Kyle Ruth joins the Brute Training Podcast to talk about the difference between GPP and performance training, how CrossFit programming has evolved, and why doing more work isn’t always the answer.

At the highest levels of the sport, Kyle has seen a shift away from simply piling on volume and toward more intentional use of volume, intensity, and density. Athletes are becoming more specific about their weaknesses, their goals, and how their training is organized across the week.

We also get into why understanding the principles behind a training method is more valuable than simply copying what you see from another coach, why CrossFit is still far from having a true set of best practices, and what coaches can do to better prepare athletes for an unpredictable and constantly evolving sport.

In this episode:

• GPP vs. performance training
• Why training hard every day isn’t the same as training for performance
• How CrossFit programming has changed over the last decade
• Volume, intensity, and density as training levers
• Demands analysis and working backward from the goal
• Why weaknesses should drive your training priorities
• The importance of understanding the “why” behind your programming
• The challenges of coaching in an evolving sport
• Kyle’s new coaching community for remote coaches

If you’re an athlete, coach, or simply someone who wants to understand CrossFit training at a deeper level, this conversation is for you.

Watch the full episode, subscribe to the Brute Training Podcast, and let us know in the comments: are you training for performance, or are you just training hard?

Rest is not laziness.It’s the thing that lets you train hard again next week.Save this for the next time you feel guilty or anxious about taking a deload.The "no-days-off" mindset sounds tough until it turns into burnout, bad sessions, and little injuries you keep ignoring.

A smart athlete knows this:You recover when you’re out of the gym.Deloads keep your body fresh and your mind sharp.Longevity beats one more “hard” day every time.If your coach told you to back off, that’s not a loss.That’s part of the plan.What do you struggle with more - training hard or actually resting?

From CrossFit Games prep to life in the desert, Justin Cotler gets real about what it takes to stay elite in sport, business, and family.We talked about the pressure of coaching at the highest level, the identity shift that comes with big life changes, and the lessons that come from being forced to slow down and reassess.The biggest takeaway: Success isn’t just about performance, but about staying present, adapting, and protecting what matters most.Huge respect to Justin for his honesty and perspective.#CrossFit #FitnessPodcast #Coaching #Mindset #ElitePerformance #BruteStrength #PodcastClip #AthleteMindset #LasVegas #ResilienceBrute Redmond Code https://living.redmond.com/discount/BRUTE?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall-eligable-for-affiliate-discount

You can be strong and still be underpowered.This gap shows up fast when the current strength numbers don’t match the goal.Drop a comment if you’ve ever had an athlete who looked strong but moved like they were stuck in mud.If you only look at one bucket of absolute strength, you’ll miss the real limiter and possibly miss out on huge gains. What’s harder in your experience: building strength or turning it into speed?Brute Redmond Code https://living.redmond.com/discount/BRUTE?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall-eligable-for-affiliate-discount____________________________________________________________________________Like and subscribe to our podcast:Brute Strength Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brute-strength-podcast/id1568567695Follow us on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brute.strengthFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brUTE-Strength-1527828040783218/Twitter: https://twitter.com/brutestrength_#CrossFitCoach #StrengthAndConditioning #BruteStrength #AthleteDevelopment #PowerDevelopment

We caught up with our CrossFit Games rookie Janie Cheverie to chat about what making the Games meant to her and how she is approaching the lead-up to her first CrossFit Games.Brute Redmond Code https://living.redmond.com/discount/B...____________________________________________________________________________Like and Subscribe to our podcast:Brute Strength Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Follow us on Social MediaInstagram:   / brute.strength  Facebook:   / brute-strength-1527828040783218  Twitter:   / brutestrength_  

Tune in as Adrian Conway shares how the sport's evolution is shaping what’s possible for us as athletes. From the real challenges of aging in high-intensity training to the behind-the-scenes truths of the supplement industry, he pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay competitive and healthy. Plus, his insights on the future of CrossFit’s education and sport will make you rethink what excellence looks like.What’s one limitation you’re working to overcome in your training? Drop your thoughts below 👇 and tag a friend who needs this perspective.Brute Redmond Code https://living.redmond.com/discount/BRUTE?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall-eligable-for-affiliate-discount____________________________________________________________________________Like and Subscribe to our podcast:Brute Strength Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brute-strength-podcast/id1568567695Follow us on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brute.strengthFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brUTE-Strength-1527828040783218/Twitter: https://twitter.com/brutestrength_

Join us with Coach Matt Torres to recap the 2026 CrossFit Games and hear a little behind-the-scenes of how we won the CrossFit Games. Brute Redmond Code https://living.redmond.com/discount/B...Which Program Is Best For You: https://www.brutestrengthtraining.com...____________________________________________________________________________Like and Subscribe to our podcast:Brute Strength Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Follow us on Social MediaInstagram:   / brute.strength  Facebook:   / brute-strength-1527828040783218  Twitter:   / brutestrength_  

Uncover the hidden mental strategies that turn good CrossFit athletes into elite performers willing to push past pain barriers and redefine their limits.Most athletes are content staying just under their red line: the point where effort feels unbearable. But the true game-changer is learning to live there.

In this episode, Coach Matt and George Rhigas dive into the psychology of training at that threshold, revealing how building tolerance to discomfort can turn survival into victory.You'll discover:The secret to training your body and mind to stay in the pain zone without burning outPractical tactics for incorporating VO2 max intervals, aiming to beat your limitations more effectivelyHow to interpret your body's subjective signals during intense workouts and communicate them like a pro to your coachFour targeted workout frameworks for testing and expanding your red line safely and strategicallyThe importance of self-awareness and how exploring different pace strategies unlocks hidden efficiency in complex workoutsHow shared suffering in community boosts mental toughness and accelerates progressPlus, insights from Amy Kringle’s journey to upper-body endurance dominance on legless rope climbs, and hard-won lessons on the critical role of mindset: renegotiating your brain’s ‘governor’ and turning failure into fuel.

Whether you’re prepping for competition, chasing personal records, or simply refusing to leave value on the floor, this episode will reshape how you approach discomfort and growth.Perfect for CrossFitters hungry to unlock their full potential, coaches striving to implement adaptive programming, and anyone committed to mental toughness in the face of pain.

Remember: The most impressive athletes aren’t those who avoid pain; they’re those who learn to embrace and master it.

Will you dare to live at your red line?Which Program Is Best For You: https://www.brutestrengthtraining.com...____________________________________________________________________________Like and Subscribe to our podcast:Brute Strength Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Follow us on Social MediaInstagram:   / brute.strength  Facebook:   / brute-strength-1527828040783218  Twitter:   / brutestrength_  

Most CrossFit athletes lose sight of why they fell in love with the sport, risking burnout and losing themselves in pursuit of elite performance. But what if there’s a smarter, healthier way to progress without sacrificing your identity, joy, or well-being?

In this episode, Coach Matt and @rhigas uncover the secrets to loving CrossFit while maintaining balance, resilience, and a sense of self beyond the gym.

You’ll discover the critical difference between training gears-strength versus battery-and how to program them effectively to optimize gains without burnout.

Learn why focusing on consistent progression in lifts and conditioning helps build confidence, not just numbers, and how understanding your body’s signals can prevent injury and frustration.

George and Matt break down the subtle nuances of programming, including the importance of repeatability, the role of rest, and how to tailor intensity with RPE or percentages so you can train smart rather than just harder.

This episode dives deep into the mindset shifts needed for sustainable growth; how to tame perfectionism, avoid obsession, and create boundaries that preserve your mental health.

Coach Matt shares practical tips on limiting social media, diversifying your identity outside of CrossFit, and setting clear boundaries that keep training joyful, not burdensome. They explore the emotional complexities of high-level competition, including how to handle setbacks and recover confidence after injury.

Why does this matter? Because chasing greatness often comes at the cost of your overall happiness and relationships. If you're serious about longevity in CrossFit, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor, this conversation offers indispensable insights on balancing passion with perspective. Learn how to train with purpose, protect your mental state, and enjoy the sport you love without losing yourself in it.

Join us for an honest, emotionally rich discussion that challenges the hustle culture and highlights the importance of holistic growth. Perfect for coaches, athletes, and anyone seeking a sustainable, fulfilling relationship with fitness. Tune in and learn how to love CrossFit the right way: by loving yourself first.Witch Program Is Best For You: https://www.brutestrengthtraining.com...____________________________________________________________________________Like and Subscribe to our podcast:Brute Strength Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Follow us on Social MediaInstagram:   / brute.strength  Facebook:   / brute-strength-1527828040783218  Twitter:   / brutestrength_  

Jason Khalipa won the CrossFit Games, built successful businesses, and helped shape CrossFit from the beginning.

Today, his mission looks different.

In this episode of the Brute Training Podcast, Jason shares why he shifted from chasing performance to training to protect, provide for, and lead his family and community.

We also dive into:

• The future of CrossFit and how the sport has changed

• Why community matters more than ever

• Building Train Hard Men's Clubs across the world

• Law enforcement, fitness, and performing under pressure

• Business lessons from nearly two decades of entrepreneurship

• Fatherhood, priorities, and training for longevity

If you're a CrossFitter, coach, affiliate owner, or someone looking to build a life around purpose, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

Subscribe for more conversations with the biggest names in CrossFit, coaching, and performance.

Comment below: What are you training for today?