When you CrossFit you are and do much more than your average person. It takes a certain kind of person with a certain kind of attitude to go through the kind of WODs we do. I am always fascinated with the human potential and what we can do. Not only physically, but mentally, to continually push ourselves to the next level. Below are 5 crucial characteristics to do such that…Enjoy and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

The Winner’s Circle by Denis Waitley

If the five Olympic rings were attitudes of champions in every profession, these five attitudes would be prominent in the mindset of the peak performer:

1. Paying the Price — Everyone wants to win, but few are willing to invest the time and effort. Paying the price means focusing on developing the skills and training regimen of champions – observation, imitation, repetition and the internalization of knowledge into habits; also, learning why and how to go the extra mile and seeing success as a marathon, not a dash. Champions view failures as temporary inconveniences and learning experiences.

2. The Olympian Within — Winners believe in their worth in advance of their performance. Most people base their worth on their current status or achievement level, which means that until they are judged successful by society’s standards, they have little to be proud of. Champions believe in their dreams when they have only a dream to hang on to, even in the face of criticism and superior achievements by others.

3. Non-situational Integrity — Authentic, lasting winners have an uncompromising attitude about self-honesty. They function according to an “integrity triangle”, consisting of three basic questions: (a) Are my beliefs based upon truth? (b) Do my words and actions correspond with truth and honesty? (c) Before I speak or act, do I honestly consider the impact of my decision on other people and the environment?

4. The “Coachability” Factor — Champions are always open to alternatives to improve their performance. Consistent winners are not the arrogant egotists who dominate the media spotlight. The most successful individuals in the game of life are often the most approachable, most gracious, non-judgmental with others and most critical of their own performances, as well as most eager to learn and improve.

5. Being a Team Player — a team in harmony is synergy in motion, where the whole is greater than the sum of the individual talents. When all assignments are understood, when each takes 100 percent responsibility for the outcome, a quantum leap in performance takes place. Winners learn how to become interdependent, without sacrificing individuality; how to stand out, while fitting in.

So its self check time; what out of the 5 characteristics to you have? What one’s do or want to work on? Tell Us.

Cody B

Casey is showing us FULL LOCKOUT

Check out the info below and give us your thoughts.

In the article Overhead is Rising from the CF Journal, BIll Starr outlines 6 reasons overhead lifting is a safe and essential fitness tool to developing your athletic potential:

1.”Convertible” Strength – The strength gained from doing presses and other overhead exercises is applicable to more athletic events than any other shoulder girdle movement—especially those sports that require the athletes to extend their arms overhead, including basketball, volleyball, tennis, baseball, lacrosse, swimming, the field events in track(javelin, shot put), and nearly every position in football.

2.Proportionate Strength – Overhead exercises develop a more proportionate strength in the shoulder girdle than any other upper body movement. Presses, jerks, push presses, and push jerks create wide, powerful arms and shoulders, with less emphasis on the chest muscles, which play a minor role in nearly every sport. Overhead work does hit the high portion of the chest—a good thing since that part of the pecs helps to stabilize the shoulder girdle.

3.More Flexibility – Overhead exercises do not hinder shoulder flexibility. Rather, they enhance it—an important point for anyone participating in a sport which requires a high degree of shoulder flexibility, such as gymnastics, the martial arts, and wrestling.

4.Works Back, Hips, even Legs – While most upper body exercises only work the groups that make up the shoulder girdle, overhead movements also strengthen the back, from the traps to the lumbars, and also directly involve the hips, glutes, and legs. Most do not think about how much the back is utilized during overhead lifts.

5.Protects Rotator Cuffs – The area of the back that get the most sore is usually the middle or right over his shoulder blades. Gaining and maintaining strength in this latter area is extremely beneficial since this is where the muscles that constitute the rotator cuffs are located. Back when the overhead press was the primary upper body exercise, rotator cuff injuries were unheard of.

6.Balance and Good Looks – The overhead lifts belong in the routine of every athlete. Presses, jerks, push presses, and push jerks build a more balanced and pleasing physique than other upper body exercises.