Rankel + Sand Reaper

Workout Date: July 4, 2025 at 8:30am-10am.
Because after Rankel, you don’t need a second barbell—you need a shovel.

This Friday, Sand & Steel is turning up the heat with a patriotic dose of pain.
We’re honoring fallen Marine Sgt. John Rankel with a benchmark Hero WOD that demands grit, pacing, and raw effort. But that’s just the beginning.

Immediately after, those bold enough can take on The Sand Reaper—a Challenger workout built from sandbags, shuttle runs, and sheer willpower. Together, they deliver one of the most intense, well-rounded, and devilishly satisfying training sessions we’ve programmed all year.

💣 Highlights:

Full-body fatigue from hinge-heavy movements and grip grinders

Odd-object conditioning that builds real-world strength

A themed challenge with an Evil Satisfaction Score of 57/60

💥 Expect to test your limits. Compete with your friends. And walk out stronger.

Read the full breakdown, movement prep, coaching cues, and evil-themed scoring inside 👉

Devil’s Chip List

Workout Date: July 6 at 9AM.
What happens when you give a coach 90 minutes, a devilish chipper, and an appetite for total-body domination? You get The Devil’s Chip List—a workout forged in sweat, science, and sadistic brilliance.

In this special long-form class, we break down why this isn’t just a workout—it’s a complete training experience. From prehab and priming to a brutal yet balanced chipper and a recovery cooldown worthy of a yoga retreat, this session delivers on every front.

In our full analysis, we dive into:

The top strengths that make this class a coaching goldmine

Weaknesses to watch (yes, even evil has limits)

Category scores across functionality, challenge, fun, and more

Final verdict: 9.1/10 – A premium long-form coaching experience

💀 Curious if you’re ready to survive The Devil’s Chip List?
Read the full breakdown and see why we call this the most complete class design we’ve ever unleashed…

Tips for Training with Shoulder Pain

Why Lifting Less Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain doesn’t have to sideline your training. In fact, it might be the perfect signal to shift your strategy. This article explores how lifting less—when done intelligently—can reduce shoulder strain, promote recovery, and ultimately make you stronger. Learn to recognize the warning signs of overtraining, understand the science behind deloading, and apply practical tips to stay active without aggravating your joints. It’s not about quitting—it’s about training smarter, not harder.

Gym Reapers Lever Belt

Gym Reapers Lever Belt Weight Lifting

For powerlifters prioritizing maximal support, a secure fit, and long-lasting durability, the Gym Reapers Lever Belt is a solid investment to enhance stability and performance under heavy loads.

Kates Real Food

These organic energy bars are made with whole food ingredients like protein-packed nuts, fiber-filled seeds, and nutrient-dense fruits. Our organic food bars are lightly sweetened with true source certified honey …

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Nutrition Lab 12 - Principles of CrossFit Nutrition

Nutrition Lab 11 – Principles of CrossFit Nutrition

Ready to fuel your body for peak CrossFit performance and unlock a healthier you? Forget the tired ‘calories in, calories out’ mantra and dive into the powerful principles of CrossFit nutrition. In this Nutrition Lab, we’re going beyond the basics and exploring how a strategic combination of garden vegetables, lean meats, nuts, and seeds – with a measured approach to fruit, starch, and absolutely no added sugar – can revolutionize your fitness journey. We’ll dissect the 40-30-30 macronutrient ratio that forms the cornerstone of this approach, and uncover the science behind protein absorption and insulin spikes, revealing why the type of carbohydrate matters just as much as the quantity. Drawing wisdom from CrossFit founder Greg Glassman and insights from Coach Paul Roberts, we’ll tackle the critical role of the block system in meal planning, expose the flaws in simplistic calorie counting, and explore the hormonal dance of ghrelin and leptin that governs your appetite. Whether you’re striving for a sub-three-minute Fran or simply aiming to optimize your overall well-being, this deep dive into CrossFit nutrition will equip you with the knowledge to transform your body from the inside out. Get ready to measure, track, and conquer – your path to elite fitness starts now.

Personal Trainer Alexandria VA

Why You Should Hire a Personal Trainer & How to Become One

Are you ready to take your fitness journey to the next level? Or perhaps you’re a passionate fitness enthusiast considering a career as a personal trainer? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the transformative power of personalized fitness coaching. As someone who has trained and hired over two hundred personal trainers, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact that expert guidance can have on achieving health and fitness goals. Whether you’re striving to lose weight, build strength, recover from an injury, or simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, a qualified personal trainer can be your ultimate ally. And if you’re considering a career in personal training, I’ll share the essential qualities and skills needed to thrive in this rewarding field. -Coach Paul

Should I Invest in a Personal Trainer?

Hitting the gym solo can be a great starting point, but if you’re serious about achieving your fitness goals efficiently and safely, investing in Sand and Steel’s Personal Training is a game-changer. We handle the programming and the customization. We teach you how lift properly and scale the workouts to your level. We provide you with professional-athlete level workouts that are adjusted and modified to fit your body at your fitness level. Learn more about the benefits of personal training vs. doing your own thing at the gym. Fully cited with recent research papers, this article explores the scientifically-backed benefits of personal training vs going solo. Personal Training is an investment in your body and your healthy.

Gear Up for CrossFit: Your Ultimate Guide to Essential Equipment

Gear Up for CrossFit: Your Ultimate Guide to Essential Equipment

Walking into a CrossFit box for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when you see the array of gear people are using. What’s essential? What’s optional? This listicle breaks down the must-have and helpful equipment for CrossFit, demystifying the gear and helping you make informed decisions about what’s right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned CrossFitter or just starting out, this guide will help you gear up for success.

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