The HERD FIT

What does it take to become the first state wrestling champion from your school in nearly 60 years? Today's guest, Francesca Gusfa @francescagusfa, joins coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 as she shares the remarkable journey that led her to make history at Ridgewood High School. Fresh off her state championship victory, 18-year-old Francesca opens up about the winding path that brought her to w...

From old locker rooms to a thriving fitness space – join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as they peel back the curtain on the first exciting month of our new gym Outlast Fitness @outlast_fitness, our newest venture located right in front of CrossFit Bison. The questions have been flooding in: Who is Outlast for? How does it differ from CrossFit? Is it a stepping ston...

Veteran coach Kristy Link returns to share her fascinating journey from CrossFit gym owner to golf fitness specialist, revealing how diverse coaching experiences create better, more adaptable coaches. Kristy begins by reflecting on her transition after selling Brazen CrossFit, one of New Jersey's original CrossFit gyms known for its distinctive go-for-broke style and fiercely competitive athl...

Veteran CrossFit coach Michael DelaTorre @thecoachmiked joins the coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic to share wisdom gleaned from coaching an estimated 15,000 classes across multiple facilities. This conversation dives deep into the evolving nature of coaching across different environments—from young professionals in urban settings to diverse suburban populations. Mike...

Imagine a fitness program that challenges you daily, that builds strength without sacrificing longevity, and creates a space where both seasoned athletes and newcomers feel equally at home. That's exactly what coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic and guest coach Michael DelaTorre @thecoachmiked are creating with Outlast @outlast_fitness, their bold new venture at Bis...

The CrossFit Open typically shines a spotlight on elite athletes, but what about the everyday heroes who truly define a CrossFit community? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic  take us behind the scenes of the Bison Beast Awards – their gym's annual recognition of members who embody CrossFit's spirit beyond the leaderboard. Meet Ella Kinney, the community corne...

What happens when your passion for coaching collides with your desire to compete at the highest level? In this raw and revealing conversation, coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85, Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic and Bobby Wallum @bigbobbybowwow tackle the universal struggle of balancing personal athletic aspirations with professional coaching responsibilities. The trio dives deep into time management strat...

What transforms a self-conscious teenager into an elite CrossFit athlete and coach? Bobby Wallum's @bigbobbybowwow journey began with a single moment during a pickup football game. That night, he asked his father for weightlifting equipment for Christmas—a request that would change his life forever. Fast forward through years of bodybuilding and a revelation when climbing stairs left him wind...

The CrossFit ecosystem stands at a pivotal crossroads. With Open registrations down roughly 30% and the company officially up for sale, the community finds itself questioning what comes next for the brand that revolutionized fitness worldwide. In this candid conversation, coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic break down the factors contributing to CrossFit's current c...

You've completed the CrossFit Open 2025, but do you truly understand what each workout was testing? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic dive deep into the methodology behind this year's programming, revealing insights that could transform your approach to training. The first workout wasn't just about lunges and dumbbell movements—it was a deliberate test o...

Are you facing the challenges of competing as an aging athlete? This episode dives deep into the world of CrossFit through the eyes of seasoned competitors, revealing how mindset, community, and personal goals can shape your fitness journey, no matter your age. Join coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 as he chats with Dan Coda @dannehnj, an accomplished CrossFit athlete and dedicated father, who share...

What does it take to keep the magic alive in a community that thrives on grit and perseverance? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic invite you on a nostalgic journey as we count down to the 2025 CrossFit Open. Reflecting on our CrossFit Bison family, we share personal stories from past Opens, particularly the unforgettable "point ones," and how these moments ha...

What happens when tragedy strikes at one of the most celebrated fitness events in the world? Hear from coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as we tackle the deeply felt repercussions of Lazar Đukić's tragic drowning at the CrossFit Games last year. This heartbreaking incident has not only fractured the CrossFit community but has also led to a substantial dip in Open...

What happens when a college football player turns his passion towards CrossFit? Join us as coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 talks with guest Brian DeCarlo @decarlob1 as he shares his journey from the fields of college sports to the world of CrossFit Bison, transforming not only his life but also the lives of countless others.  His story will leave you inspired as we discuss how his athletic history...

Unlock the secrets to lasting fitness and holistic well-being with our latest episode of the HerdFit Podcast. Join us as coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic introduce you to OUTLAST, Bison Fitness's innovative new gym concept designed to complement the CrossFit experience by focusing on longevity and adaptability. Inspired by thought leaders like Andrew Huberman and...

Ever wondered how technology can reshape your fitness journey? Discover insights on our latest episode of the Herd Fit Podcast with coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as we introduce the innovative Train by PushPress app at CrossFit Bison.  We promise to explore how this app transforms traditional score-logging methods and enhances athletes' ability to track their...

Christy Link-Petillo @kristy_link, a pivotal force in the CrossFit world and former owner of Brazen Athletics, joins David Syvertsen @davesy85 to share her remarkable journey from yoga enthusiast to CrossFit trailblazer. Christy's story is one of inspiration and transformation, ignited by witnessing the strength and camaraderie of female athletes at regional events. Through her experiences, w...

Discover the keys to a balanced life as Coach David Syvertson and actor Rafi Silver uncover strategies for achieving sustainable health in this episode of the Herd Fit Podcast. We kick things off with Bison gym's Reset Challenge, a motivating initiative that encourages long-term lifestyle changes over fleeting resolutions. Rafi, a familiar voice on our show, shares his journey of balancing nu...

Join us as we tackle the question: What makes the CrossFit Open a must-experience event for everyone, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic promise a journey of personal growth, camaraderie, and a test of your limits, as they unravel the often mixed emotions surrounding this global competition. Feel the pulse of the CrossFit...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to compete at the highest levels of fitness while maintaining your sanity? Join us in an exciting episode as Coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 sits down with the 2024 Legend Championship @thelegendschampionship athletes —Dan Coda @dannehnj, Mindy Macdonald @mindymacd, and Kathleen Staunton @stautie3. Fresh from the competition arena, these elite athletes open up...

Can you really reach the pinnacle of CrossFit without a dash of luck? Join Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as they dissect the 2025 CrossFit Open's latest shake-ups. We tackle the burning question of how well the shorter season might serve the community.  We share insights on the adjustments athletes must embrace as they gear up for February 27th's kick-off...

Marissa Liza @marissa_1082 joins coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 on the Herd Fit Podcast to unravel the rising phenomenon of HYROX, a fitness trend that’s capturing the hearts—and muscles—of athletes worldwide. Together, we dive into our personal journeys through the adrenaline-pumping world of HYROX races in Toronto and Dallas, where running meets strength training in a perfect blend. We share th...

Uncover the secrets to achieving your fitness goals with confidence and purpose with the promiseto guide you through the art of structured progressions. Join coach @davesy85 as he demystifies how both individualized and group fitness programs can elevate your performance and prepare you for life's physical challenges. In this episode, he explores the tried-and-true methods employed at CrossFi...

Can overcoming challenges in the gym transform your life outside of it? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmeticbelieve it can, and we unpack the pivotal role confidence plays in both fitness and coaching. We share stories from our CrossFit community at Bison and Brock's Taekwondo classes, highlighting how confidence transcends physical achievements and prepares us for r...

What if stepping out of your comfort zone could revolutionize the way you run your gym? Join us as we unpack our transformative experience at the CrossFit Northeast Affiliate Summit, where we discovered the power of collaboration and community within the CrossFit world. Embracing the spirit of shared learning, we explore the ripple effect such events can have on enhancing gym operations, member re...