Fitness and shit

[Porkchop]

First Tri scheduled for September 1. Down to crunch time...

Originally Posted by the chi

Looking at incorporating some Raw Diet into the household, and going all organic, no processed crap. Anyone else do this? Got any recommendations for cookbooks or books on the subject?

Raw diet would be great. It's hard to resist temptation though.

[Archren]

Originally Posted by the chi

What are the benefits of the crossfit stuff (other than the obvious fitness)? I see people doing it and think OMG, theres no way.

...

Looking at incorporating some Raw Diet into the household, and going all organic, no processed crap. Anyone else do this? Got any recommendations for cookbooks or books on the subject?

General fitness, or as the official definition describes it: "The aim of CrossFit is to forge a broad, general and inclusive fitness. We have sought to build a program that will best prepare trainees for any physical contingency — not only for the unknown, but for the unknowable." You train in a wide variety of physical exercises that support functional human movement (everything from olympic lifting to gymnastics to cardio and so on).

It also eschews routine, so while you practice these various movements to learn proper form, you won't see the same workout twice in the course of a month (or three, in some cases), unless it's what we call a "benchmark" WOD, where you do the same workout as you have done previously in order to have an idea of your progress (for example: CrossFit Total is a WOD in which you do your 1 rep max of back squat, strict press, and dead lift.. your total score is the sum of the weight).

It's you against yourself - yes, it's a community, and everyone works out together, but where you are in your fitness is not where I am or where the coach is or the other guy there... but everyone is still putting in the same amount of intensity into the workout, according to their individual level of ability. For instance, there is a lady in my class who is very large. Her ability with pushups means she has to do them against a box, rather than on the ground.. but for her that is her max effort. Conversely, she can deadlift almost 200lbs, and I'm still down in the 155lb range.

As for diet.. I haven't attempted raw diet. I went to the Paleo diet in April (also pushes to avoid processed/refined foods), and have felt a major difference not just in my capacity for exercise, but in general quality of life overall. I sleep better (when I get to sleep at decent hour.. I go to night classes, so getting to bed at 9pm isn't always feasible lol), I don't have the food coma crash after lunch anymore, and I've gotten leaner (lost bodyfat). Not as dramatic of a change as my SO who has lost 6 inches on his waist, lol, but I have dropped inches in my waist... can't say the same for my thighs/butt though, but I attribute that from building a ton of muscle in those areas from all dem squats!

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by Archren

General fitness, or as the official definition describes it: "The aim of CrossFit is to forge a broad, general and inclusive fitness. We have sought to build a program that will best prepare trainees for any physical contingency — not only for the unknown, but for the unknowable." You train in a wide variety of physical exercises that support functional human movement (everything from olympic lifting to gymnastics to cardio and so on).

It also eschews routine, so while you practice these various movements to learn proper form, you won't see the same workout twice in the course of a month (or three, in some cases), unless it's what we call a "benchmark" WOD, where you do the same workout as you have done previously in order to have an idea of your progress (for example: CrossFit Total is a WOD in which you do your 1 rep max of back squat, strict press, and dead lift.. your total score is the sum of the weight).

It's you against yourself - yes, it's a community, and everyone works out together, but where you are in your fitness is not where I am or where the coach is or the other guy there... but everyone is still putting in the same amount of intensity into the workout, according to their individual level of ability. For instance, there is a lady in my class who is very large. Her ability with pushups means she has to do them against a box, rather than on the ground.. but for her that is her max effort. Conversely, she can deadlift almost 200lbs, and I'm still down in the 155lb range.

As for diet.. I haven't attempted raw diet. I went to the Paleo diet in April (also pushes to avoid processed/refined foods), and have felt a major difference not just in my capacity for exercise, but in general quality of life overall. I sleep better (when I get to sleep at decent hour.. I go to night classes, so getting to bed at 9pm isn't always feasible lol), I don't have the food coma crash after lunch anymore, and I've gotten leaner (lost bodyfat). Not as dramatic of a change as my SO who has lost 6 inches on his waist, lol, but I have dropped inches in my waist... can't say the same for my thighs/butt though, but I attribute that from building a ton of muscle in those areas from all dem squats!

Raise your hand if you want a reasonably fit chick to drop inches in her thighs/butt...



Now... show of hands for those who want to see exactly what Archren is talking about...

[Archren]

I'm not complaining, but I figured I should mention it since it is a common occurence when you actually work out your legs/butt! The unfortunate side of it is that (with the exception of my Lulu Lemon workout clothes) stuff doesn't fit right anymore (butt/thighs fit, waist on the pants is way too loose... even with a belt, if I bend over, risk showing the world some crack!). Someone needs to make a line of jeans for women who lift!

[azoomm]

This is, by far, the best workout if ever be part of. It's all about core and proper movement. Push-ups are not my friends, but I'm getting there. The support in the community might be the best part.

[the chi]

Hmm, I may have to try Crossfit after my marathon...we'll see. I've noticed as I've gotten older I am able to more easily put on muscle, and while toned is great, I dont care for the muscles popping out look, any issues with that?

[Archren]

I've been at it for 6 months and not gotten bulky, but you will get more definition in things like your quads, glutes, lats, and traps because we use them frequently.

[the chi]

Cool, thanks for the info!

[Tsunami]

Rae Rae, I do mostly raw, would love to go 100% but I still liked some cooked stuff (pasta, beans) and sometimes its just for convenience to go grab something on the go. But I eat tons of salad, raw veggies and when i am not lazy, smoothies.

My diet is always a work in progress and I have to be mindful of what I eat to make sure I am getting enough of what I need since I don't have the safety net of eating meat. I feel great when I am eating mostly raw vs less raw and need less sleep (2 hours less than usual) and less recovery time in general.

I don't look as lean and toned as I did 10 years ago when I was working out all the time and had a faster metabolism but I think I am doing OK for being 33 and 108lbs without counting calories and working out a ton

Eating raw is not just about fruit and veggies, there are raw nuts, raw nut milks, raw bee pollen, raw unfiltered honey just to name a few. This is a good starter book-
http://www.amazon.com/Food-Made-Peop.../dp/1570672733

As far as organic goes, I try to abide by the clean 10 and dirty dozen. Also when I do eat eggs and drink bovine milk, its organic.

[CasterTroy]

Originally Posted by Tsunami

I don't look as lean and toned as I did 10 years ago when I was working out all the time and had a faster metabolism but I think I am doing OK for being 33 and 108lbs without counting calories and working out a ton

What a HUGE difference 10 years makes huh?!?! Cause see...10 years ago on SBN/CF I woulda SO said but now I'm married to my best friend and the hottest woman on the planet and all I got's is wicha bad self while snakin' on some bacon and celery