The Fitness Athlete Podcast
Fitness Athlete Division
Stay up to date with all of the news, research, clinical application, and gym application to become more fitness-forward for yourself & your patients. CrossFit, HYROX, OrangeTheory, F45, and everything in-between.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 26, 2026 • 25min
Episode 5 - The 2026 CrossFit Open is here!
They unpack the CrossFit Open format, its history, and why signing up matters. They talk about using Open results as personal fitness data and tracking year-over-year progress. They explore the community energy, psychological hurdles of participation, and why longevity beats chasing constant gains. They preview likely workout formats and give pacing and attempt-strategy tips.
Feb 13, 2026 • 26min
Episode 4 - Hypertrophy deep dive
Dr. Zach Long, physical therapist and strength clinician known for teaching hypertrophy and clinical strength, joins to unpack muscle growth science. They focus on mechanical tension as the main driver. Short takes cover exercise selection, eccentric work and range of motion, regional examples for lats and quads, balancing stability with maximal tension, and smart volume and progression strategies.
Feb 6, 2026 • 14min
Takeaways from the CrossFit L2 Seminar
Dr. Kelly Benfey, PT, DPT, CF-L2 // www.ptonice.com/certifications/cert-cmfa
Jan 30, 2026 • 25min
Episode 3 - Training vs. exercising
They debate why goal-directed training matters more than aimless activity. They explore how goals boost motivation, build habits, and create measurable progress. Personal stories show the shift from inconsistent movement to consistent training. They discuss using functional goals in rehab and aligning workouts with meaningful everyday outcomes.
Jan 28, 2026 • 16min
Improving your programming skillset
Dr. Guillermo Contreras, PT, DPT, CF-L2 // www.ptonice.com/certifications/cert-cmfa
Jan 16, 2026 • 12min
Hypermobility: building beats bubble wrapping
Dr. Madison Johnston, PT, DPT, PhD // www.ptonice.com/certifications/cert-cmfa
Jan 11, 2026 • 13min
Simple dosing for accessory work
Dr. Joe Hanisko, PT, DPT // www.ptonice.com/certifications/cert-cmfa
Jan 11, 2026 • 15min
The rise of HYROX & the decline of the CrossFit Games
Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // www.ptonice.com/certifications/cert-cmfa
Dec 26, 2025 • 29min
Episode 2 - Injury risk in CrossFit: time to put this argument to bed
A lively debate on whether CrossFit is riskier than other workouts, backed by recent research. They pinpoint common injury areas like shoulders, low back, and knees. Practical talk on coach skill, programming, and when modifying training is actually a win. Tips for choosing a safe gym and why access to physical therapy matters for staying active.
Dec 24, 2025 • 14min
Go-to's to improve a "pinchy" squat
Dr. Guillermo Contreras, PT, DPT, CF-L2 // www.ptonice.com/certifications/cert-cmfa
