CROSSFIT DMA: WHERE DAVAO ATHLETES ARE MADE

From personal time record, group shots, death defying routines, foodstagram and insta-reposts, chances are you’ve heard about the latest fitness craze that hit Davao City. Before you know it, CrossFit has become the “WO(r)D” of the day. It has gone beyond the level of what’s hip and trending. It even changed the common vocabulary on body conditioning. Gone are the days when the word “burp” only resonates the feeling of gastronomic satisfaction. Add 2 vowels and a consonant to that, the formula leads you to floor smackin’ drills dreaded by most ---otherwise called as “burpees”.  

What is CrossFit?

“CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program designed to improve one’s muscular strength, cardio-respiratory endurance, and flexibility,” explains Trent Pruett, certified trainer and founder of CrossFit DMA (Davao Made Athletes). The core concept of this is to keep the body guessing and adapting by perpetually changing the mix of movements which range from aerobic exercise, gymnastics (body weight exercises), and Olympic weight lifting. It is a collective take on activities we do on a daily basis and movements that aren't so applied by all like sports and military training. These are what we refer to as functional movements.” 

 

 

“WOD basically means Workout of the Day. Routine is our worst enemy because our muscles have good ‘memory’. They work only with what they already know, and sometimes we leave it at that. Results of routinely programs may be impressive at first, but soon you will hit the dreaded plateau. The rate your muscles burn fat and calories would remain stagnant and the progress to a fitter and stronger you will become slower. You have to condition yourself to think that there is always room for improvement. Our body is meant to adapt to anything, more so with varied movements. Here at CrossFit, we make sure we give you series of full body work out’s at the right amount of intensity. Once adapted, physical changes decrease or stop all together. In essence routine is the enemy.”

 

 

Here’s a short list of some of the basic movements that are done at the Box:
 

Body Weight Exercises

Air squat, Back extension, Hip Extension, Box jump, Burpee, Handstand push-up, Jump rope, Knees-to-elbows, L-sit, Lunge, Muscle-up, Ring dip, Pull-up, Push-up, Rope climb, Sit-up, Toes-to-bar

Distance movements

Running, Rowing

Movements with weights

Deadlift, Kettlebell swing, Press, Snatch, Squat, Sumo deadlift high pull, Thruster, Tire flip, Wallball

 

 

Building the community

 “My wife and I moved here for the purpose of sharing the good news to the locals. We wanted to share our faith in the Lord Jesus by building a community of believers. At the same time, we have this great passion for clean living and fitness. In a way, it is one of the ideals that guide us as Christians: Looking after the welfare of other people, not just ourselves. I got a certification to teach CrossFit and I realized it can be a platform for me to continue reaching out for welfare of others. With my co-trainer, Kevin, we built this Box with our own hands --- literally. You see, we are trained in welding metals and steel, so we used our skills in creating this space where we can gather people who are dedicated to fitness and health. It didn’t take long before things started to take shape --- this goes for both the Box and our team here at CrossFit DMA.”

 

“This is probably one sort of gym where the ‘me’ attitude don’t exist. We don’t warn off people from taking selfie’s, but I guess the kind of atmosphere we have here promotes so much interaction and camaraderie among boxmates that no one has the time to look at only himself. As you can see, we don’t have mirrors. That way, you won’t have to check on your form or face while working out. You’d then listen to your body and concentrate on the movements. Also, you can help spot how your boxmates are doing --- not to try to outdo him or her, but to check on how they can do better, to give encouragement. Here, no one competes with one another. We all support and cheer on everyone. Aside from sweating off the calories, we also campaign on healthy eating. After a few sessions, boxmates were able to develop the right attitude in choosing and planning what to eat. Right now, we have 150 people registered at the Box and we’re hoping we’ll be able to reach out to more --- all in the spirit of creating a healthier, happier, and stronger community.”

CrossFit DMA is located at 3rd floor, Consuelo Buidling, Km.6, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. For more information on WOD and how to register, please visit www.crossfitdavao.com or email amy@crossfitdavao.com.

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You might think CrossFit is dominated by the male population. On the contrary, females also run this world. Here are some career women and fellow mommies who are happy to give us insights on how CrossFit changed their body and lifestyle.

 

Carine Cabebe, fashion merchandiser and entrepreneur

“For someone who has never exercised regularly before, CrossFit sure turned out to be hell in the beginning. Halfway through the warm up, I was already asking myself ‘Are you sure you want to finish the WOD?!’ I was determined to start being healthy and fit, so I pushed myself. I had the lowest number of reps, with the rest having more than twice as much. At the end of the day, I was so proud of myself for being able to endure the entire workout.”

 

“That great satisfaction convinced me to enroll for a full package. I go to the Box once or twice a week. Since then, I have noticed that my body has become more firm. Also my metabolism has significantly improved.”

 

Kat Reambillo, trade communications and media relations specialist
“I usually go to the Box 5 times a week. Because of CrossFit, I became leaner and have gained lean muscle mass. Not bulky, just lean. CrossFit says is all about GPP (general physical preparedness) and functional fitness. Day-to-day tasks are easier whether they're going through 10 flights of stairs, carrying your kids, running 5k on a whim and climbing up your house's gate because you're locked out. I would say CrossFit prepares you for everything!

Because of Crossfit, you also gain new circle of friends in boxes from all over the world! Your boxmates become your support system. They will be the same people who would cheer for you, teach you, and share your pain.”

 

 

 

 

Marga Rey, advertising professional

“Since September, I've been going to the box twice a week and I’ve found that doing CrossFit regularly lessens the post-workout soreness, improves my energy and overall disposition. I’m not sure if my performance has improved, but I think I’m getting less pathetic. Our CrossFit trainers also introduced us to the Paleo Diet and challenged us to forgo grains, sugar and processed food for 30 days. This taught me how to cook my own food, make better food choices (e.g. camote > rice), and has helped me lose a few pounds and inches.”

Carine Bacani, professional makeup artist

“I have a lot of friends in Manila that do CrossFit so I knew what the workout is all about. It didn't shock me since I work out regularly, but it was definitely tough and tiring. I just continue to challenge myself, aiming to get better with each WOD.”

 

“As a mom of two toddlers, the most noticeable change after CrossFit is how I can easily pick up my children and carry them longer. CrossFit has also cured my chronic back pain by strengthening my core muscles. Since I do the WOD in the mornings, it gives me more energy throughout the day.”

 

Stephanie Ong, entrepreneur

“Initially, it was nerve-wracking because I didn't know what to expect. The exercises are very basic but because of the repetition, it requires extreme strength and stamina. I felt nauseous after my first experience but exhilarated at the same time because I completed the task. I only visit once a week because I try to balance it with other forms of exercise.

I've noticed that my arms and legs have become stronger. I no longer feel nauseous after every exercise. But more than the physical improvements, I enjoy the feeling of camaraderie (and friendly competition) among the CrossFitters."

 

 

 

 

 

--- Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1 and A2, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 183, 27 November 2013.