The Handicap Choice...

 WOD at The Ranch

"Intellect is void of affection and sees an object as it stands in the light of science, cool and disengaged."

Willingly, we started to give parking spots away to the privileged. Not the privileged who were confined to a chair by birth or disaster, or because did sacrificed a limb for our freedom, but the privileged who had a choice to be capable, and a choice to be incapable. For some, the supposed state of "handicapped" is unavoidable, but that doesn't mean it's accepted. For the rest of the parking spot thieves, handicapped is chosen.

The more done for, the more given to, the less asked of the individual who only needs the cure of effort, the more the disease of laziness grows. The more spots available, the more contagion spreads.

The soldier who parks twelve spaces from the door one year after an IED took his leg is more capable than almost every human walking this earth today. Even in the sight of clear incapacitating affliction, he chooses a capable life rather than a handicapped existence. He deserves more than a medal. 

The more we give into the demands of a diseased land, the more diseased we all become. 

While we become so concerned with providing "easier" paths for the "supposed" less fortunate, we forget that handicapped starts in our attitudes, not in the body. The body is just a vehicle we can either drive to salvation or damnation. The roads are the same no matter the car.

We are not all strong in the same way a soldier is, but that is why not all of us go to war; we are not all created for it. Be that as it may, we can all be a warrior in our own right. Attacking every fight with honor, discipline, and perseverance. We can all stand for something even if we have no legs. We can all love even if we are not loved back. We can all fight for the lost even if they think they know where they are. We can all speak our minds even if we have no words. All warriors do is stick up for what is right regardless of popularity, and you know the multitude of selfish handicapped minds is not right.

Maybe it's time to put those spaces that cloud every parking lot today far from the door. The life of least resistance leads to the life not worth living. The life full of the pain of change, void of the handicap choice leads to a life worth remembering. It's your choice to leave a mark on the world not just on your parking spot.

 Strength:

Rest

For Time: 

"Angie"

Compare Here

100-Pull-ups

100-Push-ups

100-Sit-ups

100-Squats

Auxiliary:

500m-Row

Post time to comments.

One Million And One....

Jill, Heather, Nalin, ty...

“The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice.”

I will stop dedicating so many of our coveted "Saturday Stolen Posts" to CrossFit Lisbeth when she stops writing like an enlightened CrossFit monk, or when she just stops writing. I really can't see either happening. In the meantime enjoy yet another Stolen Lisbeth post, I know I always do.

I was on the pull-up bar, in the WOD, with very little sleep and not much left in the tank on my fourth day of workouts, wondering how the f-ing-hell I was ever going to finish the round (let alone the workout) and this is what my coach said to me: “Lis, you’ve been here a million times before.”

Oh yeah . . . I have. A million times. This feeling is nothing new to me. I’ve been hit like this before. In fact, I’ve been beaten and stomped and left for dead, here and in a million situations in life, and still you know what? I rise. Each time. Every single time. I pull myself back up from the floor, the bar, the pavement, the desk, the grass, whatever, and I have back at it.

Because I’m a lot of things in this life but I’m no quitter. I won’t give up. You can hit me, beat me, slap me, stomp me and I’m still getting back up.

Each and every time.

There’s nothing and no one built in this life who can stop me. My spirit is unconquerable. My drive cannot be disabled. I will stand fast and deliver. Like the man Woody Guthrie sang: “Nobody livin’ can ever stop me . . . Nobody can ever make me turn back.”

And the Japanese have a saying: “Fall seven times. Get up eight.”

Yeah, well I’m rising eight. And 9. And 1o.

I’ve been here a million times and I’ll rise 1,000,001.

Steal This Video: Ranch WOD Teaser #3

“Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.”

Register Here for Olympic Seminar with Mark Cannella Saturday August 20, 1-4pm. Or pay at the door.

The third installment of the Ranch Teaser WODs is here, and the competition heats up. After our last Vid the team registrants sprang into action. Now let's see how many CrossFit kids wanna play.

Practice CrossFit is hosting CrossFit Back At The Ranch for a number of reasons. We like to have fun. We hate routine. We like to get dirty. And we like to give back the blessing we have to charity. Specifically, Mammograms In Action. 

Register Here if you have yet to do so. Teams, solo, kids, all are welcome. 

In the meantime, link this vid on your Facebook accounts and help us to make this charitable event a success. 

Strength:

Deadlift (After Ranch WOD @PCF)

3x3

For Time:

"Ranch WOD"

*Saturday's 9am WOD is held at The Ranch. Click Here for address.Come prepared for pond swimming, log throwing, muddy stuff and whatever else is available.

The Wrong Road To The Right Answer....

   Mobility...

"The field cannot be well seen from within the field." 

When you were a kid, how many mistakes did you make in a day? When you watch kids today, are you impressed by how quickly they learn and adjust? Oddly, maturity makes us fear mistakes. Never being wrong makes being right very difficult.

While looking around to see who is looking at you remember, those eyes fail too. If you're trying to set an example for that fixed gaze of the crowd, trying something you may fail at and failing gracefully may be just the example they need.

Before you stumble over the right words to use in a futile effort to speak profoundly realize that vocabulary doesn't make you sound like you care. The right words are the ones everyone else needs to hear, not the ones that make you sound smart.

As we age we generally begin to despise change.  That's most likely the case because changing usually starts out with failing. Aging gracefully means realizing being wrong in the present is way more fun than being right in the past.

Those we love do not nonchalantly make mistakes. Those we love make the biggest and loudest mistakes in an effort to make the biggest and loudest changes. The reason we love them is that we see the mistake, but also that they keep trying.

Renaissance men teach their kids that being right is usually preceded by being wrong.  That no effort is futile if you learn. That some problems have no right answer until all the wrong ones are off the board. That the right answer the teacher wants isn't always the answer you need to give. Sometimes failing is just winning not yet realized.

The truly blessed look to their canvas everyday and make a new stroke in the self-portrait of life regardless of whether or not it may ruin the painting. Artists paint.  Critics complain. You can either be your own favorite artist, or your own worst critic.

Every day could be one more glorious obstacle that took many spills to overcome, life changing problems that require perseverance not perfection, or one more trial that took many errors to complete. Or it could be a day searching for perfection too afraid to do anything.

Every night we can sleep stress free in the midst of glorious mistakes. We can rest peacefully after many wonderful failures knowing almost everyone else is wide awake so worried someone might see them trip that they never take the first step.

Strength:

Press

3x3

 For Score:

"CrossFit Games 2011 Skills"

Max Distance-Handstand Walk (2 attempts)

Max Distance-Farmer Carry 105/160 (2min limit)

Max Time-L-sit

Max Distance-Softball Throw (2 attempts)

Max Weight-Chest 2 Bar Pull-up (2min limit)

Max Weight-Snatch (2min limit) 

Post results to comments.

 

Save A Life, Bring A Kid To CrossFit...

Summer Camp CrossFitters with their trainers...

"The virtues of society are vices of the saint."

Don't forget to register here for PCF's Olympic Seminar Saturday the 20th. Still Open Spots.

Teacher, Coach and CrossFit athlete Mindy fills us in on her numbers. Numbers, that is, of her radically successful CrossFit Summer camp that not only grows every year, but delivers better and better results. This year, every athlete left with a report card, and kept a log. This year, the proof is on paper, and on the athletes.

When’s the last time your PR’d by 70 lbs on a movement in just two and a half months? What was that? Oh, that’s never happened to you? Me either. But that’s exactly what a female high school athlete did this summer on her deadlift.

For the second year in a row PCF offered a summer camp for young athletes. The class three days per week for nine weeks and was opened up to jr. high and high school athletes around the area. The class of 17 consisted of boys and girls anywhere from 14 to 18 years old. Some were three sport athletes, and others just wanted to gain a little confidence and decided to give it a try. Those who gave it an honest shot were definitely not disappointed in the feats they accomplished. 

During weeks one and eight, the athletes were tested on three benchmark lifts: deadlift, push jerk, and back squat. They were also tested on benchmark wods; Helen, Grace, and 10-minute Cindy. Between those weeks the athletes performed a 5-3-1 sub-maximal weight strength program followed by short met cons. Athletes tracked progress, weights, and percentages daily which allowed them to visibly see their progress and engage more in the programming. 

Long story short, immense progress was made by every athlete in some area, if not all. As mentioned earlier, one female increased her deadlift from 205 lbs to 275 lbs in eight weeks. (Uh yeah, can you say strong?!) Athletes were taking up to 2 minutes off their Helen time. One of the boys performed 7 rounds of Cindy in 10 minutes. Another female completed an 85lb Grace in under four minutes. And these feats were being performed by athletes who couldn’t even squat correctly in early June.

I find it mind blowing that very competent, talented athletes can do so well on the field yet be lacking so much in their physical strength, work capacity, and mobility. How much better could these athletes be if they were involved in a quality strength program year around? How many injuries could be avoided if these athletes had better mobility and knew how to move correctly? Why aren’t more high schools implementing quality strength training programs?? Children and teens have a higher recovery rate than adults, and naturally move better before bad habits have a chance to take hold. Adolescence is the time when Crossfit needs to be introduced!

As a high school basketball coach myself, I have a vested interest in the safety, capabilities, and attitudes of my athletes. I’ve witnessed first hand how CrossFit training has made my athletes stronger, less prone to injury, and incredibly more confident than when they first walked in the doors. In fact, I’d put money on the idea that athletes gain more mental toughness from CrossFit than what they gain physically… and when they gain both, it’s a deadly combination. Can you imagine what they’d be capable of if we got them on any kind of nutrition plan!? 

In the pyramid of fitness there’s a reason why “sport” is up at the top as the final and smallest component. The foundations of nutrition, strength, and moving your own body correctly need to come first. Athletic organizations shouldn’t think any differently if they want to be successful and keep their athletes healthy and safe. 

Bottom line- children and young athletes need to get involved in CrossFit before they are no longer children. Think of what they could do if PR’s and sweat angels were as common as pop quizzes, and injuries were about as frequent as getting struck by lightning. Creating a strong foundation early on will keep them healthy, strong, and mentally tough for life.

Strength:

Rest

For Time:

"CF Games 2011"

5-Rope Climbs

5-Clean and Jerks 95/145

4-Rope Climbs

4-Clean and Jerks 115/165

3-Rope Climbs

3-Clean and Jerks 125/185

2-Rope Climbs

2-Clean and Jerks 145/205

1-Rope Climbs

1-Clean and Jerks 155/225

Post impressions and time to comments.

Why Getting Blood Work Is So Important..

   Scott, Jill and Friends... 

"Fear of the Lord is the begining of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and disciple". Prov 1:7

Q. Josh, I took your advice and finally got my blood work done. I was experiencing stomach cramps, numbness, occasional rashes and just tired. I was kinda Paleo, but with "options" when I had my tests. Enclosed is my blood work.  Can you tell me what I'm looking at?...Mary.

This question came to me from an athlete I have been working with for some time. Her name is changed, and I did not post her tests for obvious reasons. I have already communicated this to her and she and I have spoken many times since. I wanted to demonstrate how "guessing" is not healing. How critical testing is. And how all action is diagnostic, and all healing is just a process of elimination. 

The following is what someone who is not a doctor can very easily learn to read and look to on their own. I have no real background other than years and years of experience in fitness and nutrition. My drugs are foods, and I know the effects they should have when I prescribe them. I can't stress the value of the occasional blood test enough.

Issue 1-High Fasting Blood Glucose

A.Mary, all I am looking for is a pattern. Your FBG is 85mg/dl, and even though this is within the ADA's guidelines, they fail to tell you that 83mg/dl and above increases your chances for diabetes by, at least 50%. 

Now if you have been following a low-carb or ketogenic Paleo diet, the triglycerides broken down for energy production can show up as an elevated FGB. So for now, we keep reading.

Issue 2- Elevated Hemoglobin A1c

Next, look to HA1c. If the values are 5 or lower and the FGB is higher, no problem. HA1c measures glucose levels attached to the red blood cells over a three month period. 

Yours is not terribly high, but it is slightly higher than what we would like to see.

Mary, the case is building. I don't think you're low carb.  In fact, I think you eat sugar, and I think you're allergic. So...

Issue 3-Elevated C-reactive Protein

C-reactive protein is essentially a measure of inflammation. Yours is high. This is not something to take lightly as it is really a great measure of how long we will live and the quality of that life. If CRP level are below 1mg/dl we may just realize the life of our dreams.

Issue 4-Elevated Vitamin-D

Now remember, I am no Doctor.  And I don't say that so you won't sue or some dumb bullshit. Who sues people trying to help them anyway? Oh, that's right, assholes do. Anyways, I say this because I just may not know. I hope I have it right, and I pray I get it, but in the end MD's are still worth their weight in gold for experience alone. While they, truly, have no clue about how to heal with food, they may have witnessed a disorder in the past that I have yet to study. Simply weigh their diagnosis like you would that of a mechanic. If it seems sketchy, go down the road and get a second opinion.

I have read my share of blood work, and I know my study time is nowhere near the amount of your family physician but, damn.  Your Vit-D levels are three times higher than average. This is unacceptable.

You don't achieve this kind of "too high" level of vitamin-D through long sunbathing trips. Generally, it's realized by taking too many supplements. If that's the case, eliminate supplementation of Vit-D now. Also, if your taking calcium - which your shouldn't be - STOP. Too much calcium or hypercalcemia is worse than too much Vit-D, and since Vit-D is crucial in the absorption of calcium, elevated D usually means elevated Ca.

Interestingly, your blood work shows a calcium value in normal range. Huh, the plot thickens. 

Next, I would look to your thyroid levels as a wonky thyroid value with signs of elevated calcium and phosphate could be signs of hyperparathyroidism. But HPT is mainly present when Vit-D levels are low, and clearly this isn't you, nor is your calcium levels too high. 

High Vit-D causes constipation, nausea, vomiting, kidney dysfunction, heart arrhythmias, and hypercalcemia. Calcium regulates many processes in us, including the transmission of messages via electrolytes, bone health, muscle contraction, fat burning and more. But too much can make bones porous and weak, harden arteries with plaque resulting in CVD or death, and just all in all suck.

The Call Went Like This

Mary, your Paleo with "options" program has given you a decent bill of health, in my opinion. Cholesterol was good, triglycerides were great, and just about everything else was pretty spot on except for what's mentioned above. Now I've gotta know, is your "options" dairy?

"Yes," Mary said. "And I kinda knew you would say that, so after the test I gave it up. Currently, I am six days a week Paleo, with a few liberties one day on the weekend".

Why Dairy?

Mary's elevated FBG and HA1c made me think insulin was being secreted as a result of ingesting glucose. First, the galactose and casein protein in milk is highly insulinogenic meaning it elicits the release of insulin, the storage product in our body. And even though the glycemic index on milk comes back decent, it is the combination of allergenic casein protein, the galactose and the amino acid content that make milk, virtually, horrible to anyone the least bit sensitive to carbohydrates.

Second, Mary's high C-reactive protein leads one to believe she engages in inflammatory eating regularly. The casein protein found in milk is an allergen/toxin, or a dairy lectin. And remember, lectins are glycoproteins that hold a special key to our gut, opening the door on the way to the small intestine. Or more aptly stated, punching holes through the door letting everything jump the protective fence of the body.

Lastly, Mary's Vit-D level was high and everyone knows fortified milk has lots of it. But I still think this is reaching. 

Sure, let's say Mary was creating a sort of negative feedback loop where the Vit-D she was taking in wasn't being excreted or absorbed due to the damage she was doing by ingesting an allergen. Let's say the elevated test results were just a correlate to various underlying factors, which is often the case. But why risk it?

Mary, I would order chest X-rays to ensure there are no granulomas present. After that, I would immediately re-check my Vit-D levels since you have been away from the milk culprit for some time now. I believe the tests identified what we already know; dairy and milk sugar is bad, and the protein in milk is toxic. I believe this is most of your issue, but being proactive is better than reactive. 

Hopefully, we are right and dairy is the devil. Hopefully, theses tests did exactly what they were supposed to do, and merely present us with roads to travel down the map of better living. Hopefully, I will receive an email for Mary soon enough telling me that, thanks to the Paleo change+blood work, she couldn't be happier, more fit, or more energized.

Strength:

Rest

For Time:

"CF Games 2011"

30-Double Unders

10 Overhead Squats 95/135

3 Rounds

then

10-Handstand Push-ups

40m-Overhead Carry 95/135

3 Rounds

Post time to comments.

The Dancing Bear...

   Bonnie... 

“Delusion arises from anger. The mind is bewildered by delusion. Reasoning is destroyed when the mind is bewildered. One falls down when reasoning is destroyed.”

When everyday seems shorter and more fleeting than the last, when every step seems more difficult, when every action seems more worthless, when you can feel the circus of life encouraging you to submit,  get the hell off the unicycle, and choose the trainer's whip. Better to be whipped to death now than submit for a lifetime.

A huge portion of the world is so deluded they actually believe they are the whip holder. They believe their job, their family, their friends, their dreams, their lives are all on the unicycle of existence. They believe they snap the whip and the party starts. They believe they control the circus. Some actually believe they are in charge of the bear of life. Wrongfully, there is never ownership or control over the wild animal of life.

Some individuals use every outlet possible to numb themselves from the unicycles. They do their best to plan for every variable, to have every contingent accounted for. Control freaks make themselves feel better by masquerading as the whip holder and calling life the trick-performing bear. What they don't realize is that both the bear and the trainer are controlled by the circus, and until you give up caring about what the crowd thinks, you're no different than an animal doing tricks for applause.

It's hard to say which is worse. The trainer fooling themselves into believing they have control over the wild animals called life. The bear of existence. Or the majestic, strong creature trapped, cagged, whipped, deameaned and broken. Forced to play for the crowd. Forced to live as everyone else tells him to rather than how nature created him to.

Many of us, today, have the same lifeless eyes as the bear. Lost is his will to fight back.  So unlike the trainer who fights to rule over creatures who have already given up. What good is a king with a congregation full of trick-performing bears? So many, simply, accept every morsel given to us by the circus. We eventually believe it. We eventually ride the cycle just so others caught in the same circus won't whip us. We cease to live long before we die.

Yet there lives another very small group we all can be a part of. A group that costs nothing, and gives everything. A group of people who hate the circus, and are scared shitless of clowns.

These creatures that exist outside of life's circus are often written into obscurity because they intended to free the bears. They plan to open the eyes of the fake trainers. These people are called Anarchists, Revolutionaries, Idealists. They are few, but when they speak the circus listens and the big top crumbles.

When a revolutionary frees the bears and takes the whips they become a threat. Maybe that is the only way to set the whip down, or get off the unicycle. The only way to truly help this circus become a celebration is to threaten and challenge those we feel in our hearts to be wrong. To stop this balancing, trick-performing existence all we have to do is never be afraid to show our teeth, run to the crowd and scare them into leaving the circus rather than applauding a prison masked as a show.

Become a threat. Become legend. Become more than that which can be whipped. Become more than the desire to whip. Bring down the big top by leaving the circus and saving the world.  

 Strength:

Back Squat 

3x3

For Time:

"CrossFit Games 2011"

5-Muscle-ups

10-Deadlifts 175/245

15-Sit-ups

50yard-Sprint

5-Muscle-ups

10-Deadlifts 175/245

15-Sit-ups

100yard-Sprint

5-Muscle-ups

10-Deadlifts 175/245

15-Sit-ups

150yard-Sprint

5-Muscle-ups

10-Deadlifts 175/245

15-Sit-ups

200yard-Sprint

Post weight moved and time to comments.

The Proof Is In The Paleo...

Jen Before... 

 Jen After... 

"Be a warrior and kill desire, the powerful enemy of the soul."

Recovering alcoholics are always rambling on about "working the program" meaning no matter where they are in recovery, they still have to keep at it. Once they do, it works. Paleo-holoic's are no different. No matter what you want from Paleo, it's there for the taking if you work the program.

This past weekend a valued athlete and trainer at PCF took the physique stage like many have before her. It's likely she was the only one on that physique stage to ever hear of CrossFit or Paleo much less use them both exclusively to earn a very high placing in her first show ever.

The Hot Body Process

I never want this blog to sound like a broken record, and sometimes I feel as though I try to say the same things differently, but damn some poeople are good at hearing what they want and missing what they don't. And let us not forget the others who have, actually, lived a lie so long that they actually believe it.

If your goal is a rocking physique, or just a better one for that matter, then you need to realize everything matters. Yes, that one cookie matters. That single slice matters. Those handfuls of extra almonds matter. No, you are not doing really well. You are cheating and comparing yourself to overweight friends or unhealthy strangers and then exclaiming "Well I am way better than them, so this shouldn't hurt". That isn't progress, it's justification.

Jen had to give up all of those things that Paleo excuse-makers cloud my email with everyday. The proof is Jen, and all the other athletes who just set a goal and worked a program. Paleo produces killer athletes, unrivaled health, and if geared appropriately, a trophy-worthy physique if the user works the program rather than fakes it.

The Paleo physique program is not slathering almond butter all over your 12th paleo pancake and thinking that just because you tagged Paleo in front of it's magically fat burning.

Paleo results may be easier and healthier than any other program but it sure as shit isn't playing chemist in your kitchen making weird food-ish treats and then naming them Paleo so you feel better about it.

Everything counts, so count on looking nothing like Jen until that bite you just have to have everyday is gone, and those justifications are a memory.

Experiments Don't Talk Back

For the most part Jen was a great Paleo patient. She did what she was told after recruiting the help of nutrition and stage coaches, and it worked. Some things seemed radical, some odd, some trivial. 

Personally, I played Scientist and experimented on myself and still do, but I've gotta say, you must be one detached, lifeless soul on occasion to coldly look at yourself and edit your program. Most folks do well by turing the reigns over to someone else and sitting back, taking the needles rather than deciding what's in the syringe and giving their own injection. 

Experiments mean doing whats on the list, nothing more nothing less. It's very simple; do what your told, get what you want.

Become a Buddhist

I doubt Jen's secret to Paleo success was chanting "The Jewel is in the Lotus" while meditating, but Buddhists have some insight into this whole thing we call life. The first noble truth is "Life is suffering".

I don't mean suffering in the crucified way or anything more severe than just "change". And for some of us change is more frightening than anything else in our lives.

You may very well suffer your family questioning your motives. You may suffer your fatass Doctor telling you a healthy diet is "balanced". You may suffer your friends getting pissed because your ass looks better than theirs. You may suffer all this in the name of health, longevity, fitness. If you're not ready to suffer such trivial, bullshit change, then you're not ready for the rewards of Paleo.

Jen was ready. I asked Jen what her feelings were about the program. Jen said "All I had to do was remember I started this all for me, and no matter how difficult it got I can't feel sorry for myself for trying to make myself better and reach my goals. Soon after that I started to feel there might be someone watching, and that my discipline may be an example they needed."

 Strength:

Rest

For Score and Time:

"The End 1,2,3 (CF Games 2011 with modification)"

20-Double Unders

30-Wall ball

20-Toe 2 Bar

30-Box Jumps 24"

20-Sumo Deadlift High pull 75/105

30-Burpees

20-Shoulder to Overhead 95/135

5-Rope Climbs

A. In three minutes go as far through chipper as possible. Log last number and station.

rest 2 minutes

B. In six minutes go as far through chipper as possible. Log last number and station.

rest 2 minutes

C. Complete Chipper For Time.

Post all three WODs to comments scored separately.

You And Cellulite...

Josh...

"Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn." 

This weeks "Saturdays Stolen Post" targets mostly girls. Well, maybe dudes just as much because I'm sure there isn't a man alive with a woman that hasn't commented on this subject at one time or another.

I still recieve an email or so per week dedicated to this particular topic, and I think the folks over at Strength and Beauty do a nice job of summing up just what cellulite is, specifically. Mind you there is not a whole lot of "what to do" detail to go with it, but this blog gives that information away everyday. So, cellulite...if you were curious.

I want to address a topic that is rarely discussed because it is a “not so fun topic” but I think it is an important one since over 90% of ALL women have it, fit, skinny and fat…..CELLULITE! Being a woman myself and working with mostly women I am all too familiar with this topic and how frustrating, discouraging, embarrassing, you name it, this skin condition can be. There are also a lot of misconceptions and misleading products out there to be aware of. So what is cellulite, why do so many women have it and how do you get rid of it??? Below is the ugly and not so fair truth from an article I read.

“Some people will tell you that cellulite is just fat, plain and simple. Others will say that cellulite is composed of trapped toxins and excess water underneath the skin. The truth is that cellulite is a condition that affects the appearance of the skin in areas with underlying fat deposits (most noticeably on the buttocks and thighs), giving the skin a dimpled, lumpy appearance.

Fat, in and of itself, is not responsible for the lumpy, bumpy look of cellulite. In the right circumstances, fat can be a beautiful thing. In fact, facial fat is what’s responsible for the smooth and beautiful plump round cheeks you see on the young. Plastic surgeons even charge patients a lot of money to inject patients’ own fat into areas of the patients’ faces and bodies. In fact, fat injections are sometimes used as a treatment to improve the appearance of cellulite.

So what is it that makes cellulite different from “normal” fat? It is the structure of the overlying skin and of the underlying connective tissue that determines whether a given area has a smooth or rippled appearance.

Who Gets Cellulite?

Have you ever wondered why men are so much less likely to have cellulite, even when obese? Or why obese children usually do not have cellulite? Or why you see even very slim women with cellulite?

While the appearance of cellulite tends to worsen in proportion to the amount of fat present in the affected area, cellulite can affect even the thinnest women. The reason for this is that while fat deposits do exacerbate the condition, fat itself is not the primary cause.

Why Do I Have Cellulite?

Underneath the skin lies a layer of fibrous connective tissue that is responsible for adhering the skin to the muscle beneath it. In most men, this connective tissue is arranged in a cross-hatched or diagonal manner, in a smooth and continuous pattern.

The connective tissue of women is another story, running vertically (perpendicular to the skin). Because of this, these fibrous bands (called septae) tether the skin to the underlying tissue at certain points, essentially creating discrete “fat chambers” to push up on the skin while the bands pull the skin downward.

This difference in connective tissue arrangement (coupled with the fact that men usually have thicker skin than women) explains why far fewer men have cellulite than women.

Bad News First

When we are young, our connective tissue is supple and elastic, stretching and giving with the skin so that everything remains smooth. Then puberty hits, and hormones wreak havoc on the connective tissue, making it stiffer and less elastic. At the same time, our fat cells tend to expand in certain areas, pushing out on the skin.

As the bands of connective tissue contract and stiffen with age, they pull down on the skin even more. At the same time, increasing fat stores push outward in the surrounding areas. Put these two occurrences together, and the result is an unappealing landscape of dimples and bulges.

As we get older, the outer layer of skin weakens, thins, and loses elasticity. Gravity takes its toll, and the skin begins to sag. Since the connective septae remain intact and often contracts and stiffens further as time marches on, the appearance of cellulite continues to worsen with age.

Another probable aggravating factor in the development of cellulite is yo-yo dieting. Repeated cycles of weight gain and weight loss further compromise skin elasticity, making cellulite more pronounced.

The Good News

You can improve (not eliminate) the appearance of cellulite by living a healthy lifestyle. That means staying hydrated, not smoking, and yes, following a sensible diet and exercise program.

A combination of proper diet and exercise will decrease the layer of fat underneath the skin, making cellulite less noticeable. A proper diet can also be helpful in keeping the skin and connective tissue stronger, healthier, and more supple. In addition, staying properly hydrated and eating well will help prevent water retention (which exacerbates cellulite).

Exercise helps with cellulite in a multitude of ways. Not only does it help keep body fat levels lower, it also improves circulation and muscle tone in cellulite-prone areas. Improved circulation will keep both the skin and connective tissue healthier, as well as helping with elimination of waste and excess fluid retention.

The Ugly Truth

You may stick to world’s best diet and exercise program, and still have cellulite. The presence, severity, and location of cellulite are in large part determined by hormones and heredity.

While there are a few cellulite treatments and procedures that can somewhat improve the appearance of cellulite, there is no “cure” for cellulite. In fact, most of the cellulite “solutions” offered by those who would separate you from your hard-earned cash are little more than expensive placebos. “

Bottom line ladies…workout hard, eat well consistently, stay hydrated and you can reduce the appearance of cellulite but unfortunately most of us women have it so stop dwelling on it so much and rock your beautiful body that God gave you and you work hard for. Quit letting something you don’t have 100% control over block you from living freely and loving yourself wholly. If I find a cure…you’ll be the first to know ;-)

Empower, Inspire, Believe…

Steal This Video: Ranch WOD Teaser #2

“They might not need me; but they might. I'll let my head be just in sight; a smile as small as mine might be precisely their necessity.”

This weeks episode of "Steal This Vid" finds us back at the ranch for a team WOD teaser. Last week we went solo, next we may show our kid's course.

If you have yet to register, do so now. Not only is the day long competition super fun and community building, but it's for charity. Barbells For Boobs to be exact. Compete while at the same time helping others less fortunate. It's safe to say we all know someone with boobs.

Forward and link this to everyone. This is one of those things we as a CrossFit community succeed at doing better than anyone else - hard shit for time and charity. It doesn't get much better than that.

Strength

Deadlift

3x5

For Time:

"Partner Up"

50-Bar Facing Burpees

150-Deadlifts 105/155

1mile-run

200-Double Unders

250-Jump Squats

Post time and team to comments.