What's In A Masters Gym Bag?

Gym bag is like a "lovey", it goes with me pretty much everywhere.  I keep it in the house near the door.  Sometimes, I don't even take in from the car.  Have you ever taken inventory of what's in your bag?  You may be surprised.  I gotta feeling it looks a little different than the young firebreathers bag.  Here's what I normally keep in my bag.  What's in yours?

1. Water bottle
2. Water bottle
3. Water bottle
4. Ok...really...jump rope
5. Knee sleeves
6. Gloves
7. Wrist Straps
8. Belt
9. Fresh shirt
10. Protein bar / Power
11. Oly shoes
12. Wallet, keys, phone

10 Reasons Masters Athletes Should Compete...Regularly

Why should you (a masters athlete) compete?  Maybe you can't perform like when the good-old days.  Maybe you're not a fire-breather like some of the younger guys in the gym. So what?  Keeping a regular competition schedule (2-3 times a year) has many benefits.  See below.

10 Reasons Masters Athlete's Should Compete Regularly

1.     Give some motivation to the daily grind

2.     A few times per year push your self to your absolute limits

3.     Set a benchmark for next year

4.     Compare yourself to others in you age group...in a good way...just see where you stand

5.     Keep you honest - can't cheat when there's a judge watching

6.     Learn to perform under pressure

7.     You may surprise yourself 

8.     You'll learn your weakness(es)

9.     Brag to your friends..."Hey Joe, I'm the ### most fittest man/woman in the world!"

10. Have fun!

6 Ways For A Masters Athlete To Be a Model In Your Box

No…not that kind of model.  I mean a role model.  Just because you’re a masters athlete doesn’t mean you’ve been outcasted.  You’re still a valuable member of the box…even if you can’t keep up the young fire-breathers.   Who cares that you’re a few steps slower.  Here’s  a few ways to be a model:

1. Show up…consistently
2. Put forth maximum effort every time
3. Connect, relate and engage…come early / stay after
4.  Encourage, Encourage, Encourage
5. Don’t compare, be yourself…be proud of your efforts, this stuff is hard
6. Have fun!  Crack some jokes.  Be light hearted.

The Older I Get...The More Support I Need

Remember the days when you could squat with no belts, wraps or spotters?  Maybe that's still the case.  But as masters athletes it's important to protect ourselves from injury.  Don't feel bad if you have to put on knee support, wrist straps, belt, etc.  It's worth it.  For me, it's "Yes-Yes-Yes Squats!".

Here's a few items to consider if you're going to need some extra support:

1. Knee sleeves
2. Wrist straps
3. Gloves
4. Belt
5. Elbow sleeves
6. Rock tape
7. Any other support

Open Letter To Every Box: What's With The Music?

Dear Every Box,
The music in your gym is geared towards the younger generation. Most of it I don't even recognize. I can't remember the last time I heard something different. Could you play something from my generation that I would actually recognize? I've provided a list below. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely - The Masters Community

Here's A Potential Play List:

1. Twisted Sister - We're Not Gonna Take It 
2. Van Halen - Ain't Talkin Bout Love 
3. Beastie Boys - Sabotage 
4. Rush - Spirit of Radio 
5. Bruce Springsteen - Born In the USA 
6. Jackson 5 - I Want You Back 
7. Cheap Trick - Surrender 
8. Pearl Jam - Even Flow 
9. Run DMC - Peter Piper 
10. U2 - Angel of Harlem 
11. Public Enemy - Fight The Power 
12. Black Sabbath - War Pigs 
13. Any other music from the 70's, 80's or 90's

To Paleo Or Not to Paleo? That is the question.

Have you ever felt like this kid?  I find my self in almost a constant dialogue.  Every time I hit the fridge, go to a restaurant or just think about food.   It's almost like I have a little Paleo Devil and a Paeleo Angel on each shoulder.  Back and forth they argue. All day long.  I'd say each wins about 50% of the time.


So here's the dialogue goes in my head:

• Paleo Angel:  Do you know many burpees you're going to have to do to work that off?
• Paelo Devil:  Dude, you've been eating this way for 40+ years. What's another?  It's only one.
• Paleo Angel:  But earlier today you said that would be the last one? Remember, you're Paleo now
• Paleo Devil:  Don't listen to her.  This Paleo thing is a fad.  You earned it...go ahead.  Indulge.
• Paleo Angel:  Don't listen to him.  You worked so hard to get here. Don't let it go.
• And so on...

Does this ever happened to you?  Or is it just me?  Let me know.

10 Reasons Why I Crossfit Over 40

There are many reasons to Crossfit.  As a masters athlete, there are even more.  Don't let you age define you.  Crossfit is for athletes of all ages and abilities.  Here's 10 reasons why I Crossfit.  What are yours?

1.  How can I take care of my family if I can't take care of myself?

2.  I want to feel 10 years younger than my chronological age - permanently.

3.  I want to look good with out my shirt on!  Ok, I know this is vain...but true

4.  There's more important things than work, chores, and other doldrums of life

5.  Community, Community, Community

6.  Make the best use of my time in the gym

7.  I like to compete...it keeps me sharp

8.  I want to find my perceived limits...then surpass them

9.  Be a role model to the young fire-breathers in the gym

10.  Setting new PRs...even as I get older