Final Bring-A-Friend Friday

Don’t forget this coming Friday (May 31st) is the final Bring-A-Friend Friday event we are hosting at CFD during the month of May. We hope to have yet another great group of friends and guests join us to round out the month.

Also, we are offering a $75 discount this entire month to all new On-Ramp members. Let us help you achieve your fitness goals this summer!

Last, but certainly not least – thank you to all who came out to participate in Murph yesterday AM. Even in spite of the rain, we had a great crowd. Memorial Day is a day of particular importance to me and I hope you all were able to reflect on the lives lost in service to our great nation.

Thank you all, and I hope everyone has a great week!


Not a member? Sign up today!  The next Intro class takes place on June 1st at 10:00. RSVP to the free Intro Class here!

Quick Updates

Happy Friday everyone! I have a few thoughts to share with you all and some great questions that have come up this week for Bring-A-Friend Fridays I’d like to address:

What if I want to bring a friend, but they can’t come to the class time I normally attend?

This has already been asked a few times and is a great question I didn’t immediately foresee. I think the best workaround for this would be to leverage the great community we have built together and see who would be willing to cover down for you! If you’re an early bird but your friend wants to come to an afternoon class, find out who you know who usually comes to that later class time and see if that person would be willing to ‘host’ your friend for you. I’m willing to bet that solution will work for most of these instances and it would also be a great testament to the tight-knit community we have here at CFD.

Can I bring more than one friend?

Absolutely!

What do you need from us prior to class?

Not much – just give us a heads-up (e-mail me or RSVP your friend on WODhopper) and we will waive you in prior to class starting. Fast and simple!

We’ve already had a lot of people attending today which has been fantastic – keep them coming! Here’s the list of links to each (BAFF) Bring-A-Friend Friday event we are hosting this month:

May 10 – Bring-A-Friend Friday
May 17 – Bring-A-Friend Friday
May 24 – Bring-A-Friend Friday
May 31 – Bring-A-Friend Friday

Goals Board

It’s that time of the year to re-establish your goals. Feel free to update the newly wiped Goals Board with your S.M.A.R.T. goal:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Relevant
  • Time-Based

Remember, it’s best to establish many ‘micro-goals’ along a logical progression towards a larger, ‘macro-goal’ and to be mindful about how those goals build upon one another. If you can’t yet do a pull-up but your goal is to do a muscle-up, it might be a better idea to instead establish some waypoints along the way and use those as your goals (this is related to the ‘Attainable’ attribute).

If you need help establishing what those goals should look like, please reach out – that’s what we’re here for!

Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on May 11th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (May 14th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!

May Is BAFF!

Spring is definitely here – the doors are open, the weather has been getting nicer, and there’s a renewed sense of purpose both in and out of the gym. The changing season has a way of regenerating everyone, or so it seems. What follows in this blog is a recap, some thoughts about our purpose and our ‘why,’ as well as a new and exciting concept I’d like to try called ‘Bring-A-Friend Friday!’

The 2019 Classic

Put simply, I had an absolute blast hosting the 2019 Classic this year! It was a lot of fun coming up with those workouts and pushing the left- and right-limits of what we typically consider to be testable criteria within the sport of fitness. I hope you all enjoyed the day and the creativity of some of the workouts, but since you’re all CrossFitters, you probably weren’t too upset about having something ‘outside of the box’ thrown at you. After all, it’s kind of what we train for – the unknown and the unknowable!

What We Do

What I really enjoy about CrossFit is the fact that it’s challenging yet still appropriate and effective for a vast majority of the population given the right program, great coaching, and solid communication. The aforementioned criteria we consider to exist under the ‘umbrella’ of what we define as fitness is a lot broader in CrossFit compared to most other sports. Think about the movement selection we are subjected to alone, then consider time domain/energy system proficiency needed to be good in a series of events…it’s pretty impressive what so many of us are capable of doing who have put in the work and trusted the process. The effectiveness of our system becomes more and more evident with time, and I’ve been involved in this methodology for over a decade. It’s always rewarding to see people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds continue to make progress, especially after many years of hard work and perseverance.

Why We Do It

Aside from being proud of getting people better at a wide range of movements and teaching them to move best through different time domains, is there any other good reason to do CrossFit? I can think of a lot of reasons, but here are a few big ones: 

  • The regular practice and mastery of truly functional motor patterns that transfer to real-life application is imperative to our (mental and physical) health, especially considering the increasingly-sedentary nature of most people’s day jobs (or lives in general). 
  • Related to the above point, the regular practice of said functional motor patterns at appropriate loadings, volume, and intensities are not only imperative to safety/injury prevention and overall health, but appropriate exposure and practice becomes MORE important the older you get (think: decreasing bone density and the atrophy of skeletal muscle paired with less and less flexibility as one ages).

This means saying ‘I’m too old’ is NOT a valid excuse to submit to frailty and an unhealthy lifestyle!

Put simply: exercise is obviously good for you, but exercising (ie: loading the skeleton and moving your body) with proper guidance and intent is paramount to staying healthy and continuing to make progress.

A Huge Bonus

An extension of this phenomenon getting a group of people together to train with a purpose relative to their individual fitness levels is the community-building aspect of CFD, which never ceases to amaze me. It’s also important to point out the fact that the community is not static, nor should we expect it to be. Just like each and every one of us, the group as a whole is constantly shifting, changing, adapting, and moving through different phases. Sometimes there are new faces, sometimes familiar faces move away, and sometimes the individuals within the group change as a result of career moves, relationships, additions to a family, shifting goals and/or priorities, etc. 

I view the dynamic nature of the community as a very positive attribute – it not only continually introduces us to new people whom we may have never had the pleasure of getting to know and establishing new long-term friendships with, but it drives each of us to learn from one another and adapt/grow together throughout the years. It’s a fantastic opportunity to constantly network, learn from each other, and discover new things about ourselves along the way. 

Bring-A-Friend Fridays

To help facilitate this growth and build our community, I humbly ask each of you to help by introducing others to this fantastic thing we have all collectively built together. During each Friday in May, all classes are invited to bring a friend along with them to participate. As always, we can make any movement and any workout appropriate for just about anyone. Help us grow and spread the gift of fitness and our positive atmosphere to others!

All new members who sign up during the month of May will get a $75 discount on their On-Ramp package normally priced at $350 for a 3-month membership. That’s $275 for 3 months of training!

I have created some public Facebook events here for each available date. Every like, comment, and share helps our visibility and improves our outreach to others in the Dubuque area.

May 10 – Bring-A-Friend Friday
May 17 – Bring-A-Friend Friday
May 24 – Bring-A-Friend Friday
May 31 – Bring-A-Friend Friday

Thank you all in advance for your support over the years and for helping us continue to grow. See you all soon!

Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on May 11th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (May 14th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!

May Spotlight – Mike

How long have you been a member at CFD?

I joined CrossFit in June of 2013.  However, it was just this winter that I finally started coming to class on a regular basis.

 What is your favorite gym music?

 It’s a mood thing but I can always do new country and anything 80’s. Here’s one of my WOD playlists: “Unforgettable” by Thomas Rhett; “Snapback” by Old Dominion; “Get Along” by Kenny Chesney; “Dirt Road Anthem” by Jason Aldean / feat. Ludacris; “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leopard; “Du hast” by Rammstein; “It ain’t my fault” by Brothers Osborne; “Authority Song” by John Mellencamp; “Boys round here” by Blake Shelton; “A little less conversation” By Elvis. “Give It Up” by KC and the Sunshine Band.

What did you do for fitness prior to joining CFD?

I got divorced in 2001.  From that point on my ex-wife and I had a great partnership in raising twin boys.  We each had them 50% of the time.  I had to decide what to do with all my spare time. I started running. I met a girl (Annette) while running. In 2004 we qualified for the Boston Marathon and ran it together.  I completed Ironman Wisconsin six consecutive years. Annette never missed one.  Then I tried ultra-marathons, Annette never missed one, in fact she was my pacer in several races.  I proposed to Annette on mile 99 of a 100-mile race.  She said yes.

What changes have you seen in yourself since you started?

 I’m six years older, but the important part is I’m stronger and healthier. Our company has a wellness program that offers annual biometric screening.  Several years ago, I stared taking medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.   This year I scored 91/100 which is my best score ever.  All I did different this year was going to class on a regular basis.  I’m very thankful for my CrossFit coaches and friends.

What do you like most about CrossFit?

Without a doubt the coaches and athletes of CFD.  Sometimes there is a fine line between going to class and saying f—- it.  The people have made a big difference for me.  They’re always fun to see.

Have you ever re-done an Open Workout to improve your regional standing from 4,005th place to 3,993rd place?

No Thanks!

What type(s) of workouts are your favorite?

The ones I can’t RX.  I used to “cherry pick” the easy workouts and not come to the hard ones.  You never get better!

What is the funniest thing you remember happening at CFD?

 That’s a good question…the reality is something funny happens in every class.

What type(s) of workouts do you least like to see come up?

Sunday workouts

Have you ever chalked up to do something that didn’t require chalk?

Always, I love chalk, it brings out my inner child.

 Have you ever been dramatic when completing a movement only to then see someone next to you do what you did silently and with ease?

That happens in every class, 5:30 pm has some studs, male and female.

What are your goals going forward?

I’d really like to go tarpon fishing in Costa Rica.

Have you ever won the warmup?

I win about 2 out of 3 warmups.  My college baseball coach referred to me as a “batting practice all-American” some things never change.

Have you ever hidden junk food in your cart for fear that another CFD member might see it?

No, I don’t care if anyone dislikes my choice of food.  However, walking out of the liquor store with a bottle of Fireball in your sweaty CrossFit clothes can be a bit awkward.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out at CFD?

Get out! Save yourself while there’s still time.  Honestly, don’t panic, anyone can do this. It’s a marathon not a sprint. Stay with it and only compete against yourself.  It can be life changing in a good way, if you let it.


Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on May 11th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (May 14th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!

Upcoming Events

This coming Saturday is the 2019 Classic! Please be advised: the normal 9am Saturday morning class time is canceled to accommodate for this special event. Also, a huge shout out to Run4Troops for providing snacks and waters for all participants. Your help is greatly appreciated and we are honored by the support!

Event announcements will be made on the FB event page, so monitor that for updates moving forward. I’m looking forward to this event with you all!

FS1 & Gymnastics Club

Today was the launch date for Foundational Strength 1 as well as the all-new Gymnastics Club! Details on each of those programs can be found by clicking the respective links and navigating to those pages. The programs are each $45, or if you choose to sign up for BOTH (as they are each complimentary to one another and can be done as such), the bundled cost for the 2 combined is $80. If you want to join, there’s still time!

Shoot me an e-mail at phil@crossfitdubuque.com and I’ll add you to the team of your choice!

Memorial Day Murph

Mark your calendars, May 27th is Memorial Day and we will once again be doing ‘Murph’ in honor of fallen service members. Our class schedule will be limited to one class (9:30am). This is a great opportunity to pay your respects, tackle a challenging workout (with a friend if you’d like), and build the community. We hope to see you all there!

That’s all for now – see you soon!


Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on May 11th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (May 14th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!

Last Call For Special Events!

We are only days away from the cutoff for the 2019 Classic – get your entry forms in by April 24th to secure your spot!

Click here to view the entry form
Instructions: Print and fill out the form with team members’ information and drop off at CFD with payment in order to reserve your spot!

Event announcements will be made on the FB event page, so monitor that for updates moving forward. I’m looking forward to this event with you all!

FS1 & Gymnastics Club

One week from today will be the launch date for Foundational Strength 1 as well as the all-new Gymnastics Club! Details on each of those programs can be found by clicking the respective links and navigating to those pages. The programs are each $45, or if you choose to sign up for BOTH (as they are each complimentary to one another and can be done as such), the bundled cost for the 2 combined is $80.

Shoot me an e-mail at phil@crossfitdubuque.com and I’ll add you to the list!

That’s all for now – see you soon!


Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on May 11th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (May 14th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!

The Classic, FS1, Gymnastics

We are only weeks away from the big event, and I’m really excited to host the 2019 Classic this year! I have some really interesting events planned for you all, so if you haven’t submitted your teams, there’s still time. Grab 2 friends and get your entry submitted by April 24th to secure your spot!

Click here to view the entry form
Instructions: Print and fill out the form with team members’ information and drop off at CFD with payment in order to reserve your spot!

Event announcements will be made on the FB event page, so monitor that for updates moving forward. I’m looking forward to this event with you all!

FS1 & Gymnastics Club

Monday, April 29th I will be launching Foundational Strength 1 as well as Gymnastics Club! Details on each of those programs can be found by clicking the respective links and navigating to those pages. The programs are each $45, or if you choose to sign up for BOTH (as they are each complimentary to one another and can be done as such), the bundled cost for the 2 combined is $80.

Shoot me an e-mail at phil@crossfitdubuque.com and I’ll add you to the list!

That’s all for now – see you soon!


Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on May 11th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (May 14th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!

Nutrition & The Classic

This Thursday, April 11th is our Nutrition Fundamentals class! As the name implies, the course is designed to be a very basic overview of nutrition concepts. While it is always useful to re-visit the basics, some members who are well-versed in their individualized nutrition protocol may very well not be interested – that’s ok! However, if you haven’t touched on it in a while or are relatively new to hearing our two cents on nutrition protocol, it’s certainly going to be worth an hour (at most) of your time.

The agenda for this discussion will be as follows:

  • The health/fitness continuum
  • Macronutrients, defined and application
  • Meal sequencing
  • Real-world applications for adults and kids
  • Myths, Q&A

If you’re interested, please RSVP on WODhopper so I can have a headcount!

The 2019 Classic

Teams are filing in for the 2019 Classic, and the early registration deadline is approaching fast!

Early bird pricing is active until April 12th, and at only $105 for a team of 3, that’s only $35/person for 5 events and a shirt. If you haven’t picked your teams yet and submitted your entry forms, I would highly recommend doing that before the early bird pricing period passes and the rates go up!

Click here to view the entry form
Instructions: Print and fill out the form with team members’ information and drop off at CFD with payment in order to reserve your spot!

Event announcements will be made on the FB event page, so monitor that for updates moving forward. I’m looking forward to this event with you all!

That’s all for now – see you soon!


Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on May 11th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (May 14th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!

The 2019 Classic

Today marks one month out until the 2019 Classic! I’m particularly excited about this friendly team competition we have just around the corner and will be releasing more information about it every week leading up to the event. Be prepared for workout releases, teases, and the finalized shirt mockups soon!

Early bird pricing is active until April 12th, and at only $105 for a team of 3, that’s only $35/person for 5 events and a shirt. If you haven’t picked your teams yet and submitted your entry forms, I would highly recommend doing that before the early bird pricing period passes and the rates go up!

Click here to view the entry form
Instructions: Print and fill out the form with team members’ information and drop off at CFD with payment in order to reserve your spot!

Event announcements will be made on the FB event page, so monitor that for updates moving forward. I’m looking forward to this event with you all!

That’s all for now – see you soon!


Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on April 6th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (April 9th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!

April Spotlight – Dina

From left to right: Maddy, Kathy, Sammi, Dina, and Tammy

How long have you been a member at CFD?

Since October of 2016

What made you want to get started?

I had seen CFD as I drove to my other workout place and always thought it might be cool to try, but never had the guts!  After my personal trainer and friend, Tammy K., left the same place for CFD, I followed and never looked back!

What did you do for fitness prior to joining CFD?

I worked out off and on for many years and was working out with Tammy at another gym.  I pretty much did her classes or did machines there but always liked lifting, just didn’t get enough of it or know how to do it right.

What changes have you seen in yourself since you started?

I have become much stronger and I’m much more toned than I was. I feel more confident lifting too.   

What do you like most about CrossFit?

Everyone says it, but, for sure it’s the people!  I was in a real funk when I moved to Iowa 4 1/2 years ago and working out on occasion is what brought me out of it.  Once I started at CFD, getting to know the people in the morning and later afternoon classes just made working out that much better!  They are SO supportive and fun the be around all the time!  The coaches are awesome too!  Most of my working out time has been spent with Maddy, Tammy, and Mike.  Their knowledge, support, and encouragement are another great thing about CFD.  You guys there all keep me sane on a daily basis!!
 
What type(s) of workouts are your favorite?

I really like lifting heavy things!  I’m smaller and older than many of the other athletes there so it makes me feel really accomplished when I can lift something I know many others my age can’t.  I also really like rowing, even though it doesn’t look like it at the time.

What type(s) of workouts do you least like to see come up?

I hate long chippers that include burpees or thrusters.  There’s just no other way to say it!

What advice do you have for someone just starting out at CFD?

Go for it!  It’s nice if you know someone going, but definitely not a must!  Everyone is so kind and helpful, you’ll feel at home right away.  Everything will come with time too.  There’s still many things I’d like to be able to do, but I’m just not there yet.  Making progress slowly.  Everyone was there, everyone still has some goal they are trying to reach, use their encouragement and knowledge to help you, not intimidate you.  Also, don’t feel like you’re too old or small to do it!  I’m in better shape now than I was in my 20s and I’m almost 50!  It’s an awesome place and you should be there!  


Not a member? Sign up for an Intro Class today!  The next Intro class takes place on April 6th at 10:00, and Foundations starts the next week (April 9th).
RSVP to the free Intro Class here!