LOW CALORIE, HIGH PROTEIN SHAKE RECIPE June 18, 2013 Most of us know the benefits of protein in our diets. It’s not about one or two servings per day ...more 3 STAGES OF SUCCESS May 21, 2013 Let’s face it. We all know that more is better! Just look at all the commercials that tell us we ...more EVILS OF SUGAR May 21, 2013 Sugar and other refined carbohydrates are devoid of nutrition. Overconsumption can cause serious health problems, even death!If you were to ...more  |
in Heroes
 TEAM MAX ATHLETE: PHIL KNIEPBy: Jennifer Cho Salaff
For Phil Kniep, CrossFit is much more than a way to stay in optimal shape. It’s a sport that takes his body to the edge of its limits. What the 28-year-old Lincoln, Nebraska resident loves is constantly training for the unknown. “You’re pushing yourself – not just physically, but mentally – to finish these workouts,” says Kniep, a top CrossFit athlete whose accomplishments include winning first place at the 2011 North Central Regional Reebok CrossFit Games. “I’m a very competitive person and this sport brings that element out of a person. You’re always wanting to beat your old score – every single day.” Developed nearly 20 years ago by a former gymnast from Santa Cruz, California, CrossFit is a conditioning program that mixes Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, calisthenics, gymnastics, plyometrics and other harder-to-categorize movements like climbing rope and carrying medicine balls. The workouts are typically short – 20 minutes or less – and intense, demanding all-out physical exertion. These elements are combined in various segments which CrossFit, athletes call “Workouts of the Day” or “WOD.” The WODs are constantly changing, making CrossFit attractive to those who get bored easily by long, monotonous fitness regimens. “That’s the beauty of CrossFit workouts,” Kniep says. “You get amazing results in less time.” Kniep, who played football at the University of Nebraska and later served as a firefighter for the Lincoln Fire Department, was first introduced to CrossFit in 2008 by a fellow firefighter. Kniep is the co-founder and co-owner of CrossFit Lincoln and is currently training for the Reebok CrossFit World Games in Southern California, a venue styled to determine the “Fittest on Earth.” Last year, Kniep competed in his very first Games and placed 37th. This year, he has his sights set on making the top 10. What’s his advice to athletes who aspire to compete at his level? “There is something to be said about hard work,” Kniep says. “You have to put the time in to achieve your dreams. However, the work needs to be quality work. You have to be efficient in your exercises, practicing full range of motion. Otherwise you’re wasting your time.” ----- Workout schedule: Monday: strength work; three CrossFit workouts throughout the day Tuesday: gymnastics work; two CrossFit workouts throughout the day Wednesday: strength work; three CrossFit workouts throughout the day Thursday: rest Friday: strength/gymnastics; one to two CrossFit workouts throughout the day Saturday: gymnastics work; one CrossFit workout Sunday: rest Diet regimen: Strict Paleo diet of entirely non-processed foods, lean meats (wild-caught fish, chicken, grass-fed beef), vegetables, fruits, nuts/seeds. No grains, legumes, sugars or dairy. Favorite cheat meal: Pizza Favorite Max Muscle products: Triple Whey Protein and Max ZMA What does being a part of Team Max mean to you? If it wasn’t for the great team at Max Muscle Lincoln (Nebraska), I wouldn’t be able to reach my full recovery potential to train hard every day. I’m honored to be a part of Team Max. MS&F |