WoD - Friday 25th May, 2018

WoD - Friday 25th May, 2018

Just as a reminder, tomorrow's event (bring a buddy throw down) will take place between 10 and 12:30. All info is available through Event posted on the Facebook members group. 

Yesterday's workout was designed by the very best, the mothership, in order to be fast and dirty! If you were able to go fast enough that it hurt significantly, but exactly 3 minutes after you pulled your chin over the bar for the last time...well done, you got it right! 

Today is supposed to be a challenge. It will burn in a different way, the movements are complex, heavy by design, partially compliment each other but still create a unique feeling. 
This workout is designed to push the fittest in our community. In order to get the scaling right for this, you should look to be able to complete the gymnastics in two sets and the snatches in singles, taking around 20 seconds rest between each rep. The bar should make your legs burn but your face smile! 
Attack it, be aggressive but always under control. 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

"I’m out of funky names"
2 Rounds For Time:
30 Toes To Bar
5 Squat Snatches (80/60kg)
15 Handstand Push Ups
5 Squat Snatches (80/60kg)

Take your tired bodies over to the whiteboard, and write your times please...

PHOTO-2018-05-21-22-18-30.jpg

WoD - Thursday 24th May, 2018

WoD - Thursday 24th May, 2018

Lets all join together and congratulate Ash for making his flight on the second chance! However, had he not been such a muppet and got it the first time, we only would've had to have cycled for 220 calories and NOT 440!! If you weren't sure, it totally sucks!!

Possibly not quite as much as what you legends did today! I wasn't lying hey? It really hurt. The original workout was as follows:

4 Rounds, each for time:
50 Double Unders
25/20 Cal Row
20/15 Cal AB
15 Bar Over Burpees
Rest 4mins between rounds

Which I'm not sure is actually harder than 3 with longer rest. I'm pretty sure that during the 3rd round, Jack has never actually pedalled that slowly, ever before. 

Speaking of pedalling through mud, there are only a few days of May left and you all know what that means...just a few more days to give the may challenge a go. Don't be shy, it's a lovely workout!! 

Anyway...a classic for you. Can anyone go sub 7? 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

‘Helen’
3 Rounds For Time:
Run 400m
21 Kettlebell Swings (24/16kg)
12 Pull ups

helen.jpg

WoD - Wednesday 23rd May, 2018

WoD - Wednesday 23rd May, 2018

I know i'm stating the obvious, but just incase you weren't quite sure, performing a workout that includes thrashing yourself on the assault bike, and doing 150 wall balls, the day before you do Reverse DT with Wall Balls...is a mistake. It's been a while since the pain in my quads has woken me from sleep. Such a satisfying and thoroughly unadvised feeling! 

Now, Jack, Jonny, Dave and I trialed this workout last Friday. Jack and Jonny (Davies, from Swansea), enjoyed it so much they were keen to see it programmed. Altered ever so slightly, obviously for the "better", demonstrating just why you should never trust a skinny chef! 

Enjoy all, the aptly christened..."Heartburn Hell"

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

‘Heartburn Hell’
3 Rounds, each for time:
50 Double Unders
25/20 Cal Row
20/15 Cal AB
15 Bar Over Burpees
Rest 6mins between rounds

Each round is an all out sprint, no pacing required, go bonkers each round and relish in the elongated rest period. You may require another 6mins before being capable of writing your times for each round, on the whiteboard...but please do!  

In addition, today sees the five year anniversary of the death of Lee Rigby. Below is a tribute to Lee and the workout which I designed to honour his life. Do not do this in addition to Wednesday's programming, as you will never be able to give it the effort that it deserves, however, should you wish to group together on Sunday, please feel free. 

Drummer Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was 25 years of age, described as being humorous, generous and loving. “His family meant everything to him, he was a loving son, husband, father, brother and uncle – and a friend to many.” He tragically died on the 22nd of May 2013 in an attack close to his home barracks. Drummer Rigby, 25, from Manchester, leaves behind a two-year-old son; Jack, his mother and his step-father and two sisters.

Gone but brother, we shall never forget. Rest In Peace.

"Riggers"
For Time:
22 Cal Row
25 Squat Cleans (40kg/30kg)
22 Double Unders
25 Bar-hop burpees
22 Double Unders 25 Push Press (40kg/30kg)
22 Double Unders
25 Pull Ups
22 Cal Row

rigger.jpg

WoD - Tuesday 22nd May, 2018

WoD - Tuesday 22nd May, 2018

We may well have created a butterfly effect at the box tonight, all those glutes twitching like that...

If there was only one movement that you guys could do for whole body strength, that would be seriously high on the list. Abs, shoulders, legs and a huge amount of focus required. Luckily for you lovely lot, I love them, and so will program more and more. 

The start of buddy week saw a few new faces to the box, make sure you old sweats grab them, and give them a sweaty, chalky and hairy squeeze when you see that you are about to run over a rabbit. 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

‘Reverse Wall Balling DT’
5 Rounds for time:
6 STOH (70/50kg)
9 Hang Power Cleans (70/50kg)
12 Deadlifts (70/50kg)
15 Wall Balls (20/14lbs)

Backwards and bizarre, but still painful! The aim is to get the wall balls unbroken every round. Please put your times up to the whiteboard...

warren-rabbit-headlights.jpg

WoD - Monday 21st May, 2018

WoD - Monday 21st May, 2018

What a bad assed weekend. 50 new folk coming into the box to start their journey as CrossFit L1 Trainers. All awesome folk working hard and kicking butt.  

You lot looked to have an amazing workout in Roath park; led by Conners, Hannah and Mel, demonstrating the mantra coined by Conor McGregor..."we're not here to take part, we're here to take over!" The poor buggers of the various Outdoor Fitness groups, stuck doing plank holds and partial squats, must have been gutted not to be throwing dumbbells around, spraying sweat all over the jazz!! Made even worse by said poor buggers being asked to take a break from their core busting plank holds, to take a picture of 32 six packs, by Conroy! 

Finally, you lot have fully embraced and dedicated yourselves to the goal of getting Ash as fit as humanly possible, done so through recording just how many times you have seen him, big bold and ginger on the TV, crushing athletes dreams! By day 1 he had to perform 100 cals on the ASS bike. Stay tuned tomorrow for the full and complete number. A post on IG will be made. 
However, you should never let a man train alone...and so whatever the total number if calories end up being, I will do it with him. Be nice ya bastards...just remember who's programming for you this week. ;-) 

Speaking of which...

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

10 - 10 - 10 - 10

Overhead Walking Lunge*

*These reps will be hard, but I want you to load to the point that you are able to maintain control of movement. Dedicate this hour to getting better, while pushing yourself to a heavy stimulus. 

Tyson:Mariah:Froning.jpeg

WoD - Friday 18th May, 2018

WoD - Friday 18th May, 2018

Just so you know, "Biceps Like Briggs" Sam Briggs, completed a workout similar to today's, at the 2014 European regional in 4:31! Now I know that the distance of the run was less, they ran 200 yards (which is still 182m) per round and so a total of 2000 yards. Meaning that over the total workout she ran 172m less than you Jimi. And, just so you know, Brigsy is kind of good at running! That is truly crazy and a massive demonstration about how mental these games athletes are. 
For a men's comparison, Ez Muhammad finished in 3:33!!! 3:33!!! See it here

Even though lots of research and effort went into writing the above statement. Just after doing so I was visited by the Measurements Police. Actually, the Regional Event wasn't 200 yards, but 200 ft. That makes way more sense... But...they are still f**king fit! 

The true identity of the Measurement Police has been disguised in an attempt to protect his livelihood.

The true identity of the Measurement Police has been disguised in an attempt to protect his livelihood.

Anyway, back to the real world. Just to remind you lovely lot. The gym will be closed this weekend due to a CrossFit Training Level 1. 50 budding new trainers entering the world. 
However, Al and Han have selflessly volunteered to grab some dumbbells and take them to Roath park in order to give you a good kicking. The WOD begins at 10:00am and will involved the usual Saturday workout fun!  

Last instalment of Ash's week. Hopefully the crippling DOMs from Monday's introduction to Barbara have faded enough to allow you to actually enjoy this one...

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

5 Rounds:
Within 2 mins, complete:
20/15 Cal Row
Max Burpee Box Jump Overs (24/20")
Rest 4mins between rounds

Check out the CrossFit Cardiff Instagram page for information of just how to get your own back, right after you have written your reps on the board...

Ash sit up pain.JPG

WoD - Thursday 17th May, 2018

WoD - Thursday 17th May, 2018

Jeeeeeeeeeeesus you lot were looking SWOLE when you all left tonight! Ready for the beach and the hundred days of sun shine that we are supposedly having soon. Let's just see hey! 

Remember the days for me, the old days, I am struggling to recall what comes next, we push and then we...

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

10 Rounds for time:
Run 200m
1 legless rope climb*

*various scales will be available for this movement, but the most important part of it is that you should absolutely NOT...be a muppet! These are very challenging movements, if done correctly...scale and preserve the intended stimulus.

Please write your times to the whiteboard...

europe_day3_event7_women-00033-sam-briggs.jpg

WoD - Wednesday 16th May, 2018

WoD - Wednesday 16th May, 2018

I keep on giving you days back, continuously putting the wrong date in for blog posts, sorry! My intention obviously was to keep you on your toes (not literally as we know that life is far better with your heels down), but it seems not have worked. 
Anyway, I am back on track, kind of, and at least know what day it is! Win WIN!!! 

Remember please folk, that the gym is closed this coming weekend for the celebration of the Royal Wedding...only joking! It's actually because we have 50 people coming to do their CrossFit L1 Seminar. 
Never fear though, both Alex (I love Barbara) Conroy, and Hannah (I love Barbara more) Richards, will be karting some muscle pounding, lung destroying dumbbells to Roath park and smashing the hell out of anyone who fancies at the bright but not so early time of 10:00am. Purely so that those who actually to want to, can watch said wedding. 
What you should be doing instead of course, is watching Ash NOT f**k things up while judging at the Europe Regionals!! NO PRESSURE!!!

In the meantime though, lets get you ready for the beach...

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
Bench press

*work up to a max load for each set that technique will allow

Please draw an artists impression of your own pecs, post bench, as well as loads to the whiteboard...

HexDumbbellP002-001.png

WoD - Tuesday 13th May, 2018

WoD - Tuesday 13th May, 2018

Barbara is a total bitch! I have a special relationship with her, she was the first workout that I did after having a break from CrossFit; not through my own doing you understand. 

While on a 3 month residential EMT course in Swansea, I was unable to get to a box and or really train due to our workload. I did take a 32kg kettlebell (which one of the cleaners tried to pick up and subsequently messed her back up) with me, as well as a set of rings, to do what I could. 
All workouts involved muscles ups from a tree, car park sprints and KB swings. None of which is idea. 
Coming back from that course and going straight into Barbara was a mistake of ginormous proportion. Fearing for my life, and the lives of my patients the next day, I had to scale it back to 3 rounds. Guess what...it still f**ked me up! 
Anyway, I digress...

CrossFit Cardiff Partner WoD

Teams of 2
Complete as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes of:
20 - 40 - 60 - 80 - 100 etc
5 - 10  - 15 - 20 - 25 etc
Double unders
Power cleans (40/30kg)

Rest 5 mins

Complete as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes of:
10 - 20 - 30 - 40 - 50 etc
5 - 10  - 15 - 20 - 25 etc
Assault Bike Calories
Shoulder to overhead (40/30kg)

They are BACK!! 

They are BACK!! 

WoD - Monday 12th May, 2018

WoD - Monday 12th May, 2018

You lot warm my soul, you make the hair (and that's a lot) on my arms stand up, you make my heart sing...you are what CrossFit is all about. 
When one of your own reaches out and asks for some support, you rally and protect; get involved; demonstrate your loyalty. Not just though...you welcomed others wonderfully. Those new to CrossFit, coming in on day 1 to a charity workout - a really hard charity workout - set for a member, still happy to come on in and get involved. And all because of you. You welcomed them into our family and I would like to thank you for it. 
It is the very best place to train, an environment which is safe: no judgement, no bullshit, just sweaty, chalky hugs! Wonderfully Welcoming, yet fiercely loyal! 

I love every one of you! 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

'Barbara'
5 Rounds for time:
20 Pull ups
30 Press ups
40 Ab-mat sit ups
50 Air squats
Rest 3mins Between rounds. 

Go hard, it's a girl. Write your times for each individual round on the whiteboard please...

2018-05-12-PHOTO-00004706.jpg

WoD - Friday 11th May, 2018

WoD - Friday 11th May, 2018

In my assault bike hang over I managed to state that the date was the 20th, clearly it is not. But that workout did suck!!  
Anyway, it's forgotten and in the past. On to the next utter shitfest. Just enjoy it while it lasts as next week Ash the Leg Destroyer takes the reigns.

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

For Time:
25 - 20 - 15 - 10 - 5
10 - 8 - 6 - 4 - 2
5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
Ab Mat Sit ups
Thruster*
Rope Climb

*the load for the thrusters are ascending. See below:
Male: 40/50/60/70/80kg
Female: 30/35/40/45/50kg

Get your Friday times on the whiteboard before you leave the building...

marines5.jpg

WoD - Thursday 20th May, 2018

WoD - Thursday 20th May, 2018

GASSY!!! So long as I am writing this with just folks lungs in bits, and not their shins (it's 16:11 as I type and only time will tell), then I am happy. So far so good. 

Anyway, 40 calorie on an ASSbike destroys your ability to do anything else afterwards, who'd have thought. You can feel free to discuss, should you want more info, then just ask Nick Griffin all about it. Not only do bar muscles ups go AWOL but so do clean and jerks!! 
Who else is up for the May challenge, COME ON...it's FUN!!! 

Simply like this post on facebook for the option of watching Ash do it...because I will make him. 

On a separate note, Ash today took and PASSED his CrossFit Level 3 exam, obtaining the credential of A Certified CrossFit Trainer. In order to just qualify to sit this exam he has had to do his CF-L1 and CF-L2 as well as obtain 750 hours of CrossFit specific coaching. Then, if that wasn't enough, he has had to read an almost overwhelming amount of material to prepare for the four hour exam
To my knowledge Ash is one of five who hold this qualification in Wales and CrossFit Cardiff is the only gym that has more than one...you lucky buggers you!! 

He will be happily teaching you through this tomorrow...

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

6 Rounds for time of:
5 DB Hang Clean and Jerk (50/35lbs (Right))
10m Overhead Dumbbell Lunges (50/35lbs (Right))
50 Double Unders
10m Overhead Dumbbell Lunges (50/35lbs (Left))
5 DB Hang Clean and Jerk (50/35lbs (Left))

Please write your messages of congratulations as well as times to the whiteboard...

Ash CCFTJPG.JPG

WoD - Wednesday 9th May, 2018

WoD - Wednesday 9th May, 2018

If found, please return my legs, lungs and/or shoulders to...

CrossFit Cardiff
Unit's J8 & J9
Colchester Avenue Industrial Estate
Penylan
Hell on Earth
CF23 9SCREW YOU CONROY! ;-) 

Anyway, back in the room. That leader board for May's monthly challenge is looking a little bare. There are rumours of Nick (I love a good toe to bar WoD) Griffin having a stab later this week. Don't let the poor man go alone team! 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

Within nine minutes complete as many rounds and reps as possible of:
40/30 Assault Bike Calories, once as a buy in:
Then...
3 Bar Muscle Ups
6 Sumo Deadlift High Pull (60/40kg)
9 Box Over Jumps (30”/24”)

Please scribe total rounds and reps to the whiteboard before giving the bikes the finger...

hump-day-shirt_0.jpg

WoD - Tuesday 8th May, 2018

WoD - Tuesday 8th May, 2018

It had to come to an end hey, eventually. What a banging weekend, off by surprise and therefore able to enjoy the Cardiff summer with you legends. Sun, sweaty workouts and sausages, what else can a man ask for?! 

I have to a quick word, please take this how it is intended, in order to support my team and keep the amazing gym of yours a place that only dreams are made of...

Our aim is to increase your fitness. The intension is to make you all as strong as possible, without it affecting your ability to run a long distance or demonstrate gymnastic prowess; with us you will be weightlifting gymnasts with the lungs of swimmers. And honestly, who doesn't want that? 

Lift heavier loads, do more pull ups (even just the one more), run faster or walk across the gym on your hands; all are tough, but are equally important.

However, more critical than your Fran time: is your blood pressure, resting heart rate and the time taken to process glucose. These factors will come as a result of improved athletic performance, and will be important long after you call time on your workout.

All of the above are positively impacted by one simple thing… The ability to listen to your trainer! 

The team of trainers available to you at CrossFit Cardiff are amongst the best in the world. Fact. Those of you who have ventured into other CrossFit gyms in the past will have witnessed, first hand, how the quality of coaching in CrossFit Cardiff surpasses that in many other boxes. Not just because of the facility and the equipment that is available to you, but because of the coaching!

Getting stronger is easy. Improving endurance is easy. If you follow a strength program, and stick to it, you will get stronger. However, these programs are often based around simple lifts: squats, deadlifts, presses and pulls. Done so purposefully, because other movements and lifts that are more complex, require coaching! 

An experienced and knowledgable trainer watches movement, and distinguishes obvious as well as subtle errors. As a result, they will deliver concise cues in order to make the movement safer and more efficacious. They do this not because they like the sound of their own voice, and not because they are attempting to annoy the recipient. 

They may ask you to slow down during your workout, to make your movement more efficient and mechanically sound. This will help you to use the correct points of performance, thus, giving you a better mechanical advantage over the load. This will ensure your orthopaedic safety. In a nut shell, those cues delivered, are there to help you get fitter and keep you safe whilst doing so!

This is a request from me, please listen to my team. They know what they are talking about. Do not ignore them, they are trying to help you. Do not argue or use obscene language. Save your breath for the workout you’re doing.

Instead, work to implement the change, and a few things are likely happen: you will lift heavier, you will go faster, the movement will feel better, and…you will get much fitter.

Thank you for being such studs and respecting my studly team!
Davs.

End of...

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

For time:
21 - 15 - 9 reps of:
Overhead Squat (40/30kg)
Bar Over Burpee

Rest 5 mins

9 - 15 - 21
Bar Over Burpee
Overhead Squat (40/30kg)

Once your lungs have stopped burning...actually, waaaaay before then...write your times on the board please...

Legends.JPG

WoD - Monday 7th May, 2018

WoD - Monday 7th May, 2018

Grab a buddy, get out of the sun (only for an hour), and get super buff. 

Speaking of sun, I'm headed back out into it...

CrossFit Cardiff Partner WoD

Within 15 minutes, complete as many rounds and reps as possible of: 
Run 400m together
10 Handstand Push Ups
10 Deadlift (80/60kg)
10 Toes To Bar
Run 400m together
20 Handstand Push Ups
20 Deadlift (80/60kg)
20 Toes To Bar
Etc...

Please write your sunburnt times to the whiteboard...

castle sun.jpeg

WoD - Friday 4th May, 2018

WoD - Friday 4th May, 2018

Happy Friday!! And not just any Friday, but pre-bank holiday Friday!! 
All weekend, the gym will be open as per usual, but below are the specific timings for Monday. 

Monday - 10:00 - 11:00 Open Gym
                 11:00 - 12:00 WoD


If you rock up outside of those hours, the workout is...5 Rounds of: 400m run, rest 3mins. 
If you rock up inside of those hours and are still drunk from your Super Sunday Session, expect the coaching staff to laugh at you while you vomit in the bushes. 

CrossFit Cardiff Partner WoD

Within 20 minutes, complete as many rounds and reps as possible of: 
Calorie Assault Bike and...
Rounds of:
20 GHD
30 Double Unders
20 Kettlebell Swings (24/16kg)

One athlete will accumulate calories on an assault bike, once his/her partner has finished one round, they switch. 

Once you have wiped the sweat from your eyes, please write total calories and total rounds and reps to the whiteboard...

Bank-Holiday-639x430.jpg

WoD - Thursday 3rd May, 2018

WoD - Thursday 3rd May, 2018

It's up, the very best workout that I think I have even done, maybe, there have been a few!! Loud and proud on our whiteboard. The only thing missing now are budding volunteers who are (WO)MAN enough to give it a pop. 
I did at one, point last night, honestly fear for mine and Al Conroy's relationship. I thought it was over! No more Brewdog fuelled sweet nothings, no more Wednesday night coaching fun, not even The Notebook of Fitness...just a set keys on the front desk, not even a note to say goodbye.
All because of the assault bike. 
Anyway, its fun, you should do it!! 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

For time: 
21 - 18 - 15 - 12 - 9 - 6 - 3
Deadlift (100/70kg)
Chest to bar pull ups

Peel your buns of steel up off of the floor, and with a messed up grip, scribe your score to the whiteboard please...

This one is for you Luke...

This one is for you Luke...

WoD - Wednesday 2nd May, 2018

WoD - Wednesday 2nd May, 2018

Guess what, I reckon your butts are going to be loving life tomorrow morning, and the next day...holy hell...you'll be so excited to go up a set of stairs. 
I just want to say one thing...order a pair of budgie smugglers now men, you are going to be taking all the numbers on that beach. 

As a side note. I have a challenge for you all. Can anyone beat Jack, or just have the balls, to do a WoD...

For Time:
75/50 Calorie Assault Bike
Every minute, on the minute: 5 Clean And Jerks (60/40kg)*
*start the workout with the clean and jerks. 

If you are (wo)man enough to give it a go, ask a coach and we will get you through. If you do it, as a sign that you are still alive, write your time on the whiteboard. Throughout the month of May only. 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

Within 3 minutes, complete as many rounds and reps as possible of:
5 Hang Power Cleans (50/35kg)
5 Bar Facing Burpees
10 Air Squats
Rest 2mins, repeat for 5 rounds

Following your rest period, continue where you left off, record one score of total rounds following the fifth round. 

Ash Face.jpeg

WoD - Tuesday 1st May, 2018

WoD - Tuesday 1st May, 2018

Pinch, punch, first of the month!

Is it just me, or is this year flying by. I bet if you copied and pasted that sentence into google you'd get a few blog posts come back at you. It's true though, when there are this many kick assed, fun workouts to do to keep you busy, the weeks just blitz by! 

How much fun was it running in the sun? And leaving the gym in daylight...man I love the summer!! Long may it continue please Mr Fish. 

It's alright too, we've got you covered...you'll be needing to lend Ash's shitty stick this summer...you're welcome! 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

A: 5 Reps per arm of:

Turkish Get Ups
(work up in weight per rep - focus on quality of movement)

B: For 5 sets of ascending load

10 Front Rack Walking Lunges
5 Front Squats
10 Front Rack Walking Lunges
5 Front Squats

Bugger! 

Bugger! 

WoD - Monday 30th April, 2018

WoD - Monday 30th April, 2018

There shall be minimal build up, zero fluff until I get to the fluff...no bullshit! 

A ginormous HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the one and only, the living legend, the most well spoken coach this side of Nagasaki...Alex Conroy. Brother I hope your weekend consisted of fitness, fun and frolics. I hope that you have been spoilt rotten and are sat back with your feet up, having a relaxing and soothing massage, while you sip at the perfectly chilled drink of your choice. 

Thank you for your hard work over the last 12 months, you have been an integral part of the team and you absolutely take a bow, sir. Had I been home, i'd drive you to Sheffield! 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

3 Rounds for time of:
20 DB Snatch (50/35lbs)
20 Box Jumps (24/20")
400m Run

Don't hold back, no pacing aside from suicide...grit your teeth, go nuts from the off and get those gnarly times up on the board...

Not only does he coach, but he doubles up as a great apparel model! 

Not only does he coach, but he doubles up as a great apparel model!