Bro Reps are No Reps

Regional Performance: Bro Reps, adiposity Poor Preparation and the Perennials. Another piece by Doug Chapman

Doug is a coach to many Games and Regional athletes.  But although his focus is on the CrossFit as a sport, story his message, order while being very critical, applies to every athlete.  Are you doing things to the best of your ability?  Do you cut corners?  Are you doing this consciously?

Now, before you go getting all mad, and thinking I am pointing a finger at you for missing full extension on an air squat – I am not.  By Mr. Chapman’s description, I am was, at best, a Perennial and Uncoachable athlete.  I was an Open hero, but I relied on workouts that suited my abilities at higher level competitions rather than being good (or great as is needed now) at everything.  I had some good Regional performances and some shitty Regional performances.  I also out performed my Open score when I made it to Regionals, mainly by working very hard, understanding the standard and working in doomsday scenarios.  Meaning I would work to the most difficult standard in my training, so Regionals judging was never a surprise.  And even then, I got hit by stuff.

What I do take to heart are his comments on culture.  I want to be the type of athlete that does things right.  I want to be the type of gym that has a high level of accountability.  That doesn’t mean just fast times OR big lifts OR perfect movement OR solid coaching OR a supportive community.  To me it means fast times AND big lifts AND perfect movement AND solid coaching AND a supportive community.

It’s good for athletes looking to compete to be very critical.  For the average human trying to be more fit, it’s good to be aware of this critical eye, as I believe it leads to a better overall experience in the long term.  BUT…keep it in perspective.  If the goal is to be more fit, the finish line is a long, healthy, happy life.

Workout of the Day

Strength/Skill

6 sets of the complex:

1 Clean (any style) 1 Push Press, 1 Push Jerk, 1 Split Jerk

Start with 60% of 1RM Clean and Jerk.  After about 10 minutes of warm up, get to your working weight.  After each set, rest at least 90 seconds, no more than 2 minutes.

Conditioning

AMRAP 3

3 Power Cleans 135/95

3 Handstand Pushup (or 1 Wall Climb)

Rest 1 minute

AMRAP 3

6 Power Cleans

6 Handstand Pushup (or 2 Wall Climb)

Rest 1 minute

AMRAP 3

9 Power Cleans

9 Handstand Pushup (or 3 Wall Climb)