Redwood City will start a 6am class Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's.
Santa Clara member of the month Gabriel Martinez:
Ever since joining our gym, Gabe has been a great member to coach and watch progress throughout the year. Gabe is a member who holds himself accountable. He comes in 5-6 days a week and each class that he participates in he really applies himself. Whether it is performing running sprints or trying to get better in pulling himself under the bar in a snatch, he practices over and over during our classes to improve his technique. He inquires and asks questions on a regular basis and really thinks about what a coach is saying so he can internalize the movement. I have seen him progress exponentially in the past 6 months. Keep up the great work, Gabe. - Coach Cheryl
1.When did you join CrossFit NorCal (MV or SC)?
I joined a year ago in February or March of 2012. I mainly work out at the Santa Clara location, though I have visited the San Jose location a hand full of times.
2. Why did you join CrossFit?
On my 1st day, I talked to Coach Rick about how I wanted to prove that it didn’t matter how out of shape you are in. You can join Crossfit at anytime and shape! I had Crossfitted in the past at another Crossfit location, but I had stopped for 2 years and got out of shape. So coming back to doing snatches and pull ups was difficult in the beginning, but I was up to the challenge.
3. What changes in your health, physique and overall performance have you seen since starting CrossFit?
I’ve loss weight and have worked my way to becoming a “fire breather” again. When I started I was around 200 pds and now I’m around 170 pds. I have definitely seen a difference in the performance and performing specialty skills.
4. What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
Set a plan on the days that you are coming in, don’t burn yourself out. Being consistence, try not to take three or four days off. Listen to your body and rest if needed, but still stay constant with only taking one day off at a time.
Understand the correct muscle or group of muscles that is needed in the movement you are learning. If you don't know, ask questions! After attaining a skill at Crossfit. That is the 1st step, then the frustration will start. As you will try to complete the movement with more speed, weight and reps. Please understand frustration is a sign of progress that your mind is processing the complexity and requires more practice.
Drink plenty of water!
5. Favorite CrossFit exercise?
My favorite skill has always been the pull ups, but my favorite exercise now is Dead Lifts. With the programming here at NorCal, we are doing DL twice or more a week and I have found a new love with DL.
6. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit?
Riding bikes, swimming, reading and I just started doing Yoga. And of course working and getting money…lol
7. Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
Doing my 1st muscle up, one of the best feelings in the world. But the other day working them into a work out, and not being scared of them was a very proud accomplishment.
8. Favorite place to eat a paleo-ish meal?
Well I have two different places, Smoking Pig on 4th St near the Santa Clara NorCal location. The full chicken salad is the best, just the right amount of meat and greens! The second place is bit more of a drive. It called Lyfe kitchen (Love Your Food Everyday) in Palo Alto, they serve organic, gluten free food. It sounds a bit hippy’ish , but it is delicious and they have the best sweet potato fries!
9. Something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I'm a only child, a homeowner, and never played any high school sports.
10. What/who inspires you the most?
I remember when I first stared to get into Crossfit. I had just subscribed to the Crossfit Journal and they were posting the 2009 games. I still have memories seeing the events posted every couple of days. It was a classic battle, Jason Khalipa coming from behind and see Chris Spealler's size not play a factor to keep up and watch the unknown Mikko Salo win the whole thing. The announcer didn't even know how to say Mikko's name.
It's the Crossfit community that inspires me, watching all the videos HQ puts out and stories of struggles and success. That is what inspires me to do Crossfit and keep coming everyday.
Lastly a big thank you to all the great coaches at Nor Cal! With your guidance I have learned so much and gain skills and confidence with Crossfit and life. I know we have the best staff and programming.
1.When did you join CrossFit NorCal (MV or SC)?
I joined a year ago in February or March of 2012. I mainly work out at the Santa Clara location, though I have visited the San Jose location a hand full of times.
2. Why did you join CrossFit?
On my 1st day, I talked to Coach Rick about how I wanted to prove that it didn’t matter how out of shape you are in. You can join Crossfit at anytime and shape! I had Crossfitted in the past at another Crossfit location, but I had stopped for 2 years and got out of shape. So coming back to doing snatches and pull ups was difficult in the beginning, but I was up to the challenge.
3. What changes in your health, physique and overall performance have you seen since starting CrossFit?
I’ve loss weight and have worked my way to becoming a “fire breather” again. When I started I was around 200 pds and now I’m around 170 pds. I have definitely seen a difference in the performance and performing specialty skills.
4. What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit?
Set a plan on the days that you are coming in, don’t burn yourself out. Being consistence, try not to take three or four days off. Listen to your body and rest if needed, but still stay constant with only taking one day off at a time.
Understand the correct muscle or group of muscles that is needed in the movement you are learning. If you don't know, ask questions! After attaining a skill at Crossfit. That is the 1st step, then the frustration will start. As you will try to complete the movement with more speed, weight and reps. Please understand frustration is a sign of progress that your mind is processing the complexity and requires more practice.
Drink plenty of water!
5. Favorite CrossFit exercise?
My favorite skill has always been the pull ups, but my favorite exercise now is Dead Lifts. With the programming here at NorCal, we are doing DL twice or more a week and I have found a new love with DL.
6. Favorite activity outside of CrossFit?
Riding bikes, swimming, reading and I just started doing Yoga. And of course working and getting money…lol
7. Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit?
Doing my 1st muscle up, one of the best feelings in the world. But the other day working them into a work out, and not being scared of them was a very proud accomplishment.
8. Favorite place to eat a paleo-ish meal?
Well I have two different places, Smoking Pig on 4th St near the Santa Clara NorCal location. The full chicken salad is the best, just the right amount of meat and greens! The second place is bit more of a drive. It called Lyfe kitchen (Love Your Food Everyday) in Palo Alto, they serve organic, gluten free food. It sounds a bit hippy’ish , but it is delicious and they have the best sweet potato fries!
9. Something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I'm a only child, a homeowner, and never played any high school sports.
10. What/who inspires you the most?
I remember when I first stared to get into Crossfit. I had just subscribed to the Crossfit Journal and they were posting the 2009 games. I still have memories seeing the events posted every couple of days. It was a classic battle, Jason Khalipa coming from behind and see Chris Spealler's size not play a factor to keep up and watch the unknown Mikko Salo win the whole thing. The announcer didn't even know how to say Mikko's name.
It's the Crossfit community that inspires me, watching all the videos HQ puts out and stories of struggles and success. That is what inspires me to do Crossfit and keep coming everyday.
Lastly a big thank you to all the great coaches at Nor Cal! With your guidance I have learned so much and gain skills and confidence with Crossfit and life. I know we have the best staff and programming.
Workout for Saturday:
21-15-9 21-15-9 21-15-9
Chest to bar pullups pullups pullups with band or ring rows
HSPU HSPU with band DB/BB Press
Rest 5min
21-15-9 21-15-9 21-15-9
Power Snatch (95/65) Power Snatch (75/45) Power Snatch (<65)
Push Press (95/65) Push Press (75/45) Push Press (<65)
