Chasing Excellence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

❤️ 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

❤️ 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

❤️ 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

❤️ 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

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

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

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

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

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

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