8 months on CrossFit

Jeff Martin · 08-17-2004, 12:39 PM

So today I turned 45 and have been on Crossfit for about 8 months. Before I tell you about my progress I should probably tell you where I started. I have had numerous injuries over the years. I injured my knee several years ago and even after surgery I have been unable to run hard on it. I hurt my back in '91 in a rodeo and have been unable to do deadlifts since. My right shoulder was dislocated and my left one separated numerous times. Overhead movements were painful. Consequently, when doing pull-ups I counted any significant upward movement of my body as a “pull-up.” Oh, to round this all out I have asthma.

Having started with all of “that” here are some of the things CrossFit has allowed me to accomplish. I have not been able to run under a seven-minute mile in ten years, I ran a 6:20 mile last week. My goal is under 6:00 by the end of the year. I have finished a +2 Chelsea. When I started deadlifting on CrossFit simply using the bar hurt my back for days. A few weeks ago I pulled 345. I recently did Diane in 9:15. No problems in my back. I squatted 315. Pull-ups I did 26 a few weeks ago. Goes without saying they are CrossFit pull-ups, still trying for thirty. All of this is good, but more importantly I am stronger and more capable in my field than I was 8 months ago. I can spar longer, punch and kick harder, shove bigger guys around…… I keep saying at 45 I should at best be maintaining not getting bigger, stronger, and faster.

I started CrossFit at a bodyweight of 164, I am up to 170 same body fat percentage. Given the results I have had I think I’ll start trying the diet recommendations. Coach and Lauren thanks for all you do.

Jon Pappas · 08-17-2004, 12:56 PM

That is awesome progress Jeff!

Jason Horton · 08-18-2004, 09:21 AM

Jeff-

would you say things just "fell into place" with crossfit and results? for example, would running a better mile come from crossfit training , or was it specific running training? or does doing the WOD's and additional fitness related workouts make achieving goals easier?

Jeff Martin · 08-18-2004, 01:19 PM

Jason,
Good question. I think it goes to the heart of what CrossFit is and what it accomplishes. Before CrossFit (from now on to be termed BC) I had a running program, a weight program, a bodyweight workout program and skills work. Maybe it could be better termed as an aerobic program, a strength program and a skills development program. When I started CrossFit, I decided to make it my workout program for a few months. What I mean by that is that except for specific skill work and heavy bag work the only workout I followed was CrossFit's WOD. When I started this experiment, the only thing I changed was the way I worked out. I didn't change my eating habits, sleeping, didn't add more bag work. I simply started following the WOD and dropped my running and strength workouts. The only thing I can attribute the changes to is CrossFit. The WOD seems to be uniqiue in its ability to provide fitness across a range of abilities and tasks.

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08-17-2004, 12:39 PM	#1
Jeff Martin Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ramona Ca. Posts: 1,318	So today I turned 45 and have been on Crossfit for about 8 months. Before I tell you about my progress I should probably tell you where I started. I have had numerous injuries over the years. I injured my knee several years ago and even after surgery I have been unable to run hard on it. I hurt my back in '91 in a rodeo and have been unable to do deadlifts since. My right shoulder was dislocated and my left one separated numerous times. Overhead movements were painful. Consequently, when doing pull-ups I counted any significant upward movement of my body as a “pull-up.” Oh, to round this all out I have asthma. Having started with all of “that” here are some of the things CrossFit has allowed me to accomplish. I have not been able to run under a seven-minute mile in ten years, I ran a 6:20 mile last week. My goal is under 6:00 by the end of the year. I have finished a +2 Chelsea. When I started deadlifting on CrossFit simply using the bar hurt my back for days. A few weeks ago I pulled 345. I recently did Diane in 9:15. No problems in my back. I squatted 315. Pull-ups I did 26 a few weeks ago. Goes without saying they are CrossFit pull-ups, still trying for thirty. All of this is good, but more importantly I am stronger and more capable in my field than I was 8 months ago. I can spar longer, punch and kick harder, shove bigger guys around…… I keep saying at 45 I should at best be maintaining not getting bigger, stronger, and faster. I started CrossFit at a bodyweight of 164, I am up to 170 same body fat percentage. Given the results I have had I think I’ll start trying the diet recommendations. Coach and Lauren thanks for all you do.

08-17-2004, 12:56 PM	#2
Jon Pappas Member Profile: Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Petaluma CA Posts: 175	That is awesome progress Jeff!

08-18-2004, 09:21 AM	#3
Jason Horton Departed Profile: Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 44	Jeff- would you say things just "fell into place" with crossfit and results? for example, would running a better mile come from crossfit training , or was it specific running training? or does doing the WOD's and additional fitness related workouts make achieving goals easier?

08-18-2004, 01:19 PM	#4
Jeff Martin Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ramona Ca. Posts: 1,318	Jason, Good question. I think it goes to the heart of what CrossFit is and what it accomplishes. Before CrossFit (from now on to be termed BC) I had a running program, a weight program, a bodyweight workout program and skills work. Maybe it could be better termed as an aerobic program, a strength program and a skills development program. When I started CrossFit, I decided to make it my workout program for a few months. What I mean by that is that except for specific skill work and heavy bag work the only workout I followed was CrossFit's WOD. When I started this experiment, the only thing I changed was the way I worked out. I didn't change my eating habits, sleeping, didn't add more bag work. I simply started following the WOD and dropped my running and strength workouts. The only thing I can attribute the changes to is CrossFit. The WOD seems to be uniqiue in its ability to provide fitness across a range of abilities and tasks.