Barbell Club 15.1 is coming to a box near you! That's right... we are starting our very first Olympic lifting class at Portage CrossFit Cooperative on September 8, 2015. In addition to our regular CrossFit classes, Barbell Club 15.1 will provide further instruction on the snatch and clean & jerk. Space is limited, so sign up via Zen Planner today!

Self-explanatory... this is our first newsletter. Enjoy!

Click here to download the complete PDF: 

As we are growing, we are slowly starting to check goals off of our To-Do list! One of those goals was to start a Member of the Month recognition for our members. This recognition is for a member who the coaches vote for, based on a variety of factors. Our first Member of the Month is Angie Tomlinson! Take a read to learn more about Angie:

When did you start doing CrossFit?       
I started CrossFit on Friday, June 21, 2013.  I was hooked the moment I tried it! Everyone was so
welcoming and encouraging and I was amazed at the things I was capable of doing. I couldn’t wait to go back on Monday and I’ve gone consistently ever since.

What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout? 
Hmm…tough one. I truly like the variety of movements that we do, but my favorite would be the Back Squat. I have more lower body strength than upper.

What has been your biggest struggle?
I think my biggest struggle is mental. It used to be the fear of being upside down in a handstand against the wall. I had to psych myself up to do them, now it’s not a big deal. I also used to have the fear of jumping on the big box, now I can
(if my legs aren’t shot). Once I get over the mental hurdle things become easier.

What has been your biggest improvement?
I’d say that I’ve come a long way on the Snatch. It’s one of the newer moves and I try to take all the cues from the coaches so I can execute the lift correctly.

What goals are you currently chasing?       
I’m going to get double unders one day.

If you could design a workout, what would it be?
Would that mean I’d coach it and not have to do it? LOL I always thought it would be fun to have a workout that uses a bunch of the things we do, with no lifting. Kettlebell swings, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats, wall balls, ring rows, rowing, airdyne, burpees, jumping rope, box jumps, toes to bar, lunges. Like a big smorgasbord of a workout.

What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?
Always a tank top and shorts. I can not workout in sleeves.

How often do you talk about CrossFit?        
I mostly talk about it at the gym. I also talk about it with Tom (who was a former member) at home.  When I mention things to my coworkers they don’t quite get the appeal. LOL I try to convince them that it’s great and that I really CAN carry two 5 gallon water jugs from one end of the library to the other!

Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?
It depends on how many I have to do!

Do you have a favorite moment or story about the Coop?        
My worst moment turned out to be the best. It was when I found out the Foundry was going to be closing its doors. Talk about a major let down. Then everyone banded together and worked hard to form our Co-op.
I appreciate all the effort that has gone into getting our current building up and running.

What advice would you give a new PCC member?
Just walk through the door, that’s the hardest part. After that you’ll have all the support you need to build the foundation to be great at CrossFit. Anyone can do it.