Back in Action/ CF Cville FAQ

Hey everyone... so sorry the blogging/email list updating has been so sporadic. The past month or so has been a blur between finals, beach week, graduation/commissioning, and moving apartments. I took a two week break (first time in a couple of years I've done that) to focus on all of the above and rest up/mentally prepare for a summer and fall of serious training as I get ready to attend the Army's infantry officer basic courses and Ranger school.

I'm back in action and excited to see so many new names checking out the blog and looking to get involved in the Cville CF community. I'm going to try, in this post, to summarize the answers to all the newcomers' common questions...

Who are we?
A somewhat decentralized group of UVA students, alumni, and Charlottesville community members who are interested in CrossFit and true strength/conditioning and nutrition. We've got total newcomers, Level I certified trainers, experienced athletes, and pretty much every skill level in between. The common denominator? A love of the pursuit of fitness and performance, for sport, combat, or just a better quality of life.

When/where do we train?
You can find us at the UVA gyms, Lannigan track, Rocky Top Rec (currently the only place I know of right near UVA where you can drop a load of bumper plates from overhead!), and ACAC. We organize informal group workouts through the blog and email list, and try, at least during the school year, to meet up for a more structured workshop or training session once each weekend.

What's the deal with CrossFit Charlottesville?
Kyle Redinger is spearheading the effort to bring a true CrossFit box to Cville. The affiliate application has been approved! Once a space is locked down, we'll need all hands on deck to help with equipment construction and getting the gym up and running. Contact Kyle at kyle.redinger@gmail.com for more information. I believe he's hoping to have the box open by late summer/early fall.

What/who are we looking for?
Really, anyone! All experience levels are welcome. We love certified trainers and experienced athletes who are willing to help coach and push the pace at group workouts. We also love complete newcomers. Whether you can deadlift 200kg and tear up sub 4min Frans or you're scared of the idea of doing a handstand and haven't done anything close to a pullup since the flexed arm hang in 6th grade, you'll be welcomed with open arms. The only requirements are a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard.

Where do I go from here?
If this sounds like your brand of Zone-friendly bourbon (god I wish such a thing existed), make yourself known in the comments section. Even better, leave your email address or contact me at dtlewis09@gmail.com so that I can add you to our email list. To any new folks who have recently commented, please provide me with some contact info if you'd like to get involved in group workouts, CF Cville, etc.

Finally, I'll steal shamelessly from Jon Stewart... here's your moment of Zen:

Does the music really fit the moment?

Wrapping Up or Getting Going

So finals and graduation/commissioning preparation have clearly gotten in the way of my blogging frequency... sorry I have not updated in a while. The school year is winding down, and I know some of you all will be heading home, abroad, or to internships out of Cville. For all the fourth years going elsewhere after graduation, congratulations and good luck! Everyone have a fun summer and keep training hard.

I for one will be staying in Cville through next January, and plan to really take my training to another level as I prepare to enter active duty Army service. If you are going to be in town this summer, please post to comments so that we can continue to coordinate group workouts and help Kyle with getting the box up and running. Also keep talking up the CrossFit protocol with your friends; it's great being able to use this blog as a way to spread the Kool-Aid throughout the UVA and Cville community.