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Sometimes, apparently one can get so busy trying to build something – that they don’t see it when it’s happening all around them. So busy, in fact – that when they see it, it hits them super hard in “the feels” – as the kids say these days.

We set out early on to create a family friendly, respectful, healthy and strong community. A community – no, a family with great core values that would inspire all levels of fitness to believe in themselves and their new adopted family at Iron Legion.

Iron Legion takes this mission to heart and works tirelessly to create the best training atmosphere possible for it’s members. It goes without saying that its a full time job for a lot of folks – and we LOVE IT!

So what inspired me to sit down on a Saturday afternoon and type away? Huge stuff folks.

Our CrossFit classes have a lot of different ways to join. One way is to utilize one of our great programs – The World’s Best Boot Camp North Florida (WBBC). We’ve been running WBBC for about a year now with our other programs here at Iron Legion Athletics. It’s a great experience and a lot of our current CrossFitters have cut their teeth with CrossFit Iron Legion in this program.

Flash forward to today. It’s Enlistment Day for our latest 6 week Boot Camp. Such a nerve racking day for these 60+ new members – exciting, and new, and to make it even scarier – it’s in a place called Iron Legion – yikes.

But they came.

Pretty bad ass already in my opinion.

While they are going through Enlistment – I kick off the 9am CrossFit Class. This is easily a 50+ person 9am Saturday morning class of CrossFitters. We convene outside to give Enlistment the run of the gym. I begin to explain the particulars with the work out – like any normal Saturday. My back is to the street, so I don’t see it when it happens.

The Boot Camp Enlistees are coming in from their run. It’s their first day. They may have never seen or experienced a day like this. A crowd of CrossFitters is between them and the entrance.

I didn’t have to say it – it just happened.

The CrossFit crowd opened up. But not only did they open up enough to allow them to come through – they started cheering. And the cheering and clapping continued and got louder with each passing Enlistee. The looks of suffering on these runners faces turned to smiles of respect and acknowledgment. It visibly changed their demeanor as they came through.

I didn’t know where to look, what to do. A little overwhelmed – I just clapped and cheered – while realization sunk in. I was so proud of our Enlistees for taking that first step towards a better life – but I was equally proud of our family – our pack.

The encouragement given to our new enlistees was born from having been there themselves. Our members recognize hard work and know the journey can be long, and hard at times – but the reward soooo worth it.

It all starts with one step. One day. Before you know it, you will be that fitter person in the mirror, that stronger family, that confident employee or employer, part of a community of people who share a similar vision for themselves that hold themselves to a higher standard.

Now that we’ve recognized our community is strong and thriving – does that mean we stop? Hell no buddy – we are just getting started. We will continue to build this community – this family, this pack in hopes of changing as many people’s lives as possible for the better.

-Ted

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Brain, shut the hell up!

It is so easy to convince yourself that you NEED to quit.  That it is too hard.  That you are tired.  That you can make it up tomorrow.  That you just aren’t as good as they are.  

Mentally self-imposed limits are as real as they come.   For every individual, they’re different but they’re no less real.  This week I want to talk about these limits and how to push past them (something I’m still working on myself).

For every individual, mentally self-imposed limits are different.  If you’ve been a lifelong athlete or been trained by the military, chances are your mentally self-imposed limits are different from those of the “average joe”.  You’ve spent years developing your mental strength and you have learned to meet barriers set by your brain and then push through them.

For many of us though, CrossFit is the first “sport” we’ve played in a long time and being competitive in this field is a first.   I know for me, growing up as a gymnast and then cheerleader, there were fears I had to push past when tumbling passes were challenging or when I split the beam (ouch).  However, those self-imposed fears are nothing compared to the barriers I face with CrossFit.

You see, in CrossFit, more times than not I’m fighting a battle against myself.  Sure, there are other people doing my same workout, and I would like to do better than them, but more than that, it’s my own brain that is limiting me.  

I can’t tell you how many times during a workout I’ve told myself “you’re tired”, “rest before you hurt yourself”, “you can’t do that weight”, “she’s already ahead of you so what’s the point”, etc.

It has taken me years to learn to tell myself to SHUT THE HELL UP.  To speak words of affirmation when I’m working out.  To tell myself “I can hit this lift”.  I’ve had to work hard on being my own cheerleader.  It really is so much easier to talk negatively to yourself than to speak positively. And that’s a damn shame really.

Why is it so hard?  Well, I first blame society.  Especially as a women, we are always trying to live up to a standard that seems to be unachievable.  Secondly though, I blame myself.  Personal development takes time and effort, both of which can be hard to find.  I’m as guilty as the next.  I have to set aside time to practice positive self-talk, or it just doesn’t happen.  

So, my advice to you.  First, learn to believe in yourself.  Secondly, take some time to tell yourself positive affirmations.  Write them on your mirror in the bathroom.  Before a heavy lift, say “I can do this”.  Visualize yourself being successful at what you want to accomplish.

And always remember this – thoughts will ALWAYS become things.  

In

You may have noticed our awesome new sign on SE 1st Ave in Downtown Ocala. Its pretty awesome. I like it a lot.

I also know there are a lot of funny connections that can go on in peoples heads – so, I thought I’d take a minute to explain the name.

“Iron Legion Athletics” as a name is an evolution of business for us. We have grown a lot in the last 5 years from our humble backyard beginnings. We have added so many programs and we do so many different things we just wanted something to capture all of it.

CrossFit is here to stay. We will always be an affiliate – so save your email to HQ. We are always above board – don’t ever forget it. We also, however – have specific programs. We are a licensed operator of The World’s Best Boot Camp. We have sports team training programs, we have Yoga, we have Powerlifting, we have Olympic Weightlifting, gymnastics, kids programs… and on and on…

Needless to say folks – we have a program here that is perfect for you. It’s also perfect for anyone and everyone that you know. Come see what we are talking about – see why we are different than any other gym experience you will ever have.

And if it makes you feel better – it goes like this:

Iron Legion Athletics

Home of CrossFit Iron Legion

and

The World’s Best Boot Camp North Florida

Hope that clears it up for you! If you are interested in checking out Iron Legion Athletics and our vast array of professionally coached programs – give us a call at 352-620-2625 to set up a free introductory session to learn just what we can offer YOU Ocala!

In

I typically take the days off after Fenrir’s Mayhem to travel to Asgard to boast of the great tales of Mayhem Glory to the Gods. Its why you haven’t heard from me for a couple days.  Now that I am back –

Thank you.

Honestly – this year’s Fenrir’s Mayhem 4 was so much fun. It was by FAR the hottest damn day I’ve ever had, but so much frickin FUN!

The mutual respect between our athletes and judges was on point! Overall we had volunteers this year that were just as driven as the athletes! The entire staff of volunteers across the board pulled out every stop and busted their ASS to make the athlete experience as awesome as it was! To you volunteers – I humbly say thank you, and I am very proud of how you represented us and our community!

All of our sponsors and vendors were a huge help pulling this thing off – their support to our community of health and fitness in Ocala, Florida was clear. Iron Legion is here to change lives for the better in our community – having the sponsors we had helped us bring awareness to who we are, and some of the fun we can have with the “What if Fitness was Fun” mindset!!

The athletes that showed up this year – mad respect for you guys! Your training and commitment to training showed. We marketed specifically to certain type of athlete. And that type of athlete came. Quite simply put – we didn’t create this event for “everybody”.

That – however, does not mean “only hardcore athletes” – it means something else entirely.

We seek out the committed – the athletes with heart, determination and grit. Whether you are a few months into your fitness journey – or a seasoned athlete, you have a place at Fenrir’s Mayhem if you have the dedication and drive needed to be successful. It’s character, and drive we are looking for regardless of whether you have just started or not. We seek out those athletes who can dig deep and truly grind. I saw PRs from beginners all day long! I saw seasoned athletes struggling alongside athletes who were just starting out – screams of encouragement everywhere! Just awesome to witness!

And you BAMFr’s showed up! I only saw a few cry babies that may not have followed my social media posts and were completely unaware of what they signed up for – but what’s a competition without some baby tears? Overwhelmingly, you guys took on Mayhem like true warriors – just like I knew you would! Congrats to all of you!!

The heat was REAL however. Real enough that we are currently planning on Mayhem 5 being in a cooler month. Stay tuned to your emails and Social Media for the new dates… Ahh… screw it. I’ll just tell you. November 4th and 5th, 2016 are the new dates for Mayhem 5. We are going to do two this year (only) so we dont have to wait all the way until November of 2017 for the next Mayhem. So again – pay attention to your emails – we will be sending a special offer to athletes and vendors for Mayhem 5. Bigger, Stronger, and Cooler haha!

Again guys – its with great honor and respect to all of you – Thank You for making Mayhem 4 awesome this year. Here’s to the new dates and cooler weather.

Keep training – and we will keep creating events worthy of your commitment and dedication.

Lift Heavy, Go Fast, Take Risks!

Ted

In ,

Saddle up all you bad asses! Ocala’s about to witness the full wrath of Fenrir’s Mayhem! Be here tomorrow and Saturday and witness The HEAVY, The FAST, and The RISKY! Beards, Braids, Vikings, Heavy Weights, Men in Kilts, Axes, Eye Candy – Brews and just an all around fun time for all! Be here 4-9pm Friday and 8-5pm Saturday! For full details check out www.fenrirsmayhem.com

PREPARE FOR GLORY!!

 

In ,

It’s that time again. The New Year is upon us. No – err, wait a minute… it’s not. It’s only November. I know – I know, you don’t want to hear anything related to fitness and health right now. I get it – you are focused on time off and getting your food coma on.

But lets be real for a second. Has that ever worked?

“Has what ever worked?”

Procrastination.  It’s a big word – here are some examples: “I’ll start Monday” or “I’ll start January 1st” or “My kids got _________ (fill in the blank)”

We get it – we’ve seen it, heck – we’ve been there. I like to procrastinate burpees – and rowing, but we aren’t here to talk about me (although it is my favorite subject).

You have an opportunity right now to get a jump on how you look, feel and perform on January 1st. Check this out:

Iron Legion – conveniently located in downtown historic Ocala, is here to be a catalyst for change in our community. We believe in each and every one of our members and we are committed to their vision of what they want out of their health and fitness goals. Young, old, newbie, experienced athlete, injured, recovering, professional, adaptive – we are here to support your BEST version of yourself.

Unlike a regular gym we are a structured class of coaches. Each of our classes are challenging and fun – they are always fresh and different. Our coaches are engaged in each class to keep you moving forward towards your goals in a safe and effective manner. If your goal is to be the healthiest version of yourself you have ever been – we are here to facilitate that. If you want to compete – we are here for that too.

We understand that everyone’s goals in regards to fitness are different and we coach each of our classes in that manner. We even have specialty classes designed specifically to shore up any areas you may need or want extra work on!

Iron Legion did not set out to be like every other gym in the area. The foundation of our business is to build a faster, healthier, stronger community here in Ocala through fitness. Not status quo fitness staring at a mirror, but with a unique and different take on fitness – where family and community come first,and fitness is FUN.

Here in our Iron Legion community – you look forward to seeing what the workout is for the day, you come to the gym to do work with members you have gotten to know through sweat and hard work as a team, as a community of stronger, better people! And most of all – you are motivated to have fun in a safe and challenging environment.

So, how about this year we try something different? Check out Mike’s journey with us (the video above all this text) and get to know us a little better. Then: Lets get started now – just click any of the Free Intro buttons to schedule an Intro, or give us a call at 352-620-2625.

I hope to talk to you soon – we are building this community of Ocala with people just like you – come and check us out!

– Coach Ted

In ,

There is probably not a day that goes by at the box where many of you probably don’t think to yourself:  “When is Wingo going to stop harping on hollow and arches and my stinking shoulder position in the overhead movement?”  Well I’m here to tell you that day isn’t going to come.  And for good reason.

 

Our first and foremost concern as CrossFit coaches is to help you move better.   In the end it is not about how much you squat, or deadlift, or your Grace time.  Yes those things are of importance to us too, but they are secondary goals to teaching you to move well.

 

The greatest compliment any CrossFit affiliate owner or its coaches can receive is, when you are out of town and visit another box or go to a competition, for other quality coaches or athletes notice that you move well.  Tight core—check.  Active shoulders—check.  Elbows high on that front squat with the bar over the ankles—check.  This is what we are striving to achieve.

 

There are two big reasons.  The first is safety.  When you take the time to slowly, steadily, inch by inch improve the quality of your movement, the safer everything becomes for you—weightlifting, body weight movements, metcons—and most importantly just living life.  The other big reason is efficiency, which directly translates to performance.

 

The better you move, the farther you will progress as an athlete.  Want to snatch more?  Learn proper hip function and how to explosively and fully open the hip.  Want to rip off kipping pull-ups, toes to bar, bar muscle ups, and ring muscle ups?  And walk on your hands and kip handstand push-ups like Coach Lindy?  Climb a rope like Coach Sarah?  Well the way you get there is focusing on the fundamentals.

 

I am challenging you.  Every day you come to the box, make it a point to move better.  I’m not talking about just moving better when the metcon starts.  I’m talking about doing so the moment you start your warm-up rowing or running and doing pass throughs, overhead squats with the PVC pipe, lunging, and short sets of push-ups and pull-ups.  Work on your form, strive for excellence with your form, from the first moment you walk into the box to the moment you leave.

 

Seek out your coaches and ask for their help.  If you don’t get better in some way, each day, then together we have failed for that day—we meaning all of us as your coaches and you as an athlete.  Take a step forward every day.  You can do so even when you have those “off” days where you are fatigued and just don’t have that extra rep in you or miss out on your previous squat PR due to stress, a lack of sleep, workout fatigue, or whatever it may be that holds you back.  You can still progress that day in efforts to move better.

 

Which brings me to my final point.  Your efforts to move better every day at the box, to strive for excellence in the quality of movement, are not meant to be limited to athletic performance.  Another goal is to transfer your efforts to help you strive for excellence in life, whatever it is that you do that is of importance to you—whether that is being a better mom or dad or employee or boss or preacher or car salesman.

 

So strive for excellence very single day.  Make it count.  I will be watching you (especially your hollows and arches and shoulder position!) and pushing you and cheering for you.

In ,

Are you ready to take your fundamentals and quality of movement to the next level? This is a reminder we are going to help you do so through our new gymnastics specific class. In our gymnastics focused class you will get extra coaching and training time to pursue virtuosity in the hollow and arch and develop the strength and kinesthetic awareness to knock out kipping pull ups, toes to bar, push ups, handstand push-ups, ring dips, muscle ups, and all the body weight movements like a pro.

 

That first pull up or ring muscle up IS within reach no matter how far away it may seem. If you already have these movements you are going to learn to perform them more efficiently and strive for virtuosity. It isn’t just about getting the work done–it is about getting it done well. Really, really well.

 

Class times are Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and Friday at 8:00 a.m. Coach Lindy (with trainer credentials from USA Gymnastics in addition to her CrossFit Level 1) and Coach Steve (a CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer) are working together to program and lead the classes. Tim and Stef, two of our most proficient body weight athletes, will be assisting.

 

These classes are going to be invaluable in improving your fundamentals and the quality of your movement. They are going to increase your strength. And they are going to be fun–we are going to play and learn new and cool stuff.

 

We plan to see you starting Thursday!!

In

Fenrir’s Mayhem III was an absolute blast this year! I loved watching the very best in this sport come to our little Historic Town of Ocala and do the IMPOSSIBLE!! For those of you that attended or supported – thank you! There is a special place in my heart for all of you! Its because of you this event was a success!

 

Stay tuned – we are in the works of releasing a full video capturing all the glory!

 

In the mean time – enjoy this little teaser we made to remind you guys just how awesome this event was! Fenrir’s Mayhem will always be an event for the Strong and the Brave. It will always be unique, and it will always be Heavy.

 

 

Keep training – and stay tuned for the full video.  Enjoy your Summer!! Lift Heavy, Go Fast and Take Risks!!!

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