Crossfit Comes to Montreal
Interview with Jacques Ambroise (Crossfit
Montreal)
Their t-shirt logo pretty much says it all. Crossfit in known
for hard core physical training. More than just another set
of gyms, Crossfit is an all encompassig philosophy. The approach
is simple and sound, to be fit, really fit you have to possess
strength, flexibility, endurance and live a healthy life style.
Sound familiar? For those of you who have been following and
taking part in the Agatsu approach to fitness you will no doubt
see the similarities. It is no surprise then that when Jacques
Ambroise and his partner began setting up to open Crossfit Montreal
they also deceided to check out Agatsu's Kettlebell Certification.
Crossfit Montreal is now open. I sat down with Jacques to find
out more about his gym and how he plans on incorporating Kettlebells
and what he learned at the Agatsu Kettlebell Certification.
How are Kettlebells being used at Crossfit Montreal?
We incorporate a lot of Olympic lifts in our training and if
you look at the basics of KB training, you figure out pretty
quickly that they are similar to Olympic lifting. You need to
have the butt back, the weight on the heels, maintain the lordosis
of the lower back, load the hamstrings etc.
For that reason, we have our clients learn the KB swing very
early in their introductory phase of Crossfit. It has actually
helped a few of our clients solve their balance problem while
performing the squat. Because of the weight of the KB in front,
they are able to sit back further without falling back.
We also have them do presses with the KB.
What do you see as the benefits of Kettlebell training?
The KB is a really efficient tool to develop anaerobic endurance
and strength endurance. Ran in a circuit, it gives an amazing,
potent workout. Also (as it was demonstrated in one of the CrossFit
journals), the trajectories of the KB swing, snatch, and clean
are very similar to the trajectory of a kipping pull-up. We
use the kipping pull-up quite frequently in our workouts that
require insane amounts of pull-ups. The hip movement involved
in the KB swing can help accelerate the kipping learning curve.
Is Crossfit Montreal for everyone? What if someone is
out of shape?
CrossFit Montreal is indeed for everyone but not everyone
will start at the same intensity. When someone comes to our
studio we first have them go through a physical test to get
a rough idea of their fitness level . Then the client has to
go through our phase 1 which is a series of private introductory
sessions aimed at showing the proper technique of our basic
movements (Squats, deadlifts, presses etc and gymnastic body
movements). During that phase, we emphasize technique rather
than intensity. We make sure our clients have near perfect technique
before they can up the intensity. Once our clients acquire proper
technique and are consistent with their training we up the intensity,
always based on their fitness condition .Our out of shape clients
do not feel out of place in this kind of environment because
they start at a level and intensity that reflects their fitness
level.
What makes Crossfit Montreal different from other gyms
in the area?
What makes us different than other gyms in the area is that
first of all we are the first Official CrossFit dedicated facility
in the Province of Quebec. We were the third CrossFit affiliates
in Canada with the first two being in Toronto and Vancouver
BC. More affiliates in BC and Ontario have opened since.
Another difference is that our training is a non-traditional
type of training. What you see at our studio is different than
what you see in regular big box gyms. We do not specialize.
Our philosophy is that doing full body movements that push your
body to its lmits in a short amount of time will make you more
fit than segmented, isolated muscle training and longer workouts.
This means more active rest for an athlete.
What we do is General Physical Preparedness training that improves
our clients’ health, cardio, stamina, strength, power,
speed balance, coordination, agility and accuracy. Someone who
specializes in one aspect of training, on the other hand will
become out of balance. That person will be very strong in one
area but when it comes to other general physical skills the
results may be less than average and this is how you get injured.
Our type of training helps restore balance in your training
and even if you have to specialize in a sport whether it be
running, biking, strength sport etc., incorporating GPP before
your season starts will help you achieve PR s during competition
by closing the gap between your weaknesses and your strengths.
Another aspect of our training is that the workouts we give
our clients are different every day and this keeps them motivated
to come back. They never know what we have in store for them
the next time they come in. They have to be prepared for whatever
we throw at them.
What can someone expect at Crossfit Montreal?
Someone who comes to our studio can expect to have fun while
learning new exercises and getting educated in how-to improve
all aspects of fitness. We are in the private training business
and that is what we do. Clients are not left by themselves,
clueless in the studio. They come to be trained because they
need a trainer to give them a boost and we provide that service.
They have our full attention and in this environment our clients
improve their overall physique & fitness and they gain self-confidence
in everyday life.It should be noted that you do have to work
to get these results. When you CrossFit, you learn to surpass
what you thought were your limits, learn to work harder. You
will find out what you can or cannot do. This is why our goal
is not to attract the mass but rather attract people who want
to achieve a level of overall fitness they never imagined possible
for them. No matter what anyone tells you, there is no easy
way to get fit. It takes work but that doesn’t mean you
have to spend long hours in the gym and that you can’t
have fun.
What kind of training packages can you get at Crossfit
Montreal?
Once our clients have completed the introductory phase (Phase
1) they can choose to stay with private classes go to semi-private
training (up to 3 clients per session) and Group classes.
The packages for privates are 24, 12, 8, 4 classes with the
price per class going down as you register for more.
We have a package for 4 semi-privates and more.
The group classes packages are once a week, twice a week and
unlimited per month.
You can also take a 10, 20 or 50 group class package.
We plan on offering a Kettlebell dedicated class at our studio
before the end of this year.
Click
Here to Visit Crossfit Montreal