Brace Yourself!

The science, and art, of bracing! When it comes to weightlifting, one of the most critical errors we see on a regular basis is a lack of bracing in the set-up. Bracing is also called a Valsalva manuever by some of us nerdier weightlifters and coaches. You’ve probably heard coach Raf wax poetic about core control once or twice. This is why! It’s important stuff.

Every lift—be it a squat,  deadlift, clean and jerk or a snatch—like every golf swing or a basketball free throw, for that matter, should have it’s own set up and routine to ensure you’re stable and ready to perform to the best of your ability, and not get hurt. The same routine should be followed even with light weights to ingrain the habit into your mind.

Before I go any further, let’s talk about what it means to brace and why it’s important for lifting: Bracing essentially means engaging the entirety of your core to create stiffness. In this Breaking Muscle  article, weightlifting coach Will Fleming explains more:

“The core has two functions: The first is redistribution, as in redistribution of tension. Think of this R like a suspension bridge. The cables themselves are not tight to begin with, but they can support the weight of the bridge below through a redistribution of tension, like in a plank. The second R is redirection, as in the redirection of force. Power that is created in the lower body can only be moved along the kinetic chain through a core that is tight”.

For our purposes, what you need to know is your core needs to be tight as you lift in order to maximize your output, and to avoid injury.

One easy way to ensure you’re tight and ready to go during your set-up is to break the process into smaller pieces in your mind, essentially creating a check list, before you start your lift.

Something like this:

• Squeeze your butt cheeks together

• Pull your rib cage down

• Breathe into your stomach

• Tighten your stomach like you’re preparing for a knockout blow

One great example of someone who lifts the same way every time, and who is always tight, tight, tight is CrossFit Games athlete Lucas Parker. Check out this training compilation video of Parker).

In short, he does a wonderful job of meticulously ensuring every time he steps up to the bar he is in his most ideal position possible. Even when he fails, he is still braced and in control. This also reduces his chance of injury.

How do you know if you’re not bracing properly while lifting, and just in life?

Three signs include:

• You have bad posture

• You suffer from lower back pain

• You tend to extend your spine when you lift

• Injury!

If you think this is you and you need some help figuring out this bracing stuff, talk to your coach.

GETTING STARTED IS EASY!

Simply fill out the form below and then schedule Your FREE intro session on the next page.

Shortly after we will be in touch with you to confirm your intro session. We are excited to meet you!

Matt Markiewicz

COACH

Matt began his journey into fitness playing football and rugby in high school. He truly fell in love with health and wellness after losing 150lbs and becoming a lifelong learner in all things movement. He pursued this love by going on to get his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park. Matt has experience in bodybuilding, powerlifting, athletic performance training, and yoga. He has also worked as a rehab technician in a Physical Therapy Clinic.Matt is excited to share his passion for living a healthy life and fitness with the CrossFit Rep community.

CERTIFICATIONS

B.S. Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park (2016)
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
ACE Certified Health Coach
Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
Functional Range Assessment (FRA)
200HR Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200)
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Ross Coskrey

Head Coach

Ross found CrossFit in 2017. After lifelong sports background, CrossFit was the perfect way to fill the competitive void that had been left in his life, and to feel like an athlete again!

Ross has been competing in CrossFit athlete the past few years but after an injury, he now finds himself enjoying just being active and building lifelong friendships through the fantastic community that CrossFit creates, epseically at REP!

Ross earned his Kinesiology degree from Texas State University and has been personal training and coaching for the last 7 years.

Jake Hill

Owner & Coach

Jake found CrossFit in Philadelphia in 2012, and immediately fell in love. He quickly began his internship at CrossFit Love, one of Philadelphia’s most esteemed gyms, and has been coaching for over 5 years now. He has a thirst for knowledge and truth that continues to drive the culture at REP.

Jake is Breakdancer of 15 years (also a Breakdance instructor), and has extensive gymnastics knowledge https://www.instagram.com/jakenastix/. Jake believes that helping people improve their fitness and quality of life is his life’s work, and is thrilled to be doing so back in his hometown of Austin TX.

CERTIFICATIONS

Box Programming General Manager
Box Programming Certified Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
USAW Sports Performance
USAW Advanced Sports Performance
OPEX Assessment, Program Design, Nutrition, Lifestyle Coaching
CPR/AED Certified
StrongFit seminar – Julien Pineau
Freestyle Connection – Carl Paoli
Diploma Culinary Arts – Art Institute
B.A. Communications – Temple University
Jake@CrossfitREP.com

HOLD POLICY

Month-to-Month Membership Agreements and Annual Membership Agreements: You may place your Membership on hold two (2) times per calendar year up to three (3) consecutive months each time. Advanced notice of at least two (2) business days is required. The hold must be 30 days in duration at a minimum and 30 days must elapse between holds. Upon expiration of the term of the hold, your account will automatically become active and payments will resume. Should you choose to return prior to the end of their hold period, the hold will be released and payments will resume.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All membership agreements require 30-days written notice to cancel your membership. This form will serve as your 30-days written cancellation notice. Note that if you have a scheduled renewal payment within 30-days of your invoice billing date, the payment will be processed as scheduled. Your membership will be canceled at the end of your final paid month. All payments are non-refundable. All grandfathered membership rates will also be forfeited and returning members will be subject to current rates.

MEMBERSHIP CANCELLATION REQUEST

Please fill out the form below and one of our team members will review your request. Warning. The submission of this form does not cancel your membership. We will review your request, then reach out to confirm.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

We Would Love To Meet You!

Simply fill out the form below
& one of our amazing
coaches will be in touch asap! We are excited to meet you!

ARE YOU LOOKING TO DROP-IN?

We Would Love To Meet You!
WARNING! Class Sizes Are Limited.

If you would like to reserve a spot… Simply fill out the form below letting us know what day you might come by & one of our amazing coaches will reach out to you to reserve your class.

OUR DROP-IN RATES

$20 Per Class

FIND US AT:

10603 METRIC BLVD #142, AUSTIN, TX 78758

(512) 886-5505

OUR PRICING IS SIMPLE

We Want To Offer You The PERFECT Membership For YouR NEEDS.

Simply fill out the form below and one of our amazing coaches will send you our current membership information.