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 [...
Feb 06, 2024•56 min•Ep. 324
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 TH...
Jan 30, 2024•54 min•Ep. 323
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 ...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 322
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...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 321
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 Tuesda...
Jan 09, 2024•57 min•Ep. 320
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 Berg...
Jan 02, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 319
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 list...
Dec 26, 2023•53 min•Ep. 318
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, an...
Dec 19, 2023•54 min•Ep. 317
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...
Dec 12, 2023•54 min•Ep. 316
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 [cod...
Dec 05, 2023•58 min•Ep. 315
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 valu...
Nov 28, 2023•54 min•Ep. 314
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 ...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 313
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 Newslet...
Nov 14, 2023•58 min•Ep. 312
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...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 311
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 ...
Oct 31, 2023•52 min•Ep. 310
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 SPON...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 309
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 whi...
Oct 17, 2023•45 min•Ep. 308
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 dayca...
Oct 10, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 307
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 profes...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 306
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 reconnec...
Sep 26, 2023•48 min•Ep. 305
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 famil...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 304
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.c...
Sep 12, 2023•52 min•Ep. 303
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 talk...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 302
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 pl...
Aug 29, 2023•59 min•Ep. 301
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 peopl...
Aug 22, 2023•58 min•Ep. 300
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 questio...
Aug 15, 2023•41 min•Ep. 299
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 🔗...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 298
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 autho...
Jul 25, 2023•42 min•Ep. 297
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) =========== GE...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 296
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 hi...
Jul 11, 2023•33 min•Ep. 295
