CrossFit Challenge: The Results

From Cassidy:

The two months of our challenge ended a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't gotten around to writing this post until today. Mainly because I was nervous to correctly put my experience in words. I almost feel like there are no words that capture it properly.

I had been so nervous to start this challenge. I hated to work out. I mean...hated it, and as a result I hated my body. So I started CrossFit, and I got angry when I stepped on the scale and didn't see any changes. But after a couple of weeks, I stopped getting on the scale, and just started looking at my body. It was definitely changing. I looked into the mirror and thought, oh hello arm muscles, hello calf muscles, hell-oh booty! My mother asked me the other day if I was going to stop now that the challenge was over, I said, "Have you seen me lately?" We both laughed. It is nice to have confidence again.

But more than just muscles, I have gained teammates...a support system....a family. I feel like that is why I love this sport so much. Not because I'm seeing results (which I am!) but because I know that the guys and girls at Uproar are there to help me. Bad days, good days. Whatever. It also doesn't suck that I have the coaching staff that I do. I don't hesitate to tell my friends that we have the best coaches in state..in the country.

Now, I get upset when I have to miss a workout. All I can think is, when can I go back? When can I see my Uproar family again? It's the best feeling.

From Marty:

I have been a hairstylist for over 20 years, in the Martial Arts for much longer than that, and doing different weight training programs for years. I am currently the owner of On Stage Magnolia and Arashi Dojo.

In the hair business we stand up all day with our hands in front of us. It is terrible for our backs shoulders and neck, Stefan's training has helped me with this in many ways. My lower back gave me problems where I couldn't do squats anymore. Now I squat more than I ever have! The mobility training has helped me with my shoulders also.

In Martial Arts we want to be strong flexable and not bulky. When I say strong, I don't mean big arms and little bird legs. I mean functional, balanced, usable strength. We also need endurance and I have it.

Stefan also knows the difference between just fit verses healthy and fit. To me that means your not only going to be strong have energy and look great, you will not have to visit the doctor as much, if at all.

I have gotten a wealth of knowledge from Stefan and his crew, thanks to all of them!

From Trish:

I have been working out with the guys from CrossFit Uproar for 8 weeks. I was skeptical about CrossFit at first because I have bulging discs in my neck and have been going to therapy. Stefan and his crew really are careful about technique so you don't get hurt.

My neck has been better since I started. I have strengthened my whole body, so that now I am stronger and have better posture. I have lost fat and replaced it with muscle. My waist is flatter and firmer, and my butt is higher.

Thanks CrossFit Uproar for helping me to accomplish things I didn't know my mind and body could do.

Are you ready to challenge the way you live? Come visit CrossFit Uproar or find a CrossFit gym near you!

Giveaway: One Private Exercise Instruction Lesson

So recently we've been all about a healthy lifestyle. I've told you about our CrossFit challenge and how to do a release pushup. Now, I'm giving you a chance to win a one-on-on private exercise instruction...also known as personal training**, but this session is going to be so much more than that.

Here are the details on this giveaway:

• You'll be working one-on-one with Stefan Rueda, owner and founder of CrossFit Uproar.
• Since I can't ship you Stefan in the mail, this is a location specific giveaway. CrossFit Uproar is in Magnolia, TX. So please only enter if you are down to drive to his place.
• Be prepared to have fun.

Stefan has been in the world of exercise instruction for almost half a decade. I'd try to name of all of his certifications, but it becomes a mouth full. Basically what you need to know is that he's awesome.

So how do you enter, you ask?

Well, leave a comment with (a) your favorite sport to play and (b) your name and email address.

I'll randomly pick a winner tomorrow at 4:00.

And as always, may the odds be ever in your favor. 


**valued at $80-110.

It's Okay If You...

1. wear "night" makeup during the day, or "day" makeup at night
2. are terrible DIYer
3. start a "wedding" pinboard on Pinterest even if you're not getting married...or even close to being engaged
4. are a little bit upset at the Robert Pattinson/Kristen Stewart cheating drama
5. don't wash your hair for just one more day and throw on a hat
6. don't correct people when they comment on your "natural" hair color
7. are just now discovering ctrl+t while playing a song on iTunes
8. are counting down the minutes until the Olympic opening ceremonies
9. put on full makeup to run errands
10. actually like going to workout

Tweet us or leave a comment below telling us your "it's okay if you..."

How To Tuesday: Release Pushup

Yes you read that right. Pushup...as in...pushup.

I know what you're thinking. Isn't this a beauty blog?


Why yes. Yes it is. But you know what's beautiful? You. You know what's even more beautiful? A healthier you.

So I'd say it works.

The release pushup is what we do over at Uproar and let me tell you, it's not as daunting as it sounds. I hate pushups, like really, really hate them. Mostly because I can't do them, but I can do a release pushup. And while I still have to do a modified version, I don't feel like I'm being set up to fail when I see "pushups" on the workout board.

So thank you release pushups.

CrossFit Uproar: boosting your confidence one pushup at a time.







All of Uproar's contact information can be found over at their Facebook page.

CrossFit: We're Having a Challenge

First of all I want you to forget everything you know about exercising. Forget about the treadmill or the elliptical and definitely forget about the weight machines. Just listen for a hot second.

CrossFit is unlike anything you've ever done for exercise before. The reason you keep hearing about it is because it works and (gasp!) it's fun!

A couple of us from On Stage decided to join a local CrossFit studio, CrossFit Uproar. We wanted to see what all the rage was about and if it really could change you like they say it can. So here we are, in the second week of our two month challenge and let me tell you, I already know it's doing something because I can feel it everyday when I move my sore muscles.

So what is it? At CrossFit Uproar, the very first class you take is a "foundations" class, so I happen to know the answer.

crossfit: constantly varied functional movement performed at high intensity

That sounds a little scary at first. I think I actually got nervous butterflies, but every single move is gone over in so much detail that you could teach the class if you wanted. Every person in Uproar's classes are informed and confident in their moves. It's pretty fantastic. 

It's the functional movement part of the definition that I like that most. I had never thought about it before, but when in life do you ever do most of the moves performed on a weight machine? The answer is never. Of course, there are some exceptions, but everyday I lift something off the ground, put it over head, swing side to side. The movements and the workouts consist of those functional movements. 

It just all makes so much more sense to me. 

Over the next two months you'll be hearing a lot about CrossFit and our challenge. Mainly because we're so stoked about it, but also because we want you to be too. In fact, we really want you to participate in our challenge as well. Find yourself a CrossFit studio (check out CrossFit Uproar if you live in the Magnolia area) and try it out three times a week for two months. Send me your progress and updates. Let's all change our lives for the better. 

Stefan Rueda, owner and founder of Uproar, told us, "CrossFiit athletes look like Greek Gods." That was all the motivation I needed.