Some tips for video submissions Crossfit Games

After reviewing several video submissions, we noticed a few things that we thought we should share to make sure your video submission will be validated.

- State your name and region before you start. (in English)
- Place the timer in the foreground of the video. In some videos the timers are impossible to see (like placed in the back of the room), so there is no way you can keep proper track. See an example below.

Timer in foreground - Yes!

- Especially with WOD's like 13.2, take the video "en profile", so ROM is clearly visible. For example, there was a video of a guy doing the deadlifts while being filmed from the front, so ROM was not visible.

Box jumps should be filmed from the side as well

- Please refrain from filming with a vertical screen, it's harder to fit it all in that way (and it's annoying to watch)

Too narrow!

Narrow & sideways??

- Don't half-ass the last reps in rounds, keep full ROM!!!! Read the guidelines for the wod carefully.
- Mention the total score at the end!!!!
- Film all the weights, so for example, both sides of the barbell.
- Zoom into measure tape numbers, etc. or anything that is harder to see.
- Have a 2nd person in the video (visible) who keeps score.

Any tips? Feel free to add in the comments.
Good luck!

P.S. This post is not intended to humiliate, embarrass or piss off anyone, we just hate to see someone's efforts go to waste because of small mistakes or technical issues.

Start using one of these (if you haven't already)

Our posts have been a lot about hand care lately, but since you only have 2 and need them badly during a wod, the least you can to is take proper care of them.
Already a big fan of Ript Skin Systems & Climb On!, we still wanted to share another useful tool with you.
Officially not meant for use on hands, using a callus shaver is actually a great way to remove thick calluses on  your hands, although some caution is required. Seriously, look at the thing. It's scary.

Basically, it works the same as a cheese slicer, Put the sharp part on the callus, apply a small bit of pressure and pull. Did you pay attention? A small bit of pressure!
The blade is friggin' sharp, they might as well have used a callus shaver to film this scene.
So just run it carefully, especially if you don't have very thick calluses.
Where to buy? Pretty much any drugstore should sell these, or pick 'em up online here:

Amazon.com
Walgreens

Tweezerman Comfort Callus Shaver Rasp Model 5085R $ 12

No more monkey butt: Chamois Cream

If you belong to that group of people that after many reps of sit-ups fears to have a warm shower because it feels like your a$$ is on fire, then keep reading.
We recall our first incident of monkey butt way to well. Totally clueless of what fate was awaiting us, we rocked "Annie", which contains a ton of sit-ups (and double unders.)

It was only until later, when the warm water got to the "area", when we realized what happened. It wasn't pretty. It involved blood, raw skin, well, you get the idea.
Anyway, after asking around, it turned out not everyone has this problem. Some people walk away unscathed after many reps with the abmat, while others cannot sit down normally for a week. So what's the deal??

Obviously, it's caused by friction. The top part of the butt crack is the tilting point while doing the sit-ups, and that is usually the affected area. We personally believe that the position of the lower back can be the cause of the problem. People that tend to have a more natural hollow back, tend to get monkey butt from sit-ups.
It doesn't necessarily happen in all cases, but it could be a cause.
After a short Google search, there are lots of tips to be found on how to prevent it:

- put a mat/towel under your butt
- wear compression shorts
- put your hands in a diamond shape under your butt
- don't use an abmat
- use talcum powder

But hey, what about a cream that is actually designed to reduce friction? And is made to put on your butt? The answer is simple: bike saddle cream. Cream that is originally made to prevent saddle sores could potentially be the answer to this problem? Let's put it to the test....

We bought ourselves a tub of Assos (really??) Chamois cream and tested it during a wod that had an AMRAP in 10 mins of:

20 back-squats
40 sit-ups

(Tip: Don't put too much cream everywhere, because it will feel like you, uhm well, it just feels nasty, ok?
Just put the cream on the area known to get the abrasions, and you're good to go.)




What is Chamois Cream and what does it do?
The cream reduces friction and keeps your skin cool, prevents inflammation and has antibacterial properties.
Somehow, it creates a protective layer on your skin, and when you apply it, yo can immediately feel it's cooling effect.

Did it work for the sit-ups?
To our surprise, it worked, no shaved or bleeding skin after the wod, not even a little scratch!
The only thing that hurts a bit, is the price; a tub can be yours for an average of $20-$22, but if you're willing to drop the cash, you'll agree it's worth it.
Our rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Where to buy?
Check your local bike store, they might carry it already or can order it for you. Also check the Assos site for retailers near you: www.assos.com, or get it here:

Amazon
MPGear

We're sure Chris Spealler got a monkey butt after this wod:

Product Review: Climb On!

Climb On! popped up on our radar already a few times, and since skin care (hands) is VERY important in crossfit, we asked to have a sample shipped to us to review.
They were happy to oblige, so when the sample arrived, we couldn't wait to try it!

Who is Climb On! for?
Well actually it's for everyone, but it came to life developed for rock climbers, but according to their site now anyone uses it, from babies to rock stars.

This product soothes burns, scratches, dry skin, abrasions or any type of skin condition that requires conditioning.








What's in it?
The company motto is "if you can't eat it, don't put it on your skin", so let's have a look at the ingredients:
- yellow beeswax
- apricot kernel oil
- grapeseed oil
- wheatgerm oil
- essential oils of Citrus vulgaris
- lavender
- lemon
- vitamin E

Indeed, these are ingredients we understand and can even pronounce! Beeswax, the main component, acts even in 3 ways: it holds all the ingredients together, draws moisture into the skin and acts as a natural water resistant barrier to protect the skin.

So, the test!
It's the perfect time of year here, the weather is wet, cold and quite harsh on the skin. Add a bit of crossfit in the mix and you've got a great set of  "test hands".
Unfortunately, it was hard to show a "before & after" in a picture, but after only using Climb On! for a day, the sandpaper-type skin on our hands just disappeared. Our hands felt smoother & softer. Excellent stuff!
What we particularly like about it, is that it's not a cream, but more like a soap bar that you rub over your hands. No messing around with excess cream, slippery hands, etc.

The 1 oz. bar will last you for quite a while, but there is also a mini version available of 0.5 oz.
You can shop online on their site www.climbonproducts.com or purchase below at REI.

Our rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.

(We didn't get bribed or paid to write this review. If we think a product is shit, we'll write that too. However, if you order through any of the links provided, we'll earn a small commission. With that money, we can keep this blog going. Or buy beer)