CrossFit Level 1 Certification

Earlier this summer at Lake Powell I was doing a workout that include Front Squats. CrossFit approved for sure! No excused that you can't get a workout in. There's always objects that weigh something (if even only your own body weight...but a log works too).

This last weekend was an amazing experience for me. Attending the Level 1 CrossFit Certification course was good review on some aspects, was eye opening for other aspects, was educational, was intriguing, was motivating, was contagious, the list goes on and on. Basically, it was just what the doctor ordered!

I have friends that do CrossFit, I have friends that have their own CrossFit gyms, I have friends that are CrossFit trainers, I have done CrossFit workouts...but what the heck is CrossFit?

That question was answered for me this weekend in the most clear way I could have asked for. CrossFit is a workout program that is constantly varied, full of functional movements, all at high intensity. The effectiveness of a program like this is astounding. I know when I first heard of CrossFit I was thinking that this is something for the elite athletes or for people like myself who are crazy and love to beat themselves up in workouts. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Yes, CrossFit will fulfill the needs of the "athletes" and the crazies, but it also will help grandma be able to move better for longer in life. It will help kids develop great motor skills at a young age. It will give "mom" an easier time keeping up with her kids. It will make everyone fitter and healthier. Not to mention the community within CrossFit is extremely encouraging, motivating, and supportive.

I have been told in the past that I train similar to a CrossFitter. Yes, it was similar. But this weekend has taught me what I was doing right, what I was doing wrong, and what I need to add or subtract from my programs to make them more effective.

Another aspect that I will touch on only briefly in this blog post is nutrition. Many "fitness" organizations stray trainers away from dealing with people's food intake due to liability reasons. Or they preach the typical American diet - low fat, high carb. Why? This is WRONG! First of all, food is our bodies fuel. If we don't fuel it right, it's not going to run right. Therefore teaching people how to eat right is a HUGE component of getting results. Carbs, or sugars, are what our bodies store as fat. We can't store protein or fat as fat. Toss everything you've heard about the low fat diets down the tubes! Fat and protein help us feel satiated, help us recover, and help slow down the rate that sugar enters the blood. Carbs on the other hand make us feel hungrier and are stored as fat. So why would we eat high carbs and low fat? Doesn't make sense does it. Basic things to think about with nutrition...eat Protein and Veggies, Nuts and Seeds, Some Fruit, Little to No Grains/Starch, No Refined Sugar.

I am stoked to learn more, to help others become better athletes, to help others become more independent and capable in their own physical lives. Let the games begin!

To start training with me you can reach me at www.afitplace.com. I train clients remotely and I also do train in person. Please email or call to get started to a fitter you!