Rest Day/Theory

Dr. Ken Gall examines the thermodynamics of CrossFit and asks 10 questions worth considering.

While I was an undergraduate research assistant, one of the graduate students in my lab wanted to show me a “thing on the computer” that you could use to “look up information.” I took a look at it, reluctantly, because this guy was always wasting my time with annoying things such as balloon animals and ballroom dancing.

When he showed me… Continue Reading

Swedish CrossFit trainer John Hermiz says to get mentally tougher, you have to stick to your plan—in or out of the gym.

My first encounter with CrossFit was about two years ago. It was dramatic, ugly and changed my naive self-image of being in shape.

Soon after the workout started, I was in complete shock. My heart was racing. I thought, “What the hell is happening?” and “I can’t finish this workout.” I believed these thoughts, and… Continue Reading

E.M. Burton examines domestic manufacturing in post-industrial America.

I played a small part today in creating an American job. I donated $5 at my local Starbucks to their Create Jobs for USA program. They estimate that once 599 other people make the same donation, one job will be created.

A small contribution, granted, but it felt pretty good; the Opportunity Finance Network administers the fund to provide… Continue Reading

Happy holidays to everyone from the staff of the CrossFit Journal… Continue Reading

Andréa Maria Cecil advises you prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse not just with weapons, but with fit people.

Forget the word “zombie.” It’s a loaded term. Next, think “infectious disease.” Better yet: “pandemic.”

The condition spreads rapidly, has no known cure and affects humans in such a way that they no longer behave as such. Their minds and bodies become controlled by the disease. And what diseases want most is the same as every other living thing: To… Continue Reading

Brian MacKenzie and Anthony Roberts explain the origins of the maximum heart rate number and why it so often tells us so little.

Ever seen this formula?

220 - age = MHR

It’s the standard formula for determining maximum heart rate, or MHR. Subtracting your age from 220 represents the highest heart rate one can safely achieve through exercise stress. This formula tells us a 15-year-old has a maximum… Continue Reading

Former SEAL Mark Divine shares the secrets of true mental toughness.

What separates survivors from quitters in extreme challenges? When you look at the tactics used by successful SEALs, SEALFIT graduates, ultra-endurance athletes and survivors of natural disasters, they are surprisingly similar.

In the case of BUD/s selection or SEALFIT Kokoro Camp, quitting means you get a blanket and a cup of coffee. However, you must… Continue Reading

Dawn Fletcher explains how too much stress can affect performance and what you can do to relax.

The “stress family” is not a fun one. This family consists of anxiety, fear, pressure, nervousness and panic. And each one of these components can negatively affect your CrossFit performance.

Numerous theories attempt to describe how stress affects performance. The bottom line is that every individual has a unique experience to stress. It is… Continue Reading