Episodes

The 2026 season kicks off with Arkham Phase, a meticulously designed training cycle that builds on summer programming while introducing new movement biases to create well-rounded CrossFit athletes. Drew and Hunter dive deep into the front squat and squat clean focus of this phase, explaining how these movements represent a logical progression from the deadlift and back squat work of previous cycles. "The front squat is probably the most accessible squat that also does an exceptional job of midl...

The Misfit Athletics team unveils their vision for Year 14 of their renowned CrossFit programming with Phase One launching September 1st. Under the powerful theme "Rain or Shine," they explore what truly separates elite competitors from the rest: unwavering consistency regardless of circumstances. Drawing from real-world examples including Justin LaFala's fourth podium finish and Kelly's impressive improvement to 9th place at the Masters CrossFit Games despite reduced training volume, the coach...

The evolution of CrossFit Games programming tells us everything about what elite fitness truly means. In our deep dive into the 2025 CrossFit Games workouts, we uncover how traditional movements executed at extraordinary levels continue to define the sport's pinnacle. This breakdown reveals fascinating patterns: running dominated as the most programmed movement (appearing three times), while foundational gymnastics elements like toe-to-bar, handstand walks, and bar muscle-ups created appropriat...

What happens when you're at the pinnacle of your sport and suddenly your body betrays you? Seven-time CrossFit Games athlete Paige Semenza takes us through her remarkable journey of injury, adaptation, and triumph that culminated in her best Games finish yet—despite training through debilitating back and shoulder injuries. The conversation starts with Paige revealing the moment in April 2023 when she felt that dreaded "pop" in her back during a deficit deadlift, just weeks before semifinals....

The CrossFit Games season might end in August, but the journey to the 2026 season begins July 28th with Misfit's Phase Zero. This critical five-week baseline testing period establishes your starting point across strength, skill, conditioning, and workout proficiency before launching into nine-week training phases designed to systematically build your competitive engine. In this comprehensive roadmap episode, we break down exactly how Misfit programming is structured, revealing the strategic pro...

When it comes to supplements, the fitness industry is flooded with products promising everything from superhuman strength to rapid fat loss – but which ones actually deliver results? In this comprehensive breakdown, we cut through the noise to reveal our evidence-based tier list of supplements that truly work. We start by establishing the critical foundation: supplements should only enter the conversation after you've dialed in the fundamentals of nutrition, sleep, and training consistency. No ...

Strength, endurance, and adaptation converge in Misfit Affiliate's The Wolf Phase, inspired by Herb Brooks' famous quote "the legs feed the wolf." This special edition podcast dives deep into the programming philosophy that prioritizes back squats and running as foundational movements for developing well-rounded fitness. The conversation explores how alternating heavy back squat days with metabolic conditioning creates a powerful stimulus across all energy systems. Drawing on decades of coac...

What does it take to transform from promising talent to elite competitor? For Erica Folo, the answer lies not in the gym, but between the ears. Erica's journey began as a sprinter who was drawn to CrossFit after spotting a "jacked" teammate who was secretly training at a local box. Despite her initial assessment of the warehouse gym as "looking like a jail," she found herself immersed in the community. Natural talent quickly became evident, leading to a CrossFit Games appearance as a teen in 20...

What would happen if you decided that something was possible instead of impossible? Brandon True's remarkable transformation from struggling CrossFit athlete to two-time semifinals competitor provides a compelling answer to that question. Brandon's journey began with a casual bet against two 40-year-old CrossFitters who claimed they could beat him in a workout. His competitive spirit ignited, Brandon dove headfirst into CrossFit with the ambitious goal of reaching the CrossFit Games. Little ...

Imagine training for years but never truly reaching your potential. This episode reveals why linear progression—the simple concept of systematic improvement—might be the missing piece in your fitness journey. We begin by introducing "The Ramp Theory," a powerful visualization tool that explains why so many athletes fail to progress despite consistent training. Picture yourself as a cyclist facing a massive jump. Starting at the bottom with no momentum leads to failure; beginning high on the ram...

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...

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 reser...

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 g...

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 ...

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 con...

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 sn...

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 lands...

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 myse...

Understanding the gap between how you think you move and how you actually move might be the most valuable revelation in your fitness journey. In this episode, the Misfit Athletics team breaks down why filming your training and recording your splits are fundamental yet overlooked elements that can transform your off-season development. The coaches share personal anecdotes about the shocking reality check that comes from seeing yourself perform on video for the first time. From Hunter's awkward f...

The secret to athletic improvement isn't finding the perfect program at the perfect time – it's showing up consistently and putting in the work day after day. This powerful truth forms the foundation of Misfit Athletics' Off-Season Block One, launching March 24th with a two-week free trial that arrives strategically on the heels of the CrossFit Open. In this special edition podcast, we're joined by CrossFit athlete Paige Semenza who brings her unique perspective as both competitor and first-tim...

The Misfit Athletics team unveils "Ulysses," their thoughtfully designed post-Open GPP phase named after Ron Swanson's middle name from Parks and Recreation. This jack-of-all-trades approach to programming serves as the perfect reset button after the intensity and specificity of the CrossFit Open season. Stepping away from specialized training cycles, Ulysses embraces true CrossFit methodology by delivering constantly varied, functional movements across all time domains and modalities. Athletes...

The CrossFit Open 25.3 delivered what many coaches are calling one of the best-programmed workouts in recent memory - a beautifully balanced challenge that created meaningful separation between athletes while remaining accessible to the broader community. This final Open recap dives deep into what made 25.3 exceptional: the perfect blend of loading, metabolic demand, and skill requirements that put the fittest athletes in that brutal 10-12 minute time domain while offering a 20-minute cap for o...

When your entire competitive season hinges on making semifinals cutlines, what's stopping you from giving everything you've got? In this no-holds-barred analysis of CrossFit Open 25.2, the Misfit Athletics coaches dive deep into the psychology behind workout redos and the disconnect many athletes experience between their stated goals and their actions. Through real examples from the Misfit community, we explore how seemingly small decisions—like whether to redo a workout when you're hovering ne...

Discover the highs and lows of the recent 25.1 workout in the latest episode of the Misfit Podcast! We delve into individual performances, celebrate the remarkable athletes in our community, and share practical strategies to help you crush your personal best. This episode is packed with engaging discussions, memorable shoutouts, and insights on preparing for semifinals. Join us as we dissect the workout details, share best practices, and explore how athletes can leverage the energy of the commun...