“Deer Games” put CrossFit athletes to the test

Posted on 12 November 2015 by LeslieM

sports111215By Diane Emeott

About 220 CrossFit athletes from all over South Florida put their bodies to the extreme test at the 2015 “Deer Games” at Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center and Deerfield Beach Middle School track on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The games were hosted by CrossFit Deerfield Beach, a warehouse-style gym at 905 SE 1 Way that incorporates gymnastics, metabolic conditioning and weight training in their distinct style of fitness training. CrossFit Deerfield is reportedly one of the oldest CrossFit gyms in the area, coming up on four years.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. We are already planning the 2016 Deer Games,” said Gabriele Schlicht, co-owner with Steven Wang, of CrossFit Deerfield Beach.

She added that this year was the first year they opened the event to the public from Miami to West Palm Beach.

The previous two years, it was only our members,” she said.

Swimming

The daylong competition began with 12-minute team relays in the pool from 8 to 9:45 a.m. (Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center was closed to the public Saturday morning to accommodate Deer Games.)

Each team was made up of two men and two women. Workouts were created for four different skill levels – Beginner, Intermediate, RX (advanced) and Masters (over age 40).

People just like to get together to compete. Everyone is here from a different gym,” said Shane Moser of Palm Beach Gardens.

Track

At 10 a.m., athletes walked over to the track, where they spent the rest of the day. The first track and field competition took place at 10:15 a.m.

By 4 p.m., the athletes were still going strong in the beating, hot, 89-degree sun with 77 percent humidity. The workout included jumping pull-ups on the bars, wall balls (throwing balls against the wall), ab-mad sit-ups, 200 hand-release pushups, four rope climbs and a partner carry across the field and back.

Vendors set up tents around the track, to sell T-shirts, food and to give out more information about CrossFit. Spectators and supporters lined the bleachers and were watching the games from tents they had pitched for shelter from the sun.

Athletes

Most of the athletes here workout five or six days a week,” said Danielle Burger.

They [CrossFit] usually announce the workout [for a competition] a few weeks out – so you have time to practice with your team,” Burger continued.

Ann Feldman explained that most CrossFit gyms are inexpensive warehouses where you get more workouts for your money.

Most of them don’t have air conditioning,” she added.

The CrossFit concept started out of someone’s garage,” said Danielle Sheley.

Crossfit Deerfield

Coach Sean Sporn, who has been coaching at CrossFit Deerfield Beach for 3 ½ years, said their location has double bay doors that open and “killer fans” to get a good cross-breeze, as well as all new equipment. Workout sessions are at 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. – plus one beach workout per month on Hillsboro Beach, and one pool workout per month at Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center. For more information, go to www.crossfitdfb.com or call 754-227-5658.

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