Member Spotlight: Alicia

We are so excited to share with you Alicia’s story since joining Ampersand. She has made some amazing progress and made coming to the gym a consistent part of her routine.

Read more below!

My good friend has done CrossFit for years, and she always inspired me! She constantly told me I'd love it, but I didn't have the courage to join. Watching her go through her postpartum recovery at CFA, honestly sold me on CrossFit. Seeing how strong she is, how her body healed, and hearing about the people who encouraged her, made me want to learn more.

After my no-sweat intro, I had an immediate desire to be healthy inside and out! The Ampersand team truly made me feel comfortable, and excited to learn.

I would say my biggest accomplishment so far is consistently waking up at 4 am to be at the gym for the 5 am class! I thought being up that early, getting there, and doing the work would be impossible for me. However, the 5 am class is filled with encouraging humans who push me to be better and make me want to come back as much as possible. Being able to come home, and enjoy my mornings with my son before work is so sweet. I also love being able to know that I did the work in the morning, so I can spend quality time with my family in the evenings.

My biggest goal right now is to gain more strength by building in weights, and challenging myself in moves that I can't do yet (string together pull-ups, rope climb, handstand push-ups).

Honestly, I have had a lot of good memories in my 7 months at Ampersand, but my favorite one is when Rachel ran with me. It was early in the morning, and I was struggling with my run, but she slowed down to talk me through how to breathe and pace myself, which allowed me to keep going. Sometimes in workouts, I want to stop or quit, but so many people at this gym are constantly reminding me to just keep going, which has helped my mental game so much! Now I tell myself "Stopping will make it harder, keep going" instead of saying "I just want to stop."

I would say the motivation to continue to come back is the way my husband and son see me now. My son points out my muscles and tells me I am strong. My husband tells me how proud he is of me, which feels pretty dang good!

Write your own success story by booking an Intro - See you in the gym!

Why Rest and Recovery are Essential for Optimal Fitness

We're all familiar with the hustle and grind mentality when it comes to fitness. Pushing harder, going faster, lifting heavier – it's all part of the journey. But have you ever stopped to consider the importance of rest and recovery?

The Myth of Non-Stop Workouts

It's easy to overlook the fact that rest is where the magic happens. When you push your body to its limits, whether through weightlifting, cardio, or any other activity, you're actually causing micro-tears in your muscles. It's during the recovery phase that these tears heal and your muscles become stronger. Without proper rest, you're hindering this natural repair process.

Physical and Mental Rejuvenation

Rest isn't just about repairing your muscles – it's about revitalizing your mind and body. Adequate sleep and recovery time are essential for maintaining cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall mental clarity. Ever noticed how your mood and focus improve after a good night's sleep? That's because your brain needs rest just as much as your body does.

Preventing Overtraining and Injury

Pushing your body beyond its limits without giving it proper time to recover can lead to overtraining. This can result in fatigue, decreased performance, and even increased risk of injury. By incorporating rest days and active recovery into your routine, you're actually setting yourself up for long-term success. It's not about avoiding workouts; it's about optimizing them.

Listening to Your Body

Your body has a way of telling you what it needs, whether it's through muscle soreness, fatigue, or even cravings for certain nutrients. Paying attention to these signals and allowing yourself to rest when needed is a skill that's often overlooked. Don't be afraid to adjust your training schedule and prioritize rest when your body is asking for it.

So what does a rest day look like anyways?

An ideal rest day could involve starting the morning with light stretching or easy yoga to increase flexibility and circulation. Consider engaging in low-intensity activities like a mid morning walk or a swim, and ensure you maintain good nutrition even though you are not “training” that day. Focus on mindfulness practices such as meditation for stress reduction. Treat your muscles to a sports massage or foam rolling session to alleviate any soreness. Enjoy a relaxed activity with loved ones in the evening, and wind down with relaxation techniques before a restful night's sleep.

Your fitness journey isn't just about the hard work you put in during your workouts. It includes proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and yes, sufficient rest. So, the next time you feel guilty for taking a rest day, remember that you're not just lounging around – you're actively investing in your body's ability to perform at its best.

Interested in talking with a coach?

Setting Realistic Fitness Goals: Dream Big, Start Small

Setting goals is a powerful way to drive progress and achieve success in your fitness journey. At CrossFit Ampersand, we believe in the importance of setting realistic fitness goals that inspire and motivate you. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of setting effective goals and help you understand why starting small can lead to big wins.

Why Set Realistic Fitness Goals?

Setting realistic fitness goals is essential for long-term success. When your goals are realistic, they become attainable and sustainable. Here's why:

1. Specificity: Clearly define your goals. Vague goals like "get fit" or "lose weight" lack specificity. Instead, aim for goals like "run a 5K race in 3 months" or "increase strength by 20% in 6 weeks."

2. Measurability: Set goals that can be tracked and measured. This allows you to monitor your progress and make adjustments along the way. Measurable goals could include "perform 10 push-ups" or "reduce body fat percentage by 5%."

3. Attainability: Ensure your goals are achievable. Setting goals that are too far-fetched can lead to frustration and disappointment. Choose goals that challenge you, yet are within your reach given your current fitness level and commitment.

4. Relevance: Align your goals with your personal aspirations and values. Determine why these goals are important to you. The more meaningful they are, the more motivated you'll be to pursue them.

5. Time-Bound: Set a timeframe for your goals. This creates a sense of urgency and accountability. For example, instead of saying "I want to improve my flexibility," set a time-bound goal like "achieve a full split within 3 months."

Dream Big, Start Small: The Power of Incremental Steps

Dreaming big is crucial, but starting small is the key to sustainable progress. Here's why breaking down your goals into smaller milestones is so effective:

1. Build Momentum: By focusing on smaller, attainable goals, you build momentum and gain a sense of accomplishment with each milestone you achieve. This positive reinforcement fuels your motivation to keep going.

2. Gain Confidence: As you consistently achieve smaller goals, your confidence grows. This newfound confidence empowers you to tackle more significant challenges and push your limits further.

3. Stay Motivated: The journey to a major goal can be long and arduous. By setting smaller goals, you have frequent opportunities to celebrate successes, which keeps you motivated and engaged in the process.

4. Make Adjustments: Starting small allows you to assess your progress and make necessary adjustments. You can fine-tune your approach, evaluate what's working, and pivot if needed to ensure continued progress. Working with your coach regularly allows you to make these adjustments to continue moving in the right direction.

Creating Your Roadmap to Success

At CrossFit Ampersand, our coaches are here to guide you in creating a roadmap to reach your goals. We'll help you define clear objectives, break them down into smaller, achievable milestones, and provide personalized guidance every step of the way. Together, we'll ensure you stay motivated, focused, and on track towards realizing your fitness aspirations.

Dream big, but remember to start small. Let's set realistic fitness goals and make steady progress towards the best version of yourself!

We are here to help guide you through the process and set realistic and attainable goals. We want to meet you!

Member Spotlight: Kaitlyn

Meet Kaitlyn! She has been a force to be reckoned with since she walked into the door at Ampersand. She has been working so hard at acheiving her goals and it shows. We are so proud of all of the hard work that you have put in and look forward to all of your continued success!

Why did you join CrossFit Ampersand?

I’m not good at going to a regular gym alone with my headphones in. I had seen some stuff about CrossFit that made me nervous… but the environment of people cheering you on and helping you achieve what you didn’t think you could do, sucked me in. When I first walked in, I was nervous, but shortly realized I was able to do more than I thought I could! I love the community and friendships I’ve made and I just have come to realize I can be healthy and fit and do things in real life and not have to be tired and miss out! 

What's been your biggest accomplishment so far?

I concluded my 90 days and I lost 17 pounds of fat in that time. I made friends and gained confidence, I have more energy. There’s seriously so much I’ve gained already! Also being voted rookie of the year made my heart so happy to realize people see the work I’m putting in. 

What are you working on now (or what do you want to accomplish next)?

Continue to perfect my form in weight lifting and seeing where I’m at now compared to when I started. Different movements like pull ups and push-ups are a work in progress but being in the gym with everyone else suffering with you but having fun is worth it!

What's your favorite CrossFit Ampersand memory?

The first workout I ever finished last in, everyone in the gym (full class) gathered around me and pushed me past the wall in my head to actually finish a difficult workout. Proving I could do it! Oh, and being voted rookie of the year at the Christmas party!

What motivates you to continue training at CrossFit Ampersand?

Community and support 100%, my health and the thought of starting a family and I can start by being healthy and being able to take care of my body. Nutritionally and physically 

Being a part of a community that supports you and pushes you towards your goals is where the magic is. Book an Intro and see how we can help you achieve success!

Member Spotlight: Josh

Josh came in with one goal in mind… to prove to himself and others that he could get into the best shape of his life. Since then he has put on several pounds of muscle, lost body fat, and has hit all time bests on his major lifts. He is constantly pushing himself to see what his limit is, but on top of all that, he is one humble dude. Thank you Josh for being such an inpiration to those around you inside and outside of the gym!

Why did you join CrossFit Ampersand?

I’ve always been competitive. I’ve always loved being active and working out. The combination of these things inside the Ampersand family atmosphere has been very welcoming. 

What's been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Muscle ups! That S___ ain’t easy. I struggled to learn the movement for years at a previous gym. Jeff showed me one small tip with feet placement during my Kip that solved my mental block. It was like a light switch turning on. 

What are you working on now (or what do you want to accomplish next)?

I’m trying to perfect my form in all things CrossFit. From push-ups and pull-ups to Clean/Jerks. Learning how to do it the right way is important to longevity in this sport. 

What's your favorite CrossFit Ampersand memory?

My favorite memory so far has to be the first time I did a Muscle Up. I was in shock. I worked so hard for so long to learn that movement. It felt really good. 

What motivates you to continue training at CrossFit Ampersand?

That’s easy, I want to look good naked. I mean, I can’t be the only one?

Want to have a spotlight of your own? Book a No Sweat Intro and talk to a coach!

Why Real Gyms Don’t Look Like “Gyms”

We opened Ampersand in November 2014 with a private loan. 

The loan came from a mentor we’d asked to invest in us and our dream. After several attempts at a business plan, he finally said yes. He loaned us a fraction of what we’d asked him for and said make it work. Our loan was personally guaranteed, which means… whether you make it or not, you owe that money back. We felt like we hit the lottery, we were excited, but the risk was scary. We had to make it.

Our small budget (especially compared to what it would take to open a typical big box gym) was actually an advantage: Instead of focusing on all the fancy equipment and mirrors, we could only afford to buy the basic equipment and focused our efforts on our coaching and our community.

Since we didn’t have the means for a marketing budget, we relied on giving great coaching and the best experience possible to help spread the word about Ampersand! And that meant we had to DELIVER.

The day finally came. We got our equipment. We started painting, moving heavy flooring, and we got to work.

We made a lot of noise, we programmed fun workouts, and we got people FIT! 

We’ve been open for years now, and while we’ve upgraded some equipment, you still won’t find rows of “typical” gym machines. Instead, you’ll see people doing burpees, squats, pull ups, deadlifts etc… Because that’s what actually works.

When you come to our gym, you will see a lot of open space. You may ask yourself, “Why?” or “Where are all the machines?” Results require movement and movement requires lots of space! If you want to get fit or healthy you are going to be moving a lot and it doesn’t require fancy equipment.

Everyone who comes into Ampersand has, at some point, visited or been a member at another gym. When we sit down and talk about their goals and their struggles, almost all of them say, “I enjoyed it for a while, but I just didn’t see any results.” There were lots of things that drew them to those gyms… Maybe it was the fancy machines, or the super swole guy at the front desk, or it was the cheapest option… But eventually they had to make a decision for themselves, and that was to find a coach.

Real coaches, professional coaches… the ones whose livelihood depends on getting results for their clients use things like bodyweight movements, rowers, barbells, boxes, and most importantly science based nutrition strategies. They chose what works over what’s “typical”. They adjust workouts and movements to fit each client, based on their needs and goals. 

At Ampersand we have everything you need, and nothing you don’t.

You are in and out in an hour. No wasted time, no wasted space, and lots of coaching!

We are glad we started basic and focused on results. Because the results speak for themselves. Our clients are doing well and are far more fit and healthy than they were when they were at those budget big box gyms. We may not look like a traditional “gym” but thats part of our secret. Come in and see for yourself!

Inspiration provided by Catalystgym.com

The Happy Gym

Now more than ever, having a great coach is the key to staying healthy during these times.

At Ampersand we get it, the world has been turned upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we want you to know that we are here to put the “happy” back into your day. Our goal is to make the time you spend in the gym the best hour of your day and we have all the tools to do that!

1. Accountability - The coaches at Ampersand are here to keep you connected through constant communication to keep you moving forward to your goals. Getting your workouts in is important, but so are things like proper nutrition, rest, and managing the stress of your day! Your coach is here to keep you in the right frame of mind and avoid those emotional reaches into the pantry!

2. Personalization - There are thousands of workouts that you can choose from online. But most of them are general and not specific. We understand that everyone is different and so are your goals. Having a coach sit down and talk to you about your goals before you even step into the gym ensures that our team is doing our best to help you achieve them. We’ll make sure that you stay on track and keep nudging you back onto the right path. (Ready to schedule a goal review session? Click HERE!)

3. Flexibility - Priorities can change, especially as you navigate different phases of life, and your coaches at Ampersand are here to change with you. A good coach will adjust and adapt your program to fit your needs. In these uncertain times your coach is here to adjust as you do.  

4. Creating better habits and healthy mindset - During quarantine you may have been sleeping in late, staying in your pajamas all day, struggling with your nutrition, and feeling worn down. By getting back into the gym, we can help you add structure back into your routine! Your coach can assist you with new planning tools, task and checklists, as well as introduce new ways of creating productivity and a positive mindset! Our staff checks in with our clients often to help you create the healthier lifestyle you have always wanted.

5. Community - Social connection is paramount these days. We have been isolated from people for a while and plugging into a group of likeminded people is important to your success. When you come to Ampersand you are not just a number! You are greeted by name and welcomed into our amazing community. Being happy means staying connected. In addition to regular communication about your fitness goals, we can also meet with you virtually (through phone, Zoom, or messenger) to chat or have coffee, and you’re invited to join any of our virtual and in person social events with the gym family!

Looking for some help? Reach out and schedule a No Sweat Intro today, and chat with your coach by clicking HERE!

Inspiration provided by Catalystgym.com.

BOOK A NO SWEAT INTRO AND MEET YOUR COACH!

Success Story - Illene

Ilene has had such an amazing transformation both physically and mentally. Her commitment and positive attitude are contagious! Check out her story here!

Will you be our next success story?

Will Lifting Weights Make Me Look Bulky?

Will lifting weights make me bulky?

As consumers of the media, we are constantly bombarded with images of bodies that are designed to look a certain way. From small and skinny to big and bulky, celebrities and bodybuilders alike, we see what we are told we should look like. That’s the thing… why is anyone telling you what to look like? What does healthy and happy look like on YOU? But I digress. Let’s talk about what this blog is about: lifting weights. Many people believe that lifting weights will make you bulky. That is so far from the truth. Lifting weights makes you strong. 

Sure, if you want to get big, lifting weights can help do that for you. That’s why people train a certain way, eat a certain way, and take certain supplements in order to get to a certain size. This is often known as bodybuilding. 

Women especially should NOT be limited to lightweights, cardio, and isolated machines. Aside from it being totally awesome when a girl can out-lift a guy, it’s even cooler when she can pick up her injured kid off the playground or pack the car with the giant cooler for the weekend getaway. Lifting weights makes you strong, and that makes life much more enjoyable. 

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Learn more about how we can help you reach your goals by booking a No Sweat Intro. Don’t worry, there’s no ‘sweating’ involved ;)

How to Be a Beginner

Butterflies bounced around my stomach and I nervously spun my ring around my finger. I kept my eyes down so no one would talk to me. I whispered questions to Jeff about what to expect, what to do, where to put my bag and when to take off my shoes. I felt very uncomfortable and unsure. I’d wanted to try jujitsu for some time, but finally decided I was ready to try into my first class.

Last week, I tried Jujitsu for the first time. And for the first time in a while, I got a bold reminder of what it feels like to be a beginner — to be completely new. To swallow my fear, anxiety, and nervous thoughts and walk through a door to try something completely different and outside my comfort zone.

I’m sure I had similar feelings the first time I tried CrossFit (which feels like a lifetime ago now), but as I entered the jujitsu studio I kept reminding myself that everyone I was about to meet started as a beginner at some point in their life. That just like new members that enter CrossFit Ampersand for their first On-Ramp class, my nervous feelings were normal but weren’t a reason to turn around and run.

Being a beginner is uncomfortable.

Trying something new is uncomfortable. Especially when you’re in a group with other people that aren’t beginners or aren’t as new of a beginner as you.

My experience was a whole bunch of uncomfortable moments, including:

• Wearing the only loaner Gi (uniform) that they had in my size, that just happened to be BRIGHT PINK (while everyone else was wearing white, blue, or black).

• Feeling like I’m putting another student out when they were paired with me to practice some drills and they literally had to teach me the entire time.

• Apologizing over and over when I did a move wrong and had to restart and try it again.

• Laughing nervously every time I’d forget the next step of what I was supposed to be trying.

• Feeling the eyes of the entire class on me when I was introduced as the new member (as if being the only one wearing a bright pink uniform didn’t help me stand out already!).

• Smashing my body into the bodies of a few complete strangers. Hi, I’m Harmony, let me hug you with my legs. Oh and here’s some of my sweat.

• Being asked by one of the instructors if I had learned to “horsey,” if I remembered what position was “guard,” or if I had drilled “blahbidy-blah (insert-other-technical-jujitsu-term-that-I-can’t-remember-here)” and staring back with a blank face

• Hearing "Just do what feels natural” while being folded up like a stepped on spider as my opponent stretches one arm and one leg in opposite directions and simultaneously traps my neck in their arm and continues to press my entire body into the floor… *nervous laugh* nothing feels natural to escape, except that wriggling motion I tried which clearly made my position even worse. LOL.

BUT… I LOVED IT.

Once I decided to take it one minute at a time and allowed myself to be a beginner, it was awesome.

Everyone was encouraging and helpful. They didn’t care that I didn’t know what things were called or that I didn’t magically pick everything up after being shown once — because they weren’t expecting me to. They helped me over and over. And I accepted the help, thanked them for the help, and asked for help when I needed it.

I was still uncomfortable because it was new. But it was a really fun experience. And the fun new experience outweighed the nervous uncomfortableness.

Stepping back into CF& as a coach made me reflect on my beginner jujitsu experience and reminded me of a few things:

1. We should try new things, and regularly. Our life is made up of our experiences. Every time we try something new it expands the boundary of those experiences and makes life more interesting, more relatable, and you become more adaptable to future challenges/experiences. So try a new sport, a new hairstyle, accept the invitation to that class your friend asked you to try, or book an appointment for some activity you’ve always wanted to do but were too scared. If you have been curious about CrossFit and wanted to try it, do it.
   

2. Allow yourself to be a beginner and be okay with being uncomfortable. You can be uncomfortable and still learn and have fun. Every time you repeat the process you move away from beginner towards novice then eventually expert.
   

3. Remember that everyone who is an expert was once a beginner and at one point, started where you are.  When you join in on a group class, no-one is judging you for being a beginner. You aren’t expected to master anything in a day. Give it time. Accept and ask for help from those who are further along from you.
   

4. Bring a friend. All new experiences are a little less daunting when you have someone you trust by your side experiencing it with you.
   

5. Take small steps. At CrossFit Ampersand we start with a No Sweat Intro, which is a one-on-one chat with a coach where we discuss your goals, tour the gym and talk about how we can help you reach your goals. Then for most people they start with a few one on one personal training sessions (On-Ramp) before starting group classes. We teach them the movements they’ll encounter in class and ensure they can move safely. This helps buffer those beginner feelings and make joining in a little less daunting.
   

6. Take action. I wish I had tried Jujitsu a year ago. I think back now to all those times thinking about telling Jeff I wanted to go in. All the times he asked me to try it and I shrugged it off (even though inside I wanted to go). If I had said yes — if I had ignored the anxious fear — I would have been doing it for a year now and be out of the early beginner stage already. But I’ve started and now I’m already on my 4th class!
   

Interested in trying CrossFit?

Julia's Success Story

At Ampersand we are about changing lives. Julia is committed to herself and has a new outlook on life! We meet everyone where they are and assist them in smashing their goals, just like Julia!

Meet our next Intern, Erica!

Hello there! My name is Erica. I am the oldest of five kids and a Northern Nevada native. Upon graduation from Boise State University with my BBA in Marketing, I moved across country to explore the beautiful state of North Carolina while working as a digital marketing specialist and obtaining my TEFL certification. After spending a year backpacking through Latin America while working as an English teacher, I am back in the USA pursuing my passion for health and wellness. 

I grew up a competitive swimmer, but love to try anything and everything active. I have competed in numerous events, including Ironman 70.3 Boulder and multiple marathons. I found CrossFit in 2015 and fell in love. It is unlike anything I have ever done and challenges me in new ways everyday, both physically and mentally.  I tried my first CrossFit competition the same year I started and ended up winning New Kids in the Box. I was hooked!

From teaching swim lessons to fitness classes at university, I love sharing my passion with others. It only made sense to become a CF coach. I am a forever student, ready to learn from those willing to teach, and ready to teach those who are willing to learn. 

Meet our next Intern, Janine!

Hi, I'm Janine and I've lived in the Carson Valley since 2006. My passions are my family, hiking, backpacking, and helping people find meaning and health on all levels. I have formal training as a yoga instructor and taught for several years in the Lake Tahoe area.

The discovery of CrossFit Ampersand came along for me in August 2017. I feel very fortunate to have our Box be my first exposure to CrossFit. I enjoy sharing the benefits of CrossFit and am committed to furthering my training in this field. I love that just about everyone can benefit from CrossFit... from the grandparent to elite athletes and everyone in between. Increased strength, power, speed, cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, flexibility, stamina, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy benefits everyone of us!

Our training in the gym makes our lives better outside of the gym. My favorite thing is when I do something outside the gym that I wasn't previously able to do prior to joining CrossFit Ampersand. I look forward to hearing about what that is for YOU!

Meet our Intern Eli!

Hi I’m Elisha! But most people call me Eli. I was born in Lake Tahoe, but I’ve lived in Nevada my whole life. During my High School career, I played Football for 2 years and I wrestled for part of my Senior year. I took 2 years of a Weight Training class that implemented the CrossFit methodology.

I am currently studying Kinesiology at the University of Nevada, Reno to become a physical therapist or athletic trainer. I always like working out with other people and I am always ready to make a new friend! I’m a born again man who loves Jesus and I’m always seeking truth and knowledge through the Bible. My favorite hobby is photoshop and I like to draw cartoons from time to time.

CrossFit is my passion. I started CrossFit sometime during the summer of 2017. I used to be a bodybuilder who loved lifting weights, but I was lacking in so many other areas of my fitness. Then, one day, my weight training teacher showed our class a video called, “The Test of Fitness” (I highly recommend watching it). After watching the video, I was immediately hooked on CrossFit. I completed my CrossFit Level 1 Course on January 27, 2019.

I wanted to get into coaching because I love helping other people. I’ve found a new interest in helping athletes to improve their fitness and their lives for the future. I am constantly learning new things and always ready to help!

Say Hello to Isaiah!

Hello! My name is Isaiah. I have grown up in Gardnerville and have loved it! I am a Nevada boy and it is hard for me to think of calling anywhere else home. I have a big family and many friends some of which are as close as family.

I have been doing Crossfit since May of 2018 and have loved it. I have worked out for many years, but it wasn’t until last year (2018) that I decided to try Crossfit. I have been having fun with it ever since!

I got my Crossfit Level 1 within a few months of starting Crossfit, because I knew that I wanted to coach someday.

It is refreshing to watch people at the gym crush their goals and push themselves to be better at life. I look forward to seeing more of that as Crossfit Ampersand grows and flourishes.

Meet James! Intern Extraordinaire!

I am a Texan transplant at the age of five, so I claim the Carson Valley as my home. I've tried to leave multiple times but always come back. Nevada is just so free and open! Tahoe and the mountains really help keep life in perspective. Getting to see the stars every night and I love being able to hike, climb, camp, snowboard, hit the beach or fish at anytime I want.

I also love taking photos of nature, moss and little ecosystems. Drawing has been a passion of mine since I was a child.

I've always been competitive, but my fitness journey began with sports. I played football from age 12 till I was 19 and ran track all through high school and have trained in numerous other sports just for the fun. I was never the most talented, so i had to train harder to actually play or get noticed. My coaches gave me a good base of understanding of my body and fitness.

I had been coaching throughout my playing career and continued coaching football after it ended. I still lived the training aspect more so I started training kids on the side getting them ready for the season and helping at camps. Between my own training and coaching youth, I decided to try personal training. There was a lot within the industry I just didn't agree with at the time and didn't quite fit the mainstream fitness mold.

Around then I was trying to join the military and started developing my own programming to fit the skills of the job I was going for. What I developed worked, but then I found CrossFit. Compete in and coaching CrossFit was my new passion. It had everything I wanted. Torturous workouts, full body movements, heavy lifts, could coach anyone and everyone, no mirrors or squat racks being used for flexing sessions, growing in knowledge was encouraged, and it was FUN!

What really hooked me was the community! In sports, supporting the community was essential. As an athlete you are to uphold the best in people and represent the best of the community outside yourself and the team. Without it, you have no team. You have no athletes. Your coaches are useless. The mainstream industry was way more individualistic. I missed that while trying to find where my life was headed and doing it in my own was terrifying at the time. In CrossFit everyone is an athlete and capable of the same great things and each of us is there to support their journey as well as pursue our own.

At Crossfit Ampersand after 8 years in the sport and 3 boxes. A gym that has everything that got me into CrossFit is my home. The community support in this gym helped motivate me and helped me rediscover my passion for fitness. Helped put myself out there in ways I hadn't before. I look forward to returning the favor, helping people move and live full lives, building this community further and of course having some fun!

Meet Daunelle!

I was (almost) born and raised in South Lake Tahoe in the early 1970's. I played "sports" with the kids down the street in the vacant lot, climbing rocks and trees, for hours! The only organized sports available to girls back then were swim team, ski team, and tennis. We couldn't afford the ski team, so I swam for almost ten years for the city of South Lake Tahoe, and for my high school, South Tahoe High. I also spent my four years of high school on the nordic ski team, where you "don't become king of the mountain by riding a chair lift." In college, I tried out for and made the lightweight varsity boat for the crew team. I was the "Stroke"...the first rower in the boat of eight that set the tempo for the rest of the team. I LOVED rowing! I would have continued with rowing had I not had the opportunity to study in Grenoble, France my junior year in college.  In France, I tried to stay fit, in between bites of baguette and yummy cheese! However, I did coach a local swim team while I lived in Grenoble. 

After college, I moved back to Tahoe and started teaching English at South Tahoe High School and French at Lake Tahoe Community College. I coached the high school's nordic ski team for a few years, but then left the high school and taught only at the junior college.  We raised two active daughters in South Lake Tahoe. Between skiing, soccer, swimming, horseback riding, and hiking, we were never bored. However, my husband must have thought otherwise because in 2009, he and his two friends opened South Tahoe CrossFit. 

Initially, I thought CrossFit was a joke. How could anyone get a workout in a four minute Tabata or a 12 minute AMRAP? Well, the joke was on me. After a few workouts, I was hooked. It is the variation and functionality of the exercises that kept my attention, but the  community that is created between members was and still is the reason why I CrossFit. In 2010 I got my Level 1 cert., and then in 2012, I got my Level 2 and a Mobility certificate from CrossFit. I loved coaching, managing, and organizing events for and at our gym. We held several competitions and fundraisers for our region and community. A few years ago, I even won the Masters level at a regional competition! However, in 2017, we decided to sell our partnership to one of our awesome trainers because we had moved down to the valley and we couldn't give as much time to the gym as we used to. 

I discovered CFAmpersand when my daughter started the Douglas Girls Lacrosse Club in 2017. She had asked me to coach the team, and we desperately needed some dry-land training. I approached Jeff and Harmony with our need and they graciously allowed us to use the facility for the two years I coached my daughter's team. From box jumps to burpees, those high school girls strangely looked forward to our time in the gym! While I no longer coach lacrosse, I have continued to stay active. Last fall I completed my first Spartan race, the Beast, at Squaw Valley. That race made me realize that I needed to increase my fitness, so I joined CFA. It was difficult getting to the gym this winter, but when Jeff and Harmony asked if I was interested in coaching again, things started to get back into focus for me. After I emphatically said, "Yes!" I realized that I had let my certificates expire last October...So, I will be taking my coaching certs again this month! 

Thanks to Jeff and Harmony, and all the CFA members I've met these past few months. CrossFit Ampersand is a fantastic community of supportive members . You are the reason why we keep coming back day after day, difficult workout after difficult workout. 

2020 CrossFit Re-Open and Ampersand's 3rd Annual Intramural!

The Open is coming… again… AND WE ARE EXCITED!

First things first, if you don’t know about the CrossFit Open, please read HERE.

This year we are excited to make participating in the Open even more fun! 

Don’t let it intimidate you. It doesn’t matter where you place and YOU DEFINITELY WILL NOT BE LAST! There are countless thousands of people every year who don’t finish all 5 workouts and we want to help you avoid that. Also, there is a SCALED division so don’t worry if you are unsure about your ability level. All are welcome and highly encouraged to participate.

HOW IT WORKS

We typically do the Open every year, with a Friday Night Lights WOD. But this year will be different. We will follow along and do all the same workouts on the exact same timeline BUT we choose two captains to run teams in our gym. This years Captains will be chosen by us!

These captains are huge parts of our Ampersand community, they work hard, have great attitudes and are sure to help us keep it FUN! Because, that is our aim. Fun. No crazy cutthroat attitudes. No nasty trash talking (well maybe a little.. ;). Just throwing down on some good ol’ fashioned CrossFit style workouts with the rest of Ampersand while we all compete against each other in an internal, CrossFit Ampersand-only competition.

POINTS

Don’t worry, you won’t “drag a team down”. Everyone can contribute points. All you have to do is show up AND there will be surprise opportunities to gain points for your team that don’t require you to do any working out!

REGISTRATION

You do not have to register for the crossfit open in order to participate. If you would like to see how you fair against the world, region, or state, definitely register online!

Registration for the Open can be done at games.crossfit.com and is live now and please make sure to choose CrossFit Ampersand as your Affiliate.

DRAFT

We will be doing a live video on September 19th to have our Draft. All athletes in the gym will be automatically put into the Draft pool and will be randomly selected onto a team. We will release all the details of the Draft ASAP so you can find out what team you are on.

Coaches will be split up and placed onto different Intramural teams to keep it fair and even. Captains choose athlete names in random order out of a hat. Team Captains will rotate draws, and then notify the athletes of their team that they have been drafted!

Our Open workouts will take place at every group class time on Friday, building to Friday Night Lights which will begin at 4:30 p.m. There will be a heat sign-up on a whiteboard which will be available first come first serve. Please show up as early as possible to sign up for a heat, help judge, take pictures and cheer everyone on! Bring friends or family to spectate and contribute to the cheering crowd!

FIVE WEEKS - OCT 11th - Nov 8th

Friday, October 11 @ 4:30 p.m.  – 20.1

Friday, October 18 @ 4:30 p.m. – 20.2

Friday, October 25 @ 4:30 p.m. – 20.3

Friday, November 1st @ 4:30 p.m. – 20.4

Friday, November 8th @ 4:30 p.m.  – 20.5

👇🏼Peep the sweet slideshow 👇🏼

Athletes will be allowed to make up workouts or re-test Saturdays at 10am, or by arranging an appointment with a Coach. If you plan to makeup on Saturday, please let us know ahead of time and find another member of the gym to judge for you ahead of time!

OUR FOCUS IS ON FUN. WE WANT PARTICIPATION BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE YOU FITTER, AND IT WILL GET YOU HIGH-FIVES AND YOU’LL BE HAPPY AND LOVE LIFE MORE AND GLOW AND STUFF.

New Year New You – One Small Step at a Time

2019 Is a FRESH CHAPTER!

The possibilities are endless for what you can achieve and what can happen with the start of a new year. As a coach, it’s hard for us to not jump in with all of the resolution talk going around. So often we hear people saying they want to eat healthier or get more exercise. Those are great goals, but without specifics for what they want to achieve, it will lead to disappointment and quitting by the middle or end of January. 

Only about 9% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions.  Those 9% of people drill in to their goals and celebrate the baby steps that got them there.

Instead of a New Years resolution, why not make a January resolution? Something smaller and more manageable that will give you the satisfaction of accomplishment. Maybe this will be the month when you check-in to the gym 3x each week instead of 1 or 2. Maybe this will be the month that you commit to the nutrition challenge and learn about healthy eating for 28 days that will help you learn your body and to support healthy eating choices for the rest of the year.  

For some of you, even committing to something a month long sounds daunting or impossible. What if you tried for one day? Or one week? Try increasing your water intake by substituting water or tea instead of soda or other sugary or fake sugary drinks like Diet Coke and Sugar free Redbull.  This is a great small first-step where you will see changes in your body in a short time. 

Follow this formula when choosing your goal:

All goals should be SMART!

Goal: I will check in to the gym for the 5:30pm class 3 times each week for the month of January.

Specific -  I will check in to CFA 3x each week in January

Measurable – I should have 15 check-ins during the 5 weeks in January

Attainable – I can come Monday, Wednesday and Friday to the 5:30pm class

Realistic – I am already going to the gym 2x each week, so I’m only adding 1 more day each week. 

Time-sensitive – Month of January

 Here are five ways to keep any goal you set:

1.     Share it with those around you who will be supportive. Simply saying it aloud or posting it online gives you accountability.

2.     Leave yourself words of encouragement regarding this goal in places you will see it often. If your goal is around healthy food choices, try a post-it note on your fridge.  This step solves two problems, it encourages you through your day and it helps you stay focused on your goal.

3.     Only set one small goal around one behavior at a time. Don’t start eating healthy, spending more quality time with your family, sleeping nine hours each night, removing toxins from your home, and going back to school all at the same time. Instead bite off only what is manageable. You can always slowly add more goals as your behaviors transform!

4.     Don’t be hard on yourself if you mess up. Only a very small percentage of the human population can accomplish a goal the first time they try. For the rest of us it takes a couple slip-ups before we propel forward and achieve our goals.

5.     Ask for help. It is brave and admirable to make changes in your health routines. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The coaches at CrossFit Ampersand are here for you as well as people in your classes. You can also take coaching and accountability up another step by talking to our Health Coach Elizabeth, to really drill into your intrinsic motivations, character strengths and help you achieve even more than you could do alone.

Book a Goal Setting Session with one of OUR Coaches and let us help you set your SMART Goals!

But.

But.

But but but…

Doesn’t the word ‘but’ just bring up a level of anxiety in you even without even knowing what it’s referring to? Such a tiny insignificant word can keep us from becoming who we deserve to be.

Life Transitions can cause us to stop forward progress, we refrain from doing anything new or even worse send us further down the black hole. It can make us not do what needs to be done to better ourselves because of the anxiety and inner turmoil that is created by the word but.

Click here for some motivation from real people just like you! They can do it so can you!

But I’m not in shape enough to start working out. But I can’t figure out my nutrition.

But I’ve never been successful before.

But I work. But I have kids. But we are moving. But I am injured. But I just got pregnant.  But I just had a baby.

But but but...  

As fitness professional we have encountered at least one of those buts, if not all. We have suffered through those buts, it has been scary, it was hard and there were lots of tears. Eventually we conquered those buts and have moved forward. We know that life is hard, that it has seasons, it gets in the way. If you want to live your life in spite of those buts we will help you navigate your buts.

Let’s make those buts mean something new, maybe with a healthy new butt to carry you through the year!

Let 2019 be the year of new but(t)s by signing up for our Nutrition Challenge!