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Chasing Excellence

English, Health / Medicine, 2 seasons, 385 episodes, 4 days, 14 hours, 59 minutes
About
Chasing Excellence is a show dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, both inside the gym & out. On each episode, we'll deep dive on various aspects of being an athlete & maximizing your potential.
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[ 💭 ] Reducing Parental Stress

🤟🏼 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club === What: We discuss the impact of stress on parenting and how societal expectations, technology usage, and self-comparison can exacerbate stress levels in parents. Why: Understanding and managing stress is crucial for maintaining a healthy family environment, as parental stress can significantly influence children's mental and emotional well-being. How: 🌱 Focus on creating a relaxed and caring home environment to reduce stress. 📵 Limit screen time to reclaim time for healthier activities like exercise and nature walks. 🧘‍♀️ Practice gratitude by appreciating current achievements rather than comparing to others. 📚 Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as reading and good conversations. 💪 Resist short-term temptations that can lead to long-term stress, like excessive reliance on technology for childcare. === 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LUMEN | This handheld metabolic coach measures your metabolism through breath analysis, providing personalized nutrition plans and real-time insights to improve metabolic health, aid weight management, enhance energy levels, and support better sleep and overall well-being. 🔗 LMNT | This zero-sugar electrolyte mix delivers essential sodium, potassium, and magnesium to enhance hydration, making it ideal for athletes, keto followers, and anyone seeking a refreshing boost without added sugars, all while providing a risk-free satisfaction guarantee. === ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
10/22/202442 minutes, 59 seconds
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[ 💪🏽 ] 10 Things Humans Aren't Built to Do

🟢 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We explore a list of ten activities that we might not be naturally inclined to do as humans. We talk about each of these activities, highlighting the contrast between our evolutionary past and modern lifestyle. Topics include rigid work schedules, artificial environments, sedentary habits, and processed foods, raising questions about societal norms and their impact on well-being. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:14 10 Things Humans Aren't Meant to Do 01:00 Work in Offices for Nine Hours a Day 06:43 Work 50 Weeks a Year for Two Weeks of Joy 09:20 Sitting for Most of the Day 13:47 Thanks to our Sponsors: SiPhox Health & Land Rover 16:27 The Impact of Artificial Light 21:06 Processed Food and Its Effects 24:10 The Importance of Sleep 25:42 Complacency and Purpose 29:39 Not Chasing Your Dreams 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 SIPHOX HEALTH | Experience the convenience of at-home blood testing that provides comprehensive insights into 17 essential biomarkers, helping you optimize your health and monitor your progress affordably, all from the comfort of your home without clinic visits or long waits. 🔗 DEFENDER VEHICLES | The Defender is a modern adventure-ready SUV with legendary off-road capability, offering a family of models designed for explorers seeking confidence, durability, and versatility while tackling both rugged trails and urban environments. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
10/18/202431 minutes, 46 seconds
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[ 💭 ] Cultivating Courage & Minimizing Regrets

💥 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We explore insights drawn from Bronnie Ware's article on the 5 Regrets of the Dying, based on her observations as a palliative care worker. We talk through each of the regrets, which reveal the common themes of prioritizing authenticity, meaningful connections, emotional expression, work-life balance, and happiness. Our conversation dives into the balance of life priorities and the courage required to make changes that lead to a fulfilled life. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:39 The Importance of Contemplating Death 10:05 Regret #1: Not Living True to Oneself 15:22 Regret #2: Working Too Hard 21:41 Thanks to our Sponsors: Shopify & Cozy Earth 23:25 Regret #3: Expressing Feelings 29:51 Regret #4: Staying in Touch with Friends 32:54 Regret #5: Not Choosing Happiness 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 SHOPIFY | A comprehensive global commerce platform designed to assist businesses in selling online, offering tools, apps, and services that simplify the process of launching and growing various types of online ventures, from products to services, with an affordable trial. 🔗 COZY EARTH | Experience luxurious bedding and loungewear designed to enhance your sleep quality, keeping you cool and comfortable, ensuring your body gets the rest it needs to support your active lifestyle and help you recover from daily challenges. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
10/15/202440 minutes, 41 seconds
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[ 💭 ] Overcoming Victim Mentality, Boosting Child Confidence, Work-Life Perspective, & More

💥 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We tackle 4 of your mindset questions this time around. We discuss maintaining motivation beyond personal records, overcoming victim mindsets, balancing career demands with health, and supporting children with dyslexia. Key topics include adjusting goals, fostering self-awareness, managing work-life balance, and promoting children's growth through positive parenting, skill-building, and limited screen time. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Welcome to Chasing Excellence 00:54 Finding Motivation Beyond PRs 09:11 Tools for Overcoming the Victim Mindset 20:40 Thanks to our Sponsors: Manukora & Qualia 23:28 Navigating Career Choices and Health Concerns 32:13 Encouraging Growth Mindset in Children 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 MANUKORA | Experience the unparalleled richness and health benefits of ethically sourced Manuka honey from New Zealand, featuring high levels of antioxidants and prebiotics, perfect for enhancing your meals and supporting immunity with just one heaped teaspoon daily. 🔗 QUALIA | This non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free supplement helps eliminate senescent cells to promote healthy aging, requiring only two days of use per month, and comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free experience. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
10/11/202443 minutes, 25 seconds
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[ 🏃🏽‍♂️ ] What Training With Intentional Intensity Actually Looks Like

🫐 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club In this third installment of our series on programming for optimal fitness, we discuss creating a weekly workout framework and emphasize the importance of intentional intensity over maximal effort. We explore various training zones and provide practical strategies for modulating intensity, ensuring consistent training while prioritizing mechanics, consistency, and then intensity. We also delve into understanding individual rates of perceived exertion and offer insights on how programming can support sustainable workout practices. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Welcome to Chasing Excellence 00:13 Recap of Previous Episodes 01:20 Intentional Intensity in Training 04:28 Understanding Training Intensity Zones 07:48 Sustainable Weekly Training Framework 10:58 Thanks to our Sponsors: Our Place & LMNT 13:38 Programming for Different Needs 21:16 Teaching Rate of Perceived Exertion 31:43 Wrapping Up and Future Topics 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LMNT | Introducing a new sparkling electrolyte water in a 16-ounce can, offering zero sugar and various flavors, designed to enhance hydration, focus, and energy without the downsides of sugar or caffeine, exclusively available to insiders before the public launch. 🔗 OUR PLACE | This female-founded kitchenware brand offers beautifully designed, multifunctional products that are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a healthier cooking experience while elevating your kitchen aesthetics, making cooking easier, and inspiring you to prepare meals at home. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
10/8/202433 minutes, 29 seconds
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[ 💭 ] Harnessing the Power of Awareness, Intention, & Action

🫡 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re revisiting our key framework of awareness, intention, and action, highlighting how it can help us live healthier and happier lives. We discuss the importance of transforming complex concepts into simple, actionable principles and how these principles apply to various life aspects, from personal health to professional growth. We explore the necessity of bringing curiosity and perspective to our awareness, understanding emotional triggers, and the impact of intentional planning and execution. Through personal anecdotes, we emphasize the role of self-reflection in overcoming autopilot behavior and achieving a fulfilled life. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:22 Implementing Frameworks in Daily Life 04:34 Awareness: Breaking Free from Autopilot 05:37 Intention: Making Conscious Plans 05:50 Action: Putting Plans into Practice 07:36 Personal Stories and Examples 18:32 Thanks to Our Sponsors: Defender Vehicles & SiPhox Health 21:22 Curiosity and Perspective in Awareness 23:11 Recognizing and Questioning Triggers 32:38 Applying Frameworks to Life Decisions 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LAND ROVER | The Defender is a versatile SUV designed for modern explorers, offering legendary off-road capability, advanced technology, customizable displays, and seating for up to eight passengers, making it perfect for tackling challenges and embarking on any adventure with confidence. 🔗 SIPHOX HEALTH | Discover a revolutionary at-home blood test that provides insights on 17 essential biomarkers, making regular health monitoring affordable and convenient without the need for clinic visits, helping you optimize your health and track your progress effortlessly. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
10/4/202436 minutes, 6 seconds
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[ 🎒 ] AMQAP20: Coaching Mindset, Implementing Books, & Fueling Metcons

🟢 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We dive into our queue of listener questions, including ones about effective recovery tactics, balancing spontaneity with intentional daily planning, and strategies for improving client mindsets. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:53 Pro Tips for Faster Recovery 04:15 Balancing Family and Fitness 06:40 Implementing Lessons from Books 14:27 Thanks to our Sponsors: Eight Sleep & Cozy Earth 17:20 Balancing Spontaneity and Planning 21:21 Discussing Mindset with Clients 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 EIGHT SLEEP | Experience revolutionary sleep technology with a system that automatically cools, heats, and elevates your bed, tracking your sleep phases and heart rate for improved rest, ensuring you wake up refreshed and energized every day. 🔗 COZY EARTH | Enjoy luxurious and comfortable bedding and loungewear designed to enhance your sleep quality and rejuvenate your body, featuring temperature-regulating materials perfect for post-workout relaxation and travel-friendly options for revitalizing sleep on the go. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
10/1/202428 minutes, 28 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] Beyond the Gym: The Broader Impact of CrossFit

🌻 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We revisit and reflect on a talk Ben gave in 2017, introducing the teardrop model of public health. We analyze the paradigm shift in our approach to fitness and health, addressing the misconceptions and behaviors that impact public health, and exploring how far we've come in understanding preventative healthcare versus sick care. We also discuss the role of CrossFit gyms and the evolving conversations surrounding nutrition, exercise, and long-term health. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:21 The Teardrop Model Explained 04:52 Addressing Chronic Disease and Public Health 10:53 Generational Change and Future Outlook 12:38 Thanks to our Sponsors: Defender Vehicles & Magic Spoon 15:13 Reflecting on the 2017 Talk 28:18 The Role of CrossFit in Health and Fitness 34:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 DEFENDER VEHICLES | The new Defender is a versatile SUV designed for adventure, equipped with advanced technologies for modern exploration, offering unstoppable capability on any terrain, and reimagined for a new generation of explorers seeking to embrace the impossible. 🔗 MAGIC SPOON | Enjoy a nostalgic, high-protein cereal experience with zero sugar and four grams of net carbs per serving, perfect for a health-conscious lifestyle, complemented by crispy, delicious, high-protein snacks available in various tasty flavors for on-the-go fueling. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
9/27/202435 minutes, 10 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] Micro-Misogi & the Comfort Crisis

🕶️ Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We dive into the concept of Micro-Misogi, inspired by Michael Easter's book 'The Comfort Crisis'. We discuss how modern conveniences have eroded our resilience and explore actionable steps to reintroduce purposeful discomfort into our lives. Through discussing the guidelines for a successful Micro-Misogi, including being outdoors, solitary and device-free, challenging and unique, and fitting within a 4 to 48-hour timeframe, we aim to help listeners create transformative experiences within the constraints of everyday life. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:28 Themes and Takeaways from The Comfort Crisis 01:44 Exploring the Concept of Misogi 02:17 Personal Reflections on The Comfort Crisis 11:54 Designing Micro-Misogis 12:59 The Importance of Nature and Solitude 21:57 Thanks to our Sponsors: Washington Post & LMNT 24:31 Unique Challenges and Avoiding Comparison 26:22 The Challenge of Misogi: Physical and Mental Limits 29:24 The Concept of Quittable Challenges 33:59 Micro Misogi: Small Adventures with Big Impact 42:10 Frequency and Planning of Misogi Challenges 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 WASHINGTON POST | Subscribe now for just 50 cents per week for your first year to receive comprehensive news coverage, insightful articles, and personalized newsletters, helping you stay informed on current events and trends, all while enjoying convenient audio features for busy lifestyles. 🔗 LMNT | Experience a refreshing sparkling drink with zero sugar and caffeine, packed with essential electrolytes, available in delicious flavors like Citrus Salt and Watermelon Salt, designed to enhance hydration and energy without the crash. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
9/24/202448 minutes, 12 seconds
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[ 💭 ] True Competitors Aren’t Extrinsically Motivated

🍁 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We discuss the intricate dynamics of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, revealing how they shape our actions and satisfaction. We explore the idea that external measures like wealth and accolades are often misguiding, while internal drivers align more closely with our true purpose and happiness. Additionally, we delve into the pitfalls of comparison and the nature of true competition, highlighting the importance of finding worthy rivals to foster personal growth. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Introduction to Chasing Excellence 02:46 Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation 05:32 Evolutionary Perspective on Motivation 07:30 The Role of Stress and Environment 09:04 Purpose and Motivation 18:05 True Competitors and Artists 21:24 The Value of Competition 24:13 Thanks to our Sponsors: Manukora & Momentous 27:20 Understanding Reward Systems and Intrinsic Motivation 30:42 The Difference Between Competing and Comparing 31:20 The Role of Competition in Self-Improvement 35:41 The Concept of a Worthy Rival 42:52 Ambition and Its True Purpose 47:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 MANUKORA | Experience a rich and creamy Manuka honey, ethically sourced from New Zealand, packed with powerful nutrients, antioxidants, and prebiotics, perfect for enhancing your wellness routine and providing immune support—simply indulge with a heaped teaspoon each morning. 🔗 MOMENTOUS | Discover high-quality supplements designed to optimize health and performance, including creatine, omega-3, and protein, all rigorously tested to ensure purity and efficacy, trusted by athletes and experts for cognitive function and muscle recovery. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
9/20/202448 minutes, 50 seconds
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[ 🤟🏼 ] Building a Life of Alignment & Self-Connection

🦩 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We dive into a listener's question about self-accountability and the challenge of maintaining commitments without external validation. We discuss the importance of connection in health, breaking down how being internally and externally accountable can align with our values and priorities. We also explore strategies to create supportive environments and the significance of living a life of integrity. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:30 Listener Question: Building Self-Accountability 01:50 Reflecting on Accountability 04:15 The Importance of Health and Alignment 07:49 Strategies for Maintaining Accountability 15:52 Thanks to our Sponsors: Lumen & Shopify 18:30 Final Thoughts on High Performance 26:16 Conclusion and Listener Engagement 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LUMEN | Discover the world's first handheld metabolic coach that measures your metabolism through your breath, providing personalized nutrition plans and real-time updates to optimize your health, energy, and sleep while adapting to your body's changes. 🔗 SHOPIFY | This platform offers a leading checkout system that enhances sales conversions, simplifies the selling process across various channels, and provides an extensive ecosystem of apps, making it an essential tool for businesses looking to grow and succeed. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
9/17/202427 minutes, 1 second
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[ 💭 ] True Competitors Don’t Want Things to Be Perfect

🌵 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re exploring the intense pressures faced by athletes during major competitions like the Olympics and CrossFit Games. We examine the importance of embracing imperfection, maintaining a flow state, and focusing on character over circumstances. We emphasize how these principles are not only pivotal for athletes but for anyone striving for excellence while battling the allure of perfectionism in today’s social-media-driven world. ⌚TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to Chasing Excellence 02:43 The Tragic Case of Katie Meyer 03:50 Embracing Imperfection in Sports 08:44 The Importance of Letting Go 11:54 The Role of Sport as a Teacher 14:15 Navigating Triggers and Flow States 17:38 Thanks to our Sponsors: Qualia Life & OneSkin 20:36 The Allure of Perfectionism 21:08 Understanding Perfectionism and Complaining 22:03 The Negative Impact of Perfectionism 24:13 Embracing Imperfection in Sports 25:59 Character Over Circumstances 31:52 Coaching Young Athletes Against Perfectionism THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 QUALIA LIFE | This senolytic supplement promotes healthy aging by eliminating "zombie cells," enhancing energy levels, and improving recovery, with just a two-day monthly dosage, while being non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and backed by a 100-day money-back guarantee. 🔗 ONESKIN | This innovative skin longevity product utilizes a groundbreaking peptide to reduce signs of aging by targeting senescent cells, promoting healthier skin, and improving skin health markers while providing rejuvenation and a youthful appearance for users seeking transformation. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
9/13/202438 minutes, 18 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] Negativity in Friendship, The Value of Mentorship, Grief, & More

👊 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re jumping into questions from members of the Chase Club around maintaining healthy relationships, starting a personal training business, improving CrossFit competitiveness, and dealing with grief during workouts. One listener struggles with a friend's negativity, while another seeks advice on becoming a personal trainer. We also discuss strategies for identifying and overcoming weaknesses in CrossFit, and the importance of allowing space for grief in one's fitness journey. All of these questions come from members of our Chase Club community, which offers premium content and support for those striving to chase excellence. ⌚TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Funny Anecdote 01:02 Listener Question: Friendship and Negativity 10:38 Listener Question: Starting a Personal Training Business 15:02 Thanks to our Sponsors: Magic Spoon & Our Place 18:18 Listener Question: Improving Competitiveness in CrossFit 25:08 Listener Question: Coping with Loss During Workouts 30:02 Conclusion and Thanks THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 MAGIC SPOON | This delicious, high-protein cereal offers the nostalgic flavors of childhood favorites with 0 grams of sugar per serving, making it perfect for those seeking a wholesome breakfast or a quick, nutritious snack on-the-go. 🔗 OUR PLACE | Upgrade your kitchen with beautifully designed, healthy, and sustainable cookware and appliances that are free from harmful forever chemicals, making cooking easier and more enjoyable while ensuring a safe and eco-friendly cooking experience. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
9/10/202430 minutes, 39 seconds
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[ 🍽️ ] Understanding Diet Expectations, with EC Synkowski

🍌 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re sharing a special crossover episode from the Consistency Project podcast, which focuses on the critical differences between expectations and reality in the context of diet and nutrition. EC and Patrick talk about why diets often fail - reasons like unrealistic caloric targets, misconceptions about what a healthy diet looks like, the importance of sustainable change, and the patience required to see long-term results. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:31 Introducing the Consistency Project 00:51 Expectations vs. Reality in Diet and Nutrition 03:46 Understanding Caloric Targets 10:44 What a Healthy Diet Really Looks Like 14:25 Sustainable Change Takes Time 20:02 Thanks to our Sponsors: Momentous & OneSkin 22:29 The Reality of Seeing Results 32:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 ONESKIN | This innovative skin longevity product utilizes a groundbreaking peptide to combat aging at a molecular level, promoting healthier, more youthful skin by reducing senescent cells and improving overall skin health, ensuring a revitalized appearance and feel. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. 🔗 MOMENTOUS | Discover high-quality supplements that enhance cognitive function, reduce muscle inflammation, and support overall health, backed by rigorous third-party testing and trusted by world-class athletes and experts to ensure you get exactly what you need for peak performance. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
9/6/202433 minutes, 56 seconds
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[ 💭 ] Let the Small Things Go

🫶 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re talking about building tolerance for minor inconveniences to improve our overall mental fitness and resilience. Inspired by a previously discussed tactic of letting go of minor irritations, we explore practical examples and strategies to handle everyday disruptions more gracefully. ⌚TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:00 Quick Recommendation Roundup 04:01 Parenting Insights and Personal Stories 07:14 Thanks to Our Sponsors: Thesis & LMNT 09:53 Understanding and Managing Inconveniences 14:55 Mental Fitness Training 25:10 Breathwork and Stress Management 29:34 Conclusion and Wrap-Up 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 THESIS | This personalized nootropic product offers scientifically-backed blends designed to enhance cognitive health, improving motivation, focus, and creativity, while allowing users to discover their optimal formulations through a starter kit tailored to individual brain chemistry. 🔗 LMNT | Introducing a bold, zero-sugar sparkling electrolyte water in exciting flavors that enhances hydration, focus, and energy without the crash, available exclusively to insiders prior to public launch, with a complimentary sample pack offered with any purchase. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
9/3/202430 minutes, 17 seconds
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[ 💭 ] Why You Should Stop Labeling Things as Good or Bad

🟢 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re explore the paradox of high expectations and their impact on our performance. We talk about the balance between discipline and surrender, discussing how high expectations can sometimes lead to stress and hinder our pursuit of excellence. We also touch on the importance of learning without judgment and handling life's challenges without labeling them as good or bad. ⌚ TIMECODE 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:23 The Paradox of High Expectations 02:12 Balancing Discipline and Surrender 03:54 Examples of Excellence: Michael Phelps and Tom Brady 07:02 The Role of Expectations in Happiness 08:20 Practical Strategies for Managing Expectations 09:58 The Importance of Letting Go 17:08 Thanks to our Sponsors: Manukora & DUER 20:31 Suspending Judgment and Learning from the Past 31:19 Threshold Training for Psychological Resilience 32:07 Conclusion and Farewell 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 MANUKORA | Taste the rich, creamy flavor of premium Manuka honey, ethically sourced from New Zealand, packed with nutrients for immunity and gut health, offering three times the antioxidants of regular honey, perfect for enhancing your wellness routine. 🔗 DUER | Experience the perfect blend of comfort, style, and sustainability with versatile stretch performance denim and lifestyle apparel designed for everyday wear, made from plant-based and recycled fibers, ensuring durability without compromising on quality or ethics. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/30/202432 minutes, 34 seconds
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[ 🏃🏽‍♂️ ] Train at Intentional Intensity, Not Maximal Intensity

🚀 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re continuing our conversation about effective training and getting in the best shape of your life. This time, we’re talking about cyclical threshold conditioning. We dissect the concept, explore its applications, and explain why it's crucial for achieving peak fitness. We discuss training five to six days a week, intentional intensity, and the elegance of complementary movement patterns. ⌚TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:30 Recap of Part One 02:41 Diving Deeper into Cyclical Threshold Conditioning 05:24 Understanding Movement and Load Selection 10:36 Intentional Intensity and Programming 13:07 Thanks to Our Sponsors: Magic Spoon & LMNT 16:10 Common Mistakes in Training 27:49 Programming Insights and Best Practices 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 MAGIC SPOON | This nostalgic cereal offers a delicious taste reminiscent of childhood favorites, featuring zero grams of sugar, a high protein content, and a variety of flavors, making it a perfect choice for breakfast or a snack. 🔗 LMNT | Introducing a bold, zero-sugar electrolyte drink in a 16-ounce can, packed with electrolytes and available in delicious flavors, perfect for health seekers looking for a convenient way to enhance hydration without sugar or caffeine. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/27/202432 minutes, 56 seconds
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[ 🎒 ] AMQAP20: Adding Running to Your Program, Juggling, Health Markers, & More

👊 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re jumping back into your questions this week. We tackle concerns like overcoming mental blocks in workouts, measuring fitness biomarkers, the benefits of VersaLifts, and effective running routines for military training. We also share personal stories and advice for encouraging health in loved ones, particularly parents. ⌚️ TIMECODE 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:31 Listener Shoutout: Noah's Appreciation 04:05 Addressing Mental Blocks in Fitness 08:05 Biomarkers for Fitness and Longevity 10:08 VersaLifts and Ankle Mobility 12:47 Parenting Advice for Health and Mindset 16:11 Thanks to Our Sponsors: OneSkin & Lumen 18:54 Importance of Running in Fitness 23:01 Encouraging Parents to Lead Healthier Lives 🙏 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Experience OneSkin’s scientifically-tested skincare that targets the root causes of aging, utilizing a unique peptide to reverse skin's biological age while providing hydration and protection against UV damage, ensuring your skin remains youthful and resilient in all seasons. Save 15% with code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 Save 15% on a Lumen, the innovative handheld device that measures your metabolism through breath analysis, providing personalized nutrition plans and real-time feedback to optimize your health, energy levels, and fitness outcomes while helping you manage weight and hormonal changes effectively. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/23/202427 minutes, 10 seconds
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[ 💭 ] Own Your Attention

📫 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We explore the concept of 'dopamine culture' — a term coined by writer Ted Gioia — and its implications, distinguishing between slow traditional culture, fast modern culture, and dopamine culture. We aim to raise awareness and provide actionable insights on how to reclaim our attention from addictive technologies and foster meaningful connections. ⌚ TIMECODE: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 03:06 Introduction to Dopamine Culture 04:01 The Shift from Slow to Dopamine Culture 05:31 Personal Reflections on Dopamine Culture 06:48 The Impact of Dopamine Culture on Society 09:29 Addiction and the Role of Technology 17:20 Strategies for Overcoming Dopamine Culture 25:12 The Struggle with Modern Social Norms 25:48 Information Overload in the Digital Age 27:35 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 29:05 Collective Action Against Digital Addiction 31:19 Understanding the Dopamine Cartel 32:50: Thanks to our Sponsors: Bespoke Post & Momentous 36:11 Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Attention 37:35 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Bespoke Post offers an exclusive premium lineup of curated collections filled with unique, high-quality items that enhance your summer experience, support small businesses, and offer amazing discounts, all while providing a delightful surprise with each monthly shipment. 🔗 Discover Momentous’s premium health and performance supplements that support cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and ensure quality through rigorous third-party testing, making them a trusted choice for athletes and health enthusiasts seeking essential nutrients for optimal well-being. ❤️‍🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/20/202445 minutes, 22 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] 15 Questions to Assess Your Health, w/ Jamison Price

🚀 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club Jamison Price joins us to break down his Five Factors Coaching Method, which he is developing at his gym, CrossFit Elysium. We explore the 15 questions across all 5 Factors that he gives to new clients, outlining the rationale behind each question. 00:00 Welcome to Chasing Excellence 04:26 The Sickness-Wellness-Fitness Continuum 15:03 The EAT Questions 19:07 The SLEEP Questions 26:39 The TRAIN Questions 32:20 Thanks to our Sponsors: Qualia Life & Shopify 35:27 The THINK Questions 43:40 The CONNECT Questions THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Qualia Life’s innovative senolytic supplement promotes healthy aging by eliminating senescent cells, enhancing energy levels, and revitalizing overall well-being, with a convenient dosage of just two days a month and a 100-day money-back guarantee. Use code EXCELLENCE to save! 🔗 Shopify is the global commerce platform empowers businesses of all sizes to effortlessly create online shops, manage sales, and streamline operations, offering tools for every stage of growth, from launching to reaching significant sales milestones, all while providing exceptional support and resources. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/16/202458 minutes, 17 seconds
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[ 🤟🏼 ] Navigating Gym Operations & Coaching Challenges

🤟🏼 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We dive into a variety of questions from gym owners and coaches about effectively running a gym and improving their coaching skills this time around. We explore the importance of setting boundaries as a coach, fostering a culture of trust and feedback, and ensuring consistency in coaching methods. We also discuss solutions for coaches who train at competing gyms, conflicting advice among coaches, and the role of a coach’s physical capabilities in their effectiveness. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:32 Balancing Coaching and Personal Boundaries 08:02 Creating a Culture of Feedback 13:46 Thanks to our Sponsors: OneSkin & DUER 16:07 Handling Coaching Conflicts 21:25 Coaches Training at Competing Gyms 24:15 Can You Be a Great Coach Without Doing All Movements? THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 OneSkin’s innovative skincare line focuses on skin longevity by targeting cellular aging, using scientifically proven ingredients to improve skin health, strengthen the barrier, and diminish visible signs of aging for a more resilient complexion at any age. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. 🔗 Experience unparalleled comfort and versatility with DUER’s stylish shorts, made from sustainable materials, designed for durability, and perfect for any occasion, ensuring you look great while feeling amazing throughout your daily adventures. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/13/202428 minutes, 8 seconds
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[ 🏃🏽‍♂️ ] Maximizing Performance for CrossFit Masters Competitors

🫶 Support the Dukic Family here We’re talking about the unique aspects of being a competitive Masters athlete in the sport of CrossFit. We explore the necessary adjustments in training due to age-related factors and discuss the competitive lifecycle of Masters athletes, providing insights on balancing volume, intensity, and recovery, and emphasizing the importance of focusing on skills and mobility. Our discussion includes strategies for optimizing long-term performance, considerations for avoiding injuries, and the broader implications of dedicating oneself to serious athletic pursuits at an older age. 00:00 Introduction to Chasing Excellence 01:14 Focus on Competitive Masters Athletes 01:25 Training Adjustments for Masters Athletes 01:51 Subscription and Community Engagement 02:55 Deep Dive: Masters Athlete Lifecycle 09:47 Importance of Skills in Masters Competition 14:09 Competitive Strategy and Local Throwdowns 16:28 Advice for Masters Athletes in Recovery 17:29 Thanks to our Sponsors: MUD/WTR & Momentous 20:56 Injury Susceptibility in Masters Athletes 24:34 Optimizing Training for Masters Athletes 29:37 Balancing Life and Athletic Goals THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 MUD/WTR is a coffee alternative that combines Chai, Cacao, and various adaptogenic mushrooms to provide a smooth energy boost without jitters, packed with antioxidants and organic ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing and health-conscious beverage. 🔗 Momentous’s daily supplement protocol includes creatine, omega-3, and protein to support cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and ensure essential nutrient intake, backed by third-party testing and a commitment to high-quality ingredients trusted by top athletes and experts. Use code EXCELLENCE to save at checkout. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/9/202435 minutes, 5 seconds
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[ 🏃🏽‍♂️ ] A Plan to Build Future CrossFit Champions

👉 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re talking about the long-term development of future CrossFit Games champions, focusing on building versatile athletes from a young age, emphasizing the importance of exposing them to various sports such as CrossFit, gymnastics, basketball, and track and field. We discuss mental toughness, the significance of handling adversity, and the need for mindfulness practices. Additionally, we explore the developmental differences during different life stages and the balance required between physical prowess and mental resilience to create world-class athletes. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:46 Building a Future CrossFit Champion 04:36 Developing Versatile Athletes 15:24 Thanks to our Sponsors: Notion & LMNT 18:05 Mental Toughness and Adversity 26:06 Advice for Aspiring Athletes THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Notion’s all-in-one workspace combines notes, documents, and projects with integrated AI to enhance productivity, streamline collaboration, and simplify workflows, enabling users to work faster and more effectively without juggling multiple tools. 🔗 Introducing LMNT’s revolutionary sparkling electrolyte water with zero sugar and caffeine, packed with essential electrolytes in exciting flavors like Citrus Salt, Watermelon Salt, and the debut of Black Cherry Lime, perfect for hydration without the crash. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/6/202432 minutes, 17 seconds
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[ 💭 ] The Power of Solitude in Personal Growth, w/ Mark England

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’ve got a great chat with Mark England, co-founder and head coach of Enlifted, about the profound value of silence, solitude, and the power of storytelling in our minds. We explore how these elements contribute to personal growth and well-being, delving into effective techniques such as full-sentence journaling and mindful breathing. Mark shares his insights from his personal experiences and 17 years of professional practice, providing practical advice for managing the internal narrative and becoming more comfortable with oneself. 00:30 Introducing Mark England and Enlifted 01:55 The Importance of Silence and Solitude 02:43 Diving into Silence and Solitude 04:17 Mark's Personal Journey with Solitude 07:23 The Power of Observing Thoughts 08:41 Balancing Social Interaction and Solitude 15:28 The Practice of Journaling 19:23 Enhancing Gratitude Practices 24:52 The Struggle with Gratitude 25:38 Improving Mindset Through Storytelling 26:25 Thanks to our Sponsors: Magic Spoon and Defender Vehicles 29:18 Facing Silence and Solitude 31:06 Creating Positive Habits 32:16 Soft Talk Keywords and Their Impact 38:13 The Importance of Listening and Reflection 44:16 Final Thoughts and Enlifted Certification Information THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Look for the perfect protein-packed treat with a light and crispy texture from Magic Spoon in your local grocery store. Available in nostalgic flavors like Marshmallow, Chocolatey Peanut Butter, Blueberry, Double Chocolate, Birthday Cake, and Strawberry Milkshake, offering 11g protein, 1g sugar, and 4 net carbs per serving. 🔗 The ultimate vehicle for those who embrace adventure and exploration, the Defender family of vehicles offers robust design, off-road capabilities, and spacious cargo capacity. With innovative camera technologies and a range of seating options, it's the perfect companion for pushing boundaries and embracing the impossible. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/2/202446 minutes, 12 seconds
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[ 🏃🏽‍♂️ ] 3 Hours/Week to Get into the Best Shape of Your Life

🤩 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re discussing what it means to get in the best shape of your life. We take a comprehensive approach to physical fitness, emphasizing the importance of strength training, cardiovascular endurance, and bodyweight exercises. We break down a practical weekly training framework that includes three days of compound free-weight exercises, one long run, and mixed-modal conditioning. Finally, we highlight the benefits of incorporating functional movement into your routine, such as carrying and moving heavy objects, and clarify the distinction between general fitness and elite athletic training. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:43 Book Club and Membership Announcements 01:23 Defining 'Best Shape of Your Life' 03:00 Strength, Endurance, and Bodyweight Goals 09:57 Weekly Training Framework 23:49 Thanks to our Sponsors: OneSkin and DUER 30:21 Practical Questions and Time Commitment 39:31 Conclusion and Sponsors THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Developed by skin longevity scientists and backed by clinical studies, OneSkin’s skincare products utilize the OS-01 peptide to target aging at the cellular level, providing protection, hydration, and cellular support for youthful and healthy-looking skin. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. 🔗 Discover the ultimate in comfort and style with high-quality, sustainable denim and lifestyle apparel. Designed for performance and built to last, DUER pants and shorts will be your new wardrobe staples. Get 20% off your first order now from DUER today. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/30/202440 minutes, 5 seconds
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[ 🎒 ] AMQAP20: Using CrossFit for Ironman Training, Resistance Band Hack, & More

🔔 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re diving into listener questions across various topics, including launching an online coaching program, choosing effective fitness trackers, tackling posture issues from desk work, blending CrossFit with Ironman training, and maintaining strength gains with limited equipment. We also touch on adapting meal plans to daily activity levels and responding to contradictory information in health research. 00:00 Welcome to Chasing Excellence 01:47 Launching Online Coaching Programs 05:19 Effective Fitness Trackers 07:29 Improving Posture for Desk Workers 09:54 CrossFit and Ironman Training 12:35 Thanks to our Sponsors: The Defender 110 & Momentous 15:50 Adapting Meal Plans 18:21 Responding to New Research 22:03 Maintaining Strength with Limited Equipment THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 The Defender 110 is the ultimate vehicle for modern explorers, offering unparalleled adventure, durability, and capability. With its robust materials, spacious cargo capacity, and innovative features, it empowers you to go further, explore with confidence, and embrace the impossible. 🔗 Discover a range of high-quality supplements trusted by world-class athletes and experts, supporting cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and providing essential nutrients to optimize your health and performance. Use code EXCELLENCE at Momentous for 20% off. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/26/202424 minutes, 52 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] Military Selection Training, Good Pressure, & Eating Between Competition Events

🤙🏼 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We’re answering listener questions about training strategies for military fitness tests, maintaining muscle during recovery from surgeries, supporting friends through depression, balancing creative pursuits with fitness routines, and nutrition tips for refueling between competition events. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:38 Question 1: Training for a Selection Course 08:33 Question 2: Maintaining Muscle During Recovery 13:31 Thanks to our Sponsors: OneSkin & LMNT 15:49 Question 3: Supporting a Friend with Depression 26:27 Question 4: Balancing Creative Pursuits and Workouts 28:51 Question 5: Nutrition Tips for Competition Day 32:27 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Revolutionize your skincare routine with science-backed products that target the root causes of aging, providing UV protection, hydrating the skin, and reversing skin aging with clinically proven results. Get 15% off your first purchase of OneSkin for a limited time when you use the code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 Introducing LMNT’s bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water that offers hydration without sugar or caffeine, supporting improved energy, sharper focus, and better hydration in amazing flavors like Citrus Salt, Watermelon Salt, Grapefruit Salt, and Black Cherry Lime. Available exclusively to insiders before the public launch. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/23/202432 minutes, 57 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] Moving Society from Sickness to Wellness to Fitness

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We answer a listener's question on how society can collectively pursue better health. We delve into the sickness-wellness-fitness continuum popularized by CrossFit, discuss the importance of bravery, and explore schools' role in creating a healthier world. We also examine the significant impact of big food, big soda, and big pharma on public health and consider how individual efforts and systemic changes can help move people from sickness to wellness and, ultimately, to fitness. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:43 Listener Question: Defining Acceptable Health 03:44 The Sickness-Wellness-Fitness Continuum 04:44 Fitness Metrics and Behaviors 06:59 Nutrition and Lifestyle Mapping 10:48 Challenges in Achieving Wellness 16:36 Thanks to our Sponsors: Lumen & Bespoke Post 19:44 The Need for Bravery 21:17 The Role of Education and Policy THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Get Lumen - the world's first handheld metabolic coach, a device that measures your metabolism through your breath, providing personalized nutrition plans, real-time insights, and tips on improving your overall metabolic health. 🔗 Discover an incredible monthly subscription that brings you curated boxes filled with high-quality products from small, up-and-coming brands, offering discounts of up to 30% off. Snag a free Mystery Gift with your first shipment when you sign up and use the code EXCELLENCE. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/19/202434 minutes, 12 seconds
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[ 💭 ] 5 Characteristics of High Performers

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription We’re talking about five characteristics of high performers, exploring concepts such as having a ridiculous work ethic, staying accountable, prioritizing what's important now, taking ownership, and initiating above and beyond expectations. We share insights and anecdotes from renowned high achievers, including athletes and business leaders, to illustrate how these traits drive exceptional performance and success. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:28 Overview of High Performers' Habits 01:37 Defining High Performers 01:58 Ridiculous Work Ethic 10:42 Accountability and Self-Management 15:44 Thanks to our Sponsors: DUER & Shopify 18:06 Prioritizing the Most Important Task 25:08 Taking Ownership of Your Actions 31:56 The Little Brother Story: Going Above and Beyond THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Discover the ultimate combination of style and comfort with these performance denim and lifestyle apparel with DUER. Made with sustainable materials, these pants and shorts are designed to last, making them the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Get 20% off your first order now! 🔗 Shopify is the comprehensive global commerce platform that empowers businesses of all sizes to sell online and in-person, providing everything needed to launch, grow, and succeed in e-commerce. Get a $1-per-month-trial today. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/16/202437 minutes, 29 seconds
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[ 💭 ] The Simplest Recipe for Success: Show Up & Don't Complain

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We're talking about the simplest yet most powerful recipe for success: showing up and not complaining. We discuss how being present and maintaining a positive mindset can significantly impact various aspects of life, from fitness and relationships to professional endeavors. 00:00 Welcome to Chasing Excellence 01:06 Join the Chase Club and Book Club Updates 02:01 Moments of Joy: Running and Rucking 05:30 Thanks to our Sponsors: OneSkin, Notion, & LMNT 08:27 The Power of Showing Up and Not Complaining 16:35 Real-Life Application: CompTrain Rebuilding Journey 19:47 The Importance of Mindset in Achieving Success 26:21 Hope and the Reticular Activation System THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Discover next-level skin care products created by skin longevity scientists, scientifically proven to reverse skin's biological age at the cellular level. Protect and rejuvenate your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreens, moisturizers, and more. Get 15% off your first purchase with code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 Experience the refreshing taste of LMNT’s zero-sugar electrolyte formulation in a 16oz can of sparkling water with amazing flavors like Citrus Salt, Watermelon Salt, Grapefruit Salt, and Black Cherry Lime. Stay hydrated and energized with essential electrolytes and only five calories per can. Available exclusively to LMNT Insiders. 🔗 Notion AI revolutionizes productivity by seamlessly integrating notes, docs, and projects, leveraging AI capabilities to work faster, write better, and think bigger, all in one space. Experience the power of Notion and Notion AI for free. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/12/202435 minutes, 8 seconds
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[ 🏃 ] 6 Questions About Kids & Training

🤙🏼 Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club Empowering Kids in Sports: Listener Questions We’re taking listener questions that revolve around helping kids with fitness, sports, and training. Topics include the best activities for improving strength and movement patterns, the right approach to balancing sports participation for young athletes, the importance of focusing on fun and inclusion in youth sports, effective training methods, and how to appropriately introduce weights to kids. Alongside practical advice for parents and coaches, we also discuss ways to support children’s physical development without compromising their well-being. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:29 Listener Questions Introduction 02:45 Question 1: Balancing Training and Variety for Kids 05:41 Question 2: Prioritizing Inclusivity in Youth Sports 12:21 Question 3: Pre-Season Training for Young Athletes 17:12 Thanks to our Sponsors: Momentous & the Defender 110 19:45 Question 4: Introducing Weights to Young Athletes 24:13 Question 5: CrossFit for Younger Teens 27:04 Question 6: Strength Training Focus for Teen Athletes THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 The Defender 110 is an iconic and modern vehicle designed for adventure, empowering exploration and pushing boundaries with style, confidence, and connectivity, making it the perfect companion for the modern explorer. 🔗 Momentous supplements prioritize transparency, integrity, and quality. Offering a range of products including Momentous Sleep, Creatine, Omega-3, and Protein supplements, all products are made with the highest quality ingredients and tested to meet industry standards. Save with code EXCELLENCE. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/9/202433 minutes, 48 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving World-Class Health

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Chase Club Subscription We delve into one of our favorite discussions: the 100 Words of Health, inspired by CrossFit's 100 Words of Fitness. Our conversation explores the principles behind these words, emphasizing the importance of environment, intentionality, passion, challenges, and various health factors like nutrition, sleep, and connections. We discuss the significance of recognizing health as a mix of choices and luck while focusing on what can be controlled. We also highlight the pitfalls of fixating on single health metrics, the influence of environment and social media, the impact of stress, and the importance of treating oneself with care and respect. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Chasing Excellence 00:34 Revisiting the Hundred Words of Health 01:30 Listener Questions and Premium Membership Updates 03:23 Introduction to the Hundred Words of Health 03:30 Defining Health Beyond the Absence of Disease 06:48 Creating a Healthy Environment 15:21 The Importance of Intentionality 21:13 Chasing Your Passion for Better Health 28:23 Seeking Challenges and Serving Others 32:21 Choosing Challenges Intentionally 33:08 Marrying Passion with Purpose 33:56 Respect Your Breath 35:53 Thanks to Our Sponsors: Hatch & OneSkin 38:44 Control Your Attention 44:08 Spending Time Outside 45:45 Choices and Luck in Health 51:31 Avoid Defining Health by a Single Number 53:40 Avoid Fads and Gurus 01:00:09 Treat Yourself Like Someone Who Matters 01:02:32 Conclusion and Thank You THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 The Hatch Restore is a device that helps improve your sleep routine, teaching your body when it's time to sleep and wake up, offering light and audio cues, and providing screen-free entertainment to help you relax and fall asleep faster. 🔗 OneSkin offers world-class skin products backed by extensive scientific research, focusing on treating the root cause of aging with a peptide that has been proven to reduce the number of senescent cells, providing scientifically proven care for your skin. Save with the code EXCELLENCE. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/5/20241 hour, 3 minutes, 24 seconds
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[ 🏃🏽‍♂️ ] Adding Strength to CrossFit, Getting Muscle Ups, and Overcoming Rhabdo

👋 Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription We dive into listener questions about the five factors of health, focusing on the MOVE category. We discuss improving muscle-ups, taking precautions against rhabdomyolysis, optimizing workouts in small CrossFit gyms, and prioritizing strength training as we age. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:00 Question 1: Tips for Chest to Bar Pull-Ups and Muscle-Ups 06:47 Question 2: Dealing with Rhabdo and Rebuilding Confidence 13:52 Thanks to our Sponsors: Cozy Earth & Bon Charge 17:41 Question 3: Effective Workouts in Limited Gym Space 21:36 Question 4: CrossFit and Strength Training for Older Adults 24:40 Conclusion and Farewell THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 The BON CHARGE Infrared Sauna Blanket offers all the benefits of a regular sauna from the comfort of your home, helping you burn calories, detoxify, improve circulation, and relax your mind and body. Get 15% off and free shipping with code EXCELLENCE at boncharge.com. 🔗 Experience the ultimate sleep sanctuary with Cozy Earth’s luxurious bedding and loungewear that rejuvenates your body, enhances your fitness journey, and ensures revitalizing sleep wherever your adventures take you. Use code EXCELLENCE to save $. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/2/202425 minutes, 24 seconds
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[ 🍽️ ] The 2 Questions to Ask Before Changing Your Diet

We’re revisiting a past discussion that focused on the basics of simplifying nutrition. We explore the two primary considerations for creating a nutrition plan: understanding personal goals and determining one's eating style. We discuss three essential buckets of nutrition—quality, quantity, and macronutrient balance—and how they align with different health and performance objectives. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:29 Recommendation: Celebrating Your Wins 06:58 Thanks to our sponsors: The Defender & Washington Post 09:32 Starting the Nutrition Conversation 24:20 The Importance of Crunchy Foods 25:22 Tracking and Measuring Nutrition 26:12 Personal Nutrition Routine 28:47 Summer vs. Winter Diet 31:15 The Power of Food Choices 36:44 Simplifying Nutrition 42:00 Conclusion and Farewell ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 The rugged and versatile Defender series of vehicles redefine adventure, with modern design, robust build quality, ample cargo space, innovative camera technology, and a spirit of embracing the impossible. Explore new territories and create unforgettable memories with the Defender family of vehicles. 🔗 Get reliable and in-depth news coverage on health, wellness, and current events, with the option to listen to articles, from the trusted journalists at the Washington Post. Get 80% off their usual subscription price. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Monday & Friday. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/28/202442 minutes, 47 seconds
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[ 🏃🏽‍♂️ ] A Masterclass On Training Alone Effectively

We’re exploring how to train alone effectively by breaking down four key elements: self-discipline, necessary equipment, having a structured plan, and moving with proper technique. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:02 Listener Shoutouts 02:38 Topic Introduction: Training Alone Effectively 04:16 Key 1: Self-Discipline 11:15 Key 2: Necessary Equipment 19:15 Barbells vs. Dumbbells: Finding the Sweet Spot 20:08 Strength Training: Maximizing Variety and Gains 21:59 Conditioning and Consistency: The Key to Success 22:46 Thanks to our Sponsors: LMNT & DUER 25:18 Key 3: The Training Plan 32:24 Balancing Enjoyment and Discipline in Workouts 34:43 Key 4: Technique and Intensity 39:18 Final Thoughts: Environment and Community ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Discover DUER’s ultimate comfort and style with stretch performance denim and lifestyle apparel that keeps you cool and dry, made with sustainable plant-based materials. Get 20% off your first order now. 🔗 Introducing LMNT’s bold, zero-sugar electrolyte drink in a convenient 16-ounce can, loaded with electrolytes and available in various flavors, perfect for health seekers looking to support their health across a broad spectrum of occasions. Get yours today! ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/25/202441 minutes, 31 seconds
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[ 💭 ] How to Focus Less on the Goal & More on the Process

We’re revisiting a conversation from March 2023 about the ten pillars of trusting the process. These pillars, originally created for elite athletes, are just as applicable to anyone pursuing meaningful goals. We explore each pillar in depth, covering topics like defining success for ourselves, maintaining perspective, maximizing our time, and cultivating curiosity. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 OneSkin offers a scientifically proven skincare solution targeting the root causes of aging, improving skin health, and diminishing visible signs of aging with gentle, effective topical supplements free from harmful chemicals, designed by an all-woman team of scientists. Use code EXCELLENCE to save $. 🔗 Lumen is a handheld device that measures your metabolism through your breath, providing personalized nutrition advice and guidance to improve your overall health, including weight management, energy levels, fitness results, and sleep quality. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Monday & Friday. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/21/202427 minutes, 29 seconds
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[ 🎒 ] AMQAP20: Cultivating Grit, Extra Work in the Gym, Healthy Lunches, & More

We jump into a bunch of listener questions spanning our five factors of health - nutrition, exercise, mindset, connection, and recovery. For long time listeners, this is our updated 2:00 Drill! From debating the risks and benefits of extra skill work after CrossFit classes, to cultivating grit in athletes and children, to practical tips for packing healthy lunches, we aim to provide helpful insights to empower you on your health journey. We also discuss the power of journaling and share some of our favorite techniques to make the habit stick. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Momentous Sleep is a powerful blend of Magnesium L-Threonate, Apigenin, and L-Theanine designed to improve sleep quality by helping users fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up fully recharged, all while being free of banned substances, toxic elements, and fillers. Use code EXCELLENCE to save $! 🔗 Sell your products effortlessly with Shopify - a global commerce platform that supports every stage of your business, from launching your online shop to scaling up to a million orders, offering variety to customers and boosting sales with an all-in-one ecommerce platform and AI-powered tools. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/18/202424 minutes, 22 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] 20 Game-Changing Tactics to Optimize Your Health

We’re diving into the practical, actionable steps you can take to optimize your health and performance across our 5 Factors of Health (movement, recovery, nutrition, mindset, and connection). We share our top four tactics for each category, providing you with a comprehensive roadmap to upgrade your daily habits and routines. From combining strength training and cardio to prioritizing sleep and recovery, eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, cultivating a growth mindset, and nurturing meaningful relationships, we cover it all. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 The Defender 110 is the ultimate adventure vehicle, designed with modern style and robust materials, offering unparalleled capability and confidence on and off the road, with intuitive technology keeping you connected throughout your journey. Explore with confidence and embrace the impossible with the Defender 110. 🔗 Experience DUER’s comfortable and versatile stretch performance denim and lifestyle apparel made from plant-based and recycled materials, designed for active individuals to effortlessly transition from work to leisure in a single pair of pants. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesday & Friday. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/14/202452 minutes, 4 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] 4 Simple Steps to Sustainable Weight Loss Success

In this episode, we talk about the findings of the National Weight Control Registry, an extensive study that has tracked over 10,000 individuals who have achieved significant and sustained weight loss. We explore four key habits that have emerged as common threads among those who have successfully maintained their weight loss over an extended period. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Experience the ultimate in sleep comfort with Cozy Earth’s luxurious bedding and loungewear that rejuvenates your body, ensuring restful nights wherever your adventures take you. Stay cool and comfortable during your fitness journey with temperature-regulating bamboo joggers and pullover crew. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. 🔗 The BON CHARGE Infrared Sauna Blanket is a game-changing health and wellness tool that provides all the benefits of a traditional sauna in the comfort of your own home, with safe, non-toxic materials, low EMF emissions, easy setup, and HSA/FSA eligibility for tax-free savings. Save when you use the code EXCELLENCE. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/11/202431 minutes, 27 seconds
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[ 🤟🏼 ] Maslow’s Hierarchy, Dating Challenges, & Combining Therapy & CrossFit

In this episode, we dive into some thought-provoking listener questions about major life decisions, relationships, and mental health. From weighing the importance of family connections versus career opportunities when considering a move, to the challenges of dating in midlife, to the powerful combination of fitness and therapy, we explore these complex topics through the lens of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and the latest research on exercise and mental well-being. Join us as we discuss the importance of staying true to your values, putting in the work to achieve your goals, and the transformative power of taking on challenges one small step at a time. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 The Defender 110 is the ultimate adventure vehicle reimagined with modern design, robust materials, and unmatched capability. It empowers exploration, ensures style and confidence, and keeps you connected on every journey. Discover the symbol of a lifestyle of adventure and embrace the impossible with this iconic vehicle made for the modern explorer. 🔗 OneSkin offers scientifically proven skincare products that treat the root cause of aging by targeting cellular senescence, resulting in younger-looking and healthier skin. Their lab-backed formulations are free from harmful chemicals and are suitable for all skin types. Use code EXCELLENCE to save! ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesday & Friday. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/7/202434 minutes, 28 seconds
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[ 💭 ] Strategies for More Meaningful Downtime

In this episode, we dive into a listener question about how to better use our downtime in the evenings when energy and focus are low, especially if we want to avoid mindlessly watching TV and instead do things that move us closer to our goals. We explore strategies for gradually improving habits, making the most of those precious first and last hours of the day, and navigating a world filled with distractions vying for our attention. Join us as we discuss the importance of awareness and intentionality in pursuing a meaningful life. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Support your overall wellness with high-quality supplements from Momentous that have been collaboratively developed with experts, undergo rigorous third-party testing, and adhere to industry-leading standards. Enhance cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and optimize your health. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. 🔗 LMNT Sparkling is a refreshing, zero-sugar electrolyte formulation in a bold 16oz can of sparkling water, providing essential electrolytes and amazing flavors like Citrus Salt, Watermelon Salt, Grapefruit Salt, and Black Cherry Lime. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesday & Friday. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/4/202427 minutes, 5 seconds
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[ 🛌 ] 4 Principles for Maximizing Recovery & Performance

We’re getting into the crucial topic of recovery and discussing four common ways people tend to undermine their own recovery process. We explore the importance of understanding why recovery is necessary, the different types of stress and stimuli that training places on the body, and how the time needed for recovery can be flexible based on our proactive approach. Lastly, we emphasize the interdependence of all five factors - training, nutrition, sleep, mindset, and relationships - in optimizing recovery and ultimately improving performance. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 The DEFENDER 110 is an iconic, durable, and highly capable vehicle designed for adventurers and explorers, offering robust materials, modern design, and innovative features that inspire confidence and enable exploration in challenging terrains and harsh weather conditions. 🔗 Get unparalleled coverage and insights on a wide range of topics from the Washington Post, including health, fitness, climate, culture, tech, and cooking, with a personalized roundup of stories based on your interests and reading history, all for just 25 cents per week for your first year. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Monday & Friday. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/31/202432 minutes
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[ 💭 ] Taking Challenges Lightly & Other Lessons from Bruce Lee

We’re diving into the profound wisdom of Bruce Lee, a renowned martial artist, philosopher, and actor. We've curated three thought-provoking quotes from his interviews, and these quotes serve as catalysts for our discussion. Through his words, we explore themes of self-awareness, resilience, and the art of navigating life's challenges with grace and presence. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LUMEN is a handheld device that measures your metabolism through your breath, providing personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance to improve your metabolic health, enhance weight management, boost energy levels, improve fitness results, and optimize sleep. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. 🔗 The Infrared Sauna Blanket from BON CHARGE offers a safe and convenient way to experience the benefits of a sauna at home, promoting better sleep, improved circulation, and glowing skin, while being made from non-toxic materials and emitting low frequencies. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Monday & Friday. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/28/202431 minutes, 36 seconds
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[ 🤟🏼 ] 7 Strategies for Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription In this episode, we revisit a conversation from our archives, originally released in 2018. It's a discussion about parenting tactics and strategies, covering topics like building grit, developing a growth mindset, balancing vulnerability with complaining, and more. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 A legendary and durable vehicle that combines modern design with a rich history, the Defender family of vehicles offers exceptional capability, robust materials, and an intuitive driver experience for off-road adventures and everyday exploration, with options for electric hybrid power and versatile seating configurations. 🔗 Discover a revolutionary skincare solution backed by science. OneSkin’s topical supplement targets the root cause of aging, reduces senescent cells, and delivers proven results. Plus, it's safe for sensitive skin. Experience the future of skincare today with an exclusive discount. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/24/202432 minutes, 37 seconds
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[ 🏃🏽‍♂️ ] Vacation WODs, Fitness After Burnout, & Ultra Training in a CrossFit Box

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription We’re diving into our MOVE category this week, exploring the art of crafting an effective exercise routine while on vacation, striking a balance between physical demands and mental rejuvenation. Additionally, we navigate the intricate path of reintegrating training into one's lifestyle after a period of burnout, offering insights on how to approach this delicate transition with wisdom and care. Finally, we examine the unique challenges faced by endurance athletes who seek to maintain their rigorous training regimens while respecting the guidance of their coaches and the limitations imposed upon them. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Discover high-quality supplements trusted by top athletes and experts. Improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and support overall health with Momentous' range of supplements. Get up to 36% off your first subscription order or 15% off individual products at livemomentous.com with code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 Shopify is the ultimate partner for growing businesses, providing an all-in-one e-commerce platform that helps you sell everywhere, from launching your online shop to hitting a million orders, with AI-powered tools to create captivating content and optimize conversions. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/21/202424 minutes, 56 seconds
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[ 💭 ] Mindset Challenges in Marriage & The Real Meaning of "Happy”

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription This week, we dive into two listener questions that tackle the complexities of mindset and personal growth. First, we explore the challenges of navigating a relationship with a spouse who has developed a victim mindset over the years, offering insights on how to gently initiate a journey towards a more empowering perspective. Then, we dissect the nuances of the "happy" trait within the "humble, hungry, and happy" framework, contrasting it with the "smart" trait from Patrick Lencioni's work and shedding light on the profound impact of fostering a positive, enthusiastic, and uplifting energy within a team dynamic. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 The Defender 110 is a highly capable and durable vehicle that embraces adventure, exploration, and pushing boundaries, offering modern design, robust materials, ample cargo capacity, innovative camera technologies, and the ability to tackle off-road challenges and harsh weather conditions for the modern explorer. 🔗 Experience the benefits of the Bon Charge Infrared Sauna Blanket that heats the body directly at a lower temperature, providing soothing relaxation, improved recovery, and better sleep, all from the comfort of your own home. Use code EXCELLENCE to save sitewide. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/17/202427 minutes, 34 seconds
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[ 💪🏼 ] Our 5 Factors Health Stacks

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription Starting this week, we're kicking off a fresh chapter of the show, revamping our format to bring you more frequent and concise discussions. We'll delve into thought-provoking topics, revive some beloved segments from the past, and introduce new elements to keep things exciting. This week, we explore the concept of a "health stack" – a collection of tools, resources, and practices that collectively contribute to overall well-being. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Qualia Senolytic from Neurohacker is a revolutionary anti-aging solution that eliminates senescent cells, promoting healthy aging and enhancing physical prime with just two days of use per month. Use code EXCELLENCE to save at checkout. 🔗 LMNT Sparkling is a refreshing 16 oz can of zero-sugar electrolyte water, offering health seekers a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. With bold flavors like Citrus Salt and Black Cherry Lime, it's the perfect way to stay hydrated and support your well-being. ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram.  📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/14/202432 minutes, 22 seconds
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The Diversification of Motivation, Pursuing a Meaningful Life, Fitter Friendships, & More

This week, we’re tackling listener questions on solving double under problems, supporting a partner's fitness journey, and navigating challenges as a woman in a male-dominated workplace. We then explore the concept of finding purpose later in life, discussing the meaning of life, the pursuit of happiness, and the importance of taking responsibility for our own fulfillment. Finally, we share a snippet from a conversation about building stronger friendships, emphasizing the value of structured discussions and intentional investments in our relationships. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Get the perfect gift for Mother's Day from OneSkin - a scientifically validated skincare routine that targets the root cause of aging, with a proprietary peptide backed by studies and over 4,000 5-star reviews, improving skin health and diminishing visible signs of aging. Use the code EXCELLENCE for 15% off your first order. 🔗 Lumen is a handheld device that measures your metabolism through your breath, providing insights on whether your body is burning carbs or fats, and offers personalized guidance to improve nutrition, workouts, sleep, and stress management for optimal metabolic health. 🔗 Discover high-quality supplements backed by experts and third-party testing. Enhance cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and support overall health with a daily regimen of Creatine, Omega-3, and Protein. Get up to 36% off your first subscription order or 15% off individual products at livemomentous.com with code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 LMNT Sparkling is a refreshing and healthy zero-sugar electrolyte drink in a 16-ounce can of sparkling water, available in flavors like Citrus Salt, Watermelon Salt, Grapefruit Salt, and Black Cherry Lime, packed with essential electrolytes, just 5 calories, and 0 g sugar, perfect for health-conscious individuals. ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/7/20241 hour, 1 minute, 22 seconds
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The Value of the CrossFit Open, CNS vs. Muscular Fatigue, & More - w Cole Sager

We're joined by our good friend Cole Sager to tackle some of your questions this week! We start by discussing whether Masters athletes, particularly women, can continue to lift heavy and compete in CrossFit well into their sixties, and how to navigate that intelligently. We then dive into the differences between central nervous system fatigue and muscular fatigue, exploring how to identify and address each. Our Workout this week is the value of the CrossFit Open for non-competitive CrossFitters - is it the best test of fitness, or are there better ways to assess our progress? ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Get all the benefits of a regular sauna from the comfort of your own home with the BON CHARGE infrared sauna blanket, helping you burn calories, detoxify, improve circulation, and relax your mind and body for better sleep and reduced stress. Save with code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 Discover the ultimate jeans (or should we say The Perfect Jean) that offer unrivaled comfort and style. Say goodbye to uncomfortable pants and embrace the perfect fit for any occasion. Get 15% off with the code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 Transform your sleep and enhance your overall wellness with luxuriously soft bedding from Cozy Earth that regulates temperature, providing ultimate comfort and indulgence for a rejuvenating night's sleep. Save 35% off your purchase with code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 Get trustworthy and in-depth news from the Washington Post on health, wellness, mental health, nutrition, fitness, aging, and more with personalized articles and the option to listen to them while you multitask, all for just 50 cents per week for your first year. ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
4/30/202458 minutes, 37 seconds
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2 Big Takeaways from Reading “The Ideal Team Player” (Book Club #1)

In this episode, we delve into the concept of being an ideal team player, exploring the three virtues of humility, hunger, and people smarts as outlined in Patrick Lencioni's book of the same name. We examine how these qualities extend beyond the workplace and into our daily lives, fostering better relationships and a more fulfilling existence. Finally, we discuss the role of insecurity as a barrier to embracing these virtues and the importance of seeking feedback for personal growth. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 OneSkin is a revolutionary skincare brand offers scientifically validated products targeting the root cause of aging, improving skin health and appearance. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. 🔗 Lumen is a handheld device that measures your metabolism through your breath, providing personalized nutrition advice, tracking fat and carb burning, and helping improve overall metabolic health for easier weight management, better energy levels, and enhanced fitness results. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. 🔗 Cozy Earth wants you to experience the ultimate comfort and luxurious sleep with bedding products that are soft as a mother's touch, temperature-regulating, and crafted with superior fabrics and materials. Enhance your sleep quality and overall wellness with this exclusive offer. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. 🔗 Shopify is the global commerce platform that empowers businesses to sell products and reach customers online, providing tools, support, and an all-in-one e-commerce platform to grow and succeed. Get an exclusive offer with by using this link. ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
4/23/20241 hour, 6 seconds
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The Mindset Continuum, Levels of Leadership, Playing in Streams, & More

This week, we're diving deep into one of our foundational frameworks, exploring what we've previously referred to as the "hierarchy of mindset" but are now reframing as the "mindset continuum." We unpack the reasoning behind this shift in terminology and take a closer look at the different stages that comprise this continuum, from the victim mindset to the pinnacle of mental fitness: the competitor mindset. Along the way, we'll offer practical insights and actionable strategies for recognizing where we currently reside on the continuum and how we can work towards cultivating a more resilient, growth-oriented perspective – one that empowers us to embrace challenges and adversity as opportunities for personal growth and evolution. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/excellence 🔗 Momentous: http://www.livemomentous.com [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Bon Charge: https://boncharge.com/ [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
4/16/20241 hour, 10 minutes, 41 seconds
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Raising the 5 Factor Family, Modeling Healthy Behavior, & More - w Heather Bergeron

Something different this week. Ben was joined by his wife Heather for a talk they gave at CrossFit New England sharing insights and practical strategies for incorporating the 5 Factors into our daily lives. They emphasize the importance of leading by example, creating awareness, and fostering a supportive environment for ourselves and our families. Additionally, they provide valuable advice on how to effectively communicate these principles to our children, ensuring that the next generation embraces a holistic approach to wellness from an early age. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Neurohacker [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Cozy Earth [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
4/9/202458 minutes, 55 seconds
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Creating Emotional Maturity, Having Hard Conversations, Scaling Push-Ups, & More

We’re talking about the concept of regulating emotions this week, exploring different strategies to take ownership and control over them. We start the episode, though, by addressing listener questions on scaling pushups, finding the balance between losing body fat and building muscle, and setting boundaries with family members. Our workout segment dives deep into the principles of emotional maturity, discussing the importance of experiencing the right emotions at the right time and to the right degree. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 BON CHARGE [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Hatch 🔗 LMNT ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
4/2/20241 hour, 2 minutes, 12 seconds
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Defeating Health Anxiety, Nutrition for Teen Athletes, & More - with EC Synkowski

This week, we dive into how to avoid health anxiety and obsession with EC Synkowski. We explore the challenges of balancing health guidelines and principles without letting them consume our lives. With questions from listeners Jeremiah and Jeremy, we discuss the fine line between being mindful of our health and becoming overly fixated on every detail. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Shopify 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Hatch 🔗 Cozy Earth [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
3/26/202456 minutes, 41 seconds
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First Principles of the 5 Factors, Being an Asset, Living a Meaningful Life, & More

In this episode, we delve into one of the foundational frameworks that underpins our entire approach to living a life of excellence – the five factors of health. We revisit the first principles of each factor: moving our bodies frequently, nourishing ourselves with real foods, fostering a mindset of curiosity over judgment, prioritizing restorative sleep, and surrounding ourselves with supportive communities. Through our discussion, we aim to reinforce the importance of mastering these fundamental behaviors as the bedrock for pursuing purpose, passion, balance, and poise in all areas of life. Additionally, we address listener questions on optimizing movement throughout the workday, navigating conflicting fitness goals, and finding the courage to align your career with your deepest values. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LMNT 🔗 Cozy Earth [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
3/19/20241 hour, 8 minutes, 10 seconds
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The Power of Adversity, Risk and Reward, & More (RoxLyfe Podcast Replay)

We’re sharing a conversation Ben had recently with the RoxLyfe podcast. He & Greg talk about the evolution of Ben’s approach to mindset, from a focus on positivity to realism and the warrior's mindset. They talk about how adversity can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth and uncover the significance of calculated risks in athletic performance and its role in achieving greatness. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Neurohacker [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
3/12/202454 minutes, 43 seconds
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Waiting for the Right Wave, Manufacturing Challenges, Our New Book Club, & More

This week, we’ve listener questions about the benefits and best practices of caffeine intake, modifications for double unders, and grappling with dyslexia and the importance of finding the right learning environment. Our main conversation is one about overcoming frustration and maintaining forward momentum in entrepreneurship and life. We’re also announcing the first book in our new Book Club. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 LMNT 🔗 CompTrain ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
3/5/20241 hour, 3 minutes, 13 seconds
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The Two Paths of Opening a CrossFit Gym Today, GPS Cues, & More - with Max Isaac

We’re joined by CrossFit TILT co-owner Max Issac this week for a coaching and gym ownership-focused episode. We talk about coaching techniques in the world of CrossFit, discuss the balance between training and coaching, and the challenges of opening a CrossFit affiliate. We also explore the dynamics of programming in EMOMs and Tabatas and the importance of preparation before launching into intense workouts. From the intricacies of CrossFit coaching to the excitement of high-intensity workouts, we cover a wide range of topics that will provide valuable insights for both coaches and gym owners. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Hatch 🔗 Shopify 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
2/27/20241 hour, 8 minutes, 5 seconds
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Insights into Elite Level Coaching, The Uniqueness of CrossFit, & More (Talk4 Replay)

We’re sharing a convo Ben had recently with Louis of the Talk4 Podcast. They explore Ben’s transition from personal trainer to elite level coach, shedding light on the psychological aspects of fitness and the importance of decision-making. They also discuss the evolution and impact of CrossFit, its unique approach to fitness, and how it has revolutionized the fitness space. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Hatch 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 The Perfect Jean [code: EXCELLENCE15] 🔗 LMNT ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
2/20/202447 minutes, 57 seconds
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The Most Valuable Framework, Assessing Mobility, Apologizing to Your Kids, & More

In this episode, we’re revisiting our three guiding principles: Awareness, Intention, and Action. We explore how these principles can be implemented in everyday life, transforming complex concepts into simple, actionable steps. We’ve also got listener questions about improving the overhead squat, ideal body fat percentages, and how to know if surgery is the right decision. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Factor Meals [code: EXCELLENCE50] 🔗 Neurohacker [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 OneSkin: [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
2/13/20241 hour, 4 minutes, 53 seconds
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Resetting PRs, Workout Anxiety, Hypertrophy Training, & More

This week, we're diving into a variety of topics that touch on all aspects of fitness. We tackle your questions about supplementing CrossFit with hypertrophy training, the role of protein supplementation in a clean diet, and how to recover effectively after an intense travel day. We also discuss the concept of “resetting” personal records as we go through different stages in life. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LMNT 🔗 Cozy Earth [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
2/6/202456 minutes, 26 seconds
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Measuring Career Success, The Symptoms of Overtraining, Weightlifting for Longevity, & More

We answer your questions about balancing weightlifting with running, getting enough protein as a vegetarian, and figuring out if over-training is affecting your sleep. We also tackle a big, open-ended question: How do you know when you've "made it" in your career? Finally, we give you permission to do something you should be doing but aren't yet. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Shopify [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 CompTrain 🔗 Hatch ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
1/30/202453 minutes, 43 seconds
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Mastering the Five P’s of Decision-Making, the CrossFit L1, Handling Rep Shavers, & More

This week, we talk about the importance of integrity in the gym and share some of our strategies for faster recovery after intense physical activity. We also revisit one of our original decision-making frameworks, and close out with a chat about focus and flow. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Notion 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 LMNT ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
1/23/20241 hour, 6 minutes, 5 seconds
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Helping Who We Can Help, Navigating Negativity, Sunday Runday, & More

We’re diving into the importance of maintaining endurance while doing CrossFit, the balance between promoting health and allowing indulgences and managing the emotional journey of job hunting. We also answer a listener's question about how to navigate long-time friendships as people change. To end the episode, we share some of our recent favorite books, podcasts, movies, and activities. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Mando [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Factor Meals [code: EXCELLENCE50] 🔗 Chirp [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
1/16/20241 hour, 6 seconds
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A Realist’s Approach to Health, Lessons from Elite Athletes, & More (Food, We Need to Talk Replay)

We’re sharing a conversation Ben had recently with the folks at the Food, We Need to Talk podcast. They delve into how elite athletes can teach us valuable lessons that can be applied to our everyday lives, the five foundational behaviors that contribute to optimal health and performance, and how to overcome obstacles and cultivate a growth mindset ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Chirp [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
1/9/202457 minutes, 7 seconds
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The State of CrossFit Affiliates, Getting Your Mom to Seek Therapy, Assessing Recovery, & More

We’re answering your questions about the current state of the CrossFit affiliate space, discuss training strategies for demanding jobs, and tackle the importance of vulnerability in relationships. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LMNT 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 CozyEarth [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Notion ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
1/2/20241 hour, 6 minutes, 39 seconds
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Must-Do Daily Actions, Building Discipline, & More (Top Episode of 2023)

In this episode, we’re revisiting the top episode of 2023 and exploring the power of daily actions in pursuing a fulfilling life, the significance of nasal breathing during intense workouts, strategies for cultivating discipline, and the daily actions that will strengthen the 5 factors of health. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LMNT 🔗 Factor Meals [code: excellence50] 🔗 Neurohacker [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Lectric eBikes ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
12/26/202352 minutes, 58 seconds
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The Power of Influence, Bionic Shoulders, Leadership in the Midst of Bureaucracy, & More

We’re talking about how to navigate the influence of others on our kids’ habits and actions, plus listener questions about strengthening shoulders, improving ankle mobility, and how to be a transformational leader inside the military. ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Neurohacker [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Chirp [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 CompTrain ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
12/19/202354 minutes, 7 seconds
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Climbing the Second Mountain, the Power of Breathwork, What We’re Proud Of, & More

We’re exploring the importance of maintaining a well-rounded approach to health, the impact of muscle mass on long-term well-being, and strategies for navigating the challenges of Halloween candy indulgence. We’re also talking about ambition, complacency, and climbing the second mountain. 🔗 Subscribe to the CE Weekly Newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Notion 🔗 Shopify [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Chirp [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
12/12/202354 minutes, 16 seconds
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Active Recovery, Soreness vs Pain, Wim Hoff, & More (Benchmark)

We’re diving into the archives this week for a conversation we had in 2019 on the topic of recovery. We explore its importance and give a bunch of strategies for optimizing it. Expect to Learn: The distinction between soreness and pain The benefits of self-myofascial release How active recovery exercises can enhance recovery Strategies for optimizing the recovery process The role of recovery in maximizing performance ❤️ Subscribe to the CE Weekly Newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 LMNT 🔗 CozyEarth [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
12/5/202358 minutes, 11 seconds
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Passion vs Obsession, a Plan for Getting Pull-Ups, the Real Definition of Competition, & More

We’re examining the challenge of maintaining our priorities and values when facing criticism from those close to us who may not fully understand our lifestyle choices. We’re also answering questions from listeners looking for guidance on topics like achieving fitness goals and improving recovery practices. Expect to Learn: Concrete steps to set and achieve a goal like weight loss or increasing pull-ups Simple yet effective at-home recovery methods How to have constructive conversations when values clash with friends/family Signs your passion may be tipping into an unhealthy obsession Actionable ways to live balanced while still chasing excellence ❤️ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LMNT [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Neurohacker [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Chirp [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Oneskin [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
11/28/202353 minutes, 53 seconds
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Underestimating Decades, Embracing the New Year, Negative Visualization, & More

As we reflect on the year coming to a close and look ahead to the new one, we explore the importance of finding stillness amidst adversities and embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Expect to Learn: The concept of negative visualization and its application beyond sports How to develop resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges Strategies for reframing situations and letting go of resistance The power of awareness in navigating triggers and maintaining inner peace Practical tips for setting realistic expectations and embracing change ❤️ Subscribe to the CE Weekly Newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: 🔗 Cozy Earth [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Momentous [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Chirp [code: EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
11/21/20231 hour, 4 minutes, 54 seconds
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CrossFit’s Universality, Movement Snacks, Rethinking Group Classes, & More

This week, we discuss the importance of consistent training, finding balance in life, managing tendonitis and arthritis, maintaining health during stressful times, and how Ben is rethinking the business model of the CrossFit gym. Expect to Learn: The role of consistent training in personal well-being Strategies for prioritizing family and fitness Tips for managing tendonitis and arthritis in CrossFit Techniques for maintaining health during stressful periods ❤️ Subscribe to the CE Weekly Newsletter THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: 🔗 CompTrain 🔗 Momentous [use code EXCELLENCE] 🔗 BetterHelp 🔗 Shopify [use code EXCELLENCE] ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
11/14/202357 minutes, 44 seconds
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10 Challenges of Modern Life, Staying in Our Lane, Lab Grown Meat, & More

We’re the impact of working in offices for long hours, the potential benefits and risks of lab-grown meat, and not taking criticism from those we wouldn't seek advice from. Expect to Learn: ✦ The impact of long office hours on our well-being ✦ The potential benefits and drawbacks of lab-grown meat ✦ The importance of considering the source of criticism ✦ The limitations of human beings in our modern world ✦ The significance of not settling for complacency 🔗 Subscribe to the CE Weekly Newsletter Thanks to our sponsors: 🔗 LMNT 🔗 OneSkin [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Cozyearth [code: EXCELLENCE] 🔗 CompTrain About the Show Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes chase what truly matters. About Us 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.  
11/7/20231 hour, 3 minutes
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Decoding Stoicism, The 5 Factors Business Model, Dealing with Lingering Emotions, & More

We're exploring stoicism, conscious leadership, and the significance of fully experiencing emotions this week. We're also answering your questions about body weight and performance, along with what to do about the lasting effects of emotional responses after the triggering situation has concluded. Expect to Learn The correlation between body weight and performance Strategies for handling lingering emotional responses Insights from the "15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership" The true meaning of stoicism and how it can be misunderstood THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: 🔗 ReliefBand [use code EXCELLENCE] 🔗 Lectric eBikes 🔗 Momentous [use code EXCELLENCE] 🔗 LMNT ABOUT THE SHOW Every Tuesday, we answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
10/31/202352 minutes, 8 seconds
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Turning the Page, Embracing the Next Challenge, & More [Mindset Advantage Replay]

This week, we have a chat Ben had recently on the Mindset Advantage podcast hosted by DJ Hillier. In it, they discuss 15 lessons learned over Ben’s 15 years of high-level coaching. Expect to Learn: How to turn the page and focus on the next event or challenge The importance of tuning out distractions and ignoring external noise Why you need to cultivate the right mindset to maximize performance and minimize self-sabotage How to practice being non-judgmental and present-focused THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Oneskin: oneskin.co [code: EXCELLENCE] Shopify: Shopify.com/excellence LMNT: drinklmnt.com/excellence Momentous: lifemomentous.com [code: EXCELLENCE] FIND US ON SOCIAL: Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/pscummings
10/24/20231 hour, 30 minutes, 29 seconds
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Mental Toughness for Kids, Taking it Easy in the Gym, Asking for What You Want, & More

This week, we’re answering listener questions about snacking healthier, starting a career in fitness, and teaching mental toughness to kids. We wrap the episode up with a new Cool Down, where we give you permission to (perhaps) do the thing you know you should be doing, but aren’t. The questions we’re answering this week: 1️⃣ From Aidan: Do you have any suggestions for healthy and clean snacks? 2️⃣ from Kevin: I think I want to pursue a career in fitness, but I'm struggling with how to start while still supporting my family. How long should I try to see if the new position is something I'll enjoy? 3️⃣ from Victor: How can a parent teach their child a lesson on mental toughness? 4️⃣ from Orsi: How can I determine if an activity or experience, like a multi-day solo bike ride and camping with my 1-year-old, is a wise decision that will benefit her long-term development, considering potential disruptions to her daily routine and possible sleepless nights? THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Cozy Earth: cozyearth.com [use code: EXCELLENCE] Lifeforce: mylifeforce.com/excellence [use code: EXCELLENCE40] Policygenius: policygenius.com FIND US ON SOCIAL: Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/pscummings
10/17/202344 minutes, 50 seconds
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Wanting Your Spouse to Win, Yoga for CrossFitters, Keeping Teens Active, & More

This week, we’re talking yoga for CrossFitters, getting teenagers to move more and look at screens less, balancing life with your spouse, and more. Specific questions we’re answering: 1️⃣ How can I attract more CrossFit athletes to try my beginner-friendly yoga class and benefit from the mobility training it offers? 2️⃣ Should I have a conversation with our daycare provider about not giving highly processed foods to my kids, or should I just continue to feed them top-notch foods outside of daycare? 3️⃣ How can we motivate my 16-year-old son to be more active and involved in physical activities without pressuring him to exercise or go outside, given his decreasing interest in sports and growing preference for video games and online videos? 4️⃣ How do you and your spouses balance family and household roles, schedules, responsibilities, etc., to maintain a healthy work-life balance? We’re also talking about a documentary you should watch. Learn more about that here: https://smalltownstrongdoc.com/ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Momentous: livemomentous.com [use code EXCELLENCE40] BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/excellence FIND US ON SOCIAL: Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/pscummings
10/10/20231 hour, 1 minute, 30 seconds
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Evolving the Fulfillment Framework, the 5 Factors for Kids, Blue Zones, & More

The questions we’re answering this week: 📍 How can I improve my training to achieve better progress and keep up with the competition, considering my busy lifestyle as a self-employed PT and lack of easy access to a CrossFit box? 📍 Has the Fulfillment Framework process evolved for you and Ben since you first talked about it 2 years ago, including the macro-to-micro approach to goal setting and checking off 20-25 items daily as part of your routine? 📍 How can athletes, whether amateur or professional, stay present in the moment and balance their daily activities needed to achieve their goals, without feeling guilty about prepping when they have family obligations? 📍 As an elementary school physical education and health teacher, I want to develop a health curriculum for grades 4-6 based on the five factors of health. Can you provide essential principles for each factor that are geared toward elementary school students? THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: ONESKIN: oneskin.co (use code EXCELLENCE) RELIEFBAND: reliefband.com (use code EXCELLENCE) LIFE FORCE: mylifeforce.com/excellence (use code EXCELLENCE40) FIND US ON SOCIAL: Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/pscummings
10/3/20231 hour, 10 minutes, 15 seconds
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Over-Scheduling Kids, The Hoax of Date Night, Derailing Good Habits, & More

In this episode, we answer listener questions about working on weaknesses, combating habits derailing progress, and deepening connections with significant others. We also share personal experiences and advice on balancing pushing kids without over-scheduling, reflecting on legacy, and prioritizing meaningful moments. Specific questions we’re answering: 📍 How do you maintain good habits and routines when struggling with depression? 📍 How can you make others understand the importance of reconnecting with your partner when they don't see anything wrong in their busy lives? 📍 To work on weaknesses in the gym, should I focus on 2-3 specific things before each training session or cycles of one specific thing I’d train at least three times per week? 📍 Should parents prioritize their children's busy schedules and extracurricular activities to teach executive functioning, teamwork, and time management skills - or is there a risk of burning them out and over-scheduling them? What are your thoughts on the matter? THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Momentous: livemomentous.com [code: excellence] LMNT: DrinkLMNT.com/excellence Shopify: Shopify.com/excellence FIND US ON SOCIAL: Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/pscummings
9/26/202347 minutes, 35 seconds
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Work/Life Balance, Coaching Complex Movements, Celebrating Joy, & More

The questions we’re answering this week: 📍 How do you advise introducing complex movements like the split jerk to people new to fitness and give them proper progressions, especially when trainers may be teaching them without proper mechanics? 📍 What is the best way to reach a protein goal of 160g while staying within a fat goal when tracking macros to lose weight? 📍 How can I address the priorities as a couple when planning a massive wedding that holds significance for my fiance and her family, but not for mine? PLUS: We’re talking about Ben’s experience this summer trying (and struggling) to balance family life with work life. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: 🔗 Policygenius: policygenius.com 🔗 Life Force: mylifeforce.com/excellence (code: EXCELLENCE40) 🔗 Lectric eBikes: Lectricebikes.com FIND US ON SOCIAL: Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/pscummings
9/19/202359 minutes, 47 seconds
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Building Financial Independence, Making Burpees Suck Less, Snap Judgements, & More

The questions we’re answering this week: 📍 How can I increase my stamina for doing burpees during workouts? 📍 How can I avoid making snap judgments towards people? 📍 Should I wait until my baby can sleep longer stretches before getting back to CrossFit? 📍 How can I balance feeling unhappy with my career and wanting to make a change with being a financial provider for my family? THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Ice Barrel: https://icebarrel.com (use code: EXCELLENCE) Momentous: https://livemomentous.com (use code: EXCELLENCE) BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/excellence FIND US ON SOCIAL: Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/pscummings
9/12/202352 minutes, 11 seconds
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Prison CrossFit, How to Create Perspective, The Happy List, & More

We're answering three of your questions this week: 📍 Can a CrossFit athlete's performance become worse due to running, and if so, how much running is too much? 📍 Why is it important to stay informed about the news and politics, even if it can be seen as mostly entertainment and outside of our control? 📍 How can one build a relationship with oneself after spending many years focused on being who everyone else wanted them to be, especially after a divorce and at a young age? PLUS: 📍 We're talking about when Ben went to prison to learn more about a program bringing CrossFit to inmates. 📍 We wrap up with another round of our Recommendation Roundup, where we talk about what we've been reading, listening to, and enjoying lately. ✦ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS ✦ LMNT: https://www.drinklmnt.com/excellence  FEEL GOOD LAB: https://thefeelgoodlab.com/ (use code: BEN) ✦ GET A QUESTION INTO THE SHOW ✦ Drop Patrick a DM: https://www.instagram.com/pscummings/
9/5/20231 hour, 3 minutes, 1 second
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Understanding the Goal of the Goal, 2023 Games Recap, Master’s Training, & More

We're talking through 4 listener questions this week: 📍 As an aging CrossFit athlete, are there resources available to help me push myself to be better while ensuring that I am doing so safely, especially when it comes to knowing when to push through an injury and how to monitor my heart rate effectively? 📍 How can you determine the appropriate food intake to support exercise without promoting fat gain? 📍 As a firefighter working 48-hour shifts and living in a different time zone, should I play catch up on sleep during my off days or stick to a normal 8 hours? And when on shift, should I try to go to bed at my normal time in my home time zone or the same time for the work time zone? 📍 How can I continue to use positive language to help my children understand that eating healthy and exercising are about being strong and healthy, rather than valuing being "skinny" for the wrong reasons, given my past struggle with an eating disorder? Plus, we'll be recapping the 2023 CrossFit Games to close the episode out. Thanks to our sponsors: LMNT | Shopify | Momentous Get a question in the queue: 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!
8/29/202359 minutes, 2 seconds
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Avoiding CrossFit Injuries, The Purpose of the Gym, Using AI, & More

This week, we discuss making strategic long-term decisions, embracing challenges, and prioritizing long-term goals. We emphasize the importance of structuring a training plan that prioritizes function and progress without causing injury, as well as the benefits of functional movements in CrossFit for maintaining strength and mobility as we age. Additionally, we’re talking about the challenges of being an affiliate owner and parenting. Expect to learn: The optimal training schedule for most people. Why we focus on functionality and longevity, rather than just looking good on the beach or bodybuilding. How to recognize our own triggers and take responsibility for our reactions to communicate with our kids better. Thanks to: 🔗  Policygenius 🔗  LMNT 🔗 Ice Barrel
8/22/202357 minutes, 37 seconds
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Benchmark: Improving Competitive Performance, Embracing Adversity, Staying Relaxed, & More

In our last Benchmark of the summer, we’re throwing it back to August of 2018 and a conversation about how to be more competitive in the sport of CrossFit. Topics include getting better at muscle-ups, tips for improving your double unders, and Ben’s best advice for athletes who don't have a coach. ===========  OUR SPONSORS:  ===========  🔗 Lifeforce  🔗 Momentous (code: excellence)  🔗 Betterhelp  ===========  GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  ===========  🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ===========  ABOUT US:  ===========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/15/202340 minutes, 40 seconds
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Sharing the Vision, Recovery Drinks, Favorite Games Events (So Far), & More

This week, we’re discussing whether pursuing excellence is selfish, the point of health, playing infinite games, and much more. =========== EXPECT TO LEARN ===========  📍 Whether we need to worry about recovery drinks 📍 The difference between (and value of) stretching, mobility work, and yoga 📍 Why how you read a book affects what you get out of the book 📍 Some recommended reading for parents 📍 Ben’s favorite CrossFit Games events (so far) =========== OUR SPONSORS =========== 🔗 Lifeforce 🔗 Momentous (code: excellence) 🔗 Shopify ===========  GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE ===========  🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ===========  ABOUT US ===========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
8/4/20231 hour, 9 minutes, 12 seconds
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Benchmark: The 5 P’s of Decision Making, Higher-Level Thinking, Choice Reduction, & More

In this episode, first published in November of 2019, we take a 10'000 foot view of how to make better decisions, discussing how to factor in our principles, priorities, & purpose to make sure our lives are headed in the right direction. =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== 🔗 LMNT 🔗 Eight Sleep 🔗 Policygenius =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: ===========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/25/202342 minutes, 20 seconds
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Majoring in the Minors, Prioritizing Health, Favorite CF Games Memories, & More

This week, we’re talking about how the 5 Factors of Health look across the spectrum of Sick, Well, and Fit, why we want to make sure we don’t let ourselves get distracted in our pursuit of health, and much more. Also: listener questions about wall walks, charting your own path in life, feeding kids, and athletes who no-rep themselves to the top of the leaderboard.   =========== OUR SPONSORS:  =========== 🔗 BetterHelp.com (code EXCELLENCE) 🔗 Lifeforce 🔗 OneSkin.co (code EXCELLENCE) ===========  GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  ===========  🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ===========  ABOUT US:  ===========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/19/20231 hour, 4 minutes, 47 seconds
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Benchmark: The Ingredients of Happiness, Giving Time, Prioritizing Relationships, & More

In this episode first published in April of 2017, we talk about why happiness doesn't live on the other side of achievement, gratitude, & why relationships matter more than money. =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== 🔗 LMNT 🔗 Eight Sleep =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: ===========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/11/202333 minutes, 6 seconds
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Changing Your Environment, Five Second Hugs, Male Friendships, and More

What do we do when we find ourselves working a job with people who don’t align with the healthy, meaningful life we want to lead? That’s the listener question we’re answering this week, talking about how to measure the strength of our relationships, why it’s so hard to prioritize, the importance of balance, and more. ===========  EXPECT TO LEARN =========== 📍 If focusing on fitness now (eventually) leads to health issues later in life 📍 The difference between the coach and the critic in our minds 📍 How to deal with folks who have strong opinions about health that you disagree with 📍 How few men claim to have close friendships (and why that is) 📍 A couple books and movies we’ve been enjoying lately ===========  OUR SPONSORS:   =========== 🔗  Timeline Nutrition =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
7/4/20231 hour, 5 minutes, 1 second
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Benchmark: Putting Your Ladder Against the Right Wall, the Fulfillment Framework, & More

In this episode, first published in September of 2021, we talk about putting our ladders up against the right walls and about the system Ben uses to chase fulfillment, accomplish big goals, and stay focused every day. =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== 🔗 LMNT 🔗 Eight Sleep =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: ===========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/27/202359 minutes, 32 seconds
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Competing Too Much, Hijacking Conversations, Living on Autopilot, Walking 300k Steps, & More - with Cole Sager

Cole Sager joins us as he’s preparing for his 10th straight CrossFit Games appearance to answer listener questions about how to know if you’re competing too much, how to stop hijacking conversations, what it looks like to live on autopilot, and much more. ========= EXPECT TO LEARN:  =========  📍 How and why Cole and Ben first started working together 📍 When competing too much might do more damage than good 📍 What parasympathetic lash-back is, and why you want to be careful of it 📍 What Cole’s training looked like after Semifinals 📍 Why it’s important to be the most curious person in a conversation ========= GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  =========  ABOUT US:  =========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter & podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/20/20231 hour, 1 minute, 58 seconds
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Last Year Coaching CrossFit Games Athletes

Ben recently announced that this will be his last year coaching elite athletes to pursue success at the CrossFit Games. We talk this week about why, the future of CompTrain, the three elements of resilience, and much more. ========= EXPECT TO LEARN: =========  📍 How to build an equipment-free, CrossFit-inspired workout program 📍 What to do when you realize you’ve been triggered but can’t get past it 📍 Whether CrossFit’s original nutrition prescription is still relevant 📍 Why the most important thing in the gym is to ensure you never take steps back 📍 How to get buy-in and make smart decisions as a leader =========  GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  =========  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  =========  ABOUT US:  =========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter & podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
6/13/20231 hour, 37 seconds
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Achieving Hard to Measure Goals

Chasing objective, easy-to-measure goals are one thing. But chasing subjective, hard-to-measure ones are another thing altogether. So, how do we get started making progress on things like improving our empathy or being a better spouse? That’s what we’re diving into this week. ========= EXPECT TO LEARN:========= 📍 How to training when your CrossFit gym cancels your favorite class 📍 Why the goal of mindset shouldn’t be indifference, but a lack of judgment 📍 How to wrangle life admin tasks that can feel endless 📍 Why trust is so important to build as a leader 📍 Who we would add to our apocalypse team ========= OUR SPONSORS:========= 🔗 BetterHelp ========= GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:========= Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ========= ABOUT US:========= 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram.
6/6/20231 hour, 8 minutes
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Building a Buffer of Mental Fitness

We’re taking a listener question about helping our kids avoid some of the adversities of life and talking broadly about stimulus and response, being generation breakers, and why “what we do around here” is such a powerful force. =========== EXPECT TO LEARN: ===========  📍 How to improve our aerobic capacity 📍 Why your gym community can serve as a useful decisional filter 📍 How defaulting to simplicity is a powerful communication strategy 📍 The importance of awareness in rebuilding a relationship 📍 Why it’s essential to give our phones a job and a place =========== OUR SPONSORS:  =========== 🔗 Caldera + Lab 🔗 Timeline Nutrition ===========  GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  ===========  🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  =========== ABOUT US: =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/30/202356 minutes, 28 seconds
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Is CrossFit in 2023 Watered Down?

We’re answering a listener question about whether CrossFit affiliates are offering a “watered down” version of CrossFit, and whether that’s a good thing if so. We’re talking about the CrossFit Games, standardization across gyms, Hyrox, and more. =========== EXPECT TO LEARN: ===========  📍 Whether our mobility work should be consistent or varied 📍 How to stop comparing yourself to your gym buddies 📍 Ben’s recommendations for bloodwork 📍 How to make time for yourself with young kids 📍 A strategy for leaders to work with folks who are resistant to coaching =========== OUR SPONSORS:  =========== 🔗 LMNT 🔗 Ice Barrel 🔗 Eight Sleep ===========  GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  ===========  🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ===========  ABOUT US:  ===========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/23/20231 hour, 10 minutes, 39 seconds
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Living with Integrity and Finding Balance, w/ Julie Foucher

Should we sacrifice now for security later, forgo security later and enjoy now, or find a balance between the two? Friend-of-the-show Julie Foucher joins us to talk through that and listener questions about why she’s training now, how to handle rep shavers, and more. =========== EXPECT TO LEARN: ===========   📍 How hard it was for Julie to transition out of being a CrossFit Games athlete 📍 Why “feeling” fitter might be more important than chasing specific numbers 📍 What parasympathetic lash-back is and why performers need to be wary of it 📍 How to deal with rep shavers and workout cheaters 📍 Our experience trying to cut our social media use by 50% ===========  OUR SPONSORS:   =========== 🔗 Landkind 🔗 Timeline Nutrition ===========  GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  ===========  🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ===========  ABOUT US:  =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/16/20231 hour, 3 minutes, 43 seconds
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Quick Set: The Bamboo Forest

In February of 2021, we released an episode called “Overcoming Excellence Fatigue.” It started with a question about how to exist inside the gap between where we are and where we want to be. Here’s a clip about how Ben thinks about that gap. ==========SUBSCRIBE ========== Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs 
5/12/202312 minutes, 48 seconds
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Where to Learn More About the 5 Factors of Health

We talk about the five factors of health all the time, but what are the books, movies, and people we turn to to learn more about them? We’re giving you our list this week. ========== EXPECT TO LEARN: ==========  📍 The question to ask yourself before (or while) you’re watching the news 📍 How to combine CrossFit with seasonal outdoor pursuits 📍 Some strategies for eating clean when you’re days are packed 📍 How to recover, train, and eat while breastfeeding 📍 A surprising revelation Ben had recently while in Sweden ==========  GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  ==========  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ==========  ABOUT US:  ==========  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram.
5/9/20231 hour, 14 minutes, 46 seconds
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Quick Set: The 101st Blow

Way back in October of 2020, the writer James Clear (author of the wildly successful “Atomic Habits”) joined us on the show. In this clip from that episode, we talk about the patience required to build the kinds of habits that have real impact. Watch the full episode here. =========== Subscribe:  =========== Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs
5/5/202310 minutes, 20 seconds
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Handle Hard Better & Return to Center Faster

Life, business, and sport continually give us setbacks. How do we know when those setbacks mean we should quit or that we should put our head down and keep working? That’s the listener question we’re talking about this week. =========== EXPECT TO LEARN:  =========== 📍 How often Ben uses chalk in the gym 📍 Fueling strategies for a 24-hour burpee challenge 📍 Tips for getting over performance anxiety 📍 Why the ultimate success might be peace of mind 📍 A strategy to fall asleep faster =========== OUR SPONSORS:  =========== 🔗 LMNT  🔗 Ice Barrel  =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  =========== ABOUT US:  =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
5/2/20231 hour, 3 minutes, 2 seconds
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Quick Set: The Difference Between Busy and Overwhelmed

Why is it so easy to get so busy? In this clip from a longer conversation Patrick had with the Digital Barbell podcast, he talks about some of the strategies he’s implemented to stay busy without getting overwhelmed. You can listen to the full conversation here. 📍 Subscribe: Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs
4/28/202323 minutes, 33 seconds
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Essential Behaviors to Build Durability, w/ the Starretts

Kelly and Juliet Starrett are world-class trainers and longtime leaders in the CrossFit space. They join us this week to talk about their newest book, Built to Move, which is a masterclass for all of us who want to continue to kick ass into our 90s. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 Why Kelly and Juliet wanted to write Built to Move 📍 What the 10 out of 10 Club is (and why we should want to get in it) 📍 How the book can be used as a roadmap for both coaches and athletes 📍 What “rewilding” the body means and why it’s important 📍 Why the aim of our health should be greater durability Thanks to our sponsors this week: LMNT | Ice Barrel GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
4/25/202354 minutes, 42 seconds
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Quick Set: Take Ultimate Responsibility

In this clip from a longer episode from 2019, Ben and Patrick talk about responsibility, focus, and the need for all of us to better pay attention to the few things inside our control. Watch the full episode here. 📍 Subscribe: Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs
4/21/202310 minutes, 22 seconds
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Improve Your Ability to Adapt

How can we increase the skill of adaptability? That’s the listener question we’re talking through this week, hitting on the reality of change, the role our ego and attitude plays, and what we can learn from Sesame Street. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 How to incorporate training for a half-marathon into CrossFit 📍 If there should be an upper limit on daily protein powder intake 📍 The shift in routine Ben has made to prioritize more sleep 📍 What to say to someone who complains too much 📍 The new 30-day challenge we’re kicking off Thank you to our sponsors this week: Timeline Nutrition | LandKind GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
4/18/20231 hour, 8 minutes, 58 seconds
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Quick Set: Stimulus → Thought → Emotion → Feeling

Here’s a clip from a conversation Ben had recently with Bryan from the Young & Alive Company. They talk about focus, distraction, the voice in our heads, and what we can learn from the Navy SEALs. Watch the full conversation here. 📍 Subscribe: Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs
4/14/202319 minutes, 39 seconds
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The Three Key Priorities, w/ Jon Gilson

How do you set priorities when so many things feel important? That’s our question; we’ve got our friend Jon Gilson here to help answer it. Also, your questions about Zone 2 training, doing work we don’t hate, and outgrowing friends. Learn more about Optimal Agency here. Thanks to our sponsors this week: LMNT | Caldera+Lab | UCAN EXPECT TO LEARN:  📍 What Zone 2 training is and whether CrossFitters need to prioritize it 📍 What to think about when balancing financial security and interesting work 📍 Why it’s important to consider your friend group over the course of a decade 📍 The problem with the Rocks analogy we so often hear 📍 Why Ben thinks we should all be using kitchen scissors more often GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
4/11/20231 hour, 13 minutes, 54 seconds
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Quick Set: Here Comes the Health Revolution

Here’s a clip from a conversation Ben had recently with James Geering of the Behind the Shield podcast. They chat about how to get the conversation moving in the right direction as it relates to health, manufactured stress, and how to be influential. Click here for the full episode. 📍 Subscribe: Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs 
4/7/202310 minutes, 28 seconds
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What Modern Day Stress Does to the Body

In many ways, the 5 Factors of Health are as much a hedge against stress as a pursuit of performance and longevity. We unpack how stress manifests itself in the body and why it’s so important we are aware of it. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 How to think about weightlifting as you get older 📍 What you need to recognize as you make progress on losing a lot of weight 📍 Some suggestions for what to do if you find yourself getting sick a lot 📍 How to create balance when working from home 📍 Four books and two podcasts Ben and Patrick have enjoyed lately GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
4/4/202345 minutes, 24 seconds
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Quick Set: Our 3 Nutrition Challenges

Ben was recently on EC Synkowski’s podcast, The Consistency Project, talking about how CrossFit New England thinks about nutrition challenges. Here’s a segment of that episode where Ben discusses the 3 challenges that the gym currently runs. Click here to listen to their full convo. 📍 Subscribe: Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs
3/31/20239 minutes, 27 seconds
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The Problem of Nutrient Deficiency, w Chris Kresser

Chris Kresser is one of the most respected clinicians and educators in the fields of Functional Medicine and ancestral health and one of Ben’s go-to’s for all things nutrition. He joins us this week to talk about nutrient density, feeding kids, gut health, and a bunch more. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 The reasons Chris says eating a clean diet isn’t enough anymore 📍 Why our microbiome is so important to our overall health 📍 The various ways you can get a sense of your own gut health 📍 The benefits of organ meats 📍 Some bad news about chicken Learn more about Chris here. Big thanks to our sponsors this week: Miracle Made | BlueChew GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
3/28/20231 hour, 7 minutes, 9 seconds
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Quick Set: Dyslexia & the Sweet Spot of Learning

In this Quick Set from a previous episode, Ben shares his experience living with and dealing with dyslexia. For the full episode, search the feed for “What We’re Reading #02.” 📍 Subscribe to the show:  Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs
3/24/202312 minutes, 4 seconds
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The 10 Pillars of Trusting the Process

We’re talking about what it means to “trust the process” this week, breaking down the 10 things we all need to keep in mind as we pursue our goals. Also, your questions about breath work, leadership, feeding kids, and more. EXPECT TO LEARN:  📍 Where F45 may fall short in comparison to CrossFit 📍 Why awareness is the most important step of making things better 📍 The reason why Ben switched his breathwork practice 📍 Why leadership is the hardest job in the world 📍 How the steps we take toward a goal matter more than the goal GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
3/21/20231 hour, 6 minutes, 12 seconds
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Ask Yourself These 6 Big Questions

How do you define success? What impact do you want to have? What problem are you trying to solve? Just a few of the big questions we’re talking about and through this week. We’re also cooking up a new monthly challenge, so stay tuned til the end! EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 What “overload” looks like in the gym, and when you should use it 📍 What to consider if you’re not losing the weight you think you should be 📍 The first big goal in getting back from an injury 📍 Why we can always have more compassion and empathy 📍 How to get the universe to nudge you in the right direction Thanks to our sponsors this week: BetterHelp | Miracle Made | BlueChew GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram.
3/14/202358 minutes, 29 seconds
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Calling Yourself Out When Things Aren’t Working

Friend-of-the-show EC Synkowski joins us this week to answer your questions about training for a 500lb deadlift into a sub-5:00 mile test, back injuries, and whether CrossFitters should try to work out during multi-day fasts. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 EC’s woo-woo moment that helped her tackle her long-time back problems 📍 EC’s first big question to ask about fasting 📍 Ben’s prescription for a weak back 📍 What to focus on when selling transformational coaching services 📍 The core memories that got us hooked on CrossFit 10+ years ago Thanks to our sponsors this week: LMNT | UCAN | BlueChew GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram.
3/7/20231 hour, 6 minutes, 36 seconds
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Kick Ass ‘Til You Kick the Bucket, w/ Steven Kotler

Steven Kotler is expert on flow. He joins us to talk about why it’s important to develop multiple pathways to flow, why our mindset around aging needs a major rewrite, and the surprising correlation to lifelong confidence. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 What flow is and why it’s so important 📍 Why dynamic motion training is essential 📍 What it means to “get geezered” 📍 Why stability equals confidence 📍 The protocol for peak performance aging Big thank to our sponsors: Miracle Made | BetterHelp | Blinkist GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram.
2/28/20231 hour, 4 minutes, 34 seconds
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Developing Elite Levels of Skills, Strength, and Stamina

Introducing the CompTrain 3x3, where Ben answers your questions about the pursuit of elite athletic performance and mental toughness. This week, we’ve got 10 questions from the first 6 episodes of that show to give you a taste. Find the show on YouTube Learn more about our sponsors: Blinkist | LMNT EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 When to know if self-induced pressure is a good thing 📍 How the male/female calorie ratios on the bike or rower were calculated 📍 How to know if you’re a “competitor” 📍 The most important thing to think about when you’re injured 📍 What concurrent training is, and why CompTrain programs that way GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram.
2/21/202342 minutes, 53 seconds
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Daily Actions to Build the Five Factors of Health

We’re talking about the actions to take (nearly) every day to balance the five factors of health. We’re also answering questions about red light therapy, cutting people out of our lives, and nasal breathing during CrossFit. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 The usefulness of nasal breathing during hard CrossFit workouts 📍 Why meditation and breath work are hard habits to stick to 📍 Some tips on eating well while in big cities 📍 Why the people you spend the most time with matter so much 📍 Some recent recommendations for things we’re enjoying This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE:  Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions!  ABOUT US:  📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram.
2/14/202346 minutes, 47 seconds
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Every Element of Existence is a Gift

We get philosophical this week, discussing a way to think about the purpose of suffering and the very nature of existence. We also answer your questions about blending CrossFit with yoga and dealing with negativity at work. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 The ideal body fat percentage for long-term health 📍 Why the fear of death is actually an amazing gift 📍 How lucky we are to experience emotion 📍 Why this might be heaven 📍 All about our latest 30-day challenge Learn more about LMNT here. GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram.
2/7/202343 minutes, 27 seconds
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My Current Morning Routine (Rare Sense Rebroadcast)

We’re sharing a conversation I had recently with Chris Irwin of the Rare Sense podcast. We get into a lot, including the power of visualizations, adapting the elite athlete mindset to everyday life, and what my morning routine looks like these days. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
10/25/20221 hour, 30 minutes, 39 seconds
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Benchmark: 10 Principles of Sleep

In this throwback episode from 2018, we’ve got our top 10 ways to improve sleep. We’re talking about why optimizing our sleep is really optimizing our health and how spending money on better sleep is a worthwhile investment. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
10/18/202234 minutes, 13 seconds
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We Are All Chasing the Same Thing (2:00 #38)

Your questions are back! We’re talking about the anxiety that comes with being a hard charger, eliminating gossip from a work culture, my thoughts on whether a coach has to be the fittest person in the room, and more! Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Questions About: 00:55 - Dealing with the stress of being a hard-charger 12:55 - Taking care of yourself without guilt as a parent 16:04 - Healing a back injury without feeling lazy or undertrained 17:40 - Learning how to deal with comments about weight loss 09:00 -  Recommending healthy snacks 21:50 - Ridding a work culture of toxic gossip 25:25 - Knowing how often to max out your lifts 27:10 -  Being a coach without being the fittest person in the gym 28:55 -  Becoming competitive in CrossFit without PEDs // About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
10/11/202232 minutes, 54 seconds
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Colin O’Brady on the 12 Hour Walk

Colin O’Brady is back to talk more specifically about his new book, the 12-Hour Walk. Patrick and I give our own experiences doing the walk, we talk about self-limiting beliefs, identifying your personal Everest, and more. Find out more about Colin’s new book, The 12-Hour Walk, here. Find us on Social: Colin | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
10/4/202235 minutes, 38 seconds
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Colin O’Brady on Crossing Antartica Solo

We’re joined by explorer and author Colin O’Brady. We chat about life as an explorer, the zone of comfortable complacency, his belief that we all have reservoirs of untapped potential, his new book, and much more. Find out more about Colin’s new book, The 12 Hour Walk, here. Find us on Social: Colin | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
9/27/202232 minutes, 3 seconds
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Making the Games Season Better (HopperTalk #12)

We’ve got four questions this round of HopperTalk - discussing ways we think the CrossFit Games season could improve, Eckhart Tolle, noise, misinformation, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Questions Answered: 01:00 -  What are two ways you would make the CrossFit season better? 06:00 - What’s the one problem you want to be known for helping solve? 08:30 - What are we living in the golden age of? 15:35 - What is the single most liberating thought you’ve ever had? // About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
9/20/202223 minutes, 49 seconds
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The Best Teacher is Example (MiFit Rebroadcast)

We’re bringing you a conversation I had recently with DJ Hillier of the MiFit podcast. We dive into transformational coaching, how I got into the mental side of competition, balancing passion and obsession, and more. Find us on Social: DJ | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
9/13/20221 hour, 22 minutes, 2 seconds
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There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Workout (2:00 #37)

Your questions are back in the spotlight this week! We’re talking about how to design a non-competitive after-school program, why being clear is kind when running your gym, why CrossFit Games athletes don’t move perfectly, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Question About: 01:00 - Distinguishing between complaining and helping 03:00 - Responding to death in the family 06:10 - Dealing with grandparents and junk food 07:50 - Stretching right after a hard workout 09:30 - Getting strong with limited equipment and time 10:40 - Designing a non-competitive after-school program 12:50 - Blurring the line between moving fast and moving perfectly 15:10 - Coming back from a bad working 16:20 - Creating selection criteria for a sports team 17:50 - Distributing cubbies fairly in a CrossFit gym 20:00 - Having different prices for different members of a gym // About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
9/6/202221 minutes, 41 seconds
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Eat Clean, Eat Light

We’re talking through a simple, actionable nutritional framework this week. We discuss the spectrum of ultra processed to ultra clean, why being hungry sometimes isn’t a bad thing, and why awareness is so important. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick // About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/30/202249 minutes, 19 seconds
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Top 10 Takeaways from the 2022 CrossFit Games

I’m giving my thoughts (good and bad) on the 2022 CrossFit Games. We’re talking programming, whether I’m excited about the future of the event, why the Capitol was such an amazing event, and much more. -- Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/23/202243 minutes
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Benchmark: 10 Principles of Connecting

In this throwback episode, we’re revisiting our 10 principles of connecting with each other. We’re talking about why small things are big things, gossip, listening sincerely, and leading with tough love. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/16/202223 minutes, 20 seconds
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High Expectations, Low Stress

We’re talking this week about how to maintain high expectations without getting overwhelmed by self-induced pressure. We discuss the relationship between disciple and surrender, peak performance, judgment, and learning. -- Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/9/202232 minutes
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Be Aware of Where You Are (Michael Caz Rebroadcast)

We’re sharing a conversation I had recently with Michael Caz. We dive into leadership, Unlocking Potential, simplicity, making moments matter, using pain as a gift, and so much more. Find us on Social: Caz | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/2/20221 hour, 2 minutes, 32 seconds
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What We’re Reading #02

Patrick & I talk about the last five books we’ve each read, some of our biggest takeaways, my experience with dyslexia, how to strengthen the habit of reading, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Books mentioned: Life Force by Tony Robbins Indistractible by Nir Eyal The Talent War by Sarraille & Randle The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey Insanely Simple by Ken Segall The Minimalist Entrepreneur by Sahil Lavingia Marketing Full Circle by Wayne Mullins Free Time by Jenny Blake Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz The Scout Mindset by Julia Galef 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
7/26/202257 minutes, 9 seconds
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Being Your Spouse’s Biggest Fan, w/ Heather B

Heather joins us again, this time to discuss what it looks like to chase excellence in marriage or relationships. We talk about values, bringing intention to hard conversations, not letting ego get in the way, and lots more. Find us on Social: Heather | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
7/19/202236 minutes, 34 seconds
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The Voice in Our Heads, w/ Heather B (HopperTalk #11)

Find us on Social: Heather | Ben | Patrick Question Answered: 01:40 - What did you finally realize was just a huge waste of time? 17:00 - What skill or life lesson do you wish your parents would’ve taught you? 33:36 - If you had enough money to build your dream house, what’s a strange room or feature you’d include? // About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
7/12/202241 minutes, 41 seconds
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Visualizing Failure vs. Success (2:00 Drill #36)

Your questions return this week! We’re talking about visualizing failure vs success, talking with kids about hard work, bench presses, knowing when to quit, and a bunch more. To get your question in the cue, send Patrick a DM on IG. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Question About: 01:50 - Making sure our professional ladder is up against the right wall. 07:30 - Knowing if quitting something is the right move. 09:40 - Ensuring fitness is a priority when work is overwhelming. 13:20 - Why CrossFit doesn’t include more bench pressing. 15:18 - Passing judgement on someone’s love of the gym. 19:35 - Visualizing failure vs success. 22:30 - Understanding strength endurance. 25:20 - Being competitive in CrossFit as an ectomorph. 26:45 - Helpful cues & phrases for coaching a longer metcon. 29:25 - Using tone to avoid complaining. 30:20 - Talking with kids about hard work. 33:00 - Building a positive environment from scratch. 34:45 - Doing everything at a gym vs starting my own gym. 40:00 - Encouraging kids to have a curious competitor mindset. // About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. // About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
7/5/202242 minutes, 29 seconds
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The Balanced Champion (Mark Bell Rebroadcast)

I recently joined the gentlemen from Mark Bell’s Power Project for a wide-ranging conversation and wanted to share it here. We talk about word choices, why success isn’t binary, the mantra for a happy life, and much more. Find us on Social: Mark | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
6/28/20222 hours, 4 minutes, 16 seconds
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Benchmark: 10 Principles of Training

We’re revisiting an episode from the archives this week, reminding ourselves of our 10 principles of training. We’re talking about starting with mechanics, understanding relative intensity, weaknesses, thresholds, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
6/21/202245 minutes, 12 seconds
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Make Big Ag Illegal (HopperTalk #10)

In this edition of HopperTalk, we’re talking about the one law we would create if we could, how much money Elon Musk makes every day, why weddings aren't worth the money, Jurassic Park, playing CDs in the car, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Question Answered: 01:10 - What is something that is practically useless but it is treated as a luxury item? 06:30 - What are some things your children will never experience the way you did? 13:50 - If you could create one law for your country what would it be? 24:00 - What’s a crazy statistic? 33:20 - If you could go back in time 10,000 years & make a cave painting to confuse everyone in the future, what would you draw? About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
6/14/202236 minutes, 16 seconds
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Ishan Shivanand on King’s Yoga vs Merchant Yoga

Ishan Shivanand is a mindfulness teacher and founder of Yoga of Immortals. He joins us to talk about the 4 aspects of meditation, integrative healing, starting from a place of joy, the responsibility of organizations, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
6/7/20221 hour, 15 minutes, 41 seconds
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Building a Life of Focus

We’re talking about the three levels of focus this week, diving into how to wrestle with the internal distractions that get in our way, what anxiety feels like and where it comes from, gaining traction, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
5/31/20221 hour, 1 minute, 20 seconds
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Life Gives Us Exactly What We Need (2:00 Drill #35)

Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Question About: 01:30 - Getting a spouse into CrossFit 05:50 - Knowing if it’s too late to be a competitive Games athlete 10:30 - Making the best of a sub-optimal job choice 16:00 - Incorporating spirituality into the think factor 23:20 - Earning trust as a coach 29:00 - Raising children to embrace challenges 34:20 - Learning how to move better in the gym 37:30 - Training athletes who don’t eat meat 41:50 - Thanking new members of your gym // About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
5/24/202245 minutes, 53 seconds
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The Story About the Old Farmer (CP&W Rebroadcast)

I recently chatted with Peter White of Coffee, Pods, & WODS, and wanted to share it here too. We covered a lot, including my ideal CrossFit Games athlete, the three decisions that dictate our future, reading books, and more. Find us on Social: CP&W | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
5/17/20221 hour, 37 minutes, 56 seconds
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Chasing Athletic Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a curse amplified by highlight reels on social media. How can we learn to stop judging ourselves, develop hindsight in the present moment, and focus on our character? That’s what we’re unpacking this week. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
5/10/202235 minutes, 38 seconds
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The Antidote to Anxiety is Action (HopperTalk #09)

This round of HopperTalk has us talking through life’s cheat codes, things that are criminally over-priced, lessons from the pandemic, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Questions Answered: 01:05 - What are some cheat codes you’ve found in the game of life. 07:25 - What improved your quality of life so much that you wish you did it sooner? 15:20 - What’s criminally over-priced to you? 24:30 - What seems harmless but is actually dangerous? 30:50 - Looking back at COVID, what are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned? 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
5/3/202241 minutes, 39 seconds
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Motivating Kids to Work Out (2:00 Drill #34)

We’ve got your questions on tap this week. We’re talking about what a de-load week looks like, how to prioritize health when life is busy, choosing the best kind of bodywork, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Questions Answered: 01:55 - Building confidence as a coach 04:15 - Admitting our least productive habits 06:45 - Dealing with long-term challenges 13:00 - Choosing the best kind of bodywork 15:10 - Designing a better physical education fitness test 22:20 - Understanding de-load weeks 26:20 - Motivating kids to workout 28:00 - Prioritizing health when life is busy 34:40 - Getting better at metcon workouts 38:45 - Buying a gym and eliminating class offerings 48:10 - Predicting the success of the young guns in CrossFit 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
4/26/202248 minutes, 30 seconds
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Stephen M.R. Covey on Trusting & Inspiring

Stephen MR Covey has made a career of teaching people about trust. He joins us to talk about his new book, the difference between a trust & inspire leader vs. a command & control leader, shifting paradigms, & so much more. Learn more about Trust & Inspire here. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick // About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain.  👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
4/19/20221 hour, 2 minutes, 50 seconds
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Benchmark: 10 Principles of Nutrition

We're talking about our top nutrition principles in this rebroadcast from one of our most popular episodes. We talk about avoiding sugar, eating more veggies, understanding good vs bad fats, and eating mindfully. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
4/12/202234 minutes, 21 seconds
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Anonymous Leaderboards (2:00 Drill #33)

Your questions are back this week! We’re talking about goals versus purpose, whether anonymous leaderboards might work, how to think about Fran, buying a gym, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Questions Answered: 02:50 - Working with a challenging employee 06:30 - Focusing on goals or purpose 08:45 - Earning trust with co-worker 11:15 - Taking vitamins & supplements (or not) 12:30 - Training when not sleeping enough 17:20 - Doing Fran for fitness or as a test 21:10 - Getting better at burpees 25:30 - Making leaderboards anonymous 29:50 - Buying a gym 36:00 - Making a Peloton-like version of CrossFit About Us: 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
4/5/202248 minutes, 55 seconds
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Dr. Nate Zinsser on Winning the First Victory

Dr. Nate Zinsser is the author of the book “The Confident Mind.” He joins us to discuss the mental toughness strategies he’s developed over 30 years of working with cadets at West Point and elite athletes at every level. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
3/29/202255 minutes, 13 seconds
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Be Confident, Earn More, & Increase Impact (3x3 #08)

The 3x3 is back! This round, I’m giving some strategies you can use to improve your confidence levels, increase your earning potential, and leave a lasting legacy. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
3/22/202227 minutes, 9 seconds
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Things Happen For You, Not To You (HopperTalk #08)

In this round of HopperTalk, Patrick and I give our thoughts on lies we tell to make other people feel better, why grades shouldn’t be taken so seriously, how to react when something bad happens, and much more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
3/15/202244 minutes, 48 seconds
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Mark England on Moving from Victim to Competitor

Mark England and Kimberly Kesting from Enlifted Coaches are back to continue our conversation about the victim mentality, should statements, soft talk, the imposter syndrome, writing down our scary thoughts, and much more. Find us on Social: Enlifted Coaches | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
3/8/20221 hour, 10 minutes, 30 seconds
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Mark England on the Power of Words, Breath, & Story

We’ve got Mark England and Kimberly Kesting from Enlifted Coaches in town this week to talk about the victim mentality, soft talk, owning your story, pressure language, and much more. Be sure to tune in next week for part two. Find us on Social: Enlifted Coaches | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
3/1/20221 hour, 3 minutes, 26 seconds
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Seesaws vs Frisbees (2:00 Drill #32)

Your questions return this week! We’re talking about how making the most out of training solo, dealing with the challenge of injuries that keep coming back, prioritizing balance, and a whole lot more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
2/22/20221 hour, 4 minutes, 56 seconds
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Castro’s & Katrin's Exits (Modern Wisdom Rebroadcast)

I recently had a chance to chat with Chris at the Modern Wisdom podcast. We talked about a whole bunch, including Castro’s exit from the Games, Katrin's decision to stay in Iceland, risk, flow, leadership, and a bunch more. Find us on Social: Chris | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
2/15/20221 hour, 50 minutes, 42 seconds
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What We’re Reading

Patrick & I pull together the last five books we’ve read, talk about how we picked them, what we’re getting from them, why reading with purpose beats reading at random, making connections, diving deep, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
2/8/202238 minutes, 33 seconds
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The 3 Guiding Principles

How do we stack awareness, intention, and action to make the most out of this one life we’ve got? That’s what we’re talking about today in this short episode. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
2/1/202227 minutes, 38 seconds
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Unconditional Integrity (HopperTalk #07)

HopperTalk is back this week! Patrick and I are talking about what we think are scams, why nothing should start before 10 am, integrity, generosity, little things that are signals that a person is good, and a lot more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
1/25/202259 minutes, 18 seconds
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Chasing Long Term vs. Short Term Performance

We're talking about the different areas of focus for a CrossFit Games athlete and someone who's chasing health, diving into maximizing your minutes, keeping the frisbee of life in balance, and developing a single-minded focus. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
1/18/202250 minutes, 21 seconds
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The 2 Elements of Long-Term Business Success

We’re unpacking the two most important things to get right in your business, talking about the marketing hourglass, creating a calm organization, distinguishing between coaching for development vs. performance, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
1/11/202251 minutes, 15 seconds
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Benchmark: Mental Toughness Isn't What You Think

We're revisiting our most popular episode ever to kick 2022 off right, diving into the 6 steps we need to take to develop more mental toughness, including becoming a learner, expecting adversity, and killing the critic. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
1/4/202257 minutes, 47 seconds
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Defining & Determining Wellness (2:00 #31)

Your questions are back this week. We’re talking about what to do between double sessions to recover, dealing with family members who aren’t on the same nutritional page as you, training for a Spartan Beast, and more! Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
12/28/202148 minutes, 53 seconds
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Cole Sager on Running From Our Comfort Zones

Multiple-times Games athlete Cole Sager joins us this week to talk about being a pro athlete, seeking solitude, being grateful, becoming a father, having curiosity, and a whole lot more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
12/21/20211 hour, 7 minutes, 32 seconds
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A Health Revolution

We're talking this week about health as an integrated system and about how the 5 Factors are all essential inputs in that system. We dive into the knowledge/doing gap, kicking ass into our 90s, the age of abundance, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
12/14/202154 minutes
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Personal Responsibility in Daily Excellence

In a (somewhat accidental) follow-up to our conversation about the Fulfillment Framework, we're talking about why pride looks selfish in the short term, making the right kind of difficult choices, why being joyful is brave, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
12/7/202137 minutes, 42 seconds
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Two Eyes on the Process (Keep Going Rebroadcast)

We're rebroadcasting a conversation I had recently on the Keep Going Podcast. John and I talk about the hierarchy of mindset, why taking massive action matters more than anything else, how to work through bad days, and a bunch more. Grab the new book here. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
11/30/202146 minutes, 7 seconds
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Dr. Amishi Jha on Owning Your Attention

Dr. Amishi Jha is a researcher, professor, and author of the new book, Peak Mind. She joins us to talk about the work her lab is doing to uncover the power of mindfulness training on attention, focus, and resilience. Find us on Social: Amishi | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
11/23/20211 hour, 2 minutes, 9 seconds
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Don't Stop Until You're Proud

We've got my co-writer on Unlocking Potential, Christine Bald, on to talk about the process of writing a book, getting things wrong until you get it right, balancing patience and ambition, and a bunch more. Find us on Social: Christine | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
11/16/202154 minutes, 53 seconds
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Operating at the Speed of Trust

For the last few years, I've been working on a new book. It's called Unlocking Potential, and it's about leadership, getting a team into group flow, the mistakes I've made, and a bunch more. Get a sneak peek in this episode. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
11/9/202148 minutes, 20 seconds
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Benchmark: 10 Habits to Stop Having

In this throwback to 2018, we're rebroadcasting an episode all about the habits we have that we should finally kill - including hitting the snooze button, yelling at people in traffic, and using your phone while you eat. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
11/2/202124 minutes, 42 seconds
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Ron Friedman on Reverse Engineering Success

Author Ron Friedman joins us this week to discuss his new book, "Decoding Greatness." We talk about the three ways to find success, the "scoreboard principle," and what it looks like to practice in three dimensions. Find us on Social: Ron | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
10/26/202146 minutes, 12 seconds
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Monster Energy at the CrossFit Games (HopperTalk #06)

This week, Patrick and I trade answers about whether CrossFit should have had Monster Energy at the Games, what we want every teenager to know, the big changes we've made that have had the biggest positive impact, and more! Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
10/19/202154 minutes, 57 seconds
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The First Question to Ask Before Changing Your Diet

Before you decide to go keto or vegan or low carb or high protein, take a listen to this short conversation about the most important question you need to ask and answer, first principles, and starting with the end in mind. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
10/12/202122 minutes, 32 seconds
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Lauren Johnson on Becoming Elite by Choice

Lauren Johnson is a mental performance coach for professional athletes and entrepreneurs. She joins us to talk about the difference between challenges and threats, the power of self-talk, separating facts from feelings, and more. Find us on Social: Lauren | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
10/5/202157 minutes, 5 seconds
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The 3 WODs I'd Program for the Olympics (2:00 #30)

Your questions are back in the spotlight! This time around, we're talking about how to make sure your ladder is up against the right wall, the pros and cons of an open gym period, lactate threshold training, and a bunch more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
9/28/202142 minutes, 14 seconds
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The Fulfillment Framework

We've talked about making sure our ladders are up against the right walls, but how do you also make sure you're climbing up the ladder? We dive into that here, talking about the system I use to chase fulfillment, from my big goals to my daily tasks. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
9/21/202156 minutes, 31 seconds
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Sergey Young on Thriving at 200 Years Old

Sergey Young is an author and investor working to radically extend human health and lifespans. He joins us to talk about the definition of aging, the technology of the near future, creating lives worth extending, and more. Find us on Social: Sergey | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
9/14/202158 minutes, 15 seconds
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Competing vs Comparing

Is comparison the thief of joy? That's the question we pose at the start of this week's episode, talking about intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, what a true competitor looks like, and how to use our ambition for good. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
9/7/202148 minutes, 2 seconds
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The Secret Sauce of CrossFit Programming

We're getting into some best practices for delivering effective GPP programming. We're talking about programming for horsepower, why 18-minute WODs shouldn't be considered "long," and why we offer three different programming tracks to our members. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/31/20211 hour, 5 minutes, 54 seconds
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Benchmark: Simplifying Nutrition

We're revisiting one of our most popular conversations from the early days of the podcast, talking about why I prefer to keep my nutritional advice simple, the value of getting blood work done, & why both quality & quantity matter. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/24/202126 minutes, 49 seconds
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Life-Changing Quotes (Hoppertalk #05)

HopperTalk is back this week. Patrick and I talk through the adult problems nobody prepared us for, whether Tia is the most dominant athlete in CrossFit Games history, things from the 90s that we miss, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Questions Answered: 02:05 - What's a quote that's permanently changed the way you look at things? 11:10 - What is something free on the internet that everyone should take advantage of? 24:00 - What benchmark workout should appear in the CrossFit Games? 28:40 - What is the worst minor injury? 31:50 - What is an "adult problem" that nobody prepared you for? 37:50 - Is Tia Clair Toomey the most dominant athlete the CrossFit Games has ever seen? 40:50 - What has no right to be as difficult as it is? 54:00 - What is a simple, painful fact that people need to just get over & accept? 59:05 - What's something from the 90s that you miss? 63:54 - How many fist pumps are acceptable in a training session? 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/17/20211 hour, 7 minutes, 28 seconds
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2021 CrossFit Games Debrief

We're talking through my experience at the 2021 CrossFit Games - from NoBULL's first year as the sponsor, to my thoughts on the programming, CompTrain's overall performance, and the young guns making a run for the podium. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/10/202146 minutes, 24 seconds
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When an S.O. Doesn't Care About CrossFit (2:00 #29)

The 2:00 Drill is back, featuring your questions on the chasing excellence approach to dating, why we don't program strength-only days at CrossFit New England, choosing whether to go to the gym early or sleep in, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Questions Answered: 02:10 - Approaching dating with an attitude of chasing excellence 04:20 - Differentiating one-upping and trying to relate 06:40 - Determining whether to go to workout early or sleep more 08:50 - Spending $65 a week on groceries 10:50 - Giving marketing tips to personal trainers 13:00 - Handling life when your significant other isn't down with CrossFit 14:40 - Breathing better during metcons 17:15 - Adding a strength portion to daily programming 20:55 - Working with a member with bad body odor 23:00 - Preparing yourself to work at the CompTrain Academy 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
8/3/202126 minutes, 55 seconds
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Important Details, Strong Networks, & Simpler Lives

In this edition of our 3x3, I'm talking through some of the small things that CrossFit New England does well, how I think about building stronger relationships, and ways to make our lives simpler. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
7/27/202132 minutes, 5 seconds
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Benchmark: Daily Discipline

We're revisiting one of our most popular conversations from the early days of the podcast, talking about why it's important to determine our level of discipline and then never break the chain of daily success. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
7/20/202130 minutes, 48 seconds
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The Protein and Produce Diet for Kids

We talk all the time about the five factors of health, but how do they apply to our kids? We're diving into that question, talking about how I ensure that my kids are eating well, how we set up the house to reduce food conflict, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
7/13/202140 minutes, 59 seconds
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If You Want To Run Fast, Run Fast (2:00 #28)

Your questions are back in the spotlight. We're answering questions about programming when you have limited time and equipment, why I don't think we need to establish a VO2 Max threshold for Games athletes, dealing with CrossFit skeptics, and more. Find us on Social: Ben | Patrick Questions Answered: 01:45 - Dealing with comparing ourselves to others 04:30 - Increasing coaching skills with limited time 06:40 - Moving from living to thriving 10:40 - Determining VO2 Max for CrossFit athletes 12:00 - Training for physique and health 14:45 - Programming for limited training time 18:30 - Communicating patience for members looking for progress 21:45 - Seeing women become Navy SEALs 24:00 - Surviving as a gym without social media 28:45 - Taking cold showers in the morning and hot ones at night 31:50 - Running faster by running faster 34:35 - Dealing with CrossFit skeptics 43:00 - Moving the CrossFit Games out of the USA 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
7/6/202144 minutes, 49 seconds
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Greg McKeown on the Pursuit of Sustainable Excellence

Greg McKeown is the author of Essentialism and Effortless. He joins us to discuss why easy things aren't always trivial, having faith that the process will work, working backward from our optimal max, and a whole lot more. Find us on Social: Greg | Ben | Patrick 👉🏼 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. 👉🏼 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding.
6/29/20211 hour, 6 minutes, 50 seconds
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Stop Fearing Failure (Modern Wisdom Interview)

This week, we're republishing a conversation I had with Chris Williamson on his podcast, Modern Wisdom. We go deep on what it means to live a life of excellence, the hierarchy of mindset, living for the remembering self, and a whole lot more.
6/22/20211 hour, 23 minutes, 46 seconds
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Useful But Rarely Taught Skills (HopperTalk #04)

HopperTalk is back! This time around, Patrick and I are giving our thoughts on normalizing naps, what we'd change about CrossFit's early days, whether we think first impressions are usually accurate, our favorite Games events, and more!
6/15/20211 hour, 4 minutes, 22 seconds
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Dr. Jonathan Fader on Looking at Life as a Sport

Dr. Jonathan Fader is a performance psychologist who's worked with pro athletes in the MLB and NFL. He joins us this week to talk about earning trust, getting our mental reps in, why he sees life as a sport, and a bunch more.
6/8/202153 minutes, 32 seconds
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Discomfort vs Pain (2:00 #27)

Our 2:00 Drill is back! We're answering your questions about learning how to relax without guilt, helping athletes fulfill their dreams, understanding the difference between discomfort & pain, & lots more!
6/1/202148 minutes, 36 seconds
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World-Class Health in 100 Words

Modern medicine might define health as the absence of disease, but that's not a good enough definition for us. So we're offering our own, in a format that many CrossFitters will recognize. (See full episode description for text.)
5/25/20211 hour, 10 minutes, 51 seconds
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Tim Grover on Michael Jordan's Second Stat Sheet

Michael Jordan didn't pay Tim Grover to be his trainer. He paid our guest to not be anybody else's trainer. The author of the new book, Winning, joins us to talk about why showing up is not half the battle and so much more.
5/18/202154 minutes, 15 seconds
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Audacious Goals, Momento Mori, & Mobility Tips

This rendition of our 3x3 has us talking through tips for creating useful BHAGs in our businesses and lives, ways to remember that we're all going to die, and my recommendations for improving mobility.
5/11/202137 minutes, 52 seconds
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How to Warm-Up More Effectively (2:00 Drill #26)

We've got some more great questions on this month's 2:00 Drill. We're talking through low intensity for CrossFitters, constructing a useful warm-up, what to say to an athlete right before a performance, and more!
5/4/202142 minutes, 17 seconds
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Peter Rahal on the Hard Work of Building RXBar

Peter Rahal co-founded RXBar inside of a Chicago CrossFit gym, eventually selling to Kelloggs. He joins us to talk about the original vision of the business, the power of dyslexia, building culture, and the messy process of figuring out what's next.
4/27/202148 minutes, 23 seconds
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How CrossFit Could Go Mainstream (HopperTalk #03)

HopperTalk is back! This time around, Patrick & I share our answers to questions about CrossFit going mainstream, what hell might look like, what businesses we'd start regardless of our qualifications, and a handful more.
4/20/202155 minutes, 38 seconds
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We're Breathing All Wrong

Lots of interest lately about the importance of breathwork, so we're talking about my 100-day experiment with Wim Hoff breathing, what I learned from the Navy SEALs about stress management, and where I recommend you start learning how to breathe better.
4/13/202142 minutes, 12 seconds
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Robb Wolf on Being a Health Translator

Robb Wolf is an author, the founder of LMNT, and co-host of Healthy Rebellion Radio. He joined us to dive deep into a bunch of nutrition questions I've got, including nutrient density, how to feed our kids, and keto for CrossFitters.
4/6/20211 hour, 13 minutes, 56 seconds
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How to Start Looking at Food More Positively

Your questions are back in the spotlight today. In this edition of the 2:00 Drill, we're talking about adrenal fatigue, box breathing, how much volume is too much when pursuing health, and a whole bunch more.
3/30/202138 minutes, 45 seconds
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Matt Fitzgerald on Becoming a Smart Athlete

Matt Fitzgerald is a coach and author of more than twenty books, including "How Bad Do You Want It?" In this conversation, we talk about pacing by feel, mental toughness vs mental fitness, competing for our identity, and lots more.
3/23/202156 minutes, 42 seconds
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Questions We Should Be Asking Regularly

The 3x3 returns! This round, we're answering questions about questions. Here are the questions I think we should all be asking ourselves regularly to improve our lives, our businesses, and our performances.
3/16/202129 minutes, 2 seconds
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The CompTrain Academy, Part 2

We're diving back into our conversation about the future of CompTrain, talking this week about our Elite athlete experience, what we'll look for in future Dev Team members, and what the Training Academy will one day look like.
3/9/202143 minutes, 14 seconds
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The CompTrain Academy, Part 1

What is the CompTrain Academy? That's the big question we're answering this week. I'm talking about the origins of the idea, why it wouldn't have happened without a change in CrossFit's ownership and a new CEO at CompTrain.
3/2/202144 minutes, 47 seconds
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Why Mat Fraser Retiring Sucks (2:00 Drill #24)

A special CrossFit Open edition of our 2:00 Drill this week! We're taking your questions about finding a coach, using CompTrain but missing the community in the gym, and my take on who gets to call themselves a competitor.
2/23/202136 minutes, 5 seconds
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Overcoming Excellence Fatigue

With so many people talking about how to chase excellence, it can be hard to continue moving forward when it feels like there's still so much left to figure out. Here are the strategies that have helped me keep perspective.
2/16/202140 minutes, 35 seconds
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Should Ricky Gerard Get a 2nd Chance? (HopperTalk #02)

We're giving this new episode format a second go this week, talking through 14 random questions like where Lebron James might place at the CrossFit Games, what old person things that we do, pet peeves, and lots more!
2/9/202145 minutes, 40 seconds
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Greg Everett on Becoming Tough

Greg Everett is the founder of Catalyst Athletics and the author of the new book, "Tough." In this conversation, we dive into pursuing toughness by developing our character, our capability, our capacity, and our commitment.
2/2/202159 minutes, 21 seconds
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Great Coaches Beat Great Programming (2:00 Drill #23)

We're reaching back into the grab bag of your questions for this month's 2:00 Drill, talking about helping kids with mindset, scaling businesses, my thoughts on the value of hypertrophy training alongside CrossFit, and more.
1/26/202124 minutes, 46 seconds
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Steven Kotler on Accomplishing the Impossible

Steven Kotler is the author of 13 books, including "The Rise of Superman." His newest book, "The Art of Impossible" is a deep dive into how to achieve peak performance, and is out now.
1/19/20211 hour, 10 minutes, 39 seconds
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More Books, Movies, & Podcast Recommendations

We're always getting questions about the books, movies, and podcasts we've enjoyed lately - so this week we're doing a 3x3 to help fill your bookshelves, Netflix queues, & Spotify playlists. All links are in the show notes!
1/12/202138 minutes, 13 seconds
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Don't Chase Happiness

Is the advice to "just do what makes you happy" a bad strategy? That's what we're talking about today, diving into what creates fulfillment, why we have to be careful about always opting for "fun," and loving the process.
1/5/202129 minutes, 59 seconds
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Advice to a 12-Year-Old CrossFitter (2:00 Drill #22)

The 2:00 Drill is back this week, answering your questions about discipline and consistency, why I no longer do certain movements in my training, and my advice for how to work with and lead "sled dogs."
12/29/202047 minutes, 26 seconds
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What's the Big Thing You're Chasing? (HopperTalk #01)

We're testing out a new (fun?) show format this week called 10 Questions. Patrick and I share our answers to a handful of random questions, including popular things that are annoying and the most underrated CrossFit athletes.
12/22/202051 minutes, 17 seconds
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The Hierarchy of Mindset

Do you need to develop a killer instinct to get to the top of your chosen sport or profession? That's what we're talking about today, diving into my hierarchy of mindset and the 80/20 rule for tapping into the dark side.
12/15/202034 minutes
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Opening Gyms, Leadership Skills, & Mindset Hacks

In this month's rendition of the 3x3, I'm tackling not obvious things to do before opening a gym, lead more effectively, and ways to develop more of a growth mindset.
12/8/202052 minutes, 59 seconds
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Back to Training After COVID (2:00 Drill #21)

Back at the 2:00 Drill this week, answering your questions about the importance of heart rate, how to work with clients who aren't bought in, how Katrin overcame her back injury, and lots more.
12/1/202041 minutes, 23 seconds
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5 Characteristics of an Effective Coach

This week, I'm breaking down the five traits all coaches need to strengthen to be effective: enthusiasm, curiosity, empathy, confidence, and subject matter expertise.
11/24/202033 minutes, 25 seconds
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Telling Stories, Hard Conversations, & Life Lessons

We're back at our 3x3 this week, talking self-fulfilling prophesies that don't serve us, ways to enter into difficult conversations, and the lessons I've learned the hard way.
11/17/202026 minutes, 12 seconds
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Designing a High School Health Curriculum

What would I do if granted the ability to design and implement a high school health curriculum? That's the hypothetical we're talking about today, covering the different ways I'd introduce the Five Factors to the students.
11/10/202025 minutes, 16 seconds
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Reflections on the 2020 CrossFit Games

We're home from the 2020 CrossFit Games and have lots of thoughts, hope for the future, and work to do. Here's my recap of our time out in Aromas.
11/3/202044 minutes, 31 seconds
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James Clear on Working Backwards From Magic

Author James Clear joins us this week to talk about opportunity costs, why reading is such a valuable habit, and why entrepreneurship is such a powerful engine of personal growth.
10/27/202049 minutes, 19 seconds
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The Best Workout After a Cheat Day (2:00 Drill #20)

We're jumping back into your questions this week, covering things like training for the CrossFit Games as a teen, how to warm-up for an early-morning workout, and the advice I hear all the time that I think is bad.
10/20/202046 minutes, 8 seconds
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Lessons from Six Months of Lockdown

Reflecting on the last six months of being in lockdown, today we're talking about being a realist, what to do when we're surrounded by negativity, and balancing being in the moment and anticipating the future.
10/13/202032 minutes, 32 seconds
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Define Success, Eliminate Everything Else

I recently joined Greg McKeown on the Essentialism podcast, where we talked about measuring the most important things, learning about my leadership biases, and editing our lives to be sure there's space for the essential few. Here's our conversation.
10/6/202034 minutes, 51 seconds
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CrossFit Games Lessons, Benchmarks, and Trends

Post Stage 1 of the 2020 CrossFit Games, we're talking about the lessons I'm taking away from the weekend, the benchmarks I'd use to assess an athlete's capacity, and what I'm anticipating for the future of the sport.
9/29/202040 minutes, 55 seconds
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Common Mistakes CrossFit Coaches Are Making

There are best practices that every CrossFit coach can use to make their classes more professional and more effective. They include things like starting workouts better, not making eye contact, and using too many filler words.
9/22/202034 minutes, 50 seconds
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Don't Try to Win Today (2:00 Drill #19)

We're diving back into your questions this episode, covering topics from Wim Hof to why we don't program high-level gymnastics movements at CFNE to my advice for gyms as we continue to navigate these tough economic conditions.
9/15/202044 minutes, 15 seconds
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Building a Goals First Nutrition Strategy

In early 2017, we did an episode about simplifying nutrition. This week, we're continuing to think about how to cut through the noise, focusing on how our goals and our eating styles should determine our nutrition strategy.
9/8/202045 minutes, 8 seconds
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10 Principles of Training for Longevity

These days, I'm no longer training for peak performance, but for longevity and function. In this episode, we break down the ten principles you should be focused on in the gym if you want to do the same.
8/31/202044 minutes, 2 seconds
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Valuable Skills, Health Metrics, & Resiliency Tips

In this round of our 3x3, I'm giving my three hot takes on skills worth developing, health metrics to track, and strategies for staying resilient. We touch on the power of focus, parenting with a growth mindset, and more.
8/24/202038 minutes, 49 seconds
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Peloton vs C2 Bike for CrossFit? (2:00 Drill #18)

We're diving back into listener questions this week, talking about the difference between being proud and being prideful, my advice for using weightlifting shoes during metcons, what's on the horizon for CompTrain, and more!
8/17/202025 minutes, 1 second
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How to Use CrossFit to Train for Other Sports

We often talk about using CrossFit to get better at CrossFit, but what if your athletic pursuits happen outside the gym? We're talking about that this episode, focusing on lifestyle, competitive, and endurance athletes.
8/10/202052 minutes, 11 seconds
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Assessing Each of the 10 Components of Fitness

We've talked before about paying attention to all ten of the components of fitness. Today, we're looking at how I might measure and assess each one in an attempt to understand where an athlete's weakest link might lie.
8/3/202043 minutes, 36 seconds
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Mindset Strategies for Your Next Workout

We talk a lot about the power of mindset. Today we're bringing many of the principles we've touched on before down to the level of tomorrow's training session, discussing tips for before, during, and after a workout.
7/27/202042 minutes, 43 seconds
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Creating a Hierarchy of Values (2:00 Drill #17)

The 2:00 Drill returns this week! We're answering your questions about self-sabotage, using movements like burpees as punishment for kids, and the powerlifting program I'd recommend alongside CompTrain programming, and more.
7/20/202041 minutes, 47 seconds
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Silver Linings, Performance Factors, & CrossFit's Direction

The 3x3 is back! I'm offering some thoughts on 3 silver linings I'm paying attention to, 3 factors that determine performance, and 3 signs that will make me hopeful about CFHQ's new leadership.
7/13/202044 minutes, 25 seconds
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#132: Measuring Consistency w/ EC Synkowski

EC Synkowski from OptimizeMe Nutrition is back to talk about how the five factors compare to the four measurables she tracks through The Consistency Project and the importance of simplifying our pursuit of health.
7/6/202045 minutes, 37 seconds
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#131: The Last Two Weeks in CrossFit

These last few weeks have certainly been the craziest in the history of CrossFit. We break down what's happened, the current state of things, and my thoughts on CFHQ's new owner.
6/29/202048 minutes, 18 seconds
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#130: Answering Your Questions About Training

We're back with an AMA I did on the CompTrain Instagram page. I'm answering questions about coming back to the gym post-COVID lockdowns, if we'll continue doing CrossFit benchmarks, getting better at toes-to-bar, and more.
6/22/202034 minutes, 22 seconds
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AMA on Current State of CrossFit

This week, we've got an AMA I did on Instagram Live, answering some of your questions on the current state of CrossFit, affiliation, and certification, as well as my hopes for the future.
6/15/202029 minutes, 16 seconds
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#128: The Four Virtues w/ Ryan Holiday

Writer Ryan Holiday joins us to talk about Stoicism, the current unrest in the U.S. as we grapple with racial injustice, and the importance of developing self-awareness.
6/8/20201 hour, 4 minutes, 33 seconds
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#127: AMRAPing Life w/ Jason Khalipa

Jason Khalipa, former CrossFit Games champ and founder of NCFIT, joins us this week to talk about the AMRAP Mentality, earned confidence, and the value of consistently checking in with yourself.
6/1/202052 minutes, 40 seconds
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#126: We are Prepared for This

If you're struggling to keep your head up during these tough times, if you're stressed about what might happen, if you need a reminder of just what you're made of ... this episode is for you.
5/25/202022 minutes, 48 seconds
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#125: Assessing Mindsets, Pursuing Opportunities, & Reopening Gyms (3x3, #08)

This week's 3x3 includes three ways you can assess your mental toughness, three things I'm focused on while being in lockdown, and three things gyms should keep in mind as they begin to reopen.
5/18/202038 minutes
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#124: Staying Competitive Despite the Lockdowns

Talking this week about how we're thinking about and planning for the 2020 CrossFit Games, my advice to athletes looking to continue making progress during the lockdowns, and why programming for yourself is a bad idea.
5/11/202041 minutes, 48 seconds
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#123: How to Keep the Training Intensity at Home (2:00, #16)

We asked you guys to send us some lockdown specific questions for this week's 2:00 Drill, and you didn't disappoint. We tackle whether I think gym members should be paying full price right now, limiting words, and what to do to make sure we don't get too down.
5/4/202041 minutes, 50 seconds
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#122: Useful Supplements, Uncommon Exercises, & Trust Buiding (3x3, #07)

The 3x3 returns this week with my hot takes on the 3 supplements every CrossFit athlete should take, the 3 exercises we should be doing (that won't show up in your CrossFit programming), and 3 ways to develop trust.
4/27/202022 minutes, 27 seconds
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#121: 10 Habits to Avoid During Quarantine

This week, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes - but for our quarantine times. Here is my list of 10 bad habits to avoid while we're all locked in our houses.
4/20/202046 minutes, 52 seconds
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#120: The Unknown and the Unknowable

This week, Patrick and I catching up after a few weeks of quarantine and talking about shifting our routines, how we responded at CFNE, and the best way to fight the anxiety of the times.
4/13/202038 minutes, 41 seconds
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#119: Success Isn't About Working Harder

This week's episode is borrowed from Jason Khalipa's podcast, Business of Fitness. Down at WODapalooza this year, Ben & Jason sat down to talk about managing, working hard, delegation, & leadership.
4/6/202036 minutes, 53 seconds
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#118: Knowing When it's Time to Make a Change

We're talking about knowing how to differentiate between when it's time to go (change gyms, leave a job, end a relationship) and when it's time to make the situation better by making ourselves better.
3/30/202024 minutes, 27 seconds
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#117: Athlete Reads, Garage Gym Gear, & Sleep Tips (3x3 #06)

The 3x3 is back this week! I give you 3 books every athlete should read, 3 pieces of gear I'd recommend for any home gym, and 3 ways to get at better night of sleep tonight.
3/23/202021 minutes, 11 seconds
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#116: Turning Broad Goals into Concrete Action

We're breaking down the process I've used to transform my higher-level goals into daily actions, why accountability partners are so helpful, and why it's not enough to say things like, "I want to lose 15 pounds this year."
3/16/202032 minutes, 23 seconds
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#115: Benchmarks Worth Testing Yearly (2:00 Drill #15)

The 2:00 Drill returns! This time around, we're answering your questions about whether we should be doing HSPU, how triathlon training can help someone's CrossFitting, and what kind of benchmark workouts you should be keeping track of.
3/9/202023 minutes, 42 seconds
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#114: Complain Less, Communicate More

We're talking about how you can raise concerns and have difficult conversations without feeling like you're whining, complaining, or making excuses.
3/2/202024 minutes, 8 seconds
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#113: 3x3 on Gym Metrics, Getting Organized, & Difficult People

The 3x3 is back! This week, I'm offering my take on the 3 numbers every gym owner should know, 3 ways to get organized, and 3 ways to deal with difficult people.
2/24/202024 minutes, 49 seconds
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#112: Tips for Overcoming Performance Anxiety

We're taking a few listener questions this week about how I'd coach somebody through performance anxieties that are getting in the way of competing, training, and enjoying the process. We talk about how to make practice more like game day, why Rich Froning loves EMOMs, and what I'd do with an athlete who gets nervous when the weight gets too high.
2/17/202025 minutes, 21 seconds
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#111: How to Maintain Your Edge When Training Solo (2:00, #14)

We're diving back into your questions this week, including my thoughts on four-day workweeks, how to judge a gym from afar, and how I prioritize what I focus on every day.
2/10/202037 minutes, 20 seconds
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#110: Mental Toughness Isn't What You Think

We're diving deep into the 6 steps we all need to take if we want to develop more mental toughness, including becoming a learner, expecting adversity, and killing the critic.
2/3/202057 minutes, 22 seconds
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#109: 3x3 on Worthwhile Mistakes, Health Markers, & Self-Help Books

This week's 3x3 is looking at mistakes I think everyone should make, shortcuts to assessing overall health, & self-development books I've found helpful.
1/27/202026 minutes, 22 seconds
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#108: When People Judge Your Passion

We're answering a few listener questions this week about how to respond to people who don't get why you're dedicating your time and energy to something they don't understand (like trying to make it to the CrossFit Games).
1/20/202030 minutes, 23 seconds
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#107: Don't Wear a Weight Vest Every Day (2:00 Drill #13)

Another 2:00 Drill this week, covering questions about cheat meals, getting the most out of what you're reading, and tips on gaining weight.
1/13/202029 minutes, 14 seconds
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#106: Behind the Scenes of My TEDx Talk

We're going behind the scenes of my recent TEDx talk, talking about the kind of prep I did, the process of cutting it from 50 minutes to 12, and what it was like working with a coach.
1/6/202033 minutes, 8 seconds
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#105: 3x3 on Morning Routines, Parenting Tips, & Phone Usage

We're back with another 3x3! This week, we're talking about 3 things I recommend everybody do every morning, 3 tips for parents of teenagers, and 3 ways to stop being so addicted to your phone.
12/30/201938 minutes, 21 seconds
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#104: On Calmness & Complacency

We're answering a listener question today about responding to adversity, the balance between staying Stoic & being complacent, & how to know when you're reaching for something beyond your control.
12/23/201916 minutes, 38 seconds
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#103: Why CrossFit Shouldn't be in the Olympics (2:00 Drill, #12)

We're back for more of your questions this week! We're talking about whether CrossFit should be in the Olympics, my tips for triathlon training, and my thoughts on "faking it until you make it."
12/16/201937 minutes, 45 seconds
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#102: The 10 Principles of Training

We're breaking down the fifth of our 5 Factors of Health, this time diving into the principles you should keep in mind as it relates to training for health and longevity.
12/9/201944 minutes, 43 seconds
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#101: Reinvestment & Infinite Games

We're talking about why reinvesting back into the business is really just investing in yourself, how to know when you're ready to go all-in, and whether I think differently about reinvestment today than I did ten years ago.
12/2/201935 minutes, 11 seconds
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#100: 3x3 on Worthwhile Expenses, Lousy Excuses, & Travel Workouts

The 3x3 is back! This time we're tackling 3 things you should be spending your money on, 3 excuses we should all stop using, and 3 movements to do next time you're on the road and away from the gym.
11/25/201927 minutes, 30 seconds
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#099: CrossFitting While Pregnant

Heather stops by to talk about how she thought about doing CrossFit while she was pregnant, and we answer some listener questions about what training and nutrition advice we'd give for folks before, during, and post pregnancy.
11/18/201932 minutes, 14 seconds
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#098: The Discipline I Most Attribute To My Success (2:00 Drill #11)

We’re back with another episode of the Two Minute Drill! This time around, I’m answering questions about how to raise money for gym improvements from your current membership, training in a fasted state, & the discipline I most attribute to my own success.
11/11/201927 minutes, 16 seconds
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#097: The 5 P's of Decision Making

We're taking a 10'000 foot view on how to make decisions, discussing how to factor in our principles, priorities, & purpose to make sure our lives are headed in the right direction.
11/4/201936 minutes, 18 seconds
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#096: 10 Principles of Mindset

We’re breaking down another one of our 5 Factors of Health, offering up the 10 principles of thinking meant to get your mindset right.
10/28/201928 minutes, 5 seconds
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#095: 3x3 on Nutrition Tips, Fitness Routines, & Necessary People

We’re talking about 3 nutrition tips you probably haven’t heard, 3 fitness routines (that aren’t CrossFit) worth trying, & the 3 types of people everybody should have in their lives.
10/21/201923 minutes, 37 seconds
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#094: How to Control Outcomes

A listener question about our intro sequence triggers a conversation about control vs concern, reactions vs responses, and the moments right after something happens during which our choices make a world of difference.
10/14/201928 minutes, 26 seconds
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#093: The One Word I Use to Define Success (2:00 Drill #10)

We’re tackling 14 more listener questions in this 2 Minute Drill, including how I think about the value of strict movements versus kipping, how we respond to athletes who show up to class late, and the difference between self-assessment and self-criticism. Thank you to everybody who sends in questions! Keep them coming, please.
10/7/201933 minutes, 6 seconds
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#092: 10 Principles of Nutrition

We’re breaking down another one of our 5 Factors of Health. We’re talking about avoiding sugar, eating more veggies, understanding good vs bad fats, and how to eat mindfully.
9/30/201933 minutes, 17 seconds
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#091: Tactics of Coaching Games Athletes

We're talking about the technologies & metrics I use to optimize training, the psychological effects of wearing the leader's jersey during the Games, & how I push my athletes out of their comfort zones without risking injury.
9/23/201934 minutes, 55 seconds
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#090: 3x3 on Limiting Words, Time Hacks, & Great Movies

We’re introducing a new episode format this week, breaking down 3 limiting words that are holding us back, 3 time-saving hacks, & 3 great movies that anybody chasing excellence should watch.
9/16/201932 minutes
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#089: The Rationale Behind Rx'd Workouts

We’re taking a look at the CrossFit convention of prescribing specific weights, the arguments for and against doing so, and the importance of understanding the intended stimulus of a workout.
9/9/201931 minutes, 5 seconds
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#088: Two Minute Drill, #9

We’re answering more listener questions, including my tips for increasing your pull-up strength, how to recover better when you’re an older athlete, and whether CompTrain will ever field a team at the CrossFit Games.
9/2/201932 minutes, 58 seconds
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#087: Leading Kids Effectively

We’re talking about how to create a culture for kids that’s all about developing a growth mindset, how I would suggest parents create a physical education curriculum for their kids, & why I don’t think it’s the job of the leader to push a kid to find their passion or purpose.
8/26/201933 minutes, 21 seconds
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#086: The Class Experience Scorecard

We’re taking a look at a theoretical scorecard I put together to judge how effectively a class is being organized and run. We cover subjects like how you set-up the room, why you coach more and talk less, & how to use music to create an exciting environment.
8/19/201933 minutes, 24 seconds
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#085: The 10 Components of Fitness

We’re going over the ten general physical skills that we’re trying to maximize in the gym, the sports that test them best, and whether I think practicing is more difficult than training.
8/12/201925 minutes, 23 seconds
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#084: Two Minute Drill #8, w EC Syncowski

EC is back to tackle some listener questions! We talk about supplementation for average CrossFitters, what a healthy diet looks like for kids, and whether gut microbiome tests are worth doing.
8/5/201930 minutes, 14 seconds
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#083: The Origins of NOBULL

We’ve got the co-founder of NOBULL, Marcus Wilson, on to talk about how to spot the right people to work with, why NOBULL had to build a brand before they had products to sell, and how it was that they had the confidence to go up against the big guns in the footwear and apparel business.
7/29/201948 minutes, 55 seconds
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#082: How to Start CrossFit By Yourself

We’re discussing how I would advise different kinds of people who want to start CrossFit but who are unable or unwilling to go to an affiliate.
7/22/201935 minutes, 25 seconds
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#081: Leaderboarding in Real Life

We’re talking about the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, the role education has in setting us up to chase the wrong things, and how we can learn from our peers without letting their lives dictate our own pursuits.
7/15/201937 minutes, 49 seconds
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#080: Building a Stronger Brand

We’re diving deep into marketing, branding, and advertising. We cover topics like the marketing hourglass, why advertising doesn’t work for CrossFit affiliates, creating talk triggers, and understanding your three uniques.
7/8/20191 hour, 7 minutes, 28 seconds
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#079: Two Minute Drill, #7

We’re answering more of your questions, covering topics from how to deal with doubt midway through a workout to what advice I’d give leaders who are tasked with motivating reluctant people.
7/1/201940 minutes, 6 seconds
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#078: 25 Questions for E.C. Synkowski

E.C. Syncowski of OptimizeME Nutrition is back for a round of rapid-fire questions. We get her thoughts on everything from probiotics, dairy, and bacon, to bread, powdered greens, and alcohol.
6/24/201924 minutes, 7 seconds
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#077: Comparing Solo & Group Training

We’re talking about what type of athletes thrive in a one-on-one environment, the differences between progressions and periodization in your programming, and whether I think coaches should specialize in either group or individual training.
6/17/201947 minutes, 29 seconds
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#076: 14 Ways to Recover Better

We're talking about a bunch of ways to recover from our workouts better, from simple foam rolling to electric stimulation and float tanks.
6/10/201951 minutes, 23 seconds
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#075: Scaling Culture at CrossFit TILT

We’ve got Max Isaak in to talk about what we’re doing at CrossFit TILT, how I think about scaling culture across multiple gyms, and the distinction between being a leader and a business owner.
6/3/201937 minutes, 54 seconds
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#074: Win or Learn

We’re talking about failing, the difference between pain and suffering, and why I think the ability to learn from our failures is a skill everybody should learn to cultivate.
5/31/201932 minutes, 39 seconds
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#073: Two Minute Drill #6

We're tackling some more of your questions this week, including the food I'd recommend you eat before a workout, what I'd do differently if I was starting CFNE today, and my tips on overcoming performance anxiety.
5/20/201922 minutes, 23 seconds
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#072: Optimize Your Nutrition, w/ EC Synkowski

We’ve got EC Syncowski of OptimizeMe Nutrition in to talk about the fundamentals of a good diet, the 800g Challenge, and whether it’s more important to focus on the quality or the quantity of our food.
5/13/201955 minutes, 9 seconds
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#071: The Theoretical Development of a Business

We’re walking through the framework I’ve developed for building CrossFit New England, which has five areas of focus: Culture, Product, Marketing, Management, and Systems.
5/6/20191 hour, 7 minutes, 19 seconds
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#070: Top Trends Inside the CrossFit Community

We’re exploring some of the common trends we’ve seen come and (sometimes) go within CrossFit over the years, including the Zone Diet, post-workout chocolate milk, and subscriptions to mobility programming.
4/29/201958 minutes, 35 seconds
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#069: Embrace the Chase

We’re tackling the concept of chasing excellence head on, talking about putting first things first & why pursuing success isn’t as meaningful as the pursuit itself.
4/22/201937 minutes, 12 seconds
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#068: The Changing Landscape of CrossFit

We’re diving into all the changes at CrossFit, why the Sanctionals are better tests than Regionals, and how re-learning what it takes to get to the Games now.
4/15/201950 minutes, 14 seconds
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#067: Danger Foods

We’re covering some of the foods you want to consider avoiding in your pursuit of better health, as well as a breakdown of how some simple changes can have a huge impact on the overall quality of what you’re eating.
4/8/201939 minutes, 9 seconds
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#066: Two Minute Drill, #5

We’re tackling more of your questions, talking about training seniors, active recovery, and whether I’ve ever considered a vegan diet.
4/1/201928 minutes, 59 seconds
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#065: Prioritizing the 5 Factors, w/ Katrin Davidsdottir

Katrin is back to talk with us about the difference between pursuing health and optimal performance, as well as some of the hacks we’ve found to sleep better, eat cleaner, and train harder.
3/25/201943 minutes, 37 seconds
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#064: Responding to Training Setbacks

We’re diving into some ways to avoid overuse injuries in the gym, how to think about coming back from whatever setbacks may have derailed your training, & what we do as an affiliate to try to minimize injuries from happening at all.
3/18/201933 minutes, 34 seconds
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#063: 10 Principles of Connection

We’re covering the ten ways we can all do a better job of connecting with each other - things like seeking first to understand, asking interesting questions, and complimenting without hesitation.
3/11/201922 minutes, 12 seconds
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#062: Two Minute Drill, #4

We're tackling some of your questions, covering topics from mobility, to what I think about people who train to the point of sickness, to whether bodybuilding has a role inside of CrossFit training.
3/4/201942 minutes, 51 seconds
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#061: How I Think About Coaching

We’re talking about how to climb the ladder of leadership with your athletes, why you should never ask a client why something isn’t working, and how to get the most out of your coaches.
2/25/20191 hour, 2 minutes, 50 seconds
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#060: Building Stronger Nutritional Strategies

We’re talking about some of the ways you can set yourself up for nutritional success at home, at the office, and when you go out to eat.
2/18/201942 minutes, 39 seconds
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#059: Running Your Gym Like a Private School

We're talking about how CrossFit New England on-boards new members, the three things we believe can guarantee our members' success, & why gyms should be paying attention to their churn rate.
2/11/201931 minutes, 57 seconds
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#058: Embracing Vulnerability, with Heather Bergeron

Heather joins us in this episode to talk about living a life of honesty, dealing with the judgments of others, & why being vulnerable is how we can build trust.
2/4/201937 minutes, 19 seconds
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#057: Two Minute Drill, #3

I'm answering your questions on subjects like ideal body fat for health, whether fear is a good motivator for change, & what I would do if I had to start my coaching career over from scratch.
1/28/201934 minutes, 54 seconds
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#056: Taking Small Steps Toward Big Goals, with Katrin Davidsdottir

Katrin joins us to talk about how we came to start working together, how we think about & build toward our goals, & when we start creating the year's training plan.
1/21/201942 minutes, 5 seconds
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#055: Defining & Pursuing Balance

We're breaking down what I mean when I say that I'm seeking balance in my life.
1/14/201928 minutes, 53 seconds
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#054: Starting a Career in CrossFit

We're talking about the journey I took from being a personal trainer to building CrossFit New England as it stands today, what young trainers who want to start a gym should do first, & my best advice for owners who have just opened their doors.
1/7/201945 minutes, 41 seconds
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#053: 10 Principles for Better Sleep

We’re talking about developing better sleep habits & why optimizing our sleep is really optimizing our health.
12/17/201833 minutes, 37 seconds
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#052: A Masters Athlete's Guide to Competing

In this episode: We're talking about strategies for maximizing the competitive career of a master's athlete.
12/5/201830 minutes, 48 seconds
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#051: Learning to Flip Fear Around

We're talking about evolutionary sources of fear, the role it has played in my life, & how to use fear to make yourself better.
11/24/201828 minutes, 3 seconds
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#050: Favorite Books, Podcasts, Films, & People

In this episode: We're covering the books & other resources that I most frequently recommend.
11/16/20181 hour, 4 minutes, 37 seconds
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#049: Game Day Nutrition

We're talking about the best practices & common mistakes of keeping your nutrition on point during your next CrossFit competition.
11/5/201837 minutes, 7 seconds
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#048: What it Means to be Productive

We're talking about putting first things first, the number of hours the average American spends watching television, & how I schedule my days & weeks to ensure I'm being effective.
10/25/201845 minutes, 43 seconds
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#047: Two Minute Drill, Take #2

We’re answering listener questions, including my advice to young athletes who want to make CrossFit a professional endeavor, recommended approaches to uncover food sensitivity issues, & my morning routine.
10/15/201840 minutes, 41 seconds
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#046: Earning Trust & Building Teams

We're talking about the philosophy & the process we take at CFNE to hire new people, the value of trust, & how to share your vision so that the whole team buys into it.
10/5/201852 minutes, 25 seconds
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#045: Don't Get Bamboozled by Big Food

We're talking about some of the reasons we're set up to fail when trying to eat clean, as well as a bunch of foods & ingredients to look out for as we pursue better health.
9/25/201837 minutes, 25 seconds
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#044: Talent, Opportunities, & Effort

We're talking about whether Katrin, Fraser, & Tia are more talented than other athletes, the value of deliberate practice, & why I think it's important to first define what you would consider a success.
9/11/201828 minutes, 31 seconds
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#043: What to Do About Your Weaknesses

In this episode: We're talking about how to attack weaknesses in the gym, how to play to our strengths outside the gym, & how I've come to think about the areas in my own life I want to focus on improving. Show Notes: 01:54 - How I think about getting to the bottom of movement or performance issues 8:55 - Why I don't only competitive athletes should be focusing on their weaknesses 16:48 - What I think are the cross-over benefits to real life of learning how to attack weaknesses in the gym 23:14 - My thoughts on whether it ever makes sense to go hard on our weaknesses, even in lieu of strengths 28:55 - How I've come to think about & through my own areas of weakness // Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/2lCdeWb Subscribe on Google Play: https://goo.gl/VPYj3G Grab the book: http://amzn.to/2vSjU4q Chasing Excellence is a show dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, both inside the gym & out. On each episode, we'll deep dive on various aspects of running a CrossFit affiliate, becoming a better coach or athlete, & maximizing your potential. Web: http://www.benbergeron.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachbenbergeron/
8/28/201837 minutes, 59 seconds
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#042: Desert Island Health

In this episode: We're imposing some imaginary constraints to explore some of my health & fitness principles. Topics include which CrossFit benchmarks workouts I'd pick to repeat forever if I had to, what single meal I would eat if I had to only eat one meal for the rest of my life, & what single movement I'd choose if I could only do one. Show Notes: 01:30 - My pick for what movement in the gym I would pick if I could only do one for the rest of my life 08:00 - If I could only do 3 CrossFit benchmarks workouts, on repeat, for the rest of my life, these are the 3 I'd choose. 15:49 - My answer to which would be worse to endure: Sleeping only 4 hours a nice, every night; eating only food at the local house of pizza; or only working out twice a week. 19:00 - Some of my go-to workouts when I don't have any equipment to use 22:20 - The single meal I would eat every day, for every meal, if I had to limit myself to it. 28:00 - The people I would gather around a table to learn from, if I could pick from anybody past or present. // Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/2lCdeWb Subscribe on Google Play: https://goo.gl/VPYj3G Grab the book: http://amzn.to/2vSjU4q Chasing Excellence is a show dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, both inside the gym & out. On each episode, we'll deep dive on various aspects of running a CrossFit affiliate, becoming a better coach or athlete, & maximizing your potential. Web: http://www.benbergeron.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachbenbergeron/
8/15/201832 minutes, 42 seconds
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#041: Tips to Improve Competitive Performance

In this episode: We're talking about ways to be more competitive in the sport of CrossFit. Topics include how to get better at muscle-ups, tips for improving your double unders, & my best advice for athletes who don't have a coach. Show Notes: 02:06 - Quick recap of the Theoretical Development of a Champion 03:55 - My best advice for a competitor I've never seen compete or train 09:36 - Something I think too many athletes are doing in daily training 12:35 - Something I think not enough athletes are doing in their daily training 14:41 - My thoughts on elite athletes not always eating "clean" 17:37 - Tips for getting better at muscle-ups 21:01 - Tips for getting better at double-unders 22:40 - Watch Molly Metz do 10 minutes of UB double-unders here [https://youtu.be/0-PS4jK2LOI] 26:11 - How to get better at touch & go reps 29:34 - Advice on events that have a rower/Trueform/bike, etc 32:57 - What to do if you don't have a competitive coach to work with 35:06 - A sneak peak at something new from CompTrain [Subscribe on Apple Podcasts here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comptrain-radio/id1420154954] // Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/2lCdeWb Subscribe on Google Play: https://goo.gl/VPYj3G Grab the book: http://amzn.to/2vSjU4q Chasing Excellence is a show dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, both inside the gym & out. On each episode, we'll deep dive on various aspects of running a CrossFit affiliate, becoming a better coach or athlete, & maximizing your potential. Web: http://www.benbergeron.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachbenbergeron/
8/3/201838 minutes, 21 seconds
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#040: Effective Parenting Tactics

I'm covering some of the most impactful parenting tips I've learned, including praising effort instead of talent, not keeping any junk food in the house, and why we don't let our kids quit. Show Notes: 01:33 - All Pro Dad article: https://www.allprodad.com/10-things-i-hope-my-children-remember-about-me-as-a-father 02:30 - Put your spouse first, not the kids 05:18 - Praise effort, not talent or achievement 05:56 - Grab "Grit" by Angela Duckworth here [https://amzn.to/2Lg2nP1], & "Mindset" by Carol Dweck here [https://amzn.to/2uuvHYy] 11:10 - Don't keep junk in the house 14:55 - Follow through on your promises 19:58 - Be vulnerable, but never complain 22:25 - Sympathize with them 23:51 - Grab "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss here [https://amzn.to/2uydid7] 27:15 - Don't let them quit 33:08 - Talk with them about money 36:47 - The importance of sleep // Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/2lCdeWb Subscribe on Google Play: https://goo.gl/VPYj3G Grab the book: http://amzn.to/2vSjU4q Chasing Excellence is a show dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, both inside the gym & out. On each episode, we'll deep dive on various aspects of running a CrossFit affiliate, becoming a better coach or athlete, & maximizing your potential. Web: http://www.benbergeron.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachbenbergeron/
7/18/201843 minutes, 55 seconds
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#039: 10 Ways to Lead from the Front in Your Gym

In this episode: I'm going through ten of the ways I try to lead in my affiliate, including taking our own classes, welcoming feedback, & following through on what I say. Show Notes: 01:50 - #1: Take your own classes & follow your own programming 04:53 - #2: Move well 06:25 - #3: Eat clean 10:04 - #4: Use people's names & look them in the eye 17:14 - #5: Follow through on what you say 19:46 - #6: Welcome feedback & don't be defensive 22:04 - #7: Admit when you don't know something 24:05 - #8: Be the first to arrive & the last to leave 25:38 - #9: Never complain, never whine, never make excuses 27:44 - #10: Smile // Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2lCdeWb Subscribe on Google Play: goo.gl/VPYj3G Grab the book: amzn.to/2vSjU4q Chasing Excellence is a show dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, both inside the gym & out. On each episode, we'll deep dive on various aspects of running a CrossFit affiliate, becoming a better coach or athlete, & maximizing your potential. Web: www.benbergeron.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/coachbenbergeron/
7/3/201830 minutes, 55 seconds
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#038: Why CrossFit is Different than the CrossFit Games

In this episode: I'm talking about the primary differences between the CrossFit that happens in our gym & the CrossFit that happens in Madison every summer. Show Notes: 02:02 - How I've come to think about the differentiation between CrossFit and the CrossFit Games 04:05 - My Mt. Everest analogy 07:01 - Why your focus shouldn't be on intensity 08:03 - Mechanics 09:59 - Consistency 10:35 - Appropriate Intensity 13:21 - How the goals of a CrossFit gym member is different than those of a CrossFit athlete 16:09 - Where I think we'll be in 30 years. // Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/2lCdeWb Subscribe on Google Play: https://goo.gl/VPYj3G Grab the book: http://amzn.to/2vSjU4q Chasing Excellence is a show dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, both inside the gym & out. On each episode, we'll deep dive on various aspects of running a CrossFit affiliate, becoming a better coach or athlete, & maximizing your potential. Web: http://www.benbergeron.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachbenbergeron/
6/20/201817 minutes, 53 seconds
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#037: The Benefits of Negative Visualization

In this episode, we're talking about tactful conflict resolution, the benefits of talking through "If, Then" scenarios, & why thinking through what might go wrong is a great way to make things go right.
6/5/201828 minutes, 26 seconds
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#036: 10 Habits You Should Stop Having

I cover 10 things we shouldn't be doing, including hitting the snooze button, watching the news, & leaving dishes in the sink.
5/22/201824 minutes, 26 seconds
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#035: The Secret to the Good Life

In this short episode: I talk about the two questions you should be asking yourself consistently if you want to live a fulfilled life, and why you shouldn't always trust your feelings in pursuit of your goals. Show Notes: 00:01:55 - The first question everyone should be asking themselves 00:04:04 - The second question everyone should be asking themselves 00:04:30 - Grab Stephen Covey"s "7 Habits" [http://amzn.to/2miHUMI] & "First Things First" [https://amzn.to/2KJU9LR] 00:06:05 - Why your feelings can be misguided 00:08:00 - The role of fear // Grab the book: http://amzn.to/2vSjU4q Chasing Excellence is a show dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, both inside the gym & out. On each episode, we'll deep dive on various aspects of running a CrossFit affiliate, becoming a better coach or athlete, & maximizing your potential. Web: http://www.benbergeron.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benbergeron/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachbenbergeron/
5/8/201812 minutes, 38 seconds
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#034: Frequently Asked Nutrition Questions

I'm answering some of the most common nutrition questions we get at the gym, from which supplements I recommend to intermittent fasting, from hydration to how much red meat is too much. Show Notes: 00:00:50 - Watch all the CFNE Way Episodes here: https://goo.gl/u8Nfkv 00:02:22 - What sources would you recommend for a deeper dive into learning about nutrition? 00:04:30 - Grab Michael Pollan's books here: "In Defense of Food [https://amzn.to/2qOazd4], "Omnivore's Dilemma" [https://amzn.to/2qLRYPl], "Food Rules" [https://amzn.to/2HfxXLv] 00:05:15 - Robb Wolf's website: https://robbwolf.com/ 00:05:57 - Grab Robb Wolf's books here: "Paleo Solution" [https://amzn.to/2K3WZuH], "Wired to Eat" [https://amzn.to/2HB2DGt] 00:05:50 - Watch the Joe Rogan/Robb Wolf episode here: https://goo.gl/qgWcff 00:06:01 - Grab Gary Taubes's books here: "Good Calories, Bad Calories" [https://amzn.to/2F2TOjp], "Why We Get Fat" [https://amzn.to/2HOkwiH], "The Case Against Sugar" [https://amzn.to/2HG74zW] 00:06:50 - Chris Kresser's website here: https://chriskresser.com/ 00:08:06 - What supplement is overused? 00:09:02 - What supplement is underused? 00:10:24 - What is cod liver oil & why should I take it? 00:12:23 - Are veggies still good if I turn them into a shake? 00:13:36 - How much red meat is too much red meat? 00:14:37 - What is a good alternative if I can't afford grass-fed/wild caught meats? 00:16:17 - If I have a race or event coming up, should I carb load? 00:16:48 - What is intermittent fasting? 00:17:53 - How hydrated do I need to be normally? 00:20:20 - Are more, smaller meals better than fewer, larger ones? 00:22:37 - If I'm eating the amount I should, why am I still hungry?
4/24/201825 minutes, 32 seconds
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#033: Assessing Health by Measuring Fitness

Talking about going to the doctor, why how many burpees you can do in a minute is an indication of more than just your fitness, & the difference between being a swim coach & a lifeguard.
4/11/201821 minutes, 53 seconds
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#032: Breaking Down the Five Factors of Health

We're talking about good habits & bad, the three steps of every habit, & about taking small steps in the right direction. // You can see the poster here: https://goo.gl/hi4BhA
3/28/201818 minutes, 36 seconds
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#031: A Recipe for Better Habits

We're talking about good habits & bad, the three steps of every habit, & about taking small steps in the right direction. // Grab "Chasing Excellence" here: http://amzn.to/2vSjU4q
3/7/201834 minutes, 12 seconds
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#030: Two Minute Drill, Take 1

In this episode: Answering some listener questions, including the how to balance intensity & volume in training, what I'm working to improve these days, & my recommendations for athletes coming back from injury.
2/23/201824 minutes, 53 seconds
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#029: Getting the Most Out of Your Training

We’re talking about why we put so much emphasis on recovering well, touching on nutrition, sleep, muscle work, icing versus heat, stress, & much more.
2/7/201831 minutes, 47 seconds
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#028: Strengthening Your Grit Muscles

We're talking about resilience, a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset, & why hard work is more important than talent.
1/17/201822 minutes, 56 seconds
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#027: The Development of a Champion

We're breaking down the theoretical development of a champion & what makes the difference between good athletes & great athletes.
1/2/201824 minutes, 54 seconds
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#026: Answering the Questions from Tribe of Mentors

We're answering the 11 questions posed in Tim Ferriss's new book Tribe of Mentors. Subjects include the books that have influenced me the most, how caffeine is amazing in small doses, & why I don't believe in failure.
12/14/201715 minutes, 14 seconds
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#025: The Value of Thinking Big

We're talking about how CFNE, CompTrain, Project:Elevation, & working with Elite CrossFit Games athletes are all part of the same mission.
11/29/201738 minutes, 18 seconds
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#024: Fueling the CrossFit Athlete

We're talking about why nutrition is so important in the sport of CrossFit, ideal body fat percentages for athletes, & what supplements I recommend CrossFit athletes take.
11/7/201728 minutes, 24 seconds
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#023: Maximizing Your Minutes

Talking about time management, putting first things first, & why it'd be great if email wasn't a thing.
10/24/201731 minutes, 49 seconds
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#022: The Importance of Being Strong Enough

In this episode: We're talking about why athletes who want to make waves in the sport of CrossFit need to focus on getting strong enough to actually be competitive.
10/11/201720 minutes, 32 seconds
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#021: W.H.O.O.P.I.E.

We're breaking down an acronym that can help you set better goals & achieve bigger things.
9/28/201720 minutes, 1 second
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#020: 2017 CrossFit Games Debrief

We're talking about Madison, the programming, & the lessons we learned during the 2017 season
9/1/201734 minutes, 16 seconds
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#019: Katrin Davidsdottir

In this episode: Talking with Katrin Davidsdottir about moving to the U.S. to train, surrounding yourself with the right people, & putting in 100% effort.
8/1/201747 minutes, 14 seconds
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#018: Putting Character First

We're talking about why I always start with character, the value of spending time in silence, & what most people are missing in their training.
7/26/201727 minutes, 37 seconds
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#017: Preparing for the Games

Talking about my month-long CrossFit Games training camp, why eliminating distractions are important, & how excellence is contagious.
7/11/201726 minutes, 49 seconds
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#016: How to Train with Intention

We're talking about the difference between practice, training, & competition, & why you should go into every session at the gym knowing which mode you're in.
6/6/201727 minutes, 49 seconds
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#015: Redefining Adversity

Talking about why a busted ACL can be a good thing, what Brent Fikowski, Tom Brady, & Katrin Davidsdottir have in common, & why you should focus less on what happens & more on how you respond to what happens.
5/24/201723 minutes, 28 seconds
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#014: Simplifying Nutrition

We're talking about why I prefer to keep my nutritional advice simple, the value of getting blood work done, & why both quality & quantity matters.
5/3/201726 minutes, 22 seconds
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#013: Working With Members Who Compete

Talking about the best ways I've found to work with my members who want to compete in CrossFit, without losing their connection to our community.
4/18/201721 minutes, 58 seconds
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#012: How to Chase Happiness

We talk about why happiness doesn't live on the other side of achievement, gratitude, & why relationships matter more than money.
4/3/201728 minutes, 2 seconds
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#011: Cole Sager

Cole Sager stops in to talk about growing up in a small town, his football career, & the "why" behind everything he does.
3/21/201752 minutes, 20 seconds
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#010: Conditioning-Biased Programming

Talking about the difference between programming for competitors versus members of our affiliates, the downfalls of strength-biased programming, & why less is almost always more.
3/7/201726 minutes, 53 seconds
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#009: Living Based on Core Values

We discuss how I think about Core Values today versus how I used to think about them, & why they're so important to think about every single day.
2/21/201730 minutes, 59 seconds
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#008: Brooke Wells

Brooke Wells stops in during a weekend of training with Ben to talk about her background, her training, & her hopes going forward.
2/8/201736 minutes, 17 seconds
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#007: Becoming a Leader

Talking about the different levels of leadership, the definition of trust, sincere listening, & how to build a staff of strong leaders.
1/24/201730 minutes, 23 seconds
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#006: Daily Discipline

Talking about goal-setting, building habits, & why you want to strive to keep the chain of success going.
1/10/201729 minutes, 51 seconds
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#005: The 2030 Games Champ

Talking about how I might guide a young athlete toward future success in the sport of CrossFit.
12/27/201629 minutes, 27 seconds
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#004: Practical Ways to Boost Your Community

In this episode: We're talking about some of the small (but important) ways CFNE shows their members they care, touching on topics like thank-you notes, what your programming says about your priorities, & the value of giving your coaches constraints.
12/13/201632 minutes, 31 seconds
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#003: Evaluating Opportunities

In this episode: We're chatting about how I think about opportunities, some of the reasons we decided to cancel the East Coast Championships, & why I made the decision years ago to stop being a competitive athlete.
11/29/201627 minutes, 53 seconds
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#002: Maximizing Your CrossFit Open

In this episode: We talk about how to maximize your CrossFit Games​ Open. Topics include how to fit the events into your normal training schedule, what might be coming in 2017, & the value of leaderboarding.
11/15/201628 minutes, 18 seconds