Bev W Gets Ready For a 1RM Test
Thanks to Eric L for shooting the last Total and colorizing some of the pictures. To see more, check out the CFSBK Flickr Page
Join the CFSBK Pub Quiz Team
Got lots of facts swimming around your brain? Like to eat and drink with other interesting people? Stella Z is organizing the CFSBK Pub Quiz team to dessimate the ever popular Pacific Standard Triva Night. Peep the Deets:
Date: Sunday, May 20
Time: Paleo dinner 6 PM, pub quiz 8 PM
Location: Paleo dinner at Stella’s apartment (email for address), pub quiz at Pacific Standard, 82 4th Avenue, Brooklyn
Dinner info: Main course and side dishes provided by Stella; others are welcome to bring apps, drinks, and/or desserts as the mood strikes.
How to RSVP: Send an email to stellavision (at) gmail and you’ll be added to the Evite.
CrossFit and Strong Women
Guest Post by Samir Chopra
A singularly positive aspect about being in a Crossfit space–like the one at Crossfit South Brooklyn, which, in point of fact, is the only one I’ve ever spent any time in–is the many opportunities that arise to see strong women in action. Women can deadlift, squat, clean and jerk, run fast, do muscle-ups, pull-ups–you name it, they can do it. Many women lifters at my gym are among the most technically proficient in the major lifts; to watch them execute these lifts properly is a genuinely aesthetic and awe-inspiring experience. (I wonder if there is something interesting to be said here about the seemingly greater ability of women to internalize coaching cues about technical lifts. Do men, perhaps, resist coaching cues more, convinced that they can figure it out by themselves?)
So CrossFit, whatever its merits as a fitness training program–and debates about that have provoked some wonderfully informative discussions–has at least ensured the creation of a space where stereotypes about women being weak go to die. Anyone that spends sufficient time at Crossfit South Brooklyn will see women indulge in feats of athletic ability that are wonderfully disruptive to any reductive, long-held opinions about the athletic incompetence of women. But stereotypes of ‘women can’t lift’ are not just held by men, they are very frequently entertained by women themselves. So witnessing ‘Crossfit women’ may provide a salutary lesson to women too that dominant, culturally transmitted and reinforced, conceptions of what you might be capable of are very often mistaken.
Here on the gym floor, the lifting platform, under the pull-up bar, too, are spaces thus, where men can learn valuable lessons in humility and in assessing how confident they may be about their masculinity. After all, if women around you are faster, stronger, more limber than you, then what kind of man are you? Are you–to deploy a particularly ugly word sometimes thrown around by men in gyms–just a ‘pussy’? An educational moment for a male Crossfitter presents itself when he looks at the specifications–or prescription–for the assigned workout of the day, and realizes he can ‘only’ do a weight that is just above or sometimes even below the prescribed weight for women. I have had many moments like these, and it was a little galling, so well had I internalized the spoon-fed mantra of reassurance, “At least I’m stronger than any girl out there!” But often, that simply does not happen. There are women, constantly, around me, that, shall we say, kick my ass. And to have to deal with that is a wonderfully educative experience.
But there is an opportunity here to be seized, if one insists on making comparisons. As my friend Malcolm said to me as I agonized over what weight to choose for a workout, secretly not wanting to dip below the ‘ladies prescribed weight’: “Remember, if you can do what a strong woman does, you’re pretty damn fit!”
So there you have it, guys, this is what I really want to be: a strong woman.
Post thoughts to comments.
_________________
The Most Astounding Fact Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson On Twitter
Rahsaan says
I love it, Samir. Growing up, I remember people always saying to me that women endure so much more pain in life than men, because God, nature or whatever predetermined they were the stronger sex at the end of the day. I guess that applies doubly at CrossFit.
Stella says
Thanks, Professor! I guess you can't help but be inspiring, since you're married to one strong lady 🙂
One difference I've noticed since Jeremy pointed it out at Strength Cycle a while back: when a man hits a goal weight, he thinks, "OK good," and moves on — he's already thinking about the next goal. But when a woman hits a big goal, she celebrates. ( Remember when Sarah H burst into tears and hugged everybody when she got her first 200# deadlift?) And why not? It feels awesome to accomplish something you've been working toward for a long time.
I, for one, am so happy to be part of a community where women lifting heavy things is embraced. Whenever I'm out of town, hit a globo gym, and get under a bar, I always feel like a zoo animal, because all the dudes are giving me the "there's a GIRL in the weight room?!" eye. And I love that at SBK, being under a bar is just normal.
Rob Is says
We had dinner last night with our former neighbor and close friend Brenda Berkman, who, for those not old enough to remember, sued the city to allow women in to become FireFighters. In 1978. Yeah, not so long ago.
The dept. (and many of the public) used upper body strength as reasoning for not allowing women this career option, regardless of the fact they have been doing the job just fine in many states, cities and countries for decades if not centuries.
One of the main tangents we discussed was this idea that a man's masculinity is threatened by a woman doing a job that in turn helps defines one's masculinity. Obviously lifting heavy weights would challenge this same self-image. As men, our self-worth is intrinsically tied to our own notions of what is masculine. Once that meant that boys don't cry. Certainly in our culture it has meant for quite some time that men are physically stronger and to be weaker (or even equal to) a woman immediately meant you "weren't really a man." Or, that the woman wasn't really a woman.
The cool thing about this is that our notion of masculinity is learned — not fixed — and subject to change.
While speaking with Brenda and Bina I conveniently forgot how I have roiled over the fact that Gillian's bench press has not only passed mine, but has crushed it. Recently I lost any hope of staying pace with her. Just the fact that I'm ok with "some guy" benching more than me but not a world-class athlete like Gillian illustrates clearly indicates the double-standard I've internalized regarding men/women strength/weakness.
Clearly this is not something I have just "figured out" or am finished processing, so thanks to Samir for shaking the tree and knocking me off my safe branch this morning.
KH says
Between Samir and Neil DeGrasse Tyson today, what an eloquent and moving CFSBK page to wake up to. It's 7:32 and I'm currently in the process of missing class for the seventh consecutive day in a row due to the flu. Can't wait to get back in next week!
I think it's interesting to also note the way that other women feel about women who lift weights. Working in a Pilates studio gives me unique access to a very special breed of women, a breed you all know well, who often crinkle their nose and ask for the 2 pound weights when I've given them 3. They're absolutely terrified of lifting anything too heavy, and are interested only in being strong up to a certain point. They ask me questions not like, "Did I get deep enough in that last squat?" but "Can you make my butt look more lifted?" Of course, I have many clients who are completely awesome and are not like this at all, but it does tend to be an overwhelming theme.
This past winter, when I participated in the Paleo challenge and absolutely dedicated myself to being the gym 4-5 times a week, I lost a bunch of weight, got insanely strong and quick, and my body composition totally changed. My favorite part about this was going into the Pilates studio every day and having all these women ogle me and gush, "Oh my GOD! You look GREAT! What have you been doing?!" To which I'd reply, "Well, this morning I squatted 150 pounds and then I ate half a package of bacon for breakfast." If you want to see one of the women I'm referring to look really, really confused, this is definitely the way to go.
Being strong is awesome and I'm totally in love with the women at CFSBK – coaches and clients alike. I remember when I first started, one of the most motivating things was watching Jess Fox work out and secretly thinking to myself, "Damn. I wanna be badass like that chick!" Much love to Margie and Laurel, too. You ladies are totally inspiring and I love that we get to take class with male and female coaches here.
JR says
I'd just like to give a shoutout to my beautiful wife Rita. She's born 3 sons, and has whipped herself into great shape. When she first started, she was doing pushups almost upright against a rack, and gradually lowered herself. Now she is competing in wods against her workout partners, trying to win.
I am really, really proud of her!
Sarah la Rosa says
Happy to see this conversation go from dinner conversation to article. Well put Samir!
lady fox says
Great stuff Samir! And thanks for the shout-out Kristen, who by the way has had TFBA status for quite some time now. 😉 Oh and JR, I've noticed Rita kicking some ass lately, and all with a smile. Great work Rita!
I love being a strong female role model in the gym because believe it or not, I also used to be scared to lift heavy. When Chris and I first started training together many moons ago, I was terrified to squat more than 95#. Not only did I think that I just couldn't physically lift the weight, but I felt completely uncomfortable in my environment. This was at a NYSC where the weight room is filled with meatheads using the squat rack for bicep curls. Even though I would work out with Chris, I felt so out of place and generally in the way. Once we came to SBK everything changed. The environment was/is so supportive and encouraging and I learned that it's pretty awesome to be strong. As a coach, it's so rewarding to see our ladies getting stronger–going up in weight, progressing to the next bar, using a lighter band, etc. And to how many of you have I said, "that looks easy, add some weight"? Ladies, you ARE Strong. Keep it up!
Cloyde says
I for one totally support the strong women movement at SBK and elsewhere. Granted I still have some of the ingrained issues Samir talks about but I definitely think it's great to see women lifting weights. It's so much night and day discussing training with people from SBK and those in "real life"
Ryan says
Couldn't help jumping into the discussion based on something I noticed during my Foundations class last night.
It's great to see that SBK is a place where these stereotypes are being *actively* broken down and dismissed by the trainers. Even in the fourth Foundations class, Jess was encouraging (kindly, but emphatically) that all of us–man and woman alike–be aggressive and explosive as we practiced our push jerks. It didn't even need to be presented in terms of gender, she just made it clear that it was good practice to go after a lift like that, even with no weight on the bar. Fox, too, was quick to smother any talk of "girl push-ups" on day one, and reminded us again of that fact last night.
You guys, as staff and athletes, should be applauded for fostering the atmosphere that exists at SBK. As a man who himself routinely felt alternately intimidated and embarassed at other gyms in the past, I've been pleased at how relaxed I've felt asking questions, making mistakes, and showing my signs of weakness during my short time at Degraw St.
Looking forward to meeting some of you at Stella's on Sunday and at classes shortly after that!
lady fox says
Oh, and I guess I should post my workout.
7am class
Push Press:
(45×5, 65×3, 85×2, 95×1)
105×1, 115×1, 120×1
-first exposure to push press this cycle so I kept it safe. pretty sure I have 125+ but I didn't want to approach failure.
Tabata Mashup:
DL's @ 185lbs- 7 the first round then 5 every other round. Total: 42
Burpees–6 for every round except 2. Total 48
Total Reps: 88
-This may be the first heavyish, high rep DL workout that I didn't feel it in my lower back but instead felt it in my hammies and butt. I guess that's good!
Excellent way to start my day!
JJ says
I'm all for celebrating strong women, but (/because?) wouldn't we all find it a little silly if that same second sentence was turned around and written as, "MEN can deadlift, squat, clean and jerk, run fast, do muscle-ups, pull-ups–you name it, they can do it." …because, yeah, of course they (we) can.
JJ says
Now, back to celebrating all the TFBAs at SBK!
JR says
@JJ I TOTALLY agree. That is the bottom line right there, and you are 100% correct. That's how I view it.
Jayme says
Hey Guys!
Does anyone have a friend in Chicago that is willing to check out an apartment that I'm about to sublet just to make sure it's not bogus? I was hoping someone can swap my rent check with the keys to the apartment. Please let me know ASAP!
Jayme
martha says
Inspiring page today. Between Samir's thoughtful post and Neil DeGrasse Tyson's remarkable comment (and the lovely film that was made of it), I was kind of choked up by the end. I love you, CFSBK!
Ben W says
I'm subscribed to Samir's blog and recommend it. His posts are thoughtful and cover a boundless array of topics in current events, politics, religion, Crossfit, books, tv, etc. I don't know how he has time, I can't even read them all. It is only rarely that I think he is totally full of sh!t and there is no truth to the rumor that Noor ghost wrote this post.
David Osorio says
That first Neil DGT link perfectly encapsulates what the tattoo on my forearm is about!
Always a pleasure to have Samir Guest Post on the blog.
ellie june says
Thank you, Samir for shedding some light on an aspect of our gym’s environment that I enjoy and admire every day (your wife’s awesome performance on yesterday’s WOD, included!). There’s a lot to be learned on the path to strength, but for many women, it seems like there’s even more un-learning required for progress. It’s wonderful that our gym provides a space where women are encouraged to free themselves from the fears and ideas that are holding them back, and work toward their real potential.
martha says
David, what does the tattoo on your forearm say? I've seen it but I've never been at the right angle to read it. 🙂
Peter says
Lonely 6am class with Coach Nick. Where was everyone else?
Row/kettlebell/situp warmup. Got some nice rowing tips from Nick and practiced rowing while not strapped in.
Worked up to a 200# push press single. Failed at the first attempt as I was thinking too much. Hard to even call it a failure as the attempt was a non-starter (bar way in front of my body). Nailed the second attempt, though there was a bit of a pause as I was getting my head through the bar.
Tabata mashup at 245#. Got 8 DLs and 6 burpees the first round and then lost count. The last round was 5 DLs and 5 burpees. Nice little couplet, though my knees stopped bending on the last few rounds of DLs which made them harder then necessary. I really need to focus on maintaining DL form on these high-rep deadlift workouts.
Samir Chopra says
Thanks for putting up the post, David, I didn't realize you were going to! (the blog link in case, you know, anyone wants to 'like' or 'tweet it' 🙂 is at: samirchopra DOT com/2012/05/16/crossfit-and-strong-women/
Thanks for all the comments, folks, much appreciated. I enjoy writing on the various thoughts that being in this space triggers. (Thanks for the plug Noor, er, sorry, Ben).
@JJ: I'm going to select the "I'm all for celebrating strong women, because.." version of your comment – it's more charitable!
JR says
@Samir, @JJ, that's generally how I look at all of that stuff. Race, Religion, Gender, if you're equal, I just think of you as my equal, end of discussion. no special treatment, no kid gloves, no nothing. That's how I like it. Sometimes I hear folks say "Well, that's not how society is yet," and I guess my response is to wake me up when they catch up, I'm doin me.
Ben W says
Samir. I meant she ghost wrote your guest post. Not my post.
Fox says
Very nice write up by my friend, the cyclops. Samir not only thinks about this stuff but really cares about it. That shows up here in a really nice way. As a man married to a hella strong woman I appreciate the sentiment and I do my best to blast away gender stereotypes while teaching, especially with our newbs. I love that we have a bevy of strong beauties lifting in our walls on a daily basis and that our coaching staff represents it.
——-
Farmer's carries
100lbs x 10 x 40-50 meters. I forgot to roll up my sleeves.
Keith W says
I have been missing crossfit but my leg is still not fully recovered form the ragnar. :-/
Hope to be back on Monday.
Charlotte says
WOOT! Back in the gym for…so long I had no idea what the standard warmups were. Pleasure to work out with many strong women at Lady Fox's noon class.
Warmup: 3 rounds 15 KB swings, 1 pood, 15 situps, 130m run
Push press: 45×5, 75×3, 95×2, 105, 115, 125. Thanks Jess for coaching me on the elbows on that last rep.
WOD: 74 Rx'd. Oof I'm a gonna be SORE from those DLs. Hit 3 reps per round after getting 5 the first round–had time to do more, but not capacity. Paced burpees at 6 per round.
Samir, very well said.
DMak says
Very nice write up, Samir!
Make up post from yesterday.
box squats 45×5, 135×5, 165×3
175x2x8
deadlift/burpee tabata @225
total of 75 reps.
Murph make up on Tuesday after Mem Day anyone?
Sameer says
dmak: i am back june 5th. i am up for making up murph with you after that.
Tom says
DMak: I have never Murphed myself, and will need to scale a bunch of pullups, but I will make up for it by running with a vest. If you will have me, I am down.
Laurel says
It is exceedingly important to have a place like CFSBK championing and appreciating strong women and men – a place where people support the practice of getting stronger for everyone. Frankly, I have actually found other non-crossfiting women to be more vocally critical than most men (although there have definitely been those dee-lightful gentlemen who immediately try to test me – how many pull-ups can you do? can you do a one handed push-up? clapping? double clapping? My favorite time being at a corporate training where I ended up doing all kinds of push-ups in dress clothes. — note to anyone with this experience: most people can't do pistols whether they work out or not, if you just master this, it takes care of a lot of these types of contests really quickly.)
I remember when I first started crossfit and in the course of two years added 30lbs of muscle to my frame. About halfway through the process, a female coworker felt it was okay to say to me "My god Laurel. Your arms are so BIG. They are just enormous. Do you realize how BIG you are getting?" This comment and others like them keep coming. (Other times I've been told I'm beginning to look like a boy with my short hair and shoulders.)
I am lucky that I was at CFSBK with Margie, Steph Paddock and Jules to admire, but also that I have a husband who supported me one hundred percent and told me that my muscle was beautiful. It is wonderful to know that by being visible and pursuing strength at crossfit, I am helping to create a community where other women feel comfortable doing the same. What I hope, is that the culture we create here will spread and make more women, crossfitters or otherwise, feel comfortable with the notion that strength is a form of beauty.
Robin says
Hi!
Linked to this post via Noor's facebook. Nice writings, Samir! So great to see names and conversations here again!
I've been going to Brick out here in Hollywood, which is perfectly lovely yet does not hold a candle to the vibe I fell in love with back in the BK. But we had a fun little SBK invasion a few months ago when Marian and DH3 were in town.
And nice photo above, Bev! Looks like a LOT more weight on that bar since I first met you– way to go, sister!
Miss you, CFSBK! If you're ever in LA, give a shout! xo