Justin and Heather, CrossFit certification staff from CrossFit headquarters, instruct Joint Team Andrews members on the ‘‘Push Press” exercise during a CrossFit Level 1 certification class in the Tactical Fitness Center Saturday. The two-day seminar for selected unit physical training leaders included a variety of lectures such as defining CrossFit, proper nutrition, and how to coach high intensity, constantly varied and functional whole body workouts. Thirty-eight Joint Team Andrews students were certified as CrossFit coaches to better enhance Andrews fitness program from within the unit structure.
There is an adage that says, ‘‘Knowledge is Power.”
Through the Joint Base Andrews’ command’s efforts to get Team Andrews Fit-to-Fight, 38 select Team Andrews’ physical training leaders received Level One CrossFit Certification training, and hence, the empowerment to teach others in the base community the basics of CrossFit.
‘‘I have been doing CrossFit for a little more than a couple months now, and in just that short amount of time, I can really see a significant impact it has made on me and my physical health,” said Airman 1st Class Shaun Myers, 316th Force Support Squadron Fitness Center fitness specialist who participated in the training program. ‘‘That’s why I wanted to take the training – I want to be able to teach others about the benefits of the CrossFit program and help make a difference in others’ lives, too.”
‘‘I can say that CrossFit has helped me out in every aspect – as an Airman, I can see a huge difference in my physical health. About a month ago, we had a flight run and I might have been able to run at a good clip and stay with the group, but not run and talk at the same time and still keep up with the group. Since I started CrossFit, I can run and talk and carry on a conversation at the same time. I just feel better – I feel sharper overall,” Airman Myers explained.
The certification course, taught by Casey O’Donnell, 316 SVS⁄SVMP fitness specialist and CrossFit instructor, gave attendees the opportunity to delve into the basic fundamentals and proper execution of the program’s movements at various levels of intensity – even with exercise equipment as simple as a PVC pipe.
‘‘That’s one of the beauties of CrossFit,” explained Mr. O’Donnell. ‘‘You don’t need a lot of space or fancy equipment.”
The weekend-long training certification class covered everything from what CrossFit is, what fitness is, nutrition and the nine basic fundamental movements that CrossFit utilizes.
‘‘We went over these class components in a lecture format and gave them an opportunity to apply what they learned. We also gave them opportunities to excel, which basically was actually doing a CrossFit workout where they sharpened their skills,” explained Mr. O’Donnell.
The Level One Certification participants are now able to not only apply what they know, but teach what they know, as well.
‘‘The participants definitely now have a good view of what CrossFit is, why it is important and how they can apply it to everyday living,” explained Mr. O’Donnell. ‘‘What most folks don’t know about CrossFit is that it is inclusive, meaning it’s for everyone – from the young Airman to the retirees.”
CrossFit works through using randomized, functional movements that one would use in everyday life.
‘‘It’s using moves that are integrated in what you do in your daily routine – whether it’s picking up a heavy pack if you are Active Duty or picking up your kids off the ground if you’re a mom. They are intense movements, but it’s totally safe – safety is key in CrossFit,” explained Mr. O’Donnell. ‘‘It’s a fantastic strengthening program.”
For a complete list of CrossFit classes, see page 8.
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