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Coaches David Syvertsen and Dr. Sam Rhee discuss all things CrossFit, health, fitness.
208 Episodes
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We audit a popular seven-event “fittest” test, surface its power bias, and offer a clearer, safer, and more complete way to measure broad fitness. We keep skills accessible, tighten standards, fix load ratios, and build a day that any serious gym can run. • defining fitness before testing it • why a mile run is not endurance • where single-rep power tests fall short • safer strength standards and judging • fixing male to female load ratios • adding repeatable power and strict bodyweight work...
We talk with longtime affiliate owner Tim Carroll about the real work behind running one gym, then three, and why delegation and culture are the only way to last. Hiring, pay, boundaries, and the hard talks you avoid until they cost you more come into focus. • shifting from workouts to business operations • building a repeatable coaching pipeline • paying fairly within real revenue limits • handling rent hikes and post‑COVID plateaus • incentives for retention and referrals • when friendship...
We unpack what CrossFit means after a combined 26 years of affiliate ownership—community, business, and brand—and ask whether the new “hard work, no shortcuts” campaign reaches new people or just rallies the faithful. We explore missed partnerships, HYROX momentum, and a practical path forward built on prescriptive coaching and real member stories. • defining CrossFit now—modality, community, or business • community loyalty vs the need for profit • rising fees and what HQ delivers to affilia...
We talk with Rachel about choosing sobriety without a rock-bottom moment, how COVID habits quietly escalated, and why better sleep, calmer mornings, and stronger training made the change stick. Clear data, simple choices, and community support shape a confident new identity. • background, first steps into CrossFit, early intimidation • COVID escalation from weekends to nightly drinking • dopamine mechanics and the myth of “chasing the first buzz” • decision point: moderating vs stopping comp...
Two CrossFit athletes share their harrowing experiences with heart attacks that occurred during or shortly after CrossFit workouts, revealing how cardiac events don't always present with typical symptoms. Scott Rossen and Mike McKinney offer raw, emotional accounts of their journeys from initial symptoms through hospitalization to their ongoing recovery processes. • Scott experienced shortness of breath rather than chest pain during CrossFit Open workout 25.3 • Mike felt persistent chest "di...
The CrossFit Games 2026 season announcement brings significant changes, most notably the return to 25% advancement from Open to Quarterfinals and the introduction of in-person semifinal opportunities for masters athletes. Sam and Dave discuss how these shifts could impact both elite competitors and everyday gym members while considering CrossFit's strategic position in a changing fitness landscape. • Return to 25% Open-to-Quarterfinals advancement rate, making next-level competition accessib...
Kelly and Kayla from Power Nutrition join us to discuss their approach to nutrition coaching that focuses on fueling both performance and everyday life, breaking free from diet culture mentality, and building sustainable habits that lead to lasting results. • Power Nutrition is built on three core principles: performance, wellness, and results • Both coaches have personal experiences overcoming restrictive diet culture mindsets • Nutrition coaching isn't just about food quality or macros - i...
Coach David Syvertsen welcomes Bob Wallum, the eighth-ranked 35-39-year-old athlete in the world, fresh off the CrossFit Games in Columbus, Ohio. The conversation explores Wallum's journey from Bison coach to elite CrossFit Games competitor, diving into his competition experience, training philosophy, and mindset. • Competing alongside CrossFit legends like Scott Panchik and Sam Dancer • The experience of coming back from early events that weren't his strengths • Managing physical and mental...
Brian, owner of Asbury Park Summer Games, shares his journey from CrossFit athlete to competition organizer and his mission to preserve the event's legacy while building its future. His passion for inclusivity and community comes through as he reveals plans to weatherproof next year's competition, continue the three-day format, and create an experience that serves athletes of all levels. • Started CrossFit 15 years ago, competing at APSG before becoming its owner • Sees himself as a "shepher...
What happens when your CrossFit gym goes dark? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic dive deep into their CrossFit Bison's unique Dark Week experience – where workouts remain completely hidden until athletes walk through the door. They explores the fascinating psychological impact of removing workout previews. While some members struggle with the lack of control, others discover unexpected freedom when forced to trust their fitness completely. As Coach David explains...
What happens when passionate gym members step into coaching roles? In this revealing conversation, Coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 sits down with Coaches Keith Andrews @keithandrews1 and Tara Porfido @tporf – two CrossFit Bison members who successfully made the transition to becoming beloved coaches at the gym. The journey from workout partner to workout leader isn't always straightforward. Keith and Tara candidly share the unexpected challenges they encountered, from the surprising amount o...
Ever wonder what it's like to tackle one of fitness's fastest-growing challenges alone? In this revealing conversation, CrossFit Bison member Dan Greenberg @danmg1128 takes host coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 through his journey of completing the Hyrox race as a solo competitor. What makes this story particularly remarkable is Dan's comeback from a potentially career-ending back injury that required surgery just a few years prior. Dan shares how he went from being told he had "the worst squ...
What does it take for two busy working moms to conquer one of the fastest-growing fitness challenges in the world? With host coach David Syvertsen @davesy85, Keren McKinney @kerenmckinney and Ashley Syvertsen @ashleyann522 pull back the curtain on their recent High Rocks race experience in New York City, revealing the reality behind the Instagram-worthy finish line photos. The conversation dives deep into what truly matters when preparing for such a physically demanding event. Keren, a forme...
What does it take to become the first state wrestling champion from your school in nearly 60 years? Today's guest, Francesca Gusfa @francescagusfa, joins coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 as she shares the remarkable journey that led her to make history at Ridgewood High School. Fresh off her state championship victory, 18-year-old Francesca opens up about the winding path that brought her to wrestling excellence. Unlike her brothers who started wrestling early, Francesca initially pursued gym...
From old locker rooms to a thriving fitness space – join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as they peel back the curtain on the first exciting month of our new gym Outlast Fitness @outlast_fitness, our newest venture located right in front of CrossFit Bison. The questions have been flooding in: Who is Outlast for? How does it differ from CrossFit? Is it a stepping stone to more intense training or its own complete fitness approach? We tackle these questions head-...
Veteran coach Kristy Link returns to share her fascinating journey from CrossFit gym owner to golf fitness specialist, revealing how diverse coaching experiences create better, more adaptable coaches. Kristy begins by reflecting on her transition after selling Brazen CrossFit, one of New Jersey's original CrossFit gyms known for its distinctive go-for-broke style and fiercely competitive athletes. She discusses how her coaching philosophy has evolved through teaching different populations – ...
Veteran CrossFit coach Michael DelaTorre @thecoachmiked joins the coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic to share wisdom gleaned from coaching an estimated 15,000 classes across multiple facilities. This conversation dives deep into the evolving nature of coaching across different environments—from young professionals in urban settings to diverse suburban populations. Mike reveals his coaching journey, which began with track and field in 2000 before discovering CrossF...
Imagine a fitness program that challenges you daily, that builds strength without sacrificing longevity, and creates a space where both seasoned athletes and newcomers feel equally at home. That's exactly what coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic and guest coach Michael DelaTorre @thecoachmiked are creating with Outlast @outlast_fitness, their bold new venture at Bison Fitness. This episode takes you behind the scenes of their biggest project to date. After years of...
The CrossFit Open typically shines a spotlight on elite athletes, but what about the everyday heroes who truly define a CrossFit community? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic take us behind the scenes of the Bison Beast Awards – their gym's annual recognition of members who embody CrossFit's spirit beyond the leaderboard. Meet Ella Kinney, the community cornerstone who's always first to volunteer and last to leave, knitting together friendships throughout th...
What happens when your passion for coaching collides with your desire to compete at the highest level? In this raw and revealing conversation, coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85, Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic and Bobby Wallum @bigbobbybowwow tackle the universal struggle of balancing personal athletic aspirations with professional coaching responsibilities. The trio dives deep into time management strategies that make both roles possible, challenging the common excuse of "not having enough time." ...
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