Monday, November 22, 2010

Success Plus New Toys

I would like to recognize Ashley for her success and all the hard work she has done in her time at Bridge Point Elementary Relentless boot camp. She wakes up at 5:30am for boot camp three days a week and goes to school as well. So nobody can question her dedication to her health. She also brings me her food log every Friday and is committed to changing her life. In four months she has lost 12.7 inches, 9.2 pounds, and 3.2% body fat. She is a testament to hard work and a willingness to change. Good job Ashley and keep up the good work!

Ashley is crushing it!

I also wanted everyone to know that kettle bells are now a part of the Bridge Point and Relentless boot camps and are a great addition to help put on muscle and create explosive energy. I KNOW that holiday parties are coming up and I KNOW you want to get a jump on your new years resolution. Boot camp is a great way to crush the holiday blues and to keep the weight away.The new month just started and the weather is good outside. Come check us out!

5:30am Bridge Point boot camp


Organic food can be more costly than its conventionally grown alternative, but your payoff of good health should more than make up for it – and reduce your overall health care costs in the future.

A new study in the Journal of the American Dental Association finds once again that, contrary to what most people have been told, fluoride is actually bad for teeth.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Dedicated To Change

I can't help but share Jon's story with all of you. He represents everything that us coaches and Crossfit Central have dedicated our lives to. Jon made no excuses, got sick and tired of being sick and tired and did something about it. Jon's story has inspired me and I know will do the same for you. Here it is.

Before the change.


When I started CrossFit a few months ago, my 30th birthday was only a few months away, and I set a goal to start my 30’s as fit as when I entered my 20’s. It was a lofty goal since I was already in the worst physical shape that I had ever been in my life at 200 pounds and 24% body fat. Before starting CrossFit, I had let myself fall into a very inactive lifestyle and an overall unhealthy way of living. I consumed my life with negative thoughts, ate out for every meal with no regard to what I was putting in my body, and had lost focus on my life goals. I had been sitting around thinking for months how I could change the course of my life, and when I stepped through CrossFit Central’s doors, I knew that I had found something that could possibly fulfill what I had been looking for.

My first day of On-ramp at CrossFit with Crystal Nelson is one that I will never forget. By the end of the class, I was collapsed, sick, and unable to complete the introductory exercises. I felt defeated and out of energy to the point where I thought I would be unable to continue. My mind set was still negative, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to make the changes to my life that needed to be made, but I picked myself up and kept coming to class. Coach Crystal’s motivation and vast knowledge about exercise and nutrition helped start filling my head with the tools I would need to begin my journey of improvement and was exactly what I needed to kick start myself into a whole new way of life. I started making connections with the people in my classes and with the other coaches at the gym, and began to experience the whole community aspect that CrossFit Central provides. Since I was in such bad shape when I started CrossFit, I decided to repeat the introductory On-ramp course for another month, but I also decided to add the CrossFit Kettle Bell classes into my weekly work outs as well. I attribute the Kettle Bell classes and coaches Randal Setzler and Chris Hartwell to how I was able to drastically start seeing significant gains in my health and overall fitness. I found myself becoming more engaged in my everyday life and waking up early each morning with renewed energy. After On-ramp, I began taking CrossFit classes with coach Zach Thiel. Zach is true motivator. His attitude and personality are some of the major reasons I work to get better every class.

Over the past few years, I have tried fad diets, personal trainers, and box gyms with no real results or determination towards a continued commitment. One of the things that I feel sets CrossFit Central apart from my other experiences are the coaches and people that work to make this place succeed. All of the coaches bring different backgrounds and skills to the gym and are genuinely dedicated to improving peoples’ lives. They are constantly communicating new ideas and working to learn new things to help people meet their goals. Their guidance comes not only through the classes they teach, but through the community and family-like atmosphere they bring with them to work every day.

One of the major things I learned from my time at CrossFit, it is that you can only get so far with the workouts that you do while in class. A lot of what you can gain out of CrossFit comes from the diet and nutritional changes you implement into your life. After my first month of On-ramp, I had reversed my diet from fast food and burritos to a strict Paleo diet. I already started feeling better and seeing improved results in my workouts and mental state of mind, but I knew there was so much more to learn, and I still had goals to meet. My next step was to implement the Zone blocks into my daily diet as well. I cannot thank coach Big Mike enough for proactively taking me aside and helping me map out the best zone plan for my body and goals. After my third month of pursuing these new food goals, I felt as if I had hit a plateau in regards to my weight loss. I then started the Lean Turkey Challenge put on by CrossFit Central, and began food logging and Zoning everything that I ate. Through this challenge and especially through the mentoring by my coach Lisa Thiel, I felt not only accountable to myself, but also accountable to my coaches and teammates. I was able to dedicate myself to healthy eating and consistent exercise and lost 10 more pounds in less than a month. My blood work from the physical I had with my family doctor after three months of CrossFit showed drastic improvements to my cholesterol and all of my other medical numbers had dropped well within normal and very healthy limits. I have become very conscience of what I eat now checking nutrition labels and doing lots of individual research with the guidance of our CrossFit community. I now enjoy food as a vehicle to energize my body instead of a way to satisfy a craving.

I not only achieved my original goals that I set out when I started CrossFit, but gained so much more along the way. I dropped 30 pounds and now weigh less than I did when I was in college. I dropped my body fat below 13%, lost over 4 pants sizes, my resting heart rate and blood pressure are drastically lower, my stress levels have evaporated, and I can see so many physical changes to my body as a whole. I can participate fully in activities that I really enjoy such as wakeboarding, tennis, volleyball, and soccer that were previously very difficult for me. Where I couldn’t run further than the end of my street before, I consistently run for miles without tiring. Today, I am much stronger and wake up every morning ready to go with constant energy throughout the day. I now have a clear grasp on goals I want to achieve, a fresh outlook on life, and a whole new sense of motivation and drive that will carry me throughout the rest of my life.

I take CrossFit with me now wherever I go by trying to encourage others that I know to find ways to improve their life through diet, exercise, and positive thinking. My new found focus doesn’t leave me time for any negative things to enter my life, and my motivation to continue to improve my life continues to come through this fitness community at CrossFit Central. Not only is my relationship with myself much improved, but also my relationships with my wife, family, and friends. My wife and I have been doing CrossFit together for four months now and it has drastically improved our relationship with each other. We are now a team again and have a stronger connection than ever before. I never thought that something as simple as diet and exercise could change my life in such a significant way. I know that I am now ready to set new goals and move even further ahead to challenge myself to become a stronger person both in the gym and in my everyday life.


After the change.

It just go's to show anyone can do it, no matter the situation, and no matter the circumstances.
You have the choice, you have the power to change. Now go do it!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Much Has Been Going On

So I have neglected my blog, for what, over a month now. So some of you know and many of you don't know that I had injured my self, or developed a problem that is personal in nature. I'm not one to hold much back and I am willing to share most things so I will go ahead and share this life experience.
I have for the past four or five years suffered from hemorrhoids due to lake of fiber in my diet and sitting on the toilet too long, along with the heavy lifting I enjoy so much. I had learned to live with them and after seeing a doctor about them I decided to just continue to go along with them. This past August though I was doing Clean and Jerks and noticed something different about that area of the body. It was mostly pain! Unbeknown to me I had developed an anal fisher, which is essentially a tear in my rectum. If you have not had one I pray to God you never do. I was in excruciating pain for the next two months until I went to the doctor and he explained to me what had happened. I was so tired of the constant pain and the tear had to be fixed therefore, I opted for surgery. It was invasive to say the least and it put me down for a good two weeks.
Over that time my mind was not fully on my job and so I let a few things slide, one being my blog. I also was not able to train myself and dropped nearly ten pounds. If you can say there was a purpose for all this there was. Over the time I couldn't train and had to revamp my diet drastically. Fiber and veggie intake went through the roof and I started Dave King's 10 in 21. This helped with certain things and all together I dropped about 15lbs. It helped to create a habit that has drastically changed my eating habits.
Since then my body is nearly all the way healed and I have gotten back into the gym with what feels like a new body. Since getting back to the training I have put five pounds back on of muscle and have continued to shed the fat. I still have much work to get back to my previous strength but feel confident it will come back fast. So it's been a long two months and I knew going into this whole thing that something good was going to come out of it and it has. I no linger suffer from hemorrhoids and I got control of my diet and feel better than I have in many years. Much thanks to my wife Ashley who helped and supported me through what I think was one of the most trying times of my life. Also, to Dave King for developing a great diet to help people create a habit for food control and making wise decisions. I needed it! I will be back on my game with the blog and will also be making some changes and adding a new program to my personal training business so be on the look out for that.
Now off to get strong as HELL!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Must, Get, Stronger!!!

Sicfit Austins Oly Strength Classes are working there way to greatness! The new month has started and we have already set new PR's in the Snatch and working for more.

6:15am Oly Strength class working grip and power

I've said it once and I'll say it again, we are working for POWER and STRENGTH which will make an Olympic lifter better and more proficient in the lift's.

Be EXPLOSIVE

Do you have the mental fortitude to crush a 15min. AMRAP geared towards explosive power derived from the hips and quads? Then, followed by skill work and some heavy lifting?Hmmm......these lady's and gents do.

Brett set a new PR this fine morning

Classes are as followed:
6:45Am M/W
5:15PM M/W
6:15PM M/W
For more info contact me at www.zacharythiel@sicfitaustin.com





Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Come One Come All....

The Butcher Challenge
Halloween Weekend

Saturday, October 30th 9:00am to 2:00pm

@ CrossFit Central

On Halloween weekend bring your best to the Butcher Challenge.
There will be 2 team events - all teams will compete in both events. The top 5 teams will advance to the final event. All events will include use of “The Butcher” – Rogue Fitness’ newest addition to its arsenal.

Teams are made of 4 people (2 men and 2 women)

Cost Per Team - $179.00 (Roughly $45 per person)
Registration NOW OPEN!

$400.00 prize to the winning team
2nd and 3rd place teams will also get sic prizes

Sep 21st - Oct 30th more info | register

Monday, September 13, 2010

Come Rain or Shine

As many of you know last week was just a little bit rainy. Do you think that stopped 5:30AM Bridgepoint boot camp from getting it on? Hell No! If you have been to Bridgpoint Elementary they don't have a massive parking garage for a parking lot. So we just improvise and move on over to a parking garage not more than 100 yards from the school. So, rain or shine we can get a killer workout in!


If you didn't know I also coach boot camp. It's not something I often talk about on my blog but it is something I enjoy very much. I got my start with boot camp and think that I will always want to coach one. If you have never been to one of our Relentless boot camps I would suggest you try one. We are Relentless in our effort to get fit, and Relentless in our pursuit to be better athletes, be it weekend warrior or the consummate marathoner or triathlete. I also have several athletes from my crossfit classes that have made the jump to also include boot camp into their workout regiment. Some boot camp coaches incorporate kettle bells, and dumb bells. Some of us just like good ol fashioned body weight to get the job done. We all have our own style and that is what makes it fun. I find myself more keen on the body weight style while also incorporating med balls. It is a cardio delight!
If you want to give my Bridgepoint boot camp a try just contact me at zacharythiel@crossfitcentral.com I will let you try one free boot camp to see if it's for you.




County Sues Farmer, Cites Too Many Crops

Social Engineering Bill In Senate Will Force You Into City


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Oly/Strength Class

So many of you know, or may not know, that Sicfit Austin offers an Olympic/ Strength Training program. I am proud to say that I head this program up and write the programming. Many of you who know me know that throwing heavy things around is my passion, what I would consider my specialty and what I love doing.

The boys getting a little warm up workout in

The best way to describe the class is that it is a hybrid Olympic skill training and strength and conditioning class. So to me it's the best of both worlds. The strength training portion of the class is geared to power and speed. The short workouts will help teach you to be explosive through the hips, legs and will force you to use strong mid line stabilization and will last no longer than 15 minutes. The strength met cons will often have sand bag work from running with them to pushing them over the head. Not to mention sleds and sledge hammers. The Sicfit Austin Gym has a wide variety of fun tools to use and help build strength and power which are key to Olympic weight lifting.

Now that your good and warm we move to the heavy lifting and the skill work. We will do some form of squat one time a week in class be it over head, back or front and it will be heavy. You will get strong!

Working the over head squat

The skill work is obviously geared to the two Olympic lifts, Clean and Jerk and the Snatch. There is a wide variety of ways to build these skills and to get strong at the same time and we do them all.
Over the past year and a half I have learned much and have been taught by some outstanding and very skilled athletes in the world of Olympic lifting and strength and conditioning. At the same time I am teaching you guys and gals I am learning myself and my passion has gone through the roof. If you are interested in more info or have any questions concerning the classes you can contact me at zacharythiel@sicfitaustin.com. The class time are also posted at Sicfit Austin under the Olympic Weightlifting.

Learning the Split Jerk


Food Fascism in the "Land of the Free"

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fight Gone Bad V


FIGHT GONE BAD V
Date(s): Sep 25th
Fight Gone Bad V is Here! This annual fundraiser fitness event is set up to benefit the Livestrong Foundation, The Wounded Warrior Project & The CrossFit Foundation. The workout is scaled to all levels and includes a Kid's Division. Join the community on September 25th and get in a good workout for a great cause!
Saturday September 25th8:00am - 11:00am @ Westlake High SchoolEvery participant should raise $50Proceeds go to the Livestrong Foundation, The Wounded Warrior Project & The CrossFit Foundation
This year affiliates across Austin are joining forces to put on the best Fight Gone Bad to date! Crossfit Westlake, Fit and Fearless Crossfit, Crossfit Austin, Crossfit Texas, CrossFit Leander, Crossfit Round Rock and CrossFit Central will host this year's Fight Gone Bad Event.
How to Register:1. Go to http://www.fgb5.org/2. Click Register & Follow the Steps3. Be Sure to Add CrossFit Central as Your Team4. Start fundraising & get ready for a FUN and exciting event!
What is the Fight Gone Bad Workout?
In this workout you move from each of five stations after a minute. This is a five-minute round from which a one-minute break is allowed before repeating. The event is in the 3 round format. The stations are:
Wall-ball: 20 pound ball, 10 ft target. (Reps)
Sumo deadlift high-pull: 75 pounds (Reps)
Box Jump: 20″ box (Reps)
Push-press: 75 pounds (Reps)
Row: calories (Calories)
The clock does not reset or stop between exercises. On call of “rotate,” the athlete/s must move to next station immediately for good score. One point is given for each rep, except on the rower where each calorie is one point.
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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Aww Yeah, Here It Is

Here it is! New PR Clean & Jerk. #265! A BIG thanks to Elliot Schrock for putting this video together and just taking the time to do it. I know he's a busy guy, so thank you brother.

Zach Thiel from CrossFit Central on Vimeo.

Refer to the bottom of my Liberation blog post for some background info and pics that Ingrid took of the first PR. My goal is a #300 clean and with this new Clean & Jerk PR I now have a new goal for it. #275! We will see what happens.

Feel free to criticize and coach me up so I can reach my new goal sooner rather than later.


Finland Suspends Swine Flu Shots After Vaccine Linked With Neurological Disorder

Cases of narcolepsy in children jumped 300 per cent following H1N1 vaccination campaign

Why Natural Health?

Because it's about staying well, not controlling symptoms with drugs, says Margaret Durst.



Wednesday, August 25, 2010

You're Gonna Be Missed

So Pam has been coming to our 5:30am Tuesday/Thursday indoor class for six months and it has been nothing but fun times! She is an amazing athlete and very easy to coach at the same time. That makes her a pleasure to have in class, an instant leader and inspiration to the people around her. Pam has aspirations of tackling a monumental challenge that is going to require a different kind of training and at crazy times. So she is going to be leaving us for a while so she can fulfill her dream of becoming an Iron (Wo)Man!
Here is a little snippet about her time at Central and in our Tuesday/Thursday class.
Gonna miss you Pam and make sure you come back to us after you accomplish your dream!

Pam on the attack!

I started crossfit at Central on March 2nd, 2009 in Lance and JDP's MWF 5:30am class (now Big Mike's..I believe). Well, every year since 2001 I have ran the full Austin Marathon (which I will continue to run until I'm the age of 72 bc my very first marathon a 72 yr old man beat me and I want to beat a 22 year old when I'm 72!). Anyways, this means marathon training with the Gazelle's is the end of Sept through Feb. and it's MWSat at 5:30am so because of training you allowed me to join your 5:30am crew. I fell in love with them. They excepted me right away, just like you. You as my coach: I love your intensity. Whether it's a look or words you know how to push us. You know how to have fun (the jokes, the rants) but when you mean business, you mean business. You give us that tough love but we all know that you care deeply about us and our improvements. I've enjoyed your 5:30am class and you as a coach so much that when marathon season was over I didn't want to go back to MWF crossfit schedule.

Why I love Central: classes are always prompt, I love how all coaches are on the same page...promoting the next big thing, uplifting clients goals and dreams, speaking positive about life, and walking the walk!

As for crossfit and me: I am a better athlete because of it. I am a stronger runner, cyclist and swimmer. Shoot, I can honestly say that this has been the strongest I've been physically since high school (and I plan on getting stronger!) I feel that I have always been mentally strong but crossfit does fuel that strong mental power in my head. It doesn't allow the dumb "I can't" weeds to creep in my mind.

Since March 2009 till now: I started from jumping pull ups to now regular pull ups, from wimpy weights to RX, from push ups on my knees to regular push ups, from 1-3 reg box jumps then step ups to continuous box jumps, and the list goes on. I love crossfit!

I am doing a swim clinic now along with CF. The swim clinic will continue until mid Sept. Sept. 20th I start my marathon training with Gazelle's (MWSat) along with CF (T/TH) and I will add in a swim class (F). Starting in Nov. I will start all my Ironman training. I will hire a coach (already found one that I'm compatible with) and be part of an Ironman training group (T3) but I will also continue with Gazelle's until I run the Austin marathon in Feb. Starting in November - May my weeks will be filled with running, cycling and swimming with 1-2 CF workouts somewhere in there.

Since my contract is up with Central tomorrow I decided that this is a good time to jump into Woodward. This is going to workout with my time, schedule and financially.


As we warned at the beginning of the year, X-ray body scanners currently being used and abused in airports across the world are set to hit the streets as American Science & Engineering reveals that “more than 500 back scatter x-ray scanners mounted in vans that can be driven past neighboring vehicles to see their contents” have been sold to government agencies.

Hey, Got a Licence To Grow That Food?

Monday, August 23, 2010

Liberation

LIBERATOR
*To set free, as from oppression, confinement, or foreign control
*Liberation, the freeing of a place from a tyrannic regime.

This past week my brother Jeremy asked us coaches to come up with a mission statement or a sentence that told our purpose. Over the week I thought long and hard and came up with a word: Liberator
I had to separate myself from my coaching at the gym and all of our athletes and think of the big picture. Why was I put on this earth, what is my purpose given to me by the Creator.
It's no coincidence to me that I am here on this earth at this time in history. Not that I am the next Jesus Christ or anything, but people are hungry for knowledge and know that something is amiss. All my life I knew that I was going to be a leader of something and I believe that I am at the place I am supposed to be. More than ever people want to be liberated from lethargic boring lives. People were created to be free. Free from an inactive lifestyle, a mundane boring office job, from poisonous processed foods, and free from the television set's that decay and destroy the mind. Crossfit's the instrument, you are the player and I'm the drum major.
Not only am I here to help liberate you from your bondage, but I am fighting to lift chains off my own back. To me this goes way further that crossfit. I know some of you probably wonder why I post political articles at the bottom of my blog, and some who read them may think, man this guy's into weired stuff. I just want you to think outside the box. To liberate yourself from the mainstream and think maybe there is a different truth out there. I find myself seeking the truth all the time in all kinds of different places and I just happen to share them with all of you. I would like to think this blog is a place for you all to get a glimpse of my life from out side Crossfit Central and on a personal level. I can be brash, rude and obnoxious sometimes and from what I understand I have earned a interesting reputation from a lot of the athletes in the gym. Some of these things are what hold me back from becoming a level 10 coach and I MUST LIBERATE MYSELF from them! I am open to all and any opinions on how to do that.

And now on to some fitness!
This past Friday I needed to work on some Oly lifts and when for some heavy Clean & Jerks.
3x1 90% of my max lift
Which happen to be #255 at the time, so my three lifts where #230

After knocking thous three lifts out I thought hey let's go for a PR!
And I just happened to have my camera on hand.

So I loaded #260 on the bar and here are the results.


Not to shabby I thought. Then Elliot Schrock walked in and happened to ask me what I was doing and I let him know with a smile on my face that I just set a new C&J PR. He asked if I would like for him to shoot some video of me doing it again and I happily obliged him. But to make it interesting I added a little more weight to the bar and thought why not #265. Video footage coming soon.
I hope you boy's and girls are enjoying the new blog and look for more tabs at the top to be coming soon. I want to be at that level 10 coaching scale and all of your input will help me get there faster so don't be shy!

Dumbing Down Society Part 3: How to Reverse it's Effects





Wednesday, August 18, 2010

We are what we eat!




HFCS – the poison that promotes obesity and liver damage

Two new studies have added more reason for concern that high-fructose corn syrup causes significantly more harm to the body than its mere sugar content would suggest.



GMO Corn and How A Little-Known Supreme Court Case Could Kill Our Grandchildren

GMO corn is dramatically increasing our taxes ($3,975,606,299 in 2009 alone — that’s $12.86 for every man, woman, and child in the USA), as well as destroying the lives of farmers who try to fight it. But it’s far worse than that. It’s actually killing us as well.


Dumbing Down Society Part 2: Mercury in Foods and Vaccines

Even though mercury is known to degenerate brain neurons and disrupt the central nervous system, it is still found in processed foods and mandatory vaccines. In this second part of the series examining the intentional dumbing-down of society, this article will discuss the presence of mercury in common foods and vaccines.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Knowledge Is A Good Thing

The cert. crew sweating it up post WOD.

So this past weekend, several other of the Central coaches and I had the privilege to attend a Crossfit Football Certification. Hands down without a doubt it was the best certification that I have ever attended. The knowledge of Head Coach John Welbourn and the other coaches assisting him with the cert. were by far the most experienced and informed coaches I have ever been around.

Myself and John Welbourn

Not only have these guys been around a plethora of crossfiters but they are sought out and recruited for their training experience by professional athletes from NFL Football, professional track, and professional swimmers alike. If you didn' t know, John Welbourn was a pro football player for 9 years with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. He participated in the 08 Crossfit Games and owns Crossfit Balboa in Newport Beach, California. I had the privilege of spending some time with John and picking is brain about his life in the NFL and coaching the football certs. He is top notch and has been around some of the most sought after doctors, nutritionist and trainers out there. Basically his life would be a wet dream for any crossfiter out there!

Coach Raphael Ruiz putting us through killer stretches

One of John's crew was Raphael Ruiz who owns 1441 S&C in Tampa, Florida. The wealth of experience and programing that he brings to the table is second to none. The insane stretching and warm ups this guy brought to the table was absolutely crazy and painful. He has worked with guys coming out of college prepping for the NFL combine and pro soccer players associated with MLS.
Let me just sum it up like this, this was the most legit experienced group of coaches I believe I have ever been around. I feel lucky to have been pushed, shouted at and taught by this group of people. I will take what I learned from these guys and implement it into my programing for you guys. Over the past year the wealth of knowledge that I have gained through the certs. that I have been through and implemented into my small group training and my Oly/Strength and Conditioning classes has made me excited. It has brought a passion to my training that I never thought possible and I am proud to be able to pass it on to you guy's and gals.
So, with all that said thanks to John, Raphael, Ben and Katy of the Crossfit Football crew for your hard work and leaving the friendly and not nearly as hot confines of southern California.

Central crew with the football crew. Typical Big Mike!



Australian TV Exposes Fluoride as Poison

Guess where you fluoride comes from? China!


Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Thought I Would Share

First men's heat of the opening night.
So for some reason since coming back from the Crossfit Games I have been in a blogging funk. I really don't know why that is since I had been on such a role with them before we all left for Cali. I just don't know what to say for some reason. So with that said I thought I would just share a few pics from the Games.

Carey and Lindsey scaling the wall on the last workout of the Games.

I also thought some of you would enjoy a pic of myself and little baby Pierce since some of you haven't seen him in a while.

Baby Pierce and I kickin it at the Pub in Laguna.

Also wanted to think everyone that came out to the SicFit Austin Grand Opening this past Saturday! It was a blast and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. Funny, as I'm typing this several things popped in my head to blog about. Look for a post tomorrow or Friday, Peace!


A Plea for Freedom



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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Back With Vengeance!

Ok, so I clearly have been slipping and have neglected my duties of posting pics and sharing my experiences with all of you. Since returning from the Games I have been slacking, but no more!! I am back on the ball and will resume posting on this blog and sharing with you all not only fitness and life but my weirdo political views as well.
With that said here is an announcement for you all:

Come one! Come all! SICFIT Austin will be celebrating our official grand opening Saturday, August 7th from 2pm-?pm at SICFIT Austin: 2156 Burnet Rd. Austin, TX 78756.

Invite your friends, family and fellow SICFITters and celebrate the start of a new era in strength and conditioning. We will have hot coals burning on the grill and plenty of space to meet and mingle with the community, so BYOB and get ready to sweat in the hot Texas heat… The only remedy?

BBQ and beer!

Hope you all can make it out and share in the excitement we all have for the new box!



Oxford professor calls for drugging water supply

Monday, July 12, 2010

Just Compete Baby!

Inaugural Red and Black Competition

In lue of the Crossfit Games happening this coming weekend and the fact that SicFit Austin just had it's first Red and Black Challenge this past weekend, I wanted to challenge each and every one of our SicFit Austin athletes and Crossfit Central athletes to take advantage of the fact that we on occasions put on single day challenges. I think I have heard every excuse possible as to why you can't do it, but I'm going to call it how I see it. You're either intimidated or just plain chicken! Why? You come into the gym two to three days a week, and some of you four days a week and do excruciating training sessions. And if that isn't enough you have to be coached by me!

Carey on her way to a third place finish in 09 Crossfit Games

These challenges are a great way to compete and to test your own mental fortitude by ether equal or slightly better athletes. There is no way that you should feel intimidated or unable to compete at at least a competitive level. Even if you get smoked you can hold your head high and know that you went out there and did the best you could and left it all out there on the gym floor. And, when is the last time some of you stepped out and were involved in a competition of this caliber? That in and of itself is an accomplishment! You don't have to be like my sister in this middle pic competing in last years 09 Crossfit Games or like myself in a clean competition. Just get out there and test yourself and see what your made of. The only person judging you is you. So get out there and take advantage of the friendly but competitive competitions that we or any other Crossfit gym's put on.

Yours truly setting a PR in a clean competition this past March

So, like I said about the 10 Crossfit Games are happening this coming weekend and we a have a slew of athletes competing. The Games will be streamed online and there will be live updates happening throughout the weekend so support our individual athletes and our affiliate team. I will do the best I can to update my blog and post new pics as the Games are happening.


American Idolatry Intensifies as the Nation sinks into Depression

Addicted to the Warfare State

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Friday, July 9, 2010

Training For Power

Karen on her way to a new clean PR!

You have your people that train to look good, your people that train for their sport and people that train to be strong and powerful just for the f@#k of it. I have the privilege of being around a group of people that have sought me out to be trained in the art of power. I know many of you have heard of our new SicFit Austin Gym and all the cool toys we have there. This group of people get to utilize huge tires, Olympic weightlifting platforms, sledge hammers, and lovely canvas bags full of gravel. Oh yes, and kegs (but not full of beer kegs)!

Working the hanging DB muscle snatch.

Over the past year I have grown as a coach and my knowledge of different training styles has vastly improved. Some of you may say that we aren't really even crossfiting. I don't time them so we aren't really keeping score. I just simply write a list of exercises that promote power and skill and tell them to have at it. I let them rest when they need and don't expect them to go 150 miles an hour but because of their crossfit back ground they now how to push it. And we are seeing great results! New PR's, new pant sizes and goals met. I am grateful that I have a group of willing athletes that let me absolutely obliterate them. IF you like what you see, IF you are looking for a new experience with your training contact me. I love seeing people exceed their expectations and blow their own minds with their gains. I would love to help.

This Saturday at the SicFit Austin Gym we are putting on a friendly little competition. The workouts will be announced that morning and they will be fun!!!! Come test your skills and let's get it on!!
You can register here at the SicFit Austin site but do it quick. Only 2o spots availible.


As the United States Collapses, Media Worships LeBron James

A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Wake Up To Liberty!

"Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. The course of history shows us that as a government grows, liberty decreases."
— Thomas Jefferson

"I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
— Thomas Jefferson

"I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies, and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale."
— Thomas Jefferson

"Occasionally the tree of Liberty must be watered with the blood of Patriots and Tyrants."
— Thomas Jefferson

Democracy... while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide.
John Adams

Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war.
John Adams



I hope everyone had a great Independence Day and stopped and thought about what a sacrifice our founders made in order for us to live in a great and free country. I hope you take the time to read two of my most favorite hero's quotes and watch the video of a modern day founder and listen to his words. Freedom is a precious thing and we must be informed and educated to what our elected men and women are doing with our government. Stand and be heared!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Athlete OF The Week


Scott performing Lateral Lunges

Scott has been with me for a year and a half at Bridgepoint Boot Camp and has rarely missed a workout. He is dedicated, hard working and continuously gives it everything he's got. Since I started thinking about recognizing and doing these posts about the athletes I train; I have come to the conclusion that I am truly lucky and honored to be around so many amazing people and athletes, with Scott being one of them. Here is a quote from Scott about what role boot camp has played in his life.
My name is Scott Voelker, I am 26 years young and since I started a year and half ago I have lost 35 lbs. and I love my boot camp. I am in the 5:30am (MWF) Zachary Hell Boot Camp, so you know right off the bat I must be a little wrong in the head to endure that kind of pain that early in the morning. No, but seriously the first day I stepped into this shocking experience I puked my guts out and every day since I have grown stronger and more confident.
Boot camp is my chance to release, whether I have aggression or something on my mind, I can release it while being competitive with my fellow boot campers. I feel like each session is another challenge or task to overcome, and another chance to improve my speed and/or strength. I love going to my early morning class because it starts my day off with energy and allows me to be able to spend time with my wife and friends in the evenings. In closing boot camp has altered my life in a way that I can’t help but appreciate!

Much love Scott and it is pleasure having you in boot camp!


Plyo Push Up's

This month at Relentless Boot Camp we are recognizing boot campers that stand out and do an amazing job. We are also creating workouts in their honor. So Scott's workout is as followed:

Three rounds of
20 Over Head Squat Jumps
60 Total Yard Lateral Lunges Holding a Med ball Out in Front of You
50 PVC Pip Shoulder Press
20 Plyo Push Ups


Paleo-Libertarian Spirit
It makes you fit, and lifts the spirit too, says Saul Weiner.


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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Why Do We Do This?




It hurts, but we love it and do it regardless!

So, I am going to share with y'all honestly what I have been pondering. I think it's more of a rhetorical question more than anything, but a serious question none the less. I'm not looking for your normal answer like, because I get fit, or because it pushes me. I am asking it because I have the athletes that show up every class or boot camp and get tremendous results and then I have the people that sign up every month and come maybe half the time and some even less than that. So why do you do this? Why sign up, come several times a month and not give it at least 80% effort? I guess I'm on my soap box here and I understand we all have busy lives but come on. You come ether two or three times a week for an hour or 45 minutes. You can't give that much time to your health and wellness and longevity to your life two or three times per week on a consistent basis? So why do this? Why set your self up for disappointment or failure? If your coming less than half the time in a month for your class you will not succeed. Get it together! I know it's summer, and I know you have vacations, but you're not gone all summer. You can make an effort to at least come to more than half your classes. Stop waisting your time and mine and get your ass to class! You have one life to live! Why not live it to your fullest, take your health seriously and come to class if you're signed up. You don't have to do it with us but do it. And if you are signed up and don't come to class or have no interest in going all out then just stop. Our gym is getting to the point where people are on a waiting list. If you don't want to make a better you then get out of the way for people who do! Well, I can assume this may hurt some of your feeling or offended some of you, but this is what has been on my mind and I just had to say it. Ether get on the bus or get off because the rest of us won't be slowed down! There, said it. I had to say and this is my place to let it off my chest. So let's just get to class and get it on!


Dollar Should Be Replaced As International Standard, U.N. Report Says
The dollar is an unreliable international currency and should be replaced by a more stable system, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs said in a report released Tuesday.

"We are on the verge of a global transformation. All we need is the right major crisis and the nations will accept the New World Order."
- David Rockefeller
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