Happy New Year to all of you! We welcome 2019 with open arms and tons of excitement. Plenty of goals to achieve, WODclub milestones to reach, and kilos to be lifted!

Our team is looking forward to an amazing year ahead, with many improvements and adjustments to our business. We’re excited to see you improve and sharpen your mind and movement. Our team has worked hard to create new options for you to reach your potential at FCF. In 2019, we are adding expanded options, both to capture the shift in market desires, and to respond to feedback from our own membership base. 

CrossFit vs Barbell Memberships

First, all athletes that continue enjoying our product, membership prices will not change and your memberships features will remain the same. We have resisted raising prices since 2015 (even though our rent in the neighborhood definitely has), and strive to continue to provide an appropriately-priced premium experience in our market. We are fortunate enough to withstand the need to raise prices across the board for another year or more. With that said, we will be raising the price of just our lowest tier of 2x/week by $10, to $165. All members will receive grandfathered pricing as long as they remain an active member. 

CrossFit memberships allow access to our popular instructional classes such as CrossFit, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Barbell, Mobility, and our seasonal classes such as Kettlebell, Endurance, and Gymnastics.

Barbell memberships only allow for our instructed Barbell classes (with Olympic Weightlifting and Powerlifting options) and Guided Training sessions. (More on GT below). We have created a new membership program for those who wish to focus solely on barbell technique. This membership will include all instructed Barbell classes and all Guided Training sessions. It will NOT include any of our other instructed classes (CrossFit, HIIT, Mobility, etc). This is a great option for those who want to solely focus on weightlifting.

Our instructed Barbell classes are back for the year and continue to be a part of our CrossFit program. We recommend these classes for those who want to supplement their CrossFit training. If prescribed weights are too heavy you might need to attend class. If you want to develop the strength necessary for higher-level skills such as pull-ups, ring and bar muscle-ups, single-leg squats, and handstand push-ups you might need to attend class. If you want to put on more muscle mass or develop unreal resiliency in your joint structures you might need to attend class.

Initially, in 2019, we will adjust our Barbell classes to 2x/week. The reason for the change is that we want to see athletes more invested in specified training- last year we saw a number of athletes swing for the fences and go all-in on membership frequency for classes. Expecting to CrossFit three to five times a week and do the Barbell classes three times a week on top of that, is a recipe for burn out. With the separation between a CrossFit membership and a Barbell membership, we believe athletes will achieve more with a direct focus in that particular style training.

That isn’t to say one can’t switch between the two monthly memberships. Athletes should try to train a strength cycle in Barbell for a month before going back to CrossFit classes. This is true especially of novice and intermediate athletes (experience of 1 to 12 months), who would benefit from cycling from one style of training consistently for a month before trying something new with the other style. Repeat as necessary.

Full Access Membership

When an athlete is consistent with a higher level of training and experience is solid, then the FULL ACCESS membership should be their next option. Balancing all available class options for conditioning, stamina, endurance, and skill-work paired with the strength work from Guided Training can lead to peak levels of performance.

You must be approved to join this membership level.

Guided Training

The question of “Open Gym” has been the biggest request we continue to receive. It is not in our philosophy or business plan to allow for an Open Gym setting due a number of reasons, including but not limited to:

  • The lack of space during our busiest stretches of the day and the week.
  • Distraction from instruction due to loud noises, workouts that detract from the learning experience in our classes.
  • The inability to watch what someone working safely and progressively towards their goals. Maxing out every session isn’t intelligent training.

In response to feedback, we are happy to announce we have developed a new program called Guided Training!

Here’s a quick look at our Guided Training implementation. GT is meant for those individuals who want to:

  • Increase strength levels and volume bases for CrossFit training
  • Achieve specific strength goals: hitting certain numbers for lifts or developing strength for higher-level skills such as pull-ups, bar/ring muscle-ups, single-leg squats, handstand push-ups, etc
  • Gain muscle mass
  • Rehab special needs due to injury or chronic issues
  • Train for specific and/or competitive events in Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Marathons, Trail/Mountain Hikes, Stair Climb, Obstacle Run, Kettlebell Sport, CrossFit competitions, etc. 

The Guided Training sessions will be scheduled in 1-3 hour blocks depending on the time of day. Initially, we will limit this to times when we are open for classes, and limit the number of participants in each block. The 5:30-7:30pm hours will not have Guided Training session due to space restrictions. This added access to the gym will be offered for $35/month on top of your regular membership.

You will receive a base-level program specific to you. Individualized Programs will be available for a fee after consulting with our coaching staff.

GUIDED TRAINING FAQ

Last updated 1/7/19 at 22:05

  • When/how can I start? How do I join Guided Training?
  • How much is it compared to my current membership?
    • It’s an additional $35 if you upgrade to FULL ACCESS, or it’s a $15 subtraction for Barbell membership only.
  • When do I get my program? How do I get my program?
    • After we determine your program there will be a folder in the barbell area where you can pick it up. It will be printed on blue cardstock.
  • Did the number of instructed Barbell classes drop compared to last year?
    • Yes, but last year our focus was on lifting and now our focus is back to pure CrossFit.
  • Can I start mid-month?
    • Yes, but that may mean you have an abbreviated program.
  • What if I don’t do the program? Do I get a refund?
    • There are no refunds. Once you fill out the registration form you are expected to see it through. Monthly programs expire just like classes. Don’t commit to GT if you cannot commit the attendance.
  • Can I receive more than one program at a time?
    • No you can only work one program at a time.
  • Can I get an individualized program?
    • Yes for a $50 fee we can discuss and design a specific program for you.
  • Schedule?
    • As of January 2019 you will have an opportunity to do your Guided Training during our regular hours: 6am-9am, 11am-1pm, 3:30pm-5:30pm, and 7:30pm-8:30pm.
  • What are the steps to access GT?
    • After filling out the Registration form your ZenPlanner login will be granted access to those special Guided Training sessions on the calendar. You should recieve your base program with 48 hours. RSVP for class, arrive, and lift!

Catch Andrew competing at the Alpha Winter Classic this Saturday at 2pm! The event will be streamed live if you’re not there in person.

Also a number of people are starting an informal nutrition challenge for January. It’s not a gym-led educational challenge (so you’ll need your own plan to follow), but we’re all here to support you anyway.

Need some accountability? Join us!

PROGRAMMING

Monday 12/31 (Holiday Hours: 9am, 10am , 11am classes only)

Endurance/Stamina Option: CHAD
Strength Option: back squats, presses, deadlifts
Power Option: snatches, clean & jerks

Tuesday 1/1: CLOSED

n/a. Do a HellaFit workout at home or go for a 40+ minute run!

Wednesday 1/2

3 rounds or time:
800m run
35 burpees
20 thrusters, 35/25kg

Thursday 1/3

Rx
AMRAP in 12 minutes:
9 chest-to-bar pullups
18 box jump overs, 24/20″

PERFORMANCE
AMRAP in 12 minutes:
3 rope climbs
20 box jumps, 30/24″

Friday 1/4

10 rounds on the Concept 2 Rower:
– pull a sub 1:25/500m pace for as long as possible
– rest 3:00

Scale pace as needed so that the first interval can be maintained for approximately 1:00

Saturday 1/5

E2MOM max ladder:
– power snatch + hang snatch
– power clean + hang clean + jerk

Sunday 1/6

speed back squats 8×3, then

4 rounds for time:
400m run
50 air squats

ARTICLES

+ The Only CrossFit Nutrition and Diet Article You’ll Ever Need – WODprep
+ Why Jack LaLanne Is One of the Most Influential Athletes of All Time – BarBend
+ 5 Reasons New Year’s Resolutions Suck – DoYouYoga

2019 is right around the corner. Have you made your fitness a goals yet? Join us and we’ll help you make fitness a priority.

TRY IT

Join us for a free class! Our Community CrossFit Classes allow athletes to experience what a day in our gym is like before registering. All levels welcome! There is no obligation. You can sign-up here.

READY TO GET STARTED? 

We still have space in our 7AM and 4:30PM Foundations On-Ramp Course which begins Tuesday, January 15th. This course is 12-classes over 4 weeks.  Click here for details.

ALREADY AN FCF ATHLETE? BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

This is a great time to support the fitness goals of your friends, co-workers, and loved ones. Refer a Friend and you’ll each receive a $25 credit towards your memberships!


Varsha and Rachael bench pressing off of a pommel and yoke back at CFSLU circa 2014

PROGRAMMING

Monday 12/24 (Holiday Hours: 9am, 10am, 11am classes only)

E2MOM for 7 sets: 4 back squats

3 rounds for max total reps:
1:00 broad jumps, 6/4′
1:00 alternating dumbbell snatch, 50/35#
1:00 calories (bike, ski, row)
1:00 burpees
1:00 wall ball push press, 20/14# to 10/9′

Tuesday 12/25 (Holiday Hours: 9am, 10am, 11am classes only)

High-Intensity Interval Training workouts

Wednesday 12/26 (Holiday Hours: 9am, 10am, 11am classes only)

AMRAP in 6:00
6 push press, 61/43kg
12 burpee over bar

AMRAP in 6:00
6 dip
12 kettlebell snatch, 24/16kg

establish a heavy 3-position clean

Thursday 12/27

6 supersets of:
8 floor press
6 bent-over row/side

3×8 wide-grip dips
4×10 plate raises

5 rounds
25 banded front raise
50 banded pull aparts

Friday 12/27

PENNIES

for time:
6 squat cleans, 102/61kg
6 muscle-ups
400m run
6 squat cleans, 102/61kg
6 muscle-ups
400m run
6 squat cleans, 102/61kg
6 muscle-ups
400m run
6 squat cleans, 102/61kg
6 muscle-ups

Squaturday 12/28

in pairs, for time:
20 back squats, 100/70
40 front squats, 85/58kg
80 OHS, 43/29kg
160 thrusters, 20/15kg

Sunday 12/29

for time:
21-15-9-15-21 db bench press, 2×50/35#
42-30-18-30-42 calorie row

ARTICLES

+ There’s No Such Thing as a Sugar Rush, According to Science – Fatherly
+ The Actual Pros and Cons of the Paleo Diet – BarBend

Row row row your boat

HOLIDAY HOURS

October 31, Halloween – no changes

PROGRAMMING

Monday 10/29

5 rounds for time:
200m run
35 double unders
15 overhead squats, 43/29kg

Post time to whiteboard!

Tuesday 10/30

3 rounds for max total reps:
1:00 max handstand pushups
1:00 max broad jumps, 6/4′
1:00 max rope pulls, weighted
1:00 max calorie row/ski/air bike
1:00 max double kettlebell deadlifts
1:00 rest

Post score to whiteboard.

Halloween Wednesday 10/31

WEAR A COSTUME TO THE EVENING CLASSES!

sumo deadlift 6×4

– then –

AMRAP in 8:00
15 wall ball, 30/20#
10 burpees
5 strict toes-to-bar

Post SDL loading and score to whiteboard.

Thursday 11/1

AMRAP in 16:00
200m run
16 knees-to-elbows
200m run
2/1 rope climb
200m run
16 dumbbell snatch, 50/35#

Post score to whiteboard.

Friday 11/2

CGO 12.2

AMRAP in 10:00
30 snatches, 34/20kg
30 snatches, 61/34kg
30 snatches, 75/45kg
max snatches, 95/55kg

Snatch technique day and a retest of another old CrossFit Games Open event. Scaled division wasn’t around then, but we will use the Masters’ numbers: 20/15kg, 34/25kg, 45/34kg, 54/41kg

Post score to whiteboard!

Saturday 11/3

TEAM CINDY

AMRAP in 40:00
A) 5 pullups, 10 pushups, 15 squats
B) holds double kettlebell rack

Post score to whiteboard!

Sunday 11/4

4 rounds for time:
400m medicine ball run, 20/14#
25 wall ball, 20/14#

Rx = 20/14#, Performance = 30/20#, Scaled = 14/8#
Post time to whiteboard.
FOUNDATION BARBELL

+ Powerlifting – Cycle 3, Block 3 – Week 2 PDF

ARTICLES

+ CrossFit’s Explosive Affiliate Growth by the Numbers – The Morning Chalk Up
+ How The Riveter is Outpacing Workspace Giants: A Q&A with Founder and CEO Amy Nelson – AllWork

HBD TONY!

This photo is from October 12th, 2008 at FCF 1.0 when Tony and I were both about 135lbs and cherry-picking all the bodyweight CrossFit workouts.

Also Dave took 3rd Place at the Brute vs Beauty Beatdown 2018 at CrossFit Chateau!

PROGRAMMING

Going to try something new this week. Feedback is appreciated! Remember: whatever is on the whiteboard on the gym is the FINAL version of the workout of the day.

Monday 10/22

for time:
50 deadlifts, 84/59kg
50 box jumps, 24/20″
50 pullups
50 calorie row
50 tuck-ups

Do bigger sets, but try to use weights that you cannot do more than sets of 10 in unless at Rx loading. Be smart and prepare your hands for this work, whether shaving your calluses down or wearing protective wraps/tape/gloves/etc.

Post time to comments!

Tuesday 10/23

21-15-9-15-21 reps for time:
power snatch, 34/25kg
overhead squats, 34/25kg

* 35 double unders after each set

Be able to get into a groove with proper mechanics with high-cycling. Snatches are power dependent, OHS are mobility and stability dependent. High-skill cardio between rounds for practice.

Post time to whiteboard!

Wednesday 10/24

PILCHUCK

6 rounds for time:
10 front squats, 102/70kg
24 American kettlebell swings, 32/24kg
14 burpee box jump overs, 24/20″

It’s been four years since tragedy struck on the Marysville-Plichuck High School campus and we run this workout to remember the lives lost and to bring awareness for continued emotional support to the students and staff at MPHS. This is going to be hard.

Post time to whiteboard. Donate to the MPHS Fitness Facility here.

Thursday 10/25

AMRAP in 20 minutes:
400m run
8 dumbbell front lunges, 2×50/35lbs
12 bar muscle-ups

A classic cardio/weightlifting/bodyweight combo, today is about the muscle-up ability under fatigue. Scaled athletes will work on their respective pulling exercises. Push the pace hard on the run and lunges, then figure out how to further your capacity with the pulling at the end of each round.

Post total reps to whiteboard!

Friday 10/26

CGO 11.4

AMRAP in 10 minutes:
60 bar-facing burpees
30 overhead squat, 55/41kg
10 muscle-ups

If you happened to miss Thursday, you still have a chance at muscle-up practice here. Bar and ring muscle-ups are cool. Also like last week this will be a great retest for those who were here 7 years ago (!!!) and haven’t retested this workout since.

Post score to whiteboard!

Saturday 10/27

You Go, I Go

10 rounds (5 rounds each athlete)
10 calorie row
10 kettlebell swings, 24/16kg

Rest and recover then

10 rounds (5 rounds each athlete)
10 power snatch, 34/20kg
10 air squats

Another Saturday, another Team workout. Do your hips have stamina? Let’s find out.

Post team and both times to whiteboard!

Sunday 10/28

every 3:00 for 21:00 (7 rounds)
7 pullups
7 weighted step-ups
7 pushups

– then –

tabata hollow rock

Interval work and midline burner dessert. Mmmm. Upper body and lower body will be taxed. Hold the weights however you see fit: farmers, rack, goblet, overhead, or some other way.

Post attendance to whiteboard!

FOUNDATION BARBELL

Today we start the last blocks of the year- the next four weeks are dedicated to testing and improving your strength levels before we take a break until the new year.

Olympic Weightlifting, November Block, Week 1/4 PDF

Powerlifting, November Block, Week 1/4 PDF

ARTICLES

https://bringemback.com featuring a short film directed by our own Chris V!
+ Third Pregnancy Easier for Omaha Mom Who Stuck With CrossFit Workouts – Live Well Nebraska
+ ‘Transgender’ Could Be Defined Out of Existence Under Trump Administration – NY Times
+ The Secret Betrayal That Sealed Nike’s Special Influence Over the University of Oregon – PS Mag
+ Millennials Are Doomed to Face An Existential Crisis That Will Define the Rest of Their Lives – Forbes
+ A Brief Jog Sharpens the Mind – British Psychology Society

RECOMMENDATIONS

I think the Reebok CrossFit Speed TR is the best “budget CrossFit shoe” out there for feet similar to mine. Check out AsManyReviewsAsPossible’s review video above if you haven’t already.

For those who tried mine at the gym the other day:

This is great at-home (or office) option for in bringing circulation and nerve stimulation to specific areas (just lay or stand on it for five minutes then take a walk- it’s so good!). I first heard about it from Tim Ferris and was hooked after I tried it.

Face it, gym gear gets nasty. Use these in your shoes, your gym bag, and your cubby at the gym if you have one (if you don’t have one, sign up on the clipboard in the back there!)

There “recharge” simply in the sun.

Sore from last week? Those situps and lunges got me!

PROGRAMMING

Click to embiggen!

Foundation Barbell: Powerlifting Cycle 3, October Block, Week 2 PDF

Foundation Barbell: Olympic Weightlifting Cycle 3, October Block, Week 2 PDF

ARTICLES

+ Why Eating Meat is Good For You – Chris Kresser
+ 16 CrossFit Athletes Over 50 Who Think Readers Digest is Full of Sh!t – Morning Chalk Up
+ Changes to 2019 Events, Publishes Quad Calendar – USA Weightlifting

RECOMMENDATIONS

Didn’t have any relevant conversations about stuff this week so here’s one I like

At home I enjoy making coffee through my AeroPress. It’s the closest thing to espresso (or cold brew) you can make if you have ground coffee/tea and hot water. No large machine necessary!

It’s superior to a french press for solo drinkers, and also fantastic for travel. The one thing I don’t like is that you use paper filters per use. Recently through Instagram I got to talking to one of the owners of Caffeine & Kilos and they mentioned that I should pickup a Fellow Prismo: it replaces the cap/filter portion of the AeroPress with a cleaner cap option and reusable stainless steel filter.

So good.

UPCOMING EVENTS

We’ll be sponsoring The OUTwod Power of Pride along with our friends at Rocket CrossFit, CrossFit LOFT, and FUELhouse Gym:

Check it out, save the date, call out a swole mate and register!

We’re going to have guest coach Chelsea coming in to help with the classes at FCF.

Chelsea is a Level 3 CrossFit Trainer and has been around the Seattle CrossFit community for a very long time and plans to open a CrossFit Affiliate in the White Center neighborhood of Seattle in the near future. Follow her on instagram here to see all the cool stuff she’s doing.

She’ll be on in the evening classes on Friday and CompEx on Saturday morning!

Coach Sarah and Colin finally welcomed their baby into the world on Monday, sharing a birthday with Coach Andrew! From the new mama bear:

Colin and I welcomed our baby girl into the world last night!

Leta (pronounced lee-tah) Dean Bleckner was born at 9:34pm, 6 lbs 10.8oz and 19.25 inches long. She came out with her eyes open and pooping!

Labor was long and the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but pushing was a breeze 😉

Thank you all for your love and support 💕

We wish them much happiness with the growth of the family and hope to see them back in FCF soon!

Andrew will be competing at the American Open Series 3 weightlifting meet in Las Vegas on Thursday evening at 6pm PST on the BLUE platform. USA Weightlifting will be live streaming the entire weekend’s events here.

Did you know that Guinness World Records will be at the event to determine if this will be the largest weightlifting meet ever. With five platforms working around the clock over 4 days (it’s usually 3 platforms over 3 days) and over 1600 athletes this one’s going to be a doozy.

You can play this video when it’s time:

We wish him good luck!