Last Updated on March 9, 2022 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
So we left off yesterday with the awesome workout at Reebok Crossfit ONE, and me telling you that if you have wanted to try CrossFit but haven’t yet, you NEED to. (I reiterate that statement today, even though I can’t lift my 40 lb kid off the ground right now after yesterday & this morning’s WODs).
We then walked across campus and back to the headquarters to meet with some of the amazing women behind the Reebok product. What impressed me the most about the presentation they gave us was how much they genuinely seemed to value OUR feedback. As both fitness enthusiasts & fitness professionals from all disciplines, shoppers and even fashionistas, they wanted ALL of our opinions. And they feverishly took notes as we shared our ideas. I loved that. As a fitness professional myself, you can imagine what my wardrobe consists of. It’s imperative to me to have clothing and sneakers that are functional for *me*. And it’s an added bonus when the functional gear is also the stylish, cute stuff. I really appreciated that they wanted to hear from ME, someone who works IN the fitness field and busts my a$$ in the gym daily, versus just taking into account what the latest “fashion” trend is on the runway.
We were shown both current product and top secret up and coming products (believe me, you’ll want to keep your eyes open for what Reebok has in store!) Some of my favorite current product? The new CrossFit line , which is designed with top of the line materials with range of motion and freedom of movement kept in mind at all times. And, it’s really cute. I’m just saying 😉
We went into great depth talking about shoe lines, as well as what and who they are designed for. As a big fan of the barefoot/minimal shoe movement, I appreciated that the ladies took the time to explain foot type, what the “drop” in a shoe means, and most importantly (for me) discuss Reebok’s view on this current trend. Basically, Reebok believes that while you should have a more natural shoe, they also believe you should be able to jump right into a sneaker and be able to use it, instead of needing months of “transitioning”. As a consumer, and a mom who leads an incredibly hectic life, I really appreciate that point of view.
The ladies showed us some of the most popular shoes in their line, including the Real Flex Transition, the Zig Tech, and the Crossfit Nano, as well as all of the technology that goes into the shoes. For example, the individual nodes in the Real Flex that allow for 360 degrees of flexibility and a more natural platform. Or, the “U-Form” technology, as seen in the Crossfit Flex Nano, that allows you to heat the upper of the shoe simply with a hairdryer, then have it custom mold to YOUR foot.
from top to bottom: Real Flex Transition, Zig Tech, CrossFit Flex Nano |
Reebok fed us a delicious, healthy lunch, where I proceeded to embarrass myself as I admitted to my fellow healthy living bloggers that I am one of the horrible junk food junkies who doesn’t think twice about where my food comes from (*sigh*) but assured them I’m going to start working on it. I swear. I’m eating fruit salad as I type this. Promise!
Next up, it was time to learn more about what goes into actually designing a shoe. We met with Bill McInnis, Head of Advanced Innovation, who is, interestingly enough, a former NASA rocket scientist. See? A lot of work goes into these shoes 😉 The exercise scientist in me was a little giddy when we headed into a giant conference room FULL of anatomy and biomechanics text books. Bill told us all about the process of coming up with an idea to actually getting a prototype. And instead of just telling us about it, they actually showed us, from the CAD designs to the actual machines that whip up 3D models.
And then came the hysterically fun part. Reebok flew in the amazing Ilyse Baker, choreographer and dance fitness expert based in L.A, to lead us through a class. Let’s just say, the Beyonce moves I *thought* I have in the dance club are nothing like the ones I *actually* have when I see myself in the mirror, in the middle of a studio (perhaps it was the lack of a few adult beverages? Let’s blame that!). Seriously though, even with my horrible moves, Ilyse’s dance class was SO much fun. Check out this video below. I highly doubt Rhianna will be calling any of us anytime soon to be her back up dancers, but we all broke a sweat and got in a great workout. And fun is what it’s all about! Sorry, but thankfully, you can only catch a few quick glimpses of me. heh heh. (Thanks to Bex for the video!)
We reconvened for a huge round of thank you’s and hugs to and from our wonderful hostesses at Reebok. I really hated to leave, but left with some amazing new additions to my wardrobe. I’ve already put much of it through the ringer between work, running, and crossfit, and I am pleasantly surprised. Needless to say, my previous thoughts about step class and white high top sneakers have been replaced with thoughts of strength and kick-ass-ness (is that a word? Is now!).
Thank you Reebok , for everything. For an amazing day, for great products, and for your commitment to the sport of fitness and athletes of all types. You have earned yourself a new fan!
*disclaimer* I was provided a day at the Reebok Headquarters and Reebok gear free of charge, however, all opinions expressed in this blog post are solely that of my own.
Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
Carrie FamilyFitnessFood
That would be so amazing to learn how shoes are designed and made. You ladies had such an amazing experience. Love it!!
ConcreteNCoffee
If you knew me, you’d chuckle at my blog entry today because while I eat healthy, say, 80% of the time, the other 20% is all chocolate, cookies, and chips. So don’t feel bad… I’m sure with CrossFit you can afford a little indulgence!
Kutya Run the World
The pink one is absolutely great!!!! 🙂
PavementRunner
that’s cool… i want to move to a more natural shoe.. i pronate so that is a huge concern for me. I am always training for something, so having a “transition” period will be difficult. Thanks for the share.,
Wymberley Pfalmer
What an amazing experience! I would have loved every minute. I was sad to see a few other people who got this experience to talk “not so nice” about a few parts of the day. I’m so glad you soaked up the day 🙂
check out my new blog: http://www.crossfitsupermom.com
Sarah
I have enjoyed reading about your experience. I want to crossifit…now to dig deep in my pockets and figure out how to afford it!!!!
Running, Loving, Living
Loved reading about you experience, it looks like it was absolutely amazing!! I am a junk food junkie too….shhh don’t tell anyone but I am also working on it!!!!
caitplusate.com
Gotta love that SWAG! I love the bag you got with the ZigTech logo. Bummed you and I didn’t really get a chance to chat a lot at this event – next one!
south yarra personal trainer
I’ve never been a fan of the technology in reeboks
south yarra personal trainer
I’ve never been a fan of the technology in reeboks