min·i·mal·ism
\ˈmi-nə-mə-ˌli-zəm\
noun
1 : a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity

min·i·mal·ist
\ˈmi-nə-mə-ˌli-st\
adjective
1: of, relating to, or done in the style of minimalism

The alarm startles you out of the refuge you escaped to the night before after another day of meaninglessness lulled you into a quiet slumber. The bed is warm and safe and embraces you like a mother. You gather yourself for another yesterday. The mirror only reflects a mere shadow of the idealism that had once gazed back. You do the routine: splash the water, drink the joe, turn on the TV for today’s indoctrination. You fight for a seat on the train or the bus or you try to make the light before the proverbial idiot beats you to it. You do the job, smile when they wave, laugh when they joke, eat when you’re told to, are thankful for the break, are thankful for the good review, are thankfully giving your creativity to another’s cause. Time to go home. You fight for a seat on the train or the bus or you try to make the light before the proverbial idiot beats you to it. You go to the gym. You change into the latest and greatest. Slip the headphones on. Listen to your favorite. You wait in line for your preferred machine. Finally it’s yours. Now you can relax on the machine that someone invented to make your workout pleasant and to make your workout enjoyable and to make your workout a whole lot easier while you watch TV for yet another hour of indoctrination. And tomorrow, And tomorrow, And tomorrow, And tomorrow, And ...........................

I say Rage. Rage against the necessities. Rage against the easy. Give yourself permission to use some of that creativity for yourself. Rage against the patronizing bastards who feel entitled to make something easier for the “poor little yous” with their condescending charm. Rage against pre-determined range of motion. Rage against technology in a physical space. Acquaint yourself with gravity, learn to love it, then learn to fight it. Get out of the mirror. Work by feel. Develop your body knowledge and utilize it. Use your instincts and rage against anything that tries to get in the way of them. Understand your true capacity and your true capability. Question fear based protocol. Eliminate “can’t” from your vocabulary. Work to your limit for yourself. Work so your self imposed limits broaden. If you are injured, seek ways to heal. Rage against this week’s flavor. Cut the excess. Grab a barbell. Pair it down. Pick up a kettlebell. Do more with less. Hit the floor. Search for the nucleus of movement. Explore. Cherish the minimal. Rage against the
machine.

Midnight Madness #2 (<-click for pics)

As the players assembled they quickly focused on the business at hand. Yesterday’s madness proved that the “average gym goer” just may be seeking something more. We crossed lines. Fitness levels from beginner to advanced embarked on the same road to self discovery. Some finished, some didn’t. All tried. While watching the faces of anguish pulling or pushing rep after rep under tremendous stress, one could only stand in awe of the self sacrifice the participants freely gifted to the goal. Thanks to each one of you for putting your head down and doing with reckless abandon. At the risk of denying the winners their glory, it is out of respect that the person of note was one that didn’t finish first, but scratched and clawed her way to the goal. Olga, your resolve was humbling. Too the point, everyone delivered and is worthy of celebration. Much was covered, but more was learned. Until the next time, reflect on what was accomplished. Know that most would look at that evolution and choose one of the three segments you all battled through. Hats off  to you.

power snatch
MR in 10, 1 rep is 1 point
0-55, 1 point
75, 2 points
95, 3 points
115, 4 points
135, 5 points
+
relay
+
10 hspu + 20 pullups +30 sumo deadlift high pull + 40 situps + 50 burpees


(CLICK TITLE FOR PICS)

Welcome

They are only weights just as the paint doesn't make the artist. The music changes to something more ominous. A glob of adrenaline dumps into the veins. Why this shaking? Try to laugh. Act as if this is every day. Inside, truth gives a slap in the mouth. This isn't every day. This isn't just another hour. This is Midnight Madness. The cold outside tells you to stay home. Why listen?The chill of a fifty pounder makes your calloused hand sting. Those that came before aren't smiling. Those that came before prepare quietly to themselves, anticipating the glorious menu that chef pain has cooked up for them. They aren't disappointed. They dig in to a feast of devastating enlightenment. Welcome to the madness. Welcome to the revolution.

Gearing up

Gearing up for tonight’s madness. 100% attrition. More than double decided to join the revolution, or at least test the waters. We’ll see how long their enthusiasm lasts. Pray for them.

The Inaugural Gathering

The inaugural gathering of midnight madness achieved its goal with stellar execution. The turn out was inspiring. Over a dozen strangers converged in a physical space to do physical work haunted by trepidation with a spirit of self doubt whispering in their ears. A desire to overcome whatever obstacle set before them quickly subdued any crippling emotion they may have felt. The need to complete the task at hand made heroes out of few and made others come face to face with the champion within. Every attendee completed the evolution. The best performer was rewarded with another round of the punishment he waded through only moments before. The others sought redemption by performing even more acts of self destructive valor. The Mad Man of the week was JT. His strength moves were spot on and grinding. His timed efforts were done with purpose. He truly earned his reward. The other players are no less praiseworthy. Each showed up and delivered to the limit of their ability and beyond. At the end of the evolution, passing comments of disbelief in what was accomplished could be heard echoing off of the scattered plates and kettlebells that lie motionless in a wake of sweat. Instantly addicted, they requested more.