235 - Newbie questions answered and more

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Summary:

2026 CrossFit Garage Events Calendar: The podcast outlines upcoming gym events including a January nutrition kickoff, Gym Resolutions workouts, CrossFit Open starting February 26th, Oak Mountain Adventure Race (March 21st), Savage Race (March 28th), True Challenge competition (April 18th), and a gym get-together at Andy's house on June 12th.
Community Beyond Workouts: The gym offers several community groups including men's group, outdoor group, climbing group, D&D/board games group, and prayer group. Members regularly meet for mountain biking, races, and other activities that foster connection beyond fitness.
What to Expect in Your First Three Months: The first month is about adjusting to movements and building awareness, with minimal visible changes. In month two, strength gains become noticeable as body mechanics improve, and clothing fits differently. By month three, significant transformation occurs as weight loss becomes more apparent and others notice your progress.
CrossFit Explained: CrossFit is defined as "constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity" but Andy describes it more personally as "a place of community working out strategically and efficiently with a coach" to improve body, mind, and connections with others.
Workout Structure and Scaling: Classes are one hour with workouts typically lasting 8-12 minutes. Every movement can be scaled or modified for any fitness level or injury. Scaling adjusts reps or weight, while modifying changes the actual movement to accommodate limitations.
Common Beginner Concerns: You don't need to be in shape before starting, as CrossFit meets you where you are. Soreness is inevitable but manageable by starting slowly. The community is supportive, so there's no need to feel embarrassed or nervous. CrossFit is safe when done properly with coach guidance.
Tracking Progress and Results: The gym uses Wodify to track workouts, helping members see improvement over time. Results vary by individual, but visible body composition changes typically begin around 3 months, though performance improvements happen sooner.
Nutrition Guidance: Andy personally advocates a carnivore diet but generally recommends whole foods including meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds while avoiding sugar and processed foods. He emphasizes that nutrition is crucial for optimal results.
Community as Motivation: The shared experience of overcoming challenges builds strong bonds between members. This community aspect helps with motivation and consistency, which are key factors in achieving fitness goals.
Consistency Over Intensity: The most important factors for success are showing up consistently (ideally 3-5 times per week) and not doing anything that would prevent you from returning the next day. Progress comes from consistency rather than going too hard too soon.

On this podcast you will receive actionable tips on Building a Firm Foundation for Life in Fitness, Food, Finance

I believe in building a firm foundation for life through functional fitness, farm-fresh nutrition, and sound financial practices. Join us in creating a healthy and resilient future!

We are happy, humble, helpful people that want to be healthy and fit now, as well as in their 90's. I talk about how to live that good life now and later with heavy slant towards fitness and nutrition. I will even get into mindset, goals, raising chickens, raising kids, bitcoin, rental property, entrepreneurialism

CrossFit Garage (Woodstock GA)
https://crossfitgarage.com/get-started/

Garage Fitness Online - Landing page
https://www.garagefitness.online/

As a podcast
https://crossfitgarage.buzzsprout.com

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