Athlete of the Week – Special Edition

Posted in Uncategorized on January 6, 2011 by Crossfit Sioux Falls

Hey Fitters! There’s a lot going on at CrossFit Sioux Falls these days and many people who deserve some recognition for all their accomplishments. As a result, I have a combined Athlete of the Week post that highlights a few special people and gives you just a small glimpse of their Awesomeness!

Up first…the Silent Assassin…

Brent Carr CrossFit Sioux Falls

Brent Carr from CrossFit Sioux Falls

Brent Carr – CrossFit Total
Last Friday, Brent Carr smashed his own PR’s and went on to set the CrossFit Total overall weight lead with a combined 1045 lbs. In the words of a competitor and friend in the competition “other than being a f-ing Ox, don’t know what to say. Just a great example of being dedicated and letting hard work make a man freaky strong. Nicest guy in the world as well.”

I have come to know Brent over the past weeks and echo those same comments. His positive attitude, willingness to help others and dedication to CrossFit and himself are a great example for others.
Brent, thanks for all you contribute to the CFSF community and we look forward to seeing you take those PR’s continuously higher. Get after it!

Onward….the TEAM…

CrossFit Sioux Falls work in progress made possible by the following team...

Casey Mouw, Michael Brownfield, Matt Byers, Liza Nelson – CrossFit Construction

You all know these guys as your trainers, friends, mentors, and leaders at CrossFit Sioux Falls. What you may not know is starting Friday at 5pm (New Years Eve) through 14 hours on New Years Day and another 10 hours on Sunday these guys Got after It – transforming CrossFit to be ready for our Monday re-launch. In total, we spent 33 hours together as a team.

I could not be more proud to have these guys on our team. Here are just a few reasons why – giving [did I mention they gave up 33 of roughly 48 hours over the New Years weekend], dedication [we could have just painted and laid mats in a hurry, but to do them the absolute best possible way takes time], friendship [Lonestar made for a great New Year’s meal I will not forget]. If you take note, the exact same qualities they give to our members everyday to make them better; they gave us all the same this past weekend as the CrossFit Construction crew.

The culmination for all of us came when members showed up in volume to wrap up and help put the finishing touches on for Monday, but when I left the building Sunday night at 8pm to get my kids home, I turned around one last time and could only smile at the 4 people that remained…Casey, Browny, MattyB and Liza…filling in a white board making sure 5:30 am would be a hit for all of you!
Thank you all for what you give to everyone at CFSF!

…the finale…the Dynamic Duo…

Chris and Annie Mello show off their CFSF picture.

Chris and Annie Mello – CrossFit Sioux Falls

For 2 years this couple dedicated their hearts and passion to launch CrossFit Sioux Falls and turn it into something special. They have changed lives, transformed bodies and built a business and community of which I am proud to be involved.

For many WOD’s I would personally check out the board and see Annie’s time and know to at least double it to get near my finish time. Typically, I failed even at that 2x goal. And the times we did class together, if the workout was 3 rounds, typically by the start of my 2nd round she was done and on to help coaching us remaining athletes.

It took 104 weeks for them to finally make it to Athlete of the Week 😉 but as they transition on to new ventures in their return home to Los Angeles, we wish them all the best and continued success!

…and wrap-up…

So there you have it – AOW Special Edition comes to an end. And as we close, give these Athletes some appreciation for their accomplishments. Post a comment, give ‘em a fist, heck toss a bearhug if you want…just do something show them all how much we appreciate them at CrossFit Sioux Falls!

As for the AOW parking space – to keep you all from crashing into each other or bringing your monster truck to park on top of the other guy, Brent Carr…it’s yours for your AOW CrossFit Total accomplishment – nice work!

Refocus

Posted in Crossfit Philosophy, Lifestyle on January 4, 2011 by MattyB "FTS"

A refocused CF'er.

 

Well that was fun ya? 2010 is now in the rear view…we accomplished some great things here at CFSF. But I see no reason to settle, why not chase down even greater things? We know where we’ve been, we know where we want to go…so insert some fight, a little sweat and away we go.

Something dawned on me the other morning as I went in and failed on my PR snatch attempt…ohhh, a half dozen times. That day…I really didn’t deserve it. Why? I lost focus…I let myself fall into some old lazy habits. It’s easy to forget the amount of work we have actually put in because we enjoy it so much. Yes it was the holidays, yes it’s cold outside, yes work can be a mo’fo…blah, blah, blah. On top of this we are going through a transition at the box. But none of this means I can’t wake up each day on the same quest. I know for a fact I will not achieve the things I want to, or simply enjoy my life more alone, BUT…. let’s face it, I can cost me those things alone. I can fail alone if I allow myself. Identify what you let slip these last couple weeks, was it diet? Sleep? Intensity? Just lost sight of the big picture? Well…sh#t…now what?

Refocus.

Remind yourself how much tail you were kicking pre holidays. Remind yourself how it’s more than a workout and why you keep coming back. A goal sheet, a work e-mail that pissed you off, maybe and old text message that made you want to punch someone…whatev’…find it, keep it, read it everyday. Take a second and redefine how you are going to approach today, tomorrow, next month, 2011.

Remember you don’t have to be ready to kill to show up at the box…that’s what it is there for. Remember the last WOD you smashed…remember the high, as soon as you see your fellow CF’ers you will become motivated. As soon as you here the “3,2,1…GO!” you KNOW an internal switch goes off…just show up. The good habits you have set will kick back in and the temporary bad, lazy habits will be chillin’ out by the curb.

Refocus.

Tell yourself right now and again later, “Yes I will”…  I leave it to you to fill in the blanks. Let CFSF continue to put that “S” on your chest. No more excuses…right now, today, tonight…get to the box and decide what you want.

No goal or motivation is stupid if it is what floats your boat and gives you that edge…embrace it. Remember all of your fellow CF’ers have “real life” issues of all shapes in sizes. Maybe not exact, but remember we go through frustrations and you aren’t rocking it solo. Don’t get caught up in them…you always have us.

Refocus…tell youself over and over what you ARE going to do. It won’t be easy but I will be damned if we aren’t going to love it…

Go ahead and post any temporary set backs you came across…or maybe talk about what you are going to do in the near future. I know you are reading this… What can we help you with?

WOD
“CFSF Blog”

AMRAP
Read it
Comment
Be awesome

Hey you… Refocus,

MattyB

I leave you with some words of wisdom by the great Eminem that always make me think of a great day at CFSF.

“I can’t tell you what it really is
I can only tell you what it feels like
and right now it’s a steel knife in my windpipe
I can’t breathe but I still fight while I can fight
as long as the wrong feels right it’s like I’m in flight
high off of love…”

Video if you are so inclined:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uelHwf8o7_U

New Year, New Venture – New Owner of CrossFit Sioux Falls

Posted in Uncategorized on January 3, 2011 by Crossfit Sioux Falls
CrossFit Sioux Falls

A dedicated effort by many adds a new look and feel to the box.

In a transaction, led by Liza’s passion for all that is CrossFit, a trainer who believed in our plan, a couple who desired to return home and timing which created the perfect scenario, I am proud to welcome in 2011 with my wife, Liza as the new owner of CrossFit Sioux Falls.

I must start by saying thanks to Chris and Annie Mello, the founders of CrossFit Sioux Falls for all of their hard work, dedication, and passion that built this business from zero to strong in 2 years. In my eyes, Chris really did beat the odds in Sioux Falls fitness. Their accomplishments speak for themselves. Moreover, through the entire transition process both Chris and Annie have been phenomenal.

In the past 3 days we have spent over 30 hours with many people, but in particular 3 very dedicated trainers, Casey, Browny and MattyB who spent every hour of that time revamping CrossFit Sioux Falls to get it ready for everyone. I will not forget this time spent with these guys and the effort to make it all happen. Also to the many who showed up Sunday, thank you. I am grateful that people dedicated their free time to make this all happen.

As for what’s new…we took all that was original CrossFit and have added to it. More equipment, a fresh feel inside, new kids area coming and more – come in and check it out. As for what’s staying, remaining unchanged…all the best stuff – the highly skilled, certified and passionate training staff. Casey is on full-time. Browny, MattyB and Cody are dedicating their skills to make you better. Liza is on full-time. It is an amazing assembly of talent that cares about not only your fitness but your life.

Many more changes are in the works and some may take a bit of time. In the meantime, I will assure you the best opportunity to get a great workout with the most qualified training staff in Sioux Falls.

So, as I start 2011 as a blessed Dad and husband of a woman following her dreams, I challenge you to make positive, proactive change in your life. Whether it be CrossFit or some other passion you finally activate, do something!

I am anxious to see what 2011 has in store for all of you and all who CrossFit Sioux Falls!

What NEW will YOU DO in 2011? Get after it!

—Greg Nelson

P.S. Check back this week for a special Athlete of the Week. This is one you won’t want to miss.

What is in Store for YOU in 2011???

Posted in Crossfit Philosophy, Lifestyle, Members on December 31, 2010 by Crossfit Sioux Falls

Memorial Day WOD Sept 2010

Goals? Faith, Family, CF, Career, Travel, etc…

What are you going to do in 2011?

P.S. This would be REALLY cool if you wrote your goals for 2011 in the comments and then next year you can read them and magically watch how they come to reality.

Most Memorable Moments of 2010

Posted in Lifestyle, Members on December 30, 2010 by Crossfit Sioux Falls

Team FTS May 2010

This has been an incredible year for me as a coach.

I have witnessed a lot of different things…

*women doing CrossFit throughout 90% of their pregnancy and then getting to hold their baby

*I have been told to ‘shove it’ in just about every curse word you could imagine

*almost a hundred people do a REAL pull-up for the 1st time

*a bar has literally been thrown at me during a WOD

*I have made a someone do a WOD twice through in the same class because they didn’t do it heavy enough the 1st time through

*someone starting CF with full blown diabetes and now COMPLETELY off medication.

I met just about every kind of person with every type of goal out there. And every single person that committed themselves to us (CFSF) we committed ourselves right back to them. And you know what…this CF thing actually works!!!

We have had so many highs and lows throughout 2010 and we wouldn’t trade it for the world.

You CFSF’ers are some of the most amazing people I have ever been fortunate to meet and develop this amazing friendship we have. I can’t tell you how much all you guys mean to me.

Now it’s your turn.

Remember when you…

-Signed up: How did you feel? What were your goals? Were you nervous/intimidated/frightened with your LIFE???

-What kind of battle wounds have you had? Blisters, Blood, Scars, Hands (pre CF vs. Current day)

-Who are the friends you have made through CFSF in 2010?

Post to comments and give us some memories to remember:-)

Best WODs of 2010

Posted in Lifestyle, Members on December 29, 2010 by Crossfit Sioux Falls

Remember the "Stop the War in MYRack"

2010 has brought us lots of WODs, sweat, blood, tears, curse words, scars, etc…

Which ones are your…

Most Fav?

Most Memorable?

The HARDEST?

Most inspiring?

Holiday Schedule this Week:

Monday-Thursday: Regular Class Schedule
Friday: 830a and 930a classes are partner WODs. 930a class has daycare. Noon class is the CF Total
Saturday (Jan 1st): We are closed

Best Blogs of 2010

Posted in Lifestyle, Members on December 28, 2010 by Crossfit Sioux Falls

Awesome pic...Awesome Momma

It has been quite a year of blogs for CFSF.

Remember the…

CFSF Rules to Live By: throw away your scale, no band loading, 10 commandments,

Paleo challenge II winner, Paleo Challenge I winners, 100 day burpee challenge, or how about cody’s blog, Breast Cancer race, or Booms and Sarah competing in the South Dakota Powerlifting Competition

The list can go on and on…

What are your favorites?

What do you want to read more of in 2011?

Holiday Schedule this Week:

Monday-Thursday: Regular Class Schedule
Friday: 830a and 930a classes are partner WODs. 930a class has daycare. Noon class is the CF Total
Saturday (Jan 1st): We are closed

CrossFit Sioux Falls – Athlete(s) of the Week 2010

Posted in CrossFit Workouts, Members on December 27, 2010 by Crossfit Sioux Falls

We would first like to pay graditude to all the AOWs for the 2010 year! Each and everyone of you have had a ROCKSTAR year!

A Special Thank you to Rob S for creating the collage to recap all the AOWs for 2010!

To end this year off with a BANG!…or should I say BOOM!!! All workouts this week are some of the coaches favorites of 2010. Make this week your time to test yourself and see some MAJOR improvement.

Holiday Schedule this Week:

Monday-Thursday: Regular Class Schedule
Friday: 830a and 930a classes are partner WODs. 930a class has daycare. Noon class is the CF Total
Saturday (Jan 1st): We are closed

Here is a Very MERRY WOD!!!!!!!

Posted in CrossFit Workouts on December 25, 2010 by Crossfit Sioux Falls

Happy Holidays from Santa Paws

To Celebrate the Holiday here is a Christmas WOD that the WHOLE Family will love!

“Deck OF Cards”
Hearts – Jumping lunges (2ct)

Diamonds – V UPS (your legs and upper body meet in a V)

Spades – Inverted Burpees

Clubs – pushups

Jokers = 5 minutes of Jump rope

Have a Merry Christmas… and post your times in the comments below 3…2….1… GO!!!

Love you CFSF Family

Helpful Tips to Avoid Looking Like Santa This Holiday Season!

Posted in CrossFit Workouts on December 24, 2010 by Crossfit Sioux Falls

Here is an at Home WOD to get you in the Christmas Spirit ……

“The GRINCH”

4rds
100 Jumping Jacks
75 Squats
50 Situps
25 Burpees

3….2…1…. GO!!!!!!!!!

Post Your Scores in the Comments Below and lets see who rocks it outside the BOX!

Here is a great blog from CrossFit Endurance regarding helpful tips on controlling your diet during the next week…

The holiday season wreaks havoc on our bodies. Stress and irregular sleep messes with our workout routine. Plus there is tempting food everywhere beckoning us and calling our names. From Halloween to New Year’s Day the average weight gain is about 5 to 7 pounds. Unfortunately that weight doesn’t drop off come January. It’s like a winter coat that we never shed.
Why do you struggle with weight gain though the holidays? Many challenges exist, such as office potlucks, family gatherings, once-a-year treats, and traditions of over-eating. Take time now to think about your challenges and create new approaches for this holiday season.
Here are the 10 best tips to beat holiday weight gain. Which tips work for you?

10. Prioritize exercise. Exercise in the morning so you start your day energized with a clear mind. Exercise gives you the mental reminder that you are living a healthy lifestyle, which keeps you on track and focused during the day. Can’t swing a morning workout? Build exercise into your day; schedule it as you would any other commitment.

9. Don’t be a caveperson. Cave people are programmed to eat. Avoid famine and feast cycles by eating regularly throughout the day. It’s hard to turn down the extra treats that fill the office this time of year, and when you are tired and starving, they are nearly impossible to resist.

8. Plan ahead. Understand what food challenges you are facing so that you can make informed decisions. Call friends to see what healthy side dish you can bring to the dinner party. Look up restaurant information before going out to eat. Know when you need to pack a lunch or bring a healthy option to the office potluck.

7. Indulge with full awareness. If you decide to indulge, do so consciously; make that tasty treat a part of a planned meal or snack. Then you can savor each and every bite.

6. Enhance family favorites. As you plan your meals and treats for the holiday season, look for creative ways to cut calories and boost nutrients in your favorite recipes.
• Spice sweet potatoes with nutmeg and cinnamon rather than brown sugar.
• Make sure to prepare a few vegetable dishes, such as roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach and garlic or an arugula salad.
• Use dried fruit for half the chocolate chips in cookies and pumpkin or banana bread.
• Cut cookies and bars into smaller bite size pieces

5. Honor your body’s healthy limits. Honor your body by committing to NOT overeat. Commit to filling your plate full of colorful veggies and cutting back portions of high calorie sides, such as stuffing, buttery rolls, candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, savory appetizers, creamy dips, desserts and candies.
There’s no need to eliminate these tasteful, traditional foods; just cut back your portions so that you finish the meal feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
• Save room for dessert so that it doesn’t push you into a food coma.
• If you are tempted to overeat because many holiday foods are only served once a year, put away a plate of food to enjoy tomorrow. It will taste better when you are able to savor each bite, rather than stuffing extra bites into an already full stomach.
• Resist peer pressure to overeat. Talk to loved ones prior to meals and explain your personal goals.
• Eat slowly and savor each bite. You will be more satisfied and it will help limit comments such as, “you haven’t eaten a thing” or “surely you will go back for more.”

4. Eat breakfast every day. Include a bit of protein at this important meal. Start the day with protein rich foods to control your appetite and boost self-control. This will help you to “just say no” to all of the holiday treats that surround you.

3. Don’t let holiday weight gain creep up on you. Weigh yourself once a week and make adjustments to your lifestyle as needed. If you gain a pound, reflect on your eating and exercise habits. Be curious not critical. Look for opportunities to make changes. Have you been stressed? Are you an emotional eater? Have been to more parties and social engagements? Eating out more often? These are factors that everyone faces more frequently this time of year, and they often lead to weight gain.

2. Keep alcohol consumption low. How easily alcohol calories add up. During this social holiday season, you could easily gain a pound or two through alcohol alone.
• Pint of beer = 150 calories
• Typical glass of wine = 200 calories
• Martini = 250 calories
• Margarita = 300-800 calories depending on who makes it!
• Spiked eggnog = 400 calories per cup
These calorie counts don’t even include the extras that come from reduced inhibitions and missing your morning workouts.

1. Get off the “See Food Diet”! We see it, we want to eat it. This time of year, the “See Food Diet” consists of cookies, pastries, candies and fudge. Not too mention all of the leftovers, gifts and party favors. Change what you see, and you will change your body.
• Bring a beautiful bowl of fruit into the office.
• Place a bowl of nuts in the shell on your desk. You’ll eat fewer when you have to crack them open yourself.
• Put cut veggies front and center in the fridge
• Always bring a healthy option to dinners, parties and potlucks.
• Gift your office or home with an opaque candy dish or cookie jar. When you don’t see it, you’re less likely to eat the treat.
• Get rid of leftovers. If you throw a party, clean out the house the next day. Host a dinner? Send everyone home with leftovers or have a “part 2 dinner” the next night.
Surround yourself with the healthy foods that you need to eat, and you will find it easier to maintain your weight–or even lose weight–during this holiday season.

How are you, CrossFitters going to better yourself this Holiday Season?