Achieving Goals -- The Importance of Good
Coaching and Good Nutrition
I started going to CrossFit
Phoenix at the end of May, 2009. I
had been training on my own for over a year, I had become stagnant in my
training, and realized that I could only take myself so far on my own. Additionally, I was no longer seeing the
benefits of the WODs, as I had seen when I had someone pushing me to do
better. My loads were no longer
increasing, my times were not improving, and I was still not able to do many of
the WODs prescribed. I also was the type of exerciser
that justified my diet based on my workout efforts. If I worked out hard, or a lot, then I
could eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Similar to my training, I was not seeing
benefits to this justification of exercising to eat. My workouts were not improving, I was
low on energy, and I had reached a plateau in my weight loss. I had no concept of the importance of
diet to my workouts; I just knew something needed to change. I was in desperate need of some
coaching – someone to help me with my form, give me that extra push, and confirm
my achievements. I also needed
guidance on nutrition. What should
I eat to sustain my workouts, give me the energy I needed, and get me past the
plateau? Being Unique CrossFit Phoenix stood out from
other CrossFit affiliates for a couple of reasons – the trainers, Scott Pauly
and Alisha Kowalewski. I had met
both of them at the end of 2008 at the CrossFit Level 1 certification in
Mesa ,
AZ.
They were both instructors at the training. During the certification I was able to
get a feel for how they trained others, and their general knowledge. Something else that was very
important to me when looking for a CrossFit affiliate was that the trainers are
well trained themselves, and strive for additional knowledge. Alisha and Scott are both currently are
Level 2 certified, which means they have accomplished the more rigorous,
in-depth training needed to properly coach people of different abilities in all
areas of CrossFit. Additionally,
they are constantly trying to improve their coaching abilities through CrossFit
and other continuing education.
Their students reap the benefits of this knowledge. There is an added benefit to
having two coaches – they offer different perspectives, which leads to a better
learning environment. One may tell
you one thing, and the other may offer a different perspective on the same
thing, which allows for a greater understanding of the concept being
taught. With two coaches, there is
always someone pushing you to achieve your max, to try harder, and to do your
best. On Nutrition After being at CrossFit Phoenix
for 2 weeks, all attendees were offered a nutrition challenge. The opt-in was $20, and with it came
nutritional coaching, and the opportunity to win either “most improved
performance” or “most improved physique”, and half the total opt-in as the
prize. It required commitment to
either Paleo or Zone diets, and journaling of meals. I saw this as an opportunity to really
learn about nutrition to sustain my workouts, as well as a chance to see what
would happen if I tried something new with my nutrition. I chose the Paleo diet because it seemed
easier to follow. I took my food journal
everywhere, so I wouldn’t miss an entry.
Over the next two months I kept accurate records of my meals, did
research on foods and recipes, and learned how to prepare Paleo meals that my
entire family could enjoy. I had to
shop differently and try different things, but I was up to the challenge. I had to know if nutrition truly mad a
difference. Scott and Alisha were
always available to review my meal choices, offer suggestions on better choices
or recipes, and answer any nutrition questions I had. Results The results I have experiences
have been tremendous. Since
beginning with CrossFit Phoenix 4 months ago, I am doing nearly every workout at
the prescribed weight and have hit and broken multiple personal records. The nutrition challenge ended, and I won
both challenges – most improved performance and most improved physique. I am now taking this a step further and,
at the advice of Scott and Alisha, am moving towards Paleo/Zone. The combination
of good coaching and nutrition has helped me become stronger, have more energy,
have better recovery, break through my plateau, and, ultimately, become more
fit. Finally I am achieving my
goals! Lauriel’s Favorite Paleo Recipe Papaya
Chicken Baked or roasted chicken Fresh papaya Chopped walnuts Raisins Organic ginger dressing Portions for recipe are variable
based on needs and taste. Papaya
Chicken can be served at room temperature or cold. Shred or dice chicken and put
into a large mixing bowl. Add
walnuts and raisins to taste. Dice
papaya into large pieces and add to bowl (alternatively, papaya may be cut in
half, skinned, and deseeded and used as the serving bowl for the chicken
mixture). Add very small amount of
ginger dressing to enhance flavor (you do not want the chicken mixture smothered
in the dressing). Mix with
spoon. Server papaya chicken mixture
over bed of lettuce, or serve chicken mixture in cleaned papaya half.
