Pushing the Limits in the Gym
As a two-time CrossFit Games athlete, Dr. Hannah Hardy is no stranger to intense training. In her latest video, she takes us inside her training sessions as she prepares for the upcoming Crash Crucible competition in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Today's workout is a challenging one, featuring a complex of clean and front squats, followed by a grueling metcon that includes ski erg, handstand walks, and GHD sit-ups. Despite having just completed a qualifier workout that left her forearms feeling "trashed," Hardy is determined to hit a new personal record on her clean.
"I'm hoping to hit 230 [pounds] that'd be like a PR clean for me, so that'd be exciting," she says, her eyes gleaming with determination.
Balancing Strength and Conditioning
Hardy's training regimen is a carefully crafted balance of strength work and high-intensity conditioning. On a typical week, she trains four days a week, with two full training sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and additional sessions on Saturdays.
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Full training sessions, either in the morning (7-9 AM) or afternoon (4:30-6:30 PM)
- Thursday: Swim or bike workout
- Saturday: Longer training session (9 AM - 1 PM)
- Sunday: Complete rest day
This structured approach allows Hardy to maintain her strength and conditioning while also leaving room for recovery and her demanding career as a sports chiropractor.
Preparing for the Crash Crucible
The Crash Crucible competition is a high-level event that attracts some of the top CrossFit athletes in the region, including Games competitors and semi-finalists. For Hardy, it's a chance to test her skills against the best of the best.
"It's a super fun comp with some pretty high-level competitors, so I'm kind of excited for it," she says.
The event features a diverse array of challenges, from traditional CrossFit staples like burpees and deadlifts to more unique elements like strict deficit handstand push-ups and a 70-pound dumbbell for the women's division.
One of the events that Hardy is particularly looking forward to is a three-round workout featuring 10 dumbbell clean and jerks (70 pounds), 10 ring muscle-ups, and 10 dumbbell snatches (70 pounds) per round, with a one-minute rest between rounds.
"That one's nice 'cause, A, I really like ring muscle-ups and dumbbell snatches, and, B, it's just like the clean and jerks, but luckily, because you're going to those relatively fresh because of the rest, I'm not too concerned about the clean and jerks," she explains.
Another event that has Hardy a bit apprehensive is a five-round workout featuring a 600-meter run, 15 burpees over a yoke, and an increasing number of deadlifts (starting at 5 and ending at 13 reps).
"That one's just to me long. I haven't heard of anyone who's finished that workout yet in practice, so kind of concerned," she admits.
Despite the challenges, Hardy is excited to put her skills to the test and see how she stacks up against the competition.
Balancing Career and Competition
In addition to her rigorous training schedule, Hardy also has to juggle the demands of her career as a sports chiropractor. Fortunately, her clinic is conveniently located right next to one of the gyms where she trains, making it easy for her to balance her two passions.
"It's really easy in between patients to maybe I'll treat someone if I have an hour gap, I'll quickly come out here and then I might not look as presentable, so maybe that's not a good thing, but at least it helps me balance going back and forth between, 'Hey, like I still want to compete at a super high level, but also further my career as a chiropractor,'" she explains.
Hardy's commitment to her chiropractic practice is evident in the way she has integrated it into her training environment. The gym's treatment area features a table where she can perform dry needling and other therapies, and the walls are adorned with her own jerseys and Virginia Cavaliers uniforms, a nod to her alma mater.
"This is where I work, and then I come up here and I'm like, 'Oh, my gosh, this is where I work out.' This is very nostalgic, even though we're in a different gym and I'm in a different part of life. It's very nice to be back in Charlottesville," she says, a smile spreading across her face.
Hardy's ability to seamlessly blend her two passions is a testament to her dedication and organizational skills. By strategically scheduling her training sessions and appointments, she is able to maintain a high level of performance in both arenas.
Networking and Outreach
In addition to her training and clinical work, Hardy also dedicates time to networking and outreach within the local community. She recognizes the importance of building relationships with other coaches, trainers, and organizations in order to raise her profile and expand her reach.
"A lot of my off-time is either like networking with different gyms in the area or like different coaches, whether it's like tennis instructors, the soccer, the youth soccer organizations, and then either just doing seminars, just getting people to know me," she explains.
This proactive approach to networking and outreach has paid dividends for Hardy, as she has been able to connect with a wider audience and share her expertise as a sports chiropractor and elite athlete.
Embracing the Challenges
Despite the demands of her training and career, Hardy remains focused and driven, embracing the challenges that come her way.
"It's a lot of my off-time is either like networking with different gyms in the area or like different coaches, whether it's like tennis instructors, the soccer, the youth soccer organizations, and then either just doing seminars, just getting people to know me," she says.
This commitment to continuous improvement and growth is what sets Hardy apart. She is constantly seeking new ways to push herself, whether it's through her training, her clinical work, or her outreach efforts.
As she prepares for the Crash Crucible competition, Hardy is confident in her abilities, but she also knows that the road ahead will be a challenging one. However, she is undaunted, ready to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to achieve her goals.
Conclusion
Dr. Hannah Hardy's story is one of passion, determination, and balance. As a two-time CrossFit Games athlete and a sports chiropractor, she has found a way to seamlessly integrate her two passions, creating a fulfilling and rewarding career path.
Through her intense training regimen, her commitment to her clinical practice, and her tireless networking and outreach efforts, Hardy has proven that it is possible to excel in multiple arenas. Her story is an inspiration to athletes and professionals alike, demonstrating that with the right mindset and a willingness to embrace the challenges, anything is possible.
As Hardy prepares to take on the Crash Crucible competition, she is poised to showcase her skills and continue her journey towards greatness. With her unwavering determination and her ability to balance the demands of her career and her athletic pursuits, there is no doubt that she will continue to inspire and motivate those around her.