What is The Level Method?

Have you ever stumbled upon something that you weren’t actually looking for, and realized you’ve struck gold? That’s how we felt here at Holy City when we found The Level Method.

The Level Method is a way to assess your current fitness level, and then customize your workouts to meet you where you are, while helping you to progress to where you want to go.

Who is The Level Method for?

The Level Method is for anyone looking for a way to progress their current fitness level, regardless of your starting point.

What is objective vs. relative strength?

The Level Method tests both your objective and relative strength. Objective strength is the maximum amount force you can apply, regardless of muscle or body size. Think of this in terms of heavy lifting and barbell movements.

Relative strength refers to the amount of strength you have compared to your body weight. This comes into play with bodyweight and gymnastics movements. If you want to learn more about this, you can read our full post on objective vs. relative strength here.

What is the “House”?

The Level Method uses a house analogy to explain the different energy systems in your body. These systems are Electricity (your central nervous system), Plumbing (cellular fueling), and Ventilation (oxygen and breathing).

Workouts will call on different energy system or systems each day, changing the types of demands on our body daily to get the best results possible.

How do I “Level Up”?

There are multiple ways to achieve a new level:

In regular group class.

Regular group class programming will often align with some of the overall fitness levels on the MAP. If you think you’re getting ready to level up in something, grab a coach and have them watch you so they can validate your new results!

During global testing cycles.

Three times a year (September, January, and May) we hold what are called “global testing cycles” for Level Method. These will be held over a 3 week period and will provide the opportunity for you to test all of your levels. If you come to class and we are testing something you’ve already tested, there will be an alternate workout for you to do instead. There will always be something for you to do!

In a personal training or skill session.

Often times, people find that they want to spend a bit of focused time working on one or two of their lower levels, to strengthen their weaknesses and achieve a higher level. One of the best ways to do this is through personal training or skill sessions with a coach.

Doing independent skill work.

If personal training isn’t for you, we will also be offering “homework” that you can do on your own time to help you progress. Then, when it comes time for re-testing, you’ll be ready!

I know I can do a higher level workout today than my levels are telling me. Can I?

Each day your workout can be chosen based on your existing levels. The MAP is just that – it’s a map. It’s not the end-all be-all of workouts, and you can work directly with your coach to modify the workout appropriately for you for the day.

Your levels will provide guidance in regards to where you should focus. If you think something is way off for you for that day, talk to your coach.

How does The Level Method benefit me?

The Level Method is a measuring tool. It’s based on scientific data gathered over years and years. That data has turned into the MAP. The MAP tells us where you are, and then provides a progression to help you get to the next level.

Often times in CrossFit gyms, you hear the term “scaling.” Scaling tends to be somewhat arbitrary, and often decided on by the individual completing the workout. Sometimes, you might even feel like you’re guessing at what you should be doing, and you aren’t really sure.

The Level Method eliminates the guessing. It tells you exactly what YOU need for your current workout, to allow you to get the most out of it and progress further in the future.

Want to learn more about The Level Method and Holy City? Book your Free No Sweat Intro today!