Everhard CrossFit

OK - over a year since my last post.
Well its easy to post on my cycling results since then. Had a fun time at Mohican with a 6hr39min time in the 100k. Only did 3 road races in 2012 - all field finishes. Then was a mid-pack master for all of my 'cross races, but those are oh so fun no matter where you end up. Pain and then beer, what else could you ask for.

What's really got me stoked now is the CrossFit developments in Canton. Early in November, we were fortunate to find out about a new Crossfit box opening up in Belden Village. After a visit there, while the bolts were being tightened on the Rogue rig and the floor mats were being cut to size, and many other things still needed to be complete; the owners took a good chunk of time out of their hectic day to explain to me their approach, philosophy, and way they will carry out their training. It was easy to see their committment to CrossFit during this visit. I've been doing Crossfit for 4 years both on my own and with some freinds either at the YMCA or at my house. Having improved rapidly at first, I was starting to plateau and even had some regression in certain lifts/WODs. I knew that having a great trainer and a community that motivates you would be the best thing to get to the next level.

Needless to say, my wife and I were among the 1st group to join up at Everhard CrossFit right from day 1. Ken, Corey, and Brandy are the trainers and are top notch in their knowledge, encouragement, guidance, and planning. I can go on and on about how great the workouts are like any Crossfitter would, but I really have been most pleased with their focus on mobility. Only now am I realizing how significant the penalty is if you have poor range of motion, poor position, and lack of flexibility. We have learned to love/hate lacrosse balls, jump/stretch bands, walls, and of course we always love Superfriends (someone so kind as to apply extra pressure when you just cant do it yourself). This has translated into a few personal records already on some of the benchmarks, but I'm sure the best is yet to come. We have focused on correct techniques in grip, stance, shoulder activation, mid-line stabilization, neutral neck, hip power, shrug, etc. I have backed off a good amount on the weights used during the lifts to make sure I can forget my old form and focus on the right way to execute the movements. Outside the gym, the mobility work pays off in nearly every aspect of life. It is basically preventive maintenance on your body.

Last but not least, the community at ECF is superb. Seems strange that most of us there have known each other less than 2 months. I'd have to say CrossFit is a good way to build bonds very rapidly. So even though I have built up a nearly complete home set up that can handle almost every CrossFit WOD out there, there is no comparison to having the coaching and community at a top notch CrossFit gym. Really excited for 2013 and beyond.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Everhard-CrossFit/106972239469347?fref=ts


Matt