2009-08-29
2009-08-27
2009-08-25
2009-08-23
HYPERFITUSA was secretly shopped by an Ann Arbor reporter a few weeks ago. Below is a link to the article and also a write up.
ANN ARBOR'S ONLY A+ RATED GYM
Congratulations HYPERFITUSA.
2009-08-21
2009-08-20
2009-08-19
2009-08-17
NUTRITION
We consistently talk about reaching top fitness level through our WOD Classes. Coming consistently, challenging oneself, increasing R.O.M., proper form with functional exercises and using appropriate loads to increase the intensity levels are all topics that we deal with on a daily basis. Nutrition is one of the aspects of fitness and wellness that is just as vital as the above mentioned. This is one area that is an absolute necessity in order to attain a higher level of fitness. It not only can help produce better scores and times in the classes but can increase your years of healthy living. Imagine being stronger, having more energy, having a healthier heart, lower BP, less fat and less meds to pay for and take. I don't know if obesity is a result or cause of all the problems that are on topic today but it is at the root of many medical issues.
I heard an excellent analogy the other day by Jill. The only substance you would put in your car's gas tank is the proper fuel. You wouldn't use anything else as your car would break down. Your body is not too much different and will break down but in different ways. And you can't trade your body in for a new one with a kickback from the Feds.
Below is information from CrossFit. It seems basic, simple and truthful. Please read and apply.
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The CrossFit dietary prescription is as follows:
Protein should be lean and varied and account for about 30% of your total caloric load.
Carbohydrates should be predominantly low-glycemic and account for about 40% of your total caloric load.
Fat should be predominantly monounsaturated and account for about 30% of your total caloric load.
Calories should be set at between .7 and 1.0 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass depending on your activity level. The .7 figure is for moderate daily workout loads and the 1.0 figure is for the hardcore athlete.
What Should I Eat?
In plain language, base your diet on garden vegetables, especially greens, lean meats, nuts and seeds, little starch, and no sugar. That's about as simple as we can get. Many have observed that keeping your grocery cart to the perimeter of the grocery store while avoiding the aisles is a great way to protect your health. Food is perishable. The stuff with long shelf life is all suspect. If you follow these simple guidelines you will benefit from nearly all that can be achieved through nutrition.
The Caveman or Paleolithic Model for Nutrition
Modern diets are ill suited for our genetic composition. Evolution has not kept pace with advances in agriculture and food processing resulting in a plague of health problems for modern man. Coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, obesity and psychological dysfunction have all been scientifically linked to a diet too high in refined or processed carbohydrate. Search "Google" for Paleolithic nutrition, or diet. The return is extensive, compelling, and fascinating. The Caveman model is perfectly consistent with the CrossFit prescription.
What Foods Should I Avoid?
Excessive consumption of high-glycemic carbohydrates is the primary culprit in nutritionally caused health problems. High glycemic carbohydrates are those that raise blood sugar too rapidly. They include rice, bread, candy, potato, sweets, sodas, and most processed carbohydrates. Processing can include bleaching, baking, grinding, and refining. Processing of carbohydrates greatly increases their glycemic index, a measure of their propensity to elevate blood sugar.
What is the Problem with High-Glycemic Carbohydrates?
The problem with high-glycemic carbohydrates is that they give an inordinate insulin response. Insulin is an essential hormone for life, yet acute, chronic elevation of insulin leads to hyperinsulinism, which has been positively linked to obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, blood pressure, mood dysfunction and a Pandora's box of disease and disability. Research "hyperinsulinism" on the Internet. There's a gold mine of information pertinent to your health available there. The CrossFit prescription is a low-glycemic diet and consequently severely blunts the insulin response.
Caloric Restriction and Longevity
Current research strongly supports the link between caloric restriction and an increased life expectancy. The incidence of cancers and heart disease sharply decline with a diet that is carefully limited in controlling caloric intake. “Caloric Restriction” is another fruitful area for Internet search. The CrossFit prescription is consistent with this research.
The CrossFit prescription allows a reduced caloric intake and yet still provides ample nutrition for rigorous activity.
Thanks CrossFit.com
2009-08-16
2009-08-14
6 AM CLASS
Lisa Vaught from CROSSFIT GOTHAM was in town and stopped by for a training session. There are over 1500 CrossFit affiliates around the world. There are some differences in CrossFit locations but one similarity is the intensity of the training. Great job Lisa. Hope to see you in NYC someday.
2009-08-13
2009-08-10
2009-08-09
TRAINER'S TRAINING
2009-08-08
2009-08-06
CONSISTENCY
As of last month Nick DeLong has been with us for a year. Over the year Nick has been one of the most consistent athletes at STICKS. 
He went down to participate in the CrossFit Pre-Regionals at HYPERFITUSA in Ann Arbor and as you can see in the picture has given everything he has while competing. He has also set goals for himself and has a vision of where he is going. The goals are still listed on the wall in the office. Thanks for giving 100% every WOD every day.
2009-08-05
2009-08-03
Post from Zoe Metro-HYPERFITUSA, ANN ARBOR, MI
RUNNING DOES NOT HAVE TO SUCK – FROM INSTRUCTOR ZOE
Running does not have to suck. Really. It's like hating shoes because you have one uncomfortable pair. If you only wear the uncomfortable ones, yes, you would think shoes suck. However, if you were to invest a little time and energy into finding a pair that fits, you might find that shoes don't suck after all. Soooo - how to make running comfortable:
1) Attitude is everything: lumbering around with rounded shoulders and a sour expression is not fun. Think quick and light: "hot potato feet" Try to minimize the amount of time your feet are on the ground. Its like tapping the brakes instead of slamming them on with each step.
2) Use gravity to your advantage. Lean like the Tower of Pisa: slightly and from the ground (ankle). Gravity will pull you forward: all you have to do is move your feet. Speaking of feet....
3) Wear shoes that fit - go to a running store and ask for help. Most people should be wearing running shoes that are 1/2 to 1 full size bigger than everyday shoes.
4) Start/increase mileage slowly. Get comfortable running for 1/2 hour at an easy (you can carry on a conversation) pace a few days a week. Then add a day, or add 15 minutes to one of your runs.
5) Stretch AFTER you run. Your muscles are most pliable when they are warm - take advantage. It doesn't take too much extra time to stretch you calves on a curb, your hamstrings by putting your leg up on your bumper, and your quads/hip flexors holding onto a tree. Your running legs will thank you.
