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 coaching experience, the hosts break down the thoughtful programming structure that serves athletes across all skill levels - from beginners learning movement patterns to experienced CrossFitters pushing their limits. The beauty lies in how this approach accommodates everyone within the same class framework while delivering appropriate challenges for each individual.

What makes CrossFit truly effective? The hosts offer a compelling explanation of how workouts simultaneously tax all three energy pathways while incorporating bodybuilding-level rep schemes. This creates what they call "the alchemy and magic of CrossFit" that produces results impossible to achieve through segmented training alone.

For coaches and gym owners, the podcast offers valuable insights into programming philosophy, class structure, and the importance of initiative in translating good programming into exceptional results. The hosts emphasize that while the program works with minimal coaching input, it becomes "wildly effective with really proactive, quality, initiative-taking coaching."

Whether you're a coach looking to better understand programming rationale, an athlete curious about the "why" behind your workouts, or a gym owner considering programming solutions, this episode provides a master class in fitness program design from experienced practitioners who've spent years refining their approach.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to the link in our Instagram bio to get started today.

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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 2018.

Then came the unexpected plot twist – a departure from serious training during university years where partying took priority over PRs. It wasn't until 2022 that Erica returned to competitive fitness, initially joining a team before surprising herself by surpassing her teammates' abilities. The physical capacity was always there, but something was missing.

The breakthrough moment came during a brutal mental breakdown at the 2024 Syndicate Crown semifinal. Despite impressive early performances, Erica describes entering the final day convinced she would fail: "I could tell you I lost the last workout before it even started." That painful experience catalyzed a transformation in her approach to competition.

Fast forward just months later, and we witness a completely different athlete mentally. Describing her approach to a crucial qualification event, Erica reveals: "My brain was just literally shut off... when I'm able to shut my brain off and literally just complete the work, knowing what rep scheme I'm going to do, that is the key for me."

Now deliberately seeking uncomfortable training scenarios that trigger her ego's resistance, Erica builds bridges between her exceptional physical capabilities and a developing mental game that could propel her to the sport's highest levels. Her story reminds us that the greatest battles in fitness are often fought not against weights or workouts, but against the limitations we place on ourselves.

Want more insights on developing your mental game for competition? Subscribe to the Misfit Podcast for weekly conversations with the sport's most compelling athletes and coaches.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to the link in our Instagram bio to get started today.

Misfit Athletics Programming:
https://strivee.app/marketplace/p/misfit
https://misfitathletics.fitr.training/t/misfitathletics/

Misfit Affiliate Programming:
https://teammisfit.com/subscribe/

Misfit Apparel at sharpentheaxeco.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/misfitathletics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misfitathletics

Thanks for clicking like and don’t forget to subscribe!

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 did he know the mental and physical challenges that awaited him on this path.

The turning point came after his first semifinals appearance in 2023, where he finished near the bottom of the field. "I felt like I didn't belong there," Brandon reveals, describing both his performance and physical appearance compared to other competitors. This painful experience became the catalyst for profound change. Working closely with coach Drew Crandall, Brandon embarked on a comprehensive transformation that addressed everything from his nutrition to his mindset.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Brandon's story is his battle with self-limiting beliefs. Despite being exceptionally strong – with impressive numbers in cleans, squats, and deadlifts – Brandon struggled with movements like snatching. When faced with a heavy Isabel workout during qualifying, his initial reaction was "I can't do this." Yet through a powerful mindset shift and targeted coaching, he completed what he thought impossible, proving that many performance limitations exist primarily in our minds.

Perhaps most remarkable was Brandon's transformation in running workouts. After finishing last in a running event at his first semifinals, Brandon made a life-changing decision: "I will never come in last place in a running workout again." Through dedicated aerobic development and mental toughness, he turned his greatest weakness into a competitive strength.

What's your impossible challenge? What would happen if you simply decided it was possible? Take inspiration from Brandon's journey and discover what might be waiting on the other side of your self-imposed limitations.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to the link in our Instagram bio to get started today.

Misfit Athletics Programming:
https://strivee.app/marketplace/p/misfit
https://misfitathletics.fitr.training/t/misfitathletics/

Misfit Affiliate Programming:
https://teammisfit.com/subscribe/

Misfit Apparel at sharpentheaxeco.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/misfitathletics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misfitathletics

Thanks for clicking like and don’t forget to subscribe!