(Beth in her ICON Nutrition training t-shirt)

Recently we caught up with CrossFit Regional athlete Beth Hoggarth to discuss crossfit workouts, nutrition, crossfit supplements, and training. We hope you enjoy reading.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT CROSSFIT AND WHEN EXACTLY DID YOU START?

BETH: I started CrossFit about 18-months ago. I have always been active, and competed for Great Britian at Judo. However this dropped off through University and full time work.

I saw some pictures on a friends (James Wright from Leeds) Facebook page and thought it looked ‘interesting’. At this point I just wanted to get fit again.

He pointed me in the direction of CrossFit Central Lancaster - Massively grateful James!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT CROSSFIT VS. "TRADITIONAL TRAINING?" IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT CROSSFIT?

BETH: Two things really, I love training with other people. And the kind of people you get in CrossFit just bring out the best in each individual.

I also love the variation and the way the sport is constantly changing and pushing the boundaries with new movements.

Can I pick another? I love WODing to some good beats!

HOW DO YOU PROGRAM YOUR TRAINING? WHAT DOES A SAMPLE WEEK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

BETH: Training is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle, I try and fit it in where possible. I train Monday and Tuesday mornings, Wednesday evening, Friday evening and Saturdays.

Steven Fawcett (JST) has recently started my programming. At the moment I have a bigger emphasis on lifting and gymnastics, whilst keeping some cadio work in the mix. I’m also really trying to work on my core as that’s a big weakness of mine.

When possible I also like to jump in the class at CFCL, just because I enjoy it. You have to have fun!

CROSSFIT SOMETIMES GETS KNOCKED FOR PEOPLE GETTING INJURIES, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS AND HAVE YOU EVER BEEN INJURED WHILE DOING CROSSFIT?

BETH: For the most part people out there who ‘knock’ CrossFit have never really tried it. Or, they feel threatened by how successful the sport is becoming.

Sure there are videos out there that when you watch them you cringe with how bad form can be. But this is where coaches come in. There are, like EVERY sport, good and bad ones. And the majority are good.

I work for Trials and Motocross News, and on a weekly basis we are dealing with reports of really bad injuries. I’m not talking just a torn rotator cuff or tendonitis. When somebody comes off a motocross bike it tends to be pretty catastrophic or in some cases fatal. That’s dangerous.    

I’ve had a few injuries, nothing serious. I just try and to be clever with them and listen to my body. I will train around them or rest.

WHAT DOES YOUR CURRENT SUPPLEMENT INTAKE LOOK LIKE?

BETH: I take ICON Nutrition's BCAA powder, Amino Performance during training and protein powder straight after. Sometimes if I'm doing a longer session or coaching after I will have a Battle Oats protein bar… they are soooo good!

WHAT'S YOUR APPROACH TO NUTRITION? DO YOU FOLLOW A PALEO APPROACH TO NUTRITION?

BETH: I’m not Paleo. I just try and eat clean. I absolutely love eggs as they are really nutritious, cheap and handy to have at work… scrambled eggs.

I also eat a lot of fruit, probably too much, but it can be a good fix when I’m working a long shift at work and in need of a pick me up.

Did I mention peanut butter?

IF YOU TAKE COUNT, HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO YOU EAT PER DAY?

BETH: I wouldn’t say I counted. I just try and make sure I’m getting some protein at each meal and also after training.

WHAT'S THE HARDEST WOD YOU'VE EVER DONE?

BETH: That’s a tough one! I remember one of the Battle of London Qualifier Wods being pretty hard… Although I did do it twice for some crazy reason.

50 wall balls
40 KB swings Russian
30 down-ups
20 pull-ups
100 double-unders

The harder the WOD the greater the feeling of achievement!

HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR JOINTS?

BETH: I think that a good diet really helps me and also taking those all important rest days. Sure, I’d love to train all day everyday, but you need to look at the bigger picture.

HOW MANY HOURS SLEEP DO YOU GET PER NIGHT? HAVE YOU EVER TRIED ZMA FOR HELPING IMPROVE SLEEP AND RECOVERY?

BETH: I know I don’t get enough sleep.. and I probably only get 7 hours at most. I’m looking to try the ZMA though.

DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH RECOVERY?

BETH: Yes, and probably because I don’t get enough sleep! I try to control the things I can such as diet and training clever.
 
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE EXERCISE AND LEAST FAVOURITE?

BETH: My favourite is anything shoulder to overhead.. my least favourite would be running!

WHAT'S YOUR CURRENT PBs?

CLEAN: 85kg
SNATCH: 65kg
FRONT SQUAT: 95kg -Needs work
CLEAN AND JERK? 82.7kg
 
HOW MANY REST DAYS TO YOU TAKE PER WEEK?

BETH: Usually two.

WHAT'S YOUR FAV CHEAT MEAL?

BETH: Chocolate, good old Cadbury’s!

WHEN IS YOUR NEXT CROSSFIT COMPETITION?

BETH: I’m competing at Pound 4 Pound next weekend June 21/22. This should be fun as most of the workouts are done going off a percentage of your bodyweight.

I KNOW YOU RECENTLY COMPETED AT THE REGIONALS, HOW DID YOU FIND THAT? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME?

BETH: It was absolutely amazing! This year I had no pressure on me and tried to gain as much experience as I could. It was so cool to be in the mix with such awesome athletes.

I played it kind of safe this year. Especially with the movements that were involved, such as strict HSPUs and hang snatch. I was so nervous! I knew what I was capable of and just tried to hit that.

Hopefully (if I make it) I wont be so nervous next year. I will also have another year of working on those weaknesses under my belt!

WHEN DO YOU CONSUME BATTLE OATS, BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER YOU WORKOUT?

BETH: After, although if I have a break between sessions I will sneak one in-between.

IF PEOPLE WANT TO CHECK YOU OUT, WHERE CAN THEY FIND YOU?

BETH: I’m on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at:

https://www.facebook.com/beth.hoggarth

@beth_hoggarth

Hog_beth

FURTHER READING:
If you're looking to find out what the best CrossFit supplements are check out our list here:

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