3..2..1.. The 2015 CrossFit Games to Start in Hermosa Beach, California

Come late July four words come to mind: SUN’S OUT GUNS OUT.

Event 1 of the 2015 CrossFit Games will start in the sand for the teams and individuals. We all know by now to expect some sort of swimming event during the weekend and Castro gives it to them again on the first day of competition. Individuals will then continue onto the tennis courts, like last year, to take on event 2.

2014 CrossFit Games “The Beach” Event Facts:

The Australian teams dominated the leaderboard last year after event 1. All 3 affiliates placed in the top 10 and CF Athletic took home the event win.
Kara Webb snagged 3rd place at the beach
7 out of 9 Aussie affiliates or athletes placed in the top 10 after event 1 in 2014
2014 champ, Camille Leblanc-Bazinet placed 6th
Jordan Troyan, who took 1st in the mens individual in 2014’s “The Beach” and 1st in “The Pool” in 2013, failed to qualify for the games this year. Josh Bridges, who also missed out on the 2015 Games, took 3rd place at the beach.

Check out the video below for the announcement made by CrossFit’s Dave Castro:

For more information check out the original post put up by CrossFit HQ

June 17, 2015October 22, 2020

Get Hyped For the 2015 CrossFit Games

The time is now to get hyped for the 2015 Reebok CrossFit Games. Hundreds of the top athletes battled it out at The 2015 CrossFit Regionals; just 80 individuals and 40 teams remain. A season that started with a few new changes and twists will end on July 26th with one male, female, and team left standing as the fittest in the world.

These elite athletes look to check off their last goal for the 2015 CrossFit season: Win The Games.

Ohlsen vs Bailey vs Panchik vs Porter vs Fraser vs Koski vs Parker

Briggs vs Webb vs Leblanc-Bazinet vs Bridgers vs Ence vs Thorisdottir

Not pumped enough? Here’s a throwback to the 2014 Games Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84vJvsVMEV0

Excited yet??

When: July 21-26
Where: The StubHub Center in Carson, California

For More information on the season schedule be sure to check out the official post here:

http://games.crossfit.com/article/2015-reebok-crossfit-games-season-schedule

May 11, 2015October 22, 2020

Road to Regionals – TWL Athlete Interview Steph Ortiz

Finishing fourth in The Open in Australia this yer, Stephanie Ortiz is one strong woman to watch! Stephanie grew up in Orlando, USA starting out her fitness career in a gymnastics gym. She moved to Australia after College and starting training in a CrossFit box and has never looked back!

With her programming and preparation handled by her coach Ben Norman and prior experience at Regionals, we expect Stephanie will go well at this years Regionals!

Read on to find our more about her preparation this year:

Steph, you finished 4th in Australia in this year’s Open. What as your favourite workout?

The Open was really well programmed this year. My favorite workout was 15.1, I really enjoy toes to bar and getting a pb on the clean and jerk was icing on the cake! I enjoyed having the muscle ups in the beginning of a workout too in Open workout 15.3.

What was the major challenge for you in the Open?

The Open is a fun time in the CrossFit Season; its definitely a roller coaster of emotions, watching the computer screen to see what Dave Castro will pull out of his bag of tricks, then mentally going through the movements in your head, wondering what kind of set numbers you can hold, doing the workout, and wondering if your score will hold up. That whole process is a challenge for everyone who competed in the Open, top 30 or not.

We noticed a little bit of leader boarding among the top athletes during the Open. Do you think this will be standard affair now that more is on the line?

I think in general a little bit of leader boarding is going to happen. I only re-did 2 of the workouts but submitted my score right away. Once its submitted, Ben approves the score and thats when it pops up on the screen. A lot rides on your consistency throughout the five weeks so those first couple of workouts are important I think.

Last year, you qualified 31st in the Open going into Regionals. You became a bit of a surprise packet, blowing everyone away with an 8th place finish overall. Did you expect this at all?

I surprised myself last year so I am glad I wasn’t the only one that was! Last years Regional was the funnest competition I’ve had the pleasure of competing in. During the open, I treated every workout as a one-shot deal, that strategy has worked for me since then. Last year before the open started, I did not have the goal of qualifying for regionals, so it came as a bit of a surprise when I did qualify. I went into the competition with no expectations and to give every workout my all. With an 8th place finish it fueled my training regime for that next year.

Do you think it is more challenging to qualify for your first regionals, or qualify for a second time?

With the switch-up of the Super Regions, I knew qualifying this year would be extremely difficult compared to last year (especially qualifying low last time) and I took the Open very seriously. Qualifying for any Regional in any year is challenging-but with the Open workouts this time around, it definitely got stepped up a couple of notches.

What does it mean to you to get Regionals this year?

Qualifying for Regionals is a huge honor for every individual athlete, as well as the teams that qualified-but you definitely have to keep it in mind that, while you did qualify, everyone starts at zero once you get to Wollongong, its anyones game, so you have to be ready for everyone to step it up.

What has your preparation been like for Regionals this year?

My preparation has been seamlessly handled by my coach Ben Norman. The man is a programming genius when it comes to what type of movements he thinks will pop up-so luckily I’ve been doing a lot of strict handstand pushups, handstand walking and GHD’s. There are a lot of things that I need to dial in on, and the past couple of weeks those things have been clicking for me and my training partner Emma Hissey.

Is there anything you’ve done differently this year to previous years?

I wouldn’t say that Ive done anything different from previous years, I still have a lot to learn. Dialing in on longer workouts, pacing and high rep squatting have been things Im still continuing to work on as well as a laundry list of other movements!

What is something you have learnt from Regional competition last year, that you can take into competing this year?

The Regional competition was a lot of fun for me, seeing the talent in the female field here in Australia is truly inspiring, and it showed me that I could “hang with the big guns”.

Every time I compete; I treat it as a learning experience, go back to the drawing board and list things that I need to work on. Again, Ben helped me with those holes and while I am improving, there are still a lot of things I need to work on. I’m under the frame of mind that “coach knows best” and its been working for me.

Tell us a bit about you diet and your lifestyle.

I enjoy food. I don’t measure what I eat, sometimes I finish my plate, sometimes I don’t. I enjoy eating a delicious home cooked meal, my favorite thing to have is a hamburger and my favorite snack of choice is an apple with peanut butter. I work hard in the gym everyday so food is my reward! I love my veggies, and I eat peanut butter like its going out of style.

What about your role as a Coach?

I am very fortunate to have the lifestyle that allows me to train other people in CrossFit, seeing improvement at CrossFit Adelaide is so cool, seeing someone get their first pull-up, or their first muscle up makes it all worth it. (Even if it is at 5 o’clock in the morning).

And out of the gym?

I like to go rock climbing and enjoy trail running and love to nerd out on Avengers, X-Men and Harry Potter.

You competed with James (Newbury) at the Orange County Throwdown games in February – placing 21st overall – tell us about that experience?

The OC Throwdown was one of the bigger competitions I’ve competed in, and it was an experience to say the least. After I stopped staring at some of the big names that were there, I put my head down and worked. That part of the year was a re-building phase for me, I had just been in Hawaii to visit my sister and brother-in-law and was on my way back to moving to Australia.

It was good to compete with U.S. women (as well as some bad ass Aussie chicks as well) just to see where you stacked up. It was unfortunate that so many athletes injured themselves on the hurdle event, I too fell, but was lucky to walk away unscathed.

For those wanting to improve at CrossFit day-to-day, what is your number one tip to improve?

Improve on your strength i.e.; work those strict pull-ups. Squat and when your done squatting….squat some more! Squat, press and deadlift at least once a week. Also, its cool to be upside-down, so be upside down at least once a day 🙂

What are three items that you can’t live without / are always in your gym bag?

My cool WOD Life Lamb Tape
TWL wrist wraps
And a headband (for those longer workouts)

AMRAP Quick stats:

Age: 28.

How long have you been ‘cross fitting? 2 years

Back Squat: 115kg

If there was a WOD named after you, what would be in it? Handstand walk into a Static Handstand Hold with toes to bar into bar muscle ups. Oooooo I might have to try this!

Affiliate: CrossFit Adelaide

Coach: Ben Norman

May 9, 2015October 22, 2020

Road to Regionals – TWL Athlete Interview Luke McMahon

At just 20 years of age, Tumut’s Luke McMahon has packed on 7kg in the last year and feels a lot stronger and fitter, and more prepared for this year’s Regionals. This guy is the one to watch, with Raw Strength and Conditioning helping his programming, and an active and fit family and friends to provide encouragement and support, we know he’ll be going places!

Read on to find out how Luke has been preparing for this year’s Regionals:

You finished 15th (in Aus), in this year’s Open. How did this year’s Open competing compare to last year? More difficult or more enjoyable?

Leading to up to this year’s open I felt confident and relaxed as I’ve been putting a lot more time and effort into my training, and I was able to approach the open comfortably.

What was the major challenge for you in the Open?

15.1a The clean and jerk was a challenge for me as I am a smaller, weaker athlete. Don’t get me wrong though, I love lifting, and I am getting stronger everyday!

You made it to Regionals for the first time in 2014, and was one of the youngest to compete (what age were you then?) Tell us a bit about that experience.

Last year i was 19 at regionals and the smallest. It was a bit intimidating at first as i hardly knew anybody and it was my first time competing in front of a large crowd, by the end of the weekend it was much more enjoyable

What does it mean to you to get back to Regionals this year?

This year will be fun. But my goals are when I am bigger, 85kg and stronger and can compete at a games level athlete. My focus is next year and the years after that, that’s when I’ll be a serious competitor.

What has your preparation been like for the Regionals this year?

After last year’s Regionals I worked on my strength and size but also kept my fitness level up. I am about 7kg heavier and feel a bit more comfortable under heavier loads.

How do you feel you’ve grown in the past year since last competing at Regionals (strength, mentally and physically)?

Strength I am constantly challenging myself with heavier loads. Mentally I keep a positive attitude when it comes to my training and my personal life, and have a lot of support from my family, my girlfriend and friends. Physically, I give myself enough rest and recovery to ensure that I am capable of training to my full potential each session

Is there anything you’ve done differently this year to last year to prepare for the Open or Regionals?

Last year’s preparation I programmed my training on my own, which worked out well for me being that it was my first time at regionals. This year I’ve been programmed by raw strength and conditioning, which has been working my weaknesses and doing different movements and training methods to help build me into an all rounded CrossFit athlete.

Last year you competed at the Schwartz Challenge in Melbourne, blowing many people away and winning a few workouts. How did you enjoy that experience?

I wasn’t fully prepared for Schwartz as I only found out about the competition a month beforehand, but with the training that I was doing at the time, it definitely allowed me to go well in some of the events and not so great in some of the heavy load events. Overall I was really happy with my performance and it just made me want to keep going and push to achieve more in the upcoming regionals.

You’re from a big family, do you train with your brothers and/or sisters? Does this help your training?

My brother, Aydan is 17 and he is currently doing strictly Olympic lifting, which is a help to me when it comes to working on heavier lifts and improving my techniques. My brother, Josh is 16 and has been doing a variation of Olympic lifting and CrossFit and has decided to focus on CrossFit a lot more. Billy, who is 14 is focusing more on weight lifting.

We all enjoy training together and helping each other out where we can. My younger brothers and sisters are very involved in our training environment and they enjoy playing around with movements and is fun to see them enjoy it as well and will be interesting to see if they follow through with it when they’re older.

Where do you currently train, and what does your rough weekly training cycle look like?

I train at CrossFit Tumut and also from my home gym which has been set up by my sponsor Raw fitness equipment. I train 6 days a week with 2-3 sessions a day depending on the intensity and work load.

Being a younger CrossFit Athlete with so many more experience athletes that you’ll be up against at Regionals; how do you keep yourself motivated?

Watching the top athletes compete, and following them on social media inspires me to keep up my training, knowing that I could be up with them one day. Also the environment that I get to train in at home with my brothers, girlfriend and friends keeps it fun, as well as motivating while I’m training.

Tell us a bit about you diet and your lifestyle in general…

I eat whatever is convenient. I don’t have a strict meal plan, I eat a variety of healthy foods, 5-6 meals a day. This includes paleo style meals that I am supplied with by Urban Paleo Foods as well as what I make myself.

What is your ultimate aim for competing in CrossFit?

To make it to the CrossFit Games.

Has your background in Karate, Jiu-Jitsu helped your CrossFit training at all?

When I was involved in kick boxing I was using CrossFit for conditioning and began to realise that I had a passion for it and once I started to compete in some small local events I realised that I wanted to continue with CrossFit as my main sport.

AMRAP Quick Stats:

Age: 20

When did you start CrossFit? 2012

If there was a WOD to be named after you, what would it be? It would be fast with body weight movements- chest to bar pullups, double unders, handstand pushups/walks, light weight barbell movements.

Affiliate: CrossFit Tumut

Coach: Programmed by Raw strength and conditioning. I don’t have a coach, but I train with a range of other athletes and coaches.

Photo Credit: Matthew Townsend Photo

May 9, 2015October 22, 2020

Road to Regionals – TWL Athlete Interview Callum Ward

Placing 20th in this year’s Open, Melbourne’s Callum Ward is on fire preparing for Regional’s this year, after narrowly missing out last year! Winning is sweet for Callum, but even more so is his favourite cheat meal of chocolate! Read on to find out more about Callum’s training and preparation in the lead up to this year’s CrossFit Regionals:

You finished 20th (in Aus), in this year’s Open. What was your favourite Open workout?

The HSPU/Clean workout I enjoyed doing the most.

Qualifying for Regionals in 2013, but missing out in 2014. How did that feel to miss out?

I knew I was going to make it in 2014 after being hospitalised in January from eating some off chicken and dropping 10kgs in a week. I tried my best but wasn’t good enough.

In not competing in the 2014 Regionals, how did this affect you for 2015? Did you become more motivated, more structured?

Motivation was high and I was hungry to make it back to Regionals.

Achieving that goal of qualifying for Regionals in 2015, what does that mean to you?

It means the programming works and reassures me that if I put my head down and do the work I’m capable of making it.

How has your preparation been for Regionals this year?

Long! I started 6months ago with Open Prep doing 1-2 Repeat Open WODs per week.

Is there anything you’ve done differently this year to previous years?

This year I’m doing a lot more rowing, Assault bike and EMOM’s.

Tell us some more Wards Gym/CrossFit Chalk City that you own with you brother?

It’s been great being able to work alongside my older brother and grow what started as a small business into what we have today.

What is one of the best things about owning a CrossFit affiliate?

The flexibility.

How does owning a gym affect your training?

It doesn’t if anything it gives me more time to fit in my sessions.

Many athletes rely on training with other elite athletes to keep them motivated. What keeps you motivated to pursue the grind everyday?

I have a few haters out there, and knowing that me making it back to Regionals fuels my fire.

I’ve heard also that you’ve just had a baby? Has becoming a father affected that way you think about CrossFit, your training and lifestyle?

Definitely, I have a 4 week old and she’s the perfect time waster. After Regionals I’ll be taking a year off to focus of being there for Leasa and Indiana-Rae. Plus focus on my Olympic lifting.

What’s your favourite cheat meal?

It has to be a block of chocolate! When my training increases so does my consumption of chocolate.

AMRAP Quick Stats:

Age: 28

How long have you been Crossfiting for? Since 2012

Fran: 2.20

Back squat: 205kg

If there was a WOD named after you, what would it be?

2 rounds for time

30 Ring MU+30 Deadlifts@140+30 HSPU

Affiliate: CrossFit Chalk City (Wards Gym)

Coach: Myself

Photo Credit: Frankie Lee Matthews Photography

May 9, 2015October 22, 2020

Road to Regionals – TWL Athlete Interview James Newbury

A seasoned CrossFit Regional’s competitor with three visits beforehand, James Newbury is one of Australia’s shining stars. However, at 24 years of age, he’s had a rough season in the lead up to the Open, and now Regionals, with a torn patella tendon, broken wrist and more, does he have what it takes this year?

You finished 18th (in Aus), in this year’s Open. What was your approach to the Open this year?

The lead up to this season hasn’t been perfect. I felt it, with a torn patella tendon, broken wrist, stiff back and a lot of business growth. I approached the open with the expectation to make it back to regionals and show what I can really do there. That’s where is counts for me.

As a seasoned Regionals competitor, are you focused on the leader board during Open or focused on Regionals preparation?

After two trips to regionals I was confident in my ability in The Open to always make it back. I knew if I pushed myself that it would keep me in the top 10 no matter what. I took this Open a little more strategically to ensure I had no flare up to my niggly injuries, I was happy with 18th.

What does it mean to you to get Regionals this year? (Given you’ve made it to regionals three times before – does it give you an edge?)

I believe I am more confined in my own ability to hang in the top pack. I have confidence in my training and programming, and the ability I can muster when push comes to shove. I will lay it all on the line with year to earn my trip to Carson.

You’re a household name in Australian CrossFit, tell us something we don’t know about you – how do you mentally prepare for a CrossFit comp? Do you have any specific warmup routines for comps?

I love to prepare for a competition by floating more regularly than normal. Floating, if you don’t know, is lying in a pool of water 30cm deep with 400kg of Epsom salt diluted around you to keep you buoyant. This lets me visualise and physically and mentally recovery properly. I like to be as relaxed as possible.

You have been working closely with Raw Strength & Conditioning this year. How has your preparation for Regionals this year been different to previous years?

I have had over a full year of Raw Strength & Conditioning under my belt and although some injuries have changed my preparation I feel super ready for what’s to come. There is no better in the business than Raw to get people physically prepared for any task.

We often see some crazy workouts programmed for you by RAW, often designed to break you. Do you like the challenge or enjoy the pain?

I freakin’ love the challenge and the pain. During the workouts they hurt, but give you such satisfaction once complete. I did a workout with Rob D at his house and I can safely say I think it was the worst ever exercise induced pain. I remember lying between efforts thinking this can’t be real! Haha! He knows how to mentally push you.

What is going to be the biggest challenge at Regionals for you?

The biggest challenge will be stay focused when things don’t go my way. I know I can do it but there always that little voice inside your head. I have learnt how to overcome that voice in each passing year.

Earlier this year, you had a taste of international competition, competing in the OC Throwdown where you placed 11th and Wodapalooza. What is the biggest takeaway from competing in these competitions for you?

I had such a ball competing on this level. At Wodapaloza I ended up placing 3rd and 1st in a couple workouts so it was realisation that I can be up there with some of the big names in international CrossFit.

Every successful person has a morning routine, what does your morning routine look like?

Every morning I wake up roll over and kiss my beautiful partner Kayla Banfield. I then stagger to the kitchen and make our coconut oil infused Rebel Coffee.

You own CrossFit Mode, tell us about the challenges of juggling running a business, coaching and training?

It’s a massive task giving your all to you friends and members whilst maintaining a relationship, running a gym, sports recovery centre, being a full time athlete etc. Luckily I have a great team of willing people that hold the values I view as essential to as essential to them also.

How does your day-to-day programming/ training vary to preparing for Open, Regionals?

I normally train 2-3 hours per day but leading into regionals we focus more so on the sharp intense workouts and making sure warm up and cool down is spot on for what we need. We need to maximise recovery across the board to ensure every workout is perfect!

AMRAP Quick stats:

Age: 24

Fran: 2.18

Back Squat: 170kg

How long have you been crossfitting? 4 years

If there was a WOD named after you, what would be in it? T2B – Pull ups – bar muscle ups – running

Affiliate: CrossFit Mode

March 6, 2015February 4, 2021

CrossFit Open Workout 15.2 – Recovery Tips

The CrossFit Open 2015 is looking to identify the top athletes around the globe, over the course of five weeks, five workouts.

Often, it is not how well you perform in one, single workout, but rather how well you can recover and perform again in the next workout.

To help you with your recovery from 15.2 and put you in a position to attack 14.3, check out these tips from Athlete Cell Coach Dustin Dillberg.

CrossFit Open Workout 15.2 – Recovery Tips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHQLkvkWLZE&feature=youtu.be

February 27, 2015October 22, 2020

CrossFit Open Head to Head – in numbers

As Dave Castro reveals the CrossFit Open workouts each week over the next five weeks, we’ll also get to see some of the best athlete’s going head-to-head. The anticipation of finding out the workouts each week is nail biting, but for these athletes to find them out – only minutes from having to perform them must be something else!

For each of the Open workout reveals, TWL takes a look at these athletes – and how they stack up in numbers. Each of the athletes all have strengths and weaknesses, some four times reigning champions (Froning), others are ex-gymnasts (Foucher to name a few). Ultimately, it all comes down to not being the best at a couple of things, but good at everything.

Let’s look into each of the Open workouts athletes’ numbers to try and get an idea of who will be the winner each round!

15.1, February 26: Rich Froning Jnr. vs. Mathew Fraser

15.2, March 5: Emily Bridgers vs. Michele Letendre

15.3, March 12: Julie Foucher vs. Lauren Brooks

15.4, March 19: Josh Bridges vs. Scott Panchik

15.5, March 26: Camille Leblanc-Bazinet vs. Sam Briggs vs. Annie Thorisdottir

December 23, 2014October 22, 2020

The 2014 CrossFit Games with Super Regions

With the introduction of the “Super Regions” and wide spread changes for the 2015 CrossFit Season there has been a great amount of debate amongst the CrossFit Community.

One such question that has been raised is, what would the 2014 CrossFit Games have looked like if the Super Regions would have applied?

Who would have made the cut? Who would have missed out?

CrossFit Games just released an article detailing more information about the changes. They also formulated who would have made the trip to Carson, California.

It’s all good news for the Australian region with athletes Kevin Manuel and James Newbury both would have made the cut on the Men’s side. For the Women, Ruth Anderson Horrell also would have made the grade as would 2014 CrossFit Games 40-44 Masters Champion Amanda Allen.

So that opens the question, if there are 5 places in the Australian Regional in 2015. Who will it be?

The 2014 CrossFit Games with Super Regions

Source: CrossFit Games

November 5, 2014October 22, 2020

The Tests – Give’m Cold Steel

Darren Couglan, of Give’m Cold Steel and CrossFit Newcastle has devised a set of 15 “Tests” which are used to gauge how effective the program is and how well the client is applying themselves.

Check out Give’m Cold Steel and the workouts below!

Click Link for Larger:

July 9, 2014February 4, 2021

Inside The Strong Room

Our friends over at The Strong Room have put together an amazing visual experience about their affiliate, training, equipment and ethos. Take a moment to check it out!

Inside The Strong Room…

Watch Now:

https://vimeo.com/100198604

For anyone wanting to learn more about The Strong Room, get in touch with Murray 0405 679 774 / Pete 0478 615 414:

Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/CrossfitChadstone

Website > http://www.thestrongroom.com.au/

July 8, 2014October 22, 2020

The Story in Australia – CrossFit Regional Australia 2014

Relive the magic of the 2014 Australia Regional, with this amazingly well produced video by Michael McCoy from CrossFit.com

The Australia Regional brought a weekend of surprises. While Games veterans Ruth Anderson Horrell and Chad Mackay failed to qualify, returning competitor Denae Brown took first overall for the women, and Rob Forte stood atop the men’s podium for the second consecutive year.

Games spots were up for grabs all weekend. “When you look at this Leaderboard, it’s becoming very clear that Australia is just as competitive as any other region out there,” said “CrossFit Games Update” host Sean Woodland. Returning to defend her title as regional champion, Kara Webb nabbed first-place finishes in Events 1 and 3 but knew that didn’t mean a thing.

“There’s a lot of workouts to still be done,” she said with a grin on Day 2.

Brown—who was back from pregnancy and a year away from competition—finished second and fourth on Day 3 to take top spot on the women’s podium.

Webb was second, and Pip Malone finished third. Fan favorite Mackay had a rough Day 1, picking up 22 points on Event 2.

“Today’s just about effort … . I know I’m gonna put in my best effort, and hopefully I’m gonna climb back up that Leaderboard,” Mackay said on Day 2.

Despite the effort, Mackay was not able to overtake Forte, Games vet Brandon Swan and Khan Porter, who will make his first Games appearance.

Video by Michael McCoy. The CrossFit Games — (http://games.crossfit.com)

Watch Now