Blog entry November 2010

Saturday brought the end of our Six Week Fitness challenge, which will serve as a beginning in new fitness habits for those who participated wholeheartedly.  Congratulations to everyone who participated--keep the healthy habits going!

Challenge Winner

Steve Neff won the Challenge, sticking to the food mantra and eating only meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar.  Rumor has it he has a full-sized Butterfinger hiding in his desk at work that he never touched.  Did it survive the weekend?

In addition, Steve read three of the books on the list.  He recommends especially that you read Mindless Eating, reviewed in last weeks blog. 

Since beginning CrossFit in January, Steve has lost over 60 pounds and continues his quest for elite fitness.  Steve recieved a CrossFit Mount Olympus sweatshirt and $25 to take his lovely wife to dinner. 

Most Improved

We also recognize Deanne Curtis for making the most changes to her nutrition plan and exercising during the Six-week Challenge.  When asked her thoughts on the challenge she said, "I was surprised how easy it was to go without sugar!"  Deanne began the challenge skeptical of her ability to complete it and we commend her for getting back on track, even when she made a few mistakes along the way.

Deanne received a copy of our We Can Do It! poster to remind her of what is possible. 

Today starts the last week of our 6-week Fitness Challenge!  Let's here how everyone is doing.  Steve Neff poses a formidable challenge, with no cheat days so far!  Can you catch him? 

Trying to pad the lead Steve submitted this review of the book Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink, Ph.D. 

I loved the book!  It was funny at times to recognize myself in its pages.

At the end of each chapter, the author has listed a concise strategy to help the reader make their eating choices better.  The premise is that we can easily eat 10-20% less by using some of these strategies without noticing any hunger nor having to give up all of our "favorites."

We often grab that extra donut at the office, or that handful of M&Ms just because they are sitting on a desk or counter.  Over the year(s) this can add up to additional pounds.  What to do?  Become more conscientious and deliberate in our choices.  Maybe even move the temptation--out of sight, out of mind.  When we have make a more conscious to find the food, it gives us a moment to evaluate whether we want the item or not.

One strategy that I am using is to put all I want to eat for a meal on 1 plate--no seconds.  The plate looks very full and at the end of my meal, I feel full.  It gives me the opportunity to stop and listen to my body and realize what it feels like to be satisfied--not stuffed.

Over the year(s) this slight decrease will add up to pounds lost!

We originally celebrated Veteran's Day as Armistice Day, the end of World War I. Declaring an end to "The War to End All Wars" turned out to be premature.  Years later we changed the focus to a celebration of all our veterans. 

I hope everyone will take some time today and thank those who have sacrificed everything. One of the greatest honors of my life was presenting the flag to the family of a great friend who died much too soon.  I have the great privilege of being the son of a U.S. Marine and Vietnam Veteran.  I had the honor of serving alongside some of the best people this country has produced in the Utah National Guard and U.S. Army (Company A, you will always be the best, anywhere!)   I am proud of a brother-in-law who just returned from Iraq, a brother who just began serving in the U.S. Air Force, and a great-uncle who flew bombing missions during WWII.  The friends still serving are too many to list. 

To those who served and continue to serve, this one's for you.  Turn it up and be proud!

We at CrossFit Mount Olympus honor the men and women who have put everything on the line for us. 

We ask that you keep those still serving overseas in your thoughts and prayers; especially our trainer and good friend, Nate Goldhardt.

As a special treat for all Mount Olympians, Nate programmed all the workouts this week.  He would love to receive messages of gratitude from everyone back home.

As a tradition, all veterans and their families workout free this week.