As a mindset coach, I've seen firsthand how the mental state of an individual can dramatically influence their performance. On the day of competition, it's not just about the physical preparation you've done leading up to this moment—it's about cultivating a strong, focused, and resilient mindset that will carry you through every challenge you face. Here are some strategies to help you get into that optimal mental zone and compete at your very best.

For Masters athletes in CrossFit, understanding fatigue is crucial for navigating the fine line between progress and potential setbacks. In strength and conditioning, fatigue isn't simply the feeling of being tired after a workout—it's a complex biological response that directly influences your performance, recovery, and overall adaptation. With age, understanding and managing fatigue becomes even more essential for optimizing results and ensuring longevity in the sport.

Mixed modal workouts combine various modalities like weightlifting, gymnastics, and monostructural movements in one workout. This style of training helps train different energy systems and muscle groups simultaneously. However, to continually improve and avoid plateaus, it's important to understand how to progress in mixed modal workouts strategically. 

When it comes to preparing Masters athletes for peak performance in CrossFit, tapering is an essential yet often misunderstood component of the training process. As a strength and conditioning coach who has worked with athletes across various age groups, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of a well-executed taper. In this essay, I will outline the most important aspects of tapering for masters athletes, explain how to effectively implement a taper, and delve into why tapering is crucial for optimizing performance and recovery.

In the dynamic and demanding world of CrossFit, the pursuit of excellence is not just for the young. Masters athletes, those bravely competing in age categories ranging from 35 and above, face unique challenges and opportunities. Embracing an elite mindset is crucial not only for performance but also for longevity in the sport. Here’s how you can cultivate this mindset, backed by strength and conditioning principles and inspiring stories of athletes who have mastered the art.

One of the most common questions I receive is, "Should I still train if I'm not feeling my best?" Whether you're dealing with minor aches, mild illness, or just feeling unmotivated, maintaining your training routine is crucial. Let's delve into why it's important to keep moving even when you're not at 100%.

In the world of strength and conditioning, the journey of athletes is marked by both triumphs and setbacks. The mindset of champions, however, sets them apart. Their ability to navigate challenges and turn setbacks into stepping stones is what ultimately leads to their success. Let’s explore how elite athletes cultivate this mindset and the strategies they employ to overcome obstacles.

Learn how to “go to the well” when the situation calls for it, and you’ll see your ability to compete improve.

Let’s into the world of growth mindsets. As a strength and conditioning coach, over the years I’ve observed firsthand how the mental framework we adopt influences our physical training and overall well-being.

In the realm of sports, success isn't solely determined by physical prowess or natural talent. A crucial factor lies in the mindset of the athlete. As a strength and conditioning coach, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a growth mindset in athletes. It's the foundation upon which champions are built, the mindset that propels individuals beyond their perceived limitations. In this short essay we will delve into the principles and practices of cultivating a growth mindset to unlock your full athletic potential.

In the realm of sports, setbacks are not only inevitable but also integral to the journey of growth and success. I understand the disappointment that comes with an unsatisfactory end to a season. However, it's crucial to recognize that adversity presents an opportunity for evolution and transformation. In this blog, I'll delve into how athletes can strategically approach their off-season training following a less-than-ideal season conclusion.

Maybe, you already possess the skills AND conditioning you need to be successful. However, you may have too many energy leaks that contribute toward your overall fatigue and expenditure – which prohibits you from expressing your true abilities.

When you’re in your 20’s (or even younger), some things may not be as important for you to focus on, but as age, volume, and priorities change, it’s vital to take a look at the whole picture if you hope to continue down the path of progress.

The following elements all have a huge impact on your training, your improvement, and your longevity.

Welcome to a deeper dive into the world of sports nutrition, where we magnify the crucial yet often underestimated role of micronutrients. In this edition, we delve into essential vitamins and minerals that power athletic performance, how can implementation optimize fitness,  and draw lessons from real athlete case studies on overcoming common deficiencies.

To maximize your athletic potential, long-term thinking has to be part of your mindset.

A big portion of that includes training smart, training consistently, and avoiding injuries.

For better or worse, the typical CrossFit athlete is focused on performance. How do I get a faster time or more reps? And in some instances, that can be a hindrance toward progression.

CrossFit is an intense and effective training regimen. Many individuals who have dedicated themselves to CrossFit wonder what to do next once they feel they've achieved their goals or are ready for a change. In this blog post, we'll explore the various options for transitioning your training once you're done with CrossFit.

Recent studies have brought leucine to the forefront of nutritional science, particularly regarding its role in post-exercise recovery. Research from the University of Toronto and associated institutions has demonstrated that leucine-enriched essential amino acids are instrumental in enhancing recovery from muscle damage incurred during exercise. This benefit is distinct from the traditional mechanisms of protein synthesis, offering a unique avenue for muscle repair.

CrossFit athletes, known for their rigorous training encompassing high-intensity cardio, weightlifting, and plyometrics, face unique recovery challenges. Leucine, an essential amino acid, emerges as a key factor in post-exercise recovery. Studies, including those from the University of Toronto, highlight that leucine-enriched essential amino acids are effective in repairing muscle damage after intense workouts—a common scenario in CrossFit. Leucine's collaboration with insulin in enhancing muscle protein synthesis is particularly beneficial for CrossFit athletes, who often engage in diverse and demanding exercises.

As you age, especially in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you learn quite a few things. First, despite your age, you can still train extremely hard. Second, if you opt to do that with high frequency, you’re also looking at time away from the mat due to injury. So how do you find the balance?

All of it simply comes down to training smarter, not harder. With that in mind, here’s my take on training jiu-jitsu for the masters athlete.