We’re tackling 14 more listener questions in this 2 Minute Drill, including how I think about the value of strict movements versus kipping, how we respond to athletes who show up to class late, and the difference between self-assessment and self-criticism. Thank you to everybody who sends in questions! Keep them coming, please.
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Questions Answered:
01:55 - If looking to gain muscle weight, how much extra hypertrophic work should be added to programming?
04:00 - I recently had a family friend contact me explaining that she quit collegiate swimming to focus on school. She wants to stay active and LOVES CrossFit and wants to try to take her competitive drive in that direction. My concern is that she has the classic swimmers upper cross, poor posture, etc…As a friend I want her to join me in the gym for higher level training in addition to class. As a trainer I want to have her focus on fixing the upper cross and posture issues so we don’t create larger back and shoulder problems. Thoughts? Suggestions?
06:25 - If i am having a bad day, should i lie to the people that ask me how was my day? Where is the line between being real and being whiny?
08:30 - I’d love to hear your take on the difference between honest self assessment and self criticism. Is there a way to tell the difference, in your opinion?
10:20 - How would you differentiate yourself as a professional trainer in the low wage CrossFit trainer market?
11:10 - Do you track your macros?
12:00 - Strict vs kipping (for any movement)? Benefits of both? Strict first, then you can kip? Is it safer and smarter to do everything strict?
15:35 - I love it all. I want to look hard/dense like a body builder, strongman type strength, explosiveness of a Weightlifter and the motor, competitiveness and slight craziness of a CrossFitter. How would you program for somebody who wants to play across differing training fields - CF, Oly, Power, Strongman, etc?
18:30 - I wonder what role investing in aesthetics of the gym/building (not necessarily cleaning I’m assuming that is a major priority) played in branding and how much to invest in that part of the business versus all of the other aspects of the day to day.
22:40 - One word to define success?
22:50 - How do you get members to show up early/on time for class? We have a problem with veterans arriving 5-10 min late, which disrupts the warm up. How do we change those habits and shift our gym culture? The gym owners are hesitant about punishment late burpees.
25:40 - When does a competitive athlete (Sanctionals/regionals) need to go off of a template program and get one on one coaching/programming?
28:50 - Any idea why I might always be getting a cold when I train at high intensity/volume?
30:05 - How do you get people motivated and excited to sign up for the open? A lot of people find it hard to justify the $20 to sign up even though it's not that much compared to the benefits that come from it. There are also those people at my gym who tell others not to sign up for the open. I was wondering what can you tell naysayers or if there is anything to say at all?
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Chasing Excellence is a show dedicated to dissecting what it means to live a life of excellence, both inside the gym & out. On each episode, we'll deep dive on various aspects of running a CrossFit affiliate, becoming a better coach or athlete, & maximizing your potential.