The HERD FIT

Can a gym truly thrive without a strong community? Discover the secrets to achieving long-term success in the CrossFit industry with coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic. Drawing from over a decade of experience running a CrossFit affiliate, we tackle the complex dynamics of gym business cycles and how to sustain growth amidst inevitable ebbs and flows. We promise to shar...

Unlock the secrets to crafting the perfect warm-up routine with insights from coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic. Have you ever wondered if your warm-up regimen truly maximizes your performance and minimizes your injury risk? Our latest episode provides a guide to mastering this crucial component of athletic training, addressing the anxiety coaches face in optimizing li...

Can you truly prevent injuries in high-intensity fitness programs like CrossFit, or is it just a part of the game? Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as they offer indispensable advice on navigating the physical and mental challenges of fitness injuries. From categorizing injuries by severity to sharing personal anecdotes, we explore how to maintain your training m...

Join us as we peel back the curtain on the Bison Brawl 2024 with our insightful Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Adam Ramsden @w.a.ramsden. Our conversation offers a unique perspective into the meticulous art of planning and executing a successful CrossFit event, revealing both the triumphs and the unexpected hurdles encountered along the way.  You'll gain an appreciation for the im...

Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as we explore the transformation of the Masters CrossFit Games 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama.  We'll contrast this year's experience with the previous traditional CrossFit Games and discuss whether these athletes preferred the spotlight of a dedicated event or the prestige of competing alongside elite athletes, even with l...

What if your discomfort in running could be transformed into a rewarding fitness experience? Our latest episode unpacks the art and science behind effectively scaling running workouts in a CrossFit setting. Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as they navigate the intricacies of gym programming at CrossFit Bison, where many athletes grapple with choosing between runn...

What happens when an elite athlete faces a career-threatening injury just a year before the biggest competition of their life? Join Join coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 as 2024 Masters Games athlete Tracey Magee @tracey_magee_fitness shares her incredible story of resilience and recovery after a significant shoulder injury and reconstructive surgery. Tracy opens up about the emotional rollercoaste...

Curious about the benefits and challenges of having a dedicated Masters event? In this episode of the HerdFit podcast, Coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 records live from Birmingham, Alabama, home of the 2024 Masters CrossFit Games. The episode features interviews with top athletes and coaches, providing a unique perspective on the first standalone Masters division event.  Guests include: Justin Las...

The tragic passing of Lazar Djukic during the first event of the 2024 CrossFit Games has sent shockwaves through the community. Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as we navigate this emotional rollercoaster and reflect on the broader implications it holds for athletes, coaches, and event organizers alike. We emphasize the importance of open dialogues and understand...

Unpacking the evolution within and outside of CrossFit continues with Part 2 of our interview where coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic sit down with Tim Carroll @tim.carroll, the dynamic owner of 908 Athletics @908athletics. We'll explore the evolving dynamics of relationships among gym owners over the past decade. Gone are the days of competition and secrecy; toda...

Ready to get inspired by a story of passion, resilience, and community? Join us as coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic sit down with Tim Carroll @tim.carroll, the dynamic owner of 908 Athletics @908athletics, who reveals his transformative journey from a finance career to not only a CrossFit affiliate owner, but the owner of THREE gym locations. Curious about what it tak...

Ever wondered what goes into meticulously planning a top-tier fitness competition? Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of the upcoming October 2024 Bison Brawl at CrossFit Bison in Midland Park, New Jersey. Join host David Syvertsen @davesy85 and cohost and event director, Coach Adam Ramsden @w.a.ramsden, as they unpack the complexities of designing workouts that challenge, engage, and entertain....

Are you struggling to find the perfect balance between gym membership growth and member retention? Join us on the Herd Fit Podcast where Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic share their unique experiences and insights to help you master this crucial aspect of gym management. From the complexities of financial stability to the art of decision-making in a community-focused...

Can implementing judges in CrossFit benchmark workouts like Fran and Elizabeth take your training to the next level? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic tackle the provocative idea of introducing judges for these iconic workouts, weighing the logistical hurdles against the potential for more accurate performance assessments. We explore the fine line between fostering a f...

What would it take for a CrossFit athlete to become an elite Hyrox athlete? Join us on this episode of the Herd Fit Podcast as coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic welcome Dr. Alandra Greenlee @dr.alandragreenle, CrossFit Bison member, who takes us through her remarkable journey in sports and fitness. Dr. Greenlee  shares her intriguing story of how she evolved from a you...

Ready to uncover the secrets of hosting a successful CrossFit competition? Join coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 on the unveiling of the Bison Brawl, set for October 5th, 2024. Hear firsthand about the initial challenges and triumphs of bringing this event to life. This episode brings insight to the decision-making process behind three divisions—scaled, masters (40+), and RX—designed to ensure incl...

Ever wondered what it takes to reach the pinnacle of CrossFit competition? Join coach David Syvertsen @davesy85 featuring a compelling conversation with Joe Pierro @jersey_jp, a North America East 2024 Semifinalist. Joe's journey from battling an injury during the CrossFit Open to securing a spot in the semifinals is nothing short of inspirational. We dive deep into the pressures and anxietie...

Can you maintain peak physical fitness while navigating pregnancy and motherhood? Join us in this inspiring episode of the HerdFit Podcast with coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as we welcome our special guest, Tara Porfido.  From discovering CrossFit in a college club to finding her community at a gym during grad school,Tara's commitment to her workouts, even thr...

As the grueling Murph challenge of Hero Week is upon us, Dave's brother, Mike, joins us to share invaluable insights from his 20 years in the Army. This isn't just about physical strength; it's a profound journey through the sacrifices and mental resilience crafted in the crucible of military training and the camaraderie of CrossFit. Mike's narrative weaves together the ethos o...

S05E150 Harmonizing CrossFit's Competitive Future: Leadership, Communication, and Judging Are the voices of CrossFit's leaders striking the right chord with the community, or is it time for a tune-up? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic have a no-holds-barred discussion on the leadership symphony—or cacophony—that's shaping the future of CrossFit. We'...

As Mother's Day rolls around, we embrace the spirit of motherhood and athleticism by bringing you a heartfelt conversation with Amy Edelman, a CrossFit competitor whose strength extends beyond the gym. Balancing the demands of life with the rigors of CrossFit competition. Her candid revelations about the pressures of maintaining peak performance while trying to achieve life balance will reson...

The CrossFit Quarterfinals 2024 are now complete, but we are just getting started! Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic recap the Quarterfinals with guest and Bison athlete Mindy MacDonald @mindymacd where we wade into the deep end right away with  the latest video standards controversy and engage in a candid discussion about maintaining the integrity of the sport—whether...

Embark on a CrossFit journey that's as rewarding as it is challenging, with our essential guide for the CrossFit novice and expert alike. Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic are ready to guide you through the early stages of your CrossFit adventure with anecdotes, pitfalls to avoid, and a treasure trove of tips for mastering this intense fitness regimen. If you&apos...

Ever wondered how the CrossFit Open can serve as your ultimate fitness barometer? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic do a thorough debrief of this year's global competition. From dissecting the inclusivity of the workouts to debating their fairness, we've left no stone unturned. We're not just talking about how to interpret your results but also about usi...

Ever wondered best to gear up for high-stakes CrossFit competitions? This week on Herdfit Podcast, coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic break down the adrenaline-fueled journey from the end of the 2024 CrossFit Open to the ramp-up for the QuarterFinals. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-timer stepping into the competitive arena, we've got your back wi...