Coach Fox talked nutrition last night at the first of this year’s Look Feel Perform Better Q&A Info Sessions

Speaking of Feeling Better… Check Out Active Recovery or Yoga This Weekend!

We’re smack in the middle of our eight-week programming cycle and maybe you’re not feeling so hot. Muscles sore? Didn’t keep up with your mobility work over the holidays? (We won’t tell.) Feeling a little banged up? So why not check out an Active Recovery or Yoga for Athletes class this weekend? 

Active Recovery is designed to give your muscles and mind a rest. For an hour you’ll be guided through a combination of soft tissue work, mobility techniques and general restorative movement. Perfect as a rest day for the heavy hitters or as a light days work for beginners and those of us somewhere in the middle. This class is also great for non-CrossFitters who could use a little soft tissue love.

When: Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00am (also Tuesdays at 6:30pm and Thursdays at 7:30pm)
Cost: Free as part of our Unlimited Membership option, or counts as one of your regular group classes

Yoga for Athletes with Coach Whitney is designed and taught with the CrossFitter in mind. You’ll learn and practice basic postures, focusing on the alignment and action of the body. Through a variety of standing, seated, kneeling, prone/supine poses, and even some inversions, the whole body will be stretched, moved, challenged, and restored. With consistent yoga practice over time, you can expect to increase your balance, improve coordination, develop more range of motion, create control of your breath, and calm the mind.

When: Saturdays at 10:00am (also Thursdays at 9:00am with Jaclyn K.)
Cost: Free as part of our Unlimited Membership option, or counts as one of your regular group classes

Both are open to non-members at the $20 drop-in rate, so bring your pals!
_____________________ 
Understanding Sleep for Optimal Recovery and Productivity Catalyst Athletics
Fighting Fear with the Skater Girls of NYC Hopes&Fears
Sic Transit Gloria Mundi YouTube

Power Snatch

Every Minute on the Minute, for 16 minutes:
Minute 1: 5 Touch-and-Go Power Snatches 115/75
Minute 2: 5 Strict Toes-to-Bar 

Repeat alternating power snatches and toes-to-bar through 16 minutes. Touch-and-go is the goal of today’s power snatches, but don’t let that devolve into crappy form for the sake of hanging on to the bar. Scale reps and/or load to something you can handle well. 

Post load and Rx to comments.
Exposure 4/8 
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Open WOD 11.1

AMRAP 10 Minutes:
30 Double-Unders
15 Power Snatches 75/55

This is a repeat of an Open Workout that has come up twice so far. The snatch is intended to be light; however, if you can snatch the Rx’d weight and intend to participate in the Open, give it a shot and see how far you can get. Scaling for double-unders is 15 attempts, but like Dave Castro says, doubles are not an advanced movement. So learn ’em!  

Post rounds and Rx to comments.
Compare to 2.18.2015 and 10.3.2013.

Dana M. sitting pretty at the bottom of a snatch during our Olympic lifting class

TONIGHT! Look Feel Perform Better Q&A Info Session: “Why Should I Care About Nutrition Anyway?”

Why do and should we care about nutrition? Isn’t it enough that we come to CrossFit and work hard?

Attend this Look Feel Perform Better Q&A Info Session, the first in our bi-monthly Q&A Info Sessions this year. These sessions will function more as a support group setting than a true lecture, though they will begin with a lecture. In this particular session, we’ll discuss how and why what you feed yourself with has direct impact on your performance and body composition. An open Q&A will follow.

Where: CFSBK’s second floor Annex
When: Tonight at 6:30pm
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Chris Spealler: Double-Unders Explained CrossFit Park City
80 Books Every Person Should Read Esquire 
Brooklyn’s Smallest Cemetary Atlas Obscura 

Back Squat/Front Squat 

Performance
Heavy: Back Squat 87.5% x 1 x 2, Front Squat 87.5% x 1 x 2
Numbers based off recent 1RM. 

Fitness
Back Squat: 2 x 3, Front Squat 2 x 3 
Add 5-15 lbs to Week 1’s exposure, possibly use your old 3RM. 

Post loads to comments.
Exposure 7/16
_____________________ 

5 Rounds For Time:
250/200 Meter Row
12 Thrusters 95/65

The thruster should be on the light side, but with a nod to the Open, if this is a weight that usually challenges you, consider doing Rx.

Post time and Rx to comments.

Jack R. demonstrates a strong overhead position

• Don’t forget about the first Look Feel Perform Better Challenge Q&A with Coach Fox tomorrow night at 6:30 in the second-floor Annex. 
• Interested in karaoke with your fellow CFSBKers? Stella Z. is interested in organizing a karaoke night at Insa on Douglass Street. Post in the comments to let her know you’re interested. 
• The Herondale meat CSA pick up is tonight from 6–8:30PM sharp. The lovely and talented Kirsten D. will be distributing shares. Please find her in the couch area and introduce yourself when you arrive to pick up your bag.

Join Jacyln K. For Yoga Tomorrow at 9am!

Jaclyn has always had a love for fitness and overall health. She started practicing yoga as her source of recovery both physically and mentally. Her love for yoga drove her to get her first certification in 2007. Since, she has been teaching both Bikram and Vinyasa in the tri-state area. With her extensive study in many lineages of yoga, Jaclyn takes aspects from each creating a flow both challenging and accessible for everyone. 

For Jaclyn, CrossFit and yoga are a brilliant team. She uses her yoga practice not only for added mobility but for strength, focus, and breath work as well.  When Jaclyn works with athletes, she will gear her class around these principles while still keeping things light and fun in the same spirit that a CrossFit class has. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new to a yoga mat, Jaclyn will offer plenty of options so everyone feels challenged yet still comfortable in this Vinyasa flow class. 

When: Thursdays at 9am
Cost: Free as part of our Unlimited Membership option, or counts as one of your regular group classes

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Unsupported The Awl
Steph Hammerman: The Road to Adaptive Fitness FitnessHQ

TFBA Lauren B. with her CrossFit Kiddos, Siena and Elaina, hitting a pistol on the Coney Island boardwalk!

• Want to try something other than group class today? Check out Active Recovery at 6:30pm, Pilates with KH at 7:30pm, or AntiGravity at 7:30pm.

Want more information about the Challenge? Get all the details here, or by clicking on the black widget in the upper right corner of the blog.

The First Look Feel Perform Better Q&A Info Session Is This Thursday, Titled “Why Should I Care About Nutrition Anyway?”

Why do and should we care about nutrition? Isn’t it enough that we come to CrossFit and work hard?

Attend this Look Feel Perform Better Q&A Info Session, the first in our bi-monthly Q&A Info Sessions this year. These sessions will function more as a support group setting than a true lecture, though they will begin with a lecture. In this particular session, we’ll discuss how and why what you feed yourself with has direct impact on your performance and body composition. An open Q&A will follow.

Where: CFSBK’s second floor Annex
When: Thursday, January 7th at 6:30pm

_____________________
Revealing the Hidden Patterns of Birds and Insects in Motion The Atlantic
You probably know how to ask yourself, “What do I want?” Here’s a bettter question Quartz 

Fitness
5 Rounds or 16 Minutes:
5-10 Box Piked Handstand Push-Ups or :20 Piked Hold on box
8e Reverse Lunges with Dumbbells or Kettlebells held at side 

This can be done on knees or feet. same points of performance for hand and head placement for handstand push-ups. Review piked handstand push-ups here.

Performance
Every Minute on the Minute, 16 Minutes:
Even: 4-8 Strict Handstand Push-Ups (1 or 2 AbMats OK)
Odd: 4-8 Pistols, Alternating Legs

Post work to comments.
Exposure 4/8
_____________________ 

For Time, 21-15-9:
Wall Balls 20/10, 14/9
Pull-Ups

Post time and Rx to comments.

Jake B. doing a muscle-up in his new garage gym in Philly! Read his letter to Coach David and CFSBK below…

• Don’t forget to complete all the necessary steps to get started with the 2016 Look Feel Perform Better Challenge by tomorrow! Get all the details here, or by clicking on the black widget in the upper right corner of the blog.

On Garage Gyms and Missing CFSBK: A Note From Former Member Jake B. 

A few weeks ago, former CFSBK-er Jake B., who now lives in Philadelphia, emailed Coach David to see if he had any leftover mats from when we expanded to 608. He needed the mats because he happened to have built himself a mini CrossFit box—in his garage! His gym is equipped with two Rogue racks, a wide selection of kettlebells, 25′ climbing rope, sandbags, 600lbs in plates, an erg, a heavy bag, gymnastics rings, jump ropes, bands, a wall timer, smash balls, wall balls, and a treadmill. He says the gym is inspired by CFSBK, and that he’s not sure he would have built it if not for his time here. Here’s an edited excerpt from one of his emails to David, from after he completed the gym… 

“Well, I have finally finished the garage and second floor gym and wanted to send you some photos of the end result. CFSBK was the primary reason I decided to spend an exorbitant amount of money to put a gym on the second floor of my garage. My wife and I have been using it five to six days a week, following your programming. My wife is an unofficial member of CFSBK and has been doing all the workouts. I love the balance and progression of the programming and despite perusing many other programming cycles, CFSBK still has a solid place in my heart.  

I can’t thank you and all the staff there enough for the great experience I had working out there for almost a year. I cherished my 7am workout class with all the great personalities. James, whom defected to the 6am class (probably because I moved away), Henry who I convinced to eat prior to showing up, Kristin (Cage) who undoubtedly runs the best Pilates class I never attended, Stella who always has something of great intellectualism to add to the workout, Austin, who was usually hungover like myself, Sarah, my favorite front desk girl and former Lululemon employee, and the many others I am missing. They all made my mornings and my time in Brooklyn memorable. 

Thanks again for creating a great culture at CFSBK and giving me a wonderful CrossFit experience. From my experience in the Marine Corps, I didn’t think I could get into a group fitness type thing and discounted CrossFit. Yes, I was wrong. Anytime my former 7am classmates are in Philly and need a free workout let me know or just some Philly knowledge and drink on me, shoot me a message!”

You can reach Jake at evergreenxt [at] gmail.com if you do find yourself in the area and want to hit him up! 

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Vegetables Likely to Take More of Your Plate in 2016 NPR
The 7 Hidden Benefits of Dating a Motorcycle Rider The BikeBandit Blog

What pieces of equipment would be in your dream garage gym?

Power Clean

Every Minute on the Minute, for 16 Minutes:
Minute 1: 5 Touch-and-Go Power Cleans 135/95
Minute 2: 7 Burpees

…repeat alternating power cleans and burpees through 16 minutes. Touch-and-go is the goal of today’s power cleans but don’t let that devolve into crappy form for the sake of hanging on to the bar. Scale reps and/or load to something you can handle well. Review touch-and-go here.

Post loads and Rx to comments.
Exposure 3/8
_____________________

“Annie Get Your Kettlebell”

50-40-30-20-10 Reps for Time:
Russian Kettlebell Swings 53/35
AbMat Sit-Ups

Post time and Rx to comments. 

Check out Brendan N.’s awesome CrossFit testimonial. Hard work and sound nutrition pays off! Want to get on track for the New Year? Check out our annual Look Feel Perform Better Challenge, which started yesterday! The Challenge comes with the potential to win lots of cool prizes, including a top prize of two months of free training at CrossFit South Brooklyn!

In Brenden’s words: “To anyone who’s nervous to start CrossFit, here’s a picture of me two years ago on the right and last night on the left. All my coaches have always been more then willing to modify my workouts to match my abilities until I was able to perform harder and more complex movements. Pull-ups became muscle-ups, push-ups became handstand push-ups, my 185-lb back squat moved to a 405-lb back squat plus plenty of other gains. If you’re thinking about making some changes in your life and want to give CrossFit a try, do it. I promise you’ll have all positive changes and make progress in one of the most supportive and friendly communities.” Learn more about the Challenge below!

The 2016 Look Feel Perform Better Challenge Started Yesterday, But You Still Have Three Days to Sign Up!

It’s that time of year again… New Year’s Resolution time. While we believe it’s best to make choices in accordance with your goals and values all of (or at least most of) the time, we recognize that many of us use markers like the beginning of the year to kick-start positive changes. This year’s Challenge will follow a similar model to last year. There are two levels that you can choose to participate from. 

1. With Level 1, you’ll focus primarily on food quality and eating from a large spectrum of whole foods (lean proteins, veggies and fruits, whole grains, and legumes). This is a perfect place to start if you’re new to healthy eating or are having to re-learn what that means for you.
2. With Level 2, you’ll be tracking macronutrients and focusing on eating particular quantities of them, adjusting along the way as necessary.  

This year is a longer Challenge than we’ve done in a while—12 weeks instead of just 6. The reason behind this is that while extreme actions can bring rapid results, we’ve seen this often result in a “crash” where the individual rebels against the limiting factors of extreme dietary challenge. We’d rather you have more inclusive food options and change a few manageable things over a longer period than change many things for six weeks only to get lost in a haze of bagels, beer, and chocolate cake once the Challenge ends. 

Who? The entire CrossFit South Brooklyn Community. 

What? A 12-week challenge meant as a collective kick-start toward healthier nutrition and recovery habits.

Where? Right where you are. You’re encouraged to organize “rest day dinners” either in your homes or out at restaurants with fellow participants. There will be twice monthly (non-mandatory, but helpful) LFPB Challenge Meet-Ups at the gym in addition to the online forums that you can look to for daily support. The key to success is not sweeping immediate change but rather consistent practice each day.

When? The dates of the Challenge are from Saturday 1/2/16 through Saturday 3/26/16. We’ll also be hosting a Community Potluck Dinner on 1/23/16 where you can meet and greet with fellow SBKers and sample some delicious ways they keep on track with their food choices. 

What will I need? For Level 1, only a desire to begin to make better food choices. For Level 2, you’ll need a food scale and a set of measuring cups and measuring spoons since you’ll be measuring out servings of lean protein, clean carbs, veggies, and fats. Whichever level you choose you should plan to do a bit of food shopping and prep beginning the first week to make good food choices easy. 

Why? To look, feel, and perform better! And, for some sweet prizes!

Wait, did you say prizes? Yes. The grand prize for both the men’s and women’s category is two months of FREE unlimited training at CFSBK, a $530+ value! There are also 2nd and 3rd place prizes for the men’s and women’s categories. Last year there was more than $2000 total value in cash prizes and gifts including a free month of dinners from Kettlebell Kitchen, gift cards to Lululemon, grass-fed steaks from Herondale, and lots of other great stuff too. This year looks to have more of the same awesomeness.

Additionally, Kettlebell Kitchen is extending a 15% discount throughout the Challenge to all CFSBK members who are participating! 

Alright, you’re in? Great!

How To Participate:

Complete the following steps by January 5th in order to participate and be eligible for prizes:

• Sign your name on the big list in the community area of the gym.
• Buy-in of $30 cash, given to Front Desk staff. 
• Answer a few brief questions and submit your “before” photos HERE. These entries are private will not be published or seen by anyone other than us without your consent.
• Perform the Test WOD and record your results.
• Begin tracking points earned daily on the 2016 LFPB Tracker based on how well you’re complying with the guidelines and submit 4 and 8 week check-in submissions.
• Optional: Attend the bi-monthly LFPB Q&A Info Sessions at CFSBK. Each one will have a brief topical lecture and a Q&A. The dates for these sessions are 1/7, 1/21, 2/4, 2/18, 3/3, and 3/18. The first discussion on January 7th is titled, “Why Should I Care About Nutrition Anyway?“

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How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain TED-Ed
A Gym Culture Shift: Stop Shaming and Start Welcoming Breaking Muscle 

Back Squat/Front Squat 

Performance
Back Squat: 60%x 8-12 x 2, Front Squat: 60% x 8-12 x 2

Leave 2 reps in the tank.

Fitness
Back Squat: 2 x 5, Front Squat: 2 x 5

Load is 90% of what you used on Wednesday.

Post loads to comments.
Exposure 6/16
_____________________ 

AMRAP 10 Minutes:
10 Box Jumps 24/20″
10 Deadlifts 135/95
5 Push Jerks 135/95

Post rounds and Rx to comments.

Jake L. warming up his snatch

• Want to try something other than group class today? Check out Yoga for Athletes at 10am, Active Recovery at 11am, or Open Gym from 2-4pm!

The 2016 Look Feel Perform Better Challenge Starts TODAY! 

But you still have until Tuesday, January 5th to get all your entry steps completed:

• Sign your name on the big list in the community area of the gym.
• Buy-in of $30 cash, given to Front Desk staff. 
• Answer a few brief questions and submit your “before” photos HERE. These entries are private will not be published or seen by anyone other than us without your consent.
• Perform the Test WOD and record your results.
• Begin tracking points earned daily on the 2016 LFPB Tracker based on how well you’re complying with the guidelines and submit 4 and 8 week check-in submissions.
• Optional: Attend the bi-monthly LFPB Q&A Info Sessions at CFSBK. Each one will have a brief topical lecture and a Q&A. The dates for these sessions are 1/7, 1/21, 2/4, 2/18, 3/3, and 3/18. The first discussion on January 7th is titled, “Why Should I Care About Nutrition Anyway?“

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Drunk on Sugar CrossFit Journal
Lake Superior State University’s 2016 List of Banished Words 

Grace R. stretching her lats or nursing a hangover? You decide.

TODAY (1/1) New Year’s Day:
ON: 11am*(extra class), 12pm, 1pm, Open Gym from 3:30-8:30pm
CANCELLED: 6/7/8/10am, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, CrossFit Kids
Evening Open Gym hours only

Look Feel Perform Better Q&A Info Session: “Why Should I Care About Nutrition Anyway?”

Why do and should we care about nutrition? Isn’t it enough that we come to CrossFit and work hard?

Attend this Look Feel Perform Better Q&A Info Session, the first in our bi-monthly Q&A Info Sessions this year. These sessions will function more as a support group setting than a true lecture, though they will begin with a lecture. In this particular session, we’ll discuss how and why what you feed yourself with has direct impact on your performance and body composition. An open Q&A will follow.

Where: CFSBK’s second floor Annex
When: Thursday, January 7th at 6:30pm

_____________________
I Am Ivan CrossFit Journal

Snatch Balance + Overhead Squat

Bar comes out of the rack. Work up a heavy load on the complex for the day. The Snatch Balance should be received near the bottom of the squat. If it’s caught higher there should be no discernible pause in the squatting movement. Fully recover the snatch balance before completing the overhead squat. 

Review the Snatch Balance here.

Post loads to comments.
_____________________ 

For Time:
Partners alternate rounds of Row/Overhead Squat to complete the following:
10 Calorie Row
10 Overhead Squat 115/75
15 Calorie Row
15 Overhead Squat 
20 Calorie Row
20 Overhead Squat 
15 Calorie Row
15 Overhead Squat 
10 Calorie Row
10 Overhead Squat

Partner A completes a 10 calorie row + 10 OHS, then Partner B completes a 10 calorie row + 10 OHS. Then Partner a completes a 15 calorie row + 15 OHS, then Partner B, etc. Barbell comes off the floor. Goal is to perform the Overhead Squat unbroken.

Post time and Rx to comments.

The CrossFit Open starts on February 25th. This is the first phase in the CrossFit competitive season and lets you rank your fitness against the rest of the world. Last year, over 272,000 people participated in the open! The LFPB challenge is a great opportunity to jump start your ability to perform better in this year’s events. If you’re an Open veteran or a first timer curious as to how you stack up, NOW is the time to start refining your inputs and skill work to help you give it all come February. For many of us weekend warrior CrossFitters, this is an exciting benchmark to our year and uses a little competitive fire to help you get the most out of your training, nutrition, and recovery.

Coach DO has been the competition director for the North East/East Regions for the past six years and on top of helping run the Regionals, he leads a crew that helps verify video submissions for the North East and Canada east regions. Here is his video submission for 14.2, the second event in 2014. In 2015 we saw this same exact workout come up again. Coach DO was able to get 14 more reps which according to the comments section required him to “stop feeling sorry for myself and bust ass to get to the next round.” Will we see Overhead Squats in the 2016 Open? Undoubtedly! Get after it today people!

TODAY (12/31) New Year’s Eve:
ON: 6am, 7am, 8am, 10am, 12pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm
CANCELLED: 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, Active Recovery, Comp Class
Normal Open Gym hours

Friday (1/1) New Year’s Day:
ON: 11am*(extra class), 12pm, 1pm, Open Gym from 3:30-8:30pm
CANCELLED: 6/7/8/10am, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, CrossFit Kids
Evening Open Gym hours only 

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A Child, Born Prematurely, Who ‘Fights Because He Wants to Be Here’ The New York Times 

Back Squat/Front Squat 

Performance
Heavy: Back Squat 85% x 1 x 2, Front Squat 85% x 1 x 2
Numbers based off recent 1RM. 

Fitness
Back Squat: 2 x 5, Front Squat 2 x 5 
Use same load at Exposure 1. 

Post loads to comments.
Exposure 5/16
_____________________

Look Feel Perform Better Capacity Test WOD  

AMRAP 10 Minutes:
5 Pull-Ups
10 Push-Ups
15 Squats

Rest 2 Minutes

3 Minutes Max Calorie Row

Post rounds, calories, and Rx to comments.

CrossFit Preschool and Kids coach Janelle is also a licensed CPR instructor. We make sure everyone on staff is trained for emergencies. Here are Front Deskers Mirko, Charlie, and Greg getting recertified.

TOMORROW (12/31) New Year’s Eve:
ON: 6am, 7am, 8am, 10am, 12pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm
CANCELLED: 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, Active Recovery, Comp Class
Normal Open Gym hours

Friday (1/1) New Year’s Day:
ON: 11am*(extra class), 12pm, 1pm, Open Gym from 3:30-8:30pm
CANCELLED: 6/7/8/10am, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, CrossFit Kids
Evening Open Gym hours only 

Have You Signed Up For the 2016 Look Feel Perform Better Challenge Yet? Make Sure to Follow These Steps…

Complete the following steps by January 5th in order to participate and be eligible for prizes:

• Sign your name on the big list in the community area of the gym.
• Buy-in of $30 cash, given to Front Desk staff. 
• Answer a few brief questions and submit your “before” photos here. These entries are private will not be published or seen by anyone other than us without your consent.
• Perform the Test WOD and record your results. This WOD is programmed for TOMORROW, but can easily be performed on your own at Open Gym.
• Begin tracking points earned daily on the spreadsheet (which will be live soon!) based on how well you’re complying with the guidelines and submit 4 and 8 week check-in submissions.
• Optional: Attend the bi-monthly LFPB Q&A Info Sessions at CFSBK. Each one will have a brief topical lecture and a Q&A. The dates for these sessions are 1/7, 1/21, 2/4, 2/18, 3/3, and 3/18. The first discussion on January 7th is titled, “Why Should I Care About Nutrition Anyway?“

Want to Work at the Front Desk?? 

CFSBK is looking for new talent to staff our beloved Front Desk! Responsibilities include handling inquires from walk-ins, managing basic membership issues, light cleaning/organization, and other miscellaneous duties. Ideally, we’d like to hire from within so that candidates are already familiar with CrossFit and CFSBK, but we are open to talking to new folks if they’ve got good people skills and are committed to joining the gym.

On top of an hourly wage, Front Desk staff will also receive a comped membership. We are looking for people who keep a consistent schedule and commit to six months of work with us (barring extenuating circumstances). Preference will be given to candidates with the flexibility to change shifts in the new year. 

We will be interviewing this month and hiring a new staff member for immediate training. The shifts we are looking to fill are below, so before applying, please make sure these openings fit with your schedule: 

Email Janelle [at] CrossFitSouthBrooklyn.com to inquire and include Front Desk in the subject line.

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‘Gym Wildlife’ Perfectly Mocks Every Single Person at Your Gym, Including You BroBible