229: Should you try crossfit, best CEU's + more!

CrossFit Pros & Cons

Danny Matranga explores the pros and cons of CrossFit compared to traditional weightlifting. He highlights CrossFit's diverse training elements, including resistance, gymnastics, and aerobic exercises, which can be beneficial for overall fitness. However, Danny notes that CrossFit can be expensive and sometimes risky due to less-than-perfect programming.

CrossFit has a tendency, when general population individuals start going and doing CrossFit, to be what I would imagine a little bit more risky than conventional resistance training.

--- Danny Matranga

He suggests that those with existing lifting skills might benefit more from incorporating specific CrossFit movements into their gym routines rather than fully committing to a CrossFit program 1.

   

Workout Music

Music plays a significant role in workout efficiency and motivation, according to Danny Matranga. While music preferences are subjective, he identifies pop, hip hop, rap, and EDM as popular workout genres due to their upbeat and energetic nature. These genres can enhance the workout experience by matching the energy one might bring to a party or rave.

My playlist is generally comprised of hip hop, rap and EDM or electronic dance music what you might hear at a club or a festival.

--- Danny Matranga

Danny also mentions that podcasts and audiobooks can be great alternatives, especially for those who have habitualized their training and no longer rely on music for motivation 2.

   

Hamstring Strength

For those looking to strengthen their hamstrings at home, Danny Matranga offers practical advice. He emphasizes the importance of knee flexion exercises, such as Nordic and sliding hamstring curls, to build resilience in the posterior chain. These exercises train the hamstring in its shortened position, which is crucial for developing strength.

It's very important to train the knee flexion component of the hamstring to build resiliency of the posterior chain.

--- Danny Matranga

Danny also recommends incorporating kettlebell exercises like Romanian deadlifts and swings to target hip extension, another key function of the hamstrings 3.