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Annie Sakamoto on (nearly) two decades in CrossFit

 
Morning Chalk Up

May 9   |   POWERED BY

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Good morning and welcome to the Morning Chalk Up.

In today’s edition:

  • New Morning Chalk Up writer, Austin Heaton offers some thoughts on the Semifinal strength of field in the women’s division
  • Annie Sakamoto, one of the original CrossFit “Girls” talks about her almost two decades in the sport and community
  • Plus, three reasons why your affiliate should program training cycles
 
QUOTE OF THE DAY + Send us a Quote

“There never was a time when, in my opinion, some way could not be found to prevent the drawing of the sword.” - Ulysses S. Grant

 
CROSSFIT GAMES
  Semifinal Strength of Field: Individual Women  

Semifinal Strength of Field: Individual Women

Semifinals are less than 2 weeks away and we can hardly wait until the action starts.

In anticipation, we have been busy…

While reviewing the athletes of all 7 separate regions we decided to break down each one and determine which regions are the most competitive.

Which regions have the most experienced lineup of athletes which competitors will have to beat?

Below we have created a Semifinals Strength of Region Ranking based on the following criteria:

  • Total combined Games appearances of all athletes in the region
  • Total combined top 10 Games finishes of all athletes in the region
  • Total combined podium finishes of all athletes in the region
  • Total combined championships of all athletes in the region
Continue Reading...
 
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Balance Training, How and Why It Can Improve Performance

Balance Training, How and Why It Can Improve Performance

In order to move efficiently, good balance is non-negotiable. Many athletes focus on training strength, power, speed, and endurance—but they neglect the one aspect that’s a big part of their foundation (balance).

Performing exercises on unstable surfaces is one of the best ways to challenge and improve your balance and strengthen the tiny stabilizer muscles in your body.

Adding balance and stability training into your routine is easy with the Stability Trainer Pro.

Save $30 Off + Free Shipping with this link (code applied at checkout)!

 
SPEED READS

📉 📈 Check out this chart outlining Semifinal appearances by field for the women’s division. (h/t FranLungFitness).

Not sure what to get your mom or wife for Mother’s Day? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our Shopping Guide for Fit Mamas.

ICYMI: NOBULL CMO, Todd Meleney, resigned.

🚨🚨🚨 Flash Sale!: We are doing a bit of spring cleaning at the Morning Chalk Up, and right now all apparel and patches are on sale. While supplies last.

 
PROFILE
  Annie Sakamoto: One of the Original  

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Annie Sakamoto: One of the Original "Girls" on Two Decades in CrossFit

Annie Sakamoto remembers that day at the end of 2005 well.

She was one year into CrossFit and founder Greg Glassman told her he wanted her to be in a video attempting a new workout he had created.

  • “We had no idea what the workout was going to be,” Sakamoto said of the day they filmed what has now become the iconic Nasty Girls video, a workout featuring three rounds of 50 air squats, seven muscle-ups and 10 power cleans at 95 pounds.
  • “Back then, so much of this stuff we had never done. Seven muscle-ups, three rounds. ‘I wonder what that will be like.’ I don’t think any of us had ever done that many muscle-ups in a workout,” Sakamoto remembered, laughing.

Up to the challenge, Sakamoto—along with two other original CrossFit girls, Nicole Carroll and Eva Twardokens—set up their barbells, waited for the “3, 2, 1 Go” and attempted Nasty Girls for the first time.

  • “When I go back and watch that video, I’m like, ‘Maybe I didn’t even warm-up,’ because the first rep at that 95 pounds I look completely shocked,” Sakamoto said.
Continue Reading...
 
LIFESTYLE
  Three Reasons to Program Training Cycles at Your Affiliate  

Three Reasons to Program Training Cycles at Your Affiliate

The constant variation in CrossFit is typically one of the main attractions for people coming from a repetitive exercise program, but can start to feel like fitness limbo if tangible improvements aren’t made over time.

Today we’re going to discuss why you should incorporate training foci into your programming to help balance the seemingly “random” feeling that CrossFit workouts can sometimes give to those not trained in the methodology. The benefits range from better class participation and member retention, to helping your athletes become more competent movers.

1. Improved Member Adherence and Retention 

Communicating the training focus and educating your members about each programming cycle is a great way to get people excited about coming to the gym. When members understand the goals of the programming and see tangible improvement, they’re going to stay motivated and invested in the training. This can help increase class participation and improve retention.

Continue Reading...
 
THINGS TO...
 

...DO

Shop for Mom

Looking for something to get your Mom or your special lady for Mother’s Day? If she’s a CrossFitter, then we’ve got some ideas for you! Check out the Mother’s Day Shopping Guide for Fit Mamas to find a gift while you still have time!

SHE DESERVES IT.
     

SPONSORED

...SNAG

40% Off Sitewide at Reebok for Mother’s Day

You can’t beat Reebok swag. You also can’t beat getting swag 40% off! Whether you are shopping for Mom, or just shopping for yourself, use code “MOTHER40” to grab some great gear at a discount.

MOMS FOR THE WIN.
     
 

...TRY

This Simple Kipping Tip

Kipping is life for most of us CrossFitters. That’s why this simple kipping tip will change the game and upgrade your gymnastics instantly.

KIPPIN IT REAL.
     
 

...BUY

Soft (Like, Really Soft) Joggers

Athleisure is on a whole new level with Vuori’s DreamKnit™ Joggers. You’ll live in your joggers (and don’t forget a matching hoodie) once you put on their softest, dreamiest fabric. Get your hands on a pair today!

BUTTERY SOFT.
     
 

...READ

A Champs Recipe for Success: What Every Masters Athlete Should Know

Upgrade your mindset and get ready for success as a master athlete by reading this article from the team at Invictus Fitness, who are no stranger to successful masters athletes.

MASTER THE MASTERS.
 
HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating a PR, hosting a fundraiser, this, that, or otherwise. Send us a tip.

  • 🏋🏼‍♀️ Congratulations to Jennifer Jasper, co-owner of Ocean State CrossFit North, on the 165 pound/74.8kg snatch PR.
  • 🤯 12-year-old Cauzinho Neto and 13-year-old Bruna Salarini Schwenck from Brazil rep out picture-perfect synchro bar muscle-ups.
  • Congratulations to Tony Lauters from Hastings, NE on qualifying for the North America West Semifinals. The middle school teacher, husband, and father of four was featured in the local Hastings Tribune.
  • Congratulations to Poppy Mroz on this crispy clean and jerk complex.

Community Happenings

🇨🇦  The “Battle in the North” is coming to Masich Place Stadium in Prince George, BC next month. Hosted by CrossFit Northern ICE, the competition is for fitness enthusiasts of all levels in BC and Alberta. Registration closes May 13th for RX, Intermediate, Masters, and Scaled divisions.

☀️ CrossFit Hoboken in Hoboken, NJ is hosting free public classes on the evenings of June 7th, June 21st, and July 12th at Southwest Park as part of the town’s Fitness in the Park summer celebration.

 
 
LOCAL COMPETITIONS + Submit an Event
12/9 - 12/10: Space Coast Classic (West Melbourne, FL)
12/9: Wodamania (Singer Island Riviera Beach, FL)
1/27: REPS AHEAD Switch Winterfest (Broomfield, CO)

See all upcoming events

 
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