2018: A New Year

A New Year

Obsession or Dedication?
There’s a saying floating around meant to prompt motivation. It goes, “Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated.”

But can we just be honest, please? There is such thing as being obsessed in life. There is such thing as addiction. Right?

Yes, even with fitness.

It’s tricky. There’s a fine line to walk. Right there, in the blurry area of health and well-being, is the field sobriety test for exercise addiction. And it is most certainly life or death to keep our fitness balance. An unhealthy obsession in physical results can prompt a negative self-concept and body image. But without the right amount of obsession, results will never be realized. Progress will never be gained.

Obsession or dedication? Maybe it’s a balance of both. In general, the committed, and the slightly obsessed, experience success.

Above the Shame
So why all the internet shaming? Is there data supporting arguments, negativity, or the “your excuse is invalid” memes? Some people are lazy, it’s true. Others post gym selfies on social media every day. If we disagree with a lifestyle, what is gained in degradation? Likewise, why so much hatred of those who are workout obsessed— of the cardio queens, the gym bros, or the CrossFit cult?

Because success breeds jealousy, that’s why. It’s easier to talk bad about someone’s enjoyment in life than to find one’s own.

Success can also fuel ego. And since dedication stems success, perhaps this is where the shame brews.

Life is not a competition, but human nature makes it one. Progress creates attention. And with attention will come negative backlash. And, evidently, the backlash is alive with trolls, bullies, and internet-shamers.

A Healthy Co-existence
We’ve realized a lifetime of healthy habits can provide longevity. And conversely, a lifetime of unhealthy habits can shorten our days.

With the CDC releasing new statistics this past year on the obesity epidemic in America, the trend is certainly not leaning towards the positive. Particularly concerning are the continued issues with our nation’s youth.

If we have a war on drugs and a war on terrorism, inevitably we’ll wage a war on obesity.

But instead of an us vs. them mindset, an all-inclusive, accepting society will allow the dedicated to maintain their healthy obsession and the backlash of workout regimens to fizzle out along with the fat-shaming trend of the early 21st century internet culture. Humans have a natural need to belong, and that will only happen in fitness when people feel safe— not just from physical injury, but from emotional pain as well.

Here’s a New Year’s resolution: let’s practice more humility and less humiliation.

Let’s forge ahead in fitness while nurturing self-worth. Let’s experience physical gains while improving social relationships. Let’s rise above the shame, let’s put aside our hate, and let’s dedicate ourselves to a healthy and happy co-existence.

There’s space for everyone to stand shoulder to shoulder in the exercise trenches.

The Yearly Challenge
Each year I offer a motivational challenge to each and every reader, as prompted by our own love/hate relationship with CrossFit and the tough workouts we endure.

New to our AmpFam? Welcome. The journey is fun, but the outcome is better. And the group of people here are second to none. Check past posts regarding the fitness equation, dedication, progress, community, etc. See our most recent six-part blog series, “Maximizing Your Amplify Experience.” Ask questions. Seek out answers.

The challenge?
Step back and do some self-reflection. Think about what goals you have and how you will pursue those goals. Bigger than that? Think about what can be done to continue or set into motion your dedicated lifestyle.

• What brought you in to the gym in the first place? Why did you step foot into Amplify?
• What are you doing to take the next step, to make the next advancement in your fitness journey?
• Where can the trainers help? Specifically, what can you communicate that would further benefit the time you put in the gym each and every week?

Whether you are an Amplify veteran or have just joined the ranks of our gym, here’s looking ahead at another year of fitness without boundaries.

Thanks for being here, and as always, thanks for reading!

– Scott, 1.1.2018

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Snatch work and more for midweek!

WEDNESDAYStrengthSnatch [Video]

Complete 7 Sets @60-70% of your max Squat Snatch of the following complex: Pause Below the Knee + Squat Snatch + Squat Snatch

* Pause for 1-2 seconds below the knee, then go into the first Snatch, then reset to the floor and Snatch again.

ConditioningAMRAP in 7 Minutes: 1 Power Clean (#155/105) or Power Snatch (#135/95) 30 Double Unders 2 Power Cleans or Power Snatch 30 Double Unders 3 Power Cleans or Power Snatch 30 Double Unders ... Continue ascending for 7 minutes. Choose your lift; add 1 rep to each round. DUs remain at 30.

Optional Additional Work 5 Sets of 3 Overhead Squats @75%-85% of your 1rep.

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Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Tuesday Cleans and more!

TUESDAY Strength Clean [Video]

Complete 7 Sets @60-70% of your max Squat Clean of the following complex: Pause Below the Knee + Squat Clean + Squat Clean

* Pause for 1-2 seconds below the knee, then go into the first Clean, then reset to the floor and Clean again.

Conditioning 4 Rounds for Total Time: • 21 Calorie Row • 21 Burpees • Rest 2 Minutes

Optional Additional Work 7 Sets of 2 Split Jerks @75% of your 1rep

The Clean

Monday, November 27, 2017

Front Squats and more for Monday!

MONDAY Strength Front Squat [Video] Work up to 90% Front Squat, then complete 5 Sets of 1 Front Squat @85-90%.

Conditioning AMRAP in 15 Minutes: First, 2 Rounds Of: • 12 Deadlifts (#155/105) • 9 Hang Power Cleans • 6 Shoulder to Overhead

Then 3 Rounds Of: • 5 Pull-ups • 10 Push-ups • 15 Air Squats

And Repeat

Front Squats

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Sunday Funday!

SUNDAY Partner Conditioning AMRAP in 25 Minutes: • 30 Box Jumps (24"/20") • Run 2 Down & Back Turf Lengths • 30 Kettlebell Swings (#55/35) • Run 2 Down & Back Turf Lengths • 30 Air Squats • Run 2 Down & Back Turf Lengths • 30 Handstand Push-ups • Run 2 Down & Back Turf Lengths • 30 V-ups • Run 2 Down & Back Turf Lengths • 30 Burpees • Run 2 Down & Back Turf Lengths

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Saturday Partner Workout! 8am Bootcamp, 9am CrossFit, and 10am Open Gym

SATURDAY Partner Workout AMRAP in 20 Minutes: • 60 Double Unders • 30 Airdyne Calories • 20 Hang Power Cleans (#135/95) • Sled Push, Turf Length Down/Back (3 plates/2 plates)

Friday, November 24, 2017

Strength Work & more for Black Friday!

Holiday Week Schedule Friday: 9am, 4:30pm, & 5:30pm. No other classes. Saturday-Sunday: Normal class schedule.

FRIDAY Strength Bench Press [Video] Strict Pull-ups [Video]

7 Supersets Of: • 5 Dumbbell Bench Press • 5 Strict Pull-ups

Build on Bench Press to a heavy set. Weighted Strict Pull-ups for Rx+.

Conditioning 5 Rounds For Time: • 15 Box Jumps (24"/20") • 12 Push Press (#115/80) • 9 Toes to Bar

Bench Press