Double Edge Fitness

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

Join Derek Wellock as he sits down with Alex Smagala, a dedicated gym member who transformed his life through consistency and fitness. In this candid podcast episode, Alex shares his journey from a D1 baseball career cut short by injury to overcoming personal struggles with alcohol and building a healthier life as a busy professional and father. Discover how one small shift—showing up at the gym—led to massive changes in his physical health, mental clarity, and relationships. From breaking personal records to fostering lifelong friendships, Alex’s story is a testament to the power of discipline over motivation and the ripple effect of fitness on every aspect of life. Whether you're looking to start your own fitness journey or seeking inspiration to stay consistent, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable insights. Don’t miss it!

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

When it comes to navigating fitness during pregnancy and beyond, finding the right guidance can make all the difference. In this eye-opening conversation, we sit down with CrossFit coach Crystal Thompson who shares her unique journey from competitive athlete to prenatal and postpartum fitness specialist.

Crystal reveals how she maintained her training throughout two healthy pregnancies and offers practical insights that go far beyond the typical "listen to your body" advice. She breaks down the science of diaphragmatic breathing and explains how proper breathing techniques can preserve core strength and pelvic floor function during pregnancy. "What you want to think about during pregnancy is preserving what you currently have," Crystal explains, offering a refreshing perspective on realistic fitness goals during this season of life.

The discussion takes us deep into topics rarely covered elsewhere – from the mechanics of diastasis recti (abdominal separation) to the hormonal rollercoaster of postpartum recovery. Crystal doesn't shy away from sharing her personal experiences, including the emotional challenges of dividing attention between a newborn and toddler, and how her relationship with fitness evolved after giving birth.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Crystal's dual expertise – both as a certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism coach and as someone who's lived through the experience herself. She demystifies common misconceptions about training during pregnancy, explains why postpartum guidance is arguably more important than prenatal advice, and offers practical tips for maintaining strength through all stages of motherhood.

Whether you're currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or supporting someone who is, this episode delivers honest, evidence-based information that empowers women to approach fitness with confidence during one of life's most transformative journeys. Ready to discover how to maintain your strength and come back even stronger after pregnancy? This conversation is your essential starting point.

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

Take a front-row seat as our gym undergoes a transformative programming revolution! After 11 years, I'm finally stepping into the programming role alongside my brother to craft workouts that better serve our community's evolving needs.

The cornerstone of our new approach? I'm personally testing every workout two weeks before you see it, ensuring each session delivers the right stimulus and flows properly within the weekly training cycle. This hands-on involvement means when you see my score posted, that workout has received my seal of approval for effectiveness and enjoyment.

We're redefining our LEAN program with a clear purpose: Lighter weights to build Endurance, Accessible to all, and Nurturing long-term health. Meanwhile, our South Gym is becoming an official High Rocks training facility starting July 14th, offering specialized workouts featuring more farmer carries, sled pushes, and running for those drawn to this increasingly popular competition format.

With our gym's average member age being 43, we're prioritizing balanced programming that builds strength while supporting long-term health, including more unilateral movements to address muscular imbalances. Gone are the massive testing blocks—instead, assessments will be thoughtfully distributed throughout our programming, including classic CrossFit benchmarks that connect us to the global fitness community.

The relationship between intensity, volume, and recovery stands at the heart of our philosophy. For those training 2-3 days weekly, higher intensity makes sense with ample recovery time. But for 5-6 day athletes, moderated intensity with consistent volume becomes crucial. As I remind members: "Consistency is numero uno. If your intensity is so high that you can't train consistently, it's not a good thing."

Want to share your programming thoughts? I'm all ears! While we can't satisfy everyone all the time, we're committed to hitting that sweet spot of serving 90% of members most of the time with workouts that keep you coming back, feeling good, and making progress year after year.

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

Get ready for some major updates to the Double Edge Fitness community! This solo podcast episode dives into exciting developments that will shape our gym experience in the coming months.

The biggest news affects our Midtown location - we're finally tackling that problematic concrete floor! Starting September 2nd (right after Labor Day), we'll close for 7-10 days to completely replace the entire 100' x 20' drop zone with new 6-inch concrete. Don't worry about missing workouts during this time - we'll be running expanded classes at our South location with all your favorite coaches.

Our fitness family continues to evolve with Coach Fay Marcotte joining us from England, bringing her exceptional expertise in CrossFit, Pilates, swimming, and running. She's stepped into the classes previously coached by Jess, who's moved into a full-time professor role at UNR. We're also preparing for Coach Chase's transition to the police academy at year's end by carefully interviewing potential coaches to maintain our high standards.

Our results speak for themselves - members have collectively lost 464.7 pounds of fat and gained 57.2 pounds of muscle this year, putting us well on our way to our gym-wide goal of 1,000 pounds lost and 100 pounds gained. If you haven't done your quarterly InBody scan yet, now's the time to track your progress!

Recovery continues to be a priority with our expanded Recovery Room now featuring two cold plunges at different temperatures (45°F and 55°F). We're opening 10 additional memberships for this premium service that has proven invaluable for enhancing recovery and performance.

Most exciting for fitness enthusiasts looking for new challenges - Double Edge South is officially becoming a High Rocks Training Center! This European-originated fitness sport complements our CrossFit methodology perfectly while adding new dimensions to our training. Look for specialized classes coming soon.

Connect with us directly if you have questions about any of these updates or want to learn how these changes can enhance your fitness journey. We're committed to constantly improving your experience while maintaining the community atmosphere that makes Double Edge special.

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

When Shawn and Melanie welcomed their daughter Piper into the world, they never expected to face a parent's worst nightmare. What should have been a routine delivery turned into a fight for their newborn's life when severe meconium aspiration left Piper unable to breathe on her own. In this raw and emotional conversation, they take us through those terrifying moments in the delivery room, the months spent at UC Davis Medical Center as Piper fought for survival, and the unexpected ways their CrossFit community became an essential lifeline during their darkest hours.

Beyond their medical journey, Shawn and Melanie share how their approach to fitness transformed from aesthetic goals to a focus on longevity and functionality—especially after becoming parents. They discuss the intimidation they initially felt about CrossFit, the surprising friendships formed at the gym, and how regular training prepared them mentally and physically to endure their family health crisis.

This conversation explores not just physical training, but the profound impact of community when life falls apart. We dive deep into smart training as we age, the importance of recovery, nutrition strategies that support health goals, and how to advocate for yourself in medical settings. Shawn and Melanie's story powerfully illustrates how fitness communities provide far more than just workouts—they offer connection, support, and resilience when we need it most.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or someone navigating your own health journey, their perspective on balancing intensity with consistency, embracing vulnerability, and finding purpose through movement will inspire you to approach your own training with renewed intention.

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

What happens when you put three passionate CrossFit women and their coach in a room with champagne, a naked doll, and a microphone? Pure fitness magic.

This episode features Sarah, Jenny, and Emma – three women spanning different decades of life who share a common love for CrossFit and the Double Edge community. Their candid conversation reveals the transformative journeys that brought them from various athletic backgrounds into the CrossFit fold, challenging preconceptions and building strength along the way.

The group dives deep into topics rarely discussed with such honesty in the fitness world. They tackle the persistent myth that women will "get bulky" from strength training, with coach Derek explaining why this fear is largely unfounded and how strength becomes increasingly vital as we age. The conversation shifts to the comparison trap perpetuated by social media, as they discuss the harmful effects of measuring oneself against often misleading online fitness personalities.

What truly shines through is the power of community. These athletes describe how their gym relationships have become foundational to their lives, extending far beyond workout hours. Their stories illustrate how the right fitness environment creates not just physical strength but mental resilience that carries into every aspect of life.

Whether you're a seasoned CrossFitter or someone curious about starting a fitness journey, this episode offers refreshing perspectives on creating sustainable fitness habits. The group shares practical advice about nutrition, recovery, and finding joy in movement – all while maintaining the perfect balance of expertise and authentic conversation.

Ready to challenge your fitness assumptions and be inspired by real talk from real athletes? Listen now, and discover why CrossFit creates such passionate communities of strong, supportive individuals who lift each other up in more ways than one.

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

The supplement industry is a minefield of competing claims, pseudoscience, and genuine breakthroughs that can leave even the most health-conscious consumer bewildered. This episode cuts through the noise with straight talk from exercise science expert Chase Brady and primary care practitioner Cassie Wellock as they break down what actually works, what's probably worthless, and how to make smart choices with your supplement dollars.

From the critical importance of third-party testing to the suspect nature of "proprietary blends," you'll discover why the supplement industry is, as our experts bluntly put it, "an absolute shit show." The conversation doesn't stop at criticism though—it dives into practical advice on supplements with strong research backing like vitamin D, omega-3s, and creatine monohydrate, explaining not just what to take but why and how these supplements function in your body.

The team explores the science behind post-workout nutrition, debunking myths around protein timing and carbohydrate consumption while offering practical guidelines based on training intensity and duration. You'll learn why cheap fish oil might do more harm than good, why that elevated creatinine in your bloodwork probably isn't cause for concern, and why most weight loss supplements deserve their spot in the "garbage" category.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the emphasis on intentional supplementation. Before adding any pill or powder to your regimen, our experts urge you to consider specific questions: What's the potential risk? What's the upside? What does research say? And most importantly—could you get this from whole food instead? This framework helps ensure you're supplementing with purpose rather than chasing the next influencer-hyped product.

Ready to stop wasting money on supplements that don't deliver? Subscribe to our podcast for more evidence-based advice on optimizing your health and performance through smart nutrition and training choices.

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

What does it take to transform from a late-night gamer fueled by fast food to one of the fittest members at a CrossFit gym? Cody Burch joins us to reveal his remarkable six-year journey that's about much more than physical transformation.

Cody candidly shares how he went from playing World of Warcraft until dawn to becoming an elite CrossFitter, despite having zero athletic background. "I was already fat," he laughs, reflecting on his pre-fitness days. "The fuck's a dad bod? I'm not going to already live that life." This refreshing perspective drives his commitment to health even as life has evolved dramatically around him.

The conversation explores how Cody has maintained his fitness through significant life transitions—marriage, fatherhood, and career changes. While many use these milestones as excuses to let their health slide, Cody doubled down on his commitment, recently completing a half marathon in 1:41 with minimal training. His secret? Consistency in CrossFit training that prepared him for challenges far beyond the gym walls.

We dive deep into the mental aspects of training, including how Cody has shifted from high-volume "junk training" to more intentional, quality workouts. "I'm arguably the fittest, most well-rounded athlete and human I've ever been," he shares, despite training less than during his coaching days. This wisdom about recovery, sleep optimization, and the negative impacts of alcohol provides practical insights for listeners at any fitness level.

The most powerful takeaway might be how fitness principles translate to success in other life areas. As Cody puts it, "Good things take time... to build something successful, it's not just going to happen randomly." His journey proves that consistency—showing up daily for just one hour—can transform not just your body, but your entire approach to life's challenges.

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

When collegiate athletes hang up their jerseys, they often face a profound identity crisis that few discuss openly. In this deeply personal conversation, former college baseball player Ryan and ex-football star Carl share their transformative journeys from competitive sports to sustainable fitness, revealing the mental and physical challenges that came with this transition.

Both men candidly discuss how their relationship with fitness evolved from an all-or-nothing competitive mindset to a more balanced approach focused on longevity. "I don't want to say never," Carl reflects when asked about chasing his college lifting records, "but I definitely don't have a desire to squat 500 pounds again." This shift represents a powerful maturation that many former athletes struggle to achieve.

The conversation takes a particularly vulnerable turn when discussing body image issues among men. Despite being among the fittest people at their gym, both admit to struggling with how they perceive themselves. "I don't think there was ever a time in my life, even in my most fit in college, that I was like 'oh yeah, this is what I want to look like,'" Carl reveals. This rarely-discussed aspect of male fitness culture highlights how body dysmorphia affects men in silence, often without support systems.

Their evolution extends beyond physical training into nutrition, recovery, and mental health management. Ryan describes how his current fitness goals support his aspirations to become a firefighter and family man, while Carl shares how consistent training functions as his anchor during professional challenges. Both emphasize consistency over intensity—a lesson learned through years of trial and error.

Want to transform your relationship with fitness beyond just physical results? Join us for this honest exploration of what happens when the scoreboard disappears but the need for movement, community, and purpose remains. Your health journey isn't about recapturing past glory—it's about building a sustainable future where fitness supports your evolving life goals.

Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/