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Matt Shriver

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May 4, 2026

Mechanics Matter

Stop me if you’ve experienced this before. You’re talking to a friend, family member, coworker, etc. You mention that you do CrossFit. The immediate response is:

  • “That’s an injury waiting to happen.”
  • “You’ll burn out from that eventually.”
  • “Talk to me when you blow out your shoulders.”

All of which, personally, make me roll my eyes (on the inside). Firstly - all fitness and sports have injury risk. Nothing is completely safe. But we train so we can be our most prepared when life throws the unknown and unknowable at us. Secondly - studies show that CrossFit is not more injurious than other common fitness regimens such as weightlifting, powerlifting, distance running, and many other recreational sports - usually between 2 and 3 injuries per 1000 hours of training.  

And thirdly - it lacks understanding of CrossFit’s methodology and foundation charter: Mechanics → Consistency → Intensity. What coaches are looking for first and foremost in every class are your movement mechanics. Can you achieve a full range of motion? Can you do so without compromising your body position (e.g. your spinal curve). Can you do that safely and efficiently? If yes - then, and only then, are we testing to see if you can do that with consistency. Can you maintain your movement mechanics with higher volume or after only a few reps do you break down? If you are able to, then we add the final piece - intensity - load and speed. 

Good movement looks good, is efficient, and keeps us safe. Results - improved fitness, weight loss, weight gain, whatever your goal may be - are a long game. They do not happen over night. They are the result of weeks, months, and years of dedication and consistency. We don’t get the chance to stack up that time if we skip ahead and push for intensity above all else and forget about our movement quality and mechanics.

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Sweet & Spicy Korean Turkey Spring Roll Bowls

serving of meat makes 8 servings: Calories — 565⁣ Protein — 40g⁣ Fat — 21g⁣ Carbs — 33g⁣ ⁣ 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲⁣ 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥: ⁣ ⁣ 3 lbs lean ground turkey⁣ 9 tsp garlic, minced about 9 cloves⁣ 34 cup brown sugar, packed⁣ 34 cup low-sodium soy saucetamaricoconut aminos⁣ 6 tsp sesame oil⁣ 1 tsp ground ginger or 2-3 tsp minced⁣ 1 tsp crushed red pepper⁣ 1 tsp black pepper⁣ Sliced green onions for garnish⁣ 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞⁣ 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥:⁣ ⁣ 10oz bag of shredded cabbage⁣ 10oz bag of julienned carrots⁣ 10oz bag of broccoli slaw⁣ 12oz bag of sea kelp noodles ⁣ 5oz greens of your choice, roughly chopped⁣ 5-10 mini cucumbers, sliced⁣ 1 bunch each of cilantro, mint, and Thai basil, roughly chopped⁣ 13-12 cup peanuts, chopped⁣ Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish⁣ ⁣𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠⁣ 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥:⁣ ⁣ 12 cup olive oil⁣ 6 tbsp rice vinegar⁣ 4 tsp honey ⁣ 2 tsp minced garlic⁣ Salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste⁣ ⁣ To prepare: ⁣ — Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.