What Makes CrossFit AllStar Different in Waimea on the Big
Island of Hawaii?
Written by KC Stallsmith
When you walk into AllStar, you will notice significant differences between what you might expect in a typical gym and what is the reality of our world at CFAS.
Self Talk
Our self talk is different than other gyms. AllStar is based on a philosophy of seeing the greatness in yourself and in those around you. By walking in the door at CrossFit AllStar, you have identified yourself as an AllStar. Your age or level of fitness doesn’t matter. Everyone who comes to CFAS is an AllStar, EVERYONE! We do not see our friends as ‘members of a gym’. We identify CrossFit AllStar as a community of athletes. We train the mind to use positive self talk. You won’t hear any “wish I could” at AllStar, only “I can” and “I will”, “Maybe not today, but someday.” You will continually be encouraged to acknowledge the greatness inside yourself, because you are just that good!
I firmly believe that if your only focus is on what you don’t like about your body and how you want to look different, you can’t make room for the possibility that you already have total health. You have to believe that total health exists, know it and recognize it in yourself. Envision yourself with perfect health. Only then will you become what you believe you are. Know that you are an AllStar! —KC Stallsmith
You will notice our box is bright and airy, has plenty of space, high ceilings and ample room inside and out. The human body was designed to move, and we have worked hard to make sure AllStar is conducive to dynamic movement. Each element inside our box has been thoughtfully addressed and built with care. We even consulted a Feng Shui expert. Whoa! This could improve your time!
Equipment
You will notice we have no gym machines at CFAS. The body was not meant to align with devices that encourage isolated movements, so we use gear that encourages core to extremity movement, increases midline stabilization and improves your ability to perform increased work capacity across broad time and modal domains (see our definition of fitness). We use full body movements. Our gear includes Olympic weightlifting barbells & bumper plates, medicine balls, jump ropes, boxes, kettlebells, climbing ropes, pull up bars and gymnastic rings, among other interesting and unexpected items. Here at CFAS we are fully equipped to accommodate any athlete or group, of any age, at any level of fitness. But ultimately, the most important thing about gear is what you do with it.
Motivation
Gym machines were invented for isolated bodybuilding movements, where the goal is to stand on a stage and be judged based on how you look. And if bodybuilding is your hobby, go for it! In CrossFit we believe in full body, core to extremity movement that is “a deliberate attempt to optimize physical competence in each of the ten recognized fitness domains. They are Cardiovascular and Respiratory endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility, Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility, Balance, and Accuracy.” (Glassman, 2002) Our athletes are judged based on performance and repeatable, measurable results. They compete against themselves and with their friends through natural camaraderie and with the fun of sport in mind that initiates higher work capacity and intensity that you might not be able to perform on your own. Our motivation starts with an excellent coach, a white board, a running clock, detailed records of our performance, and a group of dedicated athletes determined to improve their own scores and times. The motivation here is not based on looks or aesthetics, it is based on performance and tangible results that we track over time. Yes, you will feel better in your clothes, gain muscle and lose a tremendous amount of body fat, but these things are only side effects o
f your ability to do real work.
Support
We support each other at CrossFit AllStar. We love good competition, and also enjoy a fun & healthy relationship with each other. During every work out you will hear spontaneous shouts of encouragement as our athletes cheer each other on - this is, after all, the secret to an easier workout! Our box does not provide an environment for gossip or elitism, we are all in this together. We can, and do align with the greatness in ourselves, and at the same time acknowledge and appreciate the successes of others.
Family
At CrossFit AllStar working out is a family affair! If you’re married or connected with someone, you can work out together! CrossFit has brought many married couples closer than ever, including Josh and KC, the couple who started CFAS. What better way to connect than through hard work, sweat and sharing fitness goals and successes. Having a healthy body and mind improves the health of your relationship. You will feel better, interact differently and have a more optimistic and appreciative outlook on life.
Kids
Got kids? Bring ‘um! We know what it’s like to try to maintain your fitness schedule with children, we have two of our own! We have built an AllStar Kids play area for your kids to get in their own ‘workout’ while you do yours! The 2 story kids’ cage was a labor of love for us. We know what kids like and had children in our community help design and build this unique addition to our box. This area is fully equipped with long runs of multi-level monkey bars, kid size pull up bars, bands, ladders and a fireman’s pole. Your child will also find cozy activities like art, reading and games. We want to make it easier to maintain your fitness, even if you have kids, no excuses! Addressing our own health as parents sets the BEST possible example of health and wellness for our keiki. We also provide CrossFit Kids classes.
