Why Barefeet?

UPCOMING SCHEDULE MODIFICATION!

This week, we will be holding class on Monday the 19th and Wed the 21st as typically planned, we will also hold a class on Thursday night at 5:30 pm (instead of the Friday evening class). We will NOT BE HAVING CLASS THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 25-31ST. Don't worry....we have it all planned out and you are not off the hook. You do have homework assignments. hee hee hee If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

When we coach heavy strength days, often times we will tell people to take off their shoes. Footwear or lack thereof is a valuable tool for optimizing workout performance. Why? Our response is to 'get back to nature and get rid of the cushy padding that makes you wobbly.' But, being a teacher, I can best explain this through Newton's third law of motion: "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." So, think of it this way, while you stand on the ground, you are pushing down on the ground and in return the ground pushes back on your feet. Following me so far? So to optimize our lifts while we are working out, we want to get back as much as possible of that energy back. More energy returned equals a stronger lift.

This in turn leads us to the second use of physics; harder surfaces and materials transfer energy better than softer, cushy surfaces and materials. So, think about it, when you are standing on the hard ground in cushy tennis shoes, there is a larger buffer that will absorb the transfer of energy. Whereas, barefoot, there is no little to no buffer for the transfer of energy. Not to mention that lifting in bare feet helps to create stability and flexibility in some joints and muscles. Lon Kilgore and Mark Rippetoe argue this point by stating that "there is an increased chance for a balance or stability loss-induced injury while lifting heavy weights, since perfect balance cannot be assured on an imperfect surface". Bare feet bring more stability and increased force transfer, which yields stronger lifts. So, take those shoes off during heavy lifting days!

WOD: "The Chief"
Max rounds in 3 minutes of:
3 Power cleans (135/95)
6 Push-ups
9 Squats
Rest 1 minute.

Repeat for a total of 5 cycles.

From Crossfit Headquarters: Each year in the United States Navy, a highly qualified and elite cadre of Sailors are selected and promoted to the join the ranks of Chief Petty Officer. Since 1893, "The Chiefs" have been relied upon by subordinates and superiors alike for their personal example, technical expertise and above all, their unique leadership capabilities. As the induction process for newly selected Chief Petty Officers is now underway throughout the US Navy, we thought it appropriate to inaugurate "The Chief" in honor and recognition of all past and present CPOs. Thanks to them and their families for their self-sacrifice, ability to adapt, tireless dedication to mission and devotion to country.

Post rounds completed for each of the 5 cycles.