Yesterday’s Results Board: Rest Day
138 Years Strong CrossFit Journal (video featuring Jacinto B.!)
Losing Body Fat or Gaining Muscle Mass? Starting Strength
Established 2007
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By Christian Fox
This month we’ll finally answer one of the oldest questions around CFSBK: ”Who the f%ck is Dan L.?” The 6am folks know him well, the 7am folks might recognize him as the guy who’s often finished with the workout for 5 minutes already while almost everyone else is getting into the last round. The rest of you might know him only by his numbers on the big results board, where many have exclaimed the previously mentioned query. Many others have insisted that Management made him up in an effort to coerce members into better performance. Rest assured, he does exist and is actually a really nice guy.
Fox: Congrats, Dan! It seems to be about time for you to be here. Let’s start with when and how you first found CrossFit.
Dan L.: Thanks very much! I started CrossFit in February of 2009. I’d been doing triathlons and was a member of the Brooklyn Tri Club, which is where I first heard of CrossFit. As I remember it, CFSBK was offering some sort of class for BK Tri members, and we were encouraged to inquire about it. I called the number, which was apparently David’s cell phone, and left a message. David soon returned my call and the rest is history. I did Foundations that month and have been pretty consistent ever since. By the way, Foundations felt like it was a LOT of classes back then. We had a lot of people in that group, too—Charlotte K., Peter H., and Chris J., to name a few.
Fox: Haha! Foundations used to take a month to get through and wasn’t capped back then. It obviously did it’s job, though. Petey Hopps trained with us until he moved to Wisconsin last year, Charlotte still makes cameos every so often, and Chris J. has been coming regularly since then as well. What were your first impressions of CrossFit, and why did you stick around?
Dan L.: I’d been looking to diversify my training a bit and was growing bored with triathlons. I had never really done any weight training beyond the usual 3 sets of 10 Bench Presses, where I’d eventually and predictably fail and get frustrated, at which point I’d stop doing it for a while before coming back around to the same pattern. With CrossFit I started to see results pretty quickly. I got stronger, and I looked and felt it. I do remember thinking that there was no way I could do all the training I needed in an hour, though, and that I’d have to do lots of extra stuff on top of class. I quickly realized I was wrong. As for the space itself, the Lyceum was a “special” place—special in that the bathrooms leaked, the roof leaked, it was COLD in the winter, and it was always pretty dirty despite what I’m sure were David’s best efforts to keep it clean. My first time in there, I walked in on a class that was about 30 seconds into “Fran.” I was so worried because I assumed they’d been doing that for the whole hour! There was no way I could keep up with that! As I moved away from doing triathlons, I became more drawn to CrossFit. The group dynamic really allows me to push myself harder than I otherwise would. There’s something new every day, and I don’t have to think about what I’m going to do. Like most people, I saw results pretty quickly early on but am still improving today, even if it’s slowly.
Fox: Ah, the Brooklyn Lyceum. I have my own “first sighting” story and always love hearing others. It’s a wonder people stayed. Have you always been a 6am guy?
Dan L.: Pretty much. When I first started there were only a handful of classes to attend, so I went at different times. I think there were only morning classes a few days a week, so I’d attend those on my way to work and make the evening classes on the other days when there were none in the morning. Since CFSBK moved to Degraw Street, I’ve been a 6am regular but have made a few appearances in the evening. The place feels so different compared to the morning, totally different energy for me. I just can’t drum up the mojo to train hard after a long work day.
Fox: I know you travel a lot for work. Do you visit other affiliates to get your training in when you’re out of town?
Dan L.: I do, but I almost always just drop in and take a class. I like getting the experience of a class and have noticed that standards have gotten better across the board. I trained for a while at Alexandria CrossFit (now Outlaw CrossFit) in late 2009 when I lived there for a bit, and even back then, they used many of the same practices (like labeling equipment, starting classes on exactly on time, and using timestamps) that make CFSBK a great place to train. That’s something I see more and more when I travel. SBK has certainly evolved over the past 8+ years that I’ve been a member, but it feels the same in key ways. The equipment has gotten better, classes are even better run, and you can tell there’s a concerted effort to provide the best experience possible. The true spirit of the gym hasn’t changed, though, it’s just more grown up.
Fox: Glad to hear we’re all getting better! I really enjoy taking classes at other affiliates, too. What do you do for work that has you on the road?
Dan L.: I work in tech and recently co-founded a company called Vericred, which is why I’m currently traveling pretty often. We provide health insurance data to companies that need it in a simplified manner. I’m on the road regularly for face-to-face meetings with clients to learn what they like about our product and what changes they’d like to see.
Fox: Where’d you grow up?
Dan L.: I grew up in Madison, Connecticut, just southeast of New Haven. My folks are still there. I’m the oldest of 4 siblings: I have one sister who lives in Oakland, another sister who lives in Boston, and my brother, Ethan, is here in Brooklyn. My brother did Foundations and was actually coming to CFSBK for a while, but he isn’t really a morning person. He’s been threatening to come back.
Fox: Did you play any sports as a kid in CT?
Dan L .: I wrestled in middle and high school. With wrestling, I can see how it carries over to CrossFit in a way. In a match, much like during “Fran,” there’s nowhere to hide. That taught me how to push myself and ask the question, “How much do I want this?” Also like CrossFit, there’s a team or group dynamic but really it’s an individual sport where you control your results. I played baseball in high school, too, but was more of a decent hitter who played right field.
Fox: Where can you be found when you’re not crushing workouts at 6am or working?
Dan L.: My girlfriend Laura and I just got a puppy, Burrito, who takes up lots of time but is totally worth it. I was pretty indifferent as to what type of dog to get (I grew up with hamsters and cats), but Laura really wanted a Corgi (here’s a bonus link to Corgi’s being adorable), so his name sorta makes sense. We’re currently looking for a daycare for him and will happily take reviews. I hope we can get him into a solid first grade when the time comes. I also like to travel. We regularly visit Ottawa, where Laura’s grew up, and recently had amazing trips to Peru and Mexico City.
Fox: Love the puppy’s name, and can’t wait to meet him! Were you always good at CrossFit? What’s your kryptonite?
Dan L.: Ha! I’ve had my struggles and still do. Early on I realized that I just wasn’t strong enough to be good at any barbell stuff. I could hold my own with bodyweight movements, but a heavy barbell would crush me. I tackled that by doing a pure strength phase for a few months and drank a gallon of milk a day. I put on 30lbs, and even though some of it was a fat, I’ve been able to hold on to the strength I built during that period while losing the extra fluff. My Olympic lifting wasn’t any good, to be honest it was a disaster, when I first started. I literally fell on my ass on my first ever Overhead Squat. Now I’m working on things like mobility, which is a slow process. Handstand Push-Ups are a weakness, as are high-volume Wall Balls or any high volume Squat workout. I’ll generally spend a few minutes before and/or after class working on some stuff but find the programming here to be pretty comprehensive. I’ve been able to improve consistently over time just by showing up and working hard. I did a Strength Cycle (now Starting Strength Program) here way back, but all of the other specialty classes are in the evenings, so I haven’t done any.
Fox: What keeps you coming back to CFSBK to train?
Dan L.: It’s a fun and effective place to train, and I’ve developed a group of good friends here that help keep each other honest. If someone isn’t in for a few days the texts will start flying. Honestly, seeing the gym evolve and having been a part of it through that process, I feel a real connection to it. I identify myself with the gym in a way.
Fox: What’s your least favorite thing about Brad K., aka BK?
Dan L.: Can’t answer that. Can’t choose just one thing.
Fox: Great stuff, Dan. Thanks again for coming in the evening to chat with me. Last question: What should we look for in a future Athlete of the Month?
Dan L.: Someone who works hard to be better but compares her or himself to themselves, not to professional athletes. Someone who wants to be part of the larger community and makes an effort to get to know people, even when you’re not partnered up with them. Lastly, someone who adds more to the community than their personal accomplishments.
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Yesterday’s Results Board: Press / SLDL | Row, Ring Support, Hollow Hold
Adults in Halloween Costumes NY Times
Welcome to Your Worst Nightmares Atlas Obscura
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A1) Tempo (31×1) Press:
3 x 6
Heavier than last week.
A2) Tempo (31×1) Stiff-Legged Deadlift:
3 x 6
Heavier than last exposure.
*Warm up and then perform a set of Presses, followed by a set of Stiff-Legged Deadlifts. Repeat for 3 work sets of each, resting about a minute between movements. Use a 31×1 tempo for both movements. The last few reps of each set should be tough, but the goal is no misses.
Post loads to comments.
Exposure 8 of 8
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Every minute on the minute x 18 (6 each)
1) 15 Strokes for Max Cals on the C2 Erg
2) 20 Second Ring Support
3) 30 Second Hollow Hold
Play with damper setting and stroke rating on the erg to see what works best for you. Focus on a mature shoulder and elbow position on the rings. If you can’t hold for 20 seconds straight break it up into 2 sets of 10 seconds with a 5-10 second rest, or modify the support to feet elevated or to support on paralletes as needed.
Post work to comments.
Join guest gymnastics Coach Ken H. as he takes you through four weeks of gymnastics strength training starting in one week! This 1.5 hour long class will incorporate different facets of body weight strength training and movement. Specifically, each class will focus on three to four distinct areas: warm-up and active mobility, rings skill work (muscle ups, levers etc), bodyweight strength conditioning, balance (on hands and feet), and flexibility. Students will be asked to have a goal or intention to focus on for the next four weeks. Students can then focus on that goal outside of class.
Class Outline:
Rings
Support
Inverted Hangs
Back Levers
Muscle-Ups
Ring Routine
Balance
Headstand
Handstand
Mobility
When: 3 Sundays in November from 6-7:30pm (11/5, 11/12 and 11/19)
Cost: $60 for 3 weeks
Buy-in: Previously attended rings class or 1 pull-up for ladies or 3 for gents
Ken Haller was a nationally competitive gymnast in Newton, MA and at the University of Michigan. After graduating, Ken coached for eight years at Capital Gymnastics in Northern Virginia where he coached regional and national champions. His students have gone on to be NCAA champions and members of Cirque du Soliel. In searching for an activity to replace gymnastics, Ken filled the void with rock climbing and yoga for the past ten years and recently found CrossFit to round out his training.
With less than a week to go until Fight Gone Bad 2017, we’re currently at $11,692 raised for Brooklyn Community Foundation, which is 47% of our $25,000 goal. Can we crack 50% by the end of the day?!
Did you know that we have been hosting our annual “Fight Gone Bad” charity event since 2008? Our fundraising efforts have benefitted a wide variety of charitable organizations in Brooklyn, with our total amount raised to date close to $400,000. Let your friends and family know that you’ll be sweating for one of the best causes around!
Don’t forget that our top individual fundraisers will receive prizes from our generous sponsors: Herondale Farms, Left Bank, Olivier Bistro, LuluLemon, Afrobrutality, ParkLife, Littlefield, and Dino BBQ.
Congrats to those teams and individually topping our leaderboards on CrowdRise! Below are our top fundraisers from both the individual and team divisions:
Top Five Teams:
Top Five Individuals:
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Yesterday’s Results Board: Snatch | Bar Muscle-Ups, Handstand Push-Ups, Squats
The Role the Brain Plays in Muscle Fatigue A Health Blog
John Carpenter Is Extremely My Shit The Outline (video)
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Power Snatch
Every Minute on the Minute x 15:
Hang Power Snatch
Lots of reps with a short turn around time again today. Keep the weight medium-heavy, focus on an aggressive 2nd pull, and, even though they’re Power Snatches, pulling under the bar with consistent footwork.
Post loads to comments.
Exposure 7 of 8
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Performance
AMRAP 12 Minutes:
4 Bar Muscle-Ups
8 Handstand Push-Ups
12 Squats
Fitness
AMRAP 12 Minutes:
4 Knees-to-Elbows
8 Push-Ups
12 Squats
Post rounds, reps, and Rx to comments.
On Saturday, November 11th and Sunday, November 12th, CFSBK will host the CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course. Courses are open to individuals and trainers at all stages of development. The Level 1 Certificate Course serves as the cornerstone for CrossFit methodology and movement and includes classroom instruction on these topics, as well as hands-on small-group training for the movements. These group sessions are conducted under low intensity with a focus on improving mechanics. Students’ movements are observed and corrected, and they engage in dialogue concerning effective coaching techniques. Large group CrossFit workouts are conducted as an example of bridging the gap from theory to practice. These workouts provide examples of how to:
The Level 1 provides introductory education on the fundamental principles and movements of CrossFit. It is structured to meet two goals: 1) Provide attendees with the knowledge to better use CrossFit methods for themselves; and 2) Provide attendees with an initial and foundational education to begin training others using CrossFit.
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Yesterday’s Results Board: Partner WODs
Act As If Catalyst Athletics
Burials Unearthed in Poland Open the Casket on the Secret Life of Vampires Smithsonian
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In teams of 2 with one partner working at a time…
7 Rounds (each) for Time:
21 Double-Unders
7 Dumbbell Power Cleans
7 Dumbbell Push Presses
Scale the Dubs to 50 Singles or 7 attempts. Choose dumbbells that are challenging but allow for at least a few unbroken rounds, or about 50% of your bodyweight between both dumbbells as Rx’d.
Rest 10 minutes, then…
In teams of 2 with one partner working at a time…
For Time:
100 Calorie Row
50 Burpees
50 Calorie Row
25 Burpees
Break up the cals/reps however desired.
Post time, Rx, and partner for each workout to comments.
Nick coaching Debbie P. at the 2010 CRASH-B World Indoor Rowing Championship
Do you hate and fear workouts that involve rowing? Do you secretly love them but don’t want to admit it? Either way, you have a good reason to train for the CRASH-B World Indoor Rowing Championship! Olympian Coach Nick will prepare participants in the months leading up to race day, which is February 25th, in Boston. Come to Coach Nick’s kick-off meeting at 12:15 on Sunday, October 29th in the Annex. This meeting is open and free to anyone who’s “erg-curious” and wants to learn more about what’s involved. There will not be a workout.
Here’s some basic info:
At the kick-off meeting, Coach Nick will explain the program in detail.
Send Coach Nick an email at Nick [at] CrossFitSouthBrooklyn.com if you plan to show up or if you have any questions.
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The Battle of Brains vs. Brawn NY Times
The Key Component of Mindfulness that Lowers Stress Pacific Standard
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Mush! Mush! Check out Thomas H.’s photoset from last weekend’s Strong Fit class. Strong Fit meets Saturdays at 8am. Check it out if you want to do fun stuff like this!
1. With just 10 days to go until the main event, we’re currently at just over $10,000 raised for Brooklyn Community Foundation, which is 42% of our $25,000 goal. Yesterday we provided a template for a last-minute email you can send to your friends, family, and coworkers. Can we get to 50% by the end of the day? Let’s do it!
2. The 4th and final event of this year’s Subway Series goes down tomorrow at CrossFit Virtuosity. See our event page for details, and if you’re looking for something fun to do, head up to Williamsburg and cheer for our CFSBK athletes!
3. Want to learn from the best and train for the CRASH-B World Indoor Rowing Championship? Olympian Coach Nick (whose boat just won the men’s 40+ at the Head of the Charles!) will prepare participants in the months leading up to race day, which is February 25th, in Boston. Come to Coach Nick’s kick-off meeting at 12:15 this Sunday, October 29th in the Annex. This meeting is open and free to anyone who’s “erg-curious” and wants to learn more about what’s involved. There will not be a workout.
4. Ever wonder what CFSBK would look like if it transformed into an art gallery? Well, those of us that participated in or attended CFSBK’s previous Art Shows know it looks pretty awesome. Our fourth Art Show will be Saturday, November 18th, and we need to know by Wednesday, November 1st whether you want to participate. See Tuesday’s post for details!
5. As we’ve mentioned on the blog in the past, Coach KHarpz is writing a series for our friends at beyond the whiteboard on her training for next year’s Northeast Regionals. Check out her 3rd and most recent installment, “Swole Searching: How Bad Do I Want It?”
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Yesterday’s Results Board: Clean | SDHPs, Burpees, Thursters
Unplug from Technology for the Bigger Lifts BarBend
In the Wake of Harvey CrossFit Journal (video)
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Every Minute x 15:
Power Clean
Lots of reps with a short turn around time again today. Keep the weight medium-heavy and focus on an aggressive 2nd pull and, even though they’re powers, pulling under the bar with consistent footwork.
Post loads to comments.
Exposure 7 of 8
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For Time:
30 Sumo Deadlift High Pulls 95/65
15 Burpees
30 Thrusters 95/65
15 Burpees
30 Sumo Deadlift High Pulls 95/65
The barbell should be medium-heavy for both movements.
Post time and Rx to comments.
CrossFit Kids Coach Lynsey shows us the correct Fight Gone Bad-face. Don’t forget that we give a FGB Spirit Award for the best costumes/team spirit. Check out more shots from last year’s action here! | Photo by Thomas H.
With just 10 days to go until the main event, we’re currently at $9,172 raised for Brooklyn Community Foundation, which is 37% of our $25,000 goal. We’ve done an amazing job so far, but now it’s crunch time, gang! Every dollar we raise will benefit great local programs. Learn more about the Brooklyn Community Foundation and all the great work they’ve done. They support a variety of artistic, agricultural, environmental, social, and educational programs helping people of all ages. No doubt there are several programs they’ve helped that you identify with.
Congrats to those teams and individually topping our leaderboards on CrowdRise! Below are our top fundraisers from both the individual and team divisions (as of 5:30pm Wednesday night):
Top Five Teams:
Top Five Individuals:
Send a last-minute email to your friends and family! Maybe something like this?
Dear ______ [insert name],
I know you probably think I’m bananas for doing CrossFit, but I love it so much—largely because my gym, CrossFit South Brooklyn, is so freaking awesome and doesn’t just care about getting “swole” (defined by the Urban Dictionary as the state of being very muscular and/or buff and in good shape), but we also care about helping our neighbors in Brooklyn.
That’s why I need your help! Through this fun competition we’re doing on Saturday, we’re raising money for a local organization called Brooklyn Community Foundation. BCF supports tons of great and important programs in Brooklyn.
Donate here, and I promise to send you a photo of me drenched in sweat after I crush this workout on Saturday. Also, I’ll love you forever!
XXOO _______ [your name]
As we’ve mentioned on the blog in the past, Coach KHarpz is writing a series for our friends at beyond the whiteboard on her training for next year’s Northeast Regionals. Check out her 3rd and most recent installment, “Swole Searching: How Bad Do I Want It?” (Great title!)
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Yesterday’s Results Board: Back Squat | Front Squats, Ring Dips
I Wish I Had Bones: Quit Relaxing at the Top of Your Pull! Catalyst Athletics
How Absurd Do You Like Your Art? Nautilus
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3 x 6
Heavier than last week.
Post loads to comments.
Exposure 7 of 8
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Performance
For Time:
21-15-9
Front Squats 135/95
Ring Dips
Fitness
For Time:
21-15-9
Front Squats 135/95
Push-Ups
Post time and Rx to comments.
Congrats to Coach Nick who won the 40+ men’s 8 at the 3-mile Head of the Charles race by 16 seconds. You may have seen him on the erg a lot lately – it’s all been just for this race. More photos from the race can be seen here.
Want to learn from the best and train for the CRASH-B World Indoor Rowing Championship? Olympian Coach Nick will prepare participants in the months leading up to race day, which is February 25th, in Boston. Come to Coach Nick’s kick-off meeting at 12:15 on Sunday, October 29th in the Annex. This meeting is open and free to anyone who’s “erg-curious” and wants to learn more about what’s involved. There will not be a workout.
Here’s some basic info:
At the kick-off meeting, Coach Nick will explain the program in detail.
Send Coach Nick an email at Nick [at] CrossFitSouthBrooklyn.com if you plan to show up or if you have any questions.
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Yesterday’s Results Board: Rest Day
A Lazy Person’s Guide to Happiness The Atlantic
The Boring Part of Weightlifting: Recovery & Restoration Catalyst Athletics
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Saul M.’s art on display at last year’s CFSBK Art Show
Ever wonder what CFSBK would look like if it transformed into an art gallery? Well, those of us that participated in or attended CFSBK’s previous Art
The aim of the evening isn’t to sell the work of our artists (though if that happens, great), but to showcase the often hidden talents of CrossFitters, bring our community together in a novel way, and to continue being the coolest CrossFit gym on the planet.
We’re excited about everyone who has reached out so far, but we want to hear from more of you. If you are an artist (even if your art is just a hobby) and a CrossFitter at CFSBK or beyond, reach out to Kate R. at katharinereece [at] gmail.com by November 1st, 2017 to get on the roster of artists. If you haven’t participated before, your email MUST INCLUDE 2-3 images of pieces you would consider showing or pieces that are similar to what you would create for the show. The volume of responses we receive will determine how many of your pieces we can include.
Note: Several of you have asked if anyone can participate. Yes, but the artist MUST be a CrossFitter. They don’t have to work out at CFSBK.
The more diversity of mediums the better—painting, photography, film, collage, printmaking, dance, design, drawings, textiles, installations, or something we haven’t heard of yet.
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Yesterday’s Results Board: Press / Sumo Deadlift | Row, Wall Walks, Rope Climb
Stefi Cohen Deadlifts 525 Pounds at 123 Pounds Bodyweight BarBend
The Incredible Progress of Daily Practice Zen Habits
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A1) Tempo (31X1) Press:
3 x 6
Heavier than last week.
A2) Tempo (31×1) Sumo Deadlift:
3 x 6
At or close to your 8RM on 10.9.17.
*Warm up and then perform a set of Presses, followed by a set of Sumo Deadlifts. Repeat for 3 work sets of each, resting about a minute between movements.
Post loads to comments.
Exposure 7 of 8
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21 Minutes Not for Rounds:
21/14 Calorie Row or 270m Jog
7 Wall Walks
3 Rope Climbs
Scale a bit of volume on the Wall Walks and Rope Climbs if you can’t do them relatively unbroken. Aim to keep moving for the entire time.
Post work to comments.
With just under 2 weeks until the big event, we’ve raised just over $7,000 for Brooklyn Community Foundation, which is around 30% of our $25,000 goal! Ziggy WODdust and the Squatters from Mars are still holding onto first 1st with Foam Roller Derby in 2nd. Charles S. is still our top individual fundraiser. It’s crunch time, gang! Let’s get going!
We’re still looking for donations from sponsors to give away as prizes on the day of the event. Please contact our Events Coordinator Danae at Events [at] CrossFitSouthBrooklyn.com with your treasures.
Want to treat yourself to a post-FGB evening of music? Here’s a note from Stella: “My choir, the Oratorio Society of New York, will be performing an all-Brahms program at Carnegie Hall at 8 PM on Monday, November 6. We will be doing the gorgeous German Requiem and the Schicksalslied (“Song of Destiny”). I have 1 ticket available in the rear balcony for $25 each (no online ticket fees like the box office has!). If you’d like one, please email me at stellavision [at] gmail.com. You can also get tickets in other sections of the auditorium here.”
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Yesterday’s Results Board: Snatch | Double-Unders, Power Snatches
Should We End Aging Forever? Kurzgesagt (vide0)
Living Large After Lung Loss CrossFit Journal
Tempo Back Squat (20X1)
3 x 6
Heavier than last week.
Post loads to comments.
Exposure 8 of 8
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Light “Fran”
For Time:
21-15-9
Thrusters 75/55
Pull-Ups
The Thrusters should be light, and the goal is unbroken. Sub Jumping Pull-Ups as needed.
Post time and Rx to comments.
Congrats to Allie B. on her first Muscle-Up! “Allie has been working with me since I started the Anti-Gravity and Anti-Gravity Strength programs,” Coach Ro says. “I’ve seen her make so much progress during her time at CFSBK. A Ring Muscle-Up has been one of her long-time goals.”
Fight Gone Bad Fundraising Update
With just a few days to go until Fight Gone Bad 2017, we’re currently at $13,487 raised for Brooklyn Community Foundation, which is 54% of our $25,000 goal. It’s not too late to send a last-minute fundraising email. Let your friends and family know that you’ll be sweating for one of the best causes around!
Also, a heads up: all classes will be cancelled for FGB this Saturday, November 4th. Competitors can find their heat and judging assignments here. Contact your team captain or Coach Jess with any questions!
Last Call for Artists in CFSBK’s Fourth Art Show, on November 18, 2017
CFSBK’s fourth Art Show will be Saturday, November 18th, and we need to know by midnight tonight whether you want to participate.