Take it to the next level....but why?

Happy Early Tuesday morning!

Today's post is inspired by Mark's blog http://www.terminatorwods.blogspot.com/.  He posts his WOD's (workout of the day) on his road to the Crossfit Games.  This got me thinking about how we can all take it to the next level and increase our health and fitness level.

But why do you ask?  You may not be preparing for the Crossfit Games.  What's in it for you?  Why now?

1.  Why Now?  This is the time of year that we all fall into our routines.  The weather is not so pretty.  A lot of the outdoor activities have died down and so have people's activity levels.  Not to mention if you have been chugging along with the same routine...go to the gym and workout 3-5 days a week NOW is definitely the time.

2.  What's In if For You?  Increased strength, stamina, energy level, muscle recovery, mental health, and a heck of a lot more.

Now how...what exactly am I talking about?

For me it's two WOD's three days a week.  I started this a month ago and I have seen my performance increase dramatically.  Prescribed Loads during a Metcon seem a lot lighter when they are 50% of my one rep max.  Practicing movements that I struggle with has also been key.  Running, Swim Sprints, Handstand Push Ups, Push Ups, Stretching, Thrusters, Squats, Snatches, Cleans...All of these have been part of my new training routine outside of my usuals WOD's.

Yesterday's Example:

Lunch time:  1/2 mile run, 20 air squats, mobility WOD for the hammies, Wendler Front Squat, 100 Lunges for time

Evening WOD:  10 rounds:  15 Deadlifts 95lbs, 15 Push Ups

This may not be the same requirement for you.  You may be working out 3 days a week and it's time to increase it to 4 or 5 days.  Do you suck at Push Ups?  Do 20 push ups when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed.  We're not all at the same starting point, but we can all get better.

If you have any ideas of how to increase capacity, share them here!