Congratulations to our 2012 Push-up Man and Woman of the Year!

If you missed the CFA Holiday Party last week, you might not have heard about our
2011 Push Up Man and Push Up Woman of the Year!

The Push-up Man and Woman of the Year exemplify everything that we love about our athletes, our community, and the human spirit. Not only do these people walk through the doors of CFA day in and day out, and work hard to improve themselves; they go out of their way to lift up everyone around them. They make their friends and families a priority over themselves. They lead and encourage by words, actions, and example. They represent the burning spirit of what makes our little South Austin gym unique and special. We at CrossFit Austin can humbly bestow no greater honor and we give our utmost heartfelt thanks that you both have chosen to make our gym, business, family, and lives a better place!

Push-Up Man of the Year: Lane Lowke

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Lane Lowke

Words to live by?
In the words of the coolest dude I don’t know, Mathew McConaughey, “JK livin’: ‘Just Keep Livin’”

What is your fitness background?
In high school, it was the odd combination of football and tennis. College was mostly 12oz curls… on strength days I’d go 16oz. Before CrossFit it was mostly running and mountain biking.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
July 2011

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
For sure the community. CFA has truly made working out fun and something I look forward to on a daily basis. I have also met some of my nearest and dearest friends at CFA.

What are your training goals?
To be a fit and healthy old fart.

Favorite sport or activity?
Mountain biking the Greenbelt and surfing Lake Austin.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Christmas cruise with the family.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I HATE fruit. Name one, I don’t like it. Including fruity candy, fruity gum and fruity drinks… even the raspberry drizzle will ruin a cheesecake for me.

Longhorns or Aggies?
That’s tough… I love the Longhorns because they are here in our great city, but there is something cool about the camaraderie of the Aggies. Go Stephen F Austin Lumber Jacks!

How do you plan to use your new-found fame and honor as Push-Up Man of the Year?
I’m considering retirement, going out on a high note! Or, Crash told me I could holler out “PUMOTY!” (Push-Up Man of the Year) any time in a workout and be exempt from any movement I don’t like…

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
In the spirit of JK livin’, relax and enjoy life, you only have one. Live it to the fullest!

 

Push-Up Woman of the Year: Janice Trinidad

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Janice Trinidad

Words to live by?
Run towards your fear.

What is your fitness background?
Dabbled in several sports growing up (basketball, volleyball, tennis, ultimate frisbee, rowing)… Now, just CrossFit and running 5K’s.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Little over a year. According to my little book, I’m starting week 78.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
It’s hard to pick a favorite (great WOD buddies, great coaches, well thought-out programming, clean, pretty well-organized box, great culture). As a teacher, I invest a lot of time developing and implementing good lesson plans & good logistics. It’s sooo nice to be on the receiving end of a teaching team that also spends a lot of time on lesson prep and logistics. It feels like a sweet, inspiring, and refreshing form of karma.

What are your training goals?
Right now, I’m working on getting a 5K PR and increasing the number of push-ups I can do unbroken up to 100. The latter’s because all my friends and family who don’t work out at CrossFit Austin keep congratulating me for being AMAZING at push-ups. Whenever I try to explain what really happened, the reality doesn’t measure up to the myth. Soon, both will be true.

Favorite sport or activity?
CrossFit

Recent adventure you’re planning?
3 Regional FIRST Robotics Season (San Antonio, Lubbock, and Houston). And if all my students’ hard work really pays off, the Championship Regional in St. Louis.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
My sisters and I are HUGE suckers for corny, clean kids’ jokes (like Highlights magazine level jokes). Whenever one of us finds one, we call each other ASAP and laugh like we’re 5. If you run by a good one, please tell me so I can share it; it will probably make someone’s day (or week). For example, the last one we exchanged was “What did the fish say when it swam into a wall? Dam!”. 🙂 So Good!

Longhorns or Aggies?
LONGHORNS

How do you plan to use your new-found fame and honor as Push-Up Woman of the Year?
I’m still gathering data on the properties of the Push-Up Woman of the Year Award. Once my study is complete, I will develop an equation that captures it’s essence so that next year’s winner will be ready to fully harness it’s power.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Thank you for being very positive and patient. I’m learning A LOT from y’all. At the start of my career, I really had no idea how to teach and be healthy at the same time. Being a part of CrossFit Austin is helping me figure out how to be healthy, high functioning, and happy all at once and that’s really precious.

The Circle of Awesomeness Challenge 2013

2013 is almost here, and once again, it’s time to dust off the Awesomeness!

Looking good, feeling good, and playing good is the motto around these parts, and there’s nothing like a new year, goals, and a little motivation to get the train headed straight back to Awesomeville. So, for the 4th straight year, CrossFit Austin proudly presents “The Circle of Awesomeness Challenge”….

*”Early Bird 2″ Discount has been extended now through 1/16/13! Sign up now!

The Circle of Awesomeness Challenge 2013

2013 is here, and once again, it’s time to dust off the Awesomeness!

Looking good, feeling good, and playing good is the motto around these parts, and there’s nothing like a new year, goals, and a little motivation to get the train headed straight back to Awesomeville. So, for the 4th straight year, CrossFit Austin proudly presents “The Circle of Awesomeness Challenge”….

What is it?

Our challenge consists of one-part fitness challenge, one-part nutritional and body composition challenge, plus an accountability challenge. Our goals for each 2013 Circle of Awesomeness Challenger are:

  • Mental and emotional preparation for a lasting, healthy lifestyle
  • Physical preparation for the 2013 CrossFit Open
  • Creation of lasting habits for long-term nutritional and body composition success

Fitness Challenges:
Challengers will be tested and retested in 3 different categories of fitness challenges. Each category is comprised of 3 tests, for a total of 9 tests.
The categories are:

  • Work Capacity
  • Strength
  • Athleticism

**These fitness challenges will be the Workout of the Day for L1 and L2 programming during the first week of the challenge. People will partner up and judge each other like we will do for the CrossFit Open WOD’s in March. Everyone will sign off on their score before turning it into the coach.

Nutritional and Body Composition Challenges:
Challengers will be tested and retested on body composition and weight, for their own information. Throughout the Challenge, Challengers will receive points for completing weekly nutritional and lifestyle challenges and assignments. Challengers will also receive points for attending weekly accountability and educational classes.

Important Dates

January 20th @1 pm – Kick-Off Seminar (UPDATED)
January 21st – January 26th Initial Fitness Test
Monday 1/21 – Tests 1, 2, 3
Tuesday 1/22 – Make up day
Wednesday 1/23 – Test 4, 5, 6
Thursday 1/24 – Make up day
Friday 1/25 – Make up day
Saturday 1/26 – Tests 7,8,9  

February 25th – March 2nd Final Fitness Tests
Monday 2/25 – Tests 1, 2, 3
Tuesday 2/26 – Make up day
Wednesday 2/27 – Test 4, 5, 6
Thursday 2/28 – Make up day
Friday 3/1 – Make up day
Saturday 3/2 – Tests 7,8,9
Saturday 3/9 – BBQ & Announcing of Winners

 

What’s in it for you?

What you can win:

  • 1st Place: $225 cash + 1 month of FREE group classes
  • 2nd Place: $100 cash + 2 FREE one-on-one consultations and/or training sessions
  • 3rd Place: $75 cash + 1 FREE one-on-one consultation and/or training session
  • Bonus Prizes include:
    Most Improved Male and Female Fitness Performances: Reebok Nano or Oly shoes of choice
    Top Male and Female Fitness Performances: Complimentary entry into this year’s CrossFit Open + Free CFA T-Shirt
    100% Accountable: CrossFit Austin T-Shirt

What you get:

  • A Kick-off “Success Seminar” with the CrossFit Austin Staff: January 20th @ 1:00 pm.
  • 2 Body Composition Assessments: One the 1st week of the challenge and during the last week of the challenge.
  • The Official CrossFit Austin Nutritional Guide: Complete with foods to avoid, shopping guides, healthy recipes, and supportive educational materials.
  • Before and After Photos: Not required, but highly recommended!
  • Comprehensive Fitness Tests: Tests will cover Work Capacity, Strength, and Athleticism
  • Weekly Accountability Classes: Each week will include a new focus and topic for the week. These classes are designed to give you the tools for lasting success and help you stay accountable throughout the process. Classes will meet every Saturday from January 19th – Februaury 23rd at 11:00am.
    **Bonus**: Spouses or significant others will be allowed to attend these classes for free.
  • Challenger Facebook Page: A private Facebook Page, monitored by CFA Coaching Staff, will be updated daily with an educational article. The page will be a great place to ask questions, share success, struggles, and ideas! This was a huge factor in many folk’s success in past years!
  • Weekly Video Skill Progressions: In preparation for the 2013 CrossFit Open..
  • Discounted Supplements: All Challengers will receive a 25% discount on all nutritional supplements offered at CFA. The discount will be applicable for the duration of the challenge (*Date of sign up through March 2nd only).
  • Support: 6 weeks of support, accountability, motivation, and lots of fun, courtesy of your CFA Coaching Staff!

Pricing

Early Bird (Discount Pricing): 12/18 – 12/30 = $75
Early Bird 2 (Discount Pricing): 12/31 – 01/16 = $100 *Enter code “EARLYBIRD2” for discount!
Last-Minute Pricing: 01/14 – 01/18 = $125

*Space is limited to 60 Challengers only!*

Register for Awesomeness Here!

*Registration starts December 18th

FAQs

  • Can Level 1 athletes participate?
    Yes, this challenge is great for all fitness and experience levels.
  • If I miss a Saturday meeting, will I be disqualified?
    No, you will not be disqualified, but you will not receive your Accountability Points for attending that week’s meeting. There will be a weekly assignment given out at each Saturday meeting, but it will be posted the following Monday on the private Challenge FB page.
  • If I miss one of the fitness challenges, will I be able to make it up?
    You will have the week of January 21st – January 26th to complete initial tests and the week of February 25th – March 2nd to complete the retests. Each week will include an initial test day and two make-up opportunities. If you cannot complete all of the tests within the given time-frame, you will need to set up a PT Session with a coach to complete the tests.
  • Do I have to be a member of CrossFit Austin to participate?
    Yes, to participate in the challenge and complete all the workouts, you must be a CrossFit Austin Member.

If you have additional Questions please post to the comments below so we can answer for everyone. Stay tuned, as we will be releasing more info as we get closer to the event.

Still want more? Hear what past participants are saying!

Let’s get awesome!

Register for Awesomeness Here!

*Registration starts December 18th

WOD 12/13

Level Two
A. 10:00, every minute, on the minute: 3 TNG Power Cleans@65%
B. 4:00, every minute, on the minute: Front Squat x4 @80%

then…
2 Rounds for Quality
Max Horizontal Ring Rows
Max Strict Toes to Bar
Rest 3:00
*Record Total Reps

Level One (TEST DAY)
Skill
Hip Snatch (to Squat or Power Pos.)
Deadlift

Workout
A. Hip Snatch x2x6
B. Deadlift x2-3×5 @ 3111
C. Step-up x8/leg x3

Top 9 most important foods to buy organic
*Post thoughts to comments

“Don’t be afraid of failure. This is the way to succeed.” – Lebron James

AM – Level 1 Hip Snatch DL Step
Eugenia 25lb 35lb 20lb
Hannah 25lb 35lb 15lb
Andre 85lb 135lb 35lb
Kayleen 15lb 55lb 20lb
Silas 15lb 35lb
AM – Level 2 RR TTB
Leah 3 6 (KTE)
Can2 8 9 Rx
Nicole 6 6 Rx
Guthrie 10 6 Rx
Shug 14 (MOD) 3 (KTE)
Alex 12 (MOD) 15 (KTE)
MegO 12 (MOD) 0
Big Spoon 12 12 Rx
Ken 5 15 (KTE)
Jessie 6 6 Rx
Kristi 5 (MOD) 8 (KTE)
Mitch 8 10 Rx
Marissa 10 (MOD) 12 Rx
Brad 15 5 Rx
Tow Matt 8 12 Rx
Michael 12 10 Rx
Michele 8 (MOD) 12 (KTE)
Ray 16 20 Rx
King 12 5 Rx
12P – Level 1
Joe S
Snick S
LT S
Ken N S
Stefani S
PM – Level 2
Crash 15 (MOD) 8 (KR)
Jables 13 (MOD) 14 (KR)
Jenny 21 (MOD) 7 Rx
Josie 18 (MOD) 15 (KR)
Melissa 20 (MOD) 9 (KTE)
Mer 25 (MOD) 20 (KR)
Jamey 19 8 Rx
Linzi 10 8 (KTE)
G 2 2 Rx
Gil 12 10 Rx
David S 7 9 Rx
Sanchez 7 9 Rx
Erica 6 12 Rx
Robert 11 MOD
Walker 10 12 Rx
Marky Marc 10 7 Rx
Danimal 16 12 Rx
Zac 12 10 Rx
Bryan 13 6 Rx
Evil 15 21 (KR)
AG 18 22 Rx
Ivan 22 22 Rx
Adrian 16 10 Rx
George 27 16 Rx
Schittone 25 14 Rx
Missy 15 22 (KR)
C2 19 29 (KTE)
Debbie 13 14 (KR)
Denise 26 30 (KR)
PM – Level 1
Jacinda S
Justin S
Michelle S
Valerie S
Ruben S
Her S
Christian S
Tristan S
MNM S

Strength + Beauty Athlete Profile

The CrossFit Austin Strength + Beauty Challenge starts up again January 13th, 2013! Past sessions have led to some amazing results, some of which we will be sharing with you over the next few weeks. This week’s athlete is Jenny Moore.

Jenny’s Results
Over the course of the 4-week Challenge, Jenny…

  • Lost 12 pounds
  • Lost 8 inches total
  • Lost 4.4% body fat

About Jenny
Jenny was part of the first Strength and Beauty Challenge held at CrossFit Austin in September 2012. I was so blessed to have her. She is always uplifting, funny, positive and sweet! Her beauty on the inside matches the beauty on the outside, you can see it in her performance, confidence, spirit and so much more. –
Coach Alex

A word from Jenny
“I’m super motivated to continue this healthier lifestyle, but the results make me even more pumped up! Coach Alex, thank you for all your hardwork. You have no idea the difference you’ve made in my life! ” – Jenny Moore

Learn more about the Strength + Beauty Challenge.

Registration for the January-February Session opens January 2nd
and the Challenge will run from 01/13/13 – 02/10/13.

WOD 12/12

Level Two
Mobility WOD

2 Rounds of 20M (Length of the gym)
Elephant Walks
Spiderman Walks
Bear Walks
Squat Walks w/ MB

Partner WOD
Mile Run
Tire Pull for Distance (45lb, 25lb)
*Each Partner will complete 4 laps, running a 1 lap at a time, while switching from the run to tire pull.
*Record total time and Distance (completed 100M) achieved.
*Distance =
1st Dumpster ~100M
Mid-point on the Back side ~ 200M
2nd Dumpster ~300M
Black Line ~ 400M

Level One (TEST DAY)
Skill

Jumping Pull-ups

Workout
A1. Press x 3-5 x 5
A2. Jumping Pull-up x3-5 x 5

then…
3 Rounds
8 Ring Rows
20 M Lunge (10 M down and Back)

Myths about high-protein diets
*Post thoughts to comments

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” – W.B. Yeats

Happy birthday, Coach Wes!

AM – Level 1 Press WOD
Kristi 75lb 4:07
Dave 105lb 4:25
Sarah 40lb 4:05
Jillian 55lb 3:13
AM – Level 2
Mikey + George 1400M
Mitch + Mike 1600M
Janice + Rocky 1100M
Jessie + Alex 1700M
Eric H + King 1200M
Marissa 700M
12P – Level 2
Avtar 400M
49er 500M
E-Rod 300M
PM – Level 2
Kavi + Gil 800M
Cat + Kiehler 1800M
Blake + Robert 1300M
Mego + Shug 1200M
Erica + Jeanette 1000M
KT + Melissa + Holly 1400M
Parnell + Sean 1500M
Adrian + Nicole 1400M
C2 + Evil 1300M
PM – Level 1
Snoop 63lb 4:06
Joe 80lb 3:02
Darryl 85lb 3:15
Valerie 45lb 2:49
Ruben 75lb 2:53
Big Easy 105lb 2:22
Jacinda 45lb 3:15
Mustansir 55lb 3:20
Arwa 35lb 3:29
Michelle 55lb 2:57
Justin 105lb 2:42
Jimmy 103lb 3:17
Carlo 125lb 2:31
MNM 165lb 2:47

December CrossFit Classics

CrossFit Austin and CrossFit Central are proud to announce another round of CrossFit Classics, a monthly CrossFit celebration for fitness athletes and fans in Austin, TX!

Once a month we pay homage to the roots of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games by competing in a “Classic” WOD. It may be anything from one of the original “girls,” a famous CrossFit Games Beatdown, or something even “nastier”! The workout will be announced on the first day of each month and will typically take place on the final Friday night of the month (exact times and dates will be announced with the workout). We will be accepting a limited number of competitors for the workout, so register early!

EVERYONE is encouraged to come take part in the festivities. Workouts do not have to be performed Rx, and we will have free drinks,  DJ Kris Kepler, MC, and after-party specials at local establishments! Follow this page for all updates and announcements concerning the event!

The event will take place at CrossFit Central Downtown on December 28th, 2012

December CrossFit Classic Event
When: Friday, December 28th, 2012 @ 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Where: CrossFit Central Downtown (702 East 3rd Street Austin, TX)
Featuring DJ K2  of MOFIT
Sign up here!

The Workout:
“Jackie”

1000M Row
50 Thrusters (45lb)
30 Pull-Ups

Scaling:
Advanced (Rx): 45lb Barbell, Unassisted Pull Ups
Intermediate (S1): 35lb Barbell, Band-Assisted Pull-Ups
Beginner (S2): Rebar (Approx 15lb), Jumping Pull-Ups

Sign up here!

Only 50 Spots Available
$25 Registration Fee

Welcome, Intern “Toonie”!

CrossFit Austin is excited to welcome our newest intern, Alex “Toonie” Tanton! Toonie will be shadowing and assisting our staff as he learns the “ins and outs” of CFA in December and January.

Haven’t had a chance to meet him yet or want to know more about? Read more below…

Alex “Toonie” Tanton

About Toonie:
At the age of 22, I thought my athletic career was over. I had been a competitive swimmer for 14 years – dedicating much of my life to early morning practices, swim meets far away from home, and trying to get the smell of chlorine out of my hair. After my career as a collegiate athlete, I moved to Austin, Texas and fell in love with football. It was always disconcerting to me when I thought about how I would never again be as fit or athletic as the people I saw on TV. In September of 2010, upon returning from a trip to Southeast Asia (quite soft and out of shape), I met up with an old swimmer friend of who told me about CrossFit. He told me that CrossFit was all about short, high-intensity workouts. As I was out of shape at the time, the word “short” definitely appealed to me. I had no idea that the next few months would change my life so drastically. My first workout was Cindy (A 20-Minute AMRAP of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, 15 air squats). I thought the name was wimpy and I thought, “this sounds like a piece of cake!”. After only 6 rounds (jumping pull ups-with a band, and knee pushups), I nearly died! I laid on the ground for about 20 minutes trying to hold back pukie. I was hooked. I joined New Braunfels CrossFit in November of 2010 and fully committed to the sport.

I love coaching and learning with people who are curious about CrossFit and fitness. My own journey to being fit has taught me a lot about commitment, drive, focus, success, and failure. I think that even if going to the CrossFit games is not on your bucket list, being healthy and maintaining functionality is incredibly important to enjoying life fully outside of the gym – no matter how old you are!

“If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.” – Win Borden

WOD 12/11

Level Two
400m Run
10 TNG Deadlifts (185lb, 155lb)
20 Lateral Box Jumps (20”, 16”)
100 DUs
800m Run
10 TNG Deadlifts (185lb, 155lb)
20 Box Jumps(20”, 16”)
100 DU

Level One (TEST DAY)
Skill
Rowing
Burpees

then…
500m Row
5 Rounds
5 Burpees
20 Single Jumps
500m Row
*15:00 cap
*Record Each 500m Split

What do you have in common with a Pez dispenser?
*Post thoughts to comments

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

AM – Level 1 Split 1 Split 2 Total
Andre 1:49 2:15 9:10
Dallas 2:07 2:13 7:48
April 2:41 2:47 9:58
AM – Level 2
Big Spoon 12:58 Rx
Janet 12;35 (125lb, S)
Alex 13:52 (65lb, S)
Sparker 13:19 (115lb, S)
Brad 9:10 (S)
Marissa 10:16 (S)
Erich 10:09 (125lb, S)
Kyle 11:42 Rx
Ballet 12:13 (S)
Ryan 12:52 Rx
Kavi 12:56 (155lb, S)
Tow Matt 15:17 Rx
Todd 14:10 (135lb, S)
Mikey 12:32 Rx
Ray 13:47 (135lb)
AM – Ladies’
Linzi 12:30 (125lb, S)
Mer 13:49 (95lb, S)
12P – Level 1
Ken 1:34 1:50 6:25
Snick 1:53 2:11 10:31
Anne 2:25 2:30 10:25
Kinchen 1:38 2:45 11:10
Dixie 1:59 2:21 11:00
PM – Level 2
Tara 15:47 (65lb, S)
Smitty 12:13 (55lb, S)
Blake 14:06 Rx
Kiehler 12:04 (155lb, S)
Danimal 13:30 (S)
Anthony 16:43 (135lb, S)
Bryan 13:04 (155lb, S)
Jamey 14:07 (S)
Robert 13:57 (135lb, S)
G 15:26 (65lb)
Jables 16:03 (135lb)
Dayna 13:54 Rx
Henry 16:20 Rx
KT 19:35 (95lb, S)
MegO 14:59 (95lb, S)
AG 16:02 Rx
Gary 14:58 (155lb, S)
Lane 13:30 (S)
Melissa 14:40 (55lb, S)
Shug 16:35 (105lb, S)
Marky Marc 12:55 135lb, S)
Cat 15:11 (135lb, S)
Phillip 13:19 (S)
Kline 16:31 (135lb)
LG 20:15 (115lb)
Leah 11:52 (105lb, S)
Missy 15:12 (95lb, S)
C2 15:40 (75lb, S)
Sanchez 17:41 Rx
Evil 14:07 (135lb, S)
Clint 13:20 (S)
Schittone 14:53 Rx
Chrissy 13:57 (135lb, S)
Elizabeth 15:13 (45lb, S)

Tour de Turkey 2012 Results!

Congratulations to all our 2012 Tour de Turkey Challengers!

For the last 5 weeks, they have been responsible for performing 2 additional workouts that are outside of our regular CFA programming. They have also been performing daily mobility exercises and helped one another to stay accountable throughout the challenge. Challengers had their final workout on Saturday to see who would take home the prize: a victory dinner at Fogo De Chao! Everyone did a wonderful job!

Here are the final results…

Team Name Team Members Final Score
*Team Lowke Dayna & Lane Lowke 5:41
*Team Sweet & Sweaty Brad Anderson & Jenny Alaimo 5:48
Erin & Toonie Tanton 5:52
Doug Clements & Kristin Shanahan 6:10
McShady Gary Kanning & Leah Alter 6:13
Tater & Tot Sean Beal & Josie Wilson 6:34
Mashed Potato & Gravy Phillip Thompson & LV Johns 7:06