By Sean Tallman

As fitness buffs, we need to have a clear understanding the difference between training for the Crossfit Games and training for GPP (General Physical Preparedness)/Optimal health. Know the Games are a VERY small part of what Crossfit does and promotes.

As some of you have seen, some of us coaches work out between classes, and depending on the time of year, working out multiple times throughout the day. We usually have a high volume of “wodding” throughout the week. (On a side note, that will be the only time you will here me use the acronym W.O.D as a verb!! W.O.D is not a verb, its an acronym!! That is all=).) A typical day might include multiple metcons and a strength session thrown in there. The reason behind multiple workouts a day is to increase our training volume and work capacity to meet or exceed the demands of Regionals, or if your name is Pat Burke, the Regionals and Games! Now, is this right for a long term life of optimal health and wellbeing? Nope!!! We all understand that one day we’ll have to really dial it down and workout just for pure health and not for competition. But until that day comes…….

So, what does one do to train for GPP/optimal health? First, start with your training schedule. Be consistently inconsistent. By that I mean don’t worry about doing 3 on 1 off 2 on 1 off, or 3 on 1 off. If you miss a day or so, don’t sweat it! Play around with things. One week try 4 on 3 off. The next week try 2 on 1 off 2 on 2 off. You can see where I’m going with this. Second, don’t cherry pick when strength workouts come up!!!! In my opinion, you can’t have good metcons without a solid strength base. Move large loads often! Pat does a great job programming for GPP, so take advantage of it. Your life will be better for doing so. Also, Check out Robb Wolf, Mark Sisson, and Movnat. These resources are great if you are looking for exactly what I’m talking about, Optimal Health! Before I finish, PLEASE don’t forget about nutrition. Without it, you have nothing. This will be another topic for another time. Happy wodding!…… Wait, forget I said that. Happy training!