Engage my core…How?

Brittany Malone • August 23, 2021

Mashed potatoes… Thats what we call it when doing a front squat and the body starts to collapse in half making you look more like a dog going poop than an olympic weightlifter. 

Bracing is what we do to keep the core rigid . 

This is also why front squats (with a barbell, kb, d-ball, dumbbells are one of the best core exercises) are so hard, yet so potent for core strength. 

Keeping a stiff core (aka tight core) also allows you to transfer power, energy, stability, efficient from the lower to upper body. 

There is a few myths on how to engage your core.

You do NOT engage your core by…

  • Flexing your abs
  • Sucking in air
  • Pull your belly button to your spine

None of these above create stiffness and tension in your core.

In order to create stiffness… you have to EXPAND from the inside out. 

That means breath is key!

The breath goes into the diaphragm

  • Not the chest
  • Not the belly

The diaphragm. This help create pressure in the front, side, and back of your core.

Next step, apply pressure. The easiest way to explain this is pretend like you are about to get a kick to your stomach. That pressure you apply to essential make your stomach is hard as brick is what you need!

This PROTECTS your SPINE and helps transfer energy from your legs to your arms.

Having a hard time envisioning this? 

Watch the video below!

The post Engage my core…How? appeared first on Makers CrossFit.

2025 Makers Intramural Open

By Brittany Malone • February 11, 2025
Welcome to the Battle of the Classes (AM versus PM)!!! In our 3-week event, performance isn’t the front runner (though we want you to give it your all). We will reward participation. Did you do the workout? ✓ 
Did you do it at Makers CF? ✓✓ 
Did you join in on the fun? ✓✓✓ Our main priorities is helping you push to a new level and having a good time doing it TOGETHER. BREAKDOWN: * The gym will be split into two teams: AM vs. PM. NOONERS may pick which team they want to represent. * Earn your team points through participation. * There will be weekly themes! See details below * Each week for three weeks the workout will be announced by CrossFit every Thursday @ 12:00pm. * Give the open workouts your best shot during Friday 's class workout. We will also have sign ups to do the open workouts Saturdays at 9am for those who cannot make Friday. * Workout scores and open points must be submitted by Monday at 5:00pm.
 REGISTRATION: * 2025 CrossFit Open - CLICK HERE to register and check your rank worldwide. * 2025 Makers CF Intramural Open - Sign up on Makers whiteboard * You do not need to sign up for the CF CrossFit Games Open to participate in the Makers Intramural Open. * Order your Makers CF Open shirt on the whiteboard at the gym ($30) Pre order closes Feb 19th THE POINTS: + 2 Points - Completing the Open workout at Makers 
 +1 Point - Completing the Open workout somewhere other than Makers CF + 1 Point - Top male and female in RX and Scaled 
(regardless of age group) +2 Points - Referring a friend on our friend referral sign up sheet at Makers (Limited to 1 friend a week or 6 points total) +1 Point - PR City: for each personal record completed such as weight or new skill.
 +1 Point - Team Spirit: dressed up for the week’s theme (See below) THE DATES: * Workout: CF 25.1: Feb. 28th * Theme: Twin Day * Workout CF 25.2: Mar. 7th * Theme: Wigs, Tutu, and High Socks * Workout CF 25.3: Mar. 14th * Theme: Makers 2025 Open Shirt THE DETAILS: * To obtain credit, you MUST add your score in Wodify.
 JUDGING: * Want to earn $10 off a shirt? Pass the CrossFit Judges Course and email (info@makers-crossfit.com) us your certificate of completion. Judges course HERE * You DO NOT need a certified judge if you are doing the Makers Intramural Open only. * You DO need a judge if you are registered for the CrossFit Open. * Scoring cards and movement standards will be provided to everyone during the competition.
 AFTER PARTY: * Join us March 15th in celebrating the completion of the open at Makers CrossFit for a brunch potluck . * Potluck sign up at on the gym whiteboard
Two men are squatting on the floor in a gym.

Murph: Should I scale?

By Brittany Malone • April 27, 2024
Murph is the most iconic Hero WOD performed all over the world on Memorial Day in memory and honor of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. As we perform this workout we keep that in the back of our minds and push ourselves physically and mentally.  BUT THERE IS A WAY TO BE SMART ABOUT […] The post Murph: Should I scale? appeared first on Makers CrossFit.

Help, I need legging recommendations!

By Brittany Malone • April 22, 2024
This one is a little more geared towards the ladies of the gym, but it is a legit question. What legging are the best for CrossFit? With all the deadlifting, squatting, and running we do, I get it! We ain’t got time in the middle of a workout to wonder if the person behind us […] The post Help, I need legging recommendations! appeared first on Makers CrossFit.
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