As another Test Week wraps up, it’s time to reflect on our performances, celebrate our PRs, and consider areas for improvement. Whether this was your third Test Week or your first, it’s a valuable opportunity to track your progress and set goals for the coming months.

September is here and students are back to school!

New classes, back-to-school events, new town, new friends… It's an exciting time. However, sometimes the course load piles up and suddenly we’ve lost focus on our well-being.

Here’s our tips for a successful year where you feel your best and pass classes:

A sedentary lifestyle negatively impacts metabolic health.

Although we may be getting our morning or evening workout in, a lot of us are participating in what I like to call - uninterrupted sitting. Uninterrupted sitting not only impacts our metabolic health but also puts us at an increased risk for anxiety and depression. So moving throughout the entire day is important... but how do we do it?

We have to value movement so we can prioritize it.

I had been lifting for a few years when I decided to ditch the boring gym routine and try CrossFit. I was excited to learn new things but immediately overwhelmed by all the gear and gadgets that the more experienced athletes had on.

Investing in equipment can help you enhance your training and prevent injuries, but it's important to prioritize purchases based on your current level and your future goals. You’re already investing in your health by showing up – you shouldn’t waste money on things you don’t need.

So, what might you need?

Let's review all of the options before we tell you what's necessary!

This one is for the people who say "I think I’ll cancel” whenever they see running intervals in our weekly programming. It can be intimidating and difficult to show up for activities that we do not enjoy or particularly excel at.

Finishing your first run feeling accomplished will start a positive feedback loop and help you go out for that second and third run. Set yourself up to be encouraged instead of discouraged.

In the gym, you build the foundation, but in sports, you put that foundation to use. It’s where your hard work transforms into tangible results and where you experience the thrill of applying your fitness in a competitive setting.

So next time your friend invites you to a pick-up hockey game or suggests a bike ride, say yes! Imagine having a sports car—you wouldn’t just admire it from the garage; you’d take it out on the road and experience its capabilities. Do the same with the fitness you've built.

Choosing the right running shoe is a personal journey. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, as everyone experiences sensation differently. Your perfect shoe depends on your unique mechanics and preferences. Let's dive into the key factors to consider when selecting your ideal running footwear.

Fast forward a few years, and I am coming off three years in a row where injuries had kept me out for long durations of the season, and I felt as though my sports career was coming to an end. Imagine that, 23 years old and thinking – I’m too old for this shit. 

It was that year that I was introduced to CrossFit.

That following ball season, I led the league in doubles and hit 4 home runs, more than I had in the last 6 years combined. Most importantly – no injuries. Now into my second season after beginning CrossFit I have already surpassed my homerun total from last year and lead the league in stolen bases. And I now truly believe I am strong enough; I am fast enough.

Here’s the thing. The warm-up is not your coach's idea of torture before a hard workout. It’s actually your secret weapon against looking like a baby giraffe trying to deadlift for the first time. 

We often emphasize the importance of consistency because it truly is key to our fitness improvement. If you’re experiencing a stall in your fitness progress, take an honest look at your attendance. Are you showing up to classes regularly? Coming every now and then can really hold us back in our progress.

You need to budget four hours a week for your fitness. Working out isn’t something to take a break from in the summer. Working out is training so you can accomplish that hike, play soccer and softball, and maybe even volunteer to be the first one up on the wakeboard this summer. Working out doesn’t take away from your life, it amplifies it. 

If someone wanted to quit smoking we wouldn’t tell them they could do it in 28 days. So why do we expect to incorporate multiple new lifestyle changes and stick with them in 28 days. What about 75 days, is that enough time to make changes?

Let’s talk about these challenges.

There was no talk of toning or shredding, just education and encouragement. We didn't talk about what we looked like. We talked about how to move and what weight we were lifting.

I loved it and in a short amount of time I also learned to love myself. My view of exercise completely changed.

Hey Google… What is a CrossFit?

New to CrossFit? Finding yourself lost in the world of CrossFit lingo? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. CrossFit has a unique language that can sometimes feel like a new vocabulary. Let's break it down together and navigate through the world of EMOMs, AMRAPs, and WODs.

Transitioning to university life is both thrilling and demanding. With fewer rules, less guidance, and greater freedom comes increased responsibility. So, how do we navigate this transition and thrive in our new environment? The answer lies in establishing a routine, taking care of our physical and mental health, and seeking support. CrossFit played a pivotal role in helping me achieve these goals during my university years. Without CrossFit I might not have made it through 8 years post-secondary and to where I am today.

This sense of belonging can have a profound impact on emotional wellbeing, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation that often accompany aging. The CrossFit community offers seniors a supportive environment where they can forge meaningful relationships and find encouragement.

Seniors who engage in CrossFit experience notable improvements in muscle mass and strength, which contribute to enhanced overall physical independence.

Focusing on what really matters & getting results.