Chalking Fitness

On the podcast this episode is Kelly Friel, who's season - after a painful start - now sees her returning to Madison in the 40-44 division for the fourth time. Actually the fifth time she has qualified in the same division - a feat not matched by any other age group athlete!We chat about her journey into CrossFit, as a methodology & a sport, taking to the Regionals floor in 2018 as 40 y/o Individual athlete before heading to Madison as Masters athlete for the first but far from the last time.We also discuss the role masters athletes play in the sport and more broadly the community - often coaches & box owners, with added family responsiblities - Kelly shares her thoughts on what could improve experience for these vital age groups.Support the show

Celebrating 10 years of The European Championships, we sit down with Carl Saville - taking a look back and look forward to one of the household names in UK competition.From humble beginnings in a sports hall to making the move to the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham - it was special to understand what makes Carl tick when it comes to events and the quest to return the UK scene to a colesium style venue.The 2022 TEC Live finals will by on August 16-21st, including Day 1 held off-site at Holme Pierre Point Water Park - where spectators are free. Grab a spectator ticket here and watch 480 athletes throwdown over 3 days!Support the show

Prior to SemiFinals, I sat down to chat with Ste Fawcett of JST Compete & High Performance CrossFit.We discuss the changes in the sport since Ste's first trip to the Games in 2015 & how competitive programming can help to create structure, focus & reward outside of the changing landscape of the Games.With JST Compete in their new home of High Performance CrossFit, we chat the intent of that centre and what it means for his daily coaching & training experiences.Finally, as a man with many hats & plates to spin, we talk managing his own expectations, transitioning from a full time athlete to coach, business owner & father whilst still finding reward & release whilst training with some of the best in the UK.Support the show

Wrapping up the SiD mini-series down in London at Motion Training - home of CrossFit Surbiton. Affiliate Co-owners Harrison & Grace not only went to the Games last year but finished 4th in the process. This season was looking different with no firm plans to compete but went new blood showed competitive potential, things evolved from there!Support the show

This week we're running a SiD mini series as we fast approach CrossFit Strength in Depth - a CrossFit Games SemiFinal taking place in London at the Excel.Now we head down the A1 and chat to the team from CrossFit Witham. Making it as far as Regionals/Semifinals was a long-standing goal for the affiliate - which they achieved last year & its awesome to see them repeating that achievement now we're back to live events.Speaking to the team its very apparent that whilst 4 take to the elite team floor, its a squad and even community effort that makes it possible. Watch out for the 3 CrossFit Witham teams in the Community Cup as well!Support the show

This week we're running a SiD mini series as we fast approach CrossFit Strength in Depth - a CrossFit Games SemiFinal taking place in London at the Excel.Today we chat the team from Dauntless Fitness (CrossFit Blaydon) who are making the trip down from the North-east. We chat about final preparations including worm rigidity of all things!Stay tuned for short chats with more UK teams this week.Support the show

What better way to mark the Episode 100 of the podcast than to welcome Sam Briggs!With over a decade a the pinnacle of the sport, Sam is in her last year as an individual and is soon to be heading to CrossFit Strength in Depth to try and secure another trip to Madison.We take time to reflect on the evolution of the sport over the last 10 years but also focus on this season, spending time training here in the UK and get excited to take to the floor with a ticket to the Games on the line one last time in front of a home crowd!Support the show

Back with another episode from the CrossFit UK & Eire Affiliate Gathering. This time sitting down with Shortz of Flow State & Gavin Hesleton of CrossFit Glasgow.With only 1% of trainers obtaining the credential, we chat about the intent of the Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer and how it helps to further develop a trainers knowledge.  Beyond this we also discuss the importance of continual development through a trainers journey, from giving & receiving feedback to how things differ when you step from the gym to the competition floor.Chalking Fitness is sponsored by BoxMate, a UK leader in Gym Management, Member Engagement & Performance Tracking Software, that also offers Team Up integration! Head to boxmateapp.co.uk and use the code CHALKING2 to get 2 months free.Be sure to follow Chalking Fitness on Instagram & sign up for the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for more podcast insights & UK centric competition news & articles.Support the show

Following a trip to the Games in 2021, Georgia Radley made the move to JST Compete. But more than that, she made the move to Wigan and a focus on training full-time.We chat about her journey with CrossFit, the journey to Madison and some of the frustrations with competitive CrossFit when you're giving your all day-in-day out.Be sure to follow Chalking Fitness on Instagram & sign up for the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for more podcast insights & UK centric competition news & articles.Support the show

Recording on-location at the CrossFit® UK & Eire Affiliate Gathering, we're talking with affiliate opening & ownership with some of the newest affiliate owners in the UK & Ireland.Roice Gummer, of CrossFit Thurrock, along with David Marks & Rebekah Thompson of Avenge CrossFit, Northern Ireland, share their experiences of opening during the last couple of years. From finding a premises to welcoming new members, there's plenty to cover!Chalking Fitness is sponsored by BoxMate, a UK leader in Gym Management, Member Engagement & Performance Tracking Software, that also offers Team Up integration! Head to boxmateapp.co.uk and use the code CHALKING2 to get 2 months free.Be sure to follow Chalking Fitness on Instagram & sign up for the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for more podcast insights & UK centric competition news & articles.Support the show

This week we're chatting with Tara Watkins & Max Camozzi of Team ShireFit. Along with team mates Hannah Morton & Jack Turner the team are heading to the CrossFit Lowlands Throwdown in just a couple of weeks time.As well as chatting about how their fitness journeys brought them both to ShireFit West Yorkshire we talk about the dynamic of team training and making the commitment to each other to make team the focus.Be sure to follow Chalking Fitness on Instagram & sign up for the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for more podcast insights & UK centric competition news & articles.Support the show

Josh Al-chamaa is no stranger to the competition floor, with multiple Regional & Sanctionals appearances as an individual plus a Games invite from Wodapalooza in 2020.We reflect on the 2021 season, which went from an uncertain start to the Last Chance Qualifier & Fittest in the UK! On to 2022, Josh shares how it is to be doubling down in San Diego with Team Invictus with sights firmly set on Madison.Josh's is known for his energy & this is apparent as we chat about the excitement of the team competition & the continued growth of UK CrossFit on the international scene - ambassador for Blighty indeed!Chalking Fitness is sponsored by BoxMate, a UK leader in Gym Management, Member Engagement & Performance Tracking Software, that also offers Team Up integration! Head to boxmateapp.co.uk and use the code CHALKING2 to get 2 months free.Be sure to follow Chalking Fitness on Instagram & sign up for the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for more podcast insights & UK centric competition news & articles.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

Joining us on the podcast this week is Ste Beckett - co-owner of The Defiant Co. More than just an apparel company, we chat about the motivation to not own set up The Defiant Co but also nurture a community around it that includes an impressive ambassador team as well.If this wasn't enough, and reflecting that larger community target, after two postponements in the last 2 years, we'll see The Defiant Games taking place at the Institute of Sport in Sheffield on May 14th. On behalf of the organising team, Ste shares some insight into what competitors & spectators can expect at this sell-out same-sex 3's event.Check out The Defiant Co range here and be sure to follow them on Instagram @thedefiantco and @thedefiantgamesSign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8j Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

We're joined on the podcast this week by Tim Green of Team Up and take a membership journey - from first inquiry through to an established & engaged member that is an essential part of the community in any facility.We talk about the importance of a virtual store front to attract new members, tracking attendance, navigating membership pricing and how software can offer automation to enable coaches & business owners to focus on the human interactions that matter most.Head to goteamup.com to learn more about the features offered & check out their free resources for gym owners.Chalking Fitness is sponsored by BoxMate, a UK leader in Gym Management, Member Engagement & Performance Tracking Software, that also offers Team Up integration! Head to boxmateapp.co.uk and use the code CHALKING2 to get 2 months free.Be sure to follow Chalking Fitness on Instagram & sign up for the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for more podcast insights & UK centric competition news & articles.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

This week I'm joined by Polly, Madi & Sarah - three of the team at Eleiko UK. As women in sport - both professionally & personally - we talk about their individual journeys with sport & how they coalesced to all be working for a world leader in strength equipment. We chat about the importance of role models, facilitating participation as well as performance and some of the exciting partnerships Eleiko have with the likes of BeaverFit & here in the UK, JST Compete.Finally, we discuss the evolution of training & by association training spaces, acknowledging its not simply throwing equipment in a room, but creating a welcoming & accessible environment that reflects the values of your facility.Be sure to follow Chalking Fitness on Instagram & sign up for the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for more podcast insights & UK centric competition news & articles.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

Lorna Heyes opened CrossFit West Dublin back in 2011 when there were only a handful of CrossFit affiliates in Ireland. In 2021, she made the tough decision to sell her 10 year affiliate and move north to Ballycarry on the Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland.However, this was never going to the end of affiliate ownership for her & she has since opened CrossFit Livin - right next to where she now lives. A decade of coaching & affiliate ownership have allowed her identify what she enjoys - and it's certainly coaching. Moving from a box with over 100 members to 15 at CrossFit Livin is certainly smaller, but she feels just as welcomed & supported by the wider affiliate community.This series of episodes is sponsored by Eleiko. They're offering an exclusive discount code to subscribers of the Chalking Fitness Newsletter - with on subscriber winning an apparel goodie bag at the end on March 2022. If you're not signed up already, subscribe to the Newsletter here.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

With lockdowns halting Emily's ability to earn & a desire to retain her independence, she decided to realise the dream and took the opportunity to become owner of CrossFit 13 2021. We reflect on the last 11 months of ownership and the lessons learnt in that time.We also chat about female role models in CrossFit, at the affiliate level and across the UK, and how this can help individuals to identify and strive for healthy, realistic goals.This series of episodes is sponsored by Eleiko. They're offering an exclusive discount code to subscribers of the Chalking Fitness Newsletter - with on subscriber winning an apparel goodie bag at the end on March 2022. If you're not signed up already, subscribe to the Newsletter here.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

When CrossFit Nottingham opened in 2011 there were less than 40 affiliates in the UK. Whilst the CrossFit methodology hasn't changes, in that time Katie & the coaching team certainly have adapted to ensure their affiliate remains successful.We also chat about Katie's own journey into CrossFit, both as a competitive athlete & coach. Here the demands have also changed over time as Katie reflects on adjusting training when becoming pregnant and juggling parenthood with being a passionate business owner.This series of episodes is sponsored by Eleiko. They're offering an exclusive discount code to subscribers of the Chalking Fitness Newsletter - with on subscriber winning an apparel goodie bag at the end on March 2022. If you're not signed up already, subscribe to the Newsletter here.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

As Div 1 softball player & scholar at Georgia Tech. Sarah MacDonald was no stranger to an athletic lifestyle and pursuing her goals. When family brought her to Scotland CrossFit certainly rekindled that fire & ultimately led her to opening her own affiliate, CrossFit Haddington.We chat about her own journey with coaching and supporting others with a coaching development pathway before rounding out talking about plans for the future, particularly for teens and providing increased structure & support in the methodology & sport of CrossFit.This series of episodes is sponsored by Eleiko. They're offering an exclusive discount code to subscribers of the Chalking Fitness Newsletter - with on subscriber winning an apparel goodie bag at the end on March 2022. If you're not signed up already, subscribe to the Newsletter here.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

We continue our Female Affiliate Owners Series, sponsored by Eleiko, with Oakley Woodhouse, owner of Forrest Flow CrossFit.Finding CrossFit at a relatively early age, Oaks' competitive aspirations were clear and she sacrificed a lot, along with the rest of the CrossFit JST team, to make the CrossFit Games in 2017. We talk frankly about that opportunity, how she has moved on from that achievement as an athlete, member of Seminar Staff & since early 2020, owner of Forrest Flow.Forrest Flow certainly isn't your typical affiliate - sitting in the remote woodland of Wyresdale Park - many cautioned it couldn't be done. However Oak's persevered and has created something rather unique & special at Forest Flow!This series of episodes is sponsored by Eleiko. They're offering an exclusive discount code to subscribers of the Chalking Fitness Newsletter - with on subscriber winning an apparel goodie bag at the end on March 2022. If you're not signed up already, subscribe to the Newsletter here.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

We kick off the Female Affiliate Owners Series - celebrating International Women's Day - with Kerry Cooley, co-owner of CrossFit Iron Duke on the outskirts of Portsmouth.In this episode Kerry shares her journey from corporate life to affiliate ownership and striving to create a safe space for all to train. It's clear inclusivity is also highly valued at Iron Duke, with mums, kids & adaptive members all accommodated and made to feel welcome.What's apparent from talking to Kerry is the tireless effort from her and all the coaching staff to nurture the community - especially during the multiple lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.This series of episodes is sponsored by Eleiko. They're offering an exclusive discount code to subsribers of the Chalking Fitness Newsletter - with on subscriber winning an apparel goodie bag at the end on March 2022. If you're not signed up already, subscribe to the Newsletter here.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

With the Open upon us many of us may be challenged not just by the prescribed workout but how we visualise ourselves and out ability to tackle it. This can harm not just harm performance, but also basic enjoyment of the experiences that surround this community-centric event.Therefore, it was great to sit down with founder of Mindset Rx, Tom Foxley, to discuss key aspects of mindset, how it can be used to maximise potential not just for training & competition, but for life in general.Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8j Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

By his own words, Tyler Hatherly found the fitness industry relatively late & at the beginning, owning a CrossFit affiliate was not in the plan. However, after experiencing CrossFit himself - and more specifically the communities that exist around it, he took his community on a journey that resulted in a new facility & affiliation in early 2020. Resolve was hardened through lockdown with Talisman as a business & community now going from strength to strength. Note: enjoy a 15 minute warm up chatting parenthood - a further testament to Ty's genuine character. Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8j Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

With over a decade coaching CrossFit Games athletes, including Sam Briggs since 2011 & Emma McQuaid since 2017, few have the level of experience and insight into the sport of fitness as James Jowsey.A long-time scholar of placing training & movement mechanics into context, James is co-founder of RedPill Training which, whilst starting as an education platform, now has a host of knowledgable coaches, individualised programming for athletes & more recently RedPill Generic for anyone looking to get better at CrossFit.We chat about how the sport has evolved over the last 10 years, the demands that places on the athletes & by association the commitment to training required.Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8j Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

Having sustained serious life-altering injuries whilst deployed with UK Military in Afghanistan, Ross Austen's (@rausten59) rehab journey took him from the camaraderie of Headly Court all the way to the GB Squad for para-powerlifting, World Championships & the Invictus Games.After six years in the GB squad, he stepped away from that sport & quickly found CrossFit.In the year since, the methodology has opened his eyes to movements he never thought possible with his injuries and he is quickly connecting with the wider community to help promote & expand the accessibility of CrossFit for more disabled & adaptive individuals.The UK CrossFit community is fortunate to have someone with Rossy's experience & passion for adaptive sport - it's a pleasure to share his story with you all.Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8j Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

In the quiet between Christmas & New Year I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sian Evans (@strongwithsian). We chat about her motives to quit the corporate life & pursue a career in PT & coaching - reflecting on how getting that fulfilment from a job you love means the wishing away the time to Friday at 5pm is a thing of the past.We also talk about competing, from the joy & tears of competing team & setting the challenge to strive & thrive as an individual.Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8j Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

Team AOD Fitness made their debut at the CrossFit Games in the 2021 season. I sit down with half that team, Helen Nutter & Mike Allen, to reflect on their journey to & experience at the Games as they prepare to make a run at Madison for a second year.Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8j Sign-up before the end of January 2022 to be in with a chance of winning free entry to a 2022 UK HYROX event.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

This week we're at CrossFit Aylesbury, chatting to Head Coach & Co-owner Owen Jones.Having found CrossFit whilst at university, when it came to opening his own affiliate in 2015, he looked for a gap in the Affiliate Map and CrossFit Aylesbury was born!Home to The Athlete Program CrossFit Games team as well as a bustling affiliate, its apparent that a great deal of experience & expertise from the whole coaching team ensures that those of all athletic abilities & aspirations can be both accommodated and effectively work towards the best version of themselves.Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8j Sign-up before the end of January 2022 to be in with a chance of winning free entry to a 2022 UK HYROX event.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

Jess Rosart is the Gym Manager & Coach at WIT House LDN - the training space & CrossFit affiliate at flag ship store of WIT Fitness opposite St. Pauls in London.Whilst playing host to top athletes, brand activations and multiple daily drop-in, WIT House LDN also has its own dedicated community and Jess shares how they ensure their members get a top-class experience as much as those who see it as destination.We also chat about juggling working in a gym with your own training goals & commitments. If you're at Wodapalooza, say "Hi" to Jess on the WIT stand or keep an eye out for her out on the competition floor in the Rx 3s with some fellow Canadian as the "Maple Dips".Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8j Sign-up before the end of January 2022 to be in with a chance of winning free entry to a 2022 UK HYROX event.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

We start 2022 by sitting down with the founder of HYROX, Christian Totzke. The UK had two of these live mass-participation fitness events in 2021 and the first of 2022 is only a couple a few weeks away in Manchester.Christian shares the concept of the fitness race for everybody, no matter you athletic ability or training methodology. We did into how the format was defined to maximise accessibility & feasibility for events that (here in the UK) are already toping 2000 participants.We wrap up talking about 2022, the World Championships in Las Vegas & what the community can expect from events closer to home too.Use the code: CHALKFIT-10 to get 10% discount off entry to any event. Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter below for a chance to win a Indiv, Pairs or Relay entry. Sign-up to the Chalking Fitness Newsletter for all the UK-centric community & competition news: http://eepurl.com/hPNI8jSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/chalkingfitness)

Rounding out 2021, I'm joined by both Rachel & Karl Steadman. As UK & Ireland Community & Country Manager respectively,  with well-over 25 years combined experience, I'm keen to get their insights on how affiliates & the community have developed over the years.We also chat more specifically about 2021 & get excited about plans for UK & Ireland CrossFit in 2022. As we cover a lot, I've included Chapters on this episode so it's easier to navigate.Chalking Fitness Newsletter (coming 2022!): http://eepurl.com/hPNI8jSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Christmas arrives one day early as I sit down with Aimee Cringle. We talk about finding CrossFit as a teen, juggling training & competing alongside a degree in nursing and now, with the degree complete, increasing focus on how far she can go in the sport.Since then she has topped the podium at The European Championships and qualified for the individual elite category at the Wodapalooza Finals in January and had more time to attend TAP training camps.She hasn't let those successes go to her head though and recognises the areas to continue to work on. But with a strong support team around her, including brands like GymShark and NOCCO, she's one to watch at WZA and beyond!Chalking Fitness Newsletter (coming 2022!): http://eepurl.com/hPNI8jSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

This week we sit down with Reggie Fasa and reflect on his first year of going pro.  From quitting the day job and moving from the North-East to Wigan, Reggie shares some of turning what was a past-time and outlet from work into a full-time gig.Like any full-time job, we talk about the importance of taking a break and how his training & relationship with Ste at JST Compete has evolved.Shifting to the competition floor, we also talk feeling like a pro athlete under the lights at the Arnold Fitness Games and getting prepped for the return to Wodapalooza as an Elite Individual.Chalking Fitness Newsletter (coming 2022!): http://eepurl.com/hPNI8jSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Despite initially doing his CrossFit L1 simply to increase his understanding of the methodology, Matt Tucker has since gone on to attend and coach at a number of boxes - including CrossFit Nidus, which he opened with wife and business partner Aneta!Nestled between the M5 and the Cotswolds, the attention to detail and unwavering quality offered to their members is very apparent.We chat training as masters athletes, affiliates and the fun to be had when you're judging your other half and there's a trip to the Games on the cards!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Fresh off the back of WIT SID Origins 2021, I sat down for a chat with Sandy Gibson, Co-director & Head Coach at Jolly Sailor Crossfit.Not only did Jolly Sailor Crossfit retain their crown, with the Invincibles finishing atop the podium, but this year they took three teams to the Finals in Bath. Now given Jolly Sailor operates on about 110 members, I was keen to understand more about the culture & community in Longdowns near Penryn.Thanks to Sandy for sharing insights from the weekend, his role then & during preparations beforehand and how a passion for the fundamentals and nurturing an environment conducive to hard work is creating a fearless, illustrious & clearly invincible community!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Sitting down with JST Compete's Jak Cornthwaite, I ask about his background prior to CrossFit and how that's influenced both his own competitive career and role as a coach.We then dig into, what is fast becoming the eleventh element of fitness, mindset and how important Jak sees that in helping athletes of all abilities and aspirations manage the demands of training & competition.Finally, we also talk about the future of the sport and more specifically work to grow the UK competitive scene for this generation & the next!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

As we approach what is undoubtedly one of the highlights of UK competition calendar, co-founder of Strength in Depth, Ollie Mansbridge, takes some time out from planning to chat all thing SID Origins.From the desire to create opportunities for more athletes to shine on the competition, to the added "on tour" experience that comes with taking such a big team on the road, we talk about what makes SiD Origins such a unique event.Ollie shares insights into how such an event comes together, some new additions for this year and even what additional tests he'd love to include in the future.Whether you're heading to SID or not, be sure to give this a listen.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

A great chat with one of the OG competitors in the UK CrossFit scene. Fran was taking to the Regionals competition floor before many had perhaps even heard of CrossFit!We reflect on how the sport has grown, the additional of dimensions of social media & how it was returning to the competition floor for the first time in 3 years with the Battle Cancer Team at CrossFest.As the Market Manager at Inov8, we also chat about rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the space and how CrossFit is doing a good job of raising the bar in gender equality in sport.Episode sponsored by BoxMate, check out what they can offer your facility here: https://www.boxmateapp.co.uk/CrossFit?offer=CHALKING2 Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

I'm delighted to help raise awareness of The 180 Project with this week's episode; a recovery programme in the North-east of England that is using CrossFit to help break the cycle of substance abuse, crime & prison.Taking a break from the last week of his 100 Triathlon Challenge, Pete Williams is joined by fellow CrossFit Delta Fox coach Fee to talk about the work of The 180 Project and how the stories & individuals it is helping are hoping to fuel Pete through his marathon of a challenge. This weekend the challenge finishes with the wider Delta Fox community coming together to help Pete through 10 triathlons back-to-back whilst racking up another 80 themselves to raise funds & awareness for the amazing work of The 180 Project.If you'd like to know more or show any support, head over to https://www.180project.co.uk/Episode sponsored by BoxMate, checkout what they can offer your facility here: https://www.boxmateapp.co.uk/CrossFit?offer=CHALKING2 Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Having initially discovered CrossFit for supplementary conditioning for football as a teenager, Evie has been training & competing for nearly decade.In that time she has been to the Games as teen back in 2013 & more recently making repeat appearances as an individual at Sanctionals whilst coaching at boxes here in the UK, Guernsey & the British Virgin Islands.We chat about the differences across these communities, how her competitive aspirations developed and how lockdowns in 2020 have seen her end up out in Abu Dhabi at VogueFitness.Evie speaks frankly about how training disruptions gave her chance to deload, look after her health and come back stronger & fitter - demonstrated with a run all the way to the Last Chance Qualifier in the 2021 CrossFit Games Season!Episode sponsored by BoxMate, checkout what they can offer your facility here: https://www.boxmateapp.co.uk/CrossFit?offer=CHALKING2 Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Evander Harewood jumps on the podcast fresh off finishing top of the team podium at the Midlands Fitness Games. With individual podium finishes at the European Champs & the Arnold Fitness Games, it'd be easy to think the 2021 season is been plain sailing for Evander.The slump around the Open that many had was there for Evander too but since then he's approaching qualifiers and live competitions alike we a revised strategy - that looks to be paying dividends.We also chat about his previous experience playing profession American Football and what drives him to travel the world seeking sunshine and throwing down with the best in our sport.Episode sponsored by BoxMate, checkout what they can offer your facility here: https://www.boxmateapp.co.uk/CrossFit?offer=CHALKING2 Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Fresh back from the Arnold Fitness Games UK, I sit down for a chat with Jamie Lowry. After hanging up his boxing gloves, Jamie found CrossFit as a teen before moving to Loughborough and juggling degrees in Excercise Science and S&C with training at CrossFit BFG. Now back down at Gain Line in Berkshire with new responsibilities, but a keen eye on competition too. Whilst Jamie had a good run in the Games season, only just missing out on Semis, the AFG didn't quite go to plan - tune in to hear about both. Episode sponsored by BoxMate, checkout what they can offer your facility here: https://www.boxmateapp.co.uk/CrossFit?offer=CHALKING2 Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Despite only getting into CrossFit in 2019/2020, Georgia finished well with the global top-1000 of the 2021 Open and 11th in the Rx Division of the European Champs.We chat about how CrossFit only came about as an outlet to stay active after 15 years of training & elite competition in diving, however it's clear that plenty of both physicality and mental determination and transferred over into this new sport.It's fascinating to hear insights from someone with extensive experience in another sport as competitive functional fitness evolves. Keep an eye out for Georgia competing at in the Individual Elite & Team Compete divisions at the Arnold Fitness Games UK this weekend. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

From stumbling across CrossFit in New Zealand to stepping into ownership of Ore Fitness Community here in the UK, this episode is a fascinating chat with Kudders about his experience with the global community that has the CrossFit methodology at it's core.As a coach and affiliate owner, Adam shares his reflections on the changes in the brand over the last 15 months and what he got out of the UK Affiliate meet-up that took place in London back in August.Finally, we also discuss making space for trying & practicing new sports - whether that be Ironman, olympic weightlifting or even HYROX!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Both before and after finding CrossFit in 2018, Cesca has experience working for and with brands in the fitness industry. In this episode, its apparent that the same passion that has seen her compete in body building, ultra running and functional fitness is also driving her to help pave the way for better athlete representation in our sport. We discuss the under-representation of women on both sides of the contract and what we, as both consumers and contributors in the sport can do to help grow the space and make it more sustainable for all involved. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

It was great to sit down face-to-face with Spencer Whiteley for this episode. We chat about getting into CrossFit, his feelings about the significant differences between the methodology for the masses vs. competition and of course his experience over in Madison at the 2021 CrossFit Games!Spencer reflects on some of the workouts, how awesome it was to have a host of athletes representing the UK and the close-knit camaraderie between competitors that exists (especially within the Masters community) at both the domestic and international level.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Building on a strong 2018 season, Helena found herself stepping out on to the competition floor with JST Compete at the 2019 CrossFit Games! However, this turned out not to be the ultimate goal with her focus turning to individual competition. Getting as far as the virtual semifinals in the 2021 season, Helena also qualified in 2nd for the European Championship - which are taking place Sept 3-5.Underpinning this all is a strong ethos of balance across business, training & parenthood.A great listen with plenty of real & inspiring insights to training.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

From finding CrossFit back in 2009 in Manchester, to opening the first box on the Isle of Man, this weeks guest is owner of CF IOM Dan Bonett. We chat about running an affiliate for nearly 10 years, branching out into multiple facilities & his focus now on coaching competitive athletes from the grass roots up. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

It wasn't until the Open that Elliot Young realised adaptive CrossFit was a thing & that more so, he was eligible for the Mens Lower Extremity. As the season developed, Elliot's years of training & competitive drive culminated in a trip to Madison for the 2021 NoBull CrossFit Games!From handstands in the garage to handstand walks on North Park, we chat about experiences on & off the competition floor, including event wins under the lights of the Coliseum and a third place podium finish!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

Bringing you some bonus content and sharing Episode 33 of Plate Stack Chat. Jason, Sam and myself as regular co-hosts are joined by guest host Matt Whieldon to chat all about the recent 2021 CrossFit Games.Sharing our favourite moments and stand-out performances, it no doubt reflects conversations across our community.If you like it, be sure to check out Plate Stack Chat on your preferred podcast provider where the full back-catalogue has more of the same with a great range of guest hosts.Follow Plate Stack Chat: https://www.instagram.com/plate.stack.chat/ Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)

We sit down to talk team with Owen Roberts, individuals Sanctionals athlete who made the move to go team with The Athlete Program in the 2021. The sacrifice and dedication of moving to CrossFit Aylesbury was worth it as Owen and the Team are now on their way to Madison for the 2021 CrossFit Games!We chat about being approached to join the team, the shift in mindset around the Open & Quarterfinals and final preparations as some of the Team Events are released.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ChalkingFitness)