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Workouts

WOD 10/4/2020

Workout – “The Chief”

AMRAP x 3 Minutes

  • 3 Power Cleans (135/95)
  • 6 Push-ups
  • 9 Air Squats

Rest 1 minute. Repeat for a total of 5 rounds.

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Blog

The Masters Athlete – Warm Up and Mobility

THE MASTERS ATHLETE

Warm Up and Mobility
Over time everyone’s body ages, there’s just no stopping it! You start to notice your stiffer than you used to be. Getting out of bed in the morning, stiff after sitting too long or stiff after standing too long. We all know stretching and mobility help slow the process, but too often it gets left on the back burner for later.

In order to continue working on your fitness goals, your flexibility and mobility need to be maintained or better yet improved!

Muscle tightness results in an increase in tension from an either passive or active mechanism. Passively, muscles will shorten through postural adaptation. For example, you may have tight hip flexors or ankle stiffness because your job involves sitting for long periods. Actively muscles can shorten through spasm or contraction.
This can be caused by being fatigued, being dehydrated or medication. An example would be a sudden hamstring cramp or “charley horse”. Whatever the cause, tightness limits range of motion and may create muscle imbalances.

Types of Stretching

Static Stretching
Static stretching increases flexibility by putting light tension on a muscle and holding that position 30-90 secs, 3-4 times. It’s best to warm up before this king of stretching.

Isometric Stretching
In this type of stretching, you get into the static position, then gently contract the stretch muscle, then hold for 5 to 15 secs, then relax. Repeat 2-3 times. For example, do a standing hamstring stretch, then press your heel down to create resistance through the hamstring.

Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching is actively taking the joint through it’s full range of motion. Examples would be air squats, walking lunges or arm windmills. These movements should be smooth and consistent.

What ever method of stretching you do is completely an individual choice. Studies have not really shown that one method is better than the other. Try a few different combinations with your warmup and after a workout and see what works best for you. You may also need to spend more time on one area over another just based on your body. So try and get into stretch routine more regularly and you should see the rewards!

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Blog

The Masters Athlete

The Masters Athlete
The term master athlete generally refers to athletes over the age of 40. This is the age that general physical changes take place that can affect your training. It is so important for masters to take the time to train smarter to avoid injuries that could side line you. Below is a list that may help you focus on better training and help you be even more successful whatever your goals may be.
Tips to make you train better and smarter

  1. Warm up and mobility
    As you get older, everything gets stiffer, especially in the morning! You may need to take extra time in stretching… Hamstring, hip flexes, lower back,and ankles etc. Either before or after a workout. You may need to spend extra time using the lacrosse ball, foam roller or a massage gun. A few minutes of a mini warm up before the formal class warm up can also be helpful.
  2. Full range of motion
    Working in the full range of motion in each specific movement is
    paramount. often full range movement takes time to achieve before you can start adding weights with your workout. Some days range of motion in a specific movement may be different than another day. Be mindful of compromising form with too much weight.
  3. Stay in tune with your body
    Listen to your body when it is fatigued or an injury is looming. If one workout is particularly hard perhaps the next day go a little lighter. Make time and take appropriate recovery days
  4. Patience
    Muscle gains and new skill learning may take longer now. Be patient and put the work in that you need. Add some accessory exercise to help improve your weakness and send a few a minute extra working on the neurological skill like double under! Have a plan but be flexible enough to know you might need to change or modify it.

By Nancy Shapiro, L1 CrossFit Coach, Masters Athlete

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Client Stories

“If I can get below parallel, then YOU can get below parallel!”

Rob had some tight hips and ankles. After two 30 minute hip sessions he’s opened up his hips and can now get significantly better range of motion in his squat.

ROM is a great indicator of the health of a joint and representative of a joint’s normal function!

Book a No Sweat Intro and meet with a coach to see if mobility sessions are right for you!