Learning Some Common CrossFit Language

AMRAP, box, GHD…What in the world do all those words mean? No doubt, CrossFit is comprised of it’s own lingo. Here are some basic CrossFit language and terms you might hear thrown around at the box.

Common CrossFit Language: Vocabulary, Acronyms and Abbreviations Explained

  • AMRAP: As Many Reps (sometimes Rounds) as Possible
  • BEAST: A complimentary term used to describe a badass athlete, as in “she/he’s a beast”.
  • Benchmark-A workout or lift that tests or measures your fitness and/or strength. Similar to “What do you bench?” at a Globo Gym, in CrossFit, a classic benchmark may be, “What is your Fran time?”
  • Box: the term which refers to a CrossFit gym
  • BS: Back squat
  • BW: Body weight
  • Cherry Picking: Choosing which days to come to class based on the workout, movements or weather. Selective attendance is a pathway to plateau.
  • Chipper: A workout with many reps and many movements (you chip away at it)
  • CFT: CrossFit Total – consisting of max squat, press, and deadlift.
  • C&J: Clean and Jerk
  • DL: Deadlift
  • DOMS: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
  • Dubs: Double Unders- the jump rope swings around twice with one jump
  • Ego: Must be left at the door.
  • EMOM: Every Minute On the Minute
  • Fran: Classic CrossFit benchmark (21-15-9 thursters/pullups)
  • Firebreather: A top- notch athlete, someone who does things that us mere mortals just stare at in wonderment. Someone we can all aspire to be like.
  • For Time: Complete the timed workout as quickly as possible. Be sure and log your workouts (especially the named ones) so you can see your fitness progression.
  • FS: Front squat
  • The “Girls”: Some of the very first CrossFit WODs; The “benchmarks” for assessing one’s level of fitness; These workouts are named after girls (15 total “original girl” WODs; and 6 total “new girl” WODs).
  • GHD: “Glute Ham Developer” equipment that helps to develop core, back and hip-flexor strength
  • Goat: A movement or lift that is difficult for you to overcome. Something you dread coming up in a workout because you either suck at it, hate it or both. Common goats include double unders, muscle ups, running and handstand push ups. We all should be working on our goats, constantly.
  • Hero WODs: Named after military servicemen, police, or firefighters who have died in the line of duty, these difficult workouts are intermittently programmed in CrossFit to provide an extra challenge and reminder of their sacrifice- mentally and physically (Example: “Murph”- Run 1 mile, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, run 1 mile)
  • GPP: General physical preparedness, aka “fitness.”
  • Globo Gym: Often associated with low membership prices, which proves the old saying “you get what you pay for”. A gym whose business strategy is designed to get you in the door, pay your fees and then hope you never come in again.
  • HSPU: Hand stand push up. Kick up into a handstand (use wall for balance, if needed) bend arms until nose touches floor and push back up.
  • KB: Kettlebell
  • K2E: Knees to elbows. Similar to TTBs described below.
  • Kilos: 2.2 pounds equals one kilogram.
  • Kipping pullup: A rhythmic swing on a pull-up bar that lets you transfer horizontal motion to vertical force. This movement should allow you to complete more (and quicker) pull-ups but must only be mastered after you have the strength to complete a series of strict pullups
  • MetCon: Metabolic Conditioning.
  • MU: Muscle ups can be done on the rings or on the bar.
  • OHS: Overhead squat. The ultimate test for mobility.
  • Paleo: Clean eating nutrition plan that many CrossFit athletes adhere to; Not a ‘diet’, but a healthy lifestyle; The premise is “eat real, whole foods”, including protein (red meat, poultry, pork, seafood, eggs), vegetables (all, including some starchy veggies, such as sweet potatoes/butternut squash), lots of healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut oil) and some fruit; Eliminates gluten, sugar, most dairy and legumes.
  • Pistol: A squat that only uses one leg at a time (also known as single leg squats). Resistance bands or steadying oneself on a box/pole may be used to help gain balance for those new to the movement
  • Pood/Pd: Weight of a kettlebell (1 pood = 35lbs, 1.5 pood = 44lbs, 2 pood = 70lbs)
  • PR: Personal record. Must be followed by high fives and ringing the golden PR bell!
  • PP: Push press
  • Rep: Repetition. One performance of an exercise completed successfully. A “NO REP” would be a failed attempt at a rep.
  • Rest day: A very necessary component for recovery, both physical and mental. The harder you work, the more rest you need.
  • Rip: What could happen to your hands after pullups at a high volume. It’s preventable! Shave your calluses and buy a roll of tape to keep in your bag.
  • Rhabdo: Rhabdomyolysis; A dangerous condition where muscle fibers breakdown at a high rate.
  • ROM: Range of motion
  • Routine: the enemy.
  • Rx’d: As prescribed; as written. WOD done without any adjustments or scaled movements. Complete WOD done with proper form.
  • SDHP: Sumo deadlift high pull
  • Scaled: Every single workout, movement or skill that we program can and should be scaled to the needs of the individual. For example, if you’re still working on your pullups, you will scale by doing an assisted pullup with a band. Scaling is essential to maintain the proper stimulus of the WOD.
  • Snatch: The snatch is the first of two lifts contested in the sport of Olympic weightlifting followed by the clean and jerk.
  • Stimulus: Each workout is designed to achieve a specific result. Our coaches will help you scale the workout so you can achieve the intended result.
  • TGU: Turkish get-up. Basically it’s getting up off the floor with a kettlebell stacked overhead.
  • Tabata: For twenty seconds do as many reps of the assigned exercise as you can – then rest 10 seconds. Repeat this seven more times for a total of 8 intervals, 4 minutes total exercise. The score is the least number of reps for any of the eight intervals.
  • T2B: Toes to bar. Can be scaled with K2E.
  • WOD: Workout of the Day.
  • 21-15-9: A specific rep scheme for a give wod. (Ex: 21-15-9 Thrusters and pull ups. …Round 1 do 21 Thrusters and 21 Pullups, round 2 do 15 thrusters and 15 pull ups, round 3 do 9 thrusters and 9 pull ups. DONE!)

CrossFit Games OPEN 19.5 Intramural

CrossFit Games OPEN 19.5 Intramural Results

That’s it, folks! The (first) Open 2019 is over! Congratulations everyone! We didn’t just complete a solid 5 weeks of the Open, we started strong and finished even stronger!

“This is my second Open with Salus and it amazes me how close this community is. I love it and the environment you and Gino have created. I’m so happy to be a small part of it.” ~Dan

As you noticed, we have been deloading this week. Over the past five weeks, our fight or flight systems and adrenals have kicked in and worked extra hard. We need to give our minds and bodies a recovery period.

But, never fear! We’ll be building back up again as we prepare for what’s in store in for the second Open in October!

The team results of 19.5 and the winning team will be announced at our brunch on the 31st, so stay tuned. But, this week’s nominations are below. It is so hard to choose a winner for these nominations. So many amazing moments.

As Coach Scott put it,

“Veni,Vidi,Vici”
We were challenged and accepted
We cried, we celebrated
We took risks and didn’t play it safe
We cheered and supported
We pr’d and never quit
We worked hard and had fun
We grew mentally,physically and spiritually
We are proud,we are strong, we are awesome
I ❤️ our community

Thank you all for making this event bigger and better every year. We are proud of all of you!

All the love,

Your Salus Coaches!


JOIN US FOR BRUNCH!

Remember, this Sunday is the CrossFit Games Open Celebration and family-friendly potluck at the box! ALL members (including kids & teens) are welcome! Bring your favorite brunch dish to share 🙂

Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 11:30.

RSVP here.


?HARDEST WORKER 19.5 Award goes to Katie Swift & twins!!

My vote for Hardest Worker is Kate. Of course being pregnant with twins can win over any fellow mom who’s gone through a pregnancy and knows how challenging it is to keep up with an exercise routine. However, she has totally committed herself to each week of the Open, redoing workouts to better herself, and giving her all. She truly went out on top by PR-ing c2b with 44 reps!! -Erin

  • There’s not a doubt in my mind that Katie gets hardest worker. She told us how she had a dream about chest to bar pull-ups the night before 19.5. She pulled three people up to that bar, 44 times I believe. Unbelievable!!! ~Dan
  • Katie of course for an incredible performance over the whole open, rxing each workout and PR the C2B. Also for being present all the time, cheering and judging my hubby twice. Lili
  • Hardest worker: Katie Swift. Period! ?
  • Katie Swift – come on now. Pregnant with twins and first c2b! really awesome. ~Shawn
  • Hardest Worker: Katie!! We all PR eventually, we all don’t PR by 44 reps while pregnant with twins. This strong mama is a force, and one of the sweetest souls you will know. ❤️??~Sue
  • Hardest Worker – Katie Swift. She literally gets stronger with every pregnancy. This time with twins on board she is twice as strong. When most would put aside some challenges until after delivery, she lets nothing hold her back!! She needs her own cape! ~Yvonne
  • Katie Swift – Katie deserves this award for not only undertaking her first open pregnant with twins, but also for all of her hard work and commitment to each and every workout. She gave it her all and even redid some of the workouts to better her score. During 19.5 she not only go her first chest to bar pullup, but then did 43 more with great form and determination! She has truly shown great strength determination and hard work ethic. ~Veronica

Hardest Worker 19.5 honorable mentions:

  • Camilla is the epitome of the athlete we all strive to be. She finished the most daunting workout whereas the rest of us packed it in many times throughout the workout. Her mindset is that of a finisher and winner. For that Camilla deserves the hardest worker award for 19.5.
  • I feel Camilla just gave it her absolute all.
  • CJ and Camilla for an unreal performance on 19.5 and dominating the leaderboard the whole open.
  • Camilla for hardest worker for finishing the workout like a champion
  • Hardest worker: Camilla. Although I did not see her workout in person I heard almost every member who did talk about how hard she went and how inspiring it was. I even hijacked her rep scheme and it is the only reason I was able to finish under the time cap. ~CJ
  • I nominate Steve for Hardest Worker. Steve has been such a strong presence during the Open, both as a coach and an athlete. However, watching him mentally fight his way through 19.5, literally pulling himself off the floor when his body wanted to give up, exemplified true commitment to finishing what you started. -Erin
  • Steve also gets my vote. Oh man not being no where near 100% after being sick he went to a scary dark place that I thought he was going to pass out but he kept on fighting. ~Scott
  • Cal! She busted her ass and crushed 19.5…she pushed herself to the limit for sure. ~Scott
  • Watching Cal get through 19.5 was amazing. She pushed so hard and fed off the energy and kept at it.
  • Megan Fuentes for powering through those chest to bars with giant bleeding rips on both hands! So inspiring and badass to watch!!! ~Lianne
  • Erin for hardest worker since she is always giving 150% and encouraging everyone around her. ~Cherie
  • CJ for hardest worker for finishing up the workout strong!!! – Camilla
  • Rob- what an amazing work ethic. He knew thrusters would be his Achilles heel but he still attacked them head on. He truly gave all he had. -Erin
  • Shawn Winters, Alicia Zink, Julie Hildenbrand – they hear the WODS, go to bed, and then have to tackle the WODS cold without any pointers, hints, or game plans from the previous classes. Their insight was very helpful. ~Katie
  • Hardest Worker goes to Gina!! She gave her all this open, and she never quit, she just came back for more! ??? ~Sue
  • Gina- I truly admire her quite strength and determination as she approached each open workout. She never complained just quietly puts in the work and crushed it! ~V

?SPIRIT OF THE GAMES 19.5 Award goes to Erin Winters!

Erin Winters, she has been the best captain, cheerleader, motivational speaker, and so so much more over the past 5 weeks (but seriously year round too) to not only her team members but to everyone in the box. She really wants people to succeed and cheers you on and encourages you even when your own self doubt creeps in. She is a solid athlete and an amazing person. ~Katie

  • Erin Winters- This is not the first time I’m nominating Erin because week after week she goes above and beyond for her team. She is constantly offering support in and out of the box. She is there for everyone offering advice and encouragement. And despite being sick this past week, her energy and support never faltered. Truly an awesome captain and teammate! ~V
  • For spirit of the games, I have to vote for my Captain. Erin has embraced her role like a boss. She not only motivated everyone on her team, but supported everyone not on her team as well. ~Dan
  • Erin Winters – she’s been tirelessly cheering and managing all aspects of her team for the past 5 weeks. She truly embodies everything that this intramural competition was meant to bring out. ~Shawn
  • Spirit: Erin!!! She is the best captain that has ever captained. Like most things in life, she rocked this role. Cheering us all on, showing up for every class (and if she could not be to one, she made sure someone was there to represent). This girl has integrity and grit like no one I’ve ever met. She is an inspiration to us all! So happy to have her as my captain, more happy to have her as my friend. ❤️?? ~Sue
  • Most Spirit – Erin Winters – All the captains have done such a great job for this Open. Erin has committed herself 1000% percent to her team. Motivating us, giving advice, decorating, cheering us on, coming to every class she can make it to. She sets the bar really high and her enthusiasm is palpable. ~Yvonne

Spirit of the Games 19.5 honorable mentions:

  • Eric for Spirit of the Games for being the best captain ever.
  • Eric for spirit of the games for being a GREAT captain always on top of everything, remind us of scores, posting details of every workout…
  • Spirit of the games goes to Eric Burke. He rallied the team each week, made sure everyone felt involved and supported, and gave his all in every workout. The games are all about giving your all while remaining a positive asset to the community and I think Eric did an amazing job of that. ~CJ
  • I have to vote for my captain for this week and over these past five weeks! I’m thankful for his motivation and positive energy with the entire team. ~Angela
  • The spirit award goes to everyone. Every single person has cheered me on and encouraged me to do things that I honestly in no way imagined I could ever do. This is really an amazing group of individuals with so much kindness in their hearts and I am so happy that I joined! Gina and Erin were the initial ones who convinced me to join the Open Games and I don’t know whether to yell at them, hug them or both but I know next time I’ll be even stronger and will shock myself again! Good job everyone and thank you!!!! -Jessica
  • I think he may have won already but I vote for Scott Brownfeld for Spirit of the games. He’s supportive, encouraging, not only always trying to better himself but loves seeing others excel as well.~Cherie
  • Spirit of the games to Scott Brownfeld for being the best, most motivational judge! I watched him get so many over that mental and physical brick wall! ~Lianne
  • Spirit of the games goes to all our coaches for being there supporting us and believing in all of us for the last 5 weeks!
  • Also vote for my Chris… after 3rd open wod he had decided to stop. But after couple of days. He decided he wouldn’t give up and he really pushed himself (sometimes feeling down bc he is the oldest at the box and difficult for him to accept that there are movements he is not good at… that’s just from his hidden competitive soul)-Lili
  • Cassie surprised many pushing herself out of her comfort zone every wod.
  • Every athlete did an incredible job… captains, cheering, huge effort everyone, you, holding back as well as Gino. Great great open season and can’t wait for October – Lili
  • Megan Brownfeld- She has supported everyone redoing during basic each week, cheering and offering guidance for anyone who needed it. As an athlete, she gave her all on the bar during 19.5. Even though she had one of the worst rips I’ve seen, she never quit and continue to chip away at each rep. -Erin
  • Kirsten, she makes sure she cheers for everyone and makes it her business to compliment as many as she can.
  • Gina Brownfeld- I have been in awe of her determination this Open. She starting rx-ing some workouts, refusing to let intimidation and nerves get the best of her. This season I have seen a marked difference in her confidence and willingness to try workouts. -Erin
  • Again I vote for Gina as she RXd the wod with never having to have done a pull-up and spent 15 minutes trying to get 1. She shows up to cheer everyone,never quits and never makes excuses. ~Scott

CrossFit Games OPEN 19.4 Intramural

CrossFit Games OPEN 19.4 Intramural Results

The results for the CrossFit Games OPEN 19.4 Intramural are posted! Heart & Swole is back in the lead this week!

This is it! The last week of the Open is upon us!

Remember to SAVE THE DATE for our AFTER PARTY on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Family-friendly BRUNCH potluck at the box! RSVP here.


?HARDEST WORKER 19.4 Award goes to Veronica!!

My hardest worker vote goes to Veronica. She has pushed herself to the dark place for every WOD, redoing each one to improve. She spent her Sunday taking the time to refine her muscle up skills in order to improve for her redo. She truly never gives up. ~Erin

-Veronica for hardest worker. I know she’s been doubting herself recently with the muscle ups and it was so awesome to see her finally believe in herself and not only get one, she got eight of them. I see her crushing workouts every single day (because she usually beats my ass in them) but this one was a little more special! – Dan
-Veronica for her BMU. She struggled with them throughout the year but during The Open she overcame the block and got them! Every week, every day she gives it her all. She’s such an inspiration. ~Katie
-Veronica gets my vote as the hardest worker. She crushed those bmus.
-Hardest Worker – Veronica because she is my idol!!!
-Hardest Worker: Veronica always works hard and she definitely earned all those muscle ups!!
-I wanted to nominated Veronica for both the hardest worker and most spirited awards! She killed it getting 8 muscle ups and even attempted a redo to get more. It was incredible to watch! Also, for someone pretty reserved she was and amazing cheerleader the entire time for everyone despite team color. No to mention, she ripped her hand on Sunday. Not from her muscle ups but from ringing the cow bell too hard. If that is spirited dedication I don’t know what is.

Hardest Worker 19.4 honorable mentions:

  • Gonna also nominate Megan for hardest worker for not only a stellar performance on part 1 but all the BMU attempts during and after the workout…she has also been managing the Sunday class beautifully with all the redos and commotion going on ~Scott
  • I have to vote for my mom, Gina, for pushing herself out of her comfort zone every week but this week in particular. She PRd her snatch and jumped over the bar! She pushed through every rep, did her best, and kicked booty!
  • I nominate Cassie for hardest worker for her determination and never quit attitude.
    Jessica Roberts – she busts her butt every workout!!! A lot of these movements are difficult for her but she doesn’t complain,is willing to learn and just shows up ~Scott
  • I would like to vote for Jessica For hardest worker, she works so hard and doesn’t shy away from a challenge and stays humble at the same time and she’s just lovely!
  • I nominate each of the team captains for Hardest Workers this week (and every week). Not everyone realizes all the work that goes on behind the scenes. From simply deciding on team details before the Open even began (I mean, who knew how hard it would be to figure out team colors — every shirt style has to match LOL) to constantly communicating with their teammates (not everyone is on Facebook) to tallying up team points every week (excel madness), all of this couldn’t have been done without you. Thank you for making it happen Eric, Erin and Lianne! ~Angela S.
  • Eva, another pr in her book ?
  • I need to give it to Jack! He tried so hard (I was sitting in front of him) and he gave his whole to the WOD! So awesome! ~Angela W.
  • Hardest worker goes to Angela for showing amazing restraint and discipline NOT going all out in the WOD,keeping her ego in check and remaining true to herself ~Scott
  • Shawn Winters for being committed to the 5:45/6am class during all the workouts. Can’t imagine working out that early, especially doing these grueling open WODs and crushing them without a cheering/motivation squad.

?SPIRIT OF THE GAMES 19.4 Award goes to Dan (that’s a given!)

Dan Unkel. He cheers for everyone!! He always is supportive of other athletes, judges when he can, and does it all with a smile. When I was concerned I couldn’t get to class on time Friday, his response was “don’t worry, I got this”. With his Stars and Stripes outfit, I’d say he definitely riled up the team. -Erin

-Most spirit- Dan Unkel. No need to explain why ????
-Dan- the USA outfit ?‍♀️ had too haha
-Dan for spirit cause, well, that outfit.
-The American Flag outfit… there are not many guys who can pull off an outfit like that… one is in Spain and one is Dan Unkel
-I also have to nominate Dan…no explanation needed ~Scott
-Spirit: Dan Unkel, he shows up to so many different classes judge and cheer and he is always encouraging everyone around him. Dan is always pushing himself and he is willing to try anything…like wearing the flag from head to toe!
-Dan Unkel for his American/Patriotic outfit from head to toe! Also for being a great cheerleader and believing in his teammates. Always has motivating things to say and comes early to cheer everyone on!
-For spirit, Dan! For his outfit this week alone! He just really pulls for everyone!

Spirit of the Games 19.4 honorable mentions:

  • Katie Swift… she was one of the 5:45 am supporters, did her 19.4 and came back in the afternoon with her babies (all 4!) to cheer the crew! So supportive! ~Angela W.
  • Katie Swift, shows up at 5:45 AM to cheer us and judges me….and she’s pregnant with twins. ~Sal
  • For spirit award it’s got to go to Veronica. I feel she gets overlooked by us loudmouths lol but I hear her quietly motivating,complimenting and helping everyone not just her teammates. She’s also dealing with her elbow issue but you would never know because she just shows up and does what she does…quietly!!!
  • I vote for Lisa for showing up for her team to complete 10 snatches after surgery!
  • Angela S. for having a goal outside the open but still doing the WOD for the team ?
  • Gina for spirit this week….she shows up to every class including the teens to support and cheer on all the athletes.she even showed up to the 5:45 this past week but her spirit also shows up in the way she approaches the workouts…for the 2nd week in a row she challenged herself and RX’d the workout even though she knew the burpees (she never does regular burpees nor does she jump over) would get her ~Scott

CrossFit Games OPEN 19.5 Intramural TEENS & KIDS

Remember, this Friday at 4:30pm, the CrossFit Salus Teens will be attacking the last OPEN workout. Catch the kids on Saturday morning around 10:30, too!

Swing by and cheer them on!

Reminders for the CrossFit Games OPEN:

  • If you missed the OPEN workout on Friday, you may may make it up on Sunday during basic training between 9:30-10:30am or on Monday during regular class.
    • As always, review the workout movement standards and expectations at https://games.crossfit.com.
    • Please arrange for your own judge to meet you there. Note: coaches are not be able judge OPEN athletes during regular class times.
  • Remember, you must submit your score at https://games.crossfit.com before 8pm on Monday (this is IN ADDITION TO submitting your score on Wodify).
    • CrossFit Games does not accept late submissions.
    • Your score will display on the Games site after we verify your score card.
    • Your score for the Intramural (for your team) will be taken from Wodify.
    • Please note any tiebreakers in the notes section on Wodify so we can rank accordingly.
  • You have until MONDAY night  to submit your nomination for “Hardest worker” and “Spirit of the Games” award.
    • Email your nomination to angela@crossfitsalus.com.
    • Include the nominee’s name and a sentence or two why you think they deserve the award.
    • If you know what team they’re on, please include that, too.
    • We’ll announce the winner and award the team points the following week.
  • Recover well, train smart, eat well, sleep plenty. It’s the last week of the CrossFit Games OPEN! Let’s do this!

Muscle Up Clinic with Steven Gluckstein

Hands-on Muscle Up Clinic

Through expert coaching and video analysis, learn the movement breakdowns of a muscle up, proper gymnastics progressions and positions, muscle up connection efficiency and spotting tips.

This one-time 90-minute clinic is for beginners as well as advanced CrossFit competitors. Sign up now!

Date

Friday, August 14th

Time

6-7:30pm

Cost

$30 Salus members.  $40 members from other CrossFit boxes.

Coach

Coach Steven Gluckstein

Where

Crossft Salus

What

Hands on Muscle-Up Clinic. (Movement breakdowns, proper gymnastics progressions and positions, video analysis, MU connection efficiency, and spotting)

Who

For beginners to advanced CF competitors

Sign me up!

Muscle Up Clinic

 

Your Coach and Olympian, Steven Gluckstein

Steven Gluckstein is an Olympic trampoline-gymnast raised in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Gluckstein started gymnastics at the age of 10 and competed for the first time on an international level at age 13. He won his first National Championships in 2003 and holds a total of 15 National titles. In 2009 Gluckstein and his synchro teammate Logan Dooley won America’s first Gold medal at a World Cup. They went on to be ranked number one in the world in 2010. Steven has competed at 5 World Championships and qualified USA into the Olympic Games in 2012. He competed in the London Olympic Games in August of 2012. When he’s not training, Gluckstein coaches gymnastics of all ages. He has a decade of experience coaching and has produced numerous national champions.

Steven was introduced to CrossFit by coaches Gino and Angela Salveo in 2013 and quickly became attracted to the sport and its community. As member of team Power Monkey Fitness, his goal is to spread the sport of gymnastics to everyone in the fitness community.

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Athlete of the Month: Jacquie

We’re excited to announce Dr. Jacqueline Gallello (who we all know as Jacquie) as our CrossFit Salus April Athlete of the Month! Jacquie has gotten so much stronger since she started and is one of our most virtuous members because she focuses on such good form on everything she does. She offers a wealth of knowledge to our community as a Physical Therapist at Sports Care next door and is extremely supportive of each and every member.

Learn a little bit more about Jacquie (and why she’s so amazing) below:

 

1. When and why did you start CrossFit?

I started CrossFit last April because I was getting bored with my normal workout regimens at the gym. I did gymnastics for 19 years and when I found out that part of CrossFit consisted of gymnastics type strength training, I was definitely motivated to give it a try! I’m the kind of person that likes to be pushed by experienced coaches and also motivated by watching driven athletes, so I thought that CrossFit would be the perfect fit for me.

2. How has your performance changed since you started CrossFit?

I have definitely gained more mobility and strength overall since I first started. I knew nothing about the correct techniques for the Olympic lifts when I first started, but I now feel more comfortable and confident when performing each lift.

I have definitely gained more mobility and strength overall since I first started.

3. Are there exercises you can do now that you couldn’t do before?

I was amazed at how quickly I was able to regain my strength with the body weight exercises that I used to do everyday in gymnastics, and I can now do ring muscle-ups which is a huge accomplishment for me. I was very cautious about lifting heavy when I first started CrossFit because of an old back and hip injury, but I’ve noticed over the past couple of months that I am more confident and much stronger to be able to lift heavier with proper body mechanics.

4. How has your body physically changed since you started CrossFit?

I haven’t lost any weight, but have definitely gained more muscle mass overall. I’ve noticed more definition in my arms and finally have my 6 pack back, so I’m looking forward to the summer…Bye Bye Beer Belly! I also noticed that I have more endurance to be able to get through those longer WODs without feeling like I’m going to pass out!

5. How has CrossFit changed you in other ways?

I’ve always been a light sleeper, but I’ve noticed that I am able to sleep much better on the days I workout. I work two jobs that are both physically demanding and I need to be in good shape so that I can be a good role model to my patients and also the children I coach. Being the Director of my facility and also the special needs gymnastics program I run can be very stressful at times, but I’ve noticed that doing CrossFit has definitely helped reduce my stress levels.

I’ve noticed that doing CrossFit has definitely helped reduce my stress levels.

6. How do you describe CrossFit to your friends?

I tell my friends and patients that CrossFit is a combination of endurance training, Olympic lifting, and bodyweight strengthening. It may look intimidating from an outsider’s perspective, but it is a great workout for EVERYONE. I inform them that it’s not about competing with other athletes in the box; it’s about doing your personal best! I encourage all of my patients to give it a try after they make a full recovery in therapy!

it’s not about competing with other athletes in the box; it’s about doing your personal best!

7. What keeps you motivated to continue?

Seeing the progress I’ve made over the past year has definitely motivated me to continue. I look forward to working out each day, even when it’s a challenging workout for me. Another motivation for me is watching the show my 600-lb life! I think to myself you have one life and one body, so don’t destroy it by making poor choices!

8. Favorite WOD or lift?

My favorite WODs are the “gymnasty” type of WODs. I’m still working on the technique with all of my lifts so I can’t say that I have a favorite yet!

9. What advice would you give to a newbie just joining CrossFit Salus?

The advice I would give to a newbie is that you’re going to love it! Don’t be intimidated by how much others can lift or do, just do your personal best each WOD and you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Every workout can be modified to your ability. Gino and Ang are amazing coaches and are always there for you when you have questions or need a little motivation! And all the athletes at CrossFit Salus become like a second family! They are a huge support and are always there cheering you on when you learn a new skill or get a PR!

all the athletes at CrossFit Salus become like a second family!

10. What is your next goal to accomplish…or goat to kill?

I’ve learned a lot about myself from doing the Crossfit Open this year. I knew going into it that I wasn’t going to be at the top of the leaderboard, but I gave it 110% each week and was proud of the progress I made. I learned that I’m a lot stronger then I could have ever imagined, and I need to start pushing myself more and more each WOD. Doing the Open has motivated me to want to participate in other small competitions throughout the year, so that would be my next goal!

Doing the Open has motivated me to want to participate in other small competitions throughout the year, so that would be my next goal!

11. If you could design your own WOD, what would it look like?

If I could design a WOD it would it would consist of strict pull-ups, v-ups, handstand walks, and rope climb without using your legs!

12. Favorite Paleo dish….and favorite “cheat” meal.

I don’t normally do the cooking in my house, but I do like making paleo stuffed peppers when I get the chance! And my favorite cheat meal is PIZZA!

Thank you to my CrossFit Salus family for always inspiring me to do my best!

 


CrossFit Salus Gymnastics with Olympian, Steven Gluckstein

Exciting news!!! 

We are beyond thrilled to have Olympian, Steven Gluckstein, coaching Gymnastics classes for CrossFit Salus! This much awaited class is finally happening!

Check out all the details below:

Who:

Open to all CrossFitters coming from any CrossFit box

What:

Gymnastics-specific classes* see below for a thorough description on what you can expect

When:

Contact Steven Gluckstein at stevengluckstein@gmail.com for the schedule.

Have some scheduling requests? Shoot Steven an email at stevengluckstein@gmail.com so we can make some changes for the majority!

Where:

CrossFit Salus

How Much:

$20/class or $100/month for members of CrossFit Salus

$25/class or $120/month for members of other boxes

(CrossFit Salus members may pay via cc through Wodify, all others must pay via check in advance)

Sign Me Up!

Contact Steven Gluckstein to reserve your spot (stevengluckstein@gmail.com).

What you can expect from the ‘Gymnastics for CrossFit’ classes:

  • Improve core strength (beginner and advanced gymnastics exercises)
  • Improve coordination through various gymnastics moves
  • Learn positions that apply to safely and more efficiently kipping (pull-ups, HSPU, etc)
  • Learn basic tumbling for body awareness such as back tucks
  • Practice proper parallel positions and skills (dips, swings, planches, holds, etc)
  • Develop proper ring positions and skills (dips, swings, hangs, kips, etc)
  • Learn strict and kipping muscle-up and muscle-up efficiency
  • Improve handstand position and balance improvement
  • Develop mobility (transfers over to overhead lifting, squatting, Olympic lifts, etc)
  • Increase your knowledge of gymnastics to teach properly and safely in your home box
  • Have fun doing gymnastics!

Your Coach and Olympian, Steven Gluckstein

Steven Gluckstein is an Olympic trampoline-gymnast raised in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Gluckstein started gymnastics at the age of 10 and competed for the first time on an international level at age 13. He won his first National Championships in 2003 and holds a total of 15 National titles. In 2009 Gluckstein and his synchro teammate Logan Dooley won America’s first Gold medal at a World Cup. They went on to be ranked number one in the world in 2010. Steven has competed at 5 World Championships and qualified USA into the Olympic Games in 2012. He competed in the London Olympic Games in August of 2012. When he’s not training, Gluckstein coaches gymnastics of all ages. He has a decade of experience coaching and has produced numerous national champions.

Steven was introduced to CrossFit by coaches Gino and Angela Salveo in 2013 and quickly became attracted to the sport and its community. As member of team Power Monkey Fitness, his goal is to spread the sport of gymnastics to everyone in the fitness community.

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steveng