Are you having "No Progress?"

Think of your journey into a healthier, happier, better moving you much like building a house. If the foundation of your house is cobbled together, has cracks in it, and is deteriorating then you are starting from a place of weakness. Why then would you spend lots of money and time building that beautiful kitchen you always wanted, and that master bedroom that has amazing views when in a few years the whole thing is going to collapse? You wouldn’t right?

We all want to rush to the end of the project. We want everything yesterday. If there was only a magic pill that would do that… The truth is that all levels of health and fitness are a process you have to be patient with. That is how getting healthier, stronger, and leaner works. You have to start with the right building blocks.

Are you having "No Progress?"Stage 1: Groundwork
We start with a lot of personal attention. Which means teaching you how to move correctly. When to fire the right muscles and how so as to keep you safe and move in an effective way. This is done in an individual basis, or in a small group of other people just like you. So you never feel self conscious that you don’t belong, or are holding people back. We want to help you get to that place that you want to be. That takes time, patience, and understanding.Are you having "No Progress?"

Stage 2: Framing
If you can’t squat, hinge, push, pull, or plank why would you try to load up a bar full of weights, or swing a kettlebell the size of your head through the air on your first day? That is just silly. Here at Contemporary Athlete, everything is a process of learning, then applying that knowledge. Making strides forward. Then learning some new things. This can happen in a larger class where you can have the support of others, and develop along side a small group of peers in a similar place that you are.

Are you having "No Progress?"Stage 3: Roofing
The barbell is like a PHD program. It removes a whole lot of ability to move. So until you are an exceptional mover we won’t use a barbell. We have them, we use them, but not until you are ready. If we are being completely honest, some people don’t ever want to or need to use one in order to get to your personal fitness goals. That being said you should always be preparing for that day because it makes you feel, move, and look better.

 

Growing Pains: New Beginnings

It’s been a while since I wrote a new article. I know that, much like in academia, in a social media driven world it’s publish or die.

Sometimes you just don’t have the time to…

  • Run your ever growing business (I can’t say thank you enough, by the way!!!)
  • Run your training groups
  • Meet with people to extend your network so as to offer greater service to your clientele (Those things that will set you apart from every other “gym”)
  • Study for new certifications (Did I mention that I just started the Precision Nutrition Level 1 program?)
  • Make a new Youtube video of yourself or somebody else doing a front squat (you know, to add to the other 700,000 front squat videos on Youtube)
  • Get your own training in
  • Develop your website
  • Streamline your business
  • Work on your advertising plan (What the heck is that!?)
  • Order new equipment and maintain current equipment
  • Eat
  • Sleep
  • Do laundry
  • Make sure you answer that email you meant to respond to yesterday (10 days ago, sorry Haley! 🙁 )
  • Oh yeah, and make sure all your I’s are crossed and your T’s are dotted when moving into a larger more awesome facility (Yeah!!!! That is happening!)

CA_close

So writing a new blog fell off the back of the metaphorical truck. Chalk it up to growing pains though. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s a struggle, sometimes you just want to bang your head against the wall, but sometimes (ok, all the time) you want to high five the random person walking into Starbucks just because, well, it’s awesome out there.

That’s where tenacity comes in. If it were easy everybody would do it, right? Actually though, if it were EASY, nobody would be afraid to do it. This is true for training, for racing, and for losing weight.

Just remember that the simple things that are your habits will carry you through. Lift heavy, push your boundaries, run till your lungs hurt. It’s bumpy, and the hills are long, and the water is cold, and the weights like to stay on the ground, and the paperwork is endless. Encourage others to do the same, treasure the view, revel in the silence that creeps into your ears as uncomfortable exertion drowns out the noise, and just enjoy the ride you’re on.

Enjoy the growing pains, because if they are ever gone, then you are either dead or complacent, and that’s just boring.

Why 12-12

Let me tell you a story…

Once upon a time on a beautiful spring night after getting out of work, a young, optimistic athlete’s world changed drastically.

A half-mile from his home, a driver who was trying to make a changing traffic light struck that persons vehicle doing about 50 mph.

The vehicle spun around a number of times and ended up facing in the direction of on-coming traffic. Fortunately the victim was wearing his seatbelt and in was in peak performance shape so he thought he might walk away from the accident unscathed.

Six weeks later after a number of medical visits, it was discovered the victim had broken three vertebrae in his spine and was lucky to be walking.  The outcome was grim; sports were out of the question and lifting heavy was not to be done.

This devastating news sent the victim reeling out of control.  Without sports, this athlete had lost his identity, was depressed, and was slowly drinking and eating himself to death.  At the lowest point, he had packed on an extra 1/3 of bodyweight and was barely recognizable.

Does this sound like every world-class athletes comeback story?
Well it kind of is. It’s my story, and it’s the antithesis for

12-12
Reboot, Reform, Reclaim

Ten years ago, I was that person in the car accident and it closed a door to part of my life only to open a much greater one.  At one point of time the scale read 225#, which doesn’t seem too bad until you realize my healthy weight range is between 160-170.

As I struggled to get back to the old version of myself, I learned some hard lessons. What it feels like to train as a severely de-conditioned athlete, how to eat smart, hydrate, and ultimately how to push yourself through those bad sessions/days/months.  I came out of it a year later stronger, faster, and tougher than ever before.

I was able to “reboot” my own life and reclaim my health, so why couldn’t that same formula apply to others?  We’re not talking about a quick fix, Band-Aid, infomercial BS sales pitch but an actual fix.
I started going through old notebooks full of training plans, and food journals, and diaries. The reboot program was born, and it is all about finding that person (possibly again), with a great support system, some solid guidance, and a realistic timeline.

I invite you to consider this journey to make a lasting and permanent change to your health and wellness.

https://www.contemporaryathlete.com.com/12-12/

Ergo for All

Rowing for Riders

In two different sessions, cyclists will learn how to use the ergometer; a fundamental tool for increasing strength, stamina, range of motion, and that always developing core strength.

Don’t believe me? Check this or this out… Or even this.

Starting February 6th, 2014
Session one is designed to teach you the proper technique and basic principles for using the ergometer. (So as to get the most bang for all that sweat!)

4 90-minutes sessions.
Every Thursday night 7:00-8:30pm
45$ (Introductory price!)
Only 9 spots available
RESERVE A SPOT NOW

Starting March 6th, 2014
Session 2 is all about putting that hard mental training to work. This is geared toward developing your Zone 2, interval training, and that ever so precious VO2 capacity.

4 90 minutes sessions.
Every Thursday night 7:00-8:30pm
45$ (Introductory price!)
Only 9 spots available
RESERVE A SPOT NOW

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Introduction to CAIR

Want to know what those people are doing 3 days a week? All that sitting and sliding back and forth? It has to be better than deadlifting and kettlebells, right? Well, you are correct. Here is your shot to try it out.

Starting February 11th, 2014
Intro to CAIR is designed to teach you the proper technique for using the ergometer, so as to get the most bang for all that sweat, and ultimately, if your up for the challenge to join the team. 😉

4 90-minutes sessions
Every Tuesday night 7:00-8:30pm
45$ (Introductory price!)
Only 9 spots available
RESERVE A SPOT NOW

CAIR – The Beginning of an Era

CAIR

(Pronounced: see-AIR)

The first truly goal oriented indoor rowing team in the Capital District!

CAIR  has been a brainchild of mine for a number of years now. Finally, after a great discussion with Greg Hammond at Concept 2, I decided to jump in with both feet and make this happen.

There are a number of indoor rowing gyms starting to pop up all over the place. Many operate like traditional spin classes. CAIR is much more than that. The idea is team and collective goals. Racing is encouraged in order to go fast; the amazing health benefits are just an awesome side effect of that. With new-to-the-sport athletes side by side collegiate athletes on winter break, along with a handful of U23 athletes looking to qualify for a selection camp, and also those “unaffiliated” post-university rowers looking to move on to the national team, CAIR is unique. Different people, but everyone has the same goal: go fast, and have fun doing it.

The format for CAIR is the same as all CA training. It’s small group training that will happen in the CA with a focus on education, personal growth, and team competition. It culminates in Boston, Massachusetts at C.R.A.S.H. B. Sprints Indoor Rowing World Championships. Side by side with some of the best athletes in the world, junior athletes, and anybody who is still willing to pull on the handle, CA will put in times for the 2000m ergometer test. There is competition for everyone, man, woman, and child alike, and its awesome…

Want to know what it is like? Watch this video of the University of Washington Men taking care of business. There is a reason why they are the reigning 3 time national champions…

For those athletes who are traditionally cycle based athletes, or triathletes. Here is the sell. In Great Britian Rowers ride/Riders row, it’s a crazy thought but some things just make sense. Lots of it! If you don’t believe me read this:

http://www.britishrowing.org/taking-part/indoor/training-advice/cross-training

Oh, yeah and for triathletes…

http://roworx.com/the-amazing-benefits-of-training-for-a-full-ironman-on-the-indoor-rowing-machine-and-indoor-cycling-bike/

The health benefits are huge. The competitiveness in the CA is unlike anywhere else outside of a traditional boathouse.

  1. Burn at least 800 calories in just one session, in almost every case more.
  2. Erging is a non-impact exercise, which develops strength in your legs, core and upper body with every stroke.
  3. Rowing improves your cardiovascular health and reduces blood pressure.
  4. It increases vascularity and circulation efficiency throughout your entire body.
  5. Rowing improves flexibility and strengthens your core like never before.
  6. Reduces anxiety and improves your energy levels
  7. Increases bone density for those with, or at risk for, osteoporosis
  8. Excellent for cross-training athletes looking to improve stamina and total body strength. Upper body conditioning allows athletes, such as runner and cyclists, to achieve a balanced and more flexible body