Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

friday, october 24

A.

6 sets: snatch

Set 1 – 1.1 reps @ 61-66%
Set 2 – 1.1 reps @ 66-71%
Set 3 – 1.1 reps @ 71-76%
Set 4 – 1 rep @ 76-81%
Set 5 – 1 rep @ 81-86%
Set 6 – 1 rep @ 86+%

B.

“snatchballs”

10 sets:

60s to complete: 

10 WBS + max reps power snatch (95/65 or @ ~ 65-70% of heaviest weight in part A)

20s rest between sets

score = total reps power snatches

Rx+ = 15 WBS each set

scaled = 8-9 reps WBS

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

Why Women Over 35 Should Lift Heavy: Insights from an expert on Female Physiology

At CrossFit Golden Gate, we work with many women of all ages who want to feel strong, confident, and in control of their bodies. But one of the biggest myths we still hear is that women should stick to light weights or high-rep workouts as they get older.

Exercise physiologist Dr. Stacy Sims, a leading researcher on female physiology and performance, says the exact opposite. For women over 35, lifting heavy and doing resistance training is essential, not optional. Here’s why:

1. It Fights Muscle and Bone Loss

As estrogen naturally declines in your late 30s and 40s, the body loses some of its ability to maintain lean muscle and bone density. Heavy strength training sends a powerful signal to preserve both. It keeps muscles active, bones strong, and metabolism high, helping you stay lean, capable, and resilient for decades. Read more about the importance of the hormonal response here.

2. It Builds Power and Stability

Dr. Sims emphasizes power, not just strength. Quick, explosive lifts and resistance training protect the fast-twitch muscle fibers that keep you balanced, quick, and agile. This becomes more important as we age and want to stay injury-free and mobile.

3. It Improves Metabolism and Hormone Health

More muscle means better blood sugar control and higher insulin sensitivity, two keys to avoiding midlife weight gain. Strength training helps regulate hormones, manage stress, and improve body composition far more effectively than endless cardio sessions.

4. It Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress

Lifting heavy doesn’t just change your body, it changes your mindset. Strength training improves confidence, reduces anxiety, and helps moderate cortisol, the stress hormone that can spike during busy or transitional times in life.

5. The Bottom Line

“You don’t need more cardio—you need more strength.” — Dr. Stacy Sims

If you’re a woman over 35, resistance training, especially lifting heavy weights, is one of the most powerful tools you have to feel strong, energized, and balanced. At CrossFit Golden Gate, a woman owned gym, we’ve been teaching strength training in San Francisco for over 13 years. Our experienced coaches specialize personal training in San Francisco and group classes to help women who are new to lifting or ready to take their training to the next level.

Schedule a free consultation here.

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

thursday, october 23

A.

6x1 Strict Press (with 3-5s eccentric every rep)

B.
5x1 Push Press

C.

for time:

15 ring muscle-ups (35 CTB pull-ups or 20 BMUs)

25 hang power C&J (135/95)

50 bar facing burpees

Rx+

for time:

15 ring muscle-ups (40 CTB pull-ups or 20 BMUs)

25 hang C&J (155/105)

60 bar facing burpees

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

How to Train for a HYROX Race in San Francisco

If you’re in San Francisco and looking for your next big fitness challenge, HYROX might be calling your name. It’s the ultimate combination of endurance, strength, and grit…part functional fitness, part race, and completely addictive.

At CrossFit Golden Gate, we’ve been helping athletes build strength and conditioning in San Francisco for over 13 years, and HYROX is a great test of both. Here’s how to train smart so you can show up confident on race day.

What Is HYROX?

HYROX is a global fitness competition that blends running and functional workouts.
Every race follows the same format:

  • 1 km run

  • 1 workout station
    × 8 rounds

Stations include sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, wall balls, and more.
You can compete as an individual, pair, or relay — and every division uses standardized weights, so you can track progress from one event to the next.

If you’re planning to race in HYROX Anaheim this December, now’s the perfect time to start training.

Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation

HYROX rewards strength under fatigue. That means lifting weights, not just running miles.

At CrossFit Golden Gate, we focus on:

  • Compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and presses to build raw power.

  • Functional movements including lunges, carries, sled pushes, and pulls which mimic race stations.

  • Mobility work so your joints hold up under volume and load.

Step 2: Condition Like an Athlete

The key to HYROX success isn’t just how hard you can go, it’s how long you can sustain effort.

Mix in:

  • Interval running (e.g., 1 km repeats at race pace)

  • Mixed-modality conditioning - pairing runs with ski erg, wall balls, or sled work

  • Tempo work to control breathing and heart rate

We design our HYROX classes in SF to mimic this exact intensity blend so you’re never guessing whether you’re race ready.

Step 3: Train Smart, Not Randomly

HYROX prep requires a balance of strength, endurance, and recovery.
That’s where structure comes in.

In our dedicated HYROX training sessions (Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays), you’ll work through:

  • Specific station technique (sled mechanics, efficient wall balls, etc.)

  • Race simulation workouts

  • Pacing strategies - when to push and when to recover

Training in a small group with expert coaching keeps you accountable and helps prevent overtraining.

Step 4: Find a Community That Pushes You

Training for HYROX is tough but it’s a lot easier with people who get it.
At CrossFit Golden Gate, you’ll find:

  • A spacious facility in the heart of San Francisco

  • Coaches who know how to prep for both CrossFit and HYROX

  • A community of athletes who thrive on challenge and progress

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just curious, you’ll fit right in.

Step 5: Start Now — and Get Ahead of Race Season

HYROX training takes consistency, but with the right plan and coaching, you can make huge progress in just a few weeks.
Our HYROX classes run:

  • Wednesdays @ 5:30pm

  • Saturdays @ 9am

  • Sundays @ 10:30am

Come sweat with us, dial in your technique, and get race-ready for your next event.

Ready to train for HYROX in San Francisco?

Join our next class at CrossFit Golden Gate — and see what you’re capable of.
Sign Up Here

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

wednesday, october 22

A.

5 sets:
1 tempo pause back squat @ 3211 + 4 back squats (no tempo)

B.

2 min amrap:
250/200m row + max reps front rack lunge steps (135/95)

rest 60s

2 min amrap:
250/200m row + max reps Russian KBS (70/53)

rest 60s

2 min amrap:
250/200m row + max reps thrusters (135/95)

rest 60s

2 min amrap:
250/200m row + max reps Russian KBS (70/53)

rest 60s

2 min amrap:
250/200m row + max reps front rack lunge steps (135/95)

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

tuesday, october 21

A.

6-8 sets: 

1 power clean (all tough sets)

B.

for time:

15-12-9 power cleans**

24-18-12 TTB

21-15-9 burpee box jumps

15 power cleans (155/105, Rx+ 205/145)

12 power cleans (185/125, Rx+ 225/155)

9 power cleans (205/145, Rx+ 245/175)

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

Monday, october 20

A.

6 sets: split jerk w/ 2s pause in receiving

3 sets of 2 reps split jerk

3 sets of 1 rep split jerk

B.

3 rounds for time:

15 push jerks (135/95)

400m run

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

friday, october 17

A.

6 sets of snatch

Set 1 – 1.1.1 reps @ 57-62%
Set 2 – 1.1.1 reps @ 62-67%
Set 3 – 1.1 reps @ 67-72%
Set 4 – 1.1 reps @ 72-77%
Set 5 – 1 rep @ 77-82%
Set 6 – 1 rep @ 77-82%  

B.

15 min amrap:

3 rounds of:

   12 deadlifts (115/75)

   6 power snatches

   6 box jumps (30/24”)

300m run (after every 3 rounds of triplet)

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

thursday, october 16

A.

5x2 Strict Press

B.

1 set of max reps (@ 70% of weight from part A)

C.

4x1 Push Press

D.

for time:

21-15-9

hang C&J (135/95)

CTB pull-ups

80 DUs after each round

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

wednesday, october 15

A.

5 sets:

3 tempo pause back squats (@ 3211) + 2 back squats (no tempo)

B.

5 sets:

in 90s, complete:

8 front rack lunge steps (135/95)

8 front squats 

max cal echo bike or cal row or ski

90s rest between sets

score = total cals

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

tuesday, october 14

A.

6 sets:

2 power cleans 

B.

for time:

12 power cleans (155/105, Rx+ 205/145)

24 TTB

300m run

9 power cleans (185/125, Rx+ 225/155)

18 TTB

300m run

6 power cleans (205/145, Rx+ 245/175) 

12 TTB

300m run

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

New Wednesday HYROX Class Added!

Starting this week, we’re adding a HYROX class on Wednesdays at 5:30pm!

Whether you’re training for an upcoming HYROX race or just looking for a high energy, full-body workout, these classes are for you. Expect a mix of strength, endurance, and intensity that delivers results and a serious sweat. Read more about our San Francisco HYROX classes here.

HYROX Schedule:

  • Wednesday: 5:30pm

  • Saturday: 9:00am

  • Sunday: 10:30am

And don’t forget…CFGG members and punch card holders qualify for early bird race tickets! Reserve your spot in class here or check out our membership options here!

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

friday, october 10

A.

6 sets:
Snatch

Set 1 – 1.1.1 reps @ ~50-55%
Set 2 – 1.1.1 reps @ ~55-60%
Set 3 – 1.1 reps @ ~60-65%
Set 4 – 1.1 reps @ ~65-70%
Set 5 – 1 rep @ ~70-75%
Set 6 – 1 rep @ ~70-75%

B.

2 rounds for time:

200m run

10 burpee box jumps

200m run

20 OHS (75/55, Rx+ 115/75)

200m run

30 power snatches

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

Thursday, october 9

A.

strict press 6 sets of 2 reps 

B.

push press 5 sets of 2 reps

C.

5 sets, one set every 3 mins, each set for time:

  9 CTB pull-ups (Rx+ 4 BMUs)

  9 push ups

  12 Russian KBS (70/53)

  12/10 cal row or ski or 9/7 cal echo bike

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

wednesday, october 8

A.

4-5 sets:

2 tempo back squats (@ 3211) + 3 back squats (no tempo)

B.

Rx

2 rounds for time:

75 WBS 

100 DUs

RX+

2 rounds for time:

75 WBS

150 DUs

scaled

3 rounds for time:

30 WBS

60 DUs (or bar taps to a pull-up bar 6" above max reach)

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

tuesday, october 7

A.

6 sets:

hang squat clean + power clean

B.

12 min amrap:

6 burpees over the bar

6 power cleans (155/105, Rx+ 205/145)

12 TTB

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

monday, october 6

A.

6 sets:

2 sets of 3 reps split jerk 

4 sets of 2 reps split jerk 

B.

for time:

12 STO (155/105, 185/125)

600m run

9 STO (185/125, Rx+ 225/155)

400m run

6 STO (195/135, Rx 245/175)

200m run

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

friday, october 3

A.

strict press 5×3

B.

push press 4×2

C.

12 min amrap:

12 cal ski

12 power snatches (95/65, Rx+ 115/75)

12 cal row

12 push ups

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Danielle Rabkin Danielle Rabkin

Personal Training for in San Francisco: Strength, Confidence, and Community

At CrossFit Golden Gate, we believe strength training is for everyone and especially important for women who want to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident in their daily lives.

For those not ready for group classes, our personal training program is designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re brand new to lifting weights or already experienced but looking for next-level results. With one-on-one coaching, you’ll learn proper technique, build strength safely, and discover just how capable your body really is.

As a woman-owned strength gym in San Francisco, we know firsthand how empowering it is for women to step into a space that celebrates strength, resilience, and progress over quick fixes or fitness fads. Personal training gives you individualized guidance and accountability, so you can focus on your unique goals whether that’s toning your body, building muscle, improving endurance, or simply feeling stronger and more confident.

If you’ve been searching for a personal trainer in San Francisco with a supportive, knowledgeable coach and a community that lifts you up, we’d love to meet you.

Ready to get started? Email us today!

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