Sisters Without Blisters

Jenny, Tina, and Celia attend my Tu/Th 8am Level 2 boot camp at Barton Hills Elementary. Last weekend they ran the Texas Independence Relay along with a crew of other ladies. The relay was a 200 mile run with 40 relay legs. Not only did they break the Women's Masters record for the relay -- they were the overall top women's team this year!Way to go Sisters Without Blisters.

Tina writes-
Leading up to the 200 mile relay, I was super nervous. I was worried about letting my team down. I hadn't been running. Work and life were crazy; typical for so many of us. The only thing I was consistently doing was CrossFit once a week. Looking back now at my pace and how well I did, I am convinced that what got me through the race was the endurance I had built up doing CrossFit for nearly 2 years. Also having Megan's voice in my head saying "you can do it!"  and of course, a little bit of stubbornness helped. Thank you, Megan! 

Jenny writes-
When I was training for a marathon and not doing boot camp, my upper body would get really fatigued during my long runs. At a certain point, my arms would even start aching! That was totally not an issue during the relay, even after four legs. 

I am so proud of these gals! Who's next for testing their endurance training without running your body into the ground? April classes begin on Monday.

 

Garage Gym Throwdown Series

Check out my latest article on The Triune below. Mark your calendars for the Garage Gym Throwdown Series kicking off on April 20th. Registration opens TODAY!

___________________

The Relentless Event Series comes around every Spring. The idea manifested from Jeremy Thiel and I discussing how to bring the excitement of competition to our outdoor Relentless Boot Camp community.  Just like the atmosphere in our boot camp classes, we wanted to create a fun and challenging atmosphere that would strengthen the Austin fitness community. The very first event we hosted was Garage Gym Throwdown held at LCRA parking garage which quickly became an athlete favorite over the last three years.

 

Garage Gym Throwdown is a party!  We fill the parking garage with music, vendors, and spectators galore. Teams of 2 race from the top, to the bottom of the parking garage, and back up all while completing mini WODs at each level. The first team to make it back to the top with the fastest time wins. Vendors from all over Austin show up to this competition offering free food and a chance to buy the newest products on the scene. It is kid and crowd friendly as there are areas at each level to cheer for your favorite team competing. The costumes are awesome and some teams get extremely creative and have their kids dress up too. Last year one team of Relentless Boot Camp athletes, Carrie and Sarah, were surprised by friend and boyfriend, Eric, with a tent set up that had a big banner spelling their names out. It was the perfect warm up spot before their heat. The event comes to a close with a big after party at Abel’s on the Lake around lunch time. It is my favorite event we host!

 

2013 will be our second year to host the Urban Run, formerly know as the Relentless 5K. This is not your typical 5K; it’s an outdoor CrossFit meets running event. Teams of two tackle the 5K in a relay fashion. While 1 partner is completing a WOD, the other partner is running a 1 mile loop and vice versa. The 5K ends with a final loop as a team. This event last year surprised a lot of the athletes and came out to be one of the most challenging yet the most fun. It was truly a team effort coming across the finish line with your teammate after already completing a 1 mile loop and a WOD. Pure sense of accomplishment!

 

CrossFit boxes and athletes all over Austin have competed in the series in an effort to show case the caliber of athletes at their box, provide an opportunity for new people who simply want to compete in an event, and allow individuals to try out an outdoor CrossFit event.

I have personally competed in both events and enjoyed each of them tremendously. Both offered a chance for me to test different physical skills, and I was able to team up with athletes I coach on a daily basis. If you are looking for a different challenge that encompasses kettlebells, dumbbells, parallettes, tires, boxes, sandbags, and more—then I highly recommend giving the Garage Gym Throwdown Series a go this year.

Registration opens today HERE. 

BioSignature

I pulled the trigger last night and registered for Charles Poliquin's BioSignature course. I have been wanting to learn more about BioSignature Modulation for the past 6 months and now in May I will get the chance. I really dove into the research due to what I have been personally dealing with hormonally for the past few years. There are under a dozen people in Austin who have training in BioSignature testing so I am excited to be one of the few.

WHAT IS IT?

1. Learn the correct way of marking and measuring the Poliquin™ BioSignature Modulation Sites using calipers.
2. Understand the roles of key hormones directly correlated to the 12-point Poliquin™ BioSignature Modulation Sites.
3. Understand the basic nutritional and supplement strategies to use based on a clients Poliquin™ BioSignature Modulation Assessment. - See more at: http://www.charlespoliquin.com/Education/Biosignature/BiosignatureLevelOne.aspx#sthash.SHM69xAQ.dpuf

BioSignature testing involves measuring 12 sites on the body with calipers. The results from each of the skin folds is put into a formula and ranked from 1 to 12 from highest (needs the most improvement) to lowest. Based on the results, a BioSignature Practitioner can implement nutritional and supplemental strategies for clients based specifically on their needs.

The academia nerd comes out of me when I get to learn something new. Prior to attending I am required to read 11 articles and suggested to read 7 books. Love it! At the completion of the 3-day course, I will know the correct way to measure and mark the BioSignature sites using calipers and understand the roles of key hormones directly correlated to the 12-point BioSignature modulation sites.

So, if you have ever wondered "why do I gain weight here and not here, or how have I all of sudden changed physically but nothing from a dietary or training aspect has changed." There is a very good chance it is your hormones.  I am so excited to implement BioSignature testing when I complete course, because each recommendation will be specific to YOU. No more guess work trying to figure out what supplements you need, and do not need, OR what diet is best for you.

Stay tuned for more details after the completion of the course.

1. Learn the correct way of marking and measuring the Poliquin™ BioSignature Modulation Sites using calipers.
2. Understand the roles of key hormones directly correlated to the 12-point Poliquin™ BioSignature Modulation Sites.
3. Understand the basic nutritional and supplement strategies to use based on a clients Poliquin™ BioSignature Modulation Assessment. - See more at: http://www.charlespoliquin.com/Education/Biosignature/BiosignatureLevelOne.aspx#sthash.SHM69xAQ.dpuf

PCOS: D-chiro-Inositol

"If you settle for what got, then you deserve what you get."

I am at path where I can choose to go 1 of 2 ways. I can throw my hands up and say screw it with this whole PCOS mess and settle for being miserable and constantly battling weight gain and no ovulation, OR I can choose to not give up and truly believe God is going to see me through this and come out on the other side with so much learned. I choose the latter.

I found a great doctor to help me on my PCOS journey, Dr. Screven Edgerton. My first appointment last week went super well. He understood my lifestyle with nutrition and training; how I did not want a quick fix but a solution; and he is a big advocate of eastern medicine but understands sometimes you need western medicine to also help heal a disease. After five vials of blood later, he confirmed I had PCOS, which was no surprise.

He prescribed a new product called D-chiro-Inositol by Chiral Balance. It is a natural hormone metabolite used in insulin signal transduction, making DCI necessary for healthy blood sugar regulation. DCI appears to be deficient in women with PCOS. The goal of the product is to help with weight loss and ovulation. I am super excited to see what happens by taking this product. The testimonies are extremely encouraging.

Ladies, if you are simply looking for a new ObGyn, I highly recommend this guy. What's even better is his nurse does CrossFit and is looking at joining our box now after my appointment. It's a win/win situation if you are looking for a doctor who fully understands your lifestyle.

Here's to not settling and beating PCOS!

Why I CrossFit

I have really enjoyed reading Coach Jeff McKinney's posts on The Triune about Why I CrossFit. I started thinking about this more lately with the upcoming competition season and the pressure to compete.

I have been doing CrossFit a little over 4 years, and it has completely changed my life. From my job, to my social circle, to my nutrition, to my training, to my standards...the list could go on for a while. With that being said, I CrossFit because I love the challenge of a workout, pushing my limits,  having fun, and the community--- and, not just any community, my CrossFit Central family.

However, over the past 2 years I have forgotten why I fell in love with the sport. Each year around this time I get so caught up on what I can't do or how much I can't lift, blah, blah, blah and begin to feel inadequate as an athlete and coach, which prevents me from having any fun and simply being alive and present. Not only do I miss out on life; I miss out on offering the best experience to every athlete I coach and all the people I meet. I did a lot of soul searching this weekend and came to a place of peace of why I do what I do.

I CrossFit because it is not about me. It is about the individuals I am impacting daily that I get to coach. It's about seeing my athletes attain their goals.  It's about getting a text, phone call, or Facebook message from a client telling you they PRd on a 5K, a lift, anything. It's about seeing that 1 person have a glimmer of hope that they can lose that 70lbs that's been hanging on them forever. It's about having an impact beyond the 1 individual I'm coaching and watching it trickle over into their personal lives. It is about reshaping the face of Austin.

This year and moving forward, I choose to remember the WHY behind why I CrossFit and hold it dear to my heart.  The picture above is hanging on my mirror now. It is from 3 years ago of me and my friend/client, Michelle. The picture is a reminder of the fun, happiness, ease, and excitement of when career, health, and life are all in balance. On days when I get caught up on where I am lacking, I will look at the picture and remind myself why I CrossFit and to never take the fun out of it.

Why do you CrossFit? Post on the comments below.

New Year SPECIALS

WANTED: 

Individuals ready to make New Year's goals a reality.

I am offering discounted personal training prices through the month of January. Get in now and I will grandfather you in at the discounted rate as long as you are consistently personal training. Sessions are done in my garage gym, in-home, or at CrossFit Central Downtown.

AVAILABILITY
Monday & Wednesday: noon-5pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 2:00-5pm
Saturday: scheduled week to week

JANUARY SPECIAL
1-on-1: $50 a session
groups of 2: $80 a session ($40/person)
groups of 3: $90 a session ($30/person)-- BEST DEAL 40% SAVINGS
*additional $10 per session for in-home training

Email me at showoutmeg@gmail.com or call me at 254.855.4246 to schedule an initial appointment. Go HERE to see results from my athletes.

2013 Training

I am pretty excited about my  new training protocol for 2013. I always consistently workout, but when it is left up to my own programming, it is easy to only work on the things I am good at versus where I need to improve. With that being said, I spent a few days over our holiday break and mapped out what made the most sense for me given my still injured foot/Achilles and my fitness goals for 2013.

What I do know is that I need a combination of metabolic conditioning and strength training to be in the best shape. One without the other does not work in my favor. I have incorporated CrossFit, CFE, Gymnastics WOD--specifically, the Flexibility, Quality, and Practice components, and Strictly Strength. For CFE, I am using a rower or stationary bike for the long interval day and tempo/timed trial days, and I am trying to make it to the track for short intervals days. Eventually I want to be on the road running but until the foot heals, the rower or bike is a must.

Below is what I have mapped out for the year:

Monday
Warm-up: Gymnastics WOD
CrossFit conditioning: pull WOD from website for CFE Strength & Conditioning
Endurance: Short interval (done 3+ hours before/after above)

Tuesday
Strictly Strength

Wednesday
Warm-up: Gymnastics WOD
CrossFit conditioning: pull WOD from website for CFE Strength & Conditioning
Endurance: Long interval (done 3+ hours before/after above)

Thursday
Strictly Strength

Friday
Rest and/or work gymnastic skills with Coach Chelsea Ross

Saturday
Tempo/Timed Trial

Sunday
Rest

After 3 months, I may only do 2 CFE WODs a week and alternate between a short and long interval but keep the tempo/timed trial. It all depends on my recovery and attaining my goals. What does your 2013 training schedule look like? Have you made any changes/additions? Let's hear it in the comments section.

BEAST MODE Carrie

Carrie attends my Tu/Th 6:30am Level 2 boot camp at O.Henry. The longer she is involved in CrossFit, the more I see her competing in races and events across town. Last weekend she took on the Spartan Beast Race, which is no easy endeavor since it's a half marathon with obstacles. Not only did she complete the race, Carrie placed 13th in her age group!

Carrie writes--

The race was awesome. I felt like it was basically an extended boot camp session. Lots of carrying sandbags uphill, rope climbing, wall climbing, bear crawling, jumping over logs, running (total of 13.5 miles), burpees 15-30 (as penalty for failed obstacles), monkey bars, the list goes on and on. I felt really strong and proud throughout the race and wondered if I could've done anything like that a year or so ago.

It was my first real adventure race so I was kind of clueless as to what to expect. Turns out, I finished in the top 1% in my age group, gender, and overall!!!

Thanks for pushing and challenging me, Meg!

I am so proud of Carrie! What do you do outside of working out to show how far you've come with your training?

Sprint train for belly fat loss

2012 USA sprint relay team

  Why do I add sprint training to my workouts each week? Charles Poliquin wrote a great article explaining the details of why anaerobic training is superior to aerobic training for getting rid of belly fat.

1. Burn  more belly fat with sprint intervals- The reason anaerobic interval training works so much better is that your body is forced to burn fat to sustain the level of intensity being asked of it. It also elevates energy use for more than 24 hours post-workout, which has a dramatic effect on belly fat loss.
2. Sprints take less time than aerobic intervals- Participants did either 20 weeks of aerobic training or 15 weeks of intervals (15 sprints for 30 seconds each) and lost nine times more body fat and 12 percent more visceral belly fat than the aerobic group.
3. Sprints improve hormone response for more belly fat loss- Anaerobic exercise also elevates growth hormone (GH) —a powerful fat burning hormone that helps restore tissue and build muscle.
4. Strength train to lose belly fat
5. Anaerobic training produces less cortisol for more belly fat loss- By doing aerobic training without strength training, you will lose muscle, lower your metabolic, rate, and gain fat.  Worst of all, high cortisol causes  chronic inflammation, which lead to belly fat gain over time—all-around bad news! 

I challenge you to supplement at least one, possibly 2, of your long run or bike days for a sprint day each week and see what results you get. Go HERE weekly to get my complimentary track WODs. Post comments below on your progress. Lastly, if you've been pondering going up in kettlebell weight in boot camp or picking up a heavier load in your CrossFit class, DO IT. The research behind sprints and heavy loads for fat loss is endless. To read the entire Poliquin article go HERE.

If you want to look like a sprinter, you got to train like a sprinter!

Pumpkin Pushups

Michelle stays active in and out of her Tu/Th 6:30am Level 2 boot camp at O.Henry Middle School. She travels quite frequently with her job for the Austin Marathon; however, this does not prevent her from getting in a workout on the road.

Can you do pumpkin pushups or have the chance to hold a side plank at the Red Rocks Amphitheater? This is the essence of what I coach my athletes. Staying fit across all domains in and out of class--> CROSSFIT.  The only limit to what you can do is your mind. Let's go!

Don't forget about Magnesium

When it comes to low energy, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and a host of other conditions related to magnesium depletion, I have found Natural Calm to work wonders. I used to take the magnesium supplement, Natural Calm, and for some reason I stopped for a while. Over the past month I noticed I was waking up not completely recovered from the day before, my legs felt heavy, and I was more tired than usual. I added 2tsp of Calm back into my supplement repertoire every evening, and it's made a huge difference.

Background on Magnesium: 

Magnesium is the most important mineral, activating over 350 different processes in your body; among these functions are energy production, digestion, energy production, bone formation, muscle function, activation of B vitamins, creation of new cells, relaxation of muscles and the functioning of your heart, brain, kidneys, as well as the nervous system.

Minerals like Calcium need Magnesium to be absorbed properly. Half of our magnesium is found inside cells of body tissue and organs and the other half combined with calcium and phosphorus in our bones. Only 1% of the magnesium is in our blood and therefore magnesium deficiency is hard to detect as our body fights hard to keep an adequate level in our blood and will take it from other places which reduces the chance of detecting any magnesium deficiency we may have.

Benefits of Magnesium:

• Helps fight insomnia
• Receive relief from muscles cramps or Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
• Anti-stress properties
• Prevent osteoporosis when paired with Vitamin D

For more information on Magnesium go HERE.
,

PCOS: Training

First day back on the track with tinyFIT

 It feels so good to be back in the swing of things. This year has had it's up and downs. From a bummed foot, to  my PCOS diagnosis, to simply not feeling like Showout Meg, I was ready for a change. I have not been this excited about training in a while. I'm back on the track again running sprints weekly and hitting the bleachers, attending CrossFit classes 2x or 3x per week with Coach Zach and/or Big Mike, and training with the underground strength guru--Travis Holley-- weekly, and planning to make it a 2x/week routine once I find a few more people to join a mid-morning crew.

The longer you are in the fitness arena, the more you learn about your body and how nutrition and the style of training you incorporate make a difference on your outward appearance and performance. I know one thing that is for certain--- explosive, high intensity training works very well for me, especially paired with a day or 2 of heavy lifting. When I tried a different route earlier this year with a different goal in mind, I learned very quickly that it did not work for me. I also believe it goes hand in hand with my battle against PCOS. CrossFit works wonders for women who battle PCOS.

I came across a ton of blog posts highlighting woman after woman and how CrossFit changed their life and healed them from the syndrome. My go-to blog at the moment is Paleo for Women. Stefani Ruper does an incredible job discussing nutrition, CrossFit, and evolutionary health for a female. She is also coming out with a book next month titled, Overcoming PCOS: The Complete Guide to your Personal PCOS Journey and How to Become Fertile, Healthy, and Sexy for Good. Whole 30 had a great success story from a woman who had PCOS and no longer has the diagnosis-- Read on. And, of course Robb Wolf highlights an incredible success story too. In a nutshell, their lives are forever changed!

There is power in knowledge. The more I educate myself on this syndrome, the more empowered and equipped I am to kick it to the curb and share with the masses that anything is possible. What are you battling? Whether it be an auto-immune disease, weight gain, drinking too much soda, a bummed foot, still trying to get that first pullup, nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it and chase after it with vigor.

I have a new found energy for my career, training regimen, and my love of CrossFit. What is stopping you today from being your best self? I challenge you to look it in the face and go after what you want with no regrets.

3, 2, 1 GO.

Sandy's Success in 2 months

Sandy- before

Sandy- after

Sandy- after

Body comp- results in 2 months!

Sandy does 1-on-1 personal training with me out of my garage gym. In 2 months, Sandy lost 5lbs and 12% body fat! She lost 1in in her waist line, 3 inches around her belly button, & 2 inches in her butt. Way to go, Sandy!

Ready to up your game with personal training or group training. Check out details HERE.

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?

6 Week Clean-Eating Ladder

If you have stepped foot in a Relentless class, there is no doubt you've heard your coach discuss nutrition. As much as we want to believe that if we workout we can look exactly how we want, this is rarely true for most. My 8am Tu/Th Athletic Training class at Barton Hills is coming together to support each other on their nutrition goals. Below is the plan I mapped out for them to get started. It is a 6 week process and each week builds upon each other.

I know there are those few people who can jump in cold turkey and eat super clean and not think twice about it; however, for the ones of us who need structure and a step-by-step process to change our eating habits, I think balance and small changes over time lead to tremendous success. Knowledge about nutrition is great, but if you have no clue how to implement that knowledge you are spinning a vicious cycle.

1. Week 1: protein packed breakfast with veggies as carbs. No fruit at breakfast. Drink a minimum of 1 gallon of water daily.
2. Week 2: same as week 1 + protein packed mid-afternoon snack. No fruit at snack.
3. Week 3: same as week 1, week 2, + 3 salads per week at lunch or dinner. Salad includes lots of kale, spinach, olives, avocado, chicken/beef/fish, artichokes, mushrooms, olive oil & vinegar as dressing, etc. No fruit or cheese on salad.
4. Week 4: same as week 1, week 2, week 3 + max of 1 dessert a week
5. Week 5: same as week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4 + 3 dinners per week full of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. No bread, pasta, rice,  or white potatoes at these 3 dinners.
6. Week 6: same as week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5 + 5 salads per week at lunch or dinner & 5 dinners per week full of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. No bread, pasta, rice,  or white potatoes at these 5 dinners.
7. Week 7 and on: Maintenance. Apply the guidelines from week 6 and challenge yourself to go an entire 6 days of eating clean for all meals.

Feel free to jump in with my class and take on this 6-week journey. Share your successes in the comments section below. 3, 2, 1 GO. No excuses.

Rest Breaks

Proper timing of rest breaks is critical during interval training. I learned this at a young age when my Dad coached me in track. A 30 second rest break vs. a 2 minute rest break can make a world of difference on the metabolic pathway your training; how quickly you recover; the timing of when you want to peak for a specific competition; and the consistency of the splits across the board.

Manipulating rest breaks allows the coach to push an athlete to different extremes. I've seen this 1st hand with myself and a few other coaches I run with during the week. The consistent track work we put in each week has allowed us to sustain multiple workouts in a given day and at a competition without breaking down, and we are able to fight through lactic acid barriers that often hinder many CrossFit athletes.

For example-- running 100m sprints on the minute for 10 minutes is vastly different than running 10x100s with 90 seconds rest. Both are great, BUT it all depends on what your end goal is for training. That is where a coach is helpful.

I am loving track workouts and the science behind the manipulation of a rest break. It's never too late to start!

True Strength

I have the privilege of coaching and training along side some of the top athletes in the sport of CrossFit. Their physical strength is unmatched compared to the everyday population, and they give other CrossFit competitors from around the world a run for their money at competitions.

Easter Sunday I saw strength in a completely different light. My Dad is someone I look up to, trust, admire. A man I turn to for advice. He is someone who has always believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself. He's provided unconditional love and a good dose of tough love in my 31 years.

As I wrote earlier this month, losing my Poppie was extremely difficult. I have come to realize it was just as hard on my Dad too losing his father. On Sunday I saw my Dad show strength through vulnerability, honesty, and love---It takes strength to weep over your Father in front of your kids.  It takes strength to share you would not be where you are today without the death and resurrection of Jesus. It takes strength to simply admit you are sad and missing a loved one. My Dad's ego was put aside, no hard shell, and raw strength shining.

I am surrounded by physically strong men every single day, but to see a man show strength from deep down in his soul was a day I will never forget. My Dad is a man who will forever hold a dear place in my heart and has set the standard for what it means to be strong from the inside, out. Love you, SHOWdad!

I am Irresistible

Confidence does not come out of no where. It is a result of something-- hours and days and weeks and years-- of constant work and dedication. ~Roger Staubach

Relentless Training Systems kicked off their very 1st 6-week Boot Camp 2 weeks ago. All the athletes came to orientation the Saturday before classes to get body comps complete, an overview of nutrition, and to set expectations.

I am so fired up about this new avenue within Relentless. We had over 40 athletes sign up for our 1st session and every single one of them are brand new to anything CrossFit. Niki volunteered to be the athlete we will follow over the next 6 weeks to document her success. Check out her video above.

I am passionate about making a statement in Austin, TX. Every single coach on the Relentless staff is upping the ante. Personally, I am adding more value to my athlete's experience, sharing with everyone I meet about what I do, and letting the world know what I am up. As Staubach states above, do work day in and day out and the benefits will reap.

I AM IRRESISTIBLE. 

Are you irresistible? I challenge you to choose to chase confidently after your dreams and goals.

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.

 

Natural High

I am addicted to the natural high I experience every time I workout, especially on Mondays. Endorphins amaze me! I show up to class ready to workout but not always 100% fired up and ready to crush it. However, by the end of a workout I feel like a completely new person, AND I know that is exactly how I will feel post-workout. It happens every single time.

Today was no different. 1 mile jog, KB warmup, and then Diane. Not only did I progressively feel more energized as the hour proceeded, I did the best I have ever done on handstand pushups.  Winning. What's even better is I L-O-V-E spicy foods, which illicit a similar endorphin rush to working out. 

I firmly believe that is why CrossFit and Relentless work so well and athletes return month after month---the euphoric feeling of kicking ASS and the physical fitness that happens simultaneously. Do you experience an endorphin high when you workout?

Endorphin 101: In addition to decreased feelings of pain, secretion of endorphins leads to feelings of euphoria, modulation of appetite, release of sex hormones, and enhancement of the immune response. With high endorphin levels, we feel less pain and fewer negative effects of stress. Endorphins have been suggested as modulators of the so-called "runner's high" that athletes achieve with prolonged exercise. While the role of endorphins and other compounds as potential triggers of this euphoric response has been debated extensively by doctors and scientists, it is at least known that the body does produce endorphins in response to prolonged, continuous exercise.