Recent news & updates
Athlete of the month – 2011 wrap-up · 21 March 2012
In 2011, we started our Athlete of the month awards. From April to November we recognised some amazing athletes and members of our community.
The award will be making a come back in April, 2012. Bigger and better than before.
But before that, let’s review our winners Read the rest of this entry »
Rowing technique by Michael Ashcroft · 21 March 2012
(This article was written for the CrossFit Victoria website by former trainer, Michael Ashcroft, way back in 2009. It remains one of the best explanations of rowing we’ve come across.)
Introduction
Rowing, like most of the exercises employed by Crossfit, is a compound movement that requires aptitude and competence in each of the ten components of fitness (see the first Crossfit Journal for an elaboration of these components). Rowing is an excellent met-con (metabolic conditioning) activity, employing vast amounts of muscle mass and moving it through a wide range of motion. In addition, the movement requires co-ordination, balance, rhythm and synchronisation in order to be effective and efficient. Read the rest of this entry »
Elite fitness for women · 12 March 2012
There is so much focus on the differences between men and women in modern society that we often forget that we are actually more alike than we are different. If you were to consider our anatomy, physiology and biology it would become quite apparent that we are very similar indeed. Of course there are the glaringly obvious differences like our reproductive systems but at a base level we are almost the same. We have the same bones, the same muscles and the same neural pathways. Our endocrine (to a certain extent), digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems – to name a few – have the same function regardless of gender.
Our bodies are capable of tremendous feats yet women – perhaps due to society’s expectations – tend not to aim for physical prowess like their male counterparts.
For too long women’s fitness has been second to mens. Women have hidden away in single gender facilities or have attended low-impact classes when all the time they could have been training as hard – if not harder – than men and therefore reaping the substantial rewards.
Not every woman wants to train like Cathy Freeman, however it’s important to understand that the walk in the park kind of workout isn’t going to get you anywhere. Read the rest of this entry »
Eating for health and performance · 28 February 2012
Any car enthusiast knows that machines run far better on high octane fuel than they do on entry level fuels. The engines run smoother, emissions are reduced and the overall performance of the machine is dramatically improved. The human body is no different.
First and foremost: food is fuel. Sure, it’s something that you can enjoy and there’s no doubting than some foods taste better than others but there is no escaping the fact that food is fuel. Without it we die. When we eat poorly we become ill. When we choose low octane foods our performance suffers. No secrets there.
So, why are so many people eating poorly? Laziness? Ignorance? Both? As a martial artist, you no doubt understand that your diet has a definitive link to your ability to perform at your maximum capacity. Read the rest of this entry »
Coaching vs Cheerleading · 21 February 2012
There are many different personalities that make up the fitness and sports coaching industries. There are may different approaches and attitudes and there are many different institutions pumping out newly accredited trainers. This last point is both good and bad.
I’ve noticed a stark difference in the quality of coaching in my 10ish years in the industry. (Yes, it’s not really that long is it?) And, I find this quite troubling (the quality of coaching not my time in the industry). I could go on and on about the lack of real education available and the grab for cash and all these kind of issues but that’s not what’s on my mind. Read the rest of this entry »
