The Code

Principles we live by — inside the gym and out.


This isn’t just a blog. It’s a blueprint.


A place to sharpen your mindset, your discipline, and your direction — one post at a time.


We talk training. Leadership. Fatherhood. Failure.


We keep it real. We keep it focused.

And we never forget the reps that matter most aren’t always under the bar.


Read it. Feel it. Live it.

This is The Code.


— Mike Ratnofsky Founder/Owner



Read up on the latest blog below or crush the archives

By Mike Ratnofsky April 17, 2025
React. Don’t Respond.
By Mike Ratnofsky April 10, 2025
Master your mindset in and out of the gym. Learn how to stay calm, focused, and in control—no matter what life throws your way. Part of The C2 Code.
April 3, 2025
For over 10 years, you’ve heard me say it. Here’s why those 4 letters matter more than anything else.
CrossFit Cornelius, habit building, consistency in fitness
By Mike Ratnofsky March 25, 2025
Progress Over Perfection: Why Consistency Wins At C2, we believe the strongest athletes aren’t the ones who never miss a workout — they’re the ones who keep showing up, even when life gets messy. In this post, Mike breaks down why small, steady actions are scientifically proven to outperform short bursts of perfection. Plus, get this week’s challenge, easy tracking tips, and a free trial offer if you’re ready to start your own onward and upward journey. Progress isn’t about being perfect. It’s about building momentum. Read the full post now and take your next step forward.
By affiliate December 7, 2023
Welcome to CrossFit Cornelius, your neighborhood gym dedicated to helping the residents of Cornelius achieve their fitness goals and live a healthier, more active lifestyle. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate our 10th anniversary, marking a decade of fitness, community, and transformation. We invite you to join us in commemorating this special milestone and ... The post CrossFit Cornelius 10th Anniversary: Celebrating a Decade of Fitness and Community appeared first on CrossFit Cornelius.
By affiliate December 7, 2023
Welcome to our blog post highlighting the importance of resistance training for health and wellness! In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing our well-being is crucial, and incorporating resistance training into our fitness routines can have numerous benefits. As residents of Cornelius, we are fortunate to have access to a variety of fitness facilities and resources that ... The post The Importance of Resistance Training for Health and Wellness in Cornelius appeared first on CrossFit Cornelius.
By affiliate September 8, 2022
Have you tried our endurance program? Here’s why it might be beneficial to add it to your weekly training! Depending on your sport you may or may not have dedicated time to your running technique. Even if your goals are focused on lifting heavy, knowing the proper way to run is beneficial and can be ... The post Onward & Upward: Run For Your Life appeared first on CrossFit Cornelius.
By affiliate April 14, 2022
You know that little 5 minute speech that the coach gives at the beginning of class? When they talk about the workout and how it should feel. That’s a pretty important part of planning out your workout for the day and will help you select the weights you use, reps you shoot for, and how ... The post Onward & Upward: Trust the Prescription appeared first on CrossFit Cornelius.
By affiliate March 31, 2022
Lunges, split squats, and other unilateral leg movements are tremendous tools for building a strong, functional, and balanced body. Yet they tend to take a backseat to the more popular lower body exercises like squats and deadlifts. Let’s explore some of the benefits of lunges, common faults, and some popular variations so you never miss ... The post Onward & Upward: Why you should love the Lunge appeared first on CrossFit Cornelius.
By affiliate October 27, 2020
If you’re training, chances are it feels like life is a bit chaotic. You may feel like you don’t have enough time for most things in life. While you’re definitely busy getting better at the gym, you may be missing out on some key routines that could change the way you feel about your day. ... The post Onward & Upward: ‘How Athletes Can Set Themselves Up To Win The Day’ appeared first on CrossFit Cornelius.
By affiliate September 24, 2020
Stability training is an important and often overlooked element of training. Whether it’s your first day in the gym or you are a veteran athlete you can benefit from stability training. Our bodies are forced to accommodate the demands of sport and life. To prevent falling, maintain balance, and moving our bodies and external objects ... The post Onward & Upward: The Beginners Guide to Stability Training appeared first on CrossFit Cornelius.
By affiliate March 7, 2020
More and more often these days we encounter folks living life through the lens of their smartphone. Ever since becoming a social influencer turned into a real career it has become increasingly difficult to know what is real and what is staged. Not only that, but how often are you interrupting your own life in ... The post Onward & Upward: ‘Stop Doing It For The ‘Gram’ appeared first on CrossFit Cornelius.
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