We trace Legends’ growth from hotel lobbies to a smooth, on-time Arizona State production while unpacking what keeps masters athletes competing: mindset, community, and sustainable training. Tracy and Kathleen share honest wins, near-misses, and how experience turns pressure into poise. • evolution of Legends logistics and scoring • the masters field deepening and raising the skill bar • why competition fuels connection and purpose • training arcs from semifinals to qualifiers to event day •...
We share a candid three-day recap from Legends 2025: a humbling swim, a debated strength tiebreak, and a return to classic mixed-modal tests that rewarded skill under fatigue. Community, cues, and composure turn rough starts into honest wins, even without the podium. • traveling to compete with teammates and why it matters • interval swim scoring change and pacing consequences • technique first approach to swimming efficiency • max snatch plus overhead squat strategy and judging depth • tieb...
We welcome Noah back to share how CrossFit and the Bison community helped him rebuild after a hard reset, from first-day nerves to chasing the Open with intention. We unpack coachability, scaling, and the power of belonging to make training sustainable and meaningful. • why community support turns effort into momentum • how to scale to preserve intensity and avoid injury • writing down lifts and workouts to build consistency • targeting weaknesses like jump rope and wall walks • using coachi...
Two athletes prove that getting older can mean getting stronger. We share how CrossFit, routine, and smart scaling rebuilt capacity after surgery, reversed a long decline, and made real life feel lighter. • why “I’m getting old” is the wrong script • early sports roots shaping mindset and grit • starting CrossFit in your 60s with coaching and progressions • Abigail’s CDH1 gene story and total gastrectomy • rebuilding weight, strength, and confidence with scaling • shifting from endurance-onl...
The best gyms don’t just add classes; they build pathways. We brought all four Bison Fitness owners, David Syvertsen @davesy85, Adam Hawkinson @hawkabn, Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic and Mike DaSilva together to share how our community evolved from a single CrossFit track into a fuller system—without losing the camaraderie and push that made it special. You’ll hear real stories, honest tradeoffs, and the programs that are helping members feel better, train smarter, and stay longer. We break...
We welcome Dan to the Thursday morning coaching role and unpack what it truly takes to run a room with care, structure, and humility. Movement quality, time management, and lifestyle discipline frame a bigger idea: sport and general fitness feed each other when the culture is right. • why timing, commitment and family readiness matter for coaching • movement quality as the foundation for progress and longevity • cues that land: saying one idea five different ways • sport ve...
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...