Gear and training guides

An updated historical 2018 comparison of Paleo, Zone, IIFYM and Primal approaches. Compare food rules, portion tracking, grocery cost and preparation work without treating diet labels as proof of outcomes.

Historical archive — published February 22, 2018. This guide covers the 2018 CrossFit Open, its February 22–March 26 schedule, and the movement-rule discussion from that season.

The dates, qualification routes and standards described belong to 2018. This is preserved historical coverage; use the organizer’s current rules for a present-day competition.

It’s no secret weightlifting and CrossFit WODs require a decent set of gear. Proper preparation is essential with all the muscle stress and joint pressure caused by Olympic lifting and high volume bodyweight lifts. The human body is an amazing machine, and over time, progressive loads become easier and easier as muscle growth occurs. However, as you push the bounds of your limits, it’s smart to consider investing in some gear. In pursuing fitness goals, you'll find wrist wraps provide a number of useful benefits.

What benefits?  Read the full article below.

A historical 2018 interview recording Shannon Longfield’s unverified personal account of training, weight change and lupus symptoms. The account does not establish that CrossFit treats lupus or replaces prescribed treatment.

Samantha was 21 and obese.  She avoided pictures and looking at herself in the mirror.  First she started running, then doing workout videos, next she picked up a set of pink dumbbells, and finally; Samantha found a CrossFit video, titled "Beauty in Strength."

Inspired by the strong and fit female bodies seen in CrossFit, Samantha was immediately hooked.  Her pink dumbbells were soon joined by kettlebells.  Apartment workouts soon turned into garage gym and barbell workouts.  Her fitness evolved from running to thrusters, snatches, and cleans.   

And in spite of losing everything in the 2015 California Valley Fire and fighting through Endometriosis, Samantha has embraced CrossFit and discovered both her health and passion.  

Read Samantha's full story here!

We love one pot meals, or in this case, one skillet!  For southwest lovers, this combines plenty of healthy veggies with a bit of heat.  

Check out the full recipe below!

Historical interview — published February 6, 2018. Alan Stengel describes losing 100 pounds after starting CrossFit, the motivation behind his training, and his plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a Kenyan education fundraiser. His reported experiences and plans describe the interview period.

By 2016, Abbey had faced extreme adversity.  She suffered the death of her best friend, weight gain, and losing her career as a firefighter.  Sinking into a deep depression, she faced more life changes as the military moved her and her husband halfway across the US. 

Nonetheless, she took it as a fresh start. During her daily work commute, she passed CrossFit Ergon.  On April 26, 2016, Abbey made one of the best decisions of her life.  She gathered the courage to make a change.

Read Abbey's full interview with WOD Fever below!  

A historical November 2017 perspective on CrossFit community and belonging. The discussion reflects its publication period; use the official affiliate map to research current local gyms.

Anyone who does CrossFit absolutely loves it.  Anyone who doesn’t do it, loves to bash the “CrossFit cult”. Between all the AMRAPs, WODs, and Metcons, CrossFit athletes push through some insane conditions (many self-inflicted) that bring most other athletes to shame. 

The daily course of events for a CrossFitter probably scares off a lot of people who don’t drink the Kool-Aid. 

Check out the list below for some of our favorites!