If it seems like the Newsletter's early this month, you're right. We'd like to give everyone an equal chance to register for some groups that are selling out fast – way quicker than ever before. That, and preparations for Catalyst Games 2009 are at full boil!
First off, the CrossFit OnRamp program. If you're thinking of starting CrossFit, you've gotta do OnRamp. Invest 21 days, and you'll know virtually everything you need to succeed at CrossFit. It's so effective that I regret we didn't insist that all new CrossFitters do OnRamp right from Day #1. Can you blame us for being so excited? Here's the thing: the OnRamp Program tends to fill up WAY in advance. As I write this, 5 of 7 spots are filled for October's Group, thanks to a huge waiting list from September! Get your name on the list: 256-1344.
Mike's new Running Group starts October 3. This is definitely not the same old running clinic you're used to. Mike starts from the ground up, laying the foundations that will take you to any level you want to achieve as a runner. If you're running for fitness (dare we say fun?) this will keep your runs pain-free and enjoyable. If you're looking to improve your speed and power, POSE running is the best way to do it. POSE has been around for awhile, but Mike has become an excellent coach at teaching its application. From personal experience, after two Personal Training sessions with Mike to improve my running, I cut :30 or more from my 800m repeats, even if there are several in a row.
Instead of just meeting up to run with a loose group, Mike will show you HOW to run, WHERE to run, WHEN to run, and HOW OFTEN. Mike will have you run hard, run easy…..and, slowly, you'll figure out the WHY on your own. No one loves running when they start out; everyone loves it after they've been doing it awhile.
Tyler's going to have his hands full with Barbell Bettys. We made a quick blog post about the group, and within 24 hours it was full with a waiting list. So we opened a second group, which filled in another 24 hours. Still, if you'd like to get on the waiting list (or just get the shirt,) call 256-1344.
Santana's Bike Group will be welcoming some new faces (some of these folks, too, have been on a waiting list for months, and we thank them for being so patient.) Tuesday nights at 6pm, starting October 6. Bring a silent (magnetic or fluid) bike trainer, or use one of ours. We can write lots of stuff about this crew, but if you really want the salient details, stop by any cafe on Queen Street around lunchtime and listen to conversations. Eventually, it seems, they all come around to Santana's bike group.
This video was probably the most popular post of September on the Gym site. If you're having trouble describing your passion for CrossFit to your friends, THIS is the video to show them. One of the best we've seen to date.
Since we started Catalyst in 2005 (bonus! see the original T-shirt here!) our goal has always been to provide the best coaching possible. Folks are generally amazed that our 12- and 15-hour days are so packed, but there's a LOT of information, good and bad, out there to digest and translate. But an interesting trend is happening: more and more, members and clients are seeking personal training on very specific things. For example, where a new Personal Training client may once have sought instruction on something more general, like "weight loss" or "strength," we're now seeing people book sessions just to improve their form at deadlifts, or learn to do a real pullup. This doesn't mea
n we're becoming more elitist, or catering only to the more advanced. In fact, the opposite:
we've raised the game of people who train here. Of course, they still want their pants to fit. They still want to wear a bathing suit. But they're more concerned with overall fitness. They want to run with their kids. They want to be inspired. They want to participate in a community that will pull them up. Starting out with "weight loss?" Great. Just don't expect to end there.
The Catalyst Games 2009 is September 26. With over 40 athletes registered, this is going to be a terrific spectator event! This year, we'll have live play-by-play announcements to keep spectators apprised of standings. Our new scoreboard clock will keep you on the edge of your seat. The photo-happy will find a thousand amazing shots (and have a chance to win a free month's membership) and media will find some of the most inspiring stories of the year.
Finally, the Park had a small change of schedule. Because our coaches are overbooked, the gym will close on Wednesdays to members at 5pm and reopen ONLY for the 7pm CrossFit Group (punch card necessary, please.) All part of our renewed focus on success for our clients through coaching. Thanks for the ride so far – please keep your seat buckled securely. The Fall is going to be one wild ride!
-Chris
