The Whiteboard Brief

Episode 97: "Being Coachable All Around"

Episode 96 - The Buffet Episode - Nutrition, Strength, & Mid-Life Fitness

Episode 95: "The Lost Episode About Slow Progress & PR's"

Movember 2025 w/ Coach Jason Larocque - A Talk on Men’s Mental Health

In episode 1 of the Coach's Corner listen to your coaches debunk some top fitness trends and have some fun while they are at it!

In this episode of  The Whiteboard Brief,  Coach John and Coach Kristin dig into  standards — and why they matter. They unpack the difference between simply exercising and actually building fitness for life, breaking down how movement quality, mindset, and consistency all tie into long-term strength and health. From squat depth and push-up range of motion to the discipline of just showing up, this...

Coach John and Coach Kristin break down the five reasons trusting your coach will fast-track your goals—from seeing what you can’t, to programming with the long game in mind. If you’ve ever wondered why we cue the way we do, steer you away from ego-lifts, or ask you to scale reps, this 40-minute convo pulls back the curtain and shows you exactly how coaching at CrossFit Ares turns today’s workout...

Hosted by Coach John, this solo episode dives into the deeper meaning behind CrossFit and why it’s more than just workouts—it’s a roadmap to long-term health. John breaks down the actual definitions of fitness and health, how CrossFit plugs into both, and why this framework became the turning point in his own journey. From understanding the sickness-wellness-fitness continuum to why aesthetics are...

In this episode, Coach John and Coach Kristin dive into one of the most misunderstood elements of training— recovery . We talk about what it means to  train smart  and why doing more isn’t always the path to better results. If you've ever wondered how to know when you're overtraining, when to take a rest day, or why you're not seeing progress despite hitting the gym every day, this one’s for you....

In this episode of  The Whiteboard Brief – Member Corner , we sit down with Diana Benzel, a longtime member of CrossFit Ares since 2018. Diana opens up about her CrossFit journey, from overcoming setbacks and injuries to smashing PRs and finding her strength through consistency and smart training. She shares how dialing in her nutrition with Coach Kristen transformed her performance and mindset, a...

In episode 88 of  The Whiteboard Brief , Coaches John and Kristen dive into a thought-provoking discussion on what the path to success truly looks like—both in and out of the gym. Inspired by a post from Kyle Habdo of Training Think Tank, they explore three key principles: separating who you were from who you want to be, being willing to experience discomfort, and understanding that you won’t get...

The CrossFit Open is upon us, and in this episode of  The Whiteboard Brief , Coaches John and Kristin break down everything you need to know. They share personal stories of humbling Open workouts, the importance of testing yourself, and why every athlete—regardless of skill level—should participate. The Open isn’t just about competition; it’s about seeing how far you’ve come, pushing through adver...

In episode #86, Coach John and Coach Kristin dive into the mindset behind goals and habits as the new year begins. They share their personal strategies, debunk common myths about New Year’s resolutions, and discuss how small, actionable steps lead to long-term success. Whether you’re looking to build better habits, set meaningful intentions, or just find a sustainable path to growth, this episode...

In this episode of  The Whiteboard Brief , Coach John and Coach Kristin tackle the challenges of maintaining fitness and nutrition routines during the holiday season. Drawing from personal coaching experiences, they emphasize the power of the "good enough" mindset—doing what you can, even if it's small, rather than striving for perfection. The hosts break down practical strategies for staying on t...

Quickcast 4 - “Enjoy the Day”

Quickcast #3 - Negative Feedback Loops

Quickcast episode 2 on defining your success.

In this episode of  The Whiteboard Brief , Coach John sits down with Dr. Linsay Roth, a forward-thinking physical therapist at The Body Remedy. Dr. Roth shares her journey from the conventional outpatient model to a holistic, movement-focused approach that emphasizes finding and treating root causes over temporary fixes. They discuss the importance of loading in rehab, how the standard insurance m...

Check out the new Quickcast series with Coach John for small bits of thought to get your week started right and your mind on point. This weeks episode, “Good Enough”

In this episode, Coach John sits down with good friend Jason Larocque, a passionate advocate for Movember and men’s health, to discuss the cultural challenges men face around mental and physical wellness. They explore how the CrossFit community helps break down barriers, allowing men to find support, be vulnerable, and take better care of themselves. Jason also shares insights from his own journey...

In this episode of  The Whiteboard Brief , Coaches John and Kristin talk about how gym members often struggle with motivation and consistency during seasonal changes, especially in the fall. They discuss why it’s important to adjust workouts to fit how you’re feeling, whether you're dealing with fatigue or minor injuries. The episode highlights the value of staying accountable, keeping routines, a...

In the first episode of the Member Corner, Coach John sits down with CFA member, Jeff Hooton. Jeff has been on a massive health journey the last 4 years, from living life at 300+ pounds, to now having a massive focus on exercise, nutrition, and health for longevity. Enjoy!

In this episode of "The Whiteboard Brief," coaches John and Kristin discuss the importance of understanding and embracing progression in gym workouts. They emphasize the necessity of recognizing personal capabilities and limitations to achieve long-term fitness goals. Kristin highlights that ego can hinder progress, while John stresses the value of seeking coaching support, especially du...

In episode 80 of "The Whiteboard Brief," Coach John and Coach Kristin explore the core philosophy that drives CrossFit Ares. This episode emphasizes the importance of authentic, experience-based guidance. We share our personal journeys, detailing how our own health and fitness transformations have shaped the advice we give to our members. We discuss the significance of genuine experience...

In this episode of The Whiteboard Brief, we're diving into a crucial topic: training for performance rather than aesthetics. Join us as we discuss the benefits of prioritizing fitness and capability over mere looks. We'll share insights on how focusing on performance can lead to better health, longevity, and even improved aesthetics as a byproduct. Plus, we'll tackle common misconcepti...