Event: This week!

CrossFit Oakland is having a grand (re) Opening Party Friday, August 28th at 5p.m. (Workout followed by party). Address:

5741 Doyle Street
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 595-9348
info@crossfitoakland.com

Post to comments if you want to go (you won't want to miss it!).

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Another Running Workout with Jan Maynard, 6:30pm at DVC track in Pleasant Hill. Click continue reading below to find out the details.

"Hi all,

Come out and join me for our regular track workout this Wednesday evening at 6:30 at DVC in Pleasant Hill.

Everyone is welcome.

This week we will be doing Warm up 1-2 miles 6X800 at 10k race pace with 200 walk/jog between then 2X200 build to all out with 200 walk jog between Then done!

Email me directly if you are interested so I know to look out for you. I am looking forward to getting my butt kicked on the track for the rest of the season with all of you."

-Jan

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:25 PM | Comments (25)

August 18, 2009

090819 WEDNESDAY "Badger"

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Laci conquering the 20 inch box.

Workout: "Badger"

In honor of Navy Chief Petty Officer Mark Carter, 27, of Virginia Beach, VA who was killed in Iraq 11 December 2007.

Complete three rounds for time of:

Squat clean, 30 reps (95lbs men, 65lbs women)
30 Pull-ups,
Run 800 meters.

Post total time.

Scaled version: 15 cleans, 15 pull ups, run 800m. If you can't complete the workout in less than 40 minutes it is a DNF. If you scale the workout down, you should go a little heavier on the cleans.

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Article: Sugar (glucose) feeds cancer.

". . ."It's been known since 1923 that tumor cells use a lot more glucose than normal cells. Our research helps show how this process takes place, and how it might be stopped to control tumor growth," . . ."

Click here for complete article.

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Another track workout with Jan for those interested:

"Hi all,
Come out and join me for our regular track workout this Wednesday evening at 6:30
at DVC in Pleasant Hill. Everyone is welcome!"

Click "Continue Reading" below for more information!

"This week we will be doing
Warm up 1-2 miles
1X1200 10K race pace
400 jog
6X400 fast with 200m jog between
Then done!

Email me directly (jenjanjayden@sbcglobal.net) if you are interested so I know to look out for you. I amlooking forward to getting my butt kicked on the track for the rest of the season with all of you.

Meet on the end of the Track next to bathrooms."

-Jan

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 3:28 PM | Comments (44)

August 17, 2009

090818 TUESDAY

Blowing your WOD on the first jerk is never a good thing
Kristine B. wearing her "Don't blow your WOD ('Workout of the day') on the first Jerk. . . Blowing your WOD is never a good thing. Shirt from American River CrossFit - Nice one guys!

Workout: NorCal Games Qualifier workout A

500m Row
30 Burpees
10 Shoulder-to-Overhead (165 lbs men, 95 lbs women)*

Post total time.

*Must be picked up from the ground -no racks- but cleaning the bar each rep is not necessary. Jerks from behind the neck okay.

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Article: "Carnitine for insulin resistance and diabetes"

". . .We can make carnitine but it is estimated that about 75% of our carnitine reserve comes from our diet. Carnitine is mostly stored in muscle tissue (meat) which means that vegetarians do not take in dietary carnitine. However, a healthy vegetarian diet is low fat and therefore vegetarians require much less carnitine. . . "

Click here for complete article.

My question is that how much carnitine is in what meats, and if you eat enough meat (as all good "Primal" eaters should), is there still a benefit to supplementing? -jj

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Upcoming Events

"Pure Pankration" fights Thursday, August 20th

"48oz Mile" competition and Barbecue Monday, September 7th (Labor Day)

"Fight Gone Bad" Fundraiser for Prostate Cancer Research and the Wounded Warrior Project. Saturday, September 26th. (Fight Gone Bad official site, FGB NorCal Site)
- Should we host the Fundraiser at DCF or should we bring a team to CrossFit Oakland? Post to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:46 PM | Comments (23)

August 13, 2009

090814 FRIDAY

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Shelby Tancredi (age 9?) Robert and Carrie's daughter rowed 4000meters for a $1 one night at the gym while her parents worked out. She rowed for almost 30 minutes while her parents were in class. She wanted to do something, so Craig put her on the rower thinking she'd last a minute or two - (Like Craig!) He gave her a couple pointers and she was off, with awesome form. Mark walked over 15 minutes later and she was at 2000m - so he offered her a $1 to get to 4000m. She ended up with blisters on her heels because she had no socks. She also didn't want to stop at 4k.

The Tancredi's moved here from Sacramento - they lived in a tough neighborhood and Shelby stayed indoors all the time. Her weight ballooned to over 100 pounds and was considered obese by her doctor. They moved to WC and she started going outdoors - losing 20lbs in 3 months. She probably lost 5 more during that row!

Workout: As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:

25 Wall ball (men 20lb/10ft, women 14lb/10 ft)
25m Weighted lunges (men 25lbs in each hand, women 15lbs in each hand) Use Dumbbells or bumper plates.
Row 250m
Rest 1 minute

Post number of rounds completed (if you get to the end of the row by the end of the time, count it as a full round).

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Video from Jon Gilson at Again Faster: Wall Balls

Wall Ball Shots from Patrick Cummings on Vimeo.

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Article: Fatty foods affect memory and exercise

". . . Then half the rats were switched to high-fat rat chow (comprised of 55 percent fat), while the remaining rats stayed on their regular chow (which had 7.5 percent fat). After four days, the rats eating the fatty chow began to falter on the maze test — all of them did worse than when they were on their regular chow. On average, the rats on the fatty diet found only five treats before making a mistake. The rats who stayed with their regular food continued the same high level of performance on the maze, finding six or more treats before making a mistake.

Half of the rats had also been trained to run on a treadmill. After only a few days on the high-fat diet, the rats performed 30 percent worse on the treadmill. After five days of testing, the treadmill performance of the rats eating fatty foods had declined by half. . ."


Click here for complete article.

The problem with headlines and studies like this is that people jump to conclusions! Here is some of the fine print. . . The information on the rat food:

"Low-fat rat chow (a standard formula for lab rats)
7.5% fat, 17.5% protein, 75% carb
The fatty acid composition was 19% saturated fatty acids, 18% monounsaturated fatty acids, 62% polyunsaturated fatty acids, and 6% omega-3.

The high-fat rat chow
55% fat, 29% protein, 16% carb
The fatty acid composition was 27% saturated fatty acid, 48% monounsaturated fatty acid and 25% polyunsaturated fatty acid."

Zero omega-3s and not even close to enough carbohydrates to support endurance efforts (the only efforts they tested). This is less "high fat diet" and more "complete crap diet". This also doesn't take into account the human body's ability to shift to a "fat burning" mode versus a carbohydrate based energy system.

Bottom line, we know that in order to excel in health and fitness you must eat copious amounts of fat (the healthier the better) while still eating enough carbohydrates and protein. The performance numbers don't lie (no matter how the rats feel). -jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 5:12 PM | Comments (19)

August 7, 2009

090808 SATURDAY "Filthy Fifty"

+++Kickball Tournament Today!+++

+++"Fran for Cash" Today!+++

+++UFC Fight Night at the Gym Tonight at 7pm!+++

Hector power snatching the dumbbell
Hector knows how to get to full extension with his shoulders (and so should you)!

Workout:

For time:
50 Box jumps 24 (inch box),
50 Jumping pull-ups,
50 Kettlebell swings (1 pood, 35lbs),
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 and Beyond the Whiteboard.

BEGINNERS - if you have never done this workout before you are required to do the "Dirty Thirty" first (30 repetitions of every exercise). Once you have completed the 30 rep version, you can then complete the full version at a later date.

Modifying for a large class - For this workout to be considered "Rx'ed" it must be completed in order, but the next best thing is to do all the movements in the order at which equipment becomes available up to the last two (burpees and D.U.s). Those must be completed last.

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Website - Our own Judy Phillips has created a great resource for locals looking for smarter food choices:

Weston A. Price East Bay Area: http://wapfeastbay.ning.com/

"Welcome to the Tri-Valley Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation, which encompasses Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore and beyond. We are a non-profit organization connecting like-minded individuals to farmers and other sources dedicated to supplying nutrient-dense foods for our tables by educating, learning and community activism. Our goal is to provide you with accurate nutrition instruction, support a number of movements that contribute to this objective including organic and biodynamic farming, pasture-feeding of livestock, community-supported farms, honest and informative labeling, and prepared and nurturing therapies. As the Tri-Valley Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation, we promote the work of the Foundation at the local level. . ."

Click here to sign up today!

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 3:26 PM | Comments (25)

August 2, 2009

090803 MONDAY "NEW SCHEDULE STARTS TODAY!"

The class learns about the rowing machine monitors
Craig coaches the class on some of the more advanced features of the Concept 2 rowing machines.

Workout: Overhead Squat

5, 5, 5, 5, 5

Post Loads to comments.

Coach's Corner: If this is a new lift for you, resist the urge to go heavy too soon. Keep it light and practice extra reps. Maintaining "Active Shoulders" is crucial.

Mini Metcon:

As many rounds as possible in 10 minutes.

10 burpees
3 weighted pull ups (men 25lbs, women 15lbs, or use a smaller band if you are still working on kipping pull ups).

Post number of rounds completed to comments.

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Article: Saturated fat is healthy? "The definitive guide to saturated fat." (from Mark's Daily Apple).

"It’s probably the one thing that prevents people from fully buying into the Primal Blueprint. Almost anyone can agree with the basic tenets – eating more vegetables, choosing only clean, organic meats, and getting plenty of sleep and exercise is fairly acceptable to the mainstream notion of good nutrition. The concept of Grok and a lifestyle based on evolutionary biology can be a harder sell, but anyone who’s familiar with (and accepts) the basics of human evolution tends to agree (whether they follow through and adopt the lifestyle is another question), at least intellectually. But saturated fat? People have this weird conditioned response to the very phrase.

“But what about all that saturated fat? Aren’t you worried about clogging up your arteries?” . . ."

Click here for complete article.

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New Schedule Starts Today!

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On a more somber note, an occasional DCFer and good friend, Ed T. is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for nasal pharynx cancer. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to him and his struggle. We know that he will dominate this challenge like he dominates his CrossFit workouts.

Click here to go to his blog chronicling his journey.

Hurry up and whoop this cancer thing buddy - we miss you!

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:00 PM | Comments (20)

July 29, 2009

090730 THURSDAY

Travis working on the starting position of his clean.  Jorgy and Nick help coach.
Nick and Jorgy coach Travis' starting position for the clean (and don't worry, Travis now has legitimate weightlifting shoes).

Olympic Weightlifting Warm Up: Press from behind the neck 10 reps. Push press from behind the neck 10 reps. Split jerk from behind the neck 10 reps. Use moderate weight. Add weight each round if you feel comfortable.

Workout: For time.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Deadlift (225 men, 185 women). No bouncing.
Ring dips

Post time to comments.

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Article: "Errors found in study labeling red meat as cancer causing"

"The epidemiological study that came out two years ago and declared that there was "convincing" evidence to link consuming red meat with cancer, specifically colorectal cancer, was flawed, and now, the author of the report has admitted it and has promised to write a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture saying so. . ."

Click here for complete article.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:13 PM | Comments (55)

July 15, 2009

090716 THURSDAY "Goodbye Prashant and Shilpa!"

Goodbye Shilpa and Prashant!
Shilpa (and Prashant practicing bar levitation in the background) will be leaving us. Today is their last day!

Olympic weightlifting warm up: 30 medicine ball cleans. Take your time (use a few sets if needed) and really practice dropping quickly.

Workout (We came up with this workout for them):

2 rounds of:
10 Pull ups
20 lunges (alternating R, L for 10 each leg)
1 Rope climb
30 Double unders

Rest 1 minute

2 rounds of:
10 Pull ups
20 lunges
1 Rope climb
30 Double unders

Rest 1 minute

2 rounds of:
10 Pull ups
20 lunges
1 Rope climb
30 Double unders

Post total time to comments (include minute rests).

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Article: Chef Alan from Chevy's tells us how to eat Paleo at Chevy's:

(Here is a video of Alan talking about the fresh foods and dishes at Chevy's. For what it's worth, Alan is also over 20lbs lighter than when this video was made because of of his Paleo food choices - Nice Job Alan!)

Now on to the Paleo Stuff, From Alan:

"Ok, so for eating at Chevys paleo, I'll start by telling you what I eat religiously. Almost every day I eat at lunch at Chevys and I cross between three main items. . .

(click continue reading below for complete article.)


Fajita Salad, it's tossed table side, you get a choice of chicken, steak, carnitas, or shrimp. I usually go with anything but carnitas and usually double the protein. Must be ordered without cheese (jack and cotija), and no tortilla strips. It comes with 3oz chipotle apple vinaigrette and that is made with olive/canola oil blend or you can go with fat free salsa vinaigrette (salsa, vinegar, honey)

Santa Fe Chopped salad with salsa vinaigrette, must be ordered with no blue cheese, no bacon and no roasted corn salsa. So, basically you are getting romaine, avocado, chicken and roasted peppers. Pretty good actually. I usually order extra chicken and avo.

Fajitas.....any type, chicken, beef, shrimp, salmon, or carnitas. Always order...no beans, no rice, no tortillas, no sour cream (ask for extra pico and guac, it's free), NO CORN STUFF (tamalito), everyone loves it but it is Baaaad for you, shortening, butter, margarine, whole milk, sugar, corn, corn meal, flour. All the enemy.

We also have a vegetable medley that we serve as a veg fajita. green beans, broccoli, roasted garlic, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, red bell peppers and carrots. Ok, so pick out the carrots and order this as a side veg and say "no butter please".

I always order, every day, a side of guacamole no cotija cheese on top please, and tortilla soup, no tortilla strips, cheese, or corn salsa.

NEVER chips but always salsa.

If you know Paleo and aren't afraid to bug your server with a ton of questions, we have found it really easy to eat Paleo out at our favorite places. I know I have an advantage being a chef, but with a few basic cooking principle "know hows" like steaming and grilling (and knowing that most kitchens are happy to create items using menu products) you can eat anywhere."

-Alan Skversky

Thanks a bunch for that input Alan! I know that the coaches at DCF order Chevy's take out all the time. Now maybe we can start a new trend with many other 'paleo diners' out there. And I leave you with Nick repping the "horns" at the Chevy's in Gilroy at the 2009 CrossFit Games. -jj

diablo%20crossfit%20nick%20and%20the%20crew%20at%20chevys%20in%20gilroy.jpg

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 6:45 PM | Comments (34)

July 13, 2009

090714 TUESDAY

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Jeff Leonard - 15th fittest man on the planet (and occasional DCFer).

Olympic weightlifting warm up: Power clean to front squat, 10 reps, 3 sets. Keep it light and add weight each set if you feel comfortable. Catch the power clean in a partial squat, pause, then go down to full squat (don't stand all the way up after the power clean, then go down into squat). Make sure to warm up and stretch out your wrists.

Workout: For time.

1000m Row
21 Ring Dips
500m Row
15 Ring Dips
250m Row
9 Ring Dips

Post time to comments.

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Article: "Sporting News" Covers the 2009 CrossFit Games.

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Article: Elevated insulin linked to increased breast cancer risk.

". . .After dividing the participants into three groups based on their insulin levels, the researchers found that women in the upper third for insulin level were more than twice as likely to develop breast cancer compared with women in bottom third for insulin level. The association between insulin level and breast cancer risk was even stronger for those women who had not received treatment in the clinical trial (i.e., the placebo participants) or were in the observational component: women in the upper third for insulin level had a more than three-fold increased risk for breast cancer compared with those in the bottom third.

Notably, the link between elevated insulin level and breast cancer was strongest among lean women and weakest among obese women (who, in general, have higher insulin levels compared with lean women). "This finding is potentially important because it indicates that, in postmenopausal women, insulin may be a risk factor for breast cancer that is independent of obesity," . . ."

Click here for complete article.

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This Thursday Night!
MMAweb.jpg
JJ will be cornering James Erickson at the Pure Pankration Fights. Tickets are $20, talk to JJ (we might even be able to get you a deal).

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 4:23 PM | Comments (21)

July 10, 2009

090711 SATURDAY

+++CLOSED SUNDAY (no class at 10am or 3pm due to the games!)+++

+++3pm classes will be canceled this weekend due to the games. But don't worry, I'll be posting workouts you can do at home so if you can't make the morning classes you can still get a workout in! Olympic lifting class and Muay Thai is canceled this weekend as well.+++

diablo%20crossfit%202009%20affiliate%20cup%20pull%20up%20ohs%20workout.jpg
Diablo CrossFit Games 2009 Affiliate Cup Results:

Overhead squat pull up workout place: 31, Score: (840)
Hill Relay Run place: 30, Time: (0:12:28.400000)
Stadium Metcon place: 11, Time: (0:18:00.300000)

Overall Place: 16th out of 97 teams (2nd place for the Bay Area!)

(Not bad considering J dizzle's knee surgery two weeks ago, Yvonne's need for shoulder surgery and Jorgy's 103 temperature yesterday).

Workout:

4 rounds for time.

Run 400m
50 air squats

Post time to comments.

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Article: Diets that are bad for your teeth are bad for the rest of your body as well

". . . Hujoel reviewed the relationships between diet, dental disease, and chronic systemic illness in a report published July 1 in The Journal of Dental Research. He weighed two contradictory viewpoints on the role of dietary carbohydrates in health and disease. The debate surrounds fermentable carbohydates: foods that turn into simple sugars in the mouth. Fermentable carbohydrates are not just sweets like cookies, doughnuts, cake and candy. They also include bananas and several tropical fruits, sticky fruits like raisins and other dried fruits, and starchy foods like potatoes, refined wheat flour, yams, rice, pasta, pretzels, bread, and corn. . ."

Click here for complete article.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:40 PM | Comments (5)

July 9, 2009

090710 FRIDAY

+++3pm classes will be canceled this weekend due to the games. But don't worry, I'll be posting workouts you can do at home so if you can't make the morning classes you can still get a workout in! Olympic lifting class and Muay Thai is canceled this weekend as well.+++

dablo%20crossfit%20extreme%20timer%20at%20the%202009%20games.jpg
Setting up for the 2009 CrossFit Games - Notice where everyone's eyes will be.

Workout:

Strict Press

3, 3, 3, 3, 3

Post loads to comments.

Bonus Mini Metcon To follow.

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Article: Another study showing a reduced diet thwarts aging and disease.

"Writing today in the journal Science, a team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital reports that a nutritious but reduced-calorie diet blunts aging and significantly delays the onset of such age-related disorders as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy. . .


Click here for complete article.

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Video: I don't think these monkeys are taking advantage of the whole life extension / reduced disease thing.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:03 PM | Comments (21)

July 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 (25)

June 29, 2009

090630 TUESDAY

Who knew 65lb thrusters were so hard?
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

Dean rests with some plates
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 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)

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 13, 2009

090614 SUNDAY "Congratuation Laci and Andrew" and "Nasty Girls"

Andrew and Laci collect their diplomas
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 10, 2009

090611 THURSDAY "Rowing Repeats" and "Broke Caveman Shopping List"

Partner stretching can be fun and or painful at the same time
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"

$150 at Costco can go a long way for Grok

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

$150 at Costco can go a long way for Grok

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)

June 8, 2009

090609 TUESDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20tamis%20shiner%20after%20her%20fight.jpg
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 1, 2009

090602 TUESDAY "Filthy Fifty"

Julie basks in the post workout lactic bath
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 23, 2009

090524 SUNDAY "Danny"

+++7am class on Monday, then Memorial Day Barbecue and open gym from 11am - 2pm (all other classes canceled).+++

Ron and Lynn do some GHD sit ups to keep their marriage healthy
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+++

New limited production DCF shorts - and Stavros doing a sub 2min Grace
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 14, 2009

090514 THURSDAY "Helen"

Diablo crossfit human pyramid HOORAY!
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 10, 2009

090511 MONDAY

Head to floor push ups - no problem
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 7, 2009

090508 FRIDAY

+++Olympic Lifting and 3pm CrossFit canceled this Saturday for Gymnastics Seminar+++
Stavros doing workout B at the NorCal Qualifers.jpg
Stavros in the starting position of a clean during the NorCal Qualifiers.

Also. . .
WHOO HOOO!
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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Click here to download a video of Darren's awesome presentation during the 3rd workout at the Qualifier.

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)

April 28, 2009

090429 WEDNESDAY "Rowing Relay Races"

+++DCF CLOSED THIS WEEKEND FOR NORCAL QUALIFIERS - Everyone should head down to Aromas and Cheer on your fellow DCFers!+++

Diablo CrossFits Patent Pending Chalk Globe
I have been asked what the globe was for when people were looking at our pictures online. We use it for chalk. And EVERYONE knows to put their hands INSIDE of the globe to apply chalk right? (i.e. don't pull the chalk out of the globe and dust up the gym).

Workout: Rowing Relay Races

For time, With teams of 3 people.

Row 500m, rotate to next teammate in succession.

Repeat until all teammates have rowed 4 times. The clock does not stop while athletes change out. Post each 500m time to comments, as well as total team time.

(If working out by yourself, substitute 3 minutes of rest between sets. If working out with only one partner -a team of two people- sub in 1.5 minutes of rest for the missing teammate).

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Videos: Jon Gilson From Again Faster talks about rowing


The Concept2 Rower - Part 2 from Jon Gilson on Vimeo.


The Concept2 PM3 Monitor from Jon Gilson on Vimeo.

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Recipe: "Spinach Bread" from Mark's Daily Apple

(super easy and about 20-30 minutes of total cooking time. . .hey, that's faster than regular bread! -jj)

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:16 PM | Comments (25)

April 26, 2009

090427 MONDAY

Max Aita and Martin Pashov help the DCF crew clean up their cleans
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 24, 2009

090425 SATURDAY "Number 2"

Jamie watches the clock during her L sits
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 16, 2009

090417 FRIDAY "Jackie"

Perfect Thruster Pose
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.

Neander Thin

". . .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 14, 2009

090415 WEDNESDAY

Meg has got the rope climb down pat
Meg flies up the rope.

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 9, 2009

090409 THURSDAY

+++Regular Schedule this weekend (Good Friday and Easter Sunday). Come workout. God would want you to.+++

Ron and Kaela give the universal post workout X-Fit symbol
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)

March 30, 2009

090331 TUESDAY

Honor and Respect.  Photo by Tom Campitelli.
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 26, 2009

090327 FRIDAY "Elizabeth"

+++Oly and Muay Thai Canceled Tomorrow! (10am and 3pm class as usual)+++

diablo%20crossfit%20jan%20maynard%20returns%20with%20the%20crew%20from%20the%20saturday%20ride.jpg
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

diablo%20crossfit%20lucas%20muay%20thai%20class%20in%20full%20swing%20tami%20lauren%20luca%20dustin%20alessandro%20anthony.jpg
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"

diablo%20crossfit%20%20Odin%20visits%20dcf.jpg
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"

diablo%20crossfit%20oakland%20officers%20john%20hege%20daniel%20sakai%20ervin%20romans%20mark%20dunakin%20killed.jpg
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.

Get more details here.

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

diablo%20crossfit%20lauren%20and%20travis%20400m%20photo%20finish.jpg
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 19, 2009

090319 THURSDAY "Happy Birthday Judy"

diablo%20crossfit%20push%20o%20war%20with%20judy%20marnie%20michelle%20donna%20nancy%20and%20carry.jpg
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 15, 2009

090316 MONDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20andrew%20running%20with%20the%20slosh%20pipe%20at%20the%20royal%20rumble.jpg
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 7, 2009

090308 SUNDAY "Cindy"

diablo%20crossfit%20jordan%20deadlifts%20475%20for%203%20reps.jpg
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 5, 2009

090306 FRIDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20dean%20farmer%20carry.jpg
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.

This weekend's flyer:
Antioch%20MT%20Seminar.jpg


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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

diablo%20crossfit%20yvonne%20gets%20her%20foot%20stuck%20in%20the%20rings.jpg
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

diablo%20crossfit%20tanya%20give%20hylie%20a%20ride.jpg
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"


Watch CBS Videos Online

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 1, 2009

090302 MONDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20julie%20does%20a%20250%2B%20mens%20rx%20fight%20gone%20bad.jpg
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 22, 2009

090223 MONDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20family%20night%20at%20chevys%20jamie%20yvonne%20vicky%20donna%20kelly.jpg
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

diablo%20crossfit%20crushed%20stopwatch%20kettlebell.jpg
TIME!

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 18, 2009

090219 THURSDAY "Grace"

diablo%20crossfit%20abby%20checks%20on%20jj%20and%20daren%20after%20gi%20jane.jpg
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 15, 2009

090216 MONDAY

+++Class as usual today+++

diablo%20crossfit%20holly%20beats%20her%20daugter%20to%20the%20top%20of%20the%20rope.jpg
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.


Complete Article Here.

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 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

Is coffee bad for you?

". . .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.

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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!

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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.

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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!)

diablo%20crossfit%20moises%20gomez%20going%20in%20for%20surgery.jpg

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Keep the letters coming!

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:38 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.

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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).

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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 2, 2009

090203 TUESDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20jorgy%20wins%20fish%20tournament.jpg
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)
diablo%20crossfit%20mike%20m%20ruiner%20feats%20of%20strength%20solano%20looses%20the%20century%20club%20game%20at%20the%20fish%20tournament.jpg

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)

January 30, 2009

090131 SATURDAY "Mike's 30th"

diablo%20crossfit%20mike%20swings%20hard%20with%20the%202%20pood.jpg
It is Mike's 30th Birthday!

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).

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Article:

Mark Sisson give some 'primal' comfort food suggestions.

Post thoughts to comments.

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Fish Tournament Today!

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 3:45 PM | Comments (8)

January 27, 2009

090128 WEDNESDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20andrew%20asleep%20doing%20pull%20ups.jpg
Andrew not only sleeps during his pull ups, he has also takes a mean set of pictures. See his pictures from the Royal Rumble on our Flickr account.

Workout:

4 rounds for time

Run 400m
50 squats.

Post time to comments.

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Video: From Jon Gilson's Again Faster - Double Unders


Double Unders from Patrick Cummings on Vimeo.

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Article:

Cutting calories can boost memory.

". . .They also showed other signs of physical improvement, with decreased levels of insulin and fewer signs of inflammation.

The researchers said that these changes could explain the better memory scores, by keeping brain cells in better health.

They wrote: "To our knowledge, the current results provide first experimental evidence in humans that caloric restriction improves memory in the elderly. . . "

Click here for complete article.

(Now if we can get a good study comparing Caloric Restriction, Intermittent Fasting, and Regular 'Diets', we'd be on to something. -jj)

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 4:25 PM | Comments (10)

January 26, 2009

090127 TUESDAY "Number 2"

diablo%20crossfit%20ron%20and%20chris%20overhead%20tire%20carry.jpg
Ron and Chris finishing the overhead tire carry during Saturday's workout (Ron looks kinda evil and ready for more, Chris. . . not so much).

Workout: "Number 2"

As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes:

10 wall ball (20lb ball, 10 ft target or 14lb ball 8 foot target)
10 sumo deadlift high pull (95lb, 53, 35 or 26 depending on skill)
10 ring dips (or ring push ups)
10 double unders

Compare to September 19th, 2008

Post number of rounds and fractions of rounds to comments.

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Video: CrossFit Oakland's Mike Minium interviews Jason Khalipa (CrossFit Santa Clara) and Tamara Holms (also from CrossFit Oakland) in front of DCF.

The Nor Cal Regional registration is OPEN! Click here to go to the website and register to compete.

"To register, you'll need to use the Google Checkout button at the upper right-hand side of the [regional qualifier] blog.

You'll receive an email confirmation once your order has been placed, as well as a shipping confirmation email once we charge your credit card or debit card. We won't be physically shipping you anything, but this email will serve as confirmation of your registration.

The registration fee is $75 through the end of February. Beginning March 1, the fee will increase to $100. So get in while the getting's good!

(And in case you're wondering, you will be getting a t-shirt.)

If you have any questions about registration, contact us at NorCalCFRegionals@gmail.com."


Post to comments if you are registered or plan to register and/or come just to watch (and cheer DCFers on).

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Article:

'Best Life' magazine presents a pretty in depth look at Omega-3s.

". . .We are, it is often--and accurately—said, what we eat. Recent diet trends, from Atkins to South Beach, have put the emphasis on upping our intake of protein or cutting out carbohydrates. Meanwhile, cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats have been stigmatized, leading to the belief that waging a total war on fat is the best way to get a slimmer waistline and a longer life. But fats are as crucial to a healthy body as protein is; they end up holstered into the heart, protecting organs, and building the cells of the brain, an organ that is itself 60 percent fat. The key to good health lies not in ruthlessly striking fat from our diets, but in eating the best possible fats for our bodies. And a growing chorus of nutritionists agrees that those fats are omega-3s. . ."


Click here for complete article.

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Don't forget about CrossFit One World's Fish Tournament this Saturday (There will even be a jumper house for the kids, and a keg for the 'big' kids).

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:37 PM | Comments (20)

January 18, 2009

090119 MONDAY

+++Class as usual today+++

diablo%20crossfit%20tanya%20and%20hylie%20double%20unders.jpg
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:

Garlic relaxes blood vessels

"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

diablo%20crossfit%20carry%20works%20the%20bag%20in%20the%20%27arena%27.jpg
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.

Compare to 070712 and 060702

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. . .


Click here for full article.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:43 PM | Comments (5)

January 15, 2009

090116 FRIDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20stavros%20representing%20at%20oakland%202008%20affiliate%20champions.jpg
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

diablo%20crossfit%20overhead%20squats%20are%20fun.jpg
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

diablo%20crossfit%20jan%20makes%20the%20best%20face%20during%20a%20clean%20at%20the%20old%20gym.jpg
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:

Common stumbling blocks pertaining to Mark Sisson's "Primal Blueprint" way of life (it is not a 'diet').

". . . 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)

DCF%20II%203d%20sketch%20w%20flags.png

DCF%20II%203d%20sketch%20w%20flags.png

DCF%20II%203d%20sketch%20w%20flags2.png

diablo%20crossfit%20layout%20comparison.jpg

DCF%20II%203d%20sketch%20w%20flags3.png

diablo%20crossfit%20sumo%20deadlfit%20high%20pull%20girls%20kicking%20butt.jpg

DCF%20II%203d%20sketch%20w%20mural%20and%20equipment.png

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

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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 8, 2009

090109 FRIDAY

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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 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)

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 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 10, 2008

081211 THURSDAY "Daniel"

+++6am Thurs Morning Class Canceled+++

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Shane always has a very nice smile while working out.

Workout: "Daniel"

For time.

50 Pull-ups
400 meter run
95 pound Thruster, 21 reps
800 meter run
95 pound Thruster, 21 reps
400 meter run
50 Pull-ups

Post time to comments.

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Article from Mike O'Donnel at The IF Life:

Surviving the Holiday Weight Gain Trap.


"Well the holiday season is upon us, and so is the chance that we could sabotage our fat loss efforts and pack on the holiday pounds. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Imagine if you were able to keep healthy, still look and feel great, enjoy holiday parties and still lose fat. It’s possible with a few tricks. Hey I’ll be the first one to tell you NOT to stay home and go out and have some fun, of course fun doesn’t have to mean drinking egg nog till you are sick or diving into a desert tray. It just means that you can have some fun, but also if you understand how to counteract a few “off” days you may have then things are not so bad. So here are some tips and tricks on how to survive from now until New Years. . ."


Click here for complete article.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:49 PM | Comments (19)

December 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"

diablo%20crossfit%20gwens%20jada%203yr%20old%20does%20burpees.jpg
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 2, 2008

081203 WEDNESDAY "Fran"

diablo%20crossfit%20hardway%20bryan%20watches%20holly%20s%20rowing%20score%20during%20fgb.jpg
'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. . . "

Read entire article here.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:56 PM | Comments (10)

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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diablo%20crossfit%20jenny%20v%20has%20way%20to%20much%20fun%20doing%20med%20ball%20cleans.jpg


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:

TDAYMAP.bmp

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"

"Be a Man: Learn to Cook"

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:

Robb Wolf Talks about a Charles Polquin Seminar, then comments on Mr. Polquin's 'article' about CrossFit.

. . . The Case Against CrossFit

A 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."


Read full article here.

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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 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. . .

Click here for full article.

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.+++

diablo%20crossfit%20meg%20shows%20darren%20how%20to%20do%20air%20squats%20correctly.jpg
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.

Read article here.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:49 PM | Comments (12)

November 13, 2008

081114 FRIDAY "The Chief"

diablo%20crossfit%20stavros%20jeremy%20do%20jason%20while%20zay%20zay%20cheers%20us%20on.jpg
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.

diablo%20crossfit%20santa%20clara%20jason%20results%20for%20stavros%20and%20jeremy.jpg

Workout: "The Chief"

Max rounds in 3 minutes of:
135 pound Power cleans, 3 reps
6 Push-ups
9 Squats

Rest 1 minute. Repeat for a total of 5 cycles.

Post rounds completed for each of the 5 cycles.

From CrossFit.com:

Each year in the United States Navy, a highly qualified and elite cadre of Sailors are selected and promoted to the join the ranks of Chief Petty Officer. Since 1893, "The Chiefs" have been relied upon by subordinates and superiors alike for their personal example, technical expertise and above all, their unique leadership capabilities. As the induction process for newly selected Chief Petty Officers is now underway throughout the US Navy, we thought it appropriate to inaugurate "The Chief" in honor and recognition of all past and present CPOs. Thanks to them and their families for their self-sacrifice, ability to adapt, tireless dedication to mission and devotion to country.

Bionic and Heinz do "The Chief" at CrossFit Hardcore

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Article:

Love Handles Raise Death Risk

A study of almost 360,000 people from nine European countries found waist size a "powerful indicator" of risk.

Each extra 2ins (5cm) raised the chance of early death by between 13% and 17%. . .

At the extremes, men with waists exceeding 47ins (119cm) had a doubled rate of death compared with those with waists under 31.5ins (80cm), and a similar statistic was found when women with waists over 39ins (99cm) were compared to those under 25.5ins (64.7cm).

An increase in risk of death could be plotted every time the belt was let out by another two inches - for two people with the same BMI, every additional 2ins (5cm) on their waistband added up to a 17% increase in risk for men, and 13% for women.

Click here for entire article.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:56 PM | Comments (15)

November 7, 2008

081108 SATURDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20craigs%20suffer%20on%20saturday%20class.jpg
The elusive Craig. The slave driver behind the 'Suffer on Saturday' class (with Jenny V and Jasmine outside 'enjoying' the class)

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 October 6th - 081006 -by clicking here)

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A GREAT article from Robb Wolf at CrossFit Norcal summarizing why we take the stance on nutrition that we do:

NorCal Nutrition: Are We Crazy?

You might have noticed that the nutrition approach we recommend at CrossFit NorCal is a bit...oh, shall I say, contrarian? Where the USDA, AMA and the rest of the Government sponsored entities recommend grains and legumes as the base of the diet, we recommend lean meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

That’s crazy, right? aren’t we going to die from heart disease and cancer if we eat meat? How will we ever get fiber if we don’t eat grains!? I mean, fruit and veggies...what have they got to offer?! I’m being fecetious here, I hope you get that. I do understand our recommendations fly in the face of what we are told to eat from nearly every source you can find...what’s the deal? Well...the deal is, our nutritional approach, a diet the attempts to emulate that of our paleolithic ancestors, is without a doubt the best route to optimized performance and health. Big claim? Yep, but easy to back up. Folks start with us, tweak their food, then look, feel and perform better. Every measurable bio-marker such as cholesterol, triglycerides or blood pressure improve...depression resolves. It just works, because this is the way we are wired to eat. But hey, what the hell do I know? I’m just the crazy guy in the shed telling people to do weird stuff like sleep more, take fish oil and increase their protein intake. How could I possibly be right about this? Well...here are a few interesting things for y’all to consider . . .

click here for full article

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:39 PM | Comments (6)

November 6, 2008

081107 FRIDAY

+++MUAY THAI AT 1 PM TOMORROW+++

diablo%20crossfit%20eric%20does%20some%20real%20burpees%20with%20a%20jump.jpg
Eric loves burpees. Especially when you have to jump 12" every time.

Workout - 5 rounds for time:

30 Double Unders
20 Kettlebell Swings (54lb, 35lb, 26lb)
100m Waiter Walks (see picture below), 54b, 35lb, 26lb dumbbell or kettlebell (should be the same weight as the kb swings). Alternate arms as needed, but no forward motion unless the arm is locked out overhead.

Post time to comments.

diablo%20crossfit%20waiter%20walks%20with%20dan%20john%20at%20cfhq.jpg
Dan John leads CFHQ through some waiter walks back in the day.

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Article:

Vitamin may help prevent Alzheimer's

A vitamin found in meat, fish and potatoes may help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease - and even boost memory in healthy people.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:17 PM | Comments (6)

November 5, 2008

081106 THURSDAY "Disagreement Gone Bad"

+++CPR CLASS THIS SUNDAY, 10am - 2pm, SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS+++

+++MUAY THAI CANCELED TONIGHT+++

diablo%20crossfit%20emily%20gets%20a%20rip%20and%20smiles%20about%20it.jpg
Sometimes, all the chalk in the world can't save your hands. Emily laughed it off before taping up and going back in for more pull ups.

Workout:

"Disagreement Gone Bad"

With a continuously running clock perform each of the following exercises for one minute. At a call of 'rotate' each athlete will move to the next station. Count repetitions for all exercises, and the cumulative total is your 'score'

1 min Row (count calories)
1 min Box Jump (20inch, or 12in box)
1 min Medicine ball clean (20lb ball)
1 min push press (75lb, 45lb, or 20lb bar)
1 min rest

3 rounds total. Post score to comments.

If you do not have a partner to count for you, keep a running total for each round and write it down during the rest interval (i.e. 15 calories, then box jumps start counting at 16, 17, etc).

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Article from the Blog of Dr. Micheal R. Eades:

Protein Power vs Intermittent Fasting

". . . MD and I feel strongly that we as a species have a genome that was molded by the forces of natural selection over the past few million years to operate optimally on the food that was at hand during those few million years. What was available? Mainly fairly high-protein, high-fat fare. There weren’t a lot of carbohydrates readily available until the advent of agriculture a few thousand years ago. For the time that we developed our ancestors ate meat, fish, insects, clams, reptiles and pretty much anything live they could get their hands on. This primarily protein and fat diet was supplemented with whatever fruits, nuts, berries, roots, shoots and tubers were in season. Work done by Loren Cordain shows that, based on the Ethnographic Atlas, modern day hunter gatherers get about 65 percent of their calories from animals and the other 35 percent from plants. Most researchers believe that Paleolithic man got more than that from animals because during Paleolithic times many more large animals roamed the earth than do today. In fact, Paleolithic man hunted many of these large animals to extinction. . .

Taking 3000 kcal as being the average (it’s probably on the low side) daily energy intake of our Paleolithic ancestors and looking at how much plant food would be required to obtain those kcal is an eye-opening experience. I ran just a few foods through the USDA nutritional calculator and found that it would take 48 cups of blackberries–that’s 3 gallons of blackberries–to provide 3000 kcal. I don’t know how many readers have ever picked blackberries, but I have, and I can tell you that picking 3 gallons takes a lot of time. And, much though I love blackberries, I couldn’t come anywhere near eating 3 gallons of them in a day. How about blueberries? 36 cups; over 2 gallons. Spinach? 103 cups. Celery? 111 stalks. Apples? 42. . ."

Post thoughts to comments.

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CPR Class:

Contact jeremy@diablocrossfit.com if you are interested in going to our first CPR certification seminar at "The Shed". Our very own Stavros will be certifying everyone in Adult CPR, Child/Infant CPR, First Aid and how to use the AED.

We will be having it this Sunday from 10am to about 2pm. Space is limited, and there will be a small fee for going. So email me for more details -jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:38 PM | Comments (21)

November 3, 2008

081104 TUESDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20halloween%20trying%20to%20coordinate%20a%20group%20shot%20halfway%20through%20the%20night.jpg
Trying to coordinate a 'group shot' in a crowded bar halfway through the night is never an easy task.

Can anyone list who is in this photo from the gym, and what their costumes are?

DCF Workout:

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2 and 1 reps for time of:

Burpees
Sit ups
Pull ups

Post time to comments.

Burpee Demo Video with Zack Pine and Eva T (two of my heroes):


CrossFit Mainpage:

Rest Day

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Article:

The skinny on "Post Workout Nutrition" From Robb Wolf.


The idea of a PWO meal containing carbs (and protein) is to take advantage of a period of time in which the muscles are particularly insulin sensitive. We can fly nutrients into the muscle “under the radar” via a mechanism called “non insulin mediated glucose transport”. Amino acids are also taken in during this time and may play a synergistic role in both glycogen repletion but also decreasing inflammation that accompanies hard training. Said another way, you recover from exertion faster. So, what should ya eat? . . .

Click here for the full article.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:23 PM | Comments (16)

October 30, 2008

081031 FRIDAY "Happy Halloween!" and "Happy Birthday Mark!"

+++5:30 and 6:30 CLASS CANCELED TONIGHT FOR HALLOWEEN PARTY+++

diablo%20crossfit%20mark%20push%20presses%20for%20fight%20gone%20bad.jpg
Happy Birthday Mark!

Workout: "Mark's Funky 40"

400m run
40 Pull Ups
40 Box Jumps (20" box)
40 HandStand Push-Ups
40 Walking Lunges (no weight)
40 Pushups
40 Knees To Elbows
40 Good Mornings
40 Double Unders
40 Burpies
400m run

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And here is an article especially pertinent to Mark from 'The IF Life':


Prevent Alzheimer's with your diet

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We'll see you all tonight at the Party!

halloween%20invite.jpg

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:55 PM | Comments (14)

081030 THURSDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20mitchel%20meg%20jennyv%20and%20cobi%20do%20some%20knees%20to%20elbows.jpg
Mitchel, Meg, Jenny V, and Cobi knock out some 'knees to elbows'

Diablo CrossFit Workout:

Overhead Squat

5, 5, 5, 5, 5

Post loads to comments.

Video: Coach Glassman explains the Overhead Squat.


CrossFit mainpage workout:

"Angie"

For time:
100 Pull-ups
100 Push-ups
100 Sit-ups
100 Squats

Video: Andy Petranek does Angie in 12:23 (with pretty damn good form).

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Article:

Robb Wolf writes about his Mass Gaining Experiment.

I went from a very scrawny 163 to a much stronger, although chubby 180. My strength improved a bunch but I really do not consider 5×5 efforts “strength” work. Too much fatigue, too little neuro activation and specificity. That considered, I think I have a shot a really increasing my strength levels with some focused work in this area. . .

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:16 AM | Comments (13)

October 24, 2008

081025 SATURDAY "Cindy"

++++ 12:00 OLY CLASS CANCELED ++++
diablo%20crossfit%20eric%20loves%20pull%20ups.jpg
Eric loves 'dem pull ups. You can tell by looking at his face.

Workout: "Cindy"

5 pull ups
10 push up
15 squats

As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes.

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Articles:


Son of Grok's 'Primal' Pizza recipe

Amazing Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

I don't know about you, but the worst thing I love to eat is pizza. . . this looks like a good alternative! Now who is going to volunteer to cook this for the next party we have at The Shed? -jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:47 PM | Comments (4)

October 21, 2008

081022 WEDNESDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20eddy%20katie%20dan%20matt%20and%20jenny%20do%20sumo%20deadlift%20high%20pulls%20during%20marks%20class.jpg
Eddy C., Katie, Dan, Matt, and Jenny C get some Sumo Deadlift High Pull love.

Workout:

Run 400m
Rest 2 minutes

6 rounds.

Record the time for each 400m to comments.

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Article:

Mark Sisson's Daily Apple serves up another great article explaining glycogen:

. . .I always appreciate comments and questions that spur more explanation and discussion about the body’s functioning. Let’s take this one apart and have a look. Fat is always the best fuel to use at low levels of effort. We evolved to be very efficient fat-burners and even those of us at single-digit body fat levels have plenty to spare. Glycogen, as you remember, is stored glucose and is the body’s first-line energy stockpile of fuel for harder physical efforts and keeping specific systems (brain, red blood cells, kidney cells) running efficiently all day. . .

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:56 PM | Comments (18)

October 20, 2008

081021 TUESDAY "3 Times a Newbie"

diablo%20crossfit%20BGDC%20competitors%20bryan%20jorgy%20jeremy%20shannon%20stav.jpg
"The Team" from left to right: 'Super' Bryan, Jorgy, JJ, 'Super' Shannon, and Stav (and thanks to our post workout nutrition sponsor: Guinness).

Workout: "3 times a Newbie"

Run 400m
10 pull ups
20 push ups
30 sit ups
40 squats

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Many parents are 'wrong' about their child's weight

Data on 2,100 Australian children found 40% of parents with an overweight or underweight child had not spotted this.

Among children, the underweight were more likely to think of themselves as average than the overweight. . .

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:16 PM | Comments (35)

October 19, 2008

081020 MONDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20bgdc%20cheering%20super%20bryan%20during%20karen.jpg
"A Few" DCFers encourage 'Super Bryan' while he tackles Karen.

Workout (From the CrossFit Mothership):

Complete as many rounds as possible 20 minutes of:
95 pound Thruster, 5 reps
95 pound Hang Powercleans, 7 reps
95 pound Sumo Deadlift High-pull, 10 reps

Post rounds completed to comments.

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Article:

Fatty Acids link to Alzheimers

Tests on mice showed that reducing excess levels of the acid lessened animals' memory problems and behavioural changes.

Writing in Nature Neuroscience, the team said fatty acid levels could be controlled through diet or drugs. . .

Scientists from Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease and the University of California looked at fatty acids in the brains of normal mice and compared them with those in mice genetically engineered to have an Alzheimer's-like condition.

They identified raised levels of a fatty acid called arachidonic acid in the brains of the Alzheimer's mice.

Post thoughts to comments.

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BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY CHALLENGE RESULTS!

JJ - First (actually . . . 6th overall)
Jorgy - Second (7th overall)
Stavros - Third (9th overall)
Super Bryan - Fourth (12th overall)

Super Shannon - First (about 5th for overall women)

Here is a link to a picture of the overall scores (although it is somewhat blurry):

Big Girls Don't Cry Challenge 2008 Results

(and here is another copy that is might be clearer)

Here is a listing of the results:

Men:
Place Name FRAN KAREN GRACE TOTAL
1 Jason Khalipa 0:02:23 0:05:08 0:01:49 0:09:20
3 Brandon Banks 0:03:26 0:06:31 0:02:00 0:11:57
2 Daniel Hester 0:03:12 0:07:09 0:01:49 0:12:10
4 Tyler Begiebing 0:04:25 0:06:39 0:02:13 0:13:17
5 Herm Blancaflor 0:03:09 0:08:20 0:01:59 0:13:28
6 Jeremy Jones 0:03:18 0:08:03 0:02:55 0:14:16
7 Josh Jorgensen 0:03:59 0:07:23 0:04:30 0:15:52
8 Jason Feudale 0:03:48 0:08:31 0:03:50 0:16:09
9 Stavros Kalorgirou 0:04:07 0:08:21 0:04:02 0:16:30
10 Paul Perez 0:05:39 0:08:31 0:02:55 0:17:05
11 Anthony Camacho 0:05:19 0:08:39 0:03:10 0:17:08
12 Bryan Stornetta 0:04:45 0:07:55 0:04:38 0:17:18
13 Chris Stroud 0:04:13 0:09:08 0:04:30 0:17:51
14 Lucas Robinson 0:07:48 0:07:36 0:03:08 0:18:32
15 Armando Arroyo 0:04:39 0:10:00 0:03:53 0:18:32
16 Dave Cohodes 0:05:34 0:09:29 0:04:06 0:19:09
17 Kirk Wu 0:06:48 0:08:23 0:04:21 0:19:32
18 Josh Johnson 0:05:21 0:08:37 0:06:31 0:20:29
19 Dalbir Atwal 0:06:58 0:09:55 0:04:29 0:21:22
20 Jason Luk 0:05:31 134 DNF 0:05:51 #VALUE!
21 Gary Neil 0:07:34 146 DNF 0:05:12 #VALUE!
22 Connor Banks 0:03:51 0:07:06 DNF #VALUE!
23 Bruce Kaabipour 0:09:05 130 DNF 0:07:11 #VALUE!
24 Dan Hay 0:09:33 127 DNF 0:09:47 #VALUE!
25 Larry Pastor DNF 109 DNF 0:09:05 #VALUE!

Women:

Place Name FRAN KAREN GRACE TOTAL
1 Candace Hamilton 0:03:27 0:08:34 0:03:31 0:15:32
2 Michaela Xavier 0:05:04 0:07:50 0:04:46 0:17:40
3 Jenn Carlos 0:05:09 137 DNF 0:05:18 #VALUE!
4 Breanne Feudale 0:05:05 103 DNF 0:05:14 #VALUE!
5 Shannon Storneta 0:08:13 127 DNF 0:06:38 #VALUE!
6 Stef O'Brien 0:08:27 137 DNF 0:07:08 #VALUE!
7 Smita Jandaur 0:08:46 143 DNF 0:08:48 #VALUE!
8 Ritu Riyat DNF 133 DNF 0:04:49 scaled #VALUE!
9 Carmen Mendez 0:07:32 103 DNF Scaled 0:05:51 Scaled #VALUE!
10 Veronica Vellanueva 0:07:28 Scaled 79 DNF Scaled 0:04:57 Scaled #VALUE!
11 Jan Areepitak DNF 72 DNF 28 DNF #VALUE!
12 Christine Dacanay DNF 114 DNF 0:6:38 Scaled #VALUE!


NICE JOB DCF!

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:06 PM | Comments (12)

October 17, 2008

081018 SATURDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20Mike%20from%20CFNYC%20sporting%20a%20DCF%20shirt.jpg
Mike from CrossFit NYC sports his DCF shirt (not to mention a kick ass hat and shorts, I like this guy's style - jj)

Workout:

Clean and Jerk

3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3

Post loads to comments.

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Article:

10 quick and easy 'primal' recipes in 15 minutes or less - from Mark Sisson's Daily Apple

Many people think that cooking healthy meals has to be a difficult and time-consuming task. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. (And even if it was true, isn’t the extra effort worth it?) Others of you, meanwhile, are new to this whole Primal Lifestyle and are looking for quick and easy recipes to help you adjust to this new, healthier way of life! . . .

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The "Big Girls Don't Cry" Challenge is this weekend at CrossFit Unlimited in Milpitas.

Here is the Google Map from our gym to theirs (Google says it is 40 minutes):


View Larger Map

And here are the "important" heats to catch:

Heat 5 - 11:00a/1:30p/4:00p

Dalbir Atwal/Bryan Stornetta/Connor Banks/Gary Neil/Michaela Xavier

Heat 6 - 11:15a/1:45p/4:15p

Jason Luk/Josh Jorgensen/Stavros Kalogirou/Anthony Camacho/Shannon Stornetta

Heat 7 - 11:30a/2:00p/4:30p

Jeremy Jones/Paul Perez/Jason Feudale/Darren Rosten/Josh Johnson

Heat 8 - 11:45a/2:15p/4:45p

Brandon Banks/Tyler Begiebing/Jason Khalipa (not a DCFer, but a cool dude and winner of the 2008 CrossFit Games)/Herm Blancaflor/Candace Hamilton


There will be food and 'beervages' for all the spectators. So bring your family, and let's show once again why DCF is on everyone's radar.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:22 PM | Comments (2)

October 15, 2008

081016 THURSDAY

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Jeremy goes in for some tire flips while Stavros provides encouragement (and Jamie and Jax yell from the sidelines).

Workout:

With a continuously running clock, perform 1 sumo deadlift high pull the first minute, 2 sumo deadlift high pulls the second minute, and continue adding one rep each minute until you can no longer complete the allotted reps in the minute.

The weight should be fairly heavy. If you are unsure about the weight, intermediate/advanced men should use approximately half their body weight, intermediate/advanced women should use about 1/3rd.

Post weight used and number of complete minutes and additional reps to comments.

Sumo Deadlift High Pull Video:

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Article from the Fitness Spotlight:


Do our ancestors tell us everything we need to know about diet and health?


I have been following the Palaeolithic lifestyle for nearly a year now. You may know it as the ‘caveman diet’, although this does not do justice to the concept.

The premise is that by eating what our ancestors ate and exercising as they exercised, we optimise our health and fitness. Since they ate like this and exercised like this for hundreds of thousands of years, natural selection dictates that our bodies will be designed to function best under those conditions. . .

Post thoughts to comments.

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The "Big Girls Don't Cry" Competition is THIS SUNDAY.
Please post below if you are going to be able to swing by and cheer some of our own as we compete against other top CrossFitters! (There is also a few open slots, so let me know if you are interested).

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Local Fundraiser Today!

Rocco's Pizza and Beer for a Purpose:

Download Flyer Here: Download file

From Michelle Rooney:

"For those of you who don’t know, I sit on the board as a medical advisor for a local non-profit melanoma foundation, SCARF. SCARF was founded in honor of Sherri Tennant, a nurse who worked with us at Diablo Valley Oncology. She was an amazing and courageous woman who unfortunately lost her battle with melanoma in 2006. SCARF’s mission is to educate the community about prevention and early detection of melanoma. Rocco’s pizzeria is hosting a fundraiser for SCARF on Thursday, October 23rd. All you have to do is either dine in or order take out from Rocco’s anytime on the 23rd, mention SCARF, and 25% of the net proceeds go to our NPO. I will be there most of the evening, eating pizza, probably drinking beer, and pretending to watch the world series…I would LOVE to see all of you. Please bring family and friends!"

If you don't come to the Shed tonight, I expect you to swing by Rocco's and support such a good cause. If you do come to the Shed, I expect you all to have some post workout nutrition at Roccos. DON'T FORGET TO MENTION SCARF! -jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:27 PM | Comments (6)

October 13, 2008

081014 WEDNESDAY

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Mark, JJ and Darren all competed in a fitness event hosted by the "Raw" Gym here in Walnut Creek. Pics and an article should be up soon.

Workout:

5 rounds for time:

10 Overhead squats (95lbs)
15 Kettlebell swings (1.5 pood, 54lbs)
20 Wall ball (20lb ball, 10ft target)

Post time to comments.

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Article from Scott Kustes at "Modern Forager":

Does Red Meat Cause Colon Cancer

I was involved in a discussion recently where the statement of “red meat causes colon cancer” was spoken. Figuring that to be a gross over generalization, I decided to do some sleuthing and see what the record shows regarding red meat and colon cancer. I meandered over to Google, typed in “red meat” and came up with a screen full of search results. Of the first five hits, four are irrelevant (a comic strip called “Red Meat” and a honky tonk band called…”Red Meat”) and the fifth is to Wikipedia. . .

Post thoughts to comments.

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Diablo CrossFit Halloween Party!

DCF is co-sponsoring a very 'exclusive' Halloween party on Friday Oct 31st at "Class" (1321 Locust St). The party will run from 7pm to midnight.

More details to follow soon (a lot of promises today huh? -jj)

Download file">Download Flyer by clicking here.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:42 PM | Comments (7)

October 5, 2008

081006 MONDAY

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Mike with his game face on before FGB III.

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.

Afterward, Strict Press working up to max single.

1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1

Post loads to comments.

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Article:

Research team discovers brain pathway responsible for obesity

. . . The research stems from recent explorations into the problem called metabolic inflammation, a by-product of too much food or energy consumption. Unlike the classical inflammation typically observed in infections, injuries and diseases such as cancer, the metabolic inflammation seen in obesity-related diseases is much milder, doesn't lead to overt symptoms or cause tissues damage.

"Metabolic inflammation is a chronic, low-grade condition consisting of inflammatory-like responses at the molecular level. It has many downstream consequences," says Cai. "It causes cellular dysfunction, which can decrease the regulation of several physiological processes, including metabolism." . . .

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:55 PM | Comments (16)

October 4, 2008

081004 SUNDAY

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Daniel Pate decides that glory is greater than pukie.

Workout (from the CrossFit Mothership):

Five rounds for time of:
Deadlift, 15 reps (135lb, 95lb)
Hang power clean, 12 reps (135lb, 95lb)
Front Squat, 9 reps (135lb, 95lb)
Push Jerk, 6 reps (135lb, 95lb)

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Duke researchers show reading can help obese children loose weight

The Duke researchers asked obese females ages 9 to 13 who were already in a comprehensive weight loss program to read an age-appropriate novel called Lake Rescue (Beacon Street Press). It was carefully crafted with the help of pediatric experts to include specific healthy lifestyle and weight management guidance, as well as positive messages and strong role models.

Six months later, the Duke researchers found the 31 girls who read Lake Rescue experienced a significant decrease in their BMI scores (-.71%) when compared to a control group of 14 girls who hadn't (+.05%), explained Alexandra C. Russell, MD, a fourth-year medical student at Duke who led the study and presented the findings at the Obesity Society's annual scientific meeting. . .

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:28 PM | Comments (12)

October 2, 2008

081002 THURSDAY

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Dave hammers out some wall ball during his FGB performance.

Workout: "Push Up Annie"

Complete 50-40-30-20-10 rep rounds of the following exercises for time:

Double Unders
Abmat Sit ups
Push ups

Post time to comments.


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Article:

Performance Standards and Form by Mike Minium at CrossFit Oakland

. . .Why does this matter? It matters whether you care about competing or whether you don't.

If you care about competing, then you want to make sure that you're on a level playing field and that the competition is fair. If I were to challenge someone to a 400m run and then run 300m while my competitor runs 400m, then our performances aren't really comparable (to say nothing of the fact that I cheated). In the same vein, if I challenge someone to max number of push presses in one minute, and then proceed to do push jerks while my competitor does push presses, then once again, our performances are not comparable. It's apples and oranges. I wanna level the playing field.

If you don't care about competing, but you do care about making improvements in the movements we do, then you'll want to take note of our movement standards as well. If you have it as a goal to squat 250 lbs, you'll want to know what the correct bottom of a squat is so that you can get it. If you load 250 lbs on the bar and then go down into a half-squat and come back up, then you really haven't done a squat. . .



Mike really lays it out nice in this article. I couldn't have said it better myself. -jj

Full article here.

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Video - recently featured on The IF life:

Dr. Ron Rosedale talks about common cholesterol myths. (The video is a little quirky, as it is an audio discussion pasted over some film footage, but the talking points are great).


Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:32 AM | Comments (22)

September 29, 2008

080930 TUESDAY "Elevation"

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Donna hitting the 8' mark during her fight gone bad wall ball.

Workout:

Workout: "Elevation"

In 20 minutes, try to accumulate as many feet of "Elevation" as possible using the following exercises. Next to each exercise is the number we used for distance at the SHED. If you are doing this at on your own, you may change the values to what you have to work with. We also gave two different scores based upon height (over 6 foot is on the left, under 6 foot is on the right).

Rope Climb: 6 foot and up = 11 / 6 foot and under = 12
Muscle Up (bar or rings): 5 / 4
Pull Up: 2.5 / 2
Ring Dip: 2 / 1.5
Box Jump (same for both heights): big box = 3, med box = 2, small box = 1
Step ups (same for both heights): big box = 1.5, med box = 1, small box = 0.5

Post total number of "Feet" accumulated in the 20 minutes.

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Article from Scott Kustes at Modern Forager:

Eight ways to lower your testosterone

. . .For those wondering what role testosterone plays in the body, here are just a few of the irritations brought about by this hormone: enhanced libido, increased energy, increased production of red blood cells and protection against osteoporosis. And who would want all of that stuff? Not me! Read on to learn the ways you can make sure you keep your testosterone levels as low as possible, ensuring a lack of sex drive and low energy levels. . .

Full article here

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CrossFit One World does "Century Gone Bad". I am so jealous.

(Video may not be WSFS. . . I guess it depends how your work feels about people doing pull ups, drinking beer, and yes, vomiting.)

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:12 PM | Comments (20)

September 28, 2008

080929 MONDAY

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Some of the spectators who came out for "Fight Gone Bad" on Saturday.

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Craig really loves the box jumps on Fight Gone Bad

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Mark's family ask him why he thinks this is "fun"


Email us if you have pictures from the event you'd like to load on our "Flickr" site.

Workout:

5 rounds for time,

10 power cleans (135lb men, 95lb women)
15 ring dips
400m run

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Half bar of dark chocolate a week is enough to promote heart health


By studying the participants recruited, researchers focused on the complex mechanism of inflammation. It is known how a chronic inflammatory state represents a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, from myocardial infarction to stroke, just to mention the major diseases. Keeping the inflammation process un-der control has become a major issue for prevention programs and C reactive protein turned out to be one of the most promising markers, detectable by a simple blood test.

. . . people having moderate amounts of dark chocolate regularly have significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein in their blood. In other words, their inflammatory state is considerably reduced." The 17% average reduction observed may appear quite small, but it is enough to decrease the risk of cardio-vascular disease for one third in women and one fourth in men. It is undoubtedly a remarkable outcome".

Chocolate amounts are critical. "We are talking of a moderate consumption. The best effect is obtained by consuming an average amount of 6.7 grams of chocolate per day, corresponding to a small square of chocolate twice or three times a week. Beyond these amounts the beneficial effect tends to disappear".


Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:20 PM | Comments (12)

September 25, 2008

080926 FRIDAY

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Not only did the 5:30 class do the "Dad" workout, but they all got matching "Bill" tattoos (mimicked after Bill's original tattoo) in honor of Craig's Dad.

Workout:

Back Squat
Weighted Pull up

5,5,5,5,5

Alternate between exercises. Add weigh each round (if possible).

Post loads to comments.

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Article:

Caffeine experts push for warning labels on energy drinks warning of health risks.

A regular 12-ounce cola drink has about 35 milligrams of caffeine, and a 6-ounce cup of brewed coffee has 80 to 150 milligrams of caffeine. Because many energy drinks are marketed as "dietary supplements," the limit that the Food and Drug Administration requires on the caffeine content of soft drinks (71 milligrams per 12-ounce can) does not apply. The caffeine content of energy drinks varies from 50 to more than 500 milligrams.

Post thoughts to comments.

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Fight Gone Bad Fundraiser Tomorrow 11am to 2pm - Don't forget to donate even if you can't make it!

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Diablo CrossFit Team Website (click here)

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:27 PM | Comments (19)

September 21, 2008

080922 MONDAY

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Shane fertilizes the bushes after "Fight gone to Failure"

Workout:

Perform 1 thruster the first minute, 2 thrusters the second minute, 3 thrusters the 3rd. . . continue until you cannot complete the number of repetitions in the allotted time.

Choose a weight that you will be challenged with (starting with your 3-5 rep max strict press is a good idea).

Post load used, and number of rounds completed to comments.


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Article:

How gut bugs could trigger cancer


Our guts provide a home to dozens of different types of bacteria, many of which actually provide a useful service, helping break down indigestible sugars in food by fermentation, or even "training" the body's immune system.

However, in recent years, scientists have suggested that in certain, susceptible individuals, these bacteria can actually do harm.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:05 PM | Comments (24)

September 19, 2008

080920 SATURDAY

+++OLY CLASS CANCELED TODAY+++

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Saturday class claims another victim.

Workout: "Number 2"

As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes:

10 wall ball (20lb ball, 10 ft target or 14lb ball 8 foot target)
10 sumo deadlift high pull (95lb, 53, 35 or 26 depending on skill)
10 ring dips (or ring push ups)
10 double unders

Post number of rounds and fractions of rounds to comments.

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Article:

Study Finds Longevity, Cancer and Diet Connected


Scientists studied a gene called TOR, which regulates cell growth and plays a role in the development of cancer. "In C. elegans, the tiny roundworm that our lab studies, as well as some other animals, a loss of TOR has been shown to slow aging. Our work with C. elegans reveals that TOR depends on a second gene called pha4/FoxA to control the aging process," says study co-author Susan Mango, PhD, HCI investigator and professor in the University of Utah Department of Oncological Sciences.

The study also reveals calorie restriction plays a role in how these genes work. "When there's lots of food, TOR gets active, which decreases the action of pha4/FoxA down the line, and that in turn shortens the lifespan of C. elegans," says Mango. "When there's little food, there's little TOR and more pha4/FoxA, and that results in a longer lifespan." In short, a low calorie diet can affect the TOR and pha4/FoxA genes in worms, slowing the progression of aging.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:30 PM | Comments (1)

September 18, 2008

080919 FRIDAY "Filthy Fifty"

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Judy knows how to go hard on the push presses.

Workout: the "Filthy Fifty"

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

Post time to comments.

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Article:

10 primal meals in 15 minutes or less from Mark's Daily Apple

Post some of your favorite 'primal' meals to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:44 PM | Comments (10)

080918 THURSDAY

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New 6am Firebreathers Alan and Nancy just got engaged last Friday! They are doing weighted lunge walks to prepare for their walk down the aisle next year. CONGRATS GUYS!

Workout:

As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:

Row 500m
20 lunge steps with 35lb dumbells
15 ring dips
10 hollow rocks

Post number of rounds and fractions of rounds completed to comments.

Jeff Tucker explaining "Hollow Rocks" and the "Hollow Position" in relation to the hand stand (again):

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Article:

Cutting calories could limit muscle wasting in later years

. . .The researchers found increasing amounts of iron in the muscle cells of aging rats fed a typical unrestricted diet. The older the rats got, the more iron accumulated in the mitochondria and the more damage was done to its RNA and DNA. Rats of the same ages that were kept on a calorie-restricted diet — about 60 percent of the food typically ingested — seemed to maintain more normal iron levels in mitochondria, the researchers reported. . .

. . .The problem occurs when metals such as iron accumulate in the mitochondria and react with oxygen. Iron can change the chemical structure of oxygen, triggering its metamorphosis into a free radical, an unstable atom that can upset the delicate balance inside the mitochondria. . .

(Now I hope they do an iron test on aging rats using the Intermittent Fasting protocol and compare them to these results. -jj)

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:18 AM | Comments (4)

September 15, 2008

080916 TUESDAY

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Everyone should come to at least one sunrise class (you might like it).

Workout:

"Fight Gone to Failure"

2 rounds, counting total reps

1. Wall-ball, 8 ft target (Reps) to failure
rest 1 minute
2. Deadlift high-pull (Reps) to failure
rest 1 minute
3. Box jump (Reps) to failure
rest 1 minute
4. Push-press (Reps) to failure
rest 1 minute
5. Row (Calories) to failure
rest 1 minute

"To failure" for all the rep counting movements (everything except the row) basically means that if you have to rest for more than 3 seconds, the set is done. For the row you have to maintain a sub 1:45 minute 500m pace (look at the "/500" meter number) or less. When the "/500m" pace goes over 1:45 you are done. Look at total calories accrued at that pace.

Post total reps to comments.

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Article from 'The Fitness Spotlight':

Intermittent Fasting for Neurotic Athletes

Athletes are a persnickety, dogmatic bunch; we’re open to change in so long as it fits the narrowly constructed worldview that we perceive has brought us success. Be it training, diet, or mental preparation, we tend to bend ideas to fit into “our” box. So understand when I tell you that the idea of intermittent fasting (IF), while good in theory, didn’t quite fit into my athletic worldview. I was a skinny kid growing up and had worked hard for every pound of weight I had gained by eating large and often. I cared about being big and strong, not about longevity and gene expression! I was curious but had the nagging feeling that I’d lose all the muscle I had worked to gain. . .

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:42 PM | Comments (24)

September 13, 2008

080914 SUNDAY "Jax"

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Jamie deadlifting 140lbs a few days before her birthday (and about 4 months after having Jax). Jamie is back to her pre-pregnancy weight (plus a few pounds of muscle). Nice work Jamie!

Click here to see the first time we did "Jax"

Workout: "Jax"

Not technically one of the ladies or one of the heroes, we dubbed this workout after the heroic effort that my son Jax is putting my wife through on her last legs of pregnancy.

All exercises completed with 20lb weight vest.

1 minute ring push ups
1 minute power clean 135 lbs
1 minute box jumps
1 minute rest

5 rounds for time.

Post total reps completed to comments.

Click here to download a video of Brand X doing "Jax"

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Article:

Broccoli may protect the lungs

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:35 PM | Comments (20)

080913 SATURDAY

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Ever wonder how Craig gets that body of his. . . Mickey D's.

Workout:

4 Rounds for time:

500m row
25 GHD sit ups

Post time to comments.

Video - Coach Glassman covers the elements of the Glute Ham Developer (GHD) sit up (Nicole Carrol models):

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Article:

Men are 'unhappy' with their bodies


"We know that 1 in 20 young people suffer from some degree of disordered eating and that at least 15% of them are men and yet that's a tip of an iceberg," he said.

"There are men who have problems with compulsive exercise and excessive bodybuilding who have an illness, but we haven't defined them. Our definitions of illness have been focused on women, rather than men."

I wonder if dieting for 'Linda' counts as an eating disorder. . . -jj

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:57 AM | Comments (6)

September 9, 2008

080910 WEDNESDAY

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Margaret sets a personal record at the deadlift in Sarah's 10am "Girls Class" (140lbs I believe).

Workout:

As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes,

100m sprint
100m of : 10 walking lunges then 10 broad jumps repeated for the entire distance
30 push press (45lb dumbbells)

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Videos: High Fructose Corn Syrup isn't that bad (apparently). If you believe everything you see on TV.

For some of the real scoop on High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), check out this link from Dr. Eades' Site:

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/uncategorized/high-fructose-corn-syrup-follies/


So fact one, we know were eating more sugar in general and more fructose in particular. We also know that fructose is metabolized differently than other sugars. Glucose, for example, can be used as is by virtually every cell in the body; fructose can only be metabolized in the liver (and in sperm cells). If we eat too much glucose, the metabolic process stores it away as glycogen–if we eat too much fructose, our livers convert it to fat and, typically, store it in the liver. Why? Because glucose metabolism is tightly controlled and fructose, in simple terms, jumps the main control point in the sugar metabolism pathway. . .

Post thoughts to comments.

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Article from Keith Wittenstein at CrossFit Virtuosity:

A couple of years ago my now-fiancée, Erin, told me I should read this book, "The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharp. Tharp is one of the most prolific and acclaimed choreographers of all time. I thought the book sounded interesting and I would eventually get around to reading it. Well I finally did get around to reading it and it is amazing. I wish I had read it a couple of years ago when Erin first told me about it.

There is a lot of information in this book that appeals to me as a former musician and a current writer/blogger. However, there is also a lot of information that appeals to me as an athlete and coach. Being creative, according to Tharp, is about forming good habits and rituals. Being creative is about work and consistency and skill. These traits are no less important for athletes and coaches, in my opinion. . .


Click Here for complete Article.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:50 PM | Comments (6)

September 8, 2008

080909 TUESDAY "Rowing with the girls"

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Abby Kalogirou (bottom) shows Paula and Christine good rower form.

Workout:

(for those of you who missed it)

"Rowing With The Girls"

Row 500m with "Fran"
21 Thrusters 95
21 Pull Ups
Rest 1 min

Row 500m with "Helen"
21 KB Swings (1.5p)
12 Pull Ups
Rest 1 min

Row 500m with "Nancy"
15 Overhead Squats 95
9 Pull ups

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Exercise blunts 'fat gene effect'

They found that while the expected link between the number of copies of FTO carried and increased body mass index could be seen in less active volunteers, that link was broken once in those who recorded high levels of activity - equivalent to three to four hours of moderately intensive activity.

Dr Soren Snitker, who led the research, said: "Our results strongly suggest that the increased risk of obesity due to genetic susceptibility can be blunted through physical activity.

"Some of the genes shown to cause obesity in our modern environment may not have had this effect a few centuries ago when most people's lives were similar to that of present-day Amish farmers."

Post Thoughts to comments.

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GYMNASTICS WORKSHOP!

Many of you have commented that they would love to experience some extra gymnastics work. Now is your chance.

Andres "Tortuga" De La Rosa from Crossfit Marin is running a 'workshop' in our area. Read his comments for info:


I will be hosting/coaching a Gymnastics and Parkour Seminar on Sunday, September 21st from 5:30pm-8:30pm with an optional “skill request session” from 8:30pm-9pm at Gymtowne Gymnastics in San Bruno, California. The skill levels of gymnastics will range from complete and utter noobies, to intermediate athletes (a “noob” is considered a level or two below a “rookie” and has perhaps never done a roll in his/her life- so no excuses!). I will have several guest coaches in attendance, including CrossFit Marin’s Roger Harrell, the gymnastics writer for CrossFit, and Russell Bruel, our resident “Kinesthetic Freak”.

Attendance will be limited to 32 athletes, as we wish to have a coach to student ratio equal to or better than 1:8. There will be three or four head coaches and a couple of junior coaches. Among the events covered will be floor (basic gymnastics positions, skills, and tumbling), pommel horse (mainly swinging elements and leg cuts), beam(basic jumps, mounts, & balance drills), bars and rings (swings, glide-kips, back-hip circles, strength moves), parallel bars (swings, walks, kips, etc), vault (run, hurdle, squat-ons, handsprings), and basic parkour (shoulder rolls, side/speed/Kong vaults).

Gymtowne Gymnastics features approximately 9,300sq ft of space and gymnastics equipment, including but not limited to a full size gymnastics floor, vault runway, 5 beams, 2 ring towers, 3 uneven bars, 2 High bars, 3 sets of parallel bars, and a couple of pommel horses. Attached are a few images from the first official CrossFit Gymnastics certification coached by Roger Harrell at Gymtowne in March 2008, illustrating some of the equipment available and skills to be covered.

Please email us if you are a regular and we might be able to broker a deal for a cheaper rate (the cost is $100 if you are not from an affiliate). Do it right away otherwise we may not be able to help you out. -jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:32 PM | Comments (8)

September 4, 2008

080905 FRIDAY

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Steve from CrossFit Marina (in Huntington Beach) made sure our Luca had a good time on Labor day (and what Luca is looking at, we can only guess).

Workout:

As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes

10 Handstand push ups (or modified versions if needed)
30 box jumps (20 inch box)

Post number of rounds to comments.

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Article:

Exercise helps with memory function


Some volunteers were asked to complete three 50-minute sessions a week of moderate physical activity, such as walking, for 24 weeks. Others were not asked to increase their exercise levels.

At the end of the study, the people in the exercise group achieved better scores in tests of their cognitive function, and lower scores in tests to determine signs of dementia.

Follow-up showed that the benefits persisted for at least another 12 months after the exercise programme was stopped.

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Fasting Articles from Scott Kustes at Modern Forager

What happens to your body when you fast Part 5 - Exercising and Rest

What happens to your body when you fast - Q and A

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:51 PM | Comments (11)

August 31, 2008

080901 MONDAY - Happy Labor Day

++ NEW CLASS SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER!! ++

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From left to right: Brian Nesmith, Jeremy Jones, Jax Jones (being held), and the great Dan John at the 2008 Highland Games in Pleasanton.

Dan imparting some wisdom upon Jax and I:
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And this is me enjoying some Haggis:
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Workout: "Manual Labor"

Perform as many rounds as possible in 30 minutes of:

100m Farmer Carry (45lb dumbbells for men, 25lb dbs for women)
20 Sledge Hammer swings (16lb sledge for men, 10lb sledge for women)
20 Virtual Shoveling over 1' barrier (45lb bar +45lb plate for men, 25lb plate for women)
50m tire flip (men - large tire, women - smaller tire)
50m sled drag (tire sled on asphalt, men - 53lb, women - 35lb)

Post rounds and fractions of rounds completed to comments.

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Article:

Children in Great Britain are rewarded at Fitness Camp.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:36 PM | Comments (9)

August 30, 2008

080831 SUNDAY "FGB Fundraiser team website is up!"

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Jasmine nailed her first kipping pull up last week (you can see by the expression on her face that it took a lot of concentration).

Workout:

Perform 1 thruster the first minute, 2 thrusters the second minute, 3 thrusters the third minute and so on until you can no longer complete the number of thrusters in the allotted minute.

advanced: 135lb, intermediate: 95lb, beginner: 65lbs

Post load used and number of rounds completed to comments.

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Article:

Blackberries slow cancer by altering hundreds of genes

The carcinogen affected the activity of some 2,200 genes in the animals' esophagus in only one week, but 460 of those genes were restored to normal activity in animals that consumed freeze-dried black raspberry powder as part of their diet during the exposure.

Post thoughts to comments.

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FGBIII_BANNER4.GIF

Below is a link to the Diablo CrossFit Fight Gone Bad Team web page. People wishing to participate at The Shed should register on the 'Athletes for a Cure' website and sign up for the DCF team.

Athletes for a Cure Website for Diablo CrossFit Link

Do it right away so you can invite lots of your friends and family to contribute to the cause. Spectators for the fundraiser are encouraged and there will be prizes and food as well as the event itself.

Make sure you mark your calendar on Saturday, September 27th!

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 6:24 PM | Comments (13)

August 28, 2008

080829 FRIDAY

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Hardway Bryan, Carry, and Rhodes throwing some DCF horns while wearing their 20lb weight vests before Murph.

(and below is Carry completing "Murph" as prescribed - all 100 pull ups and push ups with the 20lb weight vest on - not to mention the 2 miles of running and 300 squats).
diablo%20crossfit%20carry%20doing%20murph%20with%2020lb%20vest.jpg

Workout:

4 rounds-

Row 500m
3 minute rest

Post times to comments.

Rowing Technique Video:

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Article:

Largest food festival in American History is coming to San Francisco this weekend:

"Slow Food Nation celebrates good, clean and fair food"

"The majority of Slow Food Nation events will be held in two locations— San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza and Fort Mason Center. For those on a budget, Civic Center Plaza is the place to go. In the center of the plaza is the Victory Garden, a beautifully designed edible art project that serves as the anchor for a bustling marketplace of sustainable food vendors. Throughout the weekend, a free stage will feature a variety of dance, music, poetry, and theatre performances.

But the heart of the Slow Food Nation weekend will be found several blocks away, at Fort Mason Center, home to 15 Taste Pavilions. A collection of food demonstration and tasting centers, the Taste Pavilions will showcase a wide range of American food and drink — from heirloom hams to handmade ice cream. Admission is $65 for adults ($45 for 21 and under) for a four-hour lunch or dinner tasting experience."

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Article from Mary Rigney at CrossFit Rockwall:

"Consistency is possibly the most important part of an exercise program. Even if you use the best exercise program in existence (i.e. CrossFit) and give 100% effort when you work out, if you're only doing it once a month it will have little effect on your overall health and fitness. Additionally, you must have consistency before intensity. If you are not consistent enough to get to the point where you can add intensity, you are really missing out on results..."

Read more here: http://crossfitrockwall.typepad.com/crossfit_rockwall/consistency.html

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:35 PM | Comments (16)

August 25, 2008

080826 TUESDAY

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Rhodes and Hardway Bryan doing knees to elbows.

Workout:

Overhead Squat

5, 5, 5, 5, 5

First two sets should be moderate weight (70% and 80% of your 5 rep max) the last three sets should be near or at your 5 rep max.

Post loads to comments.

Eva Twardokens doing some Overhead Squats and showing safe form and techniques:

Nicole Carrol's attempt at overhead squatting her bodyweight 15 times:

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Scientists discover that leptin may help Type I diabetics


The mechanism of leptin's glucose-lowering action appears to involve the suppression of glucagon, a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises glucose levels. Normally, glucagon is released when the glucose, or sugar, level in the blood is low. In insulin deficiency, however, glucagon levels are inappropriately high and cause the liver to release excessive amounts of glucose into the bloodstream. This action is opposed by insulin, which tells the body's cells to remove sugar from the bloodstream. . .

Dr. Yu said the research team hypothesizes that leptin combats diabetes not only be suppressing glucagon's action on the liver, but also by boosting the insulin-like actions of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), a hormone that promotes growth and mimics insulin.

"One of the things that happens when a child gets type 1 diabetes is their growth is stunted until they're given insulin," Dr. Unger said. "The same is true with these mice. However, we found that if you take a diabetic rat that's not receiving insulin and make it hyperleptinemic, it almost catches up growthwise."

Post Thoughts to Comments.


Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:44 PM | Comments (4)

August 24, 2008

080825 MONDAY "Murph"

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This is Olive during her warm up (you should see her workout weight).

Workout: "Murph" (same as the CrossFit Mothership)

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

Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Start and finish with a mile run. If you've got a twenty pound vest or body armor, wear it.

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Killer Carbs - Scientist finds a link between aging and overeating


"The more carbs and sugars you eat, the more your appetite-control cells are damaged, and potentially you consume more," Dr Andrews said. . .

"A diet rich in carbohydrate and sugar that has become more and more prevalent in modern societies over the last 20-30 years has placed so much strain on our bodies that it's leading to premature cell deterioration," Dr Andrews said. . .

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:36 PM | Comments (23)

August 21, 2008

080822 Friday


The pre-WOD procrastination.

Workout:

5 Rounds
1 minute Row (count Calories)
1 minute push press (115# men, 75# women)
1 minute rest

Post total calories/reps to comments

Push Press instructional video from Nicole Carrol and Annie Sakimoto

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Article from Scott Kustes at Modern Forager:

Part 4 What happens to you when you fast: Healing and longevity.

Let’s start with disease. We’ll start with The Big C, cancer, the second-leading cause of death in the United States. All of the studies I found were in rats and mice, but we have to remember that IF is still an emerging science. In our rodent friends, cell proliferation rates are lowered by 25% caloric restriction, but not as much as by Alternate Day Fasting. A report on another study showed that a 5% reduction in calories, but only being fed every other day, also reduced cell proliferation rates.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:19 PM | Comments (8)

August 20, 2008

080821 THURSDAY "Helen"

diablo%20crossfit%20hard%20way%20bryan%20gives%20anne%20a%20hand%20on%20the%20rower.jpg
"Hardway" Bryan is telling Anne that something is wrong with her rowing form, can you guess what it is?

"Helen"

Three rounds for time:
Run 400 meters
1 1/2 pood Kettlebell X 21 swings (or 55 pound dumbbell swing)
12 Pull-ups

Or "Fat Helen" (completed with 20 lb - or 40 lb weight vest)

Three rounds for time:
Run 400 meters
2 pood Kettlebell X 21 swings (or 55 pound dumbbell swing)
12 Pull-ups

Post type of Helen, and time to comments.

Sub 7 minute "Helen" by OPT (James Fitzgerald):

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Article from Mike OD at The IF Life:

The biggest workout mistakes people make and what to do about them

(Many of these don't apply to the regulars at The Shed, but simple-and-effective wisdom like this is just too hard not to forward. -jj)

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:47 PM | Comments (17)

August 15, 2008

080816 SATURDAY

++ 1PM OLY CLASS CANCELED TODAY ++

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Moises (shown here doing some "fancy" box jumps) just nailed a 2:53 Fran! Nice work Mo!

Workout:

21 - 15 - 9 Rep/Rounds for time,

Burpees
Pull ups
Kb swings (70lb men, 44lbs women)

Post time to comments.

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Article (another article from Scott Kustes at Modern Forager):

Part 3: What Happens To Your Body When You Fast? - Inflammation and Blood

In our previous two posts, we took a high-level look at the hormonal effects of fasting, along with some of the benefits of these hormonal changes. Today, we’ll take a quick look at the effects on inflammation and blood . . .

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:25 PM | Comments (12)

August 12, 2008

080813 WEDNESDAY "Anne's Testimonial"

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Anne's testimonial:

"What has Crossfit done for me?

Well, yes, I've lost 50 lbs and 3-4 clothing sizes, so buying a new wardrobe has been fun. . .
But not having to go to a chiropractor for back and neck pains is even better.

There's pain in Crossfit, for sure, but the kind you earn and feel good about...the pain of accomplishment. See, it's not just about looking cute, it's about feeling amazing.
Feeling lighter, faster, more agile...getting my reflexes back!

At 37, I thought my aches and pains and slowness were from getting old. Nope, it's from carrying around what is the equivalent of kindergardener, all the time. Now, at 38, I feel healthier and fitter than when I was in my 20's, and my 19 year old daughter can barely keep up.

There are many things I love about Crossfit but the first thing is that there are no limits.
You think you've hit a limit and you come back a week or 2 later and you go even further or faster. I told people I did 600 squats total the past week and they looked at me like I'm insane...and I'm thinking "I could have done more".

The other thing I love most about Crossfit is that I'm never alone.

I've taken classes at other gyms and there can be 50 people in a room, but we weren't working together or helping each other or challenging each other. Not so with Crossfit...whoever is there that day is cheering you on and pushing you, or they may be the person you are trying to beat...total interaction.

Anyway, thank you JJ, for introducing me to a better living...and to being better to myself!"

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Workout:

"FrAnnie"

21 - 15 - 9 reps for time

Thrusters
Pull ups
Double Unders
Abmat Sit ups

Post time to comments.

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Article from Scott Kustes' Website "Modern Forager"

Part 1: What Happens To Your Body When You Fast? - Energy Production

As you know, I’m a big fan of intermittent fasting, but this is an area of it that I’ve never really looked at. I’m going to break this into several posts because there’s a lot going on here and I don’t want to burden everyone with a novella. Today, we’ll look at how the body handles energy production during the fasting period, a good starting point given that, when you get down to it, an energy source and water are the only two requirements for the body to operate. . .

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:52 PM | Comments (18)

August 7, 2008

080808 FRIDAY "J.T."

Diablo%20CrossFit%20Walnut%20Creek%20Friends%20and%20Family%20BBQ%202008%20Flyer%20copy.jpg

Now is the time to bring all your friends and family to The Shed. Bring anyone who will come, especially the people who are on the cusp of getting started.


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It is also going to be a going away party for Trainer Rick H. He is leaving us to go to school in San Jose (although secretly I think he might be trying to 'transfer' to CF unlimited or Jason Khalipa's affiliate - i.e. he has a man crush on him).

Workout: "J.T."

21 - 15 - 9

Handstand Push ups
Ring Dips
Push ups

Post time to comments.

Video of Annie Sakamoto from CrossFit Santa Cruz Central doing J.T.(she's my hero):

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Article from Scott Kustes at Modern Forager

What is a paradox? French, Atkins, and Inuit

. . . I tell you that story to tell you this one. One lady had not heard of the French Paradox, so I explained it as, “the nonsense notion that it’s the red wine that protects the French from disease due to their high-fat diet.” One girl asked, “And why is it nonsense?” in a humorous way. I replied, “We can go there if you want, but this isn’t really the place.” Anywho, we moved on with the discussion of wine and the beverage industry as a whole. But let’s discuss the French Paradox. . .

Click here for full article.

Post thoughts in comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:59 PM | Comments (10)

080807 THURSDAY "2 Minute Defense"

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"Travmeister" goes head to head with the workout "2 minute defense"

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

Post total time to comments.

Video from CrossFit HQ of Pat Barber doing this WOD:

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Another Great Article from Mary Rigney at CrossFit Rockwall

Eat More, Weigh Less

diablo%20rockwall%20crossfit%20breakfast%20calorie%20compare.jpg

I'm not eating much, I'm hungry, and I'm not losing weight.

If you've ever tried to lose weight, you've probably been in that dilemma before. What gives? It's time to take a look at what you're eating, rather than how much. You'll be surprised by how many calories some "small" meals contain. Let's compare a typical day of meals and see where you are missing out. . .

Read complete CrossFit Rockwall food article here.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 12:51 AM | Comments (10)

August 3, 2008

080804 MONDAY

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It has been a week or two since we have seen the Wolfman. Where has he gone?

Workout:

Deadlift

3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 (that's 10 sets of 3). Keep adding weight each round.

Post Max load to comments.

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Article:

Obesity prevention efforts should begin at age 2


"More research is needed to determine the causes of early obesity including "information on family history and the dietary and exercise habits in infancy,"


Exercise habits in infancy!? That is just ridiculous. How about the dietary habits of the parents! -jj

Post Thoughts to Comments.

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FGB III is set for Saturday, September 27, 2008

Athletes For a Cure and the Wounded Warrior Project: Fight Gone Bad Fundraiser

Here is more Fight Gone Bad Videos from previous year fundraisers: Click here

Are you interested in participating at DCF?

Please post in comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:56 PM | Comments (8)

August 1, 2008

080802 SATURDAY

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Bryan and Shannon S. (doing Single Arm Snatches above) will be representing Diablo CrossFit this weekend on their 100 mile bike ride (with over 8000 ft of elevation!) wearing their new DCF T-shirts. Be sure to ask them how it was when they get back next week.

Workout (From the CrossFit Mainpage Today):

85 pound Thruster, 21 reps
15 Pull-ups

Row 750 meters
85 pound Thruster, 18 reps
12 Pull-ups

Row 500 meters
85 pound Thruster, 15 reps
9 Pull-ups

Rest 2 minutes between each round. Time each round separately and post times to comments.

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Article:

Brain plays key role in appetite by burning fat for energy and regulating free radicals

"Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found the brain's appetite center uses fat for fuel by involving oxygen free radicals—molecules associated with aging and neurodegeneration. . ."

"In contrast to the accepted view, the brain does use fat as fuel," said Horvath. "Our study shows that the minute-by-minute control of appetite is regulated by free radicals, implying that if you interfere with free radicals, you may affect eating and satiety. . ."

The results also imply, added Horvath, "that each time a feeling of fullness or satiety is reached during a meal, you may be chipping away some time from your maximum lifespan as the most free radicals are produced when satiety-promoting brain cells are active."


Another clue to the lifespan and health benefits of Intermittent Fasting? -jj

Post Thoughts To Comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:08 AM | Comments (4)

July 29, 2008

080730 WEDNESDAY

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Not only did Meg just nail her first kipping pull up, she and hubby Darren (yes THAT Darren), just left for Africa to do some aid work for a few weeks.

Workout:

Front Squat
Weighted pull up

3,3,3,3,3,3,3,3,3,3

Alternate between exercises, rest as needed between sets, and keep adding weight until you reach or reach near failure.

Post loads used to comments.

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Article(s):

New York City adds Double Dutch jump roping as school sport


And that pesky Fructose is always fence hopping into the rock concert of the body:

Limiting fructose may boost weight loss


The researchers found that lipogenesis, the process by which sugars are turned into body fat, increased significantly when as little as half the glucose was replaced with fructose. Fructose given at breakfast also changed the way the body handled the food eaten at lunch. After fructose consumption, the liver increased the storage of lunch fats that might have been used for other purposes.

"The message from this study is powerful because body fat synthesis was measured immediately after the sweet drinks were consumed," Dr. Parks said. "The carbohydrates came into the body as sugars, the liver took the molecules apart like tinker toys, and put them back together to build fats. All this happened within four hours after the fructose drink. As a result, when the next meal was eaten, the lunch fat was more likely to be stored than burned.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:55 PM | Comments (8)

July 27, 2008

080727 MONDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20tanya%20shows%20good%20thruster%20form%20while%20mark%20appoves.jpg
Tanya showing good dumbbell thruster form while Mark watches like a hawk for any flaws.

Workout:

10 rounds

100m sprint
1 minute rest

Afterward, 3 rounds of holding an L sit as long as possible.

Post total time for sprints and total time for L sits to comments.

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Article:

Stress in Men linked to higher Type II Diabetes Risk

The men with the highest levels of psychological distress were 2.2 times more likely to develop the condition than those with the lowest levels.

Further analysis showed the link was independent of other factors including age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, smoking, physical activity and socio-economic background.

In the women assessed in the same study, there was no increased risk of diabetes in those with high levels of psychological distress.

Post Thoughts To Comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:10 PM | Comments (9)

080727 MONDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20tanya%20shows%20good%20thruster%20form%20while%20mark%20appoves.jpg
Tanya showing good dumbbell thruster form while Mark watches like a hawk for any flaws.

Workout:

10 rounds

100m sprint
1 minute rest

Afterward, 3 rounds of holding an L sit as long as possible.

Post total time for sprints and total time for L sits to comments.

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Article:

Stress in Men linked to higher Type II Diabetes Risk

The men with the highest levels of psychological distress were 2.2 times more likely to develop the condition than those with the lowest levels.

Further analysis showed the link was independent of other factors including age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, smoking, physical activity and socio-economic background.

In the women assessed in the same study, there was no increased risk of diabetes in those with high levels of psychological distress.

Post Thoughts To Comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:10 PM | Comments (9)

July 20, 2008

080721 MONDAY

diablo%20crossfit%20team6%20carry%20chanda%20mark%20jimmy%20floored.jpg
Carry, Chanda, Jimmy and Mark spend some time on the floor after today's WOD.

Workout:

4 rounds for time.

10 Sumo Deadlift High Pull (135lb men, 95 women)
10 Floor wipers to each side (20 total) use the same bar as above.
10 Floor circles (5 clockwise, and 5 counter clockwise)
10 Walking lunges each leg (20 total) 45lb dumbbells men, 25lb dbs women

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Lessons from Luigi (and Mike from The IF Life)

. . .an individual who was dying at 40 years of age brought himself to a state of good health in less than one year, and through the careful exercise of self-control prolonged his life to 102 years of age with the full preservation of all his faculties to the very end. The living of each day was a joy in his life at all times.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:50 PM | Comments (2)

July 19, 2008

080720 SUNDAY

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Jorgy feels that you can never have enough chalk (or yelling).

Workout: Deadlift

5, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1

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Article(s):

One of the largest, longest studies of it's kind showed that Low Carb diets are not only better for weight loss, but also better for cholesterol

. . .Average weight loss for those in the low-carb group was 10.3 pounds after two years. Those in the Mediterranean diet lost 10 pounds, and those on the low-fat regimen dropped 6.5.

More surprising were the measures of cholesterol. Critics have long acknowledged that an Atkins-style diet could help people lose weight but feared that over the long term, it may drive up cholesterol because it allows more fat.

But the low-carb approach seemed to trigger the most improvement in several cholesterol measures, including the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL, the "good" cholesterol. For example, someone with total cholesterol of 200 and an HDL of 50 would have a ratio of 4 to 1. The optimum ratio is 3.5 to 1, according to the American Heart Association.

The ratio declined by 20 percent in people on the low-carb diet, compared to 16 percent in those on the Mediterranean and 12 percent in low-fat dieters.

The study is not the first to offer a favorable comparison of an Atkins-like diet. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last year found overweight women on the Atkins plan had slightly better blood pressure and cholesterol readings than those on the low-carb Zone diet, the low-fat Ornish diet and a low-fat diet that followed U.S. government guidelines.

In other news, these researchers totally missed the memo that fat is not the enemy and that Low-Carb diets lower cholesterol:

Regular walking protects the Masai against cardiovascular disease


Their results are based on examinations of the lifestyles, diets and cardiovascular risk factors of 985 middle-aged men and women in Tanzania, 130 of who were Masai, 371 farmers and 484 urbanites. In line with previous studies, their results show that the Masai not only have a diet richer in animal fat than that of the other subjects, but also run the lowest cardiovascular risk, which is to say that they have the lowest body weights, waist-measurements and blood pressure, combined with a healthy blood lipid profile.

Oops. I guess someone should have told them that fats are good for you (not just that walking is good for you). -jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:30 PM | Comments (7)

July 18, 2008

080719 SATURDAY

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Doug S does some thrusters in the hot Shed. You can see by the expression on his face that he is enjoying himself.

Workout:

10 rounds for time

10 Thrusters (35lb dumbbells men, 25lb dumbells women)
100m sprint
1 minute rest

Post total time to comments.

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Article:

Obesity increases in the United States

In 2005, 23.9 percent of adults in the United States were obese, or had a body mass index greater than 30, while in 2007, the percentage had grown to 25.6 percent, data issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed.

Being that I am not a big fan of the BMI (I am considered "overweight" at sub 10% body fat), I still think it does give a decent showing of 'non-athletic' people. I wonder how long it will be before the trend changes direction. -jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:40 PM | Comments (2)

July 13, 2008

080714 MONDAY

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Darren gives the Double Diablos

Workout:

Overhead Squat

5,5,5,5,5

Post loads to comments.

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Article:

Scientists learn how food affects mental health


Omega-3 fatty acids — found in salmon, walnuts and kiwi fruit — provide many benefits, including improving learning and memory and helping to fight against such mental disorders as depression and mood disorders, schizophrenia, and dementia, said Gómez-Pinilla, a member of UCLA's Brain Research Institute and Brain Injury Research Center. . .

"Dietary deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in humans has been associated with increased risk of several mental disorders, including attention-deficit disorder, dyslexia, dementia, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia," he said. "A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in rodents results in impaired learning and memory.". . .

Preliminary results from a study in England show that school performance improved among a group of students receiving omega-3 fatty acids. In an Australian study, 396 children between the ages 6 and 12 who were given a drink with omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients (iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, B12 and C) showed higher scores on tests measuring verbal intelligence and learning and memory after six months and one year than a control group of students who did not receive the nutritional drink. This study was also conducted with 394 children in Indonesia. . .

A long-term study that included more than 100 years of birth, death, health and genealogical records for 300 Swedish families in an isolated village showed that an individual's risk for diabetes and early death increased if his or her paternal grandparents grew up in times of food abundance rather than food shortage.

"Evidence indicates that what you eat can affect your grandchildren's brain molecules and synapses," Gómez-Pinilla said. "We are trying to find the molecular basis to explain this."

Controlled meal-skipping or intermittent caloric restriction might provide health benefits, he said.

Excess calories can reduce the flexibility of synapses and increase the vulnerability of cells to damage by causing the formation of free radicals. Moderate caloric restriction could protect the brain by reducing oxidative damage to cellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, Gómez-Pinilla said. . .

In patients with major depression and schizophrenia, levels of a signaling molecule known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, are reduced. Antidepressants elevate BDNF levels, and most treatments for depression and schizophrenia stimulate BDNF. Here, too, omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial, as is the curry spice curcumin, which has been shown to reduce memory deficits in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and brain trauma. BDNF is most abundant in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus — brain areas associated with cognitive and metabolic regulation.

The high consumption of curcumin in India may contribute to the low prevalence of Alzheimer's disease on the subcontinent. . .

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:02 PM | Comments (5)

July 10, 2008

080711 FRIDAY "Interval Elizabeth"

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Diablo CrossFit sure had a lot of kids to cheer them on at the CrossFit Games (this isn't even all of them).

Workout: "Interval Elizabeth"

5 rounds for time:

1 minute squat cleans with 155lbs (men) 100lbs (women)
1 minute ring dips
1 minute rest

Post total reps to comments.

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Video:

The next class to come to The Shed?

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Article:

Being fat can lower your sperm count.

Simple biology fluke, or evolution at work? -jj

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:05 PM | Comments (3)

July 1, 2008

080702 WEDNESDAY

+++GO TO THE CROSSFIT GAMES BLOG FOR COMPETITION DETAILS WED NIGHT+++

+++REMINDER: The Shed will be closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for the CF Games. Anyone who would like to meet us there will receive a free workout.+++

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Sheriff Bryan had to stop by and give Jorgy (above) and Rick (below) speeding tickets. . .

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For doing "Fran" in sub 3 minutes and the "Filthy Fifty" in sub 14 minutes!!! F-ing Strong work guys!


Workout: 2 rounds for time,

50 doubleunders
40 pull ups
30 lunge steps with two dumbbells (alternating R,L) women: 25lb dbs, men: 45lb dbs
20 Deadlifts, women: 135, men: 225
10 Handstand push ups.

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Load up on your good cholesterol to avoid Alzheimer's


The researchers found that people with low levels of HDL were 53% more likely to suffer memory loss compared with the people with the highest levels of HDL.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:21 PM | Comments (19)

June 26, 2008

080627 FRIDAY "JT"

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Nikala (on right) is halfway through the burpees on the "Filthy Fifty" recently. Nikala just moved down to San Diego, and we expect her to show the SoCal affiliates how we do it at The Shed.

Workout: "JT"

Complete 21-15-9 reps rounds for time of:

Handstand push-ups
Ring dips
Push-ups

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Video:

HSPU variations:

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The CrossFit Games is fast approaching. What will you eat?

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:12 PM | Comments (12)

June 15, 2008

080616 MONDAY "That was Easy"

*** TUES. 8AM CLASS CANCELED, MUAY THAI CANCELED THURS & SATURDAY *** (Luca is getting a much needed vacation).

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Quote of the week: "I would say 'that the only easy day was yesterday', but I know that I won't be sore from yesterday until tomorrow."

Workout:

Power Snatch 1 rep
Overhead Squat 2 rep

Start at a moderate weight (50%-70% of your approximate OHS max), add increments of 10 lbs (if you can power snatch more than 95) or increments of 5 lbs until failure. Back off one increment and perform as many OHS as possible with that weight.

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"The only fat loss guide you will ever need"

From "The IF Life" Blog (Mike's Stuff is phenomenal).

http://www.projectfit.org/iflifeblog/fatlossguide.jpg

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:50 PM | Comments (8)

June 6, 2008

080607 SATURDAY

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Bryan, Carry and Kelly duke it out with Fran.

Workout:

3,3,3,3,3,3,3,3

Alternating between the following two exercise (doing 8 rounds of each)

Squat Clean
Split Jerk

After warming up, work in the 80% of your max single or higher. Add weight each round if possible.

Post loads to comments.

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Article:

Some defects in DNA might be able to be fixed with vitamins and minerals

"Our studies have convinced us that there is a lot of variation in the population in these enzymes, and a lot of it affects function, and a lot of it is responsive to vitamins," Marini said. "I wouldn't be surprised if everybody is going to require a different optimal dose of vitamins based on their genetic makeup, based upon the kind of variance they are harboring in vitamin-dependent enzymes." . . .

"Our soldiers, like top athletes, operate under extreme conditions that may well be limited by their physiology," Rine said. "We're now working with the defense department to identify variants of enzymes that are remediable, and ultimately hope to identify troops that have these variants and test whether performance can be enhanced by appropriate supplementation." . . .

Since this experiment, the researchers have found 30 other variants of the MTHFR enzyme and tested about 15 of them, "and more than half interfere with the function of the enzyme, producing a hundred-fold range of enzyme activity. The majority of these can be either partially or completely restored to normal activity by adding more folate. And that is a surprise," Rine said. . .

Most scientists think that harmful mutations are disfavored by evolution, but Rine pointed out that this applies only to mutations that affect reproductive fitness. Mutations that affect our health in later years are not efficiently removed by evolution and may remain in our genome forever. . .

"There are over 600 human enzymes that use vitamins or minerals as cofactors, and this study reports just what we found by studying one of them," Rine said. "What this means is that, even if the odds of an individual having a defect in one gene is low, with 600 genes, we are all likely to have some mutations that limit one or more of our enzymes."

The subtle effects of variation in enzyme activity may well account for conflicting results of some clinical trials, including the confusing data on the effect of vitamin supplements, he noted. In the future, the enzyme profile of research subjects will have to be taken into account in analyzing the outcome of clinical trials. . .

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:52 PM | Comments (0)

May 14, 2008

080515 THURSDAY

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Mark is a quick learner: here practicing his first Split Jerks in our Saturday Oly Class.

CF Main Site: "Cindy" or "Mary"

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

OR

"Mary"
Complete as many rounds in 20 minutes as you can of:
5 Handstand Push-ups
10 One legged squats, alternating
15 Pull-ups

Post your choice of girls and rounds completed to comments.

DCF Version: "DCF Cindy"

7 Rounds

1 Minute of Pull-Ups
1 Minute of Push-Ups
1 Minute of Squats
90 Seconds of Rest

Post Total Reps For Each To Comments

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Great paleo diet information from a CrossFit Master: www.robbwolf.com

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More Oly Class adventures. First, power snatch from the thigh, then knees, then floor. Then, on to cleans (205lbs):

Posted by Craig at 7:59 PM | Comments (13)

April 20, 2008

080421 MONDAY

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Carry, Kelly and Ana go head to head for "Quarter Gone Bad"

Workout (From the CrossFit Mainpage)

Back Squat 5-5-5-5-5 reps

Post loads to comments.

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Article:

Vitamins may shorten your lifespan


"After various factors were taken into account and a further 20 studies excluded, the researchers linked vitamin A supplements to a 16% increased risk of dying, beta-carotene to a 7% increased risk and vitamin E to a 4% increased risk."

". . .Another nutritionist who has formulated supplements described the review as a "stitch-up", arguing it only looked at studies which examined the effect they had on reducing mortality, rather than other advantages."

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:18 PM | Comments (2)

April 14, 2008

080414 MONDAY

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The workout "Randy" elicits some of the same responses as "The Bear".

Workout:

"Running Angie"

Run 800m
100 pull ups
Run 800m
100 push ups
Run 800m
100 sit ups
Run 800m
100 squats

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Adults who eat apple products have lower risk for metabolic syndrome

"Dr. Victor Fulgoni analyzed the data, specifically looking at the association between consumption of apples and apple products, nutrient intake and various physiological parameters related to metabolic syndrome. When compared to non-consumers, adult apple product consumers had a 27% decreased likelihood of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. . .

In addition to having a 30% decreased likelihood for elevated diastolic blood pressure and a 36% decreased likelihood for elevated systolic blood pressure, apple product consumers also had a 21% reduced risk of increased waist circumference – all predictors of cardiovascular disease and an increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, adult apple product consumers had significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels, another measurable marker related to cardiovascular risk. . ."

Personally, I think that at least part of the apple's benefits might be part of what is mentioned in the last paragraph. -jj

". . . apple product consumers’ diets were healthier than non-consumers – they had an overall greater intake of fruit and key nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and potassium. These consumers also ate less total fat, saturated fat, discretionary fat and added sugars. "

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:14 AM | Comments (7)

April 3, 2008

080404 FRIDAY

***NO 0600 CLASS THIS MORNING - FRI APRIL 4th***

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Stav no feel so good. Post "Helen."

DCF WOD

For time:

10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1

Pull Ups
Overhead Squats 95lbs
Ring Push-Ups

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Article: No benefit in drinking eight glasses of water a day, scientists say

I've suspected this for a long time. I drink water when I'm thirsty. When I workout, I drink a bit more before, during and after.

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What Jorgy does in the Shed when he's all alone.....

Posted by Craig at 8:00 PM | Comments (9)

April 1, 2008

080402 WEDNESDAY

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North Santa Cruz CrossFit sweat demon spotted at the shed.

Workout:

"Randy"

75 lb power snatch, 75 reps for time

Post time to comments

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Irregular Exercise schedule linked to weight gain


"The study, conducted by Paul Williams of Berkeley Lab’s Life Sciences Division, found that the key to staying trim is to remain active year-round, year-after-year, and to avoid seasonal and irregular exercise patterns. Most of all, don’t quit. Failure to do so may be a contributing factor in the nation’s obesity epidemic."

". . .Specifically, Williams compared 17,280 men and 5,970 women who decreased their running distance with 4,632 men and 1,953 women who increased their running distance over a 7.7-year period. He found that runners who decreased their distance from five to zero miles per week gained four times as much weight as those who decreased their distance from 25 to 20 miles per week. He also found that people who started running after an exercise layoff didn’t lose weight until their mileage exceeded 20 miles per week in men, and 10 miles per week in women. "

Post thoughts to comments.

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Luca isn't the only one who can find great motivational posters!

equality.jpg

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:50 PM | Comments (5)

March 28, 2008

080329 SATURDAY

++ NO OLY LIFTING CLASS TODAY ++
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FitDay is a free online food log you can use to track your diet. It requires that you do some weighing and measuring of your fuel intake, but it does have the nutritional information of most foods as well as a "create your own" for foods that you eat all the time and can't find on their database. Each day the macro content (fat, protein, carbs, alcohol. . . yes alcohol is a macro nutrient! - at least in my book), of what you have been consuming (for what it's worth, alcohol counts as carbs for the zone).

You can also create reports showing your the overall macro content of your foods over a period of time as well as track your calorie intake and expenditures - among many other things I have not figured out yet.

I have been using it now for a couple of weeks, and I like the results. I discovered that my "paleo - ish" diet has been starving me! I don't consume nearly enough calories even to maintain my body weight let alone put on a few pounds of muscle.

Check it out if you are looking for some new gimmick to make the boredom of weighing and measuring your food more interesting. And yes, you have to weigh and measure. It doesn't do you any good to lie to the machine (many studies have shown that we all underestimate how much we are eating).

FitDay Link


Workout:

"Helen"

Three rounds for time:
Run 400 meters
1 1/2 pood Kettlebell X 21 swings (or 55 pound dumbbell swing)
12 Pull-ups

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Continued online support helps with weight loss success

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:33 PM | Comments (5)

March 27, 2008

080328 FRIDAY

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Sometimes that Wall Ball target just seems so far away.

Workout:

5 rounds

Back Squat 5 reps
Rope Climb 3 reps (15')

Post time and loads used for back squat to comments.

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Article:

More evidence that the Resveratrol in Red wine is good for you and bad for cancer.

Happy Friday, now go have some red wine (or grape juice).

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More powerful words from Lisabeth Darsh at CrossFit Watertown.

Did you hear the story about the guy who died doing CrossFit? It's true. He didn't go hard enough on "Helen" so his trainer killed him.

All joking aside, CrossFit is one intense MoFo. Usually, your trainer is motivating you to work harder, faster, and stronger and, usually, she/he is right. As CrossFit trainers, intensity is one of our obsessions, along with pull-ups, squats, thrusters, and any of ten thousand other ways to ahem,inflict pain,ahemhelp you to achieve your fitness goals. (Although, like the wonderful t-shirt over at Training Anarchy reminds us: "Obsession is what lazy people call dedication.") We push you to go harder because the simple fact of life is that most people don't go hard enough. Yet we also understand health, recovery, and the human body; so we know that, despite all our clamoring and exhortations, you simply cannot CrossFit at the same intensity each day, no more so than you can breathe the exact same number of breaths each day. (And we've tried counting, believe us. Although it wasn't exactly a full day. We had to get some pull-ups in. And we're really not that obsessive-compulsive.) . . .

complete article here.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:27 PM | Comments (5)

March 26, 2008

080326 WEDNESDAY

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Myself showing the camera how much I enjoyed the 30 muscle up workout on Monday.


Sorry for the late post folks. The day got busy. . . and then I ended up at the hospital last night.

I ripped both my wrists during the 30 muscle ups for time workout from the CrossFit mainpage on Monday. No big deal, done it a few times. In fact, they didn't even bleed. I just lost a layer of skin. Tuesday afternoon I noticed a red line of inflammation going up my left arm.

I have seen it before, and I was pretty sure what it was. I called the advice nurse and they confirmed that I needed to go to the hospital right away because the little 'scratch' I had was "streaking" and that was a sign of blood poisoning.

After about 5 hours at the hospital, I was discharged after 1am. I got my Tetnus booster shot, an IV full of antibiotics and a bandage on my wrist. In the wait room, I also determined that "American Idol" has got to be one of the most annoying shows and that I'll never understand why people enjoy it. I think I would rather watch television in Japan (and that's saying a lot).

I guess the lesson is to pay attention even to minor injuries you have experienced in the past, and make sure you clean and cover any open cuts or abrasions before going on with your daily stuff.

I would like to mention that I do not think it was the rings that caused the infection. I believe that it happened some time in the next 24 hours when I didn't address my wrist at all.

Thanks to Jimmy and Kelly for holding down the fort and running the 0600 class for me. It is probably a good thing I didn't try and make it. I would have been very grumpy and it would have been hard not to take it out on our 0600 team.

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Article:

Women need to eat more protein. Especially when they get older (link)

"The researchers, from the University of Nottingham in the UK and Washington University School of Medicine in the US, speculated that the inability of the female body to perform the same function as effectively was linked to the hormonal changes of the menopause."

". . .From the age of 50 onwards, people lose up to 0.4% of muscle mass every year.

This can make them less mobile and at a higher risk of a life-threatening fall. At present, half of all elderly people who suffer a serious fall die within two years. "

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 1:29 PM | Comments (13)

March 3, 2008

030408 TUESDAY

THE GOODS, THE BADS AND THE UGLY
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Nutrition is just as important for your performance as your training so eat things from the left side of the picture, avoid foods from the right and work out with the guy in the middle and all of the other trainers from The Shed.

Loose your Breakfast with Luca:
4 Rounds For Time of:

10 Turkish Get-up/Lunge/Lunge/Lie Down
10 DB Power Cleans
400M Run

Post time and comments
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Alittle more about nutrition:
Food to avoid

These foods are best avoided as they have little - if any - nutritional benefit.

* Bread (inc. bagels, croissants, crackers, etc.)
* Cake, muffins, scones etc.
* Refined sugar and associated products (inc. sweets, chocolate, etc.)
* Table salt
* Fruit juices, smoothies, juice bar drinks
* Soft drink
* Breakfast cereals (eliminate processed brands and those high in sugar and salt)

Food to reduce

These foods may be eaten in moderation, and replace them with other, better options when possible.

* Processed meats (inc. salami, bacon, sausages, hotdogs, etc.)
* Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams and potato products
* Pasta
* Rice
* Processed foods
* Coffee
* Tea
* Alcohol (especially spirits and beer)
* Dried fruits

Food to include

These foods should form the basis of you diet, they are packed with nutrients and your body is designed to digest them.

* Lean meats (trimmed of visible fat, preferably grilled not fried)
* Fish
* Seafood
* Eggs (remove the yolks)
* Soft cheese
* Fruit
* Vegetables
* Nuts ( no salted nuts)
* Seeds
* Water

Posted by at 8:30 PM | Comments (23)

February 15, 2008

080216 SATURDAY "Fast Filthy"

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Trainer Nate shows excellent "Post Workout Nap Form". Good job Nate.

Workout:

Do you want to know what it takes to get a 20 minute "Filthy Fifty"?

Try this one on for size:

"Fast Filthy"

Perform as many repetitions as possible in 2 minutes for each of the following exercises:

Box jump, 24 inch box
Jumping pull-ups
Kettlebell swings, 1 pood
Walking Lunge, R,L,R,L steps
Knees to elbows
Push press, 45 pounds
Back extensions
Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball
Burpees
Double unders

Post total repetitions to comments, or post total for each exercise if you can keep track.

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Video: Maybe we should get this instead of hanging our rope back up? Aren't machines great?

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Article:


Probotics may protect endurance athletes from illness

"Probiotic supplements reduce the number and length of infections suffered by long-distance runners, Australian research has found."

". . . Over the four months, all 20 received two month-long courses of pills - one containing the bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum, and the other containing no active ingredients.

All the athletes then recorded any days in which they were suffering from symptoms such as coughs and runny noses.

They then compared the toll of illness across the group, finding a total of 72 days in which people taking the "dummy" pills complained of symptoms.

When the same number of "probiotic" days was examined, only 30 were hit by illness. "

Too bad they only studied endurance runners. They are notorious for being overtrained and under rested (leading to injury and illness), and Professor Jeremy Nicholson does make the good points at the end. But I do hope they are able to do more studies using a more diverse (and larger) pool of athletes in the future. -jj

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:28 PM | Comments (5)

February 4, 2008

080203 SUNDAY "A big Fat myth"

Clip from a new movie called "Fat Head - You've been fed a load of bologna"

Workout: Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes -

200m run
30 push press (45lb men, 25lb women)
20 walking lunges (25lb dbs for men, 15lb dbs for women)
10 pull ups

Post number of rounds and fractions of rounds completed in comments.

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Article:

Cholesterol appears to be critical for strength and muscle gain

"At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that there was a significant association of dietary cholesterol and change in strength. In general, those with higher cholesterol intake also had the highest muscle strength gain.

Cholesterol circulating in the blood also appeared to have contributed to greater muscle gain in the participants, Riechman said.

“One possible explanation is through cholesterol’s important role in the inflammation process,” he noted.

“As you exercise, your muscles can become sore because they are rebuilding muscle mass. More cholesterol may result in a more robust inflammatory response. We know that inflammation in some areas, such as near the heart, is not good, but for building muscles it may be beneficial, and cholesterol appears to aid in this process.” "

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:22 AM | Comments (3)

January 31, 2008

080131 FRIDAY

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Jon Gilson from 'Again Faster', JJ from Diablo CrossFit, and Ryan Atkins from Crossfit Milwaukee (these are some 'major players' in CrossFit, as well as being fire breathers).

(a couple more pictures from the seminar if you click "Continue Reading" below).

Workout - 4 rounds for time:

10 squat cleans (135lb)
20 sledge hammer swings (10 lb sledge)
10 ring dips
500m row

NO 8 AM TOMMOROW

Post time to comments.
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Video: What's Your Excuse?

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Article(s):

Ketogenic Diet Tames Seizures
(full article in "Continue Reading" below)

"Experts stress that the diet can have side effects and should be attempted only under strict medical supervision. Most recommend it only for children with uncontrolled epilepsy who have tried several drugs that failed to reduce their seizures.

"We always want to make it clear to families that we don't see this as a more holistic approach to epilepsy care," "

Why Not!? It says in the article that this diet has been around since "Biblical Times" (and before if you believe in the whole paleo/caveman thing). What is wrong with trying a diet that is perfectly healthy and normal? -jj


Modified Atkins diet can cut epileptic seizures in adults

"Results showed that about half the patients had experienced a 50 percent reduction in the frequency of their seizures by the first clinic visit. . . Side effects linked with the diet, such as a rise in cholesterol or triglycerides, were mild. A third of the patients dropped out by the third month, unable to comply with the restrictions."

What!? These people went from an average of 10 seizures to less than half, and they were unable to comply with the restrictions. Wow.

In the past I have posted articles on how ketogenic diets have been shown to prevent cancer (even in terminal patients). Why are doctors so afraid to prescribe a way of eating that is perfectly healthy and NORMAL? -jj

Post thoughts to comments.

CrossFit Newport Beach Running and Endurance Cert Photos:

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Brian Mackenzie lecturing at the CrossFit Running and Endurance Seminar. It was a combination of lecture with Power point and videos, drills, running, workouts, and even video analysis of your own running form.

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Some of the people you'll find in this photo are: Eva T. (yes "The" Eva T.), Andy P. (Petranek Fitness), Micheal Latch (Valley CrossFit), C.J .(CrossFit San Diego), and Jon Gilson (Again Faster).

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Diet helps tame seizures
By Sandy Kleffman
STAFF WRITER

Article Launched: 01/29/2008 03:06:20 AM PST

LAFAYETTE -- Without hesitation, Cathy Holt can tell you how long it has been since Noah's latest seizure. The Lafayette mother keeps a running total. Her blond, blue-eyed 4-year-old has been seizure-free for 40 weeks.

That is a life-altering change for Noah, who had been averaging a seizure a week since he was 6 months old. The longest one lasted three hours. Many ended in a hospital emergency room.

Noah tried state-of-the-art medications to control his epilepsy, without success.

A low-tech approach transformed the boy's life -- a strict high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that defies all good-nutrition recommendations.

Known as the ketogenic diet, it has been around since biblical times and has gone in and out of favor.

Instead of fruits and vegetables, Noah's meals often include heavy cream, bacon and butter laced with cinnamon.

Why and how the diet works remains a mystery.

But Children's Hospital Oakland, Kaiser Permanente, the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford and other institutions have put scores of epileptic children on the diet, with varying degrees of success.

Experts stress that the diet can have side effects and should be attempted only under strict medical supervision. Most recommend it only for children with uncontrolled epilepsy who have tried several drugs that failed to reduce their seizures.

"We always want to make it clear to families that we don't see this as a more holistic approach to epilepsy care," said

Karen Amorde-Spalding, clinical nutrition manager at Children's Hospital Oakland. "It comes with its own set of risks and complications."
The risks include serious constipation, kidney stones, gallstones and pancreatitis.

But for some who have tried nearly everything else with no luck, the diet can have a dramatic effect.

A little more than a mile from the Holts, the Cortessis family shares a similar success story.

Five-year-old Niko used to have as many as 25 seizures a day. Sometimes he would have staring spells. At other times, he would suddenly faint, dropping and hitting his head.

His family tried at least five medications, but none stopped the seizures, and they did not like the side effects.

"He was a zombie," his father, John Cortessis, said. "He retrogressed in his language skills, his social skills."

Now, Niko, who has been on the ketogenic diet for nearly two years, has been seizure-free since April 7, 2006.

His parents have just begun the nerve-wracking process of weaning him off the diet, fearful that the seizures will return. Health experts prefer that children not remain on the diet for much longer than two years.

For many children, the seizures will have halted permanently. For others, the seizures return, and experts will continue searching for ways to help them.

The experience has bonded the two Lafayette couples -- Cathy and Bryan Holt and John and Kirstin Cortessis, who were once strangers. They now understand one another in a way few others can.

"Kirstin has become one of my dearest, closest friends," Cathy Holt said.

Niko and Noah are being treated at Children's Hospital Oakland.

The ketogenic diet essentially puts children in a starvation mode.

Normally, the body burns carbohydrates for energy. Without carbohydrates, it starts burning fat.

The liver then produces ketone bodies, which circulate through the body, including the brain, and become concentrated in the blood, said Amorde-Spalding of Children's Hospital Oakland.

The children are placed on a strict diet with about 90 percent of their total calories coming from fat.

Their urine is tested regularly to ensure that it is concentrated with ketone bodies, indicating they remain in a fat-burning stage.

The Bible mentions people fasting to end their fits, which are believed to have been epileptic seizures.

The current ketogenic diet was developed in the 1920s to treat epilepsy but began going out of favor in the 1940s as anti-epileptic drugs became available.

The diet catapulted back into popularity in 1994 when a movie executive who had a child with uncontrolled epilepsy took him to Johns Hopkins medical center. There, a ketogenic diet halted his seizures.

His father promoted the treatment and produced a 1997 made-for-television movie starring Meryl Streep, "First Do No Harm."

The regimen bears some similarities to the Atkins diet, which also puts people in a fat-burning state, but the ketogenic diet is much more controlled.

Families must weigh each bit of food and calculate the proper proportion of fat to carbohydrates. Dietitians such as Amorde-Spalding develop plans to ensure that young people receive enough calories to grow properly.

To start the diet, children often spend three days carefully monitored in a hospital as they switch into a fat-burning stage.

The diet seems to work best in young children, said Dr. Dan Birnbaum, head of neurology at Children's Hospital Oakland.

"It's hard to know whether the diet cures the epilepsy or just stops it so the brain can mature and get beyond the problem," he said.

It may be that the diet changes some biochemical pathways, resulting in improvements for some children, said Dr. Joseph Sullivan, director of the pediatric epilepsy center at UC San Francisco.

"As a result, other chemicals are increased that are known to have anti-seizure effects," he said. "But it's not well understood."

Kaiser Permanente started its program 15 years ago. Among 300 Northern California children it put on the diet, about 20 percent have become seizure-free, and 75 percent to 95 percent have had some improvement.

"It doesn't work for everybody, so it is not a panacea," said Dr. Calvin Wheeler, Kaiser subchief of pediatric neurology in southern Alameda County. "It is not a first-line treatment for seizures."

The diet can put families to the test. Both the Holts and Cortessises locked their refrigerators and pantries to keep their sons from eating prohibited foods.

They also had to make sure well-meaning relatives or neighbors did not slip their child a cookie or piece of cake, which could prompt another seizure.

But the families say the diet has been remarkable and the boys have adapted to the restrictions.

Noah "prays for no seizures," Cathy Holt said

The Cortessises are slowly increasing the percentage of carbohydrates in Niko's diet, hoping the seizures will not return.

"Once you've been there, you don't want to go back," Niko's father said.

Reach Sandy Kleffman at 925-943-8249 or skleffman@bayareanewsgroup.com.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 7:57 PM | Comments (2)

January 30, 2008

080131 THURSDAY

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DIABLO CROSSFITTERS ARE SO FAST YOU CANNOT CATCH THEM ON CAMERA

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GOT THEM!!

Lose your Breakfast with Luca:

Today we are strengthening up with some power cleans, build that explosive speed and power
Wod 1 3x5 power cleans

Wod 2 Rose's revenge, for time:

21-15-9
Burpees
Pull-Ups
K-Swing

Post time and comments
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TALK ABOUT ADAPTATION

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Article:


Study explains how protein keeps hunger at bay

Posted by at 8:30 PM | Comments (0)

January 28, 2008

080128 MONDAY

diablocrossfit%20kb%20swings%20in%20the%20sun.jpg
Grip it and rip it.

Workout:

Do one muscle up every 30 seconds for as long as possible.

If you cannot do m/us then do 5 pull ups, 5 ring dips alternating every 30 seconds until you can't keep up any more.

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Article:

Chemical in red wine, vegetables and fruit combats high fat diet risks

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:26 AM | Comments (0)

January 21, 2008

080121 MONDAY "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" & CFT

diablocrossfit%20MLK.jpg

For a great man, let's put out a max effort.

Warm up then do a 500m sprint on the rower. Try to set a PR, then:

CrossFit Total (CFT)

Working up to a maximum single:

Back Squat
Strict Press
Deadlift

Add up the three numbers to get your CFT.

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Article:

Renegade lunch lady saving kids lives

"Half of all the Hispanic and African-American kids born in 2000 and one-third of Caucasian kids will have diabetes in their lifetime, many before they graduate college"

". . . They're "basically making money off our children's health and their future," she says. "I'm just so pissed off."

Carbs, Protein, Fat balance arguments aside (she promotes the FDA high carb, low fat pyramid - which is the shape most people become if they follow those guidelines), this woman is definitely forcing some steps in the right direction. -jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:17 AM | Comments (4)

January 19, 2008

080120 SUNDAY "Elevation"

++ NEW CLASS SCHEDULE AS OF MONDAY, JAN 21!! ++

diablocrossfit%20luca%20the%20rowing%20taskmaster.jpg
"Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!". . . Luca is a harsh taskmaster.

Workout: "Elevation"

In 20 minutes, try to accumulate as many feet of "Elevation" as possible using the following exercises. Next to each exercise is the number we used for distance at the SHED. If you are doing this at on your own, you may change the values to what you have to work with. We also gave two different scores based upon height (over 6 foot is on the left, under 6 foot is on the right).

Rope Climb: 6 foot and up = 12 / 6 foot and under = 11
Muscle Up (bar or rings): 5 / 4
Pull Up: 2.5 / 2
Ring Dip: 2 / 1.5
Box Jump (same for both heights): big box = 3, med box = 2, small box = 1
Step ups (same for both heights): big box = 1.5, med box = 1, small box = 0.5

Tally up your reps for each movement and add it all up for a total score.

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Video (this kid has some good hops for a white guy)

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Article:


Human Hormone Blocker found to help prevent obesity and diabetes

"While the significance of its action is largely unknown, its potent and prolonged stimulation after a high-fat diet has led researchers to speculate it may play a key role in metabolizing fat. Research has shown that high fat feeding results in elevated circulating GIP concentrations, traits often found in patients who are obese with diabetes."

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:06 PM | Comments (2)

January 17, 2008

080118 FRIDAY

A picture is worth a thousand words, I borrow this one from our friends at One World:
one%20world.jpg
We are trying to achieve our goals for 2008, but remember that to get there you have to reach and break through the pain's threshold, not an easy thing to do, mentally, but a must for any crossfitter.
Lose your breakfast with Luca:

For time:

Run 400m
30 Pull Ups
Run 400m
50 Push Ups
Run 400m
70 Sit Ups
Run 400m
90 Squats

Post times and comments

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Remember, harder isn't necessarily better.

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Link: the ultimate weight loss guide

What do you think?


Posted by at 8:31 PM | Comments (17)

January 16, 2008

080117 THURSDAY

0800

Filthy Fifty

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
For Time

Post time to comments.

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Video: Another goal is to snatch Body Weight, but how about doing 1.6 more than body weight?

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Article:

Obesity becoming a 'Lifestyle Choice' for Americans.

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by at 8:30 PM | Comments (10)

January 14, 2008

080115 TUESDAY

Push press video filmed at CrossFit Santa Cruz

Lose your Breakfast with Luca:

For Time:

100 Push Presses 45#
row 500m
75 Push Presses 45#
row 500m
50 Push Presses 45#
row 500m
25 Push Presses 45#
row 500m

Killer shoulders work-out, Jackie's style

Post results to comments

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Article:

Scientists at Aberdeen’s Rowett Research Institute have shown that a high protein, low carbohydrate diet is most effective at reducing hunger and promoting weight loss

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by at 8:30 PM | Comments (2)

January 10, 2008

080111 FRIDAY

diabocrossfit%20darren%20finishes%20a%20split%20jerk.jpg
Darren finishes a nice split jerk (notice the 'active' shoulder).

Workout With Luca:

Did some work on a agility ladder as a Warm-Up then

For time
50 Push Ups 5 Thrusters
40 Push Ups 10 Thrusters
30 Push Ups 15 Thrusters
20 Push Ups 20 Thrusters
10 Push Ups 25 Thrusters

Post time to comments.

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Articles:

Obesity may raise the risk of still birth

"Researchers found that obese women were 40 percent more likely than normal-weight and overweight women to have their pregnancy end in stillbirth"

Mom's obesity during conception may set the stage for child's obesity risk

"Research studies have found that pregnant women who are overweight/obese are more likely to give birth to heavier babies, and the risk of overweight children becoming obese adults is nearly nine times greater than for children who are not overweight."

Overweight mothers run greater risk of having hyperactive children

"The correlation between mothers’ body mass index and child symptoms was found not only in those cases where the mother suffered from pronounced obesity but also in cases where the women were moderately overweight. Expectant mothers who were already overweight and moreover gained a considerable amount of weight during the course of the pregnancy ran a greater risk of having a child who would later show signs of ADHD than did women of normal weight who experienced the same weight gain during pregnancy."


Bottom Line: If you want a healthy pregnancy and child, deal with your own health first. -jj

Posted by at 8:19 PM | Comments (3)

January 2, 2008

080102 WEDNESDAY

diablocrossfit%20blue%20morning.jpg
The warm and inviting Shed during a cold blue sunrise.

Workout - 4 rounds for time:

20 ring push ups
20 dumbbell thrusters (@35lbs each)
20 pull ups
20 walking lunge steps
200 m run

Post time to comments.

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Article:

Diet for kids brain develpment

Post thoughts to comments.

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Don't forget to post your goals for 2008 to the Benchmarks Posting.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:44 AM | Comments (7)

December 17, 2007

071217 MONDAY

diablocrossfit%20jimmy%20TGU%20w%20slosh%20pipe%20copy.jpg
Jimmy demonstrates amazing patience and strength as he is the only one at The Shed able to do a Turkish Get Up with the Slosh Pipe.


As many of you now know, December is "Girls Gone Wild" month at The Shed. Many of us are trying to do as many of the 'girl' workouts, hero workouts, or other CrossFit 'classics' as possible before the end of the month.

Today the 0600 class we did the "Filthy Fifty" (see the Sunday workout for the full description).

On the menu for later is

"Elizabeth"

21 - 15 - 9 reps for time:

135lb clean
ring dips

Post time to comments.

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diablocrossfit%20gary%20taubes.jpg
Gary Taubes Lecturing at UC Berkeley

Gary Taubes is the author of "Good Calories, Bad Calories" and is a major player when it comes to presenting research regarding low carb diets.

You can read his pivotal NYT article here.

And you can check out what I think is the "End all, Be all" proof to quell the low carb nay-sayers at the Berkeley University lecture page here. Just send this link to them. You can watch it streaming or save it. . . just so you know - its 1 hour and 48 minutes long and 181 MB.

And thanks to Robb Wolf for the tip! (he is so my hero -jj)

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:32 AM | Comments (6)

December 4, 2007

071204 TUESDAY

diablocrossfit%20brian%2042in%20box%20jump%20attempt.jpg
Brian attempts a 42 inch box jump.
_____________

Tuesday Evening 1900

5 x 5 front squat

Post weights to comments

Tuesday Morning 08:00 Wod with Luca

Today's WOD was a MURDER!!!:
21-18-15-12-9 reps for time of:
Deadlift
Hang Power Clean
Front Squat
Push Jerk

The rules are: you can chose your weight , you can rest in between sets
but you cannot drop the bar during sets, if you do you start from the top of the set.

Post time to comments.

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Article:


Low Carb Diet Reduces Inflammation and Blood Saturated Fat

Post thoughts to comments.

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CrossFit Allstar and otherwise heroic Fem Fatal Eva T has come out with her own calendar.

Eva%20T%20calendar.jpg
With Eva being a bona fide CrossFit hottie as well as a performance idol to many aspiring women, I expect this calendar to fly from the shelves and be in CF gyms small and large across the globe.

You can order it here at the Aasgaard Company Website (a GREAT source for materials such as Coach Rippetoe's books as well as much much more).

Posted by at 9:19 AM | Comments (10)

November 28, 2007

071128 WEDNESDAY "BarTendaz" and "CrossFit Total"

These guys are from www.bartendaznyc.com and they promote Physical Fitness, Alcohol Awareness & Self Empowerment through exercise and community.

Workout:

"CrossFit Total"

Working up to a one repetition maximum for each lift:

Back Squat, 1rep
Strict Press, 1rep
Deadlift, 1 rep

Add up the weights for each one repetition maximum for your "CrossFit Total".

Here is a link to a PDF regarding the CFT and the idea behind the creation of it.

Post your numbers for each exercise and the total to comments.

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Hump Day Article:

Too much sugar turns off the genes that control the sex steroids.

"Estimates suggest North Americans consume 33 kg (72.8 lbs!)of refined sugar and an additional 20 kg (44.1 lbs!) of high fructose corn syrup per person per year."

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 10:15 AM | Comments (6)

November 27, 2007

071127 TUESDAY

diablocrossfit%20mikee%2071%20lb%20pullup%20copy.jpg
Mike E. (age 59) does a pull up with 71 lbs. Something tells me that Rob was impressed. -jj

08:00 WOD with Luca

Leftover Helen, since we did it on Thanksgiving, and both Ryan and Lorenzo weren't there
I dished a second serving. We also worked on cleans technique and some abs. I made sure that they were nicely warmed up and stretched, it's getting colder and you want those muscles nice and ready, so take some time before and after to stretch.
Anyway see you on Thursday

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1800 & 1900 Play Together

As the 1800 hour class ran over time, we all joined up as one big happy DCF family and ran through this lil relay together. Some of these newbies - especially Ed - are going to kick some serious ass!

Three teams of 4 and 3 rounds

Row 400 M
Push Ups
Push Press @ 45 lbs
Pull Ups

Some folks counted reps, but we based the race on whoever finished the full boat first. Great work by all!

Ed nailed a muscle up (before Craig - hehe)
Jorgy mentioned some 40 club, based on 40 straight pull ups - I joined that tonight (he didn't, hehe)
I think Matt B. was slowed by his fresh new facial hair.
Article:

McSubway Study: Why we eat more than we think at "Healthy" restaurants

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 11:18 AM | Comments (5)

November 16, 2007

071116 FRIDAY "Fran on Friday"

diablocrossfit%20brian%20matt%20dl%20pitchfork%20copy.jpg
Brian prods Matt about his Deadlift form (as Matt sports some sexy, and high tech, shin protectors).

Workout:

"Fran"

Three rounds, 21-15- and 9 reps, for time of:
95 pound Thruster
Pull-ups

Post time to comments.

-Also, don't forget to compare your times against everyone else's in the world at "Logs It All" or at the CrossFit Mothership-

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Article:


Low-Carb diet may stunt prostate tumor growth

This reminds me of a recent article on Robb Wolf's blog regarding Low Carb and the reduction of tumors. His great question is why the HELL are we so afraid to start clinical human trials, especially in the case of terminal patients? Low Carb or "Ketosis" diets are have been proven to not be 'unhealthy' if done correctly. -jj

Discuss in comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:48 AM | Comments (3)

November 11, 2007

071111 SUNDAY

JorgyBag.jpg
Jorgy broke out the "fgb" for today's wod. What does "fgb" mean? Pick it up and you'll know immediately. "gb" = green bag.

DCF Workout:

Body Carry

Carry your body weight 1/2 mile or,
1/2 body weight 3/4 mile or,
1/3 body weight 1 mile or,
1/4 body weight 1.5 miles.

Post time to comments.

Rope Climb Techniques: Rope Video

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Article:

People who fast seem to have heart health benefit

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 9:00 AM | Comments (8)

November 6, 2007

071106 TUESDAY

DSC04712.JPG
Craig & Jeremy on the bookends with Freddy and Jolie from CrossFit OneWorld - shortly after a "friendly" affiliate challenge wod at this weekend's CrossFit Certification. Freddy & Jolie kicked our butts (more on that in comments)! CrossFit One World is in Union City and is hosting a Stretching Seminar on Saturday, Nov 10 @ 1:00PM. Visit their site for details.

CrossFit WOD: BackSquat 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 reps

Post loads to comments.

DCF WOD - Luca

For time:
Box Jumps 25-20-15-10-5
Kettlebell Swings 15-15-15-15-15 (20kg)
PushPress 5-10-15-20-25 (65lb)

Complete one set of Box Jumps, move to KB Swings for one set, then one set of PP, repeat.

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Freddy & Jolie at CrossFit One World (Union City) challenged Jeremy and Craig to a wod during a lunch break at the Santa Cruz Certification.

DCF vs CFOW

Each team must complete the following:
12 Rope Climbs
50 Dumbell Thrusters - 1/2 Body Weight
100 Deadlifts - Body Weight

Team members may not do same exercise at same time.

CFOW spanked us! I confess a weakness in the rope climb (I did 4 and ripped up my hands - JJ did 8 - thx buddy). We nailed the Deads, but think there was a miscount (not enough to give us victory). Brutal wod, nonetheless - it took me at least 45mins to recover. Freddy and Jolie are metcon badasses!.

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So, which fat is good fat?

Article: Out With the Trans Fats, In With a Whole Lot of Others
By Julie Jargon, Wall Street Journal, Nov 6, 2007

Food companies are scrambling to replace trans fat in everything from french fries to cookies, but health experts worry that what's good for the nation's heart might be bad for its waistline.

HEALTH JOURNAL, WSJ: November 6, 2007

Out With the Trans Fats, In With a Whole Lot of Others
By JULIE JARGON

Food companies are scrambling to replace trans fat in everything from french fries to cookies, but health experts worry that what's good for the nation's heart might be bad for its waistline.

Trans fat is created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil. The resulting ingredient, known as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, is what makes french fries crispy and croissants flaky. But trans fat's effect on cholesterol -- it raises the bad kind and lowers the good -- has made it a food-industry villain.

Ever since the Food and Drug Administration required food companies to disclose the amount of trans fat in their products last year, the industry has been searching for replacement ingredients. Kraft Foods Inc., the world's second-largest food manufacturer by revenue, has removed trans fat from numerous products, including Oreo cookies, Wheat Thins crackers and Jell-O pudding snacks. PepsiCo's Frito-Lay has eliminated trans fat from all of its chips.

So what's going in food instead of trans fat? Some food makers are going back to ingredients high in cholesterol-raising saturated fat, such as palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil. In Kellogg's Eggo blueberry waffles, for example, trans fats have been replaced with palm oil and palm kernel oil, while Oreos now contain "palm oil and/or canola oil."

Kraft says that while the saturated fat content of Oreos is higher, the overall fat content is the same, at 7 grams per serving. "The effort wasn't just about removing trans fat, but about keeping the nutrition profile the same," says spokeswoman Laurie Guzzinati.

Thuy-An Wilkins, a spokeswoman for Kellogg, says the company has removed the trans fat in most of its products without increasing the amount of saturated fat, but it's still "a work in progress."

Other products are achieving trans-fat-free status through interesterification, a process in which fatty acids are redistributed on a fat molecule to make liquid fats behave more like solid fats. Products made with interesterified fat include Promise Buttery Spread and Enova cooking oil. Unilever, the maker of Promise, conducted its own study 10 years ago that found no adverse effects from food made with interesterified fat, says Doug Balentine, Unilever's director of nutrition sciences for the Americas.

But other nutrition experts say not enough is known about the safety of interesterified fat. There was little interest in researching the ingredient until the recent push for trans-fat alternatives. David Baer, a research physiologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, says his own research has studied only blended fats, and offers no insights on interesterified fats specifically. "We're interested in trying to figure out the health effects," he says. "The nutrition community is puzzled by what might be the most healthful alternative to trans fat."

K.C. Hayes, director of the Foster Biomedical Research Lab at Brandeis University, says that while the ingredient is in relatively few products now, its use may grow before the health-care community fully understands its impact. Dr. Hayes, who conducted a small study funded by the palm-oil industry that did find negative health effects from interesterified fats, says, "The point is, we should know more before we go off trans fat and onto something else."

The American Heart Association recommends replacing trans fat with monounsaturated fats, which are found in olive, canola, peanut and sunflower oils, or with the polyunsaturated fats found in soybean, corn and safflower oils. For instance, a lot of the chicken sold at KFC is now fried in a type of soybean oil, and McDonald's in the U.S. is switching to a proprietary blend of canola, soybean and corn oils for its french fries.

The biggest danger of the trans-fat swap-out could be that consumers will eat more junk food because they think it's healthier. For one thing, zero doesn't necessarily mean zero. Products can still have up to half a gram of trans fat and carry a "zero trans fat per serving" label. So if someone eats more than a serving of cookies, they could still be consuming a few grams of trans fat.

Posted by Craig at 9:56 AM | Comments (3)

October 29, 2007

071029 MONDAY

JimmyMaui.jpg
Jimmy, enjoying his Maui vacation (CrossFit Maui). What kinda nut drives 45 minutes in the middle of a Maui vacation/conference to do a brutal CrossFit wod? Diablo CrossFit nuts. Hurry back Jimmy & Kellie.

0600h WOD

A scaled version of the CF main site's Sunday brutal wod, for time:

50 Ring Dips
400m Run
50 Push Ups
400m Run
50 Press (men 75#, ladies #45)

Post time to comments.

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Article:

The crazy Japanese are at it again,
Seven Metabolic Samurai

I have to admit, it is pretty hardcore that someone died on the show, and the rest of them just kept going. -jj

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Craig at 9:42 AM | Comments (4)

October 17, 2007

071017 - WEDNESDAY

000_0016.jpg
Deya knocks out correct push ups. She's training for San Jose FD's Fire Academy!

0600h WOD

NICOLE
as many rounds as possible in 20 mins:

Max reps pull ups
400 meter run

Record rounds and lowest set of pull ups.

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Article: Obesity epidemic isn't limited to America

Report warns Britain of rising obesity
By TARIQ PANJA Associated Press Writer

LONDON—Most British citizens could be obese by 2050, a new government report warns, and the nation's health secretary called Wednesday for a fundamental shift in the way the nation tackles obesity.

Report warns Britain of rising obesity
By TARIQ PANJA Associated Press Writer

LONDON—Most British citizens could be obese by 2050, a new government report warns, and the nation's health secretary called Wednesday for a fundamental shift in the way the nation tackles obesity.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson didn't blame British eating habits, calling obesity "a consequence of abundance, convenience and underlying biology."

"As this report starkly demonstrates, people in the U.K. are not more gluttonous than previous generations and individual action alone will not be sufficient," he said in a speech to Parliament.

The obesity analysis by the Foresight program, run by the Office for Science, concludes that excess weight has become the norm and described Britain as an "obesogenic" society.

Obesity costs Britain the equivalent of $90 million a year already. Obese people have a greater risk for life-threatening conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

The number of overweight and obese people has tripled in the last 25 years. One in four adults are now obese, according to the most recent Health Study for England.

By comparison, about one-third of adults in the United States are obese; two-thirds are overweight.

The Foresight report projects that by 2050, 60 percent of British men, 50 percent of women and a quarter of children and young people will be obese unless drastic action is taken.

The study's authors, who based their findings on research from 250 experts over two years, said there was scant proof that current anti-obesity policies worked. The government pledged to draw up new plans to combat bulging waistlines.

Solutions to the problem will not be found "in exhortations to greater individual responsibility or in the futility of isolated initiatives," the health secretary said.

The report made a series of proposals:

—Earlier action when young children start gaining too much weight.

—Targeting people who are at increased risk.

—Controlling high-calorie foods.

—Changing the design of towns to make them more physically demanding.

—Increasing employer responsibility.

"There is a danger that the moment to act radically and dramatically will be missed," said Sir David King, the government's chief scientific adviser and head of the Foresight report. "It is a problem that is getting worse every year."

King and his fellow authors said obesity was inevitable in developed societies like Britain, where convenience foods, labor-saving devices, cars and sedentary work are part of daily life.

"We are facing a far worse scenario than even our gloomiest predictions," said Philip James, chairman of the International Obesity TaskForce, in a statement. "We need to respond rapidly and decisively."

Posted by robarnum at 10:53 AM | Comments (1)

October 10, 2007

071010 WEDNESDAY


Sarah practices some basic Olympic Weightlifting with a new perspective on "center of gravity".

Workout:

Perform one complete Tabata Circuit for the following exercises with one minute rest in between stations.

Double Unders
Kettlebell Swings (1.5 pood, or 55lb dumbell)
Pull Ups
Wall Ball (men: 20lb women: 14lb ball, 10 ft target)

A "Tabata" circuit is 8 intervals of 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest, so each interval lasts 30 seconds, with a total circuit time of 4 minutes (if you count the last 10 s rest). In this workout you will be completing all 8 intervals of an exercise before resting and moving on to the next exercise.

Your Tabata 'score' is the lowest number of repetitions in any given interval for the exercise in that particular circuit. Add up the minimum score from each exercise for a total score for the workout.

Post score to comments.

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Article:

Overeating, Inflammation, and Metabolic Diseases

Post thoughts to comments.

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 8:28 AM | Comments (1)

July 18, 2007

070718 WEDNESDAY

JoshKB.jpg
Josh at the top with his KettleBell.

0600H wod

For time, 3 rounds of -

400m Run
21 Kettlebell Swings (1.5p)
10 Ringdips

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Today's reading: Don't believe the hype from vegetarians. A very extensive 7 year study found women with breast cancer did not reduce their risk of dying.

Women with breast cancer fared no better on fruit, vegetable diet
Half of patients in study added vegetable juice and cut fat from their diets, but equal numbers suffered relapse, died of disease
By Judy Peres
CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Full Article Here

Posted by Craig at 12:50 PM | Comments (3)

April 24, 2007

070424 BMI on Kids Report Cards


NY Times Article: As Obesity Fight hits Cafeteria, Many fear note from school.

PBS Article: Body Mass Index Report Card

Now I am not a fan of the Body Mass Index (BMI) as a hard fast rule, I do believe it can help 'flag' kids as having potential weight problems.

While some people believe that putting the score on the report card is a little tough, I tend to disagree. If a child is failing math, he/she (with the help of their parents) has to do something about it. The BMI is not nearly as clean cut as math problems, but the adequate action by the parents is: Find out if your child is at risk (either overweight OR underweight). If the BMI doesn't apply to them because of their body type (athletic/muscular people can show up as 'overweight', as can very tall thin people), disregard the information and congratulate your child for being special.

It is time for us to leave behind the "don't hurt the child's feelings" ideas, and start preparing them for the REAL WORLD. Obesity, heart disease and insulin resistance (Type II diabetes) are where our children are headed. These (and many more health issues) are the price that children will pay for a 'good body image' at the risk of being healthy. They are the prices we will all pay in health care costs. It is the job of our educators and parents to protect our children and to teach them that ultimately THEY will be responsible for their health, not the government, not the advertisers, not the food itself.

As far as eating disorders go. . . these stem from ignorance and lack of education. Kids develop eating disorders from bad body image when they lack the knowledge and tools to understand their body and what healthy options are available to them. Educators and parents have to step it up and get themselves educated and be ready to step in before the child gets to the point of developing an eating disorder.


We tried the 'sheltering' thing with the "everybody is special and important". The "No Child Left Behind" thing is lowering standards and hurting the kids that would excel. This stuff is not working. It is time for adults to start 'preparing' kids for adulthood with all of it's challenges and tribulations. We need to teach them that 'responsibility' and 'hard work' are not just essay topics from a Ernest Hemingway short story.

-jj

Posted by Jeremy Jones at 1:06 PM | Comments (1)

March 20, 2007

070320 Tuesday: REST

++ No Class Tonight (Tues) - Next Class Wed AM & Thu PM - See Schedule ++

crossfit_kids_1.jpg
Need exercise ideas for your kids? Check out CrossFit Kids for a wod scaled for age/experience.

In my 25 years of toiling at exercise, I know the secret to improved fitness and weight management: exertion and variety! I have witnessed many, many fat people (even obese) train for and run 10k's and marathons, apathetically grind away on treadmills and elipticals, and lift weights for hours at a time - all with little result. Doctors and trainers alike discourage exercise that elevates the heart rate to maximum levels. "If you feel feint..." you know the rest. Frankly, if I feel feint, I know my effort was meaningful enough to provoke results (see: What is Fitness, by Greg Glassman).

CrossFit has confirmed this "exertion principle" for me. Fortunately, CF also helped me understand that powerful exertion need only occur for short periods (bursts) to be effective. It appears the same may be true for children, as the article below indicates.

More on this subject from me later. In the meantime, read on about how to help your children:


The secret to slim kids: 15 minutes spurts of activity.
Short bursts of intense play most helpful, experts say!


Just 15 minutes a day of kicking around a ball or swimming might be enough to keep children from becoming obese, British and U.S. researchers said on Monday.

A study of 5,500 children who agreed to wear a motion sensor device showed that those who exercised more were less likely to be obese — and that short bursts of intense activity seemed to be the most helpful.

Link: BURSTS

Secret to slim kids: 15 minutes of activity
Short bursts of intense play most helpful, researchers say
Reuters

Updated: 9:43 p.m. PT March 19, 2007

Just 15 minutes a day of kicking around a ball or swimming might be enough to keep children from becoming obese, British and U.S. researchers said on Monday.

A study of 5,500 children who agreed to wear a motion sensor device showed that those who exercised more were less likely to be obese — and that short bursts of intense activity seemed to be the most helpful.

Children who did 15 minutes a day of moderate exercise — equivalent to a brisk walk — were 50 percent less likely than inactive children to be obese, the researchers reported in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Medicine.

“Our data suggest that higher intensity physical activity may be more important than total activity,” Andy Ness of the University of Bristol and colleagues wrote.

“This study provides some of the first robust evidence on the link between physical activity and obesity in children,” Chris Riddoch of Britain’s Bath University, who worked on the study, said in a statement.

“We know that diet is important, but what this research tells us is that we mustn’t forget about activity. It’s been really surprising to us how even small amounts of exercise appear to have dramatic results.”

A growing problem
Obesity is on the rise in many countries, including the United States, where 60 percent of the population is overweight or obese, Britain and elsewhere in Europe.

It is clearly a matter of people eating more calories than they burn off, but experts cannot agree whether diet or exercise is more important — and which kind of exercise might be best.

Ness’ team studied 5,500 children, with an average age of 12, who with their mothers have been taking part in a larger, long-term study of health.

The children agreed to wear a device called an accelerometer, which measures total activity, and they had X-ray scans for body fat. The researchers rated the children with the top 10 percent levels of fat mass as obese.


The less the children exercised, the more likely they were to be obese, the study found.

“These associations suggest even a modest increase of 15 minutes moderate and vigorous physical activity might result in an important reduction in the prevalence of overweight and obesity,” the researchers wrote.

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