BODYSHAPE

CROSSFIT CRAZE: PART 2

As we continue to take a peek at a few of the basic exercises CrossFit employs, keep in mind every one of them can be modified to be easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. CrossFit utilizes movements from power lifting, gymnastics, plyometrics, high-intensity interval training, calisthenics and strongman exercises. The best and safest place to perform such exercises is under the watchful eye of a trained coach. But these are some of the more basic movements and are as safe to do at home as any other exercise demo we share.

BOX JUMP

1. Face the box, squat with back straight, arms forward.

2. Spring upward and use arms to generate lift.

3. Land with flat feet fully on the box, knees bent.

4. Step down back to the start position.

TRAINER’S TIPS

• Keep your hips over your heels in the squat position

• Start with a lower box if you are unsure

MUSCLE GROUPS

TARGETED: quads, hamstrings, glutes

SPRING UPWARD, LEAP HIGH

FOCUS ON LANDING

GENERATE LIFT WITH ARMS

ARMS FORWARD FOR BALANCE

NG,

GOOD FORM ON LANDING, KNEES BENT

Body

SOUP’S ON

Cooler nights mean more homemade soups for many cooks, and that means healthy eating for those who enjoy bowls of goodness.

Vegetable soup is a staple in many households, and why not? The sky’s the limit when it comes to ingredients. Simply start with tomatoes (fresh or canned), celery and onion. Next, check the vegetable bin to see what you’ve overlooked. Don’t throw those goodies away; throw them in your crockpot and let your imagination run wild.

NO RULES, JUST RIPE

Cabbage, broccoli, green beans, corn and carrots (fresh or frozen) are favorite ingredients, but you can tailor your soup to whatever your family loves. Beans? Brussel sprouts? Snow peas? Yes, yes, and yes. There are no hard-and-fast rules.

sh or frozen) are your es,

The Kitchen Sink Approach

A diet featuring vegetable soup can help you lose weight, but you can also beef it up if you want or need to add calories. Just add pasta or chicken — or both. How about potatoes? And if you really want to thicken things up, add beef, turkey, sausage, dumplings and other goodies you enjoy as standalone items.