News, Recipes, and Updates from Tacoma Strength

Updated Health and Safety Guidelines

Thank you for your continued support and your understanding and respect for your fellow gym members who are all making their way through these events with their own challenges.

The Washington State Governor’s Office and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) have updated their guidelines and so we are updating our health and safety protocols.

Mask Guidelines

As many of you have heard, the Governor’s Office has issued new COVID-19 safety guidelines.

It is our understanding that you do not need to wear a mask during your workouts.
However, a mask must be worn as you enter and leave the gym or whenever you are not actively working out.

Tacoma Strength Re-Opens June 8 [UPDATED: 26 JUNE 2020]

The State of Washington has provided guidelines to help us safely reopen during these challenging times. There are going to be adjustments for all of us but together we can navigate this transition as smoothly as possible to create a safe and fun environment for everyone.

Tacoma Strength Update

We at Tacoma Strength hope that you are staying healthy, strong, and pushing forward together in these challenging times.

We are extremely grateful for your support. Tacoma Strength is more than just a gym. It is more than a place to grow stronger. It is a place where we laugh and learn. It is home to where we share and bond. It is a community that we have built together.

Temporary Closure Message To Our Community

The Tacoma Strength Coaches acknowledge that this is a stressful and uncertain time for many of us, in our community, and the world. Let’s continue to support each other through kindness and friendship, and come together as a community to get through this difficult time. We appreciate many of you showing up to take classes at Tacoma Strength and expressing gratitude to have this special space to work out, lift weights, relieve stress, release anxiety, and to receive inspiration.

A Message To Our Tacoma Strength Community

Tacoma Strength will always be a strong group rooted in community. Our bond between friends and gym members is stronger than any PR we can achieve with a barbell. We talk about testing our mettle and applying a competition mindset to many of our workouts. And there has never been a time like now to test this community strength. So, with COVID-19 on everyone’s mind, the staff of Tacoma Strength would like to update you on what we are doing in these unprecedented times.

Tire Flip Fundraiser

Get a few sponsors (or just sponsor yourself!) and come test your mettle in an old-fashioned CrossFit style movement competition: 360lb tire flips! How many can you do in 5 minutes?!!

Download your sponsor sheet and get ready!

This First Annual Flip to Fund event supports the Colonel Jo Swartz Memorial Scholarship through the Association of the US Army - AUSA Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter.

Saturday, April 27
10 am to 12 noon
Tacoma Strength

Summer 2018: Big Announcements

Happy Summer 2018 everyone!

We wanted to let you know about some exciting coaching, programming, and administrative changes that are going into effect this summer at Tacoma Strength. For the last couple months, we have been working hard behind the scenes and are ready to unveil some pretty cool things as we head into what is shaping up to be a great summer season in the gym.

Coach Jordan Coby is being officially recognized as “Head Trainer”

Welcome Coach Paul Stoermer.

Coach David Pak and his Olympic Weightlifting Training Class as an official class now at the gym.

Finally, we would like to announce that effective July 1, Coach Craig O’Hanlon will be taking over as sole gym owner of Tacoma Strength.

All the details and more...

Message From Leon

This is my 10th year of being involved with Tacoma Strength and my 9th year in an ownership role. It would be difficult to overstate how much I appreciation I have for that experience and for all of you. I can’t think of a good friendship that I’ve made on this side of the country that wasn’t a direct result of the community that exists at Tacoma Strength.

I’m ready to move on, though. I’m also very happy to be leaving the gym in great hands. More details from Leon...

Message From Craig

First read a message from Leon if you haven't already...

Thanks, Leon! I am humbled and honored to be where I am today. And I could not have done it without your help as a Coach, friend and business partner. Now, as we enter our tenth year in business, I look forward to taking Tacoma Strength into the next ten years and beyond! More from Craig...

Weightlifting Class Is Now Official

We want to recognize Coach David Pak and his Olympic Weightlifting Training Class as an official class now at the gym. Several months ago, David came to us with an idea about starting a beginners lifting group and really digging into how form and technique work creates excellent weightlifters. If you haven’t had a chance to watch his class or see some of his students in your daily classes, then you are really missing out! The solid lifting form that these students are bringing into our regular classes is fabulous, and many gym members are noticing and asking about how their technique has improved so rapidly. This summer David will be expanding his lifting class to a morning time slot as well as opening it to allow a new cohort of lifters to begin working with them.

Side Note: David will be taking over as “Equipment Manager” here at Tacoma Strength. We have never had someone in this official capacity but have realized over time that there is definitely a need for the position as we see equipment needing repair or regular maintenance, and then not getting to it for some time. So, to combat this issue, we have been researching proper maintenance schedules for rowers, assault bikes and even barbells and kettlebells, and David is fast creating Excel Spreadsheets to keep all our gym equipment in tip-top shape. With this change, we should be able to return broken equipment back to the gym floor much faster than in the past.

Welcome Coach Paul

We would like to welcome Coach Paul Stoermer.

Coach Paul predates most of us (that is NOT an age joke!) here at Tacoma Strength. He first joined the gym way back in 2009 and has been with us ever since. Paul will take over as the 5:30 am coach on several mornings each week, as well as work with us to develop a new and exciting Masters Class. Stay tuned for more details about that class as we get ready to unveil it later this summer. In the last couple of years, Paul has earned a nutrition coaching certification from Precision Nutrition and has begun developing his own personal training clientele. He is bringing that expertise and those clients in-house here, and we are excited to have him working with us in an official capacity. With a long history of nursing a bad back while maintaining a competitive mindset during workouts, we look forward to developing some classes that help our Tacoma Strength gym members move in a different way than was easy to do back in their 20s, 30s or 40s.

Coach Jordan Officially Recognized As Head Trainer

As no surprise to anyone, Coach Jordan Coby is being officially recognized as “Head Trainer” at Tacoma Strength.

For many months now Jordan has been in charge of the direction our weekly class programming has headed as well as the onboarding process for new members getting started here at the gym. Jordan has a knack for programming thoughtful yet challenging workouts that adhere well to a sensible strength cycle to help keep us moving well and avoiding injury. His hard work and dedication in the gym (both while lifting AND working!) has also put him on our Tacoma Strength Partnership track. With his continued hard work, great ideas and willingness to learn and even lend a hand when needed, we look forward to Jordan assuming a future ownership role in Tacoma Strength. Congratulations Jordan! He has built a substantial personal training clientele here at Tacoma Strength and always has room to take on additional new clients as well. If you ever have a form or technique question or if you are still finding a specific movement elusive to you, be sure to inquire about setting up a training session with him.

Beginner Weightlifting Coaching

ATTENTION NOVICE AND BEGINNER WEIGHTLIFTERS... and anyone who wants to improve their technique in the Snatch, Clean, and Jerk. Come in an improve your Olympic Lifts.

Every Thursday and Saturday @ 5:3pm Tacoma Strength will be offering informal coaching sessions. We’ll look at your lifts, coach you through improvements, offer some drills you can do on your own, and put you through a mini workout to test what you’ve learned.

Cost: Free to Current Gym Members
Where: Back of the gym near the Jerk Box
When: Thursday and Saturdays @ 5:30pm
For More Info: Email Us

Team Builder App

Have you logged on yet?

We are excited to announce this new add-on for easily tracking your gym workouts and lifts. Now you can easily access your Tacoma Strength workouts and lifting maxes wherever you are; using your tablet, computer or mobile device.

The Teambuildr app is a data collection hub allowing easy location of how you are doing with specific movements and workouts, removing the need for archaic, scribbled notebooks and unreliable memories.

If you have not already done so, be sure to ask a trainer to add you to our list of registered members. Or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We will email you an invite and the setup is simple.

Tacoma Strength Newest Gym Member

Our heartfelt congratulations to Leon & Candis on the birth of their son Calvin Dorsey Aldrich, born September 4, 2017 at 2:09 am. As Candis put it, "our little "pun in the oven" arrived on "Labor Day."

Weighing in at 7lb 6oz and a Length of 21", this tough guy likes long naps on the beach and boobies (according to his Father).

See footage Leon captured during the birth.

Send Off Powerlifting Competition

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
1:00 to 4:00 pm
$20.00 DONATION

We are celebrating Coach Maria's amazing accomplishment prior to her departure for USA Powerlifting Nationals in Orlando, Florida. What better way to send her off in style than a showcase of her favorite sport through her favorite people!

This in-house powerlifting competition is an amateur event. No need to buy a singlet, or register with USA Powerlifting. Just come as you are and test out some of those 1 Rep Maxes!

A small competitor fee of $20 will go to helping Maria cover all of her costs for her competition on October 12th.

Let's show Coach Maria our support with this fun, no pressure, friendly competition.

To register to lift, or for any questions about this event, contact us.

Spectators are most definitely welcome! And donations are always accepted!

Octoberfest Party

Saturday, October 7 @ 4 pm

Hammerschlagen is coming

Mark your calendars for our next quarterly gym barbeque as we bring Octoberfest to you! Craig is sourcing some pig knuckles to slow roast into Schweinshaxn. If he can't find those we'll do some pork shoulders instead.

In the mean time, brush up on your sledge hammer skills to be ready for some Hammerschlagen. Large hammers, giant, sharp nails and big wooden stumps and beer. What could possibly go wrong?

Bring some cabbage, potatoes, kraut, or whatever sides you wish to share and your own beverages, and we will see you here!

Tacoma Strength “Steps” On The Competition

PICTURED: Brian Nelson, Executive Director for Unleashed At Stadium Bowl, presents Quinn with a medal.

TS GYM MEMBER QUINN O'HANLON TAKES SECOND PLACE OVERALL FEMALE AT UNLEASHED AT STADIUM BOWL STAIR CHALLENGE 2017!

Representing Tacoma Strength, and the Stadium High School Cross Country Team, gym member Quinn O'Hanlon ran away from the competition last weekend at the 2017 Unleashed in the Stadium Bowl Stair Challenge.

Through hard running on the rough roads of Tacoma and hard work in the gym this past year, the 2017/2018 Stadium Cross Country Team Captain was able to drop over two minutes off her time from 2016 and launch herself onto the podium this year. Nice job Quinn!

Inspired by Quinn's performance? The road to Stadium Unleashed 2018 starts now. Stay tuned for details as we put together a Tacoma Strength group to practice over the next 12 months and win the team competition next year. If interested in joining, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Yoga Classes Return

We are excited to announce yoga classes are returning for Tacoma Strength gym members - now in a genuine yoga studio!

Yoga is a great way to add some much-needed mobility work into your life between gym sessions and it is also a great way to focus your mindset and relax your nervous system and release stress between weight lifting sessions.

We are offering different yoga add-on memberships for you to take advantage of.

UNLIMITED CLASSES AT S.K.Y. YOGA

First, in a new and creative partnership with our friends at Samdhana Karana Yoga (S.K.Y.), located near Opera Alley in downtown Tacoma, our new $30 monthly add-on membership will give you unlimited access to SKY's wide variety of excellent yoga programming including All Levels, Yin, Iyengar, Gentle, Flow, Ayurvedic Flow and even Advanced Level II Flow. Click here to see the current SKY schedule.

This is an incredible deal being offered just to Tacoma Strength that is well below what you pay for unlimited yoga at almost any other yoga studio. And money raised from this unique membership will help SKY to offer scholarships to individuals unable to afford yoga. This membership add-on requires a regular, ongoing TS gym membership for classes or open gym, and you must commit to a minimum 3 months of yoga membership. Also, this membership option may not be placed on hold.

TACOMA STRENGTH YOGA CLASSES AT THE SKY STUDIO

Beginning July 11 at the SKY Studio, we will hold two weekly yoga classes just for Tacoma Strength members that will be taught by our own Tacoma Strength Yoga Teachers. These classes will be held at 630am on Tuesdays(w/Maria) and 630am on Thursdays(w/Craig) and are a great way to start your day! The classes will start promptly so be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early to get checked in and ready.

SKY CLASSES MONTHLY ADD-ON MEMBERSHIP: $30 plus tax (3-month minimum commitment)
TS TAUGHT YOGA CLASS - SINGLE VISIT: $15 plus tax
TS TAUGHT YOGA CLASS - 10 VISIT PUNCHCARD: $100 plus tax.
TS TAUGHT YOGA CLASS - MONTHLY ADD-ON: $50 plus tax. (3-month minimum commitment)
UNLIMITED SKY CLASS MEMBERSHIP AND TS TAUGHT YOGA CLASS MONTHLY ADD-ON MEMBERSHIP COMBO: $70 plus tax. (3-month minimum commitment)

If you would like to add any of these membership to your Tacoma Strength account or have any questions about it, please contact us.

I Bought New Plates

This weekend I bought new plates. That may seem like an odd statement, but truthfully, It was time. Now, there wasn’t anything wrong with the original ones. They weren’t chipped, scratched or broken, and none were even missing. And to be honest, I really liked the old ones. But, the simple truth is they were just too big! This insight came after doing our Precision Nutrition online coaching program for awhile. See, if you’re doing your PN habits with any regularity, then most likely, your average American sized dinner plate, probably has a lot of unused space on it when you eat. If not, then take a look at your current eating habits and see if adding more blank space to your plate can fit into your daily practice. Remember: you can always go back for more food after your first plate is empty, and as long as you check in with yourself about whether you are truly hungry or not.

USA Powerlifting Team Cup Challenge

Saturday Morning
May 13
Tacoma Strength

USA Powerlifting of Washington is returning to Tacoma Strength next Saturday for their Team Cup Challenge.

Watch as these formidable teams of 3 compete for fame and prizes!

To set up for this event, Friday evening classes at 530 and 630pm will be cancelled as well as Saturday morning classes so the event can be held.

Take an active rest day and come in to spectate!

XX FITNESS

Saturday, April 29
7-9pm
Tacoma Strength

Come see your fellow athletes showcased in the photo gallery XX Fitness by artist and Tacoma Strength gym member Ella Robinson.

This gallery is meant to encourage females of all ages and body types to become more involved with athletics, regardless of skill level. It will contain portraits of fifteen models who participate in some sort of athletics, including members of Tacoma Strength, along with a short written interview of each model.

This event is free and open to all ages and genders. For questions, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

UPDATE 4/23 - Spring Seafood Deliveries

DELIVERY OF YOUR ORDER ON TUESDAY, APRIL 25

Bring your cash or check as payment at time of pickup. Checks can be made out to Alaska Select. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

New Gear For The Lil’Uns

GET YOUR FUTURE GYM MEMBER SOME NEW SWAG TODAY!

Gym member Jason Gauthier has been overheard many times saying "weight lifters wear singlets, not onesies." And while that fact may be up to some rigorous debate, what isn't up for debate is that it's never too early to start wearing Tacoma Strength Gear.

New in the retail shop, to help clothe the upcoming crop of future Grit City Barbell Members: Tacoma Strength Baby Onesies!

In 3-6 month and 6-12 month sizes, we have a limited supply of these 100% Organic Cotton onesies available for $22.50 plus tax. Get yours in the shop today!

2017 Washington State Powerlifting Championships

For the second year in a row, USA Power Lifting Washington is returning to Tacoma Strength for the 2017 Washington State Powerlifting Championships.

For this event, the 6:30pm class on Friday, 3/17 will be canceled due to set up, and the gym will be closed to all classes and Open Gym on Saturday and Sunday for this special event.

Even though you can't work out, be sure to come to the gym anyway to watch some amazing lifting events. Weigh In for competitors begins at 7:00am and the lifting events start at 9:00am.

For more information about USA Power Lifting Washington Chapter or this event, be sure to check out their web page.

CrossFit Open Returns

FEBRUARY 23 TO MARCH 27

Get ready! The 2017 Reebok/CrossFit Open is upon us and we will be holding official workouts at Tacoma Strength.

This year will be a little different than past years in that we will hold official scoring rounds of the Open on Friday evenings. On those days we will hold our regular 330 and 430pm classes. Then at 530pm we will begin running Open heats.

Open WOD 17.1 will be released on Thursday, February 23 and we will start the following day on Friday, February 24.

To compete in the Open you will need to register online at the CrossFit main site. Click here to do so.

NOTE: Be sure to use our registered affiliate name “CrossFit Tacoma” when you sign-up.

Not interested in competing? No problem. Be sure to stop by the gym though to cheer everyone on. It's open to everyone and is an exciting time to watch, experience and cheer your fellow gym-mates on.

What Is This Push Press Software I Keep Hearing About

Happy 2017!

As we move forth into a brand new year at Tacoma Strength, complete with new fitness goals for the year, we are also moving forth with a brand new client management software system complete with new functionality for our gym members.

For many years we have been using a software program called Front Desk HQ. It has been a great program overall but there have always been a few holes in it. One of our goals always was to have a system where gym members could easily manage their own profile, checking balances, easily updating addresses and payment cards, and even buying retail items online whenever they wished to. While Front Desk limited many of these abilities, our new program, PUSH PRESS does not. It operates like many websites you currently order from and use in your everyday life.

In late November we began a trial roll out of the new PUSH PRESS software program - updating a few gym members at a time over to the new system. This allowed us to work out the kinks on a small scale that always come with these types of software changes. But with the new year, we are ready to roll it out to everyone.

In the next few weeks, you will receive several emails from us as we move your account over to the new PUSH PRESS system. Among them will be

A request to update your payment card in the new system.
A welcome email
A request to complete a waiver (even though we have your original paper one on file we are asking everyone to complete the new updated electronic one.)
A request to create a PIN number so you may make online purchases, enter into classes and update your profile.
A confirmation that we have moved you over to the new system.

Also, soon, a new check-in system will be available at the Front Desk. Instead of checking into our Front Desk HQ system when you arrive, you will be asked to check into the PushPress app on the iPads.

We are excited for this change as switching platforms from Front Desk to PushPress will free up our time to focus more on being better coaches and give us more time to work on the business which in turn benefits you.

If you have any questions about this change, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Swim WODs Return

Swim WODS resume Monday, January 2 at the Stadium High School Pool. The swim workouts will be held from 5-6pm on Mondays and Wednesdays through June, with outdoor lake swimming at American & Black Lake beginning in June as well.

Fee per class will be $10. For more information or any questions, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The Purge

Gym member Rico Cortez is collecting any of your unwanted clothing items to donate to charity. If you have any extra warm coats, blankets or new clean socks, these items are especially useful and needed in the cold winter months.

2017 Limited Edition Hoodie

We are now accepting pre-orders for our Limited Edition 2017 Zip Hoodie with the new Tacoma Strength "Electric" Logo. Orders taken until Saturday, Dec 10. This is an American Apparel Zip Hoodie TRT497. A classic zip-up in a Tri-Blend Terry fabric blend (42%cotton - 50%poly - 8%rayon). It is ultra soft with a heathered look and is the same popular sweatshirt we ordered in Fall 2015! HOODY FABRIC COLOR: Vintage Blue PRINTING COLOR: Bright White lettering and design. SIZING: Unisex Sizes (XS to XL) FRONT DESIGN: Our Traditional TS logo BACK DESIGN: Our new TS “Electric” Logo PRICE: $40.00 plus tax

Get yours today!

A Letter From Leon About Programming

I would like to announce that we are going to be changing up our programming style. Dr. Jared Williamson DPT has been writing excellent programming for us for the past three years and we all have stronger glutes and cores to show for it. Jared is currently working hard on a PhD in between changing people’s lives over at the Hangar Clinic in Gig Harbor. After much thought, we’ve decided to shake things up a bit (in several ways, but we’ll just talk programming for now). I think you are all going to enjoy this, but it may take a few months to get a sense of the rhythm, so please give yourselves time to adjust. If you are someone who is interested in the particulars of how the program works or if you are prone to leaving anonymous comments about the programming without attempting to understand the reasoning, then please keep reading.

1st Annual (and maybe last annual) Tacoma Strength Beer Mile

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 22 as we hold the first unofficial Beer Mile at Tacoma Strength.

4th Annual Seafood Delivery At Tacoma Strength

THE TACOMA STRENGTH 4TH ANNUAL ALASKAN SEAFOOD BULK ORDER

TAKING ORDERS NOW THROUGH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14.

Alaskan Select Seafood is returning to Tacoma Strength at 5pm on Tuesday, October 18 to deliver orders of their awesome wild caught Alaskan Seafood.

Plan to order your seafood by Friday, October 14 so you can have a freezer full of 100% Pure & Wild Alaskan Seafood all year round.

Buying directly from Alaska Select Seafood ensures you're getting the highest standard of fish available. This seafood is 100% pure, sourced from Alaska's sustainable, managed fisheries and harvested using the highest quality standards.

You'll taste the difference!

ORDER YOUR SEAFOOD HERE

Payment for orders are due at time of pickup.

When you place the order online, be sure to choose TACOMA STRENGTH as your drop location.

If you have any questions about ordering the fish, contact us .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Olympic Weightlifting Class

The next 8 week Oly-Lifting Class begins Tuesday, September 20 @ 4:30pm.

Returning coach, Mike Hass will be assisted by Brenan Pasquale and the class is open to new students.

Previous students from the first session will also receive coaching workouts.

Emerald Iron Powerlifting Club

Tacoma Strength’s Maria Rodriguez and Madeline Scott are excited to offer an 8-week introductory powerlifting program beginning September 7th.

Stretching Series Moves To Full Time For Summer!

BEGINNING THURSDAY, JULY 21ST, THE TUESDAY AND THURSDAY STRETCH CLASSES WILL REPLACE REGULAR CROSSFIT CLASSES AT 530PM. MEMBERS NOT WISHING TO DO THE STRETCHING CLASS MAY DO OPEN GYM INSTEAD.

5th Annual Tacoma Strength Pig Roast

Mark your calendars and save the date as we gear up for our 5th Annual Summer Pig Roast Celebration. Craig will be roasting a whole pig - Cuban Style!

Bring a side dish, dessert or salad to share and your favorite beverages to enjoy.

Any questions, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Stretching Series

At TS we always have our sights set on improvement. We each want to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be and we want to offer you the training opportunities that help you do the same. Something that's easy to neglect in our training is focused work on flexibility. It's just not as Instagram worthy as getting a muscle up or a deadlift PR, so it tends to move further down the list of priorities. BUT, flexibility, or the lack of it, is very likely putting the brakes on your performance and your ability to move with grace and ease.

Who would join me on this quest for movement freedom? We'll work on one thing in each session and we'll do it once per week. A major area of weakness for me is thoracic mobility, so one of the sessions will be focused on developing a strong thoracic bridge (gymnastic style bridge). The other two will be focused on developing the Front Split and the Middle Split. These will have huge carry over to the rest of your pursuits.

SCHEDULE

TUESDAY - 5:30pm - Thoracic Bridge
THURSDAY - 4:30pm - Front Splits

Race The Stairs

Tacoma Strength is helping to sponsor the 2016 Kindred Souls Foundation Unleashed At The Stadium Bowl Event. As part of that sponsorship, we are forming a 10 person Tacoma Strength team this year to race the stairs.

There Can Be Only One, Part 1

Several months ago, Morgan and I had a conversation about the future of Tacoma Strength and the future of its owners. After much thought and consideration we came to the conclusion that I should purchase Morgan’s and Lisa’s share of Tacoma Strength. So, I did. As of April 1st (this is not a joke), I am the one and true Supreme Overlord of Tacoma Strength. I promise to use this power for the enrichment of the lives of our gym members.

Yoga Saturdays & Sundays

Please join Jenny Mae for yoga at 1000am on Saturdays and Sundays at the gym.

Swimming Classes

Join Coach Amanda on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Stadium High School Pool at 5pm.

Drop-in: $15
10- visit swimming pass: $120
Swim-only membership: $75
TS Membership add-on: $30

Kid Size Shirts

Just Added To The Tacoma Strength Pro Shop - Kid Size Tacoma Strength Logo Shirts!

Tacoma Strength Takes Team Event!

A big congrats to the Starting Strength Powerlifting division of Tacoma Strength's Grit City Barbell Club on their team win at the Starting Strength Fall Classic!

Tacoma Strength vs Machupicchu

I recently completed a 45 KM hike on the Inka Trail in Peru. I thought my preparation for and experience with this hike would be of interest to my fellow CrossFitters.

Alaskan Seafood Delivery

Tacoma Strength will again be a delivery spot for our Fourth Annual Bulk Alaskan Seafood Order on Tuesday afternoon, October 20.

In-House Weightlifting Meet

Want to get some experience on the competition platform? Join us at Tacoma Strength for our in house weightlifting meet.

Lifting Competitions - Starting Strength Fall Classic

Join Anna Marie Joudy's Starting Strength Barbell Class as they head to Seattle to compete in their first meet! Tickets still remain so you can compete, or plan to attend as a spectator and cheer our Tacoma Strength Grit City Barbell Team on! For questions, please see Anna Marie during class at 630pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the gym.

Upcoming Saturday Skills Class

Mark your calendars to attend our upcoming Fall series of skill development classes. These will be held on Saturdays throughout the Fall and are offered at no additional charge to Tacoma Strength Gym Members.

Class Schedule Change

Effective September 8, there will no longer be a 7pm CrossFit class offered.

Who Is Jefferson Beardsley?

No, it isn't the first line to a new dystopian Ayn Rand novel, but is instead a way for us to keep in direct contact with our active gym members on Facebook.

Tacoma Strength Annual Pig Roast & Potluck

It's time for our annual summer gym party and potluck!

Starting Strength Barbell Class

Starting Strength Barbell Class is back and now running as a regular class! Taught again by Instructor Anna Marie Oakes Joudy, Starting Strength Coaching Candidate and local Powerlifting competitor.

Tacoma Strength Summer Kids Program

Notes From The Trainer

Let me take a moment of your time to put this year in context. I've had some pretty positive feedback on the programming over the last couple of weeks (also, death threats). Thanks!

Order Your Zip Hoody Sweatshirt - Deadline Thursday @ 5 PM

We are placing an order for some very nice American Apparel Zip Hoodies this week. They will be available in light blue, dark blue, slate grey/black and vintage green. All sweatshirts will have the TS logo on the upper left chest and for the back, your choice of either our Red Spartan helmet w/white Tacoma Strength lettering or our Vintage "Tacoma Strong" logo.

2015 Unleashed At Stadium Bowl

Join the Tacoma Strength Team on Sunday, August 2 to run or walk the stairs to benefit the rescue animals of Kindred Souls Foundation

Tacoma Strength Builds A Community Garden

With the arrival of Spring, some of us have been noticing the back hill of the gym parking lot coming to life again. Right now it is full of weeds, horse tail and blackberries. But we have a vision!

How Do I Manage My Tacoma Strength Account Online?

With the recent changes in health care laws, we have had a sudden increase in the number of requests to print membership receipts, so members can submit them for reimbursement from their employer. While this is a very cool thing some employers are now doing, the last time I was printing up a whole tree's worth of gym receipts for someone, it got me thinking there must be a better way to accomplish this task. Well, there is! Get the gym member to do it themselves. (Insert parable here about "catch someone a fish they eat for a day, teach them to fish, they eat for a lifetime.")

Homemade Jerky Class

Join us Wednesday afternoon to learn the secret to making homemade jerky the easy way: at home in your food dehydrator.

This Month In Running a Gym February March 2015

Behind the scenes update for February and March of 2015.

Join The Tacoma Strength Softball Team

Kelsey & Chris Kelly are putting together a Tacoma Strength Coed Softball Team for the upcoming Comeback Sports Spring Season. The team needs at least 10 players including 4 women on the field at all times.

Tacoma Strength “YOUR” 30 Day Challenge

Diet, Sleep, or Nasty Bad Habit. What will you change about yourself in 30 days?

Starts March 1, 2015

Creamy Paleo Caesar Salad Dressing

Sauces seem to confound people. Especially after they embrace a Paleo lifestyle. Is it clean? How do I make it Paleo? Does anyone have an easy recipe for mayo made with bacon fat?

This Month In Running a Gym January 2015

Monthly update on what's happening behind the scenes, what occupies a gym owners time and attention, what we're working on for the future.

Gym Closed Saturday

This Saturday February 7th we won't have our regular morning classes. Instead we'll all be at Trident Athletics to support our athletes who are competing in the Olympic Weightlifting meet that is taking place there. The address is 5206 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409. The competition starts at 9am, I think. I would love to flood our cross town rival's gym with Tacoma Strength supporters. Come wear your gear and cheer on our lifers!

Paleo North Carolina Chopped Barbecue Pork

A Delicious Paleo Meal That Utilizes A Traditional North Carolina Mustard Flavored Barbecue Sauce.

Paleo Posolé with Braised Pork Shoulder, Cumin and Squash

Posolé is an ancient traditional pre-Columbian soup or stew from Mexico often found in the regions of Sinaloa, Michoacán, Guerrero, Jalisco, Morelos, México and the Distrito Federal. It is traditionally made with pork or chicken and always includes hominy or maize, a large corn type grain. As the hominy cooks in the stew it begins to thicken the sauce. But, since corn products are a Paleo no-no, a substitution for hominy is necessary. A perfect substitute for this corn product is acorn or butternut squash. As the squash cooks in the stew, it begins to break down and thicken the sauce. This hearty dish is full flavored, and if spiciness or eat is a concern, be sure to reduce the amount of spice and pepper that you add. To further enhance and concentrate the flavors, be sure to make this dish at least 24 hours in advance of when you want to serve it.

SOCIALWOD - Love it? Hate It? Or Meh?

Includes an apology, please keep reading.

Olympic Weightlifting Class

8 WEEK LIFTING CLASS

Learning and improving the clean & jerk and snatch. Instructed by Coach Austin Kemink.

Updated End Of Year Holiday Hours

Updated class schedule for the end of the year.

Burgers-n-Blankets

Burgers-n-Blankets is a homeless outreach program provided by Life Center DWNTWN, where gym member Garrett Werner works. It is a simple way to provide winter resources for the homeless of our local community. Through donation bins, like the one located at Tacoma Strength, DWNTWN receives new and gently used blankets and winter coats.

This Week In Running A Gym - Roids

The other day I posted a link to an article on our FB page. The article took a look at drug use and CrossFit.

Teen Fitness 101 Strength & Conditioning Program

A Successful Athletic Season Begins In The Off Season.

Not Your Grandma’s Yoga

For a long time, y'all have been requesting yoga as a part of the regular Tacoma Strength service offerings. This won't be your grandma's yoga... unless your grandma is awesome!

CHILDCARE AT THE GYM

New Faces, New Hours and New Prices!

Remembering Lisa Bernsten

It is with heavy hearts that we report to you that Tacoma Strength has lost a member of our close gym family.

Wednesday Whiteboard Posted

Wednesday whiteboard posted.

Tuesday Whiteboard Posted

Tuesday whiteboard posted.

Monday Whiteboard Posted

Monday whiteboard posted.

This Week In Running A Gym - Zones

I don't have much to say about running a gym this week, but Leon did write a really good response to someone who had complained about the Zone idea, so I want to share that instead. I've edited it to remove personal references.

This Week In Running A Gym - September 14, 2014 [Throwdown Edition]

I missed my article last week since I was busy preparing for the throwdown with Gig Harbor and Federal Way. So let's start this week there.

Programming Notes September 14, 2014

UPDATED: 9/22/2014

Over the last year, Leon, Morgan, and I have been working on a system of strength and conditioning to maximize performance and functionality for every member of Tacoma Strength. In this new cycle, we're going to see that system evolve.

Mastery And Why It Should Matter To You

I'm going to take a break from This Week in Running a Gym and share an article that will be sent to everyone in the beginner class today.

This Week In Running A Gym - August 21, 2014

Remember a few months ago, I leaped into the abyss and offered to be fully responsible for my household meals every other week, when I wasn't working the evening shift?

This Week In Running A Gym - August 15, 2014

Another week in the life of. Let's zoom out a bit and look around.

This Week In Running A Gym - August 6, 2014 [Suckerpunch Edition]

It's Friday morning and I'm packing for another trip. Anyway, come talk to me next week and I'll show you what I learned about suckerpunching people.

Programming Notes

I write this as we board our flight back from the 2014 CrossFit Games where Don King did us all so proud.

2014 Games Write-Up

For those who missed it, I was down in Carson, CA supporting our own Don King in the CrossFit Games. Don is in the 55-59 Masters division. This is his second time going to the Games and last year he took third place. This year unfolded a little differently.