If curls stop working, there’s an old school drill that can add inches to your pipes and crank up your athleticism. …read more

Focusing on proper breathing can enhance your training and improve strength in a whole lot of unexpected ways. …read more

The sumo deadlift shortens the ROM, works the hips more, and is less stressful on the back than conventional deadlifts. …read more

“Eat less, exercise more” is common advice, but it can backfire and wreck your metabolism. Here’s how to diagnose it and fix it. …read more

Enter the Intensity Phase. Supersets, drop sets, slow tempos, partial reps, it’s all here! Bring a puke bucket. …read more

We’re two weeks into the Crossfit Open and I’ve been having quite a bit of fun with the workouts so far.  I’ve worn two small holes in my hands during the pull-ups last week but otherwise my body is holding in there pretty well.  The Open is a great time of the year to see what you’re made of and compare yourself against athletes all across the globe.

Inevitably, every year people do get hurt.  Sports injuries more commonly occur during competition and I believe the Open is no exception.   Your adrenaline is high, you’re pushing your limits, you’re pushing to hit the rx workout and often times we’re more apt to ignore aches and pains when the stakes are higher.  Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy during the open and reduce your risk of injury.

1. Remember your goals

Some of you have been competing for years and have a serious shot at doing well in the open and potentially making it to regionals and beyond.  If that’s you, then by all means go for it.  You’ve trained hard for this moment and it’s your time to work.

If you aren’t looking to make it to regionals or just aren’t in shape to give it a shot then it may be wise not to push the envelope.  This is something I discuss with my patients.  I’ve had several people tell me they have some nagging or recent injuries and didn’t know what to do going into the open.  You’ve got to remember my bias as a physical therapist but if you’re having pain and don’t have aspirations of becoming the next Rich Froning Jr. or Sam Briggs it may be wise to shut things down.  If you’re the next champion coming out of the woodwork then it …read more

The trap bar is a wildly versatile tool that allows you to crush your muscles while taking stress off your joints. …read more

“It used to take me five days to recover from a hard workout. Now, I’m able to train seven days a week, and chomping at the bit to hit legs twice.” …read more