Chasing Excellence
348 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2K ratingsExploring how we can live a life of better health and increased fulfillment. We answer listener questions about the five factors of health, dive deep into what it takes to live a life of excellence, and explore the strategies and frameworks to help us chase what truly matters.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
The Best Workout After a Cheat Day (2:00 Drill #20)
October 20, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBWe're jumping back into your questions this week, covering things like training for the CrossFit Games as a teen, how to warm-up for an early-morning workout, and the advice I hear all the time that I think is bad.
Lessons from Six Months of Lockdown
October 13, 2020 10:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBReflecting on the last six months of being in lockdown, today we're talking about being a realist, what to do when we're surrounded by negativity, and balancing being in the moment and anticipating the future.
Define Success, Eliminate Everything Else
October 06, 2020 10:47 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBI recently joined Greg McKeown on the Essentialism podcast, where we talked about measuring the most important things, learning about my leadership biases, and editing our lives to be sure there's space for the essential few. Here's our conversation.
CrossFit Games Lessons, Benchmarks, and Trends
September 29, 2020 10:00 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBPost Stage 1 of the 2020 CrossFit Games, we're talking about the lessons I'm taking away from the weekend, the benchmarks I'd use to assess an athlete's capacity, and what I'm anticipating for the future of the sport.
Common Mistakes CrossFit Coaches Are Making
September 22, 2020 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBThere are best practices that every CrossFit coach can use to make their classes more professional and more effective. They include things like starting workouts better, not making eye contact, and using too many filler words.
Don't Try to Win Today (2:00 Drill #19)
September 15, 2020 10:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBWe're diving back into your questions this episode, covering topics from Wim Hof to why we don't program high-level gymnastics movements at CFNE to my advice for gyms as we continue to navigate these tough economic conditions.
Building a Goals First Nutrition Strategy
September 08, 2020 11:24 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBIn early 2017, we did an episode about simplifying nutrition. This week, we're continuing to think about how to cut through the noise, focusing on how our goals and our eating styles should determine our nutrition strategy.
10 Principles of Training for Longevity
August 31, 2020 10:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MBThese days, I'm no longer training for peak performance, but for longevity and function. In this episode, we break down the ten principles you should be focused on in the gym if you want to do the same.
Valuable Skills, Health Metrics, & Resiliency Tips
August 24, 2020 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBIn this round of our 3x3, I'm giving my three hot takes on skills worth developing, health metrics to track, and strategies for staying resilient. We touch on the power of focus, parenting with a growth mindset, and more.
Peloton vs C2 Bike for CrossFit? (2:00 Drill #18)
August 17, 2020 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWe're diving back into listener questions this week, talking about the difference between being proud and being prideful, my advice for using weightlifting shoes during metcons, what's on the horizon for CompTrain, and more!
How to Use CrossFit to Train for Other Sports
August 10, 2020 10:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBWe often talk about using CrossFit to get better at CrossFit, but what if your athletic pursuits happen outside the gym? We're talking about that this episode, focusing on lifestyle, competitive, and endurance athletes.
Assessing Each of the 10 Components of Fitness
August 03, 2020 10:00 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBWe've talked before about paying attention to all ten of the components of fitness. Today, we're looking at how I might measure and assess each one in an attempt to understand where an athlete's weakest link might lie.
Mindset Strategies for Your Next Workout
July 27, 2020 11:03 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBWe talk a lot about the power of mindset. Today we're bringing many of the principles we've touched on before down to the level of tomorrow's training session, discussing tips for before, during, and after a workout.
Creating a Hierarchy of Values (2:00 Drill #17)
July 20, 2020 10:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBThe 2:00 Drill returns this week! We're answering your questions about self-sabotage, using movements like burpees as punishment for kids, and the powerlifting program I'd recommend alongside CompTrain programming, and more.
Silver Linings, Performance Factors, & CrossFit's Direction
July 13, 2020 10:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBThe 3x3 is back! I'm offering some thoughts on 3 silver linings I'm paying attention to, 3 factors that determine performance, and 3 signs that will make me hopeful about CFHQ's new leadership.
#132: Measuring Consistency w/ EC Snykowski
July 06, 2020 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBEC Synkowski from OptimizeMe Nutrition is back to talk about how the five factors compare to the four measurables she tracks through The Consistency Project and the importance of simplifying our pursuit of health. Find us on Social: EC | Ben | Patrick Listen to EC's new podcast Get more info on EC's gym nutrition program About the Show Chasing Excellence is dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, inside the gym & out. New episodes every Monday. Abou...
#132: Measuring Consistency w/ EC Synkowski
July 06, 2020 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBEC Synkowski from OptimizeMe Nutrition is back to talk about how the five factors compare to the four measurables she tracks through The Consistency Project and the importance of simplifying our pursuit of health.
#131: The Last Two Weeks in CrossFit
June 29, 2020 10:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBThese last few weeks have certainly been the craziest in the history of CrossFit. We break down what's happened, the current state of things, and my thoughts on CFHQ's new owner.
#130: Answering Your Questions About Training
June 22, 2020 10:44 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBWe're back with an AMA I did on the CompTrain Instagram page. I'm answering questions about coming back to the gym post-COVID lockdowns, if we'll continue doing CrossFit benchmarks, getting better at toes-to-bar, and more.
AMA on Current State of CrossFit
June 15, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBThis week, we've got an AMA I did on Instagram Live, answering some of your questions on the current state of CrossFit, affiliation, and certification, as well as my hopes for the future.
#128: The Four Virtues w/ Ryan Holiday
June 08, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBWriter Ryan Holiday joins us to talk about Stoicism, the current unrest in the U.S. as we grapple with racial injustice, and the importance of developing self-awareness.
#127: AMRAPing Life w/ Jason Khalipa
June 01, 2020 11:23 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBJason Khalipa, former CrossFit Games champ and founder of NCFIT, joins us this week to talk about the AMRAP Mentality, earned confidence, and the value of consistently checking in with yourself.
#126: We are Prepared for This
May 25, 2020 09:57 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBIf you're struggling to keep your head up during these tough times, if you're stressed about what might happen, if you need a reminder of just what you're made of ... this episode is for you.
#125: Assessing Mindsets, Pursuing Opportunities, & Reopening Gyms (3x3, #08)
May 18, 2020 10:00 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBThis week's 3x3 includes three ways you can assess your mental toughness, three things I'm focused on while being in lockdown, and three things gyms should keep in mind as they begin to reopen.
#124: Staying Competitive Despite the Lockdowns
May 11, 2020 09:50 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBTalking this week about how we're thinking about and planning for the 2020 CrossFit Games, my advice to athletes looking to continue making progress during the lockdowns, and why programming for yourself is a bad idea.
#123: How to Keep the Training Intensity at Home (2:00, #16)
May 04, 2020 10:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBWe asked you guys to send us some lockdown specific questions for this week's 2:00 Drill, and you didn't disappoint. We tackle whether I think gym members should be paying full price right now, limiting words, and what to do to make sure we don't get too down.
#122: Useful Supplements, Uncommon Exercises, & Trust Buiding (3x3, #07)
April 27, 2020 21:11 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBThe 3x3 returns this week with my hot takes on the 3 supplements every CrossFit athlete should take, the 3 exercises we should be doing (that won't show up in your CrossFit programming), and 3 ways to develop trust.
#121: 10 Habits to Avoid During Quarantine
April 20, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBThis week, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes - but for our quarantine times. Here is my list of 10 bad habits to avoid while we're all locked in our houses.
#120: The Unknown and the Unknowable
April 13, 2020 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBThis week, Patrick and I catching up after a few weeks of quarantine and talking about shifting our routines, how we responded at CFNE, and the best way to fight the anxiety of the times.
#119: Success Isn't About Working Harder
April 06, 2020 10:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBThis week's episode is borrowed from Jason Khalipa's podcast, Business of Fitness. Down at WODapalooza this year, Ben & Jason sat down to talk about managing, working hard, delegation, & leadership.
#118: Knowing When it's Time to Make a Change
March 30, 2020 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBWe're talking about knowing how to differentiate between when it's time to go (change gyms, leave a job, end a relationship) and when it's time to make the situation better by making ourselves better.
#117: Athlete Reads, Garage Gym Gear, & Sleep Tips (3x3 #06)
March 23, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBThe 3x3 is back this week! I give you 3 books every athlete should read, 3 pieces of gear I'd recommend for any home gym, and 3 ways to get at better night of sleep tonight.
#116: Turning Broad Goals into Concrete Action
March 16, 2020 10:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBWe're breaking down the process I've used to transform my higher-level goals into daily actions, why accountability partners are so helpful, and why it's not enough to say things like, "I want to lose 15 pounds this year."
#115: Benchmarks Worth Testing Yearly (2:00 Drill #15)
March 09, 2020 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBThe 2:00 Drill returns! This time around, we're answering your questions about whether we should be doing HSPU, how triathlon training can help someone's CrossFitting, and what kind of benchmark workouts you should be keeping track of.
#114: Complain Less, Communicate More
March 02, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBWe're talking about how you can raise concerns and have difficult conversations without feeling like you're whining, complaining, or making excuses.
#113: 3x3 on Gym Metrics, Getting Organized, & Difficult People
February 24, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBThe 3x3 is back! This week, I'm offering my take on the 3 numbers every gym owner should know, 3 ways to get organized, and 3 ways to deal with difficult people.
#112: Tips for Overcoming Performance Anxiety
February 17, 2020 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBWe're taking a few listener questions this week about how I'd coach somebody through performance anxieties that are getting in the way of competing, training, and enjoying the process. We talk about how to make practice more like game day, why Rich Froning loves EMOMs, and what I'd do with an athlete who gets nervous when the weight gets too high.
#111: How to Maintain Your Edge When Training Solo (2:00, #14)
February 10, 2020 11:00 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBWe're diving back into your questions this week, including my thoughts on four-day workweeks, how to judge a gym from afar, and how I prioritize what I focus on every day.
#110: Mental Toughness Isn't What You Think
February 03, 2020 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MBWe're diving deep into the 6 steps we all need to take if we want to develop more mental toughness, including becoming a learner, expecting adversity, and killing the critic.
#109: 3x3 on Worthwhile Mistakes, Health Markers, & Self-Help Books
January 27, 2020 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBThis week's 3x3 is looking at mistakes I think everyone should make, shortcuts to assessing overall health, & self-development books I've found helpful.
#108: When People Judge Your Passion
January 20, 2020 11:14 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBWe're answering a few listener questions this week about how to respond to people who don't get why you're dedicating your time and energy to something they don't understand (like trying to make it to the CrossFit Games).
#107: Don't Wear a Weight Vest Every Day (2:00 Drill #13)
January 13, 2020 11:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBAnother 2:00 Drill this week, covering questions about cheat meals, getting the most out of what you're reading, and tips on gaining weight.
#106: Behind the Scenes of My TEDx Talk
January 06, 2020 11:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBWe're going behind the scenes of my recent TEDx talk, talking about the kind of prep I did, the process of cutting it from 50 minutes to 12, and what it was like working with a coach.
#105: 3x3 on Morning Routines, Parenting Tips, & Phone Usage
December 30, 2019 11:00 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBWe're back with another 3x3! This week, we're talking about 3 things I recommend everybody do every morning, 3 tips for parents of teenagers, and 3 ways to stop being so addicted to your phone.
#104: On Calmness & Complacency
December 23, 2019 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBWe're answering a listener question today about responding to adversity, the balance between staying Stoic & being complacent, & how to know when you're reaching for something beyond your control.
#103: Why CrossFit Shouldn't be in the Olympics (2:00 Drill, #12)
December 16, 2019 11:00 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBWe're back for more of your questions this week! We're talking about whether CrossFit should be in the Olympics, my tips for triathlon training, and my thoughts on "faking it until you make it."
#102: The 10 Principles of Training
December 09, 2019 11:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBWe're breaking down the fifth of our 5 Factors of Health, this time diving into the principles you should keep in mind as it relates to training for health and longevity.
#101: Reinvestment & Infinite Games
December 02, 2019 11:00 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBWe're talking about why reinvesting back into the business is really just investing in yourself, how to know when you're ready to go all-in, and whether I think differently about reinvestment today than I did ten years ago.
#100: 3x3 on Worthwhile Expenses, Lousy Excuses, & Travel Workouts
November 25, 2019 11:00 - 27 minutes - 29.5 MBThe 3x3 is back! This time we're tackling 3 things you should be spending your money on, 3 excuses we should all stop using, and 3 movements to do next time you're on the road and away from the gym.
#099: CrossFitting While Pregnant
November 18, 2019 11:00 - 32 minutes - 33.5 MBHeather stops by to talk about how she thought about doing CrossFit while she was pregnant, and we answer some listener questions about what training and nutrition advice we'd give for folks before, during, and post pregnancy.