Archive for the ‘Training’ Category

Open Gym: Waxman’s Gym Lift Ratio Calculator

Posted: May 10, 2017 in CrossFit, Media, Training
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

Oh my…… he’s done it. He’s finally done it. SOMEONE has finally created an effective ratio calculator for the Olympic Lifts, and some of their accessory counterparts.

If you known anything about Olympic Weightlifting in the United States, then you know the name Sean Waxman. A coach for nearly 25 years, he has owned and run Waxman’s Gym for the last 6+ years. The lifters that he has produced through his experience, his coaches on staff, and his personal style have gone on to produce great results at the national and international level, and has also helped train some of the top athletes in the CrossFit game.

When I saw some of my “high-profile” friends on Facebook share a link this morning, I didn’t think it could actually be what the Title of the post claimed, but it is!

You, the lifter, plug in your max Snatch and Clean and Jerk numbers. Then, based on what information you have you can also put in certain supplemental lifts or variations, for your Snatch (Overhead Squat, Power Snatch, Snatch Blocks Abv Knee, and Hang Snatch Below Knee) and your Clean and Jerk (Clean, Back Squat, Front Squat, Jerk, Clean Blocks Abv Knee, Hang Clean Below Knee). From that info, an INCREDIBLE summary of your lifts, along with feedback on ways to improve them.

Example, here are my numbers:

First it asked for my current lifetime PR’s for the two Olympic Lifts

Next, the variations of the Snatch and Clean and Jerk. You don’t NEED to have any of these, so I put in the ones I was fairly confident were correct

After that…. you click the “Evaluate Me” button. Complicated, huh?

The next part is where you get all of your feedback and suggestions. First, it shows the variance from your 1RM lifts, to the other variations and movements for each

I am a very visual person, so this was fun to see. However, by themselves, the graphs don’t mean too much. Here’s what followed

The site begins by specifically referencing the ratio between your snatch and clean and jerk. Then it goes on to give you a diagnosis and some suggestions on how to strengthen the supplemental movements to make yourself either stronger, more balanced, or perhaps more well-rounded in general.

This site is SO cool, and I think that every lifter and coach should reference it as a key resource to help identify key areas for improvement!

Want to try it for yourself? CLICK HERE!

Do you want help with your lifting? Reach out to me, I’ve been taking on new remote clients and would love to help!

Lift well, friends.

Moment of Awesomeness: 5/8/17

Posted: May 8, 2017 in Training
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

Before you read on, let me state that I am most certainly not an “Outdoorsman.” I don’t own my own tent, I don’t know the proper way to boil water to make it safe to drink, I’ve never hoisted a “Bear Bag” up in a tree while I slept, and I’ve never hiked more than 7 hours in a day. That said, none of those facts mean that I don’t seriously respect and appreciate those who are well-versed in the vast world of Mother Nature!

The video that’s posted below came across my News Feed today and I was immediately sucked in. It’s a story by Peter H., who “took a plane from Vienna, Austria to California to hike the Pacific Crest Trail – a 2650 miles footpath from Mexico to Canada” back in 2016. Of course, the trip didn’t go as planned, and he was met with both mental and physical road blocks along the way, but in the end… *SPOILER ALERT* he makes it safe and sound.

Being out amidst the elements, humans quickly realize just how out of control we are in so many ways in this world. This experience was no different for the filmmaker. However, through the kindness and friendship of others, a determination to complete the task at hand, and the ability to find the positive side of things, the mission was accomplished! Sounds like the way I try to help others see their own lives every day! 🙂

Enjoy the video below, and let me know what you think. Could you do that hike?

In the News: 4/30/17

Posted: April 30, 2017 in Media, Training
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

I heard some really sad news today. While doing my normal morning scan of Facebook, my buddy Jason who is the one of the most active “mountaineers/back country explorers” I know, shared a link to an article talking about the death of Ueli Steck.

Now for most people, that name probably doesn’t ring a bell (even though it should). But for me, it hit a bit closer to home because I had been following Ueli’s, or the “Swiss Machine” as he was called, unbelievable mountain adventures ever since seeing the video below years ago!

I am pretty far from a daredevil and am mildly afraid of heights, so when I watched what he did I was completely shocked. First of all, why would someone WANT to climb the Eiger? Then, why would they want to do it as fast as they possibly could? Finally….. and this is the one that floored me most, why would someone choose to do this as a Free Solo climb?! That means he didn’t have any support ropes, harnesses, or protective gear. Yeah, Ueli climbed the 13,000+ ft. peak in the middle of “Winter Season” alone and with absolutely no supplemental safety equipment!

 

Every time an “extreme athlete” passes away doing something they love, I’m usually left with a myriad of emotions. While it’s always sad when a life is lost, there are a lot of people who say, “At least they went doing what they love.” That doesn’t mean I want to die eating a pizza just because I like doing that, but I see their point. While activities like sky diving or climbing mountains can be seen as “unsafe” by some, most of the athletes who choose to partake in these sports do their research, prepare for as many contingencies as they can, and accept that if things go wrong they would rather accept the consequences versus not taking the risk in the first place. That’s the exact reason why those activities aren’t for everyone.

Ueli inspired hundreds if not thousands of people with his accomplishments alongside mother nature. While his death is unbelievably sad, I hope his legacy will continue to live on forever. Rest in peace, sir.

Moment of Awesomeness: 4/28/17

Posted: April 28, 2017 in CrossFit, Training
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

 

Virtuosity is a word that gets thrown around in CrossFit a lot. It’s generally referred to as

“performing the common uncommonly well.” Today, I’m sharing to videos of people who embody that word.

I think Ive posted this before, but it’s worth sharing again. Séan Garnier is a freak! Just look at this control. The next time you’re near a soccer ball, just try ONE of these tricks. So cool to watch!

Also, how is this a thing? I’m still partially convinced that this is a fake video, haha.

The next time you’re near a bike.. do NOT try one of these tricks!

What next?

Posted: April 26, 2017 in Training
Tags: , , , , , , ,
0

For the last 8.5 years, almost to the day, CrossFit has been a huge part of my life.

In that time, I’ve ranged from being a rabid advocate of the program, badgering everyone I knew to try it with me like a beach vendor who nearly accosts foreigners in hopes of selling them his local trinket… to the head coach of a gym with over 350 members, who didn’t feel the need to push it on anyone, rather just loved the program because he knew it worked.

I’ve had periods of time where I would spend nearly three hours per day working out, completing two training sessions per day, 4 days per week, I’d compete in local events every few weeks to try and put my fitness to the test, and I looked forward to planning my next soul-crushing workout each every day. There have also been times where I simply couldn’t find the motivation to pick up a barbell because it just didn’t feel fun anymore.

Now, I find myself at a crossroads.

Recently, I’ve experienced more change at the same time than at any other point in my life. Usually, life spreads the big things out, at least a little! In the last 6 weeks however, I’ve left my job, planned to move across the country, got married, traveled to Brazil to visit family, decided not to move after all, and had the privilege of learning how much fun it can be to look for a house in one of the most competitive Real Estate markets in the entire country. That’s a lot in a month and a half!

What’s crazy, is that it’s all really positive change! Some people are hit with bad break after bad break, yet for me, these have been really good. I think the kids say #Blessed, right?

The crossroads has to do with what I will do for fitness now. Do I stick to CrossFit? Maybe a strength/squat cycle to focus on getting stronger and improve my technical movements? Is it time to head back to a Globo gym and try to get those 6-pack abs in time for summer? Do I go cardio for a bit, and get into running or swimming? Obviously the answer that me, the coach, tells myself is to do it all! I live in a place where you can be as active as you’d like outside. I’ve got so many friends who own or coach at CrossFit gyms that it shouldn’t be that hard to find people to train with here and here. And the thought of a “Bi’s/Back” and “Tri’s/Chest” training regimen really doesn’t seem that bad some days!

The reason it’s so tough for me to decide is because I had always convinced myself that I needed to train FOR something. I had to be in a squat cycle because if not, how would I get stronger? If I wasn’t Snatching at least once per week, I’d lose all of my “gainz” and regress. Want to do burpees without stopping? Then keep doing burpees! But at the end of the day… why does it matter?

I always tell people that CrossFit can prepare you for just about anything. It will make just being active more fun. So, with that logic, I don’t need to go through brutal workouts all the time. Visiting the “Pain Cave” every time the clock counts to “3, 2, 1, GO” isn’t required for someone to be fit. It isn’t required to be healthy. It’s only required if the END GOAL is being a good CrossFit athlete. And I’m not sure that’s what I want right now.

I’ll tell you what though, it’s hard to say that to myself and not feel like I’m letting “2011 Tom” down just a little bit!

Over the next few weeks I’m going to assess what makes me happy, what gets me fired up to go do, and what I find to be…. fun! I have always told people that fitness should be something you enjoy (even when I wasn’t necessarily feeling that way myself), and I want to get back to that place.

I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. Who knows, there might be a competition or race I decide to train for sometime in the next few months!

Wish me luck!

Game Time: Consistency

Posted: April 25, 2017 in Training
Tags: , , , , , ,
2

Alright.

Enough.

As someone who typically tries to present himself as confident and capable on the outside, I’ve battled with some internal struggles for most of my life. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before….

“I worry that the work I produce isn’t ~good enough~ for others.”

Now, reading those words, I want to slap myself silly and give the same advice I’d give anyone else who has ever come to me with that same concern. And you know what? That exact conversation HAS happened dozens, if not hundreds of times. People who I know often share that same fear that they have with me… and all I can think is to tell them how silly they’re acting. Of COURSE they’re good enough. Of course people care about, and believe in, what they say. Of course they are adding value in whatever topic they’re considering discussing. Yet, I occasionally turn around and question myself with those very same thoughts.

First of all, what does “good enough” even mean?! I started this blog back in 2010. Ha! Read that again. Two thousand and ten. We were just kids, then! No, I’m serious… babies. The number one song on the Billboard charts that year… Tik Tok by Ke$ha. (You’re welcome, Birddog)

In 2010, CrossFit wasn’t even a fad yet, and I had already found myself completely consumed in the belief that fitness could make the world a better place. This blog started as my way to try and help as many people as possible. It allowed me to share things I was learning that I felt could make others either better, faster, stronger, healthier… or at the very least leave them a little bit entertained. Fast forward SEVEN years. This hobby that I found, then became a passion, then a part-time job, and then a full-time job. I found exactly what I had wanted to do with my life. I found a way to utilize a skill set I convinced myself I had to HELP others. And in turn, to be honest, help myself.

I share that to give context to the “good enough” idea I have battled with since before I can remember. I wasn’t the best coach. I didn’t know everything about human anatomy and physiology. I couldn’t provide the perfect nutrition plan for someone. But when I was in my element, none of those thoughts even entered my brain. If I had an athlete in front of me, I’d do everything I could to help them to the best of my ability. If someone emailed me about how to recover from not being able to walk down stairs after heavy squat day, I’d give them the best answer I had. If an athlete wasn’t losing those last 3-6lbs of fat they aimed to shed, I’d give them advice based on what I knew. And when I didn’t know an answer… I’d look it up. I’d learn. And then I’d share again.

It was so easy for me to do when I was dealing with ONE person. But when I’d get home and open up the laptop to write a post, the doubt would start to creep in. I’d tell myself reasons why MY opinion probably didn’t matter. Or why I may have been wrong on this one topic. It was so easy for me to NOT EVEN TRY, knowing that there will always be haters out there. The thought of one negative comment squandered my desire to try and help even one person.

Not anymore.

The good news for me, is that I have never claimed to be perfect. In fact, some of the most impactful interactions I’ve had with clients, friends, and strangers through this blog have stemmed from PRODUCTIVE conversations where contrasting opinions met head-to-head.

That’s my super weird way of saying that I’m going to start writing again. I’m going to share my thoughts and opinions on things that go on in the world of fitness (and other places, too). I’m going to get back to sharing videos and stories and books that make me happy. Or make me think. Or make me cringe. I’ll get back to letting you know if I try and like (or hate) a new product. And I’m doing this because as one of my very good friends has told me for over a decade now: “Your network is your net worth.”

It’s connecting with all of you that has always what filled me with the most joy! THAT is why I started this blog in the first place. To connect with my “network” of friends, whether near or far. Whether I coached them that day, or had never even met them in person. The ability to connect with and learn from a worldwide network is what has always motivated and inspired me!

So, how am I going to get over the “is this good enough” concern I’ve always had? I’m simply going to try and silence that voice of doubt. I’m going to try NOT to always be my own worst critic to the point where it stops me from even trying.
What’s one way that a person can get better at a skill or craft? Do it more often, right? Practice. And while I know that practice doesn’t really necessarily make perfect, I do think that writing more frequently will continue to give me more confidence in how I communicate. It will let me feel that there is at least ONE person out there (thanks for reading, Mom!) who might benefit from the information I can provide or share.

So, as I sit in a crossroads in my own personal life, I invite you all to join me on this journey of self-discovery and vulnerability.
It’s about to get real.

You know what? It already feels good to be back!

-Smashby

Smashby’s CF Games Open Strategy – WOD 17.1

Posted: February 24, 2017 in CrossFit, Training
2

The 2017 CrossFit Games Open is here! That means that I am going to try and record my “Strategy Videos” in hopes of helping athletes feel better prepared on how to attack the 5 workouts this year.

Take a look at this video for 17.1, and let me know what you think! After you do the workout, come on back and let me know… did my advice help? The more feedback I get, the more in depth I can make the next 4 videos!

Normal People Advice: Pace, pace, pace. Most people will take at least 17 minutes to get through this workout (at Rx’d weights, at least). Just because it’ll be possible to start off going really fast through the first round, very few people will be able to keep up a fast pace for the last 4 rounds. I suggest a steady rhythm on snatches, and a comfortable pace on burpees until at least the round of 30 Snatches. If at that point things still feel strong, then go for it! Finish strong, don’t crash and burn on this one.

“Beast Mode” Advice: Go. The dumbbell weight shouldn’t get heavy. This workout is going to be won by those who simply have a better engine. If an athlete doesn’t stop moving, and keeps their heart rate down, it’ll be tough to catch them!

Click here for the FULL DESCRIPTION of the workout, including Scaled versions.

CFOpen17.1

Smashby Speaks: Couldn’t Have Said It Better Myself

Posted: July 22, 2016 in CrossFit, Training
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
0

DISCLAIMER:
The thoughts featured in the post are mine and mine alone! 

I have never claimed to be a great writer. In fact, I usually say my writing is like my talking… I usually do too much and use too many words! But every once and a while I see some piece from a blog or a FB post that makes me want to literally jump up and down and high five a stranger. Today, I read one of those posts! *High Five*

The topic covered was is something most of us typically refer to as “rep-shaving” in our little CrossFit world. My blog has featured at LEAST 2 posts on the topic, so I’ll include the link right below here if you care to go back and read my thoughts.

Smashby Speaks: The CrossFit Games Open 2016

Now this NEW post, written by Mike Warkentin (who is the managing editor of the CrossFit Journal and the founder of CrossFit 204) is probably the most brutally honest, and all-encompassing blocks of words that I’ve read on the topic. It’s called “An Open Letter to Cheaters” and basically says what almost all of us think on the issue:

Why? Why would someone intentionally skip reps/rounds during a workout, shorten range of motion, or write the wrong weight used for that Shoulder Press?

We all have had brain meltdowns during or after a workout and lose count when we can’t even see straight, but some athletes out there do it on purpose. Often. My typical approach as a coach (which falls into one of his categories in the piece) is to just let it go. I’ve said the sentence, “They’re only cheating themselves…” countless times, but Mike makes a point: while they’re only cheating their own physical progress and development, it can STILL have a negative impact on the community around them.

Even when I started competing back in 2010, I remember no-repping myself during workouts!

Even when I started competing back in 2010, I remember no-repping myself during workouts!

As competitive creatures, person “A” could become discouraged if they keep doing full range of motion push-ups, and time after time person “B” beats them in a workout by not locking out a single one. CrossFit is founded upon the concept that we all suffer together, so we that we all get better together!

In my nearly 8 years of CrossFit, I’ve probably posted a few hundred videos of myself working out. While some of them are to share my accomplishments with friends, most of the time it’s for the silly reason that I want my friends to know that when I talk about my “exercise racing” times or numbers, that I’m being honest. (And to hope I can get some remote coaching on technique, since 95% of my training is done alone!)

Enough of my rant, please check out this article, and let me know your thoughts! I really enjoyed this one. I’m going to start trying to write more often, too. It makes me feel good to hope that my years in this “sport” of ours can potentially help (or entertain?) at least one person out there.

Enjoy your weekend, friends!

Smashby’s CF Games Open Strategy – WOD 16.5

Posted: March 24, 2016 in CrossFit, Training
0

Barf. That was the first thing I thought when #TDC told us that workout 16.5 would be a repeat of workout 16.4. The rep scheme is 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 of Thruster and Bar-Facing Burpee. While most CrossFit Games Open feature a time cap, AMRAP-style, workout, this one requires athletes to go until they finish all the work. So brutal.

The only real advice to give on this one is to PACE it and enjoy the suck. Just because an athlete can go unbroken, doesn’t mean they should. In fact, this is one where I challenge people to be able to turn on the pace at the round of 12 or 9, versus already being too crushed when they get to that point of the workout.

We know this is going to hurt. A lot. Just keep breathing under control, keep a steady rhythm on the Thrusters, and break them into smaller and manageable sets right out of the gate.

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE!

Smashby’s CF Games Open Strategy – WOD 16.4

Posted: March 17, 2016 in CrossFit, Training
0

Oh boy. Workout 16.4 of the 2016 CrossFit Games Open is going to be brutal. A true lower-back crusher, it seems.

For those of you who watch these videos prior to completing the workout, I would love to hear your feedback after you’re done as to whether or not these strategies helped you complete the workout more effectively.

Main Strategy Differences here between certain athlete groups:

For stronger athletes WITHOUT a proficiency at HSPU, GO! The tiebreak time after the row will find a lot of athletes fighting for the same score. In that moment, the tiebreak time will be critical to improve rankings.

In the event that an “Rx’d” athlete IS fairly proficient with HSPU, comfortable pacing is going to be important. It will be important that athletes know how hard they can push, while still keeping their heart rate under control. Red-lining any one part of this workout to soon will lead to a notable collapse. Pace, breathe, and be smart.

For the Scaled athletes, this is much more of a sprint. Larger sets of DL and Wall Ball are possible, and the Row can be pushed a little more. When it comes time for Hand-Release Push-Ups, smaller quick sets with short rest will be a better strategy than a few large sets, followed by that feeling of “crashing and burning”. There should be significantly more athletes who make it FAR into the second round in the Scaled division. Enjoy that!

Finally… BE SAFE with your technique! Broken form under large loads (the deadlift in particular for this one) can quickly lead to a fairly major injury. It’s better to rest an additional 10-20 seconds before resetting and picking up that bar again, than rounding your back and hoping for the best. It’s only exercise racing. Don’t get hurt!

Good luck on 16.4, everyone!

Older Entries
Newer Entries