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Day 28

Hope everyone has been going strong through the holiday weekend!
Posted by Chris on 12/03 at 11:58 AM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

24 Days

24 days and counting.

Have your muscles adjusted yet, or do you find that you are still very sore?
Posted by Chris on 11/29 at 10:35 AM .....

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope every stuffs their faces... I know I will.

Photo from: CrossFit Threshhold


______________________________________________

Day 22 of the 50 day push up challenge

Posted by Chris on 11/27 at 10:00 AM .....

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips: Personal Vigilance

A summary on holiday safety. How to help protect yourself from crime.


By Chris Drewry
http://www.crossfitalpha.com

Preventing Cime: ChristmasThe holidays are upon us. A time for reflection, thanksgiving, family, and merriment. This season of the year empowers some of us with a sense of giving and charity, but for others it can embolden them to commit acts of violence and wickedness. Unfortunately, crime doesn't take a holiday. In fact, it often spikes during the holidays.

One of the more common crimes is the personal attack. Be it in the form of a robbery or assault, this is one of the most pervasive encroachments of our personal security that can occur, and can often scar victims emotionally and mentally. Especially when it occurs this time of year.

The question that begs to be answered it this: How can we reduce our chances of becoming a victim to a personal attack if we are alone?

An argument can be made that you should never be out and about alone, but lets be real folks... you have to do things alone, especially this time of year.

In this article we will dive into the criminal psyche and pick apart the hows and whys of their targeting process and how to reduce our chances of being chosen for an attack. Note that I said reduce, not completely prevent.
I have broken down the attack process into stages, as each stage requires a different approach, with higher levels of risk as we progress through them.

I will go over different stages and concepts in future articles, but the first one that will will cover will be:

Stage 1: Marking
A strategic target is often called a mark. If a person has intent to commit a crime, there will be strategy involved in the act. Selecting a target is part of the process.

Think of this as the job interview you never want to have. In this phase the would-be-attacker is measuring you up using many variables to select you, his target, with one priority in mind.... Convenience! Thats right, this hardcore criminal is looking for the easy way out. He wants to have it his way, and he is often willing to wait and choose the situation and person that he deems most advantageous to himself.

But what makes an easy target, what exactly is he looking for, and how can we counter this strategy? We will now go over common marking factors and how we can minimize our potential to become a victim.

Confidence
If it walks like a confident duck, looks like a confident duck, and sounds like a confident duck... It's probably one bad-a** duck that a criminal doesn't want to mess with.

A criminal does not choose victims who appear to be difficult to overcome. He does not look for a person who can put up a fight. He finds a person that can be overwhelmed and defeated, both physically and mentally. Someone who project confidence in their body language is a far less likely target than the person who seems passive and submissive. The more confident we appear, the less likely we are to be targeted. How do we appear confident, even if we are not?

- Walk Tall: Walk with your head upright and alert. Roll your shoulders back and walk briskly, with purpose.

*If your drag you feet, slump your shoulder forward and drag your feet along the ground.... How do you think you appear?


- Talk Tall: If/when you speak to others (people you don't know) in public, use an authoritative, yet friendly tone, with sufficient volume for the other person to hear.

*Voice fluctuations and tones are major factor in detecting a person's state of mind, it is very important to keep this in mind.

If it walks like a confident duck, looks like a confident duck, and sounds like a confident duck... It's probably one bad-a** duck that a criminal doesn't want to mess with.

Alertness
What is the best kind of offense? History has shown that the best kind of attack is the surprise attack. It is often quick, effective, and devastating; leaving little time for thought or retaliation. Getting caught "with your pants down" is the surest way to defeat, and the fastest way to become a victim. Well...how do we keep our "pants up"?

- Just Say No! To electronics: Get off the cell phone, ipod, pda, and laptop.

*We are a wired in, plugged up, and over distracted society. While these distractions can help us unwind and pass the time, they also occupy multiple senses at a time, effectively diminishing our ability to detect a threat and even follow the other guidelines in this article. Most of these items also hold monetary value, which means they would actually add value to you as a target.

*I bet you have gotten this phone call from someone: "Hey, stay on the phone with me.. I don't feel safe going through this area." This is the wrong approach to take. The person on the other side of the phone will not be able to help you in the event of a personal attack or abduction. The best they could do is call the police, but the police would not arrive until after the event took place. The argument people give me for this is this, "it could help police solve the crime." I don't know about you, but I would rather prevent the crime.


- Be prepared: Have your keys, subway pass, key card, or whatever you may need, while in transit, ready to go. Color code your keys for ease and switness of use. Have all your shopping items ready to stow away quickly.

*Rustling around in your purse or coat because you lost your keys, or fumbling with your keys at your door? I bet all you can think about is where those darn keys are... so engrossed in this search that you didn't notice the man in all black approaching you from behind. That is a bad day! And easily preventable.


- Pay attention: Pay attention to your surroundings. Does something not feel right?

*Our intuition is a great source to tap into, and can be a literal lifesaver.
They key is being alert. We have a tendency to get into the holiday rush and forget whats going on in our surroundings, and that is what the attacker wants.

Crime prevention tips kitty

Visibility
Cover and concealment is prime combat strategy in the military, and for good reason. If they cant see you, they can't shoot or detect you. For personal vigilance and crime prevention, we want to take the opposite approach from the military. We want to maximize our public visibility, where as the criminal would prefer to meet us in a dark alley. Here are some god rules to follow.

- Street Walking: If you find yourself in pedestrian mode, walk on the sidewalk, stay in the street lights and stay close to the curb. If you must walk next to parked cars, try to stay in the middle of the sidewalk.

*Creeps like to hide in side streets, alley ways, and parked cars, snatching victims into the darkness. We want to make it a little bit more difficult for them by creating distance and staying visible to the public.


- Parking: Park your car under a light to maximize visibility around your car. Make sure to look inside your car before stepping into it.

*Attacks in parking lots often happen next to or in the vehicle, you are more at risk when next to your vehicle than when walking to it.

The more visible you are, the most likely people will witness the crime, which is an outstanding deterrent to an attack.


I hope these tips help you and your family have a safe holiday season. Be sure to send this to everyone you know and love.

What are some of your own personal vigilance techniques? Post them in comments.
Posted by Chris on 11/26 at 02:20 PM ..... Technique, Equipment, Training, and MotivationPermalink

Day 21 of push ups

No witty remarks today, still working on the self preservation article. it will be posted shortly.
Posted by Chris on 11/26 at 02:13 PM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

The 100 push up challenge: Day 20

Well, we are almost upon the halfway mark. We will be switching up the training protocols soon, and I will be posting an article detailing the new approach.

Look for a Holiday Crime prevention series to be posted here soon as well.

Happy Push Ups!
Posted by Chris on 11/25 at 01:35 PM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

CrossFit Bodyweight Workout 112408

36 - 26 -16 reps for time

Squats
Situps
High Jumps


Posted by Chris on 11/24 at 12:47 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

What is your max push ups #?

Day 19

How many push ups can you get non stop? Let us know your progress!!!


This slam ball is slammed out.
Busted Slam Ball

______________________________________________________________

"High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation." Jack Kinder
Posted by Chris on 11/24 at 09:32 AM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Day 18

Chris H, whom is stationed in Antarctica, has made it to the front page of crossfit.com. Go check out his photo?
Posted by Chris on 11/23 at 03:10 PM .....

Push ups, day 16

Rob working it
Rob doing his challenge

BTW Sarah, great job on your push up progression!!! Give her a hand!
_____________________________________________________

"I feel that the greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more." - Jonas Salk
Posted by Chris on 11/21 at 04:49 PM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

CrossFit Bodyweight Workout 112108

"Push Sprints"

10 Rounds for time:

100m sprint
10 push ups

These push ups will count for your challenge. This workout is done quickly, literally in a matter of minutes... so remember... MAX EFFORT!
Posted by Chris on 11/21 at 10:21 AM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Push ups, day 15

More Push up fun.


Big announcement coming soon!
Posted by Chris on 11/20 at 10:18 PM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Day 14

Have you tried changing up hand placement at all?

Try with your hands slightly narrow or wider than normal.

Do some clapping push ups, dive bombers, ring push ups.... try to mix things up!
Posted by Chris on 11/19 at 01:37 PM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Website Tweaks.

Guys,

Myself and my admin, Otto, are working on several new projects, so the website will be freaking out a little. I know that the comments say that everyone is from Lakeland.... I am working on that! tongue rolleye
Posted by Chris on 11/18 at 09:22 PM ..... CrossFit Alpha - Memphis: NewsPermalink

No Excuses

Day 13

We all make excuses from time to time. Even myself! What matters is how we push through the excuses and reasons and just get things done.





Push ups, Day 12

Im feeling better, and will be back in the challenge today.

How is everyone holding up physically and mentally?
Posted by Chris on 11/17 at 10:17 AM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Sick Playground Workouts





Day 11 of the Challenge BTW
Posted by Chris on 11/16 at 04:34 PM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Sick Today!

Day 10 of the Challenge



Boy am I sick, and not by Pukie chasing me during a workout this time.

PS This is one of CrossFit's mascots... "Pukie the Clown" Some of you have already met him.




Could not push through my push ups today, I hate being this ill. I will hopefully be back in the challenge tomorrow.

____________________________________________


Tactics, fitness, stroke ability, adaptability, experience, and sportsmanship are all necessary for winning. - Fred Perry
Posted by Chris on 11/15 at 06:11 AM .....

Good Fitness Articles

Day 9 of the challenge

Parkour Training

Evolutionary Aspects of Exercise, L. Cordain, R.W. Gotshall


Physical Activity, Energy Expenditure and Fitness: An Evolutionary Perspective, L. Cordain, R.W. Gotshall, S.B. Eaton


Cereal Grains: Humanity’s Double Edged Sword, L. Cordain


The Slow Train To Fitness, Outside Magazine


Short Term Sprint Interval versus Traditional Endurance Training: Similar Initial Adaptations in Human Skeletal Muscle and Exercise Performance, The Journal of Physiology and Experimental Physiology



_______________________________________________________

Inspire me with love for my art and for thy creatures. In the sufferer let me see only the human being. - Moses Maimonides, The Physician's Oath


How are you Breathing?

Push up Challenge day 8

Josh - Burpee
How you breathe is almost as important as how you move when we talk about fitness. Make sure that you breathe outward as you enter movements that compress the chest cavity, and inhale as the chest expands. This allows us to maintain proper postural alignment throughout the movement.

How does this relate to push ups?

Not much.

Just remember to breathe on every rep
.

We will go more into form later this week.

____________________________________________

“It has never been so bad, that it couldn't be worse...” Anynomous


Posted by Chris on 11/13 at 06:50 AM ..... Technique, Equipment, Training, and MotivationPermalink

No Pictures Today,









JUST PUSHUPS












PS. Day 7

Posted by Chris on 11/12 at 05:17 AM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Antarctic Push ups

Push up Challenge Day 6


Chris in Antarctica

You think your push ups are difficult? This is Chris H. doing his challenge at the base of the volcanic Mt. Erebus... in Antarctica!

Awesome job Chris!

Tenacity and You

Day 5 of the Push up Challenge


Daniel doing "in and outs"
Daniel in and out


Lets talk a bit about tenacity today. This mental toughness is what allows us to plow through our CrossFit workouts while keeping that damned clown "pukie" at bay. It makes fitness intensity the beast that it is, and allows us to push through some great physical and mental challenges. Tenacity can be our enemy too. It can cause us to ignore true pain and throw ourselves into injury.

Guys and gals...

While we continue through this challenge, and as we get closer to to the 100 consecutive goal, keep in mind that this is a training challenge and not a punishment test. If you feel you are "pushing" yourself to injury, then back off the intensity or reps. An "oopsie-daisy" while training can set you back weeks or months, now THATS tough on the ego and on our fitness... right DANIEL!?

Have you ever pushed yourself to injury? Tell us about it in comments.



Happy Birthday Marine Corps

233 years of service and honor... OOH-RAH!


Posted by Chris on 11/10 at 05:43 AM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

The Bodyweight Push up Challenge: Day 4

The comment counts are dropping, does that mean we are losing people at day 4.

SAY IT IS NOT SO!

Any volunteers for someone to allow me to shoot video of them doing push ups for a "training" video?

Everyone is Getting in on the Action

Day 3!

Even my daughter has caught push up fever. She first tried them on the floor, and then on the parallelettes (actually she just started posing on them).


Emma doing push ups2

Emma doing push ups2

Make it your goal today to try to motivate someone to join in on this challenge with you. It's free and fun!



CrossFit Bodyweight Workout 110608

10 rounds for time:

10 pushups
10 squats
10 situps

Post time to comments.

Yes this workout does count for your challenge total.
Posted by Chris on 11/07 at 12:36 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Day 2!

Second day of the push up challenge.

I have added a buy in option for people starting late. Should you come into this challenge late you will be "charged" a debt of push ups to be payed over a 2-5 day period. See the original challenge post for details.

SO how is everyone feeling this second day?

Document your accomplishments... take video or photos of you doing your push ups in interesting places and I will put them on the site!




Push Up Challenge Day 1

And the fun begins cool smile

Crossfit Alpha - Memphis Presents: The 50 Day Push Up Challenge!!!

The push up....
Clint Push up


Simple, effective, and more often than not, grossly neglected. This functional skill is the foundation of push centric body mechanics and is essential to developing static core strength and stamina. 100 push ups in one set is a great feat, and something we should aspire to accomplish (well, 100 reps of any baseline functional movement is great).


So lets have a personal challenge: 100 Push ups a day for 50 days

Rules

- Push ups are to be performed:
. in max sets... i.e. go until you can go no more, wait a while(even if it is a few hours) and go again
. 100 total reps within a 24 hour period.
. EVERY DAY! for 50 days

- Keep track of your results, lets keep each other honest. POST HERE! I will create a new blog entry everyday for people to post their experiences.

- Make it a social thing... Lets have fun with it, inspire each other, and get our friends and family involved.

- Ensure each rep is a good rep, chest and hips to ground on bottom, elbows fully locked at top, maintaining full plank.

- Avoid going to your knees at all costs.
Sara Knee Pushups

- If these goals are too ambitious, then set more realistic ones... maybe 100 push ups on the knees, or 50 wall push ups... we want everyone to be able to participate.

- If you manage to hit 100 consecutive reps in one sitting, move your daily objective up to 150 push ups.

- We will start tomorrow 11/06/08

Good Luck and Have Fun!


EDIT: If you started late, here is the "buy in" procedure to catch you up to the other participants.

The formula for calculating this debt is as follows:

10 pushups x (day number you are entering on) to be paid out over a predetermined time, starting with 2 days. i.e if you start on day 4... you now owe 40 additional push ups to be paid by the end of the(your) second day.

Additional days are added per 100 push up debt owed . i.e. of you enter at day 10, you have 3 days to complete these additional 100 push ups, 4 days for 200, etc etc

If you have any questions... ASK!

Re: Mid South Krav Maga

As of yesterday, I am no longer teaching classes at Mid South Krav Maga. I wish them the best of luck, and I will miss all of the members greatly.
Posted by Chris on 11/04 at 11:49 PM ..... CrossFit Alpha - Memphis: NewsPermalink

Online Training Logs

A new feature of the website is that we now offer online training logs. To use them, you first create a profile on our discussion forum. Then you click on the training log section, and create a thread with your name in the title and any starting information you want to post. To update your log, you simply click on the thread you created and click "reply". You then enter relevant information and submit it into the thread.

This is a great way to track your progress and also allow me to oversee and make make suggestions to tweak your training programs.

ENJOY!

CrossFit Bodyweight Workout 101508

"Long Cycle Burpees"

50 Rounds For time of:

1 Squat
1 Pushup
1 Situp
1 Superman
1 Tuck Jump

Try to combine all of the movements into one fluid movement.... and the long-cycle burpee is born.
Posted by Chris on 10/15 at 03:49 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

The Kids Hanging Out

The Pokemon wars continue!CrossFit Alpha - Memphis - Kids


Nice drawing!CrossFit Alpha - Memphis - Kids Draw




Posted by Chris on 10/03 at 09:16 PM .....

CrossFit Bodyweight Workout 100108

As Many Rounds as Possible in 12 minutes of

10 pushups
15 situps
20 m lunge
Posted by Chris on 10/01 at 02:49 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

CrossFit Bodyweight Workout 092708

5 rounds for time of

30 second squat hold (bottom of squat)
20 squats
30 seconds full plank (top of pushup)
20 pushups
Post time to comments
Posted by Chris on 09/27 at 08:33 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

CrossFit Ring Dips?

Brit......
Your doing it wrong!@!
Britanny, wrong ring dips

Posted by Chris on 09/14 at 08:52 PM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 091408

3 rounds for time:

25 tuck jumps
25 pushups
25 squats
25 situps
25 supermans
Posted by Chris on 09/14 at 08:50 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Discussion Forum Revamp

Need a place to track your workouts online?

Want to talk to others in the community, and ask questions?

Check out our discussion forum here:
Posted by Chris on 09/10 at 07:56 AM ..... CrossFit Alpha - Memphis: NewsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 091008

"Death by Burpee"

With a continuously running clock do one burpee the first minute, two burpees the second minute, three burpees the third minute... continuing as long as you are able.

Use as many sets each minute as needed.

Post number of minutes completed to comments.
Posted by Chris on 09/10 at 12:00 AM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

More Updates

More website work. Re-tooling of the dynamic website gallery, addition of the whiteboards gallery, basic cleanup and re-organization.

I am still working on how to sort and search the whiteboards, stay tuned.
Posted by Chris on 09/09 at 10:48 PM ..... CrossFit Alpha - Memphis: NewsPermalink

When Handstands Go Wrong

Sam forgot to "hollow" out, and got real friendly with the ground.

Posted by Chris on 09/09 at 05:59 PM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 090108

5 rounds of:

400m (1/4 mile) Sprint

Run as hard and fast as you can for each round.

Take adequate rest between rounds.. 3-5 minutes.

Post thoughts to comments.
Posted by Chris on 09/01 at 07:17 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Website Updates!

Things are looking a little bit different around here!

Here is a run down of projects currently happening with the website....

1.) Removal of the whiteboards from the main blog. I like the idea of posting the whiteboards, but I dont like how much they clutter up the main page. I am considering different options.

2.) Revamping of the navigation. Yes I am retooling the navigation yet again.... With the increase of traffic I find it necessary to streamline things a bit.

3.) Experimenting with new photo gallery widgets. I was not happy with the functionality of the old Flickr widget... it was hard to tell it what you wanted it to do. A new one is in order and I am working with a few different ones to see which I like.

4.) The addition of bodyweight exercise demos. I have finished the shooting of the demos, and now need to edit them. As soon as they are edited expect to see them in the video section.

If you have any suggestions or thoughts, let me know.
Posted by Chris on 09/01 at 07:11 PM ..... CrossFit Alpha - Memphis: NewsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 081808

As Many Rounds as Possible in 20 Minutes of

5 burpees
10 situps
15 squats
Posted by Chris on 08/18 at 10:23 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 081408

Tabata Tuck-Jumps

Do as many tuck-jumps as possible in 20 seconds
followed by 10 seconds of rest

Total time 4 minutes

Post lowest number of jumps in any set.

Then... 2 minutes total time inverted in a hand stand.
Posted by Chris on 08/14 at 07:44 AM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 081108

10 rounds for time:

30 seconds handstand hold (use a wall if you need to)
30 seconds squat bottom hold
Posted by Chris on 08/11 at 08:00 AM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Inactive Shoulders and Form Degradation

Proper lumbar alignment is, bar none, the single most important aspect to managing a load in line with your frontal plane. In plain English... when you pick an object up off the ground, or even overhead, spinal alignment is necessary to safely manage the weight. Often times, when asked to straighten their back during a lift, a CrossFitter will clean up their lumbar curve, but forget to engage active shoulders.

Active shoulder engagement is often lost as the athlete tires, causing sheer force along the top of the spine, forcing the weight away from the frontal plane (the center-most line of the body), and making a load seem much heavier that it really is, which in turn, causes form to degrade even more. This is a vicious cycle that is hard to break, and why we must focus on this even when training with PVC pipes. Take a look at the photo below for an example of a CrossFitter losing active engagement due to fatigue.

A demonstration of inactive shoulders during the deadlift.
Improper deadlift form

See how his shoulders are not rolled, lats are not engaged, and generally the weight is pulling him downwards to the floor... arching his upper spine in the process. This is dangerous at heavy weights, and care should be taken to avoid this at all costs.

When performing a movement such as the deadlift, ensure you have proper spinal alignment, engagement of the shoulders, and full core tension. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull the weight against your body as you raise the bar from the floor. Keeping your shoulders as upright as possible throughout the entire movement.

See photo below, noting the alignment of the back.

Proper alignment.
Proper deadlift alignment


Posted by Chris on 08/10 at 05:32 PM ..... Technique, Equipment, Training, and MotivationPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 080708

For time:

50 jumping jacks
50 tuck jumps
50 squats
50 situps
50 pushups
50 mountain climbers

Posted by Chris on 08/07 at 06:07 AM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 080408

Spend a total of 5 minutes in a hand stand, or head stand.

This is total time inverted, not total time attempting.

You may use a wall, bar, friend to assist.
Posted by Chris on 08/04 at 07:48 AM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Parkouring in the Park

We recently had some fun in the park despite the 100 degree weather.

CrossFit Alpha - Memphis - CrossFit Alpha - Memphis - Parkour


Posted by Chris on 08/03 at 08:55 PM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Ralph Is Leaving Us!

Ralph, one of the full-time instructors at Midsouth Krav Maga is leaving us. He is going back to his true passion... teaching our young people proper education.

Included in the studies that he will be presenting to his students will be th 4 "R"s

Reading
Writing
Arithmatic
Right Hook

We are sad to see him go.

Ralph, you will be missed greatly sir.

CrossFit Alpha - Memphis - CrossFit Alpha - Memphis - Ralph
Posted by Chris on 08/03 at 08:45 PM ..... CrossFit Alpha - Memphis: NewsPermalink

7 Silly Fitness Fads

From strippercise to circus-trapeze aerobics, gyms and fitness gurus keep coming up with new ways to make working out less of a chore. But though these whimsical classes and instructional DVDs can reinvigorate your gym routine, some of the glitziest (and goofiest) new trends can also put you at risk for sprained ankles, pulled muscles and overexertion. And some don't even give you much of a workout.

Here are seven of the silliest fitness fads—with the lowdown on whether or not they really chisel and tone.

1. Weighted Hula Hooping. Maybe it was the 50th anniversary last month, or maybe it's the buzz over the new Wii Fit version, but Hula Hooping, the backyard mainstay from the 1950s, is back—and a whole lot heavier. National gym chains like Bally Total Fitness now offer hooping classes to kids and seniors alike, with weighted Hula Hoops that participants wheel around their outstretched limbs and torso.

Will the toy-based hybrid of strength and cardio give you the toned curves of Beyonce, who says she hoops to stay svelte? "The unweighted, traditional ones definitely work your core, and you can actually get the cardio system up," says Jim White, certified fitness trainer and spokesman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). "I would recommend staying with the normal ones—with the weighted [hoops], beginners could pull a muscle."

The verdict: If you can do it, join the hoopligans. But avoid weighted hoops if you're new, and be advised of the gender divide—White says women are far more likely to be able to hoop well than men.

2. Strippercise. Toned celebrities like Kate Hudson and Carmen Electra started shilling this female-only fad five years ago, boasting both body and boudoir benefits from sensual "aerobic striptease" classes. Several variations caught on—pole-dancing classes, chair-centered lap-dance routines and floor exercises (the latter a Pilates-like workout that involves a combination of ab-stimulating moves and seductive hair-tossing). Let's forget the existential questions about whether pretending to be a stripper is empowering or degrading, can it get you in shape? "When my girlfriend first said she was going, I was kind of concerned," laughs the ADA's Jim White. "But it really increases your confidence, and you get a great workout."

However, those with weak ankles or shy spirits, beware: strapping on the eight-inch-heeled exotic-dance platforms that some classes use can result in serious injury, says Dr. Cedric Bryant, chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise. "The stiletto heels ... don't really put the foot and ankle in the most advantageous position," says Bryant. "It's part of the shtick, but purely from the biomedical standpoint, you really want to exercise caution."

The verdict: Sure, it's fun, but it's probably better as a novelty activity at bachelorette parties and group outings than something for dedicated gym rats.

3. The Bodyblade . Take the long, swordlike plastic bar, hoist it overhead and shake vigorously for a trunk-targeted workout that supposedly causes up to 270 muscle contractions per minute, giving you washboard abs and ropey shoulders that are rounded, not chiseled. The device uses physics as its premise: once set into motion, the oscillating bar must be stopped by your effort to overcome its inertia. That straining is the workout. Though it's making the rounds as the "new" thing, Bryant says Bodyblade-like bars have been around in physical therapy practices for years. "It helps you challenge the neuromuscular system—how the nerves communicate with the muscles, and relearning that process," he says. What if you're just looking for core stability? White, who's never tried the Bodyblade, says he has one client who bought into the trend—for a while. "To be honest, I think she used it for about a month and then moved on," he says.

The verdict: Can be good for physical therapy but otherwise a fickle fad. If you don't mind looking like an idiot, and not knowing how many calories it burns (the makers disclose no numbers, saying it's "difficult to calculate"), give it a spin.

4. Cirque du Soleil-Inspired "Aerial Aerobics." The breathtaking stunts of the world's best-known circus acrobatics troupe first inspired workouts at trendy gyms like Crunch and Equinox and have now spawned "aerial fitness studios" where you tone up by defying gravity. The premise of "fabric aerobics" is simple: just shimmy to the top of a cloth lanyard, wrap it around your feet and hang, limbs dangling. Sounds easy, right? Maybe not: "They told me it was Pilates but with hanging hammock things," says my colleague Jessica Bennett, who tried it, "but you seriously had to be an acrobat." The bare-minimum skill level for a workout like this—the class is called "Fabric" at Crunch—might be good enough to get you into the circus.

The verdict:
The greatest of ease? Yeah, right. "It can backfire from the standpoint that you feel really inadequate," Bryant says—and who needs one more reason not to exercise?

5. Wind-Relieving Asana. Thought fiber was the only natural remedy for expelling excess gas? Think again: this series of yoga postures assumed in asana-based classes assists air in exiting your digestive tract—in a room full of people. The motions involve lying flat on your back and pulling your left, right or both knees into your tensed stomach, squeezing out the stale air or, in instructor's lingo, engaging your abdominal region to assist with elimination. The poses are also said to enhance supine strength and flexibility, making them optimal for those with both bad backs and Metamucil in their pantries (read: old people). "It could certainly be helpful with some individuals in terms of [their] low backs," says Bryant. "But the whole flatulence aspect—I'm not so sure that there's a great deal of physiological support for that being a need."

The verdict: Group flatu-fitness? We'll pass.

6. Wii Fit Ski-Jump. Some of the applications for Nintendo's latest gee-whiz gadget are gathering a cultlike following for their fitness-is-fun virtual workouts, all centered on a floor pad that senses your movement. The "Two-Person Run" lets you jog around a lush digital island, for example, without leaving your living room, and White says it's very popular with his clients. But others, like "Ski Jumping," require extra vigilance to get the full fitness payoff—meaning, holding the poses for the right amount of time and managing your breath correctly. Marked as a balance-improver, the ski jump requires the jumper to remain in a slight squat position for a few seconds before quickly straightening up. But White says: slow your release in any squat to get the toning payoff. "Make sure you're not holding your breath, and hold the release for anywhere from four to five seconds," he says. The other requirements? Ponying up the $90 for the Fit (plus about $250 for the Wii console).

The verdict: Wii workouts can be virtually sweat-free, but hold it right, and you could improve your rear view.

7. Dorm Room Workouts. College-geared fitness guides like "Dorm Room Diet Workout," by Daphne Oz (daughter of oft-quoted health guru Dr. Mehmet Oz) say the freshman 15 is an elective, not a requirement—and with just 20 minutes of milling around your 9-by-10-foot room, you can stave off the creeping pudge. But when just about every college in America has a gym, why do pushups under a backpack of textbooks? Lack of time, says Oz, whose 20-minute fitness DVD shows a series of room-based stretches and leg lifts that profess to be a shortcut to a toned physique.

But by itself, it's not enough, says Bryant. A Cornell study of college diets suggests that freshman gain over a third of a pound per week during their first semester—meaning a calorie intake that commercial-break chair dips alone won't cancel out. "You can't spot reduce, and everything has to be combined—cardio, weight training and the proper diet," says White. "That's the bottom line with respect to all of these fads—it comes down to hard work."

The verdict: 20 minutes alone in your room won't justify pizza and beer—or win you lasting college memories. But when combined with other healthy habits, it earns high marks.

Original Source: Newsweek
Posted by Chris on 08/03 at 10:48 AM ..... Personal Thoughts and Fun PostsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 073008

For Time:

75 Burpees


Compare to This Workout
Posted by Chris on 07/30 at 09:32 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 072808

Today's Workout

10 Burpees
50 Mountian Climbers
10 Burpees
50 Situps
10 Burpees
50 Squats
10 Burpees
50 Pushups
10 Burpees

Compare to This Workout
Posted by Chris on 07/28 at 05:28 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Strength Re-defined Part 1

CrossFit Alpha Memphis | ArnoldWhen you think of strength, what comes to mind? Most likely, the image floating in your head is of the quintessential large male complex perpetrated by the king of bodybuilding. The words I use may seem harsh, and while Arnold may have motivated an army of followers to get into the gym... I would argue he is neither the definition of strength, nor fitness. He is a specialist in the ability to produce large muscle mass, that it all, not a poster-child for fitness.

When I think of fitness, I imagine individuals doing what seems to be incredulous, and well beyond normal expectations. Simply the ability to manipulate the body as it was intended and expressing the motions in a manifestation of physical prowess across multiple time and modal domains... that is what is in my mind.

If I could choose one person to epitomize this, my vision, my goal; it would be Nicole Carrol.

Here she is spanking the pants off of a much larger, seemingly "fit" male. Please note that the weight they are using is 95 lbs. and she weighs in at 123 lbs.






What is your definition of fitness/strength?


To be continued...
Posted by Chris on 07/28 at 10:10 AM ..... Technique, Equipment, Training, and MotivationPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 072308

Todays workout is one of my favorites:

10 rounds for time:

10 Push-ups
10 Situps
10 Squats

Post times
Posted by Chris on 07/23 at 11:31 AM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

2nd Memphis CrossFit Pilot Class a Huge Success

Great job everyone who attended! It was a great class.

Sam pushing through Tabata Squats

CrossFit Alpha - Memphis - Sam Squatting


Posted by Chris on 07/20 at 05:27 PM ..... CrossFit Alpha - Memphis: NewsPermalink

FAQ under Construction

I am implementing a FAQ, please enter questions you would like to see added to the comments section Here
Posted by Chris on 07/16 at 08:48 PM ..... CrossFit Alpha - Memphis: NewsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 071608

4 Rounds For Time:

15 Pushups
25 Squats
25 Situps


Posted by Chris on 07/16 at 08:31 PM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink

Bodyweight Workout 071408

For time:

10 pushups
20 tuck jumps
30 situps
40 squats
50 mountain climbers
40 squats
30 situps
20 tuck jumps
10 pushups
Posted by Chris on 07/14 at 10:11 AM ..... CrossFit Bodyweight WorkoutsPermalink