Coach Jeremy at "The Pit" Field Report

Below is a field report from Coach Jeremy who spent last weekend at "The Pit", training with CrossPit founder, John Hackelman and his team.

Thanks for the report, Jeremy!

Enjoy...

Jeremy (in the red shorts), on a training run with "The Pit Master" (over Jeremy's left shoulder)
and the rest of the crew.

"This was my third time out to the world famous "Pit" in Arroyo Grande California where "Pit Master" John Hackleman has trained some of the best MMA fighters out of what he calls his family oriented, traditional Karate school. This was my third time training at the Pit, and as usual, I had a great time. The conditioning workouts were hard, but I have to say that it gets SLIGHTLY easier each time, and I have give credit to my Pit/Crosspit training at the Indiana Pit in Kokomo, as well as, my training here at PR Fitness.

Admittedly, I was quite intimidated on my first trip out, and who wouldn't be. I'm a skinny, 165 lb guy walking into a gym that has trained the likes of Chuck Liddell. But, in my opinion, one of the keys to John's success is that anyone can walk in and immediately feel comfortable. There are no egos, and everyone seems to be there to help out. Ohana is a word that gets used over and over again, which is Hawaiian for family (John grew up and began all his training in Hawaii). Many of his fighters and casual students (if there is such a thing) have this word tattooed on their bodies, and the feeling is tangible. That is one of the main reasons that I like to train at The Pit, the Indiana Pit, and of course, PR Fitness: no egos -- just good people who like to push each other and work very, very hard. I don't think I am alone in this sentiment, but I digress...

Each day at the seminar was fairly long and included about two conditioning sessions and about two didactic/technique training sessions. Conditioning included pushing wheelbarrows 2-3 hundred yards uphill, 100lb D-ball clean & tosses (up the same hill), 20lb sledge hammers, double unders, sand dune sprints, and a run/hike almost 2 miles up the nearby Mt. Madonna.

We did technique training with John, and UFC fighters Court Mcgee and Antonio Banuelos. Luigi Mondelli (3rd degree black belt) gave us several hours of Jiujitsu training. I had the honor of rolling with him, and he gave me the double honor of awarding my instructor and I our first ranking in BJJ under Bestway/American Top Team. I think I might have some insider info regarding the next season of The Ultimate Fighter as well!!

I always wish I could stay longer and just train, but the real world calls. I feel refreshed and ready to continuing my training with the PR Fitness "Ohana", and I hope I can make a positive contribution to the gym."

"The Runner in Winter"

As if being sidelined from running with a torn calf wasn't bad enough, I had to go and come across this video which just made it about 100 times worse. Check out this ten minute film featuring elite ultrarunner Anton Krupicka. Tony is very much a minimalist runner with impeccable running form and one of the best ultramarathon runners around.

Anyone else ready for a snowy trail run?

Click To Play

Ice, Ice, Baby...

Iced/Snowed in today (and possibly tomorrow)? No excuse to not train. Be creative! Mix in some calisthenics, yoga, and core work. Have stairs? Create a circuit and run stairs between rounds! Finish up with some mobility work.

Here is what Jody and I (and Christian) just did -
5 Rounds of:

• Hindu Squats X 20
• Hindu Push Ups X 10
• Sit Up with Russian Twist X 20
• Stairs X 3 trips - Christian won each race! If you don't have stairs you could use a jump rope X 50 jumps or do a "Milli Vanilli" and just pretend you are jumping rope.
  

Cool down with mobility/yoga.

Yes, I was feeling very "ethnic" today. What can I say?

Go slow with all movements, make it challenging and work range of motion/mobility. This isn't a lung searing, puke producing workout, it's meant to be a good full body strength session where your heart rate is elevated and you finish feeling tired, but energized.

Now we are ready to settle in for a night of listening to the ice fall and praying for the electricity to hold up : )

Here is "The Man", Steve Maxwell demo'ing the Hindu Squat:

Vibram Q & A

"Chris,

I went to Rusted Moon and tried on the Vibram's. They did not have the KSOs in my size but I tried on a Sprint, trek, classic and another style. I fell in love with the classics and bought them. I tried them out for 3 5 minute jogs on the treadmill and they felt great! When I got home I looked on their website and they don't recommend the classic for running so I am freaking out a little. Do you think i will be OK to continue using these? I really like them and did not like the velcro on the sprint style. I am really looking for your advice here.

Thanks,

M."

Hi M,

Congrats on getting your VFF's! Either the demand has slowed down a little or you hit Rusted Moon on a "good" day - normally they don't have much of anything in stock : )

The reason the "Classic" isn't recommended for running is 1) they don't have the velcro which can help keep them on and in place/ensure a good fit and 2) they don't have the extra fabric to "Keep Stuff Out (KSO)". Honestly, I have friends that run in the "Classic" and do all their PR Fitness workouts in them with no problems of fit or debris getting in them. Personally, I constantly get stuff in my shoes when I run so the KSO was by far the best option for me. For others it's never a big deal or concern. I would say that as long as you don't have a problem of getting stuff in your shoes while running and if it's a good fit, you are good to go in the Classics. Or, as the saying goes - "if the shoe fits, wear it" : ) Hope this helps.

Chris

Vibram Classic - basic and simple as they come...

Coach Chris' Vibram KSO coupled with Injinji socks - a little more to them and also a little more versatility. Picking the "right" Vibram for you all depends on your needs and how you plan to use your VFF's.

No Monday Class... Yet!

Due to an error on my end, the Monday 9:30am class will not start this Monday, January 3rd. I hope to have things sorted out and the new class scheduled as soon as possible. Sorry for the confusion! Until then, our schedule remains:

Monday: 5:30-6:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm

Tuesday: 6:30pm

Wednesday: 5:30pm

Thursday: 5:30-6:30pm and Yoga from 6:40-7:40pm

Friday: 9:30-10:30am

Clearing your driveway... for time!

If you are a PR Fitness Athlete, you better be clearing the snow from your driveway and sidewalk like this...

Not like this...

The training we do at PR Fitness isn't just about delivering fitness and performance, it's about being more fit for every day tasks and physical chores such as shoveling snow from your sidewalk and driveway.

When you wake up to a fresh snow, it's too easy and too common to think, "Oh crap! Now I gotta shovel my way outta here before I can get to work (or whatever)!" It's too easy to view a buried driveway as a nuisance rather than a training opportunity or a chance to do some "real" work. Why would you pass on a chance to engage in something as physical as clearing snow?

Often, tools of convenience, such as snow blowers, remove us from the physical labor that our ancestors had to do just to survive. Rarely do we have to hunt or farm for our food, chop wood to stay warm, or fetch water for the day. Done correctly, shoveling your snow covered sidewalk becomes not only a form of exercise, it can also be relaxing and energizing if you really focus on what you are doing and bring mindfulness to the task. Plus, you have an excuse to be outside and get fresh air and sunshine, something that most of us lack during the winter months.

NOTE:

Ladies - don't let shoveling the snow be something you rely on, or expect, your husband/boyfriend/other male do it for you! Grab a shovel and get crackin'.

Those with exceptionally large driveways: Where I grew up, and my parents still live, the driveway is 1/2 mile long. Shoveling is not a realistic option, duh! So, if you have an exceptionally long driveway, you can keep it real. Just do your sidewalks and a path to the car etc. Feel guilt-free in using a snow blower or snow clearing service for the big stuff. Hey, better yet, call Coach D's husband - he's a professional!

So, park the snow blower, grab a shovel and "whistle while you work". Oh, but before you do, check out the video below...

Tick Tock...

The deadline for applying for Project: Bridging the Wellness Gap is midnight tomorrow! If you are on the fence, now is the time to jump. Email your application today and embrace the life you deserve to live. Or, go ahead and procrastinate another 48 hours, let the deadline pass and take a sigh of relief knowing that you have an excuse to not make a life change and to stay in your comfort zone. It's a choice and if you are not ready to pull the trigger and submit your application, you are not ready for the BTWG program. If you are ready, then get crackin' on that essay and send it in before midnight tomorrow. www.BridgingTheWellnessGap.com

Click on "how to join", follow the instructions, and get to typing your essay. What are you waiting for?

Email applications to: chris@prfitness.net