Thursday, January 28, 2010

CrossFit Cleveland Fitness News and Updates - 01/28/2010

CrossFit Cleveland
January 28, 2010
 
 
It seems like a lot of people like the earlier afternoon hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  It has really helped eliminate the congestion that we were having between 5:30pm and 6:00pm recently.  The doors open at 4:00pm on Tue/Wed/Thur, stop in and check out the early crowd.

Please don't miss a few new items down below, a new member spotlight, Member Benefit Card, the Tuf-Chick event on Saturday, and the Westlake/Bay Village Rotary Club's Reverse Raffle announcement.

**  Please note that we will be closed Saturday February 13th due to the CrossFit Gymnastic Certification Seminar being held at the gym.  See the info below if you are interested in signing up for the cert.

I shot a quick video yesterday when Kate Rawlings was working out. It's posted on our website and titled it "Don't do this at a Globo gym, or they'll kick you out" Check it out and share it with your friends if you like it.  Let's make this video go viral on the net. Kate Rawlings Crossfit Video

BTW- I keep adding more new pictures on our Crossfit Cleveland Facebook Page, check them out and tag people if you know them. You don't have to have a Facebook account to view these pictures.
 
I'm also giving our website a little makeover. Keep an eye on it during the next couple weeks and let me know what you think ---> Crossfit Cleveland website.
Something New - Member Benefit Card

*** Staci and I have a new "Member Benefit Card" in the works and should have it rolling by early next month.  Local businesses will be offering CrossFit Cleveland members special discounts - just for us. We'll be posting a list of all deals/discounts on the board at the gym and on our website.  We'll be printing Membership Cards that you will need to show in order to get the discounts.

The first local merchant to make this list is the West End Tavern on Detroit.  They have a $1 draft special on Miller Lite for our members every Monday night starting at 6:00p.m.   Let's see if we can fill up their place with a bunch of CrossFitters after the 5:30pm workout this Monday, Feb 1st.  West End's Co-Owner and CF Cleveland member Bob Shepherd says they'll also come up with some sort of appetizer special starting the following week. More details to follow. Thanks Bob!

Day: Monday 2/1/2010 and every Monday until they kick us out!
Time: 6:00pm-8:30pm
What: $1 Miller Light Draft Special
Where: West End Tavern, 18514 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, Ohio 44107

**For now, just tell them you are a member of CrossFit Cleveland for the deal.  We'll have Membership Cards printed next month along with the list of local deals.

If you know of any local businesses who are interested offering our members a special discount, please have them contact me. I have several inquiries already from local salons, massotherapists and bars/restaurants. The more the merrier, send them our way.
Member Spotlight - Christine Mauersberger
I heard about CrossFit in March last year and thought this type of exercise was not for me: an overweight woman, approaching 50. I wasn't always heavy, however, I had gotten into a tough spot with a huge weight gain in my late 40's. So I thought, why not just do it?
 
I started with the Executive Fitness Program in April 2009 & have been a regular member since September working out at least 4x/week. I've encouraged several friends to join and they're just as hooked on CrossFit as I am.
 
Every aspect of CrossFit has helped me dial-back the weight gain and restore my overall health and happiness: from the expert coaching of Bill and Staci to the commitment members have for each other's success.
 
Click here to read the rest and see Christine's 'Before & Now" pictures.  She's says the 'After' pictures later this year will be even better!
Tuf-Chik rep coming to CF Cleveland Saturday morning 1/30

Cat Zohar from Tuf-Chik will be showing off their line of workout clothing for both woman and men this Saturday, January 30th, from 9:00am until 11:00am. Stop in and see what she has to offer, it's pretty cool stuff.

Tuf-Chik recently chose to sponsor Kate Rawlings during her CrossFit Games competitions.  She'll be sporting their wares at the Crossfit Games Sectional Qualifiers held at the Arnold Classic in Columbus the first weekend in March and again in May at the Regional Qualifiers.

If you order something on Saturday, you will save shipping charges and get our CrossFit Cleveland logo printed or embroidered at no extra charge.

You can see their goods on their website, http://www.tufchikgear.com/

You can follow Kate's training on her blog at "Killer" CrossFit-ness
Advocare products

Many of our members are really enjoying the new Advocare products we are carrying at the gym. Spark, O2 Gold and their Meal Replacement Shakes seem to be the most popular so far. The Arginine Extreme is quickly becoming the favorite pre-workout drink.
 
In addition to Spark, Staci has been using Catalyst and ThermoPlus, and has recently started using the Arginine Extreme.  The Catalyst is said to preserves and helps tone muscles during exercise and the ThermoPlus helps stimulate metabolism. The Arginine Extreme supports muscle tolerance and endurance and the O2 Gold enhances your body's use of oxygen.

I've been combining the O2 Gold with Arginine prior to workouts for the past two weeks and definitely notice the difference during hard workouts. Kate now takes O2 Gold with Arginine about a half hour before every workout.  She says it makes her feel like she can run through a brick wall.  I think Advocare should put her in a commercial with that line!
 
Many of the top Crossfit gyms endorse and use Advocare products.  This stuff really helps, and everything comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. You can even bring back a completely empty container and tell us you didn't like it and you get your money back. That's a pretty impressive guarantee.
 
If you are interested in learning more about their weight loss and performance enhancing products, ask one of us. You can also learn more about their products online at Staci's Advocare website
 
Crossfit Gymnastics CrossFit Gymnastic Certification Seminar in February

We're excited to be hosting a CrossFit Gymnastics Certification Seminar on  February 13th and 14th at CrossFit Cleveland. It is both for trainers and people interested in learning more about performing and teaching the gymnastic movements that we use in our workouts.

This training seminar is taught by Jeff Tucker and his crew from GSX Athletics.  I've had a beer or two with Jeff and have watched him in countless videos - he's great and funny as hell. We are limiting on-line sign-ups to the first 15 people. Please check out the Crossfit Gymnastic Cert registration page for more details.  Please let me know if you have any questions about this event.

We are also hosting a CrossFit Endurance Certification Seminar on the last weekend in August. I'll have more details once the registration page is online.  Toby Jurging of SPC CrossFit in Hudson is also hosting a CF Endurance Cert in early June in case that better fits your schedule.
Nothing To Do With Fitness
For those of you who like a good party, I've got one for you.  The Westlake/Bay Village Rotary Club is having its annual Reverse Raffle & Silent Auction on Saturday March 6th, 2010 at Lakewood Country Club. All money raised goes to charitable causes both locally and abroad.
At first glance you might think it's a bit pricey, but it's really not when you consider what you get. Dinner for two and all the trimmings at a private country club, music, dancing and, get this, an open bar all night with top shelf booze.  Have you seen the drinks they pour at Lakewood C.C.? Big! You also get one ticket on the main board to win $2,000, plus there are a bunch of other prizes.
Pat Graham is the Rotary Club's President and chairman of this event. Let's get a group together and run up his bar tab!

Event Details

When:    Saturday, March 6, 2010  6:30 to midnight?
What:     Reverse Raffle - $2,000.00 Grand Prize and $2,800.00 total
              Cash Prizes plus a Silent Auction
Where:    Lakewood Country Club,  2613 Bradley Road, Westlake, OH
Cost:      $175 per couple, includes dinner and open bar all night                
Why:      Your support allows them to continue their mission of giving.

Two additional ways to help:
Program Ads: Only $100 page, $50 half page and $25 for a ¼ business card ad!
Silent Auction Items: You can help by donating a Silent Auction Item that will be publicized in our program and on-line. (Minimum value $50).
Please let me know if you'd like to attend the party, place and ad in the program and/or donate an item for the Silent Auction, Thanks!
New Expanded Hours

We are now staying open later in the mornings and opening earlier in the afternoons. We will be open until 7:30am during the week and will be opening at 4:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Here is a list all of our workout times:

Mornings: Monday-Friday  - 5:00am, 5:30am, 6:00am & 6:30am

Monday afternoon - 5:30pm (just one workout on Monday afternoons)


Tues-Thurs - 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm & 6:30pm


Saturday - 8:30am, 9:30am 10:00am & 10:30am   (Closed Saturday 2/13)


Saturday - 9:00am Basic Group Workout-First 3 visits FREE
 
***** The Saturday Basic Group Workout will be moving to 11:00am starting in February and there will not be a Basic Group Workout Saturday 2/13.
Shoes - Please bring 'em dry!

Please bring a dry pair of shoes to workout in. We would appreciate it if you don't workout in the shoes you wear into the building if it's snowy or rainy outside.  Thanks!
Previous newsletters on our website
You can read all the past email newsletters on our website.  I've made a Crossfit Cleveland newsletter archive page here, or you can find the link on our CrossFit Cleveland home page.
That's all for now. You can find all the stuff that used to be down below my signature here on the 'Old Stuff Archive" page.

Regards, 

BR 440-915-7856 (Cell & Text)   

CrossFit Cleveland - RAW Fitness, LLC
www.crossfitcleveland.com
 My LinkedIn Profile  - http://www.linkedin.com/in/billrussellohio
BR on Facebook = http://profile.to/billrussell/
CrossFit Cleveland's Fan Page on Facebook at http://www.companies.to/crossfitcleveland
Follow us on Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/CFCleveland 

CrossFit Cleveland Fitness News and Updates - 01/22/2010

CrossFit Cleveland
January 22, 2010
I met a young woman yesterday who told me that her friend just started doing Crossfit in VB and he is totally hooked. Michael D. happened to be in the same conversation and did not seem surprised in the least, probably because he too is totally hooked on CrossFit himself. It seems like people either love this stuff or they hate it. Well, actually many of us love it and hate it, but we're hooked none the less. 
 
Why is that?
 
One reason people get so into CrossFit is because of the way it makes you feel - outside the gym. It makes you feel like you can do anything. It teaches you how to not give up, to keep pushing through the agony until you finish what you started. To do something you never thought you could do. If you have not experienced this feeling yet, you might think I'm crazy.  Ask any Crossfitter about this and their immediate response will most likely be "he's F'in A right".
 
A long time client and friend of mine told me last year "thanks for putting the 'don't quit' back into me - I haven't felt that way since high school". That is probably one of my favorite thank you's that I've ever received. It told me that it's not about how many pullups or 350lb deadlifts you can do, it's about being better at everything you do outside the gym.  That's why we do this stuff.

BTW- I added even more new pictures on our Crossfit Cleveland Facebook Page, check them out and tag people if you know them. You don't have to have a Facebook account to view these pictures.
 
I'm also giving our website a little makeover. Keep an eye on it during the next couple weeks and let me know what you think ---> Crossfit Cleveland website.
Olympic Lifting Clinic in Wooster, Saturday 1/23/10 (tomorrow)

Kate Rawlings scheduled an Olympic Weightlifting Clinic on Saturday January 23rd at 11:00am with Andrew Durniat, a world class athlete and trainer in Wooster, OH. We have room for two or three people to join us.  The cost is $50 each and the clinic will run for at least 2-3 hours. Andrew told Kate that he'll keep teaching as long as we keep working!  Brian Yoak of CrossFit Legacy highly recommends Andrew.
 
If you want to join us, please contact me for more details. We'll be leaving from the gym in Lakewood between 9:15am and 9:45am 
Advocare products

Thanks to Jeff Koha for hosting the Advocare product mixer last weekend.
 
Many of our members are really enjoying the new Advocare products we are carrying at the gym.
 
My two favorites are Spark, a sugar free long-lasting energy drink and O2 Gold that claims to enhance your body's use of oxygen.  The O2 Gold is unbelievably effective. I take it 30-45 minutes before every workout and I noticed a big difference from my very first try. Kate Rawlings and Wayne H. said the same thing.  I have also noticed a big improvement in my overall breathing throughout the day. I have allergy-induced asthma that is aggravated during the winter months by the dust that is circulated by the furnace.  Since I've been taking the O2 Gold, I no longer have problems breathing in the early morning hours. 
 
Many of the top Crossfit gyms endorse and use Advocare products.  This stuff really helps, and everything comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. You can even bring back a completely empty container and tell us you didn't like it and you get your money back. That's a pretty impressive guarantee.
 
If you are interested in learning more about their weight loss and performance enhancing products, ask one of us. You can also learn more about their products online at Staci's Advocare website
 
Crossfit Gymnastics CrossFit Gymnastic Certification Seminar in February

We're excited to be hosting a CrossFit Gymnastics Certification Seminar in February at CrossFit Cleveland. It is both for trainers and people interested in learning more about performing and teaching the gymnastic movements that we use in our workouts.

This training seminar is taught by Jeff Tucker and his crew from GSX Athletics.  I've had a beer or two with Jeff and have watched him in countless videos - he's great and funny as hell. We are limiting on-line sign-ups to the first 15 people. Please check out the Crossfit Gymnastic Cert registration page for more details.  Please let me know if you have any questions about this event.

We are also hosting a CrossFit Endurance Certification Seminar on the last weekend in August. I'll have more details once the registration page is online.  Toby Jurging of SPC CrossFit in Hudson is also hosting a CF Endurance Cert in early June in case that better fits your schedule.
New Expanded Hours

We are now staying open later in the mornings and opening earlier in the afternoons. We will be open until 7:30am during the week and will be opening at 4:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Here is a list all of our workout times:

Mornings: Monday-Friday  - 5:00am, 5:30am, 6:00am & 6:30am

Monday afternoon - 5:30pm (just one workout on Monday afternoons)


Tues-Thurs - 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm & 6:30pm


Saturday - 8:30am, 9:30am 10:00am & 10:30am


Saturday - 9:00am Basic Group Workout-First 3 visits FREE
 
***** The Saturday Basic Group Workout will be moving to 11:00am starting in February
Shoes - Please bring 'em dry!

Please bring a dry pair of shoes to workout in. We would appreciate it if you don't workout in the shoes you wear into the building if it's snowy or rainy outside.  Thanks!
troy - before and after
Member Spotlight - Troy Bratz
Troy Bratz, also known as "T-Roy" "Gump" and/or "Forrest", has been with us since the early days of 2007 in the Metroparks.  Since then he has become one of the top performers at CF Cleveland. I've included excerpts from the book he sent me the other day! Somehow he forgot to mention he holds the gym records for the number of times attending a Dave Mathews concert, he's over 100.
See and read all about Troy here on the CrossFit Cleveland website.
Previous newsletters on our website
You can read all the past email newsletters on our website.  I've made a Crossfit Cleveland newsletter archive page here, or you can find the link on our CrossFit Cleveland home page.
That's all for now. You can find all the stuff that used to be down below my signature here on the 'Old Stuff Archive" page.

Regards, 

BR 440-915-7856 (Cell & Text)   

CrossFit Cleveland - RAW Fitness, LLC
www.crossfitcleveland.com
 My LinkedIn Profile  - http://www.linkedin.com/in/billrussellohio
BR on Facebook = http://profile.to/billrussell/
CrossFit Cleveland's Fan Page on Facebook at http://www.companies.to/crossfitcleveland
Follow us on Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/CFCleveland 

CrossFit Cleveland Fitness News and Updates - 01/14/2010

CrossFit Cleveland
January 14, 2010

There is a saying I learned in martial arts that goes "you can't fake it on the mat". You can talk about all of your training and what you can do but when you get on the mat and the pressure is on your real ability and skill level shows. There's no faking it on the mat.

I think it's also true at CrossFit gyms. Your dedication also shows on the mat. You can't fake that either, not for long anyways. Getting better, in our case increasing our physical work capacity, is all about showing up over and over, practicing, training hard and learning from others.

Getting better also requires that you keep learning. You can learn from people who are better than you and from those who sincerely want to help you. It's fascinating that you can learn from both types of people.  Your coach or trainer does not have be able to perform better than you, but he or she needs to be willing and able to teach you and get you to do more than you would without them.  It's great if you have a coach who has a list of certifications a mile long and is better than you at everything, but if they don't teach you or care much about helping you improve, what's the point? It's not about us, it's about you and what we can help you to achieve.

As we mentioned in the last newsletter, Kate Rawlings is now a trainer at CrossFit Cleveland. She will be helping Staci and me run the weekday morning workouts. Kate is great at teaching proper technique and pushing you harder than you would push yourself. She is also very passionate about helping you get better results with CrossFit. Staci and I are pleased that she has joined the team at CF Cleveland. Please stop in to meet her and welcome her aboard.

BTW- I have a few new pictures on our Crossfit Cleveland Facebook Page, check them out. You don't have to have a Facebook account to view these pictures.
New Expanded Hours

We will be staying open later in the mornings and opening earlier in the afternoons beginning Monday. We will be open until 7:30am during the week and will be opening at 4:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Here is a list all of our workout times:

Mornings: Monday-Friday  - 5:00am, 5:30am, 6:00am & 6:30am

Monday afternoon - 5:30pm (just one workout on Monday afternoons)


Tues-Thurs - 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm & 6:30pm


Saturday - 8:30am, 9:30am 10:00am & 10:30am


Saturday - 9:00am Basic Group Workout-First 3 visits FREE
Advocare products - Mixer on Saturday 1/16

Jeff Koha, a previous participant in our Executive Fitness Program, has introduced us to Advocare products to help with our health and fitness goals. There will be another "mixer" at the gym on Saturday 1/16/2010 at 10:30am for those of you who want to sample some of the products and learn more. You can also learn more about their health and nutrition products on Staci's Advocare website
 
Shoes - Please bring 'em dry!

Please bring a dry pair of shoes to workout in. We would appreciate it if you don't workout in the shoes you wear into the building if it's snowy or rainy outside.  Thanks!
Crossfit Gymnastics CrossFit Gymnastic Certification Seminar in February

We're excited to be hosting a CrossFit Gymnastics Certification Seminar in February at CrossFit Cleveland. It is both for trainers and people interested in learning more about performing and teaching the gymnastic movements that we use in our workouts.

This training seminar is taught by Jeff Tucker and his crew from GSX Athletics.  I've had a beer or two with Jeff and have watched him in countless videos - he's great and funny as hell. We are limiting on-line sign-ups to the first 15 people. Please check out the Crossfit Gymnastic Cert registration page for more details.  Please let me know if you have any questions about this event.

We are also hosting a CrossFit Endurance Certification Seminar on the last weekend in August. I'll have more details once the registration page is online.  Toby Jurging of SPC CrossFit in Hudson is also hosting a CF Endurance Cert in early June in case that better fits your schedule.
troy - before and after
Member Spotlight - Troy Bratz
Troy Bratz, also known as "T-Roy" "Gump" and/or "Forrest", has been with us since the early days of 2007 in the Metroparks.  Since then he has become one of the top performers at CF Cleveland. I've included excerpts from the book he sent me the other day! Somehow he forgot to mention he holds the gym records for the number of times attending a Dave Mathews concert, he's over 100.
See and read all about Troy here on the CrossFit Cleveland website.
Previous newsletters on our website
You can read all the past email newsletters on our website.  I've made a Crossfit Cleveland newsletter archive page here, or you can find the link on our CrossFit Cleveland home page.
That's all for now. You can find all the stuff that used to be down below my signature here on the 'Old Stuff Archive" page.

Regards, 

BR 440-915-7856 (Cell & Text)   

CrossFit Cleveland - RAW Fitness, LLC
www.crossfitcleveland.com
 My LinkedIn Profile  - http://www.linkedin.com/in/billrussellohio
BR on Facebook = http://profile.to/billrussell/
CrossFit Cleveland's Fan Page on Facebook at http://www.companies.to/crossfitcleveland
Follow us on Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/CFCleveland 

Thursday, January 14, 2010

CrossFit Cleveland Fitness News and Updates - "Old Stuff Archive"

"Old Stuff Archive"  I used to have this information at the bottom of each newsletter. Now I'll just inlcude a link to this post. Cheers!
============================


It's hard to believe that two years ago this week we started moving our workouts indoors at our facility on Madison.  We officially opened the first week of December 2007, but many of us couldn't wait for George to finish hooking up the lights and painting the walls.  We've come a long way since then and we've only just begun to make a difference in improving the health and fitness levels of our community.
 
Yes, Crossfit is a community.  CrossFit is not just a place to go, quietly do your thing, and leave.  You can certainly do that if you want to, but you'll miss one of the most powerful aspects of this fitness program created by Greg and Laura Glassman.  CrossFit is where you train hard with people you've never met and become connected in an unusual way while you sweat together, swear uncontrollably at times, and high-five each other after you pick yourselves back up off the floor. The bond is unmistakable and very powerful. 
 
Let's all step up our game in 2010.  Whether you Crossfit with us, another CF gym, your lame fitness center* or at home - just do it, and make it hard. 
 
*lame fitness center - the ones that want you to pay and never show up, use a row of non-functional machines while offering no instruction unless you buy an additional personal training package, and couldn't give a shit if you get results. And God help you if you drop a barbell or get chalk on the floor. 
 
Here are pictures from our very first indoor Crossfit workout in November 2007.



The Zone  - links to info from previous newletters & Option "B"
 
The Zone is the eating plan recommended by CrossFit founders Greg and Lauren Glassman and their crew of senior CrossFit trainers and athletes.  We are not nutrition experts by any stretch, we're just making a suggestion that if you want to see better results in your attempt to get to your ideal weight, try the Zone.
 
Some people find the Zone confusing in the beginning, but it's really quite simple once you get it. The Zone balances three macronutrients - protein, carbohydrates and fat at every meal and snack. The tricky part is learning how to create and maintain the balance.
 
Here are links from previous emails.

Zone Wellness Pyramid 

CrossFit Journal Issue 21 on the Zone Diet  

 
Option B: 
 
If you're not ready to start some new diet plan like the Zone, try this. Write down everything you put in your mouth for the next 7 days. Everything.  Then take a look at the list. You'll see the bad guys, most people have two or three biggies.  Pick one and eliminate it completely for 30 days.  Pick two others and cut them in half.

The Zone is confusing for some, I know that - but Option B is as simple as it gets. 
I did that 8 years ago when I was 40 pounds heavier than I am today.  That, coupled with a new exercise plan got me on my way.

Try it and show us your list. If you can't see the bad guys, we'll point them out for you. 
 

Executive Fitness Starter Program  
 
This program is designed for those of you who are out of shape and want to get started on an exercise program that really works.    If you finish, I guarantee that you will be stronger, faster and just plain feel better. You will lose weight, but how much is really up to you. You don't have to be an executive, just someone between the ages of 18 and 80 who wants to get back in shape but doesn't know how to start. The cost is now $270 per person for the 6-week, 18 session program. You can register on our website's payment page, look about halfway down for the Exec program.

You will train in a small group of people  (5-6max) three days per week.  A CrossFit Certified trainer will instruct and manage your group at all times. You will learn the correct way to perform our Level I and Level II functional exercises using proper form and technique. All exercises will be scaled to your current ability and fitness level.   If that sounds hard to pull off, it is. That's why we get the 'big bucks'! There are several recommendations on my LinkedIn page if you care to check them out.

I have pictures of a few of our Executive Fitness groups on our CrossFit Cleveland Facebook page here. I'll be adding more soon.
 
 
 
Hoodies and Long-Sleeve T-Shirts
 
The new hoodies and long-sleeve t-shirts are now available at the gym.  Hoodies are $30 and the T's are $20.  Both have our new CF Cleveland logo on the back and a small RAW Fitness logo on the front. 


New Members get one Foundations Class at no charge
 
New members receive a one-hour Foundations Class at no charge when they sign up for any membership package.  We'll teach about a dozen of our standard exercises to prepare them to join our group workouts.  We stress proper form and technique for all movements.  
 
If you joined recently, you are also eligible for this class. Just let us know and we'll schedule you.
 
 
Free Basic Class starts at 9:00am SHARP this Saturday.  
 
We're having another free Basic Introductory group workout this Saturday morning starting at 9:00am 'on the dot.'  The class is limited to the first 15 people who arrive so please be a little early.  You'll need to sign in and fill out a liability waiver before you start the class.   If you show up after 9:00am, you may not join the class in progress but you are welcome to stay and watch. These workouts are free for your first three visits. After three free visits, we'll ask you to pay $5 per.

You'll learn a few basic exercises that we use in our CrossFit workouts.  We'll teach you proper form and technique while we warm up, then we'll give you a workout scaled to your fitness level.  We're located at 17140 Madison Avenue in Lakewood. We're on the north east corner of Mckinley and Madison, two minutes off the McKinley/I-90 exit.    If you've been to our free workouts and want something a little more challenging, you may want to check out our other classes available six days a week.  We have additional details on our website, www.CrossFitCleveland.com 

 
CrossFit embroidered apparrel
 
We have two CrossFit logo designs that can be embroidered on pretty much any piece of clothing you have. Just go to the HomeTown Threads store located inside the Wal-Mart in North Olmsted and tell them you are a member of CrossFit Cleveland.  The charge for embroidery is $12 per piece.  You can buy stuff from them or take in your own clothing, new or already worn.  Pretty cool, huh?
 
We also have the original Raw Fitness T-shirt available for $15 each.
 
 
Membership rates
 
You can pay for individual workouts, buy a punch card or join on an monthly basis. We don't require any term commitments or contracts. Rates are based on the frequency of your workouts. The more often you want to train, the less it costs per workout.  See our Rates Page for more details.  You can pay online or stop in and pay by cash or check.
 
 
Free speaker available for your group meeting

Do you know of anyone who needs a free speaker for their group, club or association meetings? I am available to speak at local group meetings on two topics.

1. "How we built a profitable business using social media and on-line marketing."

In this talk I tell how we used various low/no cost on-line marketing and social media tools to start and grow our business, and what our strategy is for the future.

2. "Six Reasons Why Your Fitness Routine Sucks, and How to Fix It."

In this talk I outline six mistakes most people make in their attempt(s) to get in shape. I have considerable experience in this area and help many people get back on the right track when it comes to improving their fitness level.

Both talks are approximately 20 minutes long and normally trigger about 10 minutes of Q&A. I have no sales pitches or solicitations, these talks give hands-on information while allowing me to promote what I do to anyone who might be interested in approaching me afterwards.

Please contact me through email at bill@crossfitcleveland.com or call direct at 440-915-7856. Thanks.



Copy of previous newsletters on our website
 
You can read all the past newsletter emails on our website.  I've made a newsletter archive page here, or you can find the link on our CrossFit Cleveland home page.
 
 
Mailing List
 
If someone forwarded this message to you, click here to join our mailing list  so you can receive future messages directly.  You can unsubscribe at any time.
 
We hope to see you soon.
 
 
Bill Russell
440-915-7856

CrossFit Cleveland Fitness News and Updates - 12/31/2009

Happy New Year, we wish all of you a healthy and prosperous 2010.

We're excited to announce that Kate Rawlings will be helping us run the morning CrossFit workouts starting next week. She has been a part of our CrossFit family since the very beginning and is now officially part of the team.  Kate is truly dedicated to helping people achieve their fitness goals. She is sure to raise the bar for everyone in terms of intensity and camaraderie. Please come welcome her as our newest trainer at CrossFit Cleveland.

Expanded hours starting in January

We will be staying open later in the mornings and opening earlier in the afternoons beginning Monday. We will be open until 7:30am during the week and will be opening at 4:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Here is a list all of our workout times effective Monday 1/4/2010. 
We are closed this evening and all day Friday and will have normal hours on Saturday 1/2.

Monday-Friday mornings - 5:00am, 5:30am, 6:00am & 6:30am

Monday  - 5:30pm


Tues-Thurs - 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm & 6:30pm


Saturday - 8:30am, 9:30am 10:00am & 10:30am


Saturday - 9:00am Basic Group Workout-First 3 visits FREE


Advocare products

Jeff Koha, a previous participant in our Executive Fitness Program, has introduced us to Advocare products to help with our health and fitness goals. There will be a "mixer" at the gym on Saturday 1/9/2010 at 10:30am for those of you who want to sample some of the products and learn more.


Shoes - bring 'em dry!

Please bring a dry pair of shoes to workout in. We would appreciate it if you don't workout in the shoes you wear into the building if it's snowy or rainy outside.  Thanks!

CrossFit Gymnastic Certification Seminar in February

We're excited to be hosting a CrossFit Gymnastics Certification Seminar in February at CrossFit Cleveland. It is both for trainers and people interested in learning more about performing and teaching the gymnastic movements that we use in our workouts.

This training seminar is taught by Jeff Tucker and his crew from GSX Athletics.  I've had a beer or two with Jeff and have watched him in countless videos - he's great and funny as hell. We are limiting on-line sign-ups to the first 15 people. Please check out the Crossfit Gymnastic Cert registration page for more details.  Please let me know if you have any questions about this event.

We are also hosting a CrossFit Endurance Certification Seminar on the last weekend in August. I'll have more details once the registration page is online.  Toby Jurging of SPC CrossFit in Hudson is also hosting a CF Endurance Cert in early June in case that better fits your schedule.



Crossfit Executive Fitness Starter Programs for January
 
There are several sessions starting the first week of January. Register now to reserve your spot.
 
Group 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:15pm and Saturdays at 7:30am, starting Tuesday 01/05/10 - SOLD OUT- Thanks!
 
Group 2: Mon/Wed/Fri at 6:30am , starting Wednesday 01/06/10
 
Group 3: Mon/Wed/Fri at 7:30am , starting Wednesday 01/06/10

Group 4: Mon/Wed/Fri at 9:30am , starting Wednesday 01/06/10

Group 5: Mon/Wed/Fri at Noon, starting Wednesday 01/06/10


This program is designed for those of you who are out of shape and want to get started on an exercise program that really works.    If you finish, I guarantee that you will be stronger, faster and just plain feel better. You will lose weight, but how much is really up to you. You don't have to be an executive, just someone between the ages of 18 and 80 who wants to get back in shape but doesn't know how to start. The cost is now $270 per person for the 6-week, 18 session program, and $249 if you are repeating the program. You can register on our website's payment page, look about halfway down for the Exec program.
 
You will train in a small group of people (6max) three days per week, having the entire facility reserved for your group.  A CrossFit Certified trainer will instruct and manage your group at all times. You will learn the correct way to perform our Level I and Level II functional exercises using proper form and technique. All exercises will be scaled to your current ability and fitness level.   If that sounds hard to pull off, it is. That's why we get the 'big bucks'!  Here is a link to an Executive Fitness Program flyer.
 

Member Spotlight - Troy Bratz
 
Troy Bratz, also known as "T-Roy", has been with us since the early days of 2007 in the Metroparks.  Since then he has become one of the top performers at CF Cleveland. I've included excerpts from the book he sent me the other day! Somehow he forgot to mention he holds the gym records for the number of times attending a Dave Mathews concert, he's over 100.
 
See and read all about Troy here on the CrossFit Cleveland website.
 
 
Previous newsletters on our website (repeat)
 
You can read all the past newsletter emails on our website.  I've made a newsletter archive page here, or you can find the link on our CrossFit Cleveland home page.
 
That's all for now, as always all the old stuff is down below.
 
Regards, 
 
BR 440-915-7856 (Cell & Text)   
 
Follow us on Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/CFCleveland 
Find us on Facebook at http://www.companies.to/crossfitcleveland


========================================




It's hard to believe that two years ago this week we started moving our workouts indoors at our facility on Madison.  We officially opened the first week of December 2007, but many of us couldn't wait for George to finish hooking up the lights and painting the walls.  We've come a long way since then and we've only just begun to make a difference in improving the health and fitness levels of our community.
 
Yes, Crossfit is a community.  CrossFit is not just a place to go, quietly do your thing, and leave.  You can certainly do that if you want to, but you'll miss one of the most powerful aspects of this fitness program created by Greg and Laura Glassman.  CrossFit is where you train hard with people you've never met and become connected in an unusual way while you sweat together, swear uncontrollably at times, and high-five each other after you pick yourselves back up off the floor. The bond is unmistakable and very powerful. 
 
Let's all step up our game in 2010.  Whether you Crossfit with us, another CF gym, your lame fitness center* or at home - just do it, and make it hard. 
 
*lame fitness center - the ones that want you to pay and never show up, use a row of non-functional machines while offering no instruction unless you buy an additional personal training package, and couldn't give a shit if you get results. And God help you if you drop a barbell or get chalk on the floor. 
 
Here are pictures from our very first indoor Crossfit workout in November 2007.



The Zone  - links to info from previous newletters & Option "B"
 
The Zone is the eating plan recommended by CrossFit founders Greg and Lauren Glassman and their crew of senior CrossFit trainers and athletes.  We are not nutrition experts by any stretch, we're just making a suggestion that if you want to see better results in your attempt to get to your ideal weight, try the Zone.
 
Some people find the Zone confusing in the beginning, but it's really quite simple once you get it. The Zone balances three macronutrients - protein, carbohydrates and fat at every meal and snack. The tricky part is learning how to create and maintain the balance.
 
Here are links from previous emails.

Zone Wellness Pyramid 

CrossFit Journal Issue 21 on the Zone Diet  

 
Option B: 
 
If you're not ready to start some new diet plan like the Zone, try this. Write down everything you put in your mouth for the next 7 days. Everything.  Then take a look at the list. You'll see the bad guys, most people have two or three biggies.  Pick one and eliminate it completely for 30 days.  Pick two others and cut them in half.

The Zone is confusing for some, I know that - but Option B is as simple as it gets. 
I did that 8 years ago when I was 40 pounds heavier than I am today.  That, coupled with a new exercise plan got me on my way.

Try it and show us your list. If you can't see the bad guys, we'll point them out for you. 
 

Executive Fitness Starter Program  
 
This program is designed for those of you who are out of shape and want to get started on an exercise program that really works.    If you finish, I guarantee that you will be stronger, faster and just plain feel better. You will lose weight, but how much is really up to you. You don't have to be an executive, just someone between the ages of 18 and 80 who wants to get back in shape but doesn't know how to start. The cost is now $270 per person for the 6-week, 18 session program. You can register on our website's payment page, look about halfway down for the Exec program.

You will train in a small group of people  (5-6max) three days per week.  A CrossFit Certified trainer will instruct and manage your group at all times. You will learn the correct way to perform our Level I and Level II functional exercises using proper form and technique. All exercises will be scaled to your current ability and fitness level.   If that sounds hard to pull off, it is. That's why we get the 'big bucks'! There are several recommendations on my LinkedIn page if you care to check them out.

I have pictures of a few of our Executive Fitness groups on our CrossFit Cleveland Facebook page here. I'll be adding more soon.
 
 
 
Hoodies and Long-Sleeve T-Shirts
 
The new hoodies and long-sleeve t-shirts are now available at the gym.  Hoodies are $30 and the T's are $20.  Both have our new CF Cleveland logo on the back and a small RAW Fitness logo on the front. 


New Members get one Foundations Class at no charge
 
New members receive a one-hour Foundations Class at no charge when they sign up for any membership package.  We'll teach about a dozen of our standard exercises to prepare them to join our group workouts.  We stress proper form and technique for all movements.  
 
If you joined recently, you are also eligible for this class. Just let us know and we'll schedule you.
 
 
Free Basic Class starts at 9:00am SHARP this Saturday.  
 
We're having another free Basic Introductory group workout this Saturday morning starting at 9:00am 'on the dot.'  The class is limited to the first 15 people who arrive so please be a little early.  You'll need to sign in and fill out a liability waiver before you start the class.   If you show up after 9:00am, you may not join the class in progress but you are welcome to stay and watch. These workouts are free for your first three visits. After three free visits, we'll ask you to pay $5 per.

You'll learn a few basic exercises that we use in our CrossFit workouts.  We'll teach you proper form and technique while we warm up, then we'll give you a workout scaled to your fitness level.  We're located at 17140 Madison Avenue in Lakewood. We're on the north east corner of Mckinley and Madison, two minutes off the McKinley/I-90 exit.    If you've been to our free workouts and want something a little more challenging, you may want to check out our other classes available six days a week.  We have additional details on our website, www.CrossFitCleveland.com 

 
CrossFit embroidered apparrel
 
We have two CrossFit logo designs that can be embroidered on pretty much any piece of clothing you have. Just go to the HomeTown Threads store located inside the Wal-Mart in North Olmsted and tell them you are a member of CrossFit Cleveland.  The charge for embroidery is $12 per piece.  You can buy stuff from them or take in your own clothing, new or already worn.  Pretty cool, huh?
 
We also have the original Raw Fitness T-shirt available for $15 each.
 
 
Membership rates
 
You can pay for individual workouts, buy a punch card or join on an monthly basis. We don't require any term commitments or contracts. Rates are based on the frequency of your workouts. The more often you want to train, the less it costs per workout.  See our Rates Page for more details.  You can pay online or stop in and pay by cash or check.
 
 
Free speaker available for your group meeting

Do you know of anyone who needs a free speaker for their group, club or association meetings? I am available to speak at local group meetings on two topics.

1. "How we built a profitable business using social media and on-line marketing."

In this talk I tell how we used various low/no cost on-line marketing and social media tools to start and grow our business, and what our strategy is for the future.

2. "Six Reasons Why Your Fitness Routine Sucks, and How to Fix It."

In this talk I outline six mistakes most people make in their attempt(s) to get in shape. I have considerable experience in this area and help many people get back on the right track when it comes to improving their fitness level.

Both talks are approximately 20 minutes long and normally trigger about 10 minutes of Q&A. I have no sales pitches or solicitations, these talks give hands-on information while allowing me to promote what I do to anyone who might be interested in approaching me afterwards.

Please contact me through email at bill@crossfitcleveland.com or call direct at 440-915-7856. Thanks.



Copy of previous newsletters on our website
 
You can read all the past newsletter emails on our website.  I've made a newsletter archive page here, or you can find the link on our CrossFit Cleveland home page.
 
 
Mailing List
 
If someone forwarded this message to you, click here to join our mailing list  so you can receive future messages directly.  You can unsubscribe at any time.
 
We hope to see you soon.
 
 
Bill Russell
440-915-7856