Fueling the Fire: CrossFit's Approach to Nutrition

1. Your Body’s Craving Strength & Stability As we age, maintaining muscle, bone density, and functional movement becomes essential. CrossFit’s emphasis on compound, functional exercises (like squats, presses, and deadlifts) build strength that helps with everyday tasks—getting up from a chair, lifting groceries, or climbing stairs—while helping preserve bone health and reduce the risk of falls. Coaches scale these movements to suit any fitness level. 2. You Value Balance, Coordination & Safety Falls are a serious concern, but CrossFit workouts improve proprioception, stability, and coordination through drills like step-ups and agility training. Over time, members report better balance, confidence, and fewer accidental slips or stumbles. 3. You Thrive in a Supportive & Social Environment Retirement can bring social shifts, but CrossFit’s community-driven classes offer connection, camaraderie, and encouragement—key ingredients for mental wellness. This environment fosters emotional resilience, lowers stress, and sharpens focus through both social interaction and endorphin-boosting workouts. 4. You Appreciate Scalable, Personalized Workouts Whether you're rehabbing an injury or returning to fitness after a break, CrossFit offers endless adaptability. Coaches adjust intensity, movements, and load—so you're always progressing at the right pace, safely and sustainably. 5. You Prioritize Long-Term Wellness (Not Just Retirement Readiness) Retirement planning often focuses on finances or emotional preparedness—but being truly ready means building a foundation of physical longevity. Combining movement, strength training, and community engagement means creating a “health span account”—one that pays dividends in vitality, mobility, and joy as you age. Ready to Make Retirement Not Just Longer—but Healthier? If these signs ring true, you’re in a prime place to start integrating CrossFit into your pre- or post-retirement routine. A scalable, supportive fitness community can help you stay independent, strong, social, and active for the long haul. Want help getting started? Be sure to check out our CrossFit Legends Program here at Absolute Performance! BONUS: two free trial sessions on September 8th and 10th for anyone interested! All are welcome!

Week 1 – Stepping In You walk in and see friendly faces — coaches who greet you by name and classmates who are just as excited (and maybe a little nervous) as you are. We’ll take it slow, focusing on learning how to move safely, using light weights, and understanding how each exercise fits into real life. You leave with a smile, a bit of a sweat, and the feeling, “I can do this.” Week 2 – Finding Your Balance By now, you’re feeling more comfortable. Movements start to feel familiar. We work on balance, mobility, and core strength — the things that make climbing stairs, carrying groceries, and standing from a chair feel effortless. You notice you’re walking a little taller and moving with more ease. Week 3 – Feeling Stronger This is when you realize your body can do more than you thought. We add a little more challenge — always with options that fit your level. Your stamina improves, you recover faster, and you feel proud of your progress. Week 4 – Moving with Confidence We start blending strength, balance, and coordination into short, fun workouts. They’re quick bursts of effort followed by rest — designed to help you handle the physical demands of life with confidence. You might even start looking forward to the challenge. Week 5 – Everyday Power The strength you’ve built in the gym starts showing up in your daily life. You lift bags more easily, you’re steadier on your feet, and maybe you’re playing with the grandkids a little longer. Movements are more natural now — they’ve become your movements. Week 6 – Celebrating You We revisit a few simple exercises from Week 1, and the difference is clear. You move with more strength, control, and ease. We celebrate your wins — big and small — and help you set new goals, so the progress continues well beyond your first month. Why Our Legends Love It Expert, caring coaches who tailor every workout to you. A welcoming community of peers cheering each other on. Workouts that work for real life — no gimmicks, just results. 📅 First Class: Monday, September 8th 🕘 Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30–10:15 AM 🎟 FREE WEEK — Try it with zero pressure and see how you feel. 💻 Reserve Your Spot: https://www.goapnation.com/legends-program 📧 Email: goapnation@gmail.com

Why Strength Training Matters for Joint Pain After 60 Builds muscle support around joints Resistance work strengthens muscles surrounding knees, hips, shoulders, and spine—providing extra stability, distributing stress more efficiently, and significantly reducing pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. Research shows regular resistance training improves joint comfort and function in older adults. Improves lubrication, mobility & flexibility Controlled movement cycles through joints produce synovial fluid and promote range of motion. CrossFit routines that begin with targeted dynamic warm‑ups and mobility drills help reduce stiffness and improve joint comfort over time. Counters sarcopenia and protects joint structures Progressive resistance training slows age‑related muscle loss (sarcopenia), preserving strength, balance, and daily function. Multiple studies underline that even older adults can develop muscle and maintain independence through thoughtful training. How CrossFit Fluency Enhances Benefits After 60 Scalable, functional movements improve joint health CrossFit’s methodology—constantly varied, functional exercises—can be scaled to support safe strength gains, joint stress reduction, and daily movement enhancement for older athletes. Mobility integrated into every session Warm‑ups and cool‑down mobility protocols in CrossFit enhance joint range, flexibility, and recovery—especially helpful for aging muscles and stiffness-prone joints. Controlled progressive overload Gradual increase in load and reps (progressive overload) encourages joint-supporting muscle development while minimizing injury risk: a key part of safe aging training in CrossFit programs. Confidence, Freedom & Quality of Life Greater strength → greater independence As strength builds, everyday tasks—walking stairs, gardening, lifting grandkids—become routine again. This regained autonomy translates into emotional uplift and real-world confidence. Stronger body, stronger mind Strength training lifts mood, improves sleep, reduces inflammation, and supports mental resilience. Many older adults report that controlled resistance work helps manage stress, anxiety, and general well‑being. Visible progress breeds belief Seeing incremental gains—even small weight increases, smoother movement, or pain reduction—reinforces empowerment and builds self-trust over time. Practical Tips for Safe, Effective Strength Training in CrossFit After 60 Begin with mobility work: Warm up joints and tissues before lifting. Prioritize form over load: Controlled mechanics protect joints. Incorporate eccentric emphasis: Slow lowering under control builds strength with less joint stress. Use scaling and modifications: Use lighter weights or bands, box variations, and low-impact cardio (row, bike, ski erg) when needed. Rest and recover wisely: Include adequate recovery days and active mobility to prevent overtraining. Why Strength Training After 60 Is a Game-Changer Pain reduction and function: Joint pain and stiffness decrease, and daily movement becomes easier and more fluid. Research consistently shows improvements in function and comfort with progressive resistance programs. Fight chronic conditions: Improved balance, bone density, metabolic health, and joint resilience all come from regular strength and mobility work—even at older ages. Boosted confidence & quality of life: Combining joint relief with strength gains fosters emotional resilience, greater independence, and a positive aging mindset. Final Words Integrating CrossFit-style strength training into life after 60 can be transformative: it reduces joint pain, improves mobility, builds functional strength, and restores confidence. With hands-on coaching, smart scaling, and thoughtful progression, it's never too late to reclaim movement, independence, and physical vitality. Start with intention. Train with purpose. Thrive with strength—in body and mind.

🦴 Preserve Muscle Mass & Bone Healthy Mobility As we age, muscle loss (sarcopenia) accelerates—up to 3–8% per decade after age 30. CrossFit’s use of functional movements like squats, presses, and deadlifts helps rebuild and preserve muscle and improve bone density. These movements support everyday activities like standing from a chair, lifting groceries, and climbing stairs. ⚖️ Enhance Balance, Coordination & Fall Prevention CrossFit workouts regularly include agility drills, step‑ups, heart-pumping carries, and balance-based movements—key tools for reducing fall risks. Strength and balance training combined can drastically lower the chance of falls in older adults. 🫀 Boost Cardiovascular Fitness & Longevity High-intensity intervals and metabolic conditioning in CrossFit elevate heart and lung health, helping prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Studies show regular strength training cuts mortality risk from major illnesses by significant percentages. 🧠 Improve Mental Well-Being & Cognitive Function Functional fitness—especially elements like endurance, coordination, and lower body flexibility—is closely tied to psychological well-being, resilience, optimism, and life satisfaction. Strength and metabolic conditioning also release endorphins, reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support brain health. 🤝 Community & Purpose Working out in a CrossFit environment isn’t just physical—it’s social. Lifelong fitness training helps older adults live longer, healthier lives, while the community aspect combats isolation, fuels motivation, and provides a shared sense of purpose. Why CrossFit Is Ideal for Folks Over 60 ✅ Built for All Fitness Levels: Scalable & Adaptable CrossFit is inherently adaptable. Coaches tailor workouts to individual fitness, mobility, and abilities. Whether swapping barbell lifts for dumbbells, reducing intensity, or using resistance bands, workouts are personalized and safe—making participation accessible at any level. ✅ Evidence of Progress with Age Despite common beliefs, “masters” CrossFit athletes continue to improve strength, endurance, and capacity as they age—even into their 60s and beyond. CrossFit Games data show masters' athletes can become fitter over time. ✅ Combines Strength, Endurance & Flexibility CrossFit’s blend of resistance, cardio, gymnastics, and mobility work builds a full spectrum of fitness—targeting longevity, independence, and functional daily capability. Real-Life Outcomes: What People Over 60 Are Saying Athletes in their 60s routinely complete CrossFit workouts at Rx-level intensity, modifying high-impact elements like box jumps into step-ups or scaled movements. Many note they feel stronger, more confident, and healthier now than they did in their 50s or 40s. Serving Up the Full Benefits of CrossFit Over 60

Stepping into a CrossFit gym is like entering a second home—you're not just signing up for sweat and reps, but for connection, encouragement, and shared purpose. Every WOD is a collective challenge, and every victory—even a small milestone—is celebrated together. That shared energy is what turns exercise into friendship, accountability, and belonging.

There’s something incredibly empowering about getting your first strict pull-up. It’s more than just a cool party trick or a gym milestone—it’s a true test of upper body strength, core control, and determination. Whether you’ve been hanging from the bar wondering how on earth people make it look so easy, or you’re stuck at the halfway point, this guide is for you. We’re breaking down the process step-by-step to help you build the strength, technique, and confidence needed to conquer your first strict pull-up—no momentum, no kipping, just raw power and progress.  1. Understand Why Strict Pull-Ups Matter Strict pull-ups build foundational upper‑body and core strength, stabilizing muscles, and grip—all essential for CrossFit. Plus, CrossFit methodology emphasizes strict pull-ups before kipping to ensure shoulder health and technical base. 2. Warm-Up & Mobility Prepare your shoulders, scapulae, and core with: Banded shoulder circles Scapular pull-ups: From a dead hang, shrug shoulders up then relax Joining the dots: lat pull-downs, hollow holds, or “behind‑the‑back” arm circles at the start of sessions 3. Eccentric (Negative) Pull‑Ups A staple drill for beginners: Start with chin above the bar (jump or use step) Slowly lower to full dead-hang over 5–10 seconds Repeat 3–5 reps per set, 3–5 sets This builds the exact muscles for the pull phase! 4. Isometric “Chin‑Over‑Bar” Holds Hold yourself with your chin above the bar for 5–15 seconds per rep. These develop top-end strength and teach your body to maintain position! 5. Segmented Negatives Combine holds and negatives: Start chin‑over‑bar → lower a few inches → hold → lower more → hold → finish. This isolates harder parts of the range of motion 6. Assistance & Regression Use assistance to practice full range: Bands: Start with thick bands for 8–10 reps, switch to thinner ones as you improve Chin-ups: Supinated grip reduces difficulty and engages biceps Inverted or ring rows: Great horizontal pull regressions (5–10 reps) 7. Frequency & Programming Stick with consistency: 2–3 pull‑up sessions/week: mix endurance/hypertrophy (sets of 6–10, e.g. assisted) and strength (negatives, max holds) Some CrossFit gym templates alternate Volume and Max Effort days (e.g. ABA/BAB weekly cycles) 8. Measure Progress & Patience Track reps, hold time, band thickness etc. It may take weeks to months—strength progress is individual Celebrate small wins: longer holds, thinner bands, cleaner negatives

CrossFit workouts are high-intensity, high-output, and high-sweat. Whether you’re tackling “Murph” or grinding through a heavy EMOM, proper hydration is critical to unlocking peak performance and keeping your body functioning at its best. Let’s explore why hydration is essential and how you can dial in your hydration strategy to match your CrossFit demands.

As the temperatures rise and WODs get tougher, summer presents a unique challenge for CrossFit athletes striving to stay lean, strong, and energized. From strategic hydration with electrolytes and water-rich produce to smart meal timing and nutrient-dense snacks, these five summer nutrition principles are designed to help you power through grueling workouts and scorching heat—without sacrificing performance or recovery. Let’s dive into how slight tweaks can fuel your best season yet.

What Is CrossFit Kids? CrossFit Kids is a version of the CrossFit training methodology tailored for younger age groups. It focuses on general physical preparedness, incorporating elements of cardio, strength training, coordination, agility, and balance—delivered in a safe, supportive environment. The workouts are scalable and designed with developmental stages in mind. This means the program can be adapted for elementary schoolers all the way through teenagers, ensuring that exercises are not only appropriate but also enjoyable. Rather than emphasizing heavy weights or competition, CrossFit Kids is all about movement, fun, and building a lifelong love of fitness. The Benefits of CrossFit Kids Improved Physical Health CrossFit Kids helps children develop foundational fitness skills: strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. Regular participation can lead to better posture, stronger muscles and bones, and reduced risk of childhood obesity. Enhanced Motor Skills and Coordination The program incorporates a variety of movements that improve coordination, agility, and fine motor skills. These benefits often translate into better performance in other sports and everyday activities. Boosted Confidence and Mental Resilience Through achievable challenges and consistent encouragement, kids learn to set goals and push past mental barriers. The sense of accomplishment after completing a workout builds confidence and fosters a growth mindset. Social Skills and Teamwork Group workouts promote social interaction, cooperation, and communication. Kids learn to support each other, take turns, and celebrate others’ progress—a valuable life lesson both inside and outside the gym. Healthy Habits for Life By making exercise fun, CrossFit Kids plants the seeds for a healthy lifestyle early on. Children begin to associate movement with enjoyment rather than obligation, which increases the likelihood of staying active into adulthood. Reduced Risk of Injury in Sports CrossFit Kids emphasizes proper form and body awareness. Learning to move well from a young age helps prevent injuries both in the gym and in other sports or physical activities. Who Can Participate? At Absolute Performance, CrossFit Kids classes have a range of kids anywhere between 8-12 years old. Here, we introduce basic CrossFit movements with an emphasis on form, teamwork, and fun. No prior athletic experience is necessary—CrossFit Kids welcomes everyone, regardless of skill level. Conclusion CrossFit Kids isn’t just about building stronger bodies—it’s about building stronger, more confident, and healthier young people. With a focus on fun, safety, and personal growth, it offers a powerful alternative to sedentary habits and sets the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and well-being. Whether your child is a budding athlete or just looking for a new way to stay active, CrossFit Kids offers an inclusive, energizing, and empowering environment to grow and thrive. Interested in getting your child started with CrossFit Kids? Reach out to us here at Absolute Performance to sign up! We offer free trial sessions for your child to gain first-hand experience in one of our classes. Our coaches will help your child to become better movers and athletes, all while having fun and developing skills for both in and out of the gym!