News

WZA To Host First Ever Adaptive Athlete Division

Many local competitions boast they have “something for everyone”: A Pro or Elite Division, an RX Division, a Scaled Division, a Master’s Division, and/or a Team Division. However, Wodapalooza Miami’s founders Guido Trinidad and Steve Suarez got word of a missing link. New this year to Wodapalooza Miami’s annual Fitness-Festival: The Adaptive Athlete Division.   The idea for the division was originally conceived when Steph Hammerman, a CrossFit Coach from Tampa, Florida (and the first-ever CrossFit athlete with Cerebral Palsy) approached Trinidad and Suarez with the proposal.The two needed no convincing—only guidance.    “There needs to be opportunities for adaptive athletes to compete,” Steph said. “When I suggested the idea of an adaptive athletes division, Guido was excited, ‘Yes! Just tell us what we need to do,’” she added. Steph touched base with friend and athlete who suffered a lifting injury last year, Keven Ogar, to get the ball rolling. “We came up with the workouts and the structure that the competition will go down. And while we will be ‘competing’ at Wodapalooza Miami, adaptive athletes won’t be really competing against each other, but instead with each other—since everyone comes from different backgrounds and abilities,” Steph said. A total of fifteen athletes, from all over the country, will travel to Miami this weekend to make history in the heart of Downtown Miami.    Check out some of these impressive stats of some of the participants:   Steph Hammerman, 24, CrossFit Ybor (Tampa, FL) Cerebral Palsy Snatch: 35 lbs. Clean: 45 lbs. Wall ball (weight): 14-20 lbs.  Dumbbell Weight: 10 lbs. from knees; 15 lbs. from chair Strict press: 60 lbs.  Deadlift: 100 lbs.  Kettlebell Weight: 26 lbs.    Mike McDonough, 38, Eleventh Element CrossFit Hillard (Hillard, OH) Right leg amputate due to CMT (neuromuscular disorder) Snatch: 115 lbs. Clean: 155 lbs. Wall ball (weight): 20 lbs.  Dumbbell Weight: 50 lbs.  Strict press: 145 lbs.  Deadlift: 350 lbs.    Marcus Hayward, 30, CrazyTrain CrossFit (West Palm Beach, FL) Left leg above the knee amputee, blurred vision, Traumatic brain injury Snatch: 80 lbs. Clean: 115 lbs. Wall ball (weight): 20 lbs.  Dumbbell Weight: 50 lbs.  Strict press: 135 lbs.  Deadlift: 210 lbs.  Kettlebell Weight: 53 lbs.  Krystal Cantu, 25, CrazyTrain CrossFit (West Palm Beach, FL) Right arm amputee Cerebral Palsy Snatch: 45 lbs. Clean: 95 lbs. Wall ball (weight): 14 lbs.  Dumbbell Weight: 65 lbs.  Strict press: 40 lbs.  Deadlift: 225 lbs.  Kettlebell Weight: 45 lbs.    Luke Ericson, 20, Unaffiliated (Kaneohe, HA) Born without left arm and shoulder; Missing left lung; Severe scoliosis & Type  1 Diabetes Snatch: 55 lbs. Clean: 105 lbs. Wall ball (weight):  20 lbs.  Dumbbell Weight: 45 lbs.  Strict press: 55 lbs.  Deadlift: 225 lbs.  Kettlebell Weight: 55 lbs.   Kevin Ogar, 29, CrossFit Unbroken (Englewood, CO) Paralegic Snatch: 110 lbs. Clean: 125 lbs. Wall ball (weight): 14 lbs.  Dumbbell Weight: 55 lbs.  Strict press: 185 lbs.  Kettlebell Weight: 35 lbs.    And that is all just to name a FEW…stay tuned to meet, watch and get inspired by  the amazing athletes preparing to take center stage at Wodapalooza Miami in 2015.    If you want to catch the excitement and incredible feats from the Adaptive Athlete competition, make sure to check out the Live Stream, right here at http://FloElite.com and http://wodapaloozamiami.com. Related articles: Wodapalooza: Past, Present, Future Wodapalooza Talent 2015 Preparing For The Open Like Ohlsen

Jan 22, 2015

Samantha Briggs Defends Her 2015 Title

The champ is still here—Samantha Briggs that is.

Jan 22, 2015

2015 Wodapalooza Results

Results from 2015 Wodapalooza

Jan 17, 2015

Briggs Is Back To Defend Her Title At 2015 WZA

After a heartbreaking upset at the CrossFit Europe Regional last year, placing 4th, six points outside of a podium spot, Samantha Briggs is back in action—ready for the 2015 CrossFit Games season, and most currently, ready to take on Wodapalooza this weekend.   Despite not making the Games last year, Briggs is returning to 2015’s Wodapalooza Fitness Festival as the “champ” from 2014’s competition. With the Open nearly one month away, Brigg’s is ready to kick off the 2015 season by making another run for the top spot in Miami amongst some of the fittest in the world.   “Wodapalooza is a great comp to enter as there are so many different categories to suit all abilities! Entering competitions are a great way to test how your training has been going and push you under pressure!” Briggs said.   In order to prepare for this weekend, and more importantly, the road to the CrossFit Games, Briggs’ strategy has been simple:   “I've just been doing a lot of CrossFit! I've entered a few competitions (both CrossFit and weightlifting) just trying to push myself and grow as an athlete. My coaches are Danny Lopez (Olympic), Laura Sweatt (Power) and Sean Lind (Gymnastic). I try to train with as many people as possible as different people push you in different areas!” Briggs said.    As for her mindset, Briggs said its remained consistent as it has always been—hungry to always improve, regardless of the outcome.    “(From winning the Games, to not making the Games, winning Wodaplooza, to who knows this year?), there’s been no change. I've always thoroughly enjoyed training and competing. The 2013 Games was a bonus after all the hard work! Not qualifying last year didn't change anything I've still been training hard and putting in the time. Hopefully this year I'll get the bonus and get to the Games to test my fitness on the ultimate testing ground!” Briggs said.    Hard work certainly pays off, and this past year, Briggs has seen continual improvements in her skill, endurance and strength, including a 100 kg Clean & Jerk PR. If there is anything Briggs said she has learned this year, it is to keep all eyes forward—not dwell on the past or negatives.   “Try not to focus on the negatives. We all have areas we need to work on! Celebrate the achievements you get and knuckle down to work on the things you find hard!”   She says she’s applied that same philosophy to the day in, day out grind of training, and encourages others to do the same.    “[Keep things positive]. Make sure you mix the good with the bad! If you're working on something you struggle with always do something you're good at too! Don't get swamped down with what you can't do and just work hard every day!” she said.   Watch Briggs work hard this weekend at Wodaplooza LIVE, right here on FloElite.com.  Related articles: Wodapalooza: Past, Present, Future Wodapalooza Talent 2015 Preparing For The Open Like Ohlsen

Jan 16, 2015

Wodapalooza Talent Week 2

Margaux Alvarez Margaux is a relatively new name to the CrossFit Games veterans roster however she doesn’t come without threat. This 29 year-old tenacious woman has a heart that won’t quit and she has proven this while bursting through some of her most inhibiting movements making it to the top of a 3rd place regionals finish the last two years. She has a strong endurance game and has been tackling gymnastic weaknesses since 2012. Will her training focus be in alignment with winning the ECC? Region: NorCal Affiliate: CrossFit Solano Height: 5-7 Weight: 144 Games Competitor: 2013 and 2014. Notable Finishes: Placed 26th in 2013 and 34th in 2014. Snatch: 180 lb CJ: 225 lb Back Squat: 265 lb Deadlift: 355 lb Grace: 1:20 Fran: 2:52 Jeff Evans Jeff Evans is an Invictus athlete rising to the top of the South East region. He played college level football and is best known for his brute strength and keeping up with body weight ninjas despite his size. He made everyone aware of these attributes when he took 2nd place in the “clean speed ladder” at this year’s CrossFit Games. Will Jeff surprise everyone at the ECC as he did at this year’s regionals? Stay tuned to see! Region: South East Affiliate: IronStable Fitness Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 Games Competitor: 2014 Notable Finishes: 8th place Regionals finish after only doing CrossFit for a few months in 2013. Snatch: 205 lb CJ: 385 lb Back Squat: 540 lb Grace: 134 lbs Fran: 2:09 Emily Bridgers Emily Bridgers was a former collegiate gymnast at the University of Georgia, where she studied exercise science and graduated in 2009. She was plagued with a back injury during the later years as a gymnast, which eventually led to the end of her gymnastics career and led her to CrossFit in June of 2010. Emily has competed in the South East Regionals in 2012, 2013, and 2014, where she placed in the top 10 each year. This year Emily placed first at the CrossFit Games Southeast Regional, and finished 6th at the 2014 CrossFit Games. Region: South East Affiliate: CrossFit Terminus Height: 5-1 Weight: 135 lbs Games Competitor: 2013 (team) and 2014 (individual) Notable Finishes: 6th Place finish at 2014 CrossFit Games. Snatch: 175 lbs CJ: 210 lbs Back Squat: 260 lbs Deadlift: 325 lbs Lauren Fisher Lauren attends San Diego State University and at the age of 20 years-old has the athletic resume of a retired athlete. She has competed at the CrossFit Games twice, was the USA Weightlifting National Junior Championships Best Lifter in 2014, and qualified for 2014 Junior Pan American Championships. Expect to see this little firecracker at Wodapalooza ready to kick ass and take names! Region: Southern California Affiliate: CrossFit Invictus Height: 5-5 Weight: 135 lbs Games Competitor: 2013 (team) and 2014 (individual) Notable Finishes: 9th Place finish at 2014 CrossFit Games. Snatch: 175 lbs CJ: 242 lbs Back Squat: 290 lbs Deadlift: 325 lbs Max Pull-ups: 50 Neal Maddox Neal is a returning staple to the CrossFit Games and Wodapalooza competitor despite his “retirement” in 2013. He is one of the older athletes (really meaning he’s in his late 30s), in the game and he doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down. As he approaches the master’s age, he continues to become a better athlete, keeping up with and training alongside Jason Khalipa. Will Neal take the top spot on the podium at this year’s Wodapalooza Fitness Festival? Region: Southern California Affiliate: CrossFit X-treme Athletics Height: 5-10 Weight: 205 lbs Games Competitor: 2012, 2013, and 2014 Games. Notable Finishes: 9th Place finish at 2013 CrossFit Games. Snatch: 295 lbs CJ: 345 lbs Back Squat: 500 lbs Deadlift: 505 lbs Max Pull-ups: 60 Amanda Schwartz Amanda has been a top regionals competitor since beginning her CrossFit career in 2011. During the 2013 regionals she has to pull out due to an elbow injury, however she came back full force and not only qualified for the 2014 Games, but finished in the top 30. She is no rookie to the sport or to competition, we are excited to see her perform at this year’s Wodapalooza! Region: South Central Affiliate: CrossFit Populace Height: 5-6 Weight: 135 lbs Games Competitor: 2014 Games. Notable Finishes: Top regionals competitor 2012, 2013, and 2014. 29th Place finish at 2014 CrossFit Games. Lauren Brooks Lauren is no stranger to being at the top of the leaderboard as she has been a main staple in the South East region since 2012. She is best known for not only being one of the strongest girls on the field, but also holding her own in gymnastics movements. She has also been a regular athlete at the Wodapalooza Fitness Festival since its creation. Will her familiarity with the venue and surrounding athletes give her a head start to finish on top? Region: South East Affiliate: CrossFit Salvation Height: 5-7 Weight: 160 lbs Games Competitor: 2014 Games. Notable Finishes: 7th Place finish at 2014 CrossFit Games. Snatch: 193 lbs CJ: 240 lbs Back Squat: 375 lbs Deadlift: 405 lbs Max Pull-ups: 40 Jordan Cook Jordan has accompanied quite the surprise element bursting on the scenes in 2014. He impressively qualified for his first regionals trip as well as his first Games experience all in the same year. Cook, is not only new the the competitive scene in regards to the athletes he’s competed against within the last year, but he’s also new to the Wodapalooza venue. Will he continue to surprise us so that we may see him on top of the podium? Region: South Central Affiliate: CrossFit Bay Area Height: 5-9 Weight: 195 lbs Games Competitor: 2014 Games. Notable Finishes: 1st Place finish at 2014 South Central regionals. Snatch: 268 lbs CJ: 325 lbs Back Squat: 375 lbs Deadlift: 475 lbs Fran: 2:14 Chyna Cho Chyna is a returning Wodapalooza athlete and has been at the top of one of the most competitive regions for the last four years. She is best known for her engine and swimming abilities, but don’t let that fool you, she can hold her own when the weight comes out to play. We are excited to see how she stacks up against this year’s competition! Region: Northern California Affiliate: CrossFit One World Height: 5-8 Weight: 143 lbs Games Competitor: 2014 Games. Notable Finishes: 2nd Place finish on “The Beach” at 2014 CrossFit Games. Snatch: 170 lbs CJ: 209 lbs Back Squat: 286 lbs Deadlift: 310 lbs Fran: 2:17 Related articles: Wodapalooza: Past, Present, Future Wodapalooza Talent 2015 Preparing For The Open Like Ohlsen

Dec 30, 2014

Wodapalooza. Past. Present. Future.

It may be cold for the majority of the country in January, but things are getting ready to heat up in Miami, Florida. The 4th annual Wodapalooza Fitness Festival is going down on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend (January 16th-18th) and over 1,100 athletes are preparing to throw down in what has become one of the top tests of fitness during the CrossFit Games off-season. In fact, this year, competitors will come together from a total of 36 states and 15 countries to test all 10 components of fitness (aerobic endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, accuracy) during three days of competition. Since its conception, Wodapalooza has become a highly regarded fitness competition for athletes of all ages, competition experience, and abilities with its offerings of a Scaled, RX, Elite, Master’s and Team divisions. Established in January 2012, founders Guido Trinidad (coach/owner of Peak 360 CrossFit in South Miami) and, good friend and business partner, Steve Suarez, set out to deliver a quality fitness festival experience, but never foresaw the magnitude to which Wodapalooza would grow over the years. “Steve had just suggested I look into holding some Saturday classes for Peak 360 in the outdoor space at Bayfront Park. The day we both went there to check it out though and talk with the park manager, the manager suggested, ‘Why not hold an event, like a competition, here?’ We hadn’t thought about it at all—after all most competitions I had been to as an athlete seemed pretty disorganized and like a big undertaking—something I didn’t really want to be a part of. As I thought about it a bit more though, I thought, ‘Why not?’ We live in such a cool place, and we could actually showcase our beautiful city here—it would be amazing. I knew I wanted to make a change from what many other competitions seemed to offer—organized, a beautiful outdoor setting, and a fun, well-rounded test of fitness. Steve was on board, and we got to planning,” Trinidad said. The rest is history. The inaugural Wodapalooza took place on one Saturday that January, and saw a total of 250 athletes—only three of which were considered ‘Elite’ Female competitors (Talayna Fortunado, Jaime Gold, Cheryl Nasso), who chose to compete alongside the men in the Elite Men’s division since there was no high demand for an Elite Female Division at the time. Fast-forward four years later, athletes whom have not competed at the CrossFit Games or claimed top spots at past Wodapalooza events, must now participate in the Wodapalooza Online Qualifier in order to earn a spot in the Elite or Rx Division. Some of this year’s mentionables include: Matt Chan, Lauren Fisher, Lauren Brooks, Noah Ohlsen, Daniel, Dani Horan, Jordan Troyan, Sam Briggs, Garret Fisher, Daniel Tyminski, Kenny Leverich, Heather Welsh, Natalie Mclain, Spencer Hendel, Chyna Cho, Neal Maddox, Julie Foucher and Emily Bridgers—just to name a few. As for the Scaled, Master’s, Team and Kids’ Divisions, the majority of registration spots sold out within the first 48-hours of going live in early November. “Wodapalooza provides an opportunity for all athletes—regardless of their division they are competing in—to feel like they are in an elite-like atmosphere. There are not many other competitions that offer such a world class atmosphere as this,” Trinidad said. There is even something for the spectators and fitness enthusiasts. “Every year gets a little bit bigger,” Trinidad said. This year, spectator obstacle courses will be set up throughout the venue, [compliments of the BattleFrog Series (https://www.facebook.com/BattleFrogSeries)]; a raffle for a 2015 Range Rover is anyone’s for the taking; vendor village will be up and running with favorite brands and new faces alike; and a tent for various workshops and seminars, featuring fitness experts and gurus from around the country, will be running throughout the days; not to mention, the picturesque scenery of Bayfront Park, overlooking South Miami’s ocean bay. “I can’t wait to see all the smiles. That’s the best part for me,” Trinidad said. https://livecoverage.floelite.com/event/253-wodapalooza-miami

Dec 29, 2014

Lauren Truszkowski Wins WZA Online Qualifier

By Lauryn Lax Competing at the 2014 South East CrossFit Regional for the first time this year made athlete Lauren Truszkowski hungry to be standing on the podium in 2015. Truszkowski of CrossFit Willpower in Lake Worth, Florida has been working towards just that since she walked away from Jacksonville last May. She finished 6th overall in the South East Region and said she was only getting started. On the road to her goal of the 2015 CrossFit Games, Truszkowski found herself on top of a different podium this past week—first place at the end of Wodapalooza Miami’s three-week Online Qualifier. She will join 20 other athletes this winter to compete in Wodapalooza’s Elite Division the weekend of January 16-18. You can watch the event LIVE on Floelite.com. “I am very shocked at the First Place finish for the Wodapalooza Qualifier and, even more shocking, this is my first time to ever finish first place in any competition series,” Truszkowski said. Truszkowski described the workouts for the qualifier as “rough, but a very equal test of fitness.” The 5-foot-3, 130 lb. 25-year-old may be small, but she’s mighty. “I had never tested a 4 rep-max shoulder to overhead and never thought I’d hit 190 lbs. I could definitely say that was a PR for me!” she said. In order to continue to build strength, Lauren trains under the guidance and programming of Rudy Nielson from CrossFit Outlaw. “(Since Regionals last year), my training changed a little, making strength training and my Olympic lifts the priority. I still make sure my metcons are there ,but my main goal overall is to get stronger and put up the same numbers girls that are 20-30 pounds heavier than me are putting up,” Truszkowski said. Truszkowski was also on the roster, as part of the NPGL’s Miami Surge Team in its inaugural season, continuing to gain experience on the competition floor. “My mentality while training and competing is knowing that there is always someone out there trying to be on top. The difference between all of us is a matter of who wants it more and I want to prove that through the training I put in day in and day out,” Truszkowski said. 

Oct 18, 2014

Bianca Blair The Surprise Leader in Wodapalooza Qualifiers

By Lauryn Lax Week 2 of the Wodapalooza Online Qualifier is in full swing for the 4th annual fitness festival of the year, hosted directly on the bay in South Miami, Florida. Wodapalooza has become one of the most competitive and highly-anticipated fitness competitions amongst athletes in the fitness community. This year, over 1200 athletes registered to compete in the 3-week Online Qualifier to be one of 120 spots (male/female) in both the RX and Elite divisions, outside of already-invited athletes. This past week, several top athletes continue to hold their own atop the leaderboard to ensure an Elite-division spot, some of these including 2014 South East Regional competitors, Bianca Blair and Lauren Truszkowski, and men, Marcelo Bruno (from Latin America) and two-time South East Regional competitor, Aaron Hanna. The first two weeks of WODs have been diverse, testing all modes of fitness. Returning Elite athlete Bianca Blair from the 2014 Wodapalooza competition said she is surprised she is still at the very top of the leaderboard for the second week in a row. During week 1, Blair pushed 205 lbs. over her head four times. "My Jerk max was 200 lbs. I did WOD 1 and got 195 lbs for 4. They felt really easy but I went into WOD 2 which was a 10 minute Amrap of 95# 3 power clean, 3 hang squat cleans, 3 thrusters and 30 double unders, I went out way too fast and only got a little over 7 rounds," Blair said. "I was pretty disappointed so my coach told me to redo the Wod the next day. So the next day, Sunday, I went into the gym alone and did the Wod. I actually P.R'd and I got 205 lbs. for 4 reps. Obviously 200 lbs, or 205 lbs. is not my P.R anymore... but I went right into Wod 2 and I got 8 rounds + 3 (I think that's right). I think I got a better score because my Coach simply told me to redo the workout and I knew I could do better." Last year, Blair was the ‘rookie’ in the Elite division of the competition. In fact, Wodapalooza was the former collegiate track athlete’s first-ever fitness competition, prior to placing 18th at the 2014 South East CrossFit Regional. This year, she is looking to place higher in both competitions—using Wodapalooza as a good training grounds for the upcoming 2015 CrossFit Open. “I do have goals to place higher this year in all my competitions—specifically the top five at Wodapalooza. I have hired a coach, Max El-Hag, and I am looking to see the difference in my performance and see how much I have developed. I also want to go into Wodapalooza with more confidence and I hope to not freak out if an ocean swim shows up this year, like I did last year! I will approach it with a positive and competitive mindset. All in all, I work hard, so I aim high. And of course, above all, I want to have fun,” Blair said. One more week remains in the Qualifier for Wodapalooza, and the final two weekly workouts will be released tomorrow evening (Wednesday) at 8 p.m. EST. SIDE BAR (If don’t link to wodapalooza websit): During Week 1, the WODs included: WOD 1 4 Rep Max
Shoulder to Overhead

 *2 minute clock to complete the set
 and WOD 2 9 Minute AMRAP 
3 Power Cleans
 3 Hang Squat Cleans 
3 Thrusters
 30 Double-Unders As for Week 2, the WODs were: WOD 3 Complete AMRAP in 10 minutes:
 Min 0:00 - 10:00 21 - Snatches (95, 65) 21 - Toes to Bar 15 - Snatches (135, 85) 15 - Toes to Bar 9 - Snatches (165, 105) 9 - Toes to Bar 6 - Snatches (185, 115) 6 - Toes to Bar 3 - Snatches (205, 125) * as many Toes to Bar as possible with remaining time
 WOD 4 Complete AMRAP in 7 minutes:
Min 10:00 - 17:00 3 - Calories Row 3 - Lateral Burpees over the Rower 6 - Calories Row 6 - Lateral Burpees over the Rower 9 - Calories Row 9 - Lateral Burpees over the Rower 15 - Calories Row 15 - Lateral Burpees over the Rower 21 - Calories Row 21 - Lateral Burpees over the Rower * if one round is complete in under 7 minutes, begin a new round with the 3,3

Oct 9, 2014