What separates the physically capable from the truly elite competitors? In this revealing episode, we take you behind the scenes at the Syndicate Crown CrossFit competition to examine the critical mental game that makes all the difference when athletes step onto the competition floor.

Fresh off witnessing the intensity of high-level CrossFit competition, we unpack what makes execution under pressure so difficult – and so important. The physical capacity of these athletes is undeniable, but what truly differentiates them is their ability to execute strategies effectively when the pressure mounts and adapt when things inevitably go sideways.

We share an in-depth analysis of Misfit athlete Erica Folo's performance, including both her dominant first-place finish in "Regionals Revenge" and a dramatic fall during a handstand walk workout that tested her mental resilience. These contrasting moments perfectly illustrate our central thesis: "You don't rise to the occasion; you fall to the level of your training." The habits you build in training – both mental and physical – determine your capacity to perform when it matters most.

For coaches and athletes alike, we explore the psychology behind competition nerves, breaking down how the same physiological response (increased heart rate, adrenaline) can be channeled either as energizing "fight" energy or debilitating "flight" anxiety. The difference often comes down to preparation, strategy, and the mental frameworks you've developed long before competition day.

Whether you're a competitive CrossFit athlete or simply someone who wants to understand the psychological components of high-performance, this episode offers actionable insights on developing strategic thinking, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt when your perfect plan meets the messy reality of competition. Join us for a fascinating journey into the minds of elite competitors and the coaches who guide them.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

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As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
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For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
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How much does the time of day affect your workout performance? According to our latest deep dive, it could be impacting your results by as much as 25-30%.

During this illuminating episode, we unpack the fascinating relationship between mental load and physical output. Even with perfect nutrition, hydration, and recovery, the accumulated stress of daily life dramatically alters how your body responds to training stimuli. The science is clear—mental and physical resources pull from the same reserves, making that evening workout feel disproportionately difficult compared to your morning sessions.

We examine how this phenomenon affects athletes across all levels, from CrossFit Games competitors to everyday fitness enthusiasts. The tendency to misinterpret these normal performance fluctuations leads many into negative feedback loops, where one disappointing session breeds another. Learning to observe these challenges objectively rather than judgmentally becomes as critical as any programming or nutrition strategy.

Between previewing the exceptionally well-designed Syndicate Crown workouts and analyzing what makes effective competition programming, we reveal why a workout that appears identical on paper feels completely different at 9am versus 7pm. For coaches and athletes alike, understanding these patterns provides invaluable insight into optimizing training schedules and maintaining consistent progress.

Whether you're following our newly launched offerings on Strivee or simply trying to maximize your results in the gym, this episode offers crucial perspective on working with—rather than against—your body's natural performance rhythms. Listen now to transform how you approach your training schedule and mental preparation.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

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As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com

The long-awaited Off-Season Block 2 program launches May 26th, bringing exciting changes to Misfit Athletics' programming structure and delivery platforms.

We're thrilled to announce three new subscription tiers tailored to different athlete needs: Pro ($69/month) for elite athletes with two daily sessions and direct coach access through Telegram; Comp ($49/month) bundling Hatchet, Masters, and GPP together for maximum flexibility; and standalone GPP ($29/month) for busy professionals seeking general fitness. Additionally, we're expanding beyond Fitter to offer programming through Strivee, giving athletes their choice of platforms.

The cornerstone of Off-Season Block 2 is the Texas Method back squat program, proven to add 20-40 pounds to your 5RM over nine weeks when approached strategically. The program balances Olympic lifting technique work through tempo pull cleans and positional snatches with heavy pressing and supplementary strength work. For athletes following the conditioning bias track, expect structured zone 2 training and multi-gear conditioning pieces designed to develop proper pacing.

This program continues our emphasis on C2 bike training and running – essential tools for developing the metabolic capacities needed at the highest levels of competition. We're structuring conditioning sessions to help athletes understand and implement the Gears Matrix concept, creating consistency in intensity across varying time domains.

Perhaps most inspiring is the continued success of our Hatchet program, with athletes qualifying for semifinals three years running while balancing full-time careers. This demonstrates that following the appropriate program for your situation can lead to remarkable results without requiring a professional's schedule.

Ready to make meaningful improvements during this critical off-season period? Visit misfitathetics.com to select your program and start building the foundation for next year's competitive success.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

Free Trial on PushPress:
https://www.pushpress.com/partners/misfit

Free Trial on SugarWOD:
https://app.sugarwod.com/marketplace/misfitathletics/misfit-affiliate-class-programming

As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com

What happens when an entirely new fitness competition bursts onto the scene with high production values and a roster of elite athletes? We take you inside the inaugural World Fitness Project (WFP) event in Indianapolis for a comprehensive, no-holds-barred review of this potentially game-changing addition to the competitive fitness landscape.

Drawing from firsthand experience at the event, we dissect everything from the competition programming to production quality, athlete treatment, and media access. The verdict? Surprisingly smooth operations for a first-time event, with punctual heats, excellent warm-up spaces, and professional staff that created a positive athlete experience throughout. The programming leaned heavily toward pulling gymnastics with a preference for shorter time domains—a consistent thread that's emerging across competitive fitness.

What stood out most was the incredible closeness of the field. The fitness level demonstrated was so uniform that athletes were separated by mere seconds, with dramatic moments like the men's leader dropping to fourth place on the final event due to a single missed lunge. This speaks volumes about how the sport has evolved, where formerly "outlier" performances have become the standard across entire fields of elite competitors.

But the bigger question looms: can events like this capture the casual fan? Despite excellent execution, attendance appeared moderate, particularly on Friday and Sunday. We explore the challenge of explaining "what this is" to potential spectators outside the fitness community bubble and discuss what might be needed for long-term growth in a crowded competition landscape.

Whether you're curious about alternatives to the CrossFit Games or simply interested in the evolution of competitive fitness, this episode offers valuable insights into what may be the future of the sport. Have you watched any WFP events? Let us know your thoughts on how these newer competitions compare to established formats!

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

Free Trial on PushPress:
https://www.pushpress.com/partners/misfit

Free Trial on SugarWOD:
https://app.sugarwod.com/marketplace/misfitathletics/misfit-affiliate-class-programming

As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com

Ever wondered why Forrest Gump's iconic cross-country journey began with Nike Cortez shoes? Our newest training phase draws inspiration from this powerful symbol of fundamental movement - running - while building a comprehensive foundation for the entire training year ahead.

The Cortez Phase represents our commitment to starting fresh with the most basic and essential human movements. We're focusing on deadlifts as our primary barbell movement, alternating between heavy strength days and conditioning integration to build both absolute strength and work capacity. This methodical approach ensures athletes develop proper posterior chain engagement that transfers to virtually every other movement pattern.

For gymnastics, we're emphasizing strict pulling and pushing movements that establish true upper body strength rather than relying on momentum or compensation patterns. Our approach to progressive scaling in these movements recognizes that bodyweight exercises require the same thoughtful programming as loaded movements - your body is the weight.

Perhaps most significantly, we've made running our conditioning bias. Running forces athletes out of the gym and away from machines, revealing true movement efficiency without equipment to mask compensations. Our detailed approach to running preparation addresses everything from big toe mobility to hip stability, recognizing that quality movement starts with proper joint preparation.

Throughout this podcast, we emphasize that movement quality must precede load or intensity. As a coach, this phase offers a perfect opportunity to establish or reset fundamental movement patterns with your athletes. For gym owners, we discuss how creating top-down buy-in for programming philosophy creates a culture of intentional practice rather than mindless exercise.

Ready to join us for this foundational journey? Visit teammisfit.com and click "Sign Up Now" for a two-week free trial on StreamFit, SugarWOD, or PushPress. Experience programming that builds not just immediate fitness, but long-term athletic development for life.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

Free Trial on PushPress:
https://www.pushpress.com/partners/misfit

Free Trial on SugarWOD:
https://app.sugarwod.com/marketplace/misfitathletics/misfit-affiliate-class-programming

As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com

The Individual Semifinals workouts have arrived, and they're a brutal test that separates those heading to the Games from those whose season ends here. Our coaching team breaks down each workout in depth, offering strategy insights you won't find anywhere else.

From the ascending ladder of muscle-ups paired with back squats to the punishing double dumbbell overhead walking lunges at 70/50 pounds, these workouts demand extraordinary shoulder stability and midline control. The heavy Isabel (30 snatches at 225/155) showcases just how far the sport has progressed, with top athletes expected to finish in under four minutes.

We explore the strategic complexities of workout order across the four-day competition window, considering central nervous system recovery, muscle activation patterns, and movement interference. Should you prioritize the heavy barbell work early? How will your grip hold up through multiple gymnastics-heavy events? When should you schedule the 30-minute AMRAP for optimal performance?

Beyond the physical challenges, we discuss the mental aspect that often determines who advances from a tightly-packed field. The ability to push through discomfort, maintain focus across multiple days, and execute a strategic game plan separates those who qualify from those who don't.

Whether you're competing, coaching someone who is, or simply fascinated by the evolution of CrossFit, this episode offers valuable insights into how the sport continues to progress and the extraordinary capabilities of today's elite athletes. The gap between recreational CrossFitters and those competing at this level has perhaps never been more apparent, raising questions about where the sport might head next.

Listen in as we analyze movement patterns, discuss mobility preparation strategies, and share our perspective on how these workouts will unfold across the competition weekend.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

Free Trial on PushPress:
https://www.pushpress.com/partners/misfit

Free Trial on SugarWOD:
https://app.sugarwod.com/marketplace/misfitathletics/misfit-affiliate-class-programming

As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com

What does it really mean to do "whatever it takes" to achieve your fitness goals? The answer might surprise you. In this wide-ranging conversation, the Misfit coaches explore how elite athletes like Rory McIlroy overcome mental barriers while revealing their newest programming innovation that's been years in the making.

The team unpacks McIlroy's Masters victory through the lens of coaching psychology, drawing powerful comparisons between golf's highest levels and the CrossFit competitive landscape. They share candid insights about managing narratives, expectations, and the voices in your head during competition – lessons applicable far beyond sports.

After years of requests, Misfit Athletics has finally unveiled their GPP program – a comprehensive approach to fitness that prioritizes sustainable, long-term results over competitive extremes. At $29/month, this programming answers the call for former competitors, busy professionals, and fitness enthusiasts who want exceptional results without sacrificing their bodies. The coaches explain their revolutionary "Meathead Monday" concept that combines strength training with aerobic conditioning in a time-efficient format that's already generating enthusiasm among early adopters.

The conversation shifts to an analysis of the M@^#3m Classic programming, where athletes faced an unprecedented volume of squatting across multiple events. The hosts explore whether this represents a deliberate test, a programming bias, or something more significant about the evolution of elite CrossFit competition. They express concern about the widening gap between what top athletes can handle and what's appropriate for the average CrossFitter.

Whether you're seeking sustainable fitness, coaching insights, or perspectives on the evolving CrossFit landscape, this episode delivers practical wisdom from coaches who understand the delicate balance between pushing limits and maintaining longevity.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

Free Trial on PushPress:
https://www.pushpress.com/partners/misfit

Free Trial on SugarWOD:
https://app.sugarwod.com/marketplace/misfitathletics/misfit-affiliate-class-programming

As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com

What does it take to create a fitness competition that challenges athletes while building genuine community? In this revealing conversation with Preston Shepard, director of the Purple Mountain Throwdown, we explore the journey from concept to execution of Colorado's premier CrossFit competition.

Preston shares how his military background and passion for testing personal limits led him to fill a void in the Colorado Springs fitness community. "The impact that going to competitions, pushing myself, and proving that I can do something has really formed me as a human," Preston explains, highlighting why creating meaningful competitive experiences matters beyond just the leaderboard.

The episode dives deep into workout strategies for the 2024 event, with detailed breakdowns of the programming. From the seven-round triplet featuring echo bike, rope climbs and dumbbell snatches to the grip-intensive test of burpee bar muscle-ups and heavy dumbbell box step-overs, athletes will face classic CrossFit elements with strategic twists. Hunter and Drew offer invaluable coaching insights on pacing, movement efficiency, and mental preparation that apply to any competition scenario.

What truly distinguishes this conversation is the behind-the-scenes look at competition organization. Preston candidly discusses the challenges of bootstrapping a first-year event, the burnout risks of trying to control every detail, and the lessons learned about delegation and flexibility when things don't go as planned. These insights provide a masterclass in event planning for anyone considering creating their own fitness competition.

The Purple Mountain Throwdown (June 21-22 in Colorado Springs) represents more than just another competition—it's a gathering point for the Misfit community and a testament to the power of putting yourself to the test in a supportive environment. Whether you're a potential competitor or simply curious about fitness event organization, this episode delivers practical wisdom and inspiration in equal measure.

Register by April 15th to secure your competition t-shirt, and use code PMTMisfit25 for a discount available exclusively to Misfit Podcast listeners!

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

Free Trial on PushPress:
https://www.pushpress.com/partners/misfit

Free Trial on SugarWOD:
https://app.sugarwod.com/marketplace/misfitathletics/misfit-affiliate-class-programming

As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com