You’re so money!
February 8, 2010
What an amazing day today! It was just one of those days at Albany CrossFit where everyone seemed to come in with super positive energy and great vibes! Everyone loves a ladder so maybe that was it?
It was also hopefully quite evident that we are trying super hard to really keep all classes running smoothly, safely, efficiently, and organized. It's not always easy, but we are really doing our best. Starting with a brand new whiteboard in the hallway, we are going to provide more specific time frames for the breakdown of classes.
It really helps us coaches when everyone pays attention, listens, and follows the instructions to the best of their ability. We want to focus on what makes Albany CrossFit stand above all other facilities, and that is our positive community and coaching. We want to make sure to take time on a daily basis to review movements, there is always potential to improve an exercise. Just like one can never master the violin, one can never really master an exercise, there is always some place to improve.
Please post your thoughts on today to comments.
Shout out to Heather of "Mean" Gene's 9am class. Completing an astounding 25 Rounds at the Women's prescribed weight of 25lbs! This lady is no joke!
Thoughts on the Paleo Challenge, Written by Mike "Woody" Wood:
As promised, here are a few thoughts on the Paleo challenge I completed this past month.
I knew it would be hard when it started and I was thinking 2 things. 1) It was going to take 0 points to win the contest and 2) I needed to understand more about Paleo and what I could eat. I immediately committed to myself I was going to finish with 0 points and I went out and bought a book. The book was very insightful and showed me what, how and why to eat Paleo. Once I understood that, I was ready to begin.
People have to understand what motivates them. I have been looking for something to help me lose weight for a while. It's proper motivation that was always my downfall. A contest works for me. It was perfect. It fits my personality and gave me a reason to hang with it.
I will admit, my first week was hard. I know some people say their workouts suffer but I was new to CrossFit so my workouts were not great to begin with. I ended up losing 6 pounds the 1st week. That was a big motivator! This "contest" just turned into something more. I had never seen such good results in 1 week. I was operating out of commitment to results now more than I was before. I was astounded to see another 5 pounds gone at the end of week # 2. I saw where this was going and momentum and commitment got stronger and better.
I am happy to say that at the end of 32 days I have dropped 19 pounds. If I can do this, anyone can do it. One of the best feelings I had was at the end of week 4. 5 weeks ago, I had about 7 pairs of jeans in my closet. One pair fit me and my last "good" pair of jeans were getting tight. I took out a pair of jeans I have not touched in 3 years and slipped them on with room to spare. I then put on a shirt I had never worn because it was too tight. It's hard to explain to some people how much that means but it was like I had taken control of my health again. Almost everything in my closet fits me again. If I keep this up, I may have to end up giving that stuff away and going to get new (smaller) clothes.
I am running into people I have not seen in a while and everyone comments about how much weight I have lost. It's a good feeling.
Here are some KEY tips I would give to anyone who wants to do this:
1) Get your spouse to do it with you - My girlfriend is doing this with me and she has dropped 8 pounds. She only wanted to lose about 15 pounds and she looks and feels great. As a side note, she no longer needs her Nexium and has not gotten a sinus headache in a month. She used to get them 3 times a week. (The book talks about this) It is so much easier to do this when your partner is doing it with you.
2) Crossfit - Needless to say, the intense workouts helped the whole process. And yes, my workouts have gotten better. My recovery time is shorter and I am less sore from day to day.
3) No Alcohol - This is the tough one for most of the 20 and 30 something crowd we have at CrossFit. It was a simple decision for me…I just wanted to lose weight more than I wanted a drink. Moving forward, I will have a drink here and there but my approach to it will be different.
4) Manage your Weekends – Weekends are the hardest to stick to it. I had to treat myself a little bit on the weekends to better diners. I would go out that day and get some good fish. Or I would spend more time preparing a better meal with more fresh ingredients. Again, I wanted to lose weight more than I wanted pizza.
5) Take a Break - I am talking a break over the weekend. I still like pizza and beer and I am going to have some of both over this Super Bowl weekend. I am right back on this on Monday. I have come too far to turn back.
I hope this helps a few people out there. I am usually around if anyone has any questions. I will always remember on our first day that Caleb said Crossfit and Paleo could change your life. It only took me two months to realize he was right!
“love life, engage in it, give it all you've got. love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it” –Maya Anelou
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5 Responses to You’re so money!
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Joy Smolinski says:
Nice write up Mike! Congratulations.
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Rachel says:
Mike Awesome write up and congrats!
HEATHER ROCK ON!! I ADMIRE YOU!
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Lenora Pfeffer says:
Congrats to Heather. I figured it was actually 35#, since the post said Rx’d. You are badass!
Mike, you totally rock! Keep it up! -
Heather says:
Thank you for clearing up the correct weight, Gene. I was going to if no one else did! It was 35lbs and I will go heavier the next time we do this.
Mike, great write up and great job! It is very hard to stick to but I finally agree that Paleo makes you feel good in ways you dont even realize were ailing! Keep it up!
Heather did 35 pounds!