Get On The Bus
“You are the driver of your own bus.”
– John Gordon
Deep Squats (Thoughts)
As if any of those reading this don’t know, I make a lot of connections from one thing to another. These connections are called segways. Others refer to them as part of “The Weave” when making a speech or presentation. I call it the Country Road. If you let me get to where I’m going I’ll end up where I started.
That being said, the death of George Wendt (Norm on the sitcom Cheers) made me think of Cliff Claven. Cliff was a mailman on Cheers and started many educational stories with, “You know, Normie, it’s a little known fact…” So here’s a little research on why we try to get everyone upside down at CrossFit Palo Alto.
Being upside down in a handstand offers a variety of physical and mental benefits.
Physical Benefits:
- Improved Circulation: Inverting your body can improve blood circulation, particularly to the brain, which can enhance mental function. This includes better memory and processing abilities.
- Increased Strength: Handstands are a great way to build strength, especially in your shoulders, upper arms, and core. They require engaging multiple muscle groups to support your weight and maintain balance.
- Enhanced Balance and Coordination: Balancing upside down challenges your vestibular system and enhances your body awareness, leading to improved balance and coordination.
- Boosted Immunity and Lymphatic Drainage: Inversions can help stimulate the lymphatic system, which aids in detoxifying the body and can contribute to a stronger immune response.
- Improved Flexibility: Handstands require and can improve flexibility in key areas like the shoulders and wrists.
- Bone Health: Handstands are a weight-bearing exercise that can help increase bone density and potentially help prevent osteoporosis.
- Better Posture: Strengthening your core and back muscles through handstands can help improve posture and alleviate back pain.
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Benefits: Holding a handstand increases your heart rate and challenges your cardiovascular system, potentially improving endurance. It can also encourage deeper breathing, which is beneficial for respiratory function.
Mental Benefits:
- Improved Focus and Concentration: Balancing upside down requires significant focus, which can help improve your ability to concentrate and clear mental clutter.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Inversions can have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Boosted Mood: Inversions can lead to the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Achieving a handstand can also provide a sense of accomplishment, boosting confidence.
- Shift in Perspective: Literally seeing the world from a different angle can translate to a shift in your perspective on life and potentially improve problem-solving abilities.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: It’s fun and we all smile when we do it.
See you in class.
Tim
What’s Going On?
NorCal Classic CrossFit Games Qualifier
In-Person Viewing Field Trip
Sacramento, CA
June 8, 2025
Carpool leaves CFPA at 8am.
Contact Coach Andrew for details and tickets.
[email protected]
Spring’s Teen Class
Who: Boys and Girls aged 12-17
Dates: March 4 – April 24th
When: Tuesdays/Thursdays at 4pm
*Email [email protected] to sign up*
CFPA Thorne Supplement Store
Overheard in Class:
“Started strong. Finished strong. In the middle, we learned a lot.”
Timfluencing
The Energy Bus by: Jon Gordon
The Energy Bus takes readers on an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals 10 secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment – at work and at home. Jon infuses this engaging story with keen insights as he provides a powerful roadmap to overcome adversity and bring out the best in yourself and your team. When you get on The Energy Bus you’ll enjoy the ride of your life!
Tim’s Takeaway: Desire. Vision. Focus. The rest is how to make it happen. I’m a fan of 1-2-3 type of cues and reminders. This is a quick listen that I enjoyed while organizing the garage this weekend. It’s SO encouraging, so of course I want to share it with you. Pro Tip: It’s free on Spotify if you already subscribe.
