The HERD FIT

Have you ever wondered if the clarity of your mind can truly influence the way your body moves and conquers challenges? Our latest Herd Fit Podcast episode brings the insightful Rafi Silver, professional actor and mindfulness advocate, into the HerdFit studio to share how mental fortitude has been an essential part of his success in the spotlight and the gym. Together, coaches David Syvertsen @dav...

Embark on a transformative journey with us, Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic where we chart the course for a year of growth and self-improvement. This isn't your typical New Year's spiel; we're breaking down the Bison Reset Challenge 2024, a holistic approach to redefining resolutions with a focus on community, persistence, and an innovative Health Goal...

Do you ever wonder about the grit it takes to rise in the ranks of the CrossFit world? CrossFit newbie turned competitor Mike McKinney joins coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic to share his intriguing journey on the Herdfit Podcast.  From his first WOD to qualifying for an elite competition, all within a span of just two short years, Mike’s story is nothing short of extr...

What truly turns a CrossFit box into a community? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic dissect the concept of community building within CrossFit Bison and how it has transformed from just a bunch of gym goers to a tightly-knit, diverse community.  Community building within a fitness space is no easy feat. It's a balancing act between pushing members to go beyond thei...

In an exclusive interview with Bob Jennings @thebobjennings, CrossFit Masters Games co-director and co-founder of the Legends Championship @thelegendschampionship, coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic discuss the 2023 1st Phorm Legends Championship, to be held this week, December 7-10 at Tempe, Arizona at Arizona State University @arizonastateuniversity. With 420 Rx Indiv...

What does it take to be a top-tier CrossFit coach? Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as they dissect this question. They explore the importance of feedback in sharpening a coach's skills, sharing anecdotes about their own experiences and the value of constructive criticism. They also discuss the value of written evaluations and alternative methods to foster c...

Ready to unravel a true game-changer in the fitness industry? This is your chance to get abreast of the implications of Nike's entry into the fitness equipment industry and the new Nike Training Studios.  We'll be analyzing their brand power and size, and how this might stir up the current market scene. We share our personal perspectives on brand loyalty and investigate how this giant st...

Get ready to hold onto your kettlebells as the landscape of CrossFit Games shifts dramatically in its 2024 season. This episode of the HerdFit podcast throws you into the heart of the changes as coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic scrutinize the logistics, implications, and the ripple effect they have on the CrossFit community. With CrossFit Open season broadening from 1...

Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic are back to answer listeners' questions in our popular fifth Q&A session. Are you ready to unlock the key to building resilience and confidence not only in the gym but in life as well? Get set to embrace the power of having a grinder's mentality in the world of CrossFit and beyond. We share tips on recognizing personal im...

In an exclusive interview with Joe Linton @_joe_linton, newly minted CF Masters Games co-boss and co-founder of the Legends Championship @thelegendschampionship, coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic explore the exciting changes that are coming for Masters athletes in the 2024 CrossFit Games season. After discussing the upcoming 2023 1st Phorm Legends Championship, to be h...

Are RX plus workouts in CrossFit gyms really beneficial? Or is it more about athlete ego? Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as they peel back the layers on this intriguing and somewhat controversial issue in the CrossFit world. We dissect the various perspectives - from athletes to coaches and even programmers, bringing our own experiences to light and critically...

Ever wonder how you can keep up with the intensity of CrossFit while juggling multiple careers, a family, and other commitments? What if I told you Kevin Yurchak @yurchak_cfwe_life and Daniel Coda @dannehnj today's guests, have been doing exactly this for over a decade? Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as their special guests open up about their journeys, sh...

Ever wonder how athletes recover and strategize during a high-level, three-day fitness championship? Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic unbox the trials, triumphs and strategies of two seasoned competitors and special guests - Daniel Coda @dannehnj and Kevin Yurchak @yurchak_cfwe_life - in the thrilling Masters Fitness Championship, Sept  29 - Oct 1, 2023 at the Allen C...

Imagine juggling three young daughters, a full-time job, and personal fitness goals while facing the burden of being a single parent. Sounds unimaginable, right? Well, not for Ashwin Venkatraman @ashv_nj who transformed his life through a dedicated approach to CrossFit.  His journey offers a unique perspective on maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst the chaos of parenting. Tune in as coaches Dav...

What is the future of the Masters within competitive CrossFit? Is there money to be made showcasing Masters athletes? Challenging the status quo, David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic shine a spotlight on the business side of CrossFit, drawing parallels with major and minor league sports. We also scrutinize the support offered to Masters athletes by CrossFit - or the lack thereof...

Ever wondered why CrossFit never seems to get easier no matter how long you've been practicing? Well, we’re here to tell you it’s not just you. Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic are back to answer listeners' questions in our fourth Q&A session. We discuss the complexities of CrossFit, but also the aspects that do become more manageable over time, such as...

Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic sit down with the formidable Dan Dodd @danimaldodd, an elite-level weightlifter, former regional CrossFit team member, and owner of Tri-State Training @tristatetraining.  This is a journey that starts from the CrossFit arenas to the pinnacle of weightlifting. Dan's story is not just about sheer physical strength but also about the...

What is a powerful method to level up your workout performance? Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as they discuss strategies that can transform an ordinary workout into an extraordinary one. It's all about pacing and analyzing your workout, something that we all do, consciously or unconsciously.  We illustrate with real WOD examples how strategizing your perf...

Imagine the thrill, the sweat, the exhilaration of competing at the two day CrossFit event that is the Asbury Park Summer Games 2023 (@asburyparksummergames). This episode isn't just about the competition, it's about the journey embarked on by our everyday athlete guest stars, David Lancelotti @davelance4 and Christine Roeder @christineroeder1 from CrossFit Bison, along with the 32 addit...

Are you aware of the amount of time you spend scrolling through your social media feeds? Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as they peel back the layers of social media consumption and its effects on our mental health, particularly those involved in CrossFit. We discuss the surprising number of hours the average person devotes to their screens, the potential benefi...

No one doubts the awesome power of social media, especially for businesses. But how does an affiliate owner navigate the complexities of managing a gym's social media presence, balancing authenticity and effectiveness, all while trying to maintain a steady stream of engaging content? Join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic on this compelling journey as we dissect t...

You know what they say, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Sasha, our young adult guest today, would certainly agree. After starting with CrossFit Kids as a pre-teen, Sasha continued to progress during her teenage years, pushing her boundaries and embracing discomfort along the way.  Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic delve into body awareness an...

Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic dive straight into the world of CrossFit for younger athletes as we unravel the complexities of coaching and safety guidelines. We talk about our rule of 14 and older, with a parent present for those under 16. The importance of understanding one's body before attempting challenging lifts is also discussed. We also discuss the uniq...

Coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic kick things off by addressing the question many CrossFit athletes ask - can a gym's programming be too hard? It's a delicate balance, one that requires the programs to be challenging yet safe, and above all, enjoyable.  Both gyms and individuals play in this puzzle. We caution you not to be offended as we delve into some pers...

Have you ever given a thought to the role inflammation plays in our lives? It's often misunderstood or even dismissed. But that's about to change. Come join coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic as we unravel the complex world of inflammation and chronic stress with the guidance of Dr. Jonathan Hartman @thehartmancenter. Discover how different types of stressors,...