Our training offers more than increased strength, body fat loss and better conditioning. Our classes are instructor led and small group based. Everyone warms up together, learns skills together, sweats together and cleans up together. Call it a tight knit group, family, small community or a well oiled team. Doesn't matter. Training in a team atmosphere has a significant and profound effect.
We all see it constantly in the atmosphere of team sports where players are relying and supporting teammates. Watch the Ryder Cup in which golfers who play individually all year have the chance to be on a team and soak up the camaraderie. At the end the winners look like a bunch of kids on a playground after eating ice cream, cake and washing it down with Red Bull. Watch the end of the Super bowl, Stanley Cup or World Series. Same deal.
Maybe it goes back to our ancestors living in packs to hunt, gather, fight and survive. Not sure.
I also know that a deviant in the group will undermine the goal and create a weaker team. In groups, these individuals are usually sent packing or made to feel so uncomfortable that they will volunteer to leave. 
I was listening to a video with Tony Budding and Greg Glassman (CROSSFIT) and they talked about the A**hole Barrier that Crossfit training provides. The training requires commitment and dedication. Our members set goals and realize that achieving those goals won't be easy. It will be worth it but it won't be easy. 
People not of like mind will run from this type of atmosphere. People that are disruptive, dishonest, uncommitted or weak minded will separate themselves through an inherent vetting process. It's kind of like a strainer that holds the necessary stuff and lets the unusable flow on through. The rest will continue their search for health and wellness with quick fixes or the next Thigh Master. Thank goodness they do because what is left is a bunch of quality human beings. Crossfitters who consistently train like Olympic level athletes or military personnel with workouts that leave you lying on the floor, gasping for air while wondering when you will reclaim the use of your muscles are intrinsically humble, honest and driven.
Last week a few people came in for an intro. They immediately realized they wanted to get in shape and this was the training they were looking for. Watching videos and learning about Crossfit led them to be a little tentative for their first WOD Class. Prior to class every one of the members introduced themselves. Maybe it was our "Burpee Rule" for not introducing themselves but I think it was something more.
2010-02-24
A**HOLE BARRIER
2010-02-23
2010-02-22
2010-02-18
100217
Wall Balls, Kettlebell Swings + max effort with some strength exercises
"The hallmark of courage in our age of confirmity is the capacity to stand on one's convictions--not obstinately or defiantly (these are gestures of defensiveness, not courage) nor as a gesture of retaliation, but simply because these are what one believes."
- Rollo May
2010-02-17
2010-02-15
2010-02-13
2010-02-11
2010-02-09
100208
Everyone did very well yesterday. The WOD included Kettlebell Swings. KB swings are a great strength conditioning tool that involves multiple joints and core muscles. It has been noted that kettlebell training is like weight training times 10. I don't know if that is true or not but swing a kettlebell for multiple reps and let me know. After a handful of swings people quickly realize their value. It is one of those things that you have to do it to feel it.
5:30 WOD CLASS
9:30 WOD CLASS
2010-02-07
2010-02-06
100206
Saturday's WOD was challenging and judging by the pics they were spent. At least Bruce has a smile on his face. Have a great Superbowl Sunday.
2010-02-05
SECTIONAL TUNE UP-ANN ARBOR
Host: HyperFit USA
Where: 670 Airport Blvd, Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
When: February 13, 2010
Check in: 8:00 AM (Warm up begins)
Event Begins: 9:00 AM (WOD #1 9:05AM, WOD #2 10:30 AM, WOD #3 12:00 AM - Championship Final: 2:00 PM)
Who: Anyone who would like to get 4 good WODs in one day! Check your preparation for the sectionals.
What: Three WODs and a Championship Round - Under games level standards. 
WOD: TBA on 2/12/10 @ 5:00 PM - Scaling is allowed and suggested if needed.
Why: To prepare for the sectionals under game like conditions.
Entry Fee: $25 (Registration ends 2/12/10 @ 5:00 PM)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
2010-02-03
100203
An Ex-Marine Overcomes Injuries with Exercise-CROSSFIT on the Wallstreet Journal Webpage
CLICK HERE
2010-02-02
100202 Tuesday
We have a number of ladies that attend the Tuesday's 9:30 WOD Class. They work hard, lift weights and don't mess around. Rob C. expressed his feelings regarding Tuesday's group. It is the quote of the day.
