Most CrossFit athletes think endurance improvement comes from simply doing more cardio, more zone 2, and more hard intervals.

According to Brute Endurance Coach Mark Cullen, that's exactly where many athletes go wrong.

In this episode of the Brute Training Podcast, Mark joins George Rhigas to break down the endurance concepts that actually move the needle for CrossFit athletes. From Zone 2 myths and threshold training to VO2 max development and pacing strategies, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

Whether you're training for the Open, Semifinals, HYROX, a running race, or simply trying to stop fading late in workouts, this episode will help you train smarter.

Let us know in the comments:

What's the biggest challenge in your endurance training right now?

Subscribe for more coaching insights, athlete interviews, and performance education from the Brute coaching team.

This week on the Brute Training Podcast, we sit down with Snorri Baron, founder of Bakland Management and one of the leading athlete managers in CrossFit and HYROX.

Snorri has worked with athletes like Sara Sigmundsdottir, BKG, Emma Lawson, Lucy McGonigle, Ricky Garard, and many more while helping shape sponsorships, athlete brands, and careers behind the scenes.

In this episode, we talk about:• How sponsorship deals work in CrossFit• Why HYROX is growing so quickly• What brands are looking for from athletes• The reality of trying to make a living in fitness sports• The future of CrossFit competitions• Advice for young athletes chasing the Games

If you’re a CrossFitter, coach, competitor, or fan of the sport, this one gives a real look into the business side that most people never hear about.

Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway and let us know who you want to see on the podcast next.

Ella is coming off her best season yet, with a top-15 finish in the Open and her strongest Quarterfinals performance ever.

In this episode, George and Ella dive deeper into what her journey has looked like thus far, the challenges she's faced, and what has made the biggest difference for her when it comes to becoming elite in the sport.

This episode will help you get to know our Brute athlete, Ella Wilkinson, better and give you things she's learned along her journey of becoming elite.

Make sure to subscribe for more episodes with elite athletes, coaches, and behind-the-scenes conversations from the sport.

Is CrossFit actually moving forward or drifting away from what made it great?

In this episode of the Brute Training Podcast, we sit down with Jake Marconi and Coach El to talk about the current state of the sport, the Games season, and what needs to change.

We cover:• Regionals vs the current format• Why the sub-elite athlete matters more than you think• The impact of constant season changes• Why workouts like Gwen create real drama• What CrossFit can learn from other sports• The future of competition, structure, and athlete development

👇 Drop a comment with your take on the current season

Emma Lawson is coming off her best CrossFit Open performance yet and heading into Semifinals with a completely different mindset.

In this episode of the Brute Training Podcast, Emma shares what changed.

From stepping away from CrossFit and rebuilding her relationship with training, to letting go of external validation and finding confidence in her own process, this conversation dives into the real work behind performance.

If you’re chasing progress in the gym or trying to maximize longevity in fitness or sport, this is one to listen to.

Aimee Cringle is one of the most consistent athletes in the sport right now.

Games athlete, second place at WFP, and competing against some of the best in the world.

But her mindset might surprise you.

In this episode of the Brute Training Podcast, we dive into what it actually looks like to train, compete, and improve at the highest level of CrossFit.

Aimee shares what it’s like preparing for an Open announcement against top athletes, how she structures her training days, and why constantly working on weaknesses can make you feel less fit than you actually are.

We also talk about managing a packed competition schedule, training through injury, and building confidence when you’re surrounded by elite competition.

If you’re trying to level up your performance, this episode gives you a real look behind the scenes.

Listen to the full episode and subscribe for more conversations with top athletes.

What actually makes a future CrossFit Games athlete?

In this episode of the Brute Coaches Podcast, Domenic D'Agostino and Coach El go deep on talent identification, athlete development, and what separates good from elite.

We break down:-Why strength should come before conditioning for young athletes-How to spot real potential early-The role of Olympic lifting, gymnastics, and movement quality-When athletes actually hit their peak-The impact of life outside the gym on long-term success

We also get into coaching at a high level:

-What “detached caring” really means-How to balance being a coach and a friend-When to push and when to step back-Coaching athletes vs coaching people

This is a must-watch for coaches, competitors, and anyone serious about improving in CrossFit!

What actually makes a CrossFit champion?

In this episode of the Brute Training Podcast, we sit down with Jason Hopper and Coach El to break down the real changes that led to his rise.

This is not about doing more, it's about doing what matters.

If you’re serious about improving your performance, this conversation will change how you think about training.

🎧 Listen now and start training with purpose

If you feel like you’re working hard but not actually improving… this is the episode you need.

Right after our first Australian Brute training camp, we sat down with Emily Clements and Julia Hannaford to talk about what’s actually moving the needle in their training right now.

This isn’t surface-level advice.

We get into what changed when they moved from template programs to individualized coaching… why constantly training your strengths will hold you back… and how to finally make progress on the things that matter.

We also talk about:
• The real reason your weaknesses aren’t improving• How to train alone but still get better• Learning to enjoy competing again• Why your “why” matters more than your leaderboard spot• Balancing CrossFit with real life without burning out

If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure if your training is working… this episode is a must-listen

Most CrossFit athletes say they want to qualify, but very few are willing to live like the pros who do.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why you have to act like a pro before you qualify• Minimum effective dose vs maximum effective dose• Why jumping programs kills progress• How elite camps actually build athletes• The real sacrifices behind semifinals runs

If you are stuck at almost, this conversation is for you.

Stop guessing your volume.
Stop chasing fatigue.
Start solving problems.

If you are serious about competing at a higher level, apply for coaching with Brute Strength.