Jessness Required: paleo-tastic crossfit post series

Paleo this, crossfit that, grain-free muffins, meat, meat, and more meat, WOD blogs, crossfit facebook groups the list goes on and on. It's no doubt working out in the crossfit style has taken the world by storm. Paleo potlucks are popping up all over the place! It's amazing to see such a huge amount of people coming together to enjoy this kind of working out.

I think someone is motivated when they are in a group doing something. It provides a support system to lean on and collaborate with - teamwork is powerful!

One of my favorite aspects of crossfit is the fact it encourages people to set goals, keep track of their personal bests, and continue to improve them at their own speed of progress. CrossFit incorporates teamwork and also has the individual aspect. With CrossFit at my every turn, I needed to explore this whole concept for myself - I researched some local Auckland crossfit gyms. (By the way, gyms for crossfit = boxes) Yes, one of the many things I've learned after embarking on this new fitness concept.

After finding some prime boxes (see that...soakin it all in like a sponge!) I settled down with Genice from CrossFit Waitakere in Henderson for a good ol fashion Q&A session.

After learning more about CrossFit from an experienced coach like Genice, I was amped to say the least. Her passion and energy beams from her answers, its rad. What more could you ask from a workout coach?

Let's check out what she had to say below:

What are key things to look-out for when finding for the right CrossFit gym for you?

Coaches, Coaches, Coaches. Coaches make the box, because it is after all, an empty box. Look for experienced coaches who have;
a.been CrossFitters themselves under other coaches for a good while(not you-tube watchers with a level one certification),
b.the ability to spot and correct your bio-mechanics (and remember your name) and get you moving better in your daily life.
c.Effective programming with broad spectrum scalability. Are there all kids of people there? then they are all being coached effectively. You can tell this by watching them coach open class (so ask to do this!) and by seeing if they run some kind of introductory classes, be they one on one or in a group (Elements, On-Ramp, Beginners etc).

What are some unique features CrossFit Waitakere brings to it's teams?

HA! Im a Yankee Jew from New York (so here in NZ that can be considered unique) and Kapua is tangata whenua, Ngati Ranginui, Ngai te Rangi from the Mount so we make a crazy pair. I play death metal she plays gangsta rap. We are a female owned box which can be a big disadvantage sometimes. When guys come by to check us out, I think they expect Rich Froning to be the head coach. I should get a few pics of their faces when I introduce myself. Many don't actually come back or even try a free trial after that. I mean, come on, its FREE. People will try free unidentified processed food on a tray in the supermarket but not a free workout. That speaks volumes about human nature. We currently have one other coach (my partner) and an intern. We even have an MP and his wife as a member.

Is CrossFit for everyone, or do you need to have a particular skill level?

Its for everyone who wants it, not everyone who needs it, unfortunately. We'd have WODS in Eden Park if the latter were the case. Every skill in CF can be learned and all fitness levels and abilities can be accommodated. We have athletes in their 50's and their teens in the same sessions. We also have a CrossFit Kids and CrossFit Teens program,my son is five and loves it. We get desperate parents (mostly members) who's kids hate every sport or team they've tried and they love CrossFit. We get it..

Is there certain equipment and/or gear required for CrossFit?

You can do quite a few body weight WODS (workout of the day) but that will get stale after a while. We use the Olympics lifts, power lifts, kettle bells, and gymnastic movements that use pull-up bars and rings.

Just one of the reasons why training at an affiliate is ideal. Programming is our most effective piece of "gear" and without it you are doing random circuits that might use these elements but that isn't CrossFit.I still train with other coaches at other boxes to keep me only toes and not just do wods I want to.

Let’s talk paleo diet, what’s the point and what is it’s relation to CrossFit?

It worked for 100,000 years and we thrived on what was readily available to us and what we had to work hard to attain. We put out a lot of energy in short bursts to get sustenance. Our physiological makeup hasn't changed since then rather, our lifestyles and "food" sources have. The factory produced food products, vacant of nutrition but high in calories is making us sicker and lethargic. Combine that with a lack of intense activity and we have the modern day health crisis. CrossFit training and a Paleo diet puts us in line with our natural state.

Name your favourite paleo, “go-to” recipe? Where does someone go about finding recipes?

FastPaleo.com is a favorite amongst my members. I don't need every meal to be culinary sensation, food is sustenance, not entertainment. Steamed veg with grilled meat every night works fine for me and my family.

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What are three top tips you suggest to all new CrossFitters?

1.You won't be doing HSPU's or muscle ups the first day if you've never done any exercise before. Don't expect to be perfect- ever, only better. Thats why we do it or we'd be as bored as an aerobics regular. I've never seen anyone who puts their ego before their training do well, so give yourself time and show up even if you think you'll be last or the one lifting the lightest bar. Accept the level you came in with and go from there. I've never seen anyone too unfit to improve, only too arrogant. You might not win the CrossFit games this week but humility is an asset in CF, its one of your greatest training tools.
2. Listen to your coaches, they work a lot better than any mirrors. Then remain coachable, the top CrossFitters are and you should be too.
3. Have fun and celebrate your victories because they are yours. Be it a full sit-up or a first double under or the golden chalice, the muscle-up, these are the benchmarks that keep us coming and that make us feel good about who we are. The weight on the scale has never made me feel as empowered as the weight on the bar. If you train like us and eat like us, well, you'll look like us anyway so focus on your kip and your dead-lift and you'll be hooked and happy!

To check out more of CrossFit Waitakere in Henderson, check out their website here & be sure to 'like' their page on facebook - head here for that!
To read more up on the paleo-diet, check out a good website here.

Do you do CrossFit?
What are your thoughts on the paleo-diet?

be GOOD to YOURSELF,

Jess