"One of the things we love about people who train in functional fitness, is their willingness to do more, think about technique deeper, analyse their performance further, and try harder.

But sometimes that can backfire.

We see a lot of what we call paralysis by analysis – where the whole concept of training and nutrition is completely overthought, to the point where weI can almost see steam coming out of the ears!!! Both acutely, where the thought process will short circuit that snappy hang power snatch you were supposed to be doing, because the whole time you were reciting in your head, “shoulders back, hook grip on, lean over the bar, don’t go below the knees, big jump, fast feet....what am I supposed to do now.....oh bugger I messed it up….”

Then there is the chronic overthinking, where you are trying to work on mobility daily, practising weaknesses as often as possible, downloading every movement assistance program you can find, counting the calories of every meal, watch 2 hours of olympic weightlifting videos every day, and buy a new speed rope every month because the one you have now you suspect is not quite right.

Trying hard, and wanting to do your best is fantastic, but taking it too far can bring progress to a grinding halt. Don’t worry about all the above dross, nor should you worry about intermittent fasting, special wrist wraps, extra energy system work, home gym set ups, post workout branch chain amino drinks, specialty classes or which is the best pair of Olympic lifting shoes until you are getting 8 hours of sleep a night, eating real food and doing what your coach tells you.

Don’t overthink it…

Make a deal with yourself to get to the gym 3-5 x week without fail, decide on just ONE thing to improve in the gym that day. Doesn’t have to be a big thing – a bit more elbow speed on your cleans, a bit deeper on your squat, arriving early to warm up, but that gives you a better chance to have a ‘win’ and you can relax and enjoy the training experience with all your friends.

It will all pay off in a few weeks, when we retest."

Darren Ellis, Crossfit New Zealand.

TRAINING FEBRUARY 10th