“Those regimens — also called interval training — were originally developed for Olympic athletes and thought to be too strenuous for normal people.”

“High-intensity interval training is twice as effective as normal exercise.”

“This is like finding a new pill that works twice as well … we should immediately throw out the old way of exercising.”

“It’s a shortcut to explosive fitness,”

“Even though interval training only takes a few minutes, its effects last for hours.”

These are some key quotations from a recent article from the AP News. The article details how, get this, high intensity short interval exercise leads to improved fitness. It would be completely revolutionary if it weren’t for 1500+ CrossFit affiliates dotting the Earth’s landscape.

Seriously though, I am very happy the mainstream is starting wake up and smell the fitness.  The Arthur Jones Nautilus bodybuilding fitness ideal that has plagued America for several decades is starting to feel the instability that comes with incipient and hopefully inevitable toppling.

The CrossFit phrase “Forging Elite Fitness” has come under fire by anti-CrossFit pundits as false and extremely optimistic.  Yet, the very first paragraph of the article (the final sentence of which is the first quotation above) makes it clear that hitherto now CrossFit style training has been the exclusive domain of the elite athlete.

It is arguable that there is a chicken and egg feeling to the current popularity of CrossFit and CrossFit style training and the recent proliferation of articles like this one, but I see it more as a testament to the growing influence and undeniable effectiveness of CrossFit.  Although, as a CrossFitter, trainer, and affiliate owner, I am just happy that people are starting to see the light.  And, part of me has to admit that the feeling of vindication that accompanies articles such as this one feels pretty good.

Please post thoughts to Comments.

Workout:

Sumo Deadlift

Work up to a 1RM and compare to conventional Deadlift 1RM.

Then:

10, 8, 6, 4, 2

Back Squat 225/155#

Burpee

Box Jump 24″

Rest 5 minutes, then:

9, 7, 5, 3, 1

Back Squat 225/155#

Burpee

Box Jump 24″

If you do not beat your time, do a handstand pushup for every 5 seconds slower.

Post sumo dl 1RM and comparison to conventional dl to Comments.

Nothing substantial, just a few players worth keeping an eye on starting Wednesday.

Seattle has four defensive tackles on roster and two are Craig Terrill and Colin Cole. Another is enigma Red Bryant. Bryant was unrefined at A&M and turns 26 April 18. Red isn't much of a prospect anymore. His future in the league is uncertain. Maybe the talent asserts itself this season, but it's beyond risky for Seattle to count on that. Which is to say, Seattle needs a defensive tackle. Arthur (Art?) Jones is another tackle worth a damn in this fantastic class. Witness.

I personally wouldn't mind if Seattle drafted two defensive tackles. I would hate for Seattle to enter the draft with fixed needs, but after losing Michael Bennett and Derek Walker, and without free agency, the Seahawks are in a terrible bind. Tackle is less need than impending crisis.

Speaking of which, if Seattle misses out on Ndamokung Suh, Gerald McCoy, Eric Berry, Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford, it could do worse than Russell Okung. Okung is a gifted athlete, has no substantial injury history and is built exactly like a left tackle should be: Like Walter Jones.

I think after the Combine he will have secured his status as a top ten pick. Fact is, Seattle might miss out on a franchise quarterback, but it can still contribute to the future of its offense by drafting smart.

Taylor Price is someone Seahawks fans should know about. I think John Schneider will target Midwest talent, and I think he has a bit of a taste for smaller school players. Price is very talented and as you will see was a bit hidden by some terrible quarterback play.

Kyle Williams is another kid with terrific athleticism that was buried on a bad program and hidden by bad quarterback play. One would guess Pete Carroll knows a little bit about this Sun Devil.

Finally, since small school prospects will finally, mercifully be in play, and since Schneider has Midwest roots, and since Seattle needs a corner but can't overspend, I introduce Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. Akwasi means "born on Sunday".

Owusu had ten interceptions in 20 games including eight just this season, and would contribute both as corner depth and as a returner. He's absurdly athletic, but also a huge project. Seattle needs to take some big swings. Expect him to be called this draft's DRC about ten million times. If the shoe fits...