Relentless improves golf games

Laurie attends my MWF 8:30am Athletic Training class at Lake Pointe. She started class 2 years ago and since then has rehabbed a torn up knee, a broken toe, and had a surgery that put her down and out for 4 weeks. Clearly nothing stops this woman from being the Relentless athlete she encompasses every single day.

Laurie is an avid golfer and goes golfing weekly with her friends and husband. She writes...

CrossFit has been such a wonderful addition to my life! Not only am I stronger and more toned at almost 49 years old, it has pumped up my golf game! I consistently drive the ball 220-240 yards (about 20-30 yards further than before), and I'm no longer sore after playing 18 holes. I used to feel every single muscle after playing, but now I'm not sore at all. Feeling physically strong gives you a confidence you cannot feel any other way. Thanks, Megan, you're the best!!

I love stories like these.  A client joins class to get into better shape but in return ends up significantly improving hobbies outside of working out. Joining a Relentless Athletic Training class will not only get you in shape, but it will improve your sport.

How has CrossFit improved your physical activities outside of class?

Good Buys

I made a trip to the new Whole Foods out in Bee Caves after my 8:30am MWF Relentless Athletic Training class at Lake Pointe. If you are looking for a treat to combat a sweet tooth without taking 10 steps backward toward your fitness goals, then try out these Ginger Snaps by Go Raw. They are made with organic coconut, sprouted organic sesame seeds, organic dates, & organic ginger powder. Delish! Check out additional flavors HERE.

Another life saver for me has been the boiled-peeled-and-ready-to-go eggs from Costco. My wonderful client, Mary, bought me 4 dozen on Friday and they are just perfect. The price is only slightly higher than regular eggs but you avoid all the time of boiling and peeling. If you are big on fresh farm eggs then this would not be the most suitable, but if you are looking for convenience then make a trip to Costco.

Tracy is Relentless

Tracy attends Athletic Training on MWF 8:30am at Lake Pointe. She has been a Relentless athlete for over 2 years. I will never forget Tracy's first week. She signed her waiver and went on to tell me how she had very weak wrists, could barely run, and was simply going to give this a try along with her yoga. I was ready to watch her life transform.

Fast forward 2 years and she is now doing all Relentless workouts as Rx (prescribed). Tracy started class swinging a 10lb kettlebell and now consistently uses a 25lb kettlebell. She does pushups on her toes for almost the entire workout. This is HUGE due to the fact she came to class with extremely weak wrists. Now Tracy is one of the top finishers in class each day and continues to improve. Tracy has lot over 10lbs, and I can't wait for her next body comp in 2 weeks to see where she is going. Her enthusiasm and consistency is contagious.

I am honored to coach her. Tracy is RELENTLESS.

Fun run = PR

Mary attends the MWF 8:30am Relentless Athletic Training class in Lake Pointe. She's been training with us for over 4 years and consistently shows up ready to work and have fun. Last weekend Mary traveled to FL for a some friend time and a 1/2 marathon. Not only did she come back rejuvenated, but she ran 1:52 and finished 19th in her age division! That's my girl....way to go MARY!!!

 She writes...

First destination race with awesome friends!!  ...chose the Seaside Half Marathon, Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Went for fun and took 3 minutes off my 3M half marathon time from 5 weeks ago, and cut my average pace down to 8:36....15 sec per mile faster than 3M. Finished 19th in my age division finishing at 1:52:36.  Went for fun and had an awesome run!!  

 

College Students are Relentless

I have the privilege of coaching Emily during the summer months and over her holiday school breaks. She brings a young, vibrant energy to the 8:30am class at Lake Pointe. The best part is her mom has been attending Relentless Athletic Training for over 3 years, and her older sister also joins the group during the summer and holiday school breaks. Watching a mom/daughter duo work out together is inspiring and something I hope for when I have kids some day.

I saw Emily improve her strength by going from a 15lb to a 25lb kettlebell. Each class Emily and her mom would be neck and neck on the runs, which says a lot since Mary (her mom) is a phenomenal runner. I knew when she reported back to UT, she would be ready to perform in tip-top condition since our classes are programmed with a combination of CrossFit, HIIT, kettlebell, and traditional sports conditioning. Emily is RELENTLESS on and off the field. Obviously, my favorite part of the statement above is the last sentence.

Emily writes....

I have been doing outdoor athletic training in the summer and over my school breaks for about a year now. Its been a great fitness activity to do with my sister and my Mom. As a member of The University of Texas Pom Squad, I strive to stay in the best shape that I can. Athletic Training has supplemented my Pom training and improved my overall endurance levels. Above all, Relentless Athletic Training makes me feel like a SHOWOUT, who doesn't want that!?

Take advantage of our student discount and get 25% off Athletic Training classes. The next sessions begins January 30th and is the perfect kick start to get ready for Spring Break.

 2x/week- $100

3x/week- $150

Be Relentless HERE.

 

Friday Morning Brunch

About once a week I am reminded...
why I love my job;
why I do what I do day in and day out;
why I keep my focus on the big picture and vision;
and why I work diligently, because I know the labor is not in vain and for a greater cause.

Last Friday I spent part of the morning with my Lake Pointe class post-workout for a Friday morning brunch at one of the athlete's house. It was absolutely perfect! A morning full of energy, sweat, and camaraderie followed my egg scramble muffins, carrot/banana muffins, bacon, fruit, mimosas, and the best part---Mary's homemade Bloody Mary's.

I encourage you to take some time today to reflect on why you do what you do. The fuel that comes from the fire of a vision, goal, and dream is unstoppable!

Cheers!

The above picture is simply a continuation of why I love my job. The showout ladies in the MWF class at Lake Pointe surprised me with orange juice and champagne for a post-workout celebratory toast for Austin Fit magazine's 10 Fittest. It is because of people like them in my life that make dreams a reality.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who voted and brought more recognition to Relentless Boot Camp and CrossFit Central. We will be a house hold name by Spring 2012. BAM.

Vacay

It's summer time which means lots of fun traveling. Two of my clients sent me pictures from their most recent trip. Vanessa in the Relentless Boot Camp at Lake Pointe sported her Relentless tee while in Carmel, CA.

Michelle in the class at O'Henry Middle School traveled to Colorado for the Bolder Boulder 10K and fueled her body with mimosas and bacon, of course =).

I am fired up and ready for my vacation to Cali for the CrossFit Games. I can't wait to cheer on my fellow teammates and showout for 5 days straight. Sun's out, SHOWOUT!

Med ball clean Race

The MWF 8:30am class at Lake Pointe is 3 spots away from completely selling out! These ladies join class and then bring their friends to jump on the fitness train too. The energy is contagious.

We ended class today with a med ball clean circle race. The ladies were split into 2 teams and raced to complete 40 med ball cleans as a team. It was a close finish but the team on the left won.

How has joining Relentless Boot Camp changed your life? I know it's done wonders for Michelle Trudo who attends our Barton Hills Elementary class. I invite you to come showout with me and other clients and coaches at Lanai tomorrow, May 12th, from 5:00-7:00pm. Who will be the 1st to do a super burpee in public?

TGIF vs. TGFT

I start every Monday with the lovely crew pictured above; the 8:30am MWF class at Lake Pointe. These ladies are some of the most encouraging, supportive, and hard-working group of women I have met.

I remember the days when I would wake up on Monday and already be thinking of Friday. I lived for the weekends. Each day was a dread. Trust me, this is no way to live. January 2009 I quit the TGIF lifestyle and started work at CrossFit Central.

Fast forward 2 1/2 years later and my life is Thank God For Today (TGFT). I wake up each day with a new fervor, drive, determination, and endless possibilities. I am creating the life I want. I choose to be a part of something bigger than myself. I am surrounded by a team that I consider to be some of my closest friends. We dream big. We work hard. We are diligent. We believe we can change the world.

Don't get me wrong, each day is not sunshine and lilies; however, it is so different. It's a complete paradigm shift from TGIF to TGFT. How do you live each week? Life is too short to live for the weekend.

New Boot Camps

You only ever grow as a human being if you're outside your comfort zone.- Percy Cerutty

September classes for Relentless Boot Camp kicks off on Monday, August 30th. I have made a few changes and additions to the current classes I coach. All my classes are on the brink of selling out due to friends bringing friends to class each week. The Tu/Th 6:30am Deep Eddy class (pic above) had 3 new people this week thanks to Leslie! The month of September we are focusing on improving squat mechanics and posterior chain flexibility. Details on the competition will be announced in class next week. Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and make lasting changes inside and out? Don't miss out!

NEW- M/W 6:15pm at Little Stacey Park
NEW- Tu/Th 8am at Barton Hills Elementary
Tu/Th 5:30am at Deep Eddy Park
Tu/Th 6:30am at Deep Eddy Park
MWF 8:30am at Lake Pointe

Email me at meganparsons@crossfitcentral.com to try out a class for FREE.

Mary Madness Workout

Mary is in the MWF 8:30am Lake Pointe Relentless Boot Camp. This month is her 3 year anniversary with CrossFit Central. Mary is one of the top athletes in class and gives it 100% every time she shows up. She is participating in the upcoming Hood to Coast race with other CrossFit Central clients and Coaches Lisa Thiel and Carey Kepler. She recently participated in the Trojan Challenge and has been a part of multiple Women's-Only events.

The picture above is of her and her 2 daughters on vacation in Costa Rica. During the summer her daughters come to class to workout with their mom. Now that is what I call one CrossFIT family.

Mary is also another client that I programmed a workout in her honor. Below are list of her favorite exercises devised into the Mary Madness Workout.

3 rounds- for being a client for 3 years
10/10 Woodchops
15 Cowboy squats
20 Seated KB shoulder press
3 sprints up hill at Lake Pointe- she is the fastest runner in class

Finish with 8 full rounds of Tabata-- hold quarter squat with quick med ball chest passes to the wall.

Destined for Greatness

Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things. -Joe Paterno

Rainy, muggy days like today make me want to crawl into bed, curl up in a ball, and crash out after coaching all morning long. Days like today are easy to hit snooze, skip your workout, and push your goal list to the side. I personally find it difficult to push full force ahead on gloomy Austin days; HOWEVER, I have big goals and dreams I am chasing daily. Today is different. I am switching my paradigm of thought. Just like good 'ole Coach Paterno said, I am destined to do great things. No one is stopping me. Take that, Rain!

The 2 pics of above exhibit greatness. The 1st one is the Lake Pointe 8:30am MWF class passed out on the ground after a Relentless workout in a parking garage due to rain...no hitting snooze for those ladies. The 2nd pic is them showing off their guns after powering through a sweaty, muggy workout.

Go out there and MAKE IT HAPPEN today!!!

Happy Hour in the Hills

Last night the MWF 8:30am Lake Pointe outdoor Relentless class got together and celebrated life and each others company. Mary showed up with her homemade Kamikaze that included a special mix shipped from Ohio. Beth was a phenomenal host and opened up her house to total craziness.

I cannot say enough about how much these women mean to me. I love every bit of seeing how they balance kids, husband/boyfriend, friends, LIFE. I am 29 and single so clearly my life is polar opposite than most of these women; however, that is what makes this class so very perfect for me. I get to experience life in a new dimension and not be as frightened about "growing up." Lake Pointe Showouts, thank you for making my life more meaningful!

View more pics from our party HERE. I threw in a workout picture too so everyone can see how great these gals clean up.

Showouts!

The old saying "Birds of a feather flock together," could not be more true of the athletes in the MWF 8:30am Lake Pointe class. This week my 2 newest clients brought 2 friends to class. Then our class clown, Vanessa (pictured above), brought a white board to class for me to write each mini-WOD to help all the non-FOCUSed listeners remember the workouts. She was part serious/ part sarcastic. Total Showouts in this class!

I truly believe that finding a group of people to workout with is key to individual success. This class allows everyone to take an hour away from their jobs, kids, husbands, and let loose, laugh, and kill a workout. Have you found a group to challenge you and push you to your physical limits?

Mary is a Baller!!!

Mary is a boot camper in the MWF 8:30AM Lake Pointe class. Every week this woman never ceases to amaze me. She has gone from a good athlete to a GREAT athlete and is now impacting her family in huge ways too. She is a 100% Baller. Check out her recap from the Trail Setter 5K this past weekend and her future race calendar for 2010.

"Yep definitely plan on running the Cap 10K. I ran a 5K this morning (Trail Setter 5K in Cedar Park) and came in 2^nd in my age group and made the leader list (#9 female to finish)….it was just a little dinky race BUT fun none the less. Ran 24:10.

My hubby came in 2^nd in his age group (ran like 22:40) AND my daughter Megan and her BF both came in 1^st in their age group…haha it was lots of fun!!! They were funny. They were just gonna take it easy and go on a fun little jog than the competitive spirit kicked in…o boy!!"

Relentless Boot Camps are currently putting together a Relentless Race Calendar. Please comment below or email me at meganparsons@crossfitcentral.com all the races, including tri-series, you will be competing in 2010. We want to come together at each race and cheer, encourage, motivate, and support each other in our athletic endeavors. We desire to take Community with CrossFit Central to a whole new level. Let's make it happen together.

3 years and going strong!

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." - Abraham Lincoln

Happy 3 year Anniversary! Karen and Carla joined the MWF 8:30AM Lake Pointe boot camp 3 years ago with Coach Jeremy Thiel. He passed the torch on to me about 6 months ago to work with all these tremendous athletes and now this month I get to celebrate 3 years of success with these women. Relentless Boot Camp is not a quick-fix, 6-week, get in/get get out program; it is a lifestyle. Our goal is to improve your quality of life from the inside out. Nutrition, relentless workouts, encouragement, friendships, parties...we desire for you to succeed each and every day.

How long have you been in Relentless Boot Camp with CrossFit Central? Share your success below.

Functional Fitness

CrossFit preaches functional fitness. Chris from the 8:30am MWF Lake Pointe Relentless Boot Camp and I experienced this first hand as we moved a huge couch from my friend's house into my living room. That is what I call functional fitness at its finest. Deadlifts, presses, and squats are lifts we hone in on big time at CrossFit Central, and that is exactly what we did to maneuver 3 couch pieces from a living room to truck and truck to living room. Now I need CrossFit to teach me patience when moving furniture =). Thanks a mil, Chris! You are strong beyond measure.

March Programs

We are in Week 4 of the Relentless Adventure Challenge. Two team members from Team Holla Back Girls grabbed in an extra workout this weekend at the UTB. Jane & Vanessa (pic above) have a great tip for all you interested in trying out free workouts.

Jane & Vanessa's Advice: "grab a BIG GUY to be on your team!! We snagged Blake and he was awesome ... very motivating and fast and strong ... woohoo!! AND he carried the ball on the whole run ..."

March programs launch on Monday as well. Spring is the perfect time to join a Relentless Boot Camp. Try out a class for FREE.

Showout Meg's Boot Camps-

• Lake Pointe MWF 8:30AM
• Deep Eddy Tu/Th 5:30AM
• Deep Eddy Tu/Th 6:30AM
• Dick Nichols Park Tu/Th 6:00PM
• Flywheel Fitness on S. Lamar Tu/Th 8:00AM - BRAND NEW CLASS
  

Encouraged by my clients...

The road to athletic greatness is not marked by perfection, but the ability to constantly overcome adversity and failure.

Jane in my 8:30AM MWF Lake Pointe boot camp emailed over this Nike commercial yesterday. Each day I am more and more encouraged by my clients. They are not simply showing up 2 or 3 days a week to class. They are motivating each other through out the week via email and phone calls; emailing out races, tri's, and other fun athletic events in the city to compete; knocking out 1000 pushups a month even though the Strength by Body Weight challenge for January is over; and setting up additional workouts together to take it to the next level.

The commercial was exactly what I needed at that moment. I preach balance, balance, balance to my clients on a daily basis, and watching this video made me look at life in a bigger picture. Everyday is not perfect; however, how I perceive what is happening to me at that very moment makes all the difference in the world. How do you overcome adversity and failure? Do you throw your hands up at one mistake and say I am done, or do you take the high road, learn from it, pick yourself and move forward? This applies to EVERY part of life--not just CrossFit.

Strive to be more than just good. BE GREAT!