Back to Basics

After a few months of CF I get asked a lot about how to take things to the next level.

Crossfitters are all the same, they get hooked. They love the results, the after WOD high, the competition. They are satisfied for 5 seconds, and then??

They want more.

What do they want??

- To take things to the next level

- To be a better athlete

- To get rid of belly fat

- To be funnier (sorry, cant help you there)

When I get asked these questions I pretty much have some standard answers. If you’re reading this you know what they are:

- Eat Paleo

- Work out at Crossfit Legitimus (The Happiest Place on Earth)

- Sleep more

- Stress less

- Ask yourself, what would Gaga do (this one might not work for everyone, but it works for me)

Typically we spend a lot of time talking about food, because it's our fuel. My guess is almost all Americans are constantly thinking about their next meal.

Let's stop obsessing and bring it back to basics.

Paleo.

We talk and chat and spend 30 or 90 days cleaning up our act.

We see change in our bodies and in our minds. Our nails are stronger, our legs look awesome, and you just killed a WOD. Roll out the red carpet, “WOD killa,” cause the world is watchin' you!

But don’t get a big head and fall off the Paleo wagon. The wagon loves you, the wagon is your friend, and it wants you to eat meat.

Temptation is always going to be there, it is up to you to ignore it, or cave for a cheat DAY… there is no such thing as a “Cheat Month,” (just sayin’).

"I've leaned out and lost weight, but I can't lose this belly fat."

This comment usually goes hand in hand with something about stress and sleep.

Let's tackle these issues.

You've started CF and you’re working out like a maniac. You’re hitting the gym as you should. You're hunting / gathering / catching your food. You speak a whole new language that your non-crossfitting friends don’t understand.

You are changing and making amazing progress. Your coach is crazy proud, and your family is like, "WTF, you’re out of your mind… but you look HAWT!"

But why is the belly still mushy??

The Bottom line? The meat and sweet potatoes?

You need to sleep!

You need to recover, and refocus… you need time for you!

Stress, Sleep and belly fat go hand and hand. Our bodies like to hold belly fat when our stress levels are high and when sleep is hard to find. It's a hormonal response to lack of sleep and high stress.

Before bed: No working, no TV, no texting… say it with me people, “Sleep!!"

Turn yourself off, unplug, and relax!

Stop cleaning for 5 seconds, stop updating your Facebook status, turn off the lights 30 to 60 minutes before your regular bed time, and just lay there.

STFU… and lay there.

Eat meat. Get to the gym. Sleep.

Your body will thank you.