The Inner Conversation
By: Ryan ParkerAs we head into a new year, it’s tradition to think about goals. Around here, it’s obviously not “I’m going to start working out.” It’s bigger than that, we are already working hard. Instead, it might be: Finally losing the weight that’s lingered for years Feeling like our fitness has truly moved to the next level Earning an A+ on a DEXA scan or bloodwork And yet, here’s the uncomfortable truth I’ve seen play out over decades of coaching: Few people fail because they don’t work hard… They fail, stall or burn out because they never change how they work.
The CULTure of CrossFit
By: Ryan ParkerIs CrossFit a cult? Probably not…but that doesn’t mean that we don’t look pretty damned different to those on the outside looking in... We speak our own language using acronyms like AMRAP and EMOM… We choose to tackle the hardest part of our day before the sun is up… We embrace discomfort, struggle and pain in a world of convenience… And we keep trying to convince our friends to “just come try one class.”
Reflections of an Aging CrossFit Athlete
By: Ryan ParkerThis month marks the start of my 18th year of CrossFit…and last week I was asked a question that made me stop and reflect: “How important is it for me to PR my deadlift?” A great question—and not one with a one-size-fits-all answer. For this particular athlete, the deadlift is her strongest lift. She has pulled well over 300 lbs in the past, which is incredibly impressive. My answer to her? Not important. She’s already close to her genetic ceiling for that movement. Unless she wanted to shift her entire training toward powerlifting, there’s only so much room left to push that number higher. And trying to squeeze out a few extra pounds comes with opportunity cost, especially when there are so many other areas of fitness that may not be as developed as her deadlift.
Protein Powder and the Hyperbolic Media
By: Ryan ParkerI recently saw this story on NBC nightly news: Consumer Reports: Some popular protein powders and shakes contain high levels of lead As is typical - the story was presented in an overly hysterical fashion and has rightly stirred up quite a bit of noise online. I encourage you not to panic when reports like this emerge, rather to understand what the data really says, what it doesn't, and most importantly: how does it impact you?
