Nike Archives - TWL Journal - Push The Boundaries

July 8, 2021July 20, 2021

The New Nike Metcon 7: Elevating the Way You Train

“There’s no way Nike is going to come out with another Metcon,” you said. Well… guess again. The Nike Metcon 7 is upon us, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Nike had fun teasing us with this one. We knew it was coming, but for a while, no one really knew when. Then we heard whispers that the official release date globally was going to be July 9th, and here we are.

First, let’s talk about aesthetics. Nike is offering us all sorts of new looks and colors, including a black/metallic dark grey combo, chile red/black, and light smoke grey/violet haze/lilac. Remember when training shoes came in *maybe* two different colors? Those days are long behind us.

And as always, you can expect impeccable quality from the athletic giant. The Metcon’s seventh iteration features Nike React foam, giving you even better cushioning and support, essentially cradling your foot. When you slip into the Metcon 7s, you’re going to notice a little extra spring in your step. These are lightweight shoes that’ll be perfect for cardio and sprints.

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The heel is wide and flat and is built with an inner plate that’ll help you to evenly spread the weight of your feet from one side of the shoe to the other. This is a big one. Unevenly distributed weight will not only throw you off during training — especially with movements like squats and the Olympic lifts. But over time, it can also lead to imbalances in strength and minor injury. Having a shoe that encourages you to spread your weight in a balanced manner is going to be in your best interest. As good as the Metcon 7s are for traditional cardio and functional fitness training, they’re equally suitable for weightlifting.

In the Metcon 7, Nike also added a tab to the tongue. This helps to lock down the laces and keep you even more secure in the shoe (without it feeling too tight), no matter what your WOD throws at you. You’ll notice a hook-and-loop closure to help keep your laces out of the way.

Let’s talk about the rubber detailing, next. This has been revamped all over the shoe to improve the Metcon’s grip and traction even more. This feature will be especially important for rope climbs, which demand traction in your feet. But also think of sprint work and sled pushes. With sled push exercises, you’re forced to dig your feet into the ground. Shoes that slip make it harder to get the sled moving.

We’re really loving the handstand clip at the heel of the Metcon 7. It helps minimize heel drag during wall exercises like handstand push-ups and wall climbs — a minor but pesky annoyance.

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The lightweight mesh that forms the shoe is also designed with textured overlays in the high-wear areas. We’re looking at a durable, long-lasting shoe that’s still breathable. This model uses flywire cables integrated with the laces to help secure your midfoot, and the grooves in the sole let your forefoot bend naturally and freely, without being too restrictive.

Overall, what are we looking at? The Metcon 7 is a shoe that you can wear for just about anything. Through sprint ladders and burpees, thrusters and max deadlifts, rope climbs and box jumps, this shoe is a Jack of all trades.

You’ll find this Metcon especially beneficial if you’re dealing with programming that takes you through a number of modalities within a single workout. For example, if you’re got a chipper that’s going to ask you to do power snatches and wall balls and sprints and heavy cleans, you don’t need to worry about changing your shoes midway. The Nike Metcon 7 is versatile enough and supportive in all the right ways, and it can get you through even the most varied WOD.

We’ve talked before about the importance of footwear. Everything starts with your feet. They’re what carry you throughout your day and connect you to the earth. Proper footwear that’s supportive, comfortable, functional, and durable is an absolute must. If you’re going to carry just one pair of shoes in your gym bag, Metcons are the way to go.

There’s a reason why Nike keeps evolving and reiterating on the Metcon: People love wearing it. It’s kind of like your little black dress — it never goes out of style.

Ready to grab your pair? Shop The WOD Life’s selection of Nike Metcon 7s today. (Psst! Don’t forget to check out the React Metcon Turbo training shoe, too!)

October 3, 2020March 5, 2021

What You Need to Know About the Nike Metcon 6

Did you hear? The Nike Metcon 6 (in camo) is here, and to say we’re excited would be a bit of an understatement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxtTU_FK-a/

There are so many athletic shoes available to you today, which is amazing. It means that there’s something for everyone. However, it can also make it difficult to pick one! And if you think that there’s not much going on with the Metcon 6 that the Metcon 5 didn’t already offer, guess again.

Right now, let’s focus on the Nike Metcon 6 and everything you should know about it.

4 Facts About the Nike Metcon 6

1. It Gets an A+ for Airflow

This is perhaps the biggest improvement we’re seeing.

The Metcon 6 is the most breathable version yet — about 18% more breathable than the Metcon 5 — letting your feet stay cool even during the most grueling WODs. It’s built with lightweight mesh and a durable screen print to reinforce it. You still get the same great stability without the suffocation. (More on that in a minute.) Fitting, since science has found that our bodies largely our temperature through our hands and feet.

This also means that the Metcon 6 feels lighter on your feet!

And about the stability…

2. The Metcon 6 is More Stable Than Ever

With a low, flat, wide heel, you’ve never had a more stable base for weighted exercises. The removable Hyperlift insert means that you can adjust the height under your heels. Need an extra boost for squatting or those Olympic lifts? Leave the inserts in. Prepping for a metcon that’s not exactly barbell-heavy? Consider taking them out.

3. Increased Traction You Can Count On

The Metcon 6 was designed with rubber tread on both the sole and up the side. This means that whether you’re running or climbing a rope, you can trust that your Metcons will never fail you.

Oh, but the heel? It’s *perfect* for handstand push-ups, where you need to be able to move smoothly up and down the wall. Win!

4. Strategic Cushioning Where (and How) You Need It

The foam under the heel is more on the firm side — you need this for security and stability. However, it’s softer in the forefoot, which offers a buffer for more high-impact movements, like box jumps and burpees. This dual density acknowledges that from your toes to your heels, each part of your foot needs special and unique attention.

Weightlifting? Check. Running? Check. Rope climbs? Check. You name it, the Metcon 6 can handle it.

And just when we thought Nike couldn’t outdo themselves…

Shop The WOD Life’s selection of Nike Metcons today.

July 3, 2019October 21, 2020

The Metcon 5 is Almost Here — and Nike Made it Even Better

Did you think the Nike Metcons couldn’t get any better? Same here. It looks like we’re both in for a surprise, because the Metcon 5 is coming, and it looks like Nike went and outdid themselves.

Like the sport of functional fitness, Metcons have evolved over the years. Never one to settle, Nike once again worked on a new iteration to find ways to make the shoe even better. And to really ensure this shoe was unparalleled in quality and durability, they had athletes like Mat Fraser and Lauren Fisher (plus your everyday athletes) put it to the test with over 9,000 hours of rigorous, grueling training.

What resulted, as Nike explains, was not the best Metcon but the best shoe they’ve ever designed.

What’s New With the Nike Metcon 5s?

The heel clip is the same, but you’ll find many updates on the Metcon 5.

The heel is a little wider, providing more stability for heavy squats and lifts.
The tongue has more cushioning, offering better support and hugging your foot with more security.
The chain-link pattern can better withstand the wear and tear from rope climbs. You’ll also notice better grip on the way up and a smoother slide on the way down.
The insert gives your heels a little boost, giving you better stability, ground contact, and balance for squats, heavy lifts, wall balls, and even rowing.
The drop-in midsole is more flexible, so you’ll feel more comfortable and protected during moves like box jumps, burpees, and double-unders.
The pattern on the outsole gives you more traction for sled pushes and sprints and is also far more durable.

If you want to level up your fitness, the Metcons are where it’s at.

Grab a pair of fresh Metcon 5s very soon at The WOD Life!

October 17, 2017October 22, 2020

The Essential CrossFit Starter Kit: What to Buy

It’s true that the best piece of equipment you can ever own is your body. Train it, feed it, rest it, mobilise it and it’ll serve you well for a long, long time. That said, CrossFit is pretty rough-and-tumble, and that body is going to take a bit of a beating. There are some things which can help you to move better, feel better and be safer. Here’s a quick look at some of the basics that you might want to invest in for your CrossFit starter kit.

1. Proper Shoes

Back in the day, people used to lift and do CrossFit in Converse shoes; and while there are some die-hard veterans out there who still do, the options for dedicated CrossFit shoes are a bit more varied today. When looking for shoes, think about:

Comfort – They’ve got to be comfortable or you’re not going to wear them.
Durability – Running, jumping, lifting, wall climbs, ropes — they all contribute to giving your shoes a pretty good kicking.
Stability – If you’re using the same pair of shoes for WODing and lifting, they need to be sturdy and a good all-rounder. We recommend getting a pair of dedicated lifting shoes for the sessions where you’re just doing Olympic lifting.

The WOD Life Recommends: Inov8s

Inov-8s come in a variety of WOD-friendly and lifting styles and are especially good for agility work, running and jumping. If you’re looking for something that occupies the middle ground, allowing you to WOD and lift at the same time, we love the Inov-8 Fastlift 325.

2. Shorts or Tights

Don’t buy cheap shorts or tights that aren’t made for intense movement and lifting, because one of three things will happen:

They’ll rip during squats.
You’ll sweat, a lot.
They’ll get shredded by the barbell.

Investing in quality shorts or leggings will help to prevent the above and make you look like a pro. Check out some of The WOD Life’s range.

The WOD Life Recommends: The WOD Life Tights

The WOD Life Tights are made from a high quality Move-Tech Material and aren’t see-through — important for the toughest of workouts!

https://youtu.be/I1W38ZLJCV4

3. Knee Sleeves

As you progress through months and months of CrossFit, you’re going to be doing a lot squatting, lunging and jumping. Your knees are made to move, but it’s always wise to give them that bit of extra support when needed.

Knee sleeves should be tight but not restrictive, and should give you a general feeling of stability as you move through things like squats.

The WOD Life Recommends: Rehband RX Knee Sleeves

For ultimate support and durability, we recommend the Rehband 7751 RX, as worn by CrossFit Games athlete Josh Bridges.

4. Foam Rollers

There are all kinds of fun and funky mobility pieces you can buy, from lacrosse balls to sticks, peanuts and voodoo bands; you might even buy yourself an entire mobility kit. But if we were to suggest just one, it would be the foam roller. Foam rollers work by mashing up tight and knotted tissue so that blood and oxygen can flow back in, and the muscle can repair more quickly.

The WOD Life Recommends: Rumble Roller

If anything is essential, it’s a foam roller. The R umble Roller is the gold standard of foam rollers. Available in two densities and two sizes, there is an offering to suit anyone looking to get supple. Just one look at the Rumble Roller and your hamstrings will loosen and your quads feel amazing. Get ready to go into the pain cave: whether it’s for prehab or rehab, the Rumble Roller is a sure bet.

5. Tape

Prevention really is better than cure; and while you can’t always stop your hands from getting a bit torn up, you can do your best by protecting them with tape. When buying tape, look out for the word kinesiology – it’s also used for physiotherapy purposes, so it’s stretchy and extra sticky, making it perfect for wrapping hands and fingers. The WOD Life has a rather colourful range.

The WOD Life Recommends: Goat Tape

Crafted with high quality Malaysian grade adhesive, Goat Tape is tried and tested by CrossFit Games level athletes such as Ben Smith and Austin Malleolo. The WOD Life also carries high quality hand tape, which is available online here.

6. Protein

Food is your friend, but supplements are pretty much essential if you’re doing CrossFit several times a week and are looking to make significant gains. You’ll need to play around with brands a bit to see which ones you like the best, since everyone has different preferences.

The WOD Life Recommends: Progenex

There’s a massive variety of protein to choose from, so how do you know what works for you? The WOD Life has curated a selected range of protein suitable for the functional fitness athlete. Recovery by Progenex has been formulated especially for CrossFit athletes, with specific blends of high quality protein and carbohydrates to ensure you perform strong and recover fast.

Whenever you are looking at protein, always read the label to ensure you are getting the highest protein-per-serving ratio possible. Another great, affordable option is whey protein from The Naked Co.

The key to remember is that these recommendations are an investment in your fitness. They will help you feel better, perform stronger and remain healthy and safe during your training.

Happy WODing!

October 28, 2015October 22, 2020

5 Reasons Why We Love CrossFit So Much!

We all know someone who’s joked – often only half-joked – that CrossFit is a cult. It’s your colleague, or a friend who whenever the topic of fitness comes up, attempts an intervention on your behalf.

“You’re obsessed with that place! It’s not healthy doing all of that lifting!”

It’s interesting – and infuriating for coaches – that when it comes to fitness, it seems like everyone is an expert. Janice in finance thinks she knows what’s best for your body, and she’ll try and make you feel like a weirdo for not seeing her point of view.

What everyone might be getting confused about, though, is that it’s not so much a cult that they’re seeing in CrossFit, but a mild form of the instincts that have kept modern humans alive for around 200,000 years.

So why do we love CrossFit so much?

1. Strength in numbers

The main bug-bear of most non-CrossFitters. We’re all the same, Inov8 wearing creatine drinkers with strange walks. That’s kind of true, but what it shows, as it does with most things in life, is that we do better with the support of others like us.

We know, you’re unique, there’s nobody like you, and your custom T-Shirts, hyper coloured Inov8‘s are definitely the best, by far. Would you say, though, that you push yourself just a little bit harder during a partner or team WOD, than when you’re on your own? Most people probably do.

2. Community

A very similar point to the first, but there’s evidence to suggest that people who lead solitary lives, who have fewer regular social interactions, have as much a chance of dying younger as a pack-a-day smoker.

If you’ve ever been to any kind of CrossFit event, you’ll have noticed the buzz that exists in the crowd, among themselves, and for the athletes on the floor.

It’s not just the weights and the burpees that make you a stronger, healthier person, it’s the people you hang out with, too.

3. Constant variation

Bicep curls and bench press are important isolation movements for the modern bro, but the motivation to do just those, and maybe a few hamstring curls down the Globo gym, runs out fast. Most coaches will keep the programming a secret from their members right up until they arrive at the box. This is for a couple of reasons:

It stops you chickening out and not coming when it’s something you hate
It means every single day is a surprise – you have no idea what you’re going to be doing

There’s no other major fitness programme that offers that in quite the same way.

4. Savage results

It’s probably fair to say that the average gym-goer is going to have a tough time cleaning 100kg. There’s not much in the standard Globo gym to teach you the explosiveness necessary to make a complicated Olympic lift. Pretty quickly after joining a CrossFit gym, most people see the potential of what their bodies are capable of.

When you go from 45 minutes of abs work, to throwing around 70kg for reps, it’s no wonder people don’t ever go back once they start CrossFit.

5. Fight or flight

Nobody ever felt like they were about to go to war while swinging back and forth on a cross-trainer. It’s mild, but the feeling you get when the 10-second countdown starts is essentially the same as it would be before the fight of your life. You have two choices: you can run away, or you can engage your primal desire to fight and conquer.

It’s scary as hell, but you do it every day and you love it.

So the next time someone scoffs at your cultish ways, remind them that you’re a savage beast, and that when the apocalypse comes, you will not save them.

Think you are addicted to CrossFit? Check out which of these 15 signs you are guilty of!

July 17, 2015April 19, 2021

Back Squat: 100kg x 12 Reps By Ragnheidur Sara Sigmundsdóttir

Watch Ragnheidur Sara Sigmundsdóttir as she performs 12 back squats at 100kg!

Video Creds: Weightlifting 101

July 17, 2014February 4, 2021

Nike’s “Metcon” Shoe?

Nike – the athletics giant has been waiting in the wings for their time to take the Functional Fitness market by storm.

Looking to make their presence felt at the 2014 CrossFit Games, Nike have recently signed athletes Josh Bridges, Kenneth Leverich and Alexandra LeChance as well as the successful team CrossFit Invictus.

Rumours around the market is that Nike have designed and set to release their challenger to the Nano and the Inov-8 “F-Lite” series.

Below are a few photos taken from Nike’s twitter. No date of release just yet, likely would be in 2015.

What do you think? Does Reebok and Inov-8 have something to worry about?