The Power Monkey Podcast

Our guest today is coach to the Fittest Man on Earth! Her name is Caroline Lambray, and she is here to discuss strategies going into the final week of the CrossFit Open.

Not only does Caroline coach the Fittest on Earth, but she owns and coaches at CrossFit Wonderland. And today she is going to help give some tips for the everyday CrossFitter, taking on 24.3.

Annie's IG: @lambrayliving

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Our guest today is the always impressive, multi-time CrossFit Games athlete and legend, Annie Sakamoto.

Last week, Annie was on the live stream for CrossFit going over strategy and tips for those watching the announcement of 24.1.

Today, we have the privilege of discussing insight, strategy and tips with Annie on how you, the everyday athlete should look at tackling 24.2…enjoy.

Annie's IG: @anniekimiko

•••••⁠ ⁠ This episode is brought to you by Bubs Naturals -⁠ ⁠ We are so thankful to have them as a partner of Power Monkey Camp this year - they brought the GOODS:⁠ ⁠ Collagen Powder, MCT Oil Powder, Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, Coffee, and their newest electrolytes, Hydrate or Die,⁠ ⁠ It's packed with 2000mg of electrolytes which is 5 times more than other sports drinks, there's no added sugar, it's NON GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan...you name it, they've covered it with their powder. ⁠ ⁠ USE code "POWERMONKEY" for 20% off your first order of BUBS.⁠

The 2024 CrossFit Open is here and with that we would like to discuss the very first workout and give actionable tips and strategy to the everyday athlete.

What we all watched on TV with the Games Athletes performing this workout is most likely NOT what it will look like for the majority of us. To help us break down the workout and develop a game plan is the CEO and Head Coach of Brute Strength: Matt Torres.

Grab your note pad, and lets get after this first workout!

Throw your score in the comment section.

Matt's IG: @heycoachmatt

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EPISODE SPONSORED BY:

RXSG: https://www.rxsmartgear.com/

Whether you are just starting out in your fitness journey or you are an avid workout enthusiast, a jump rope is one of the most essential pieces of equipment you should have in your workout arsenal and I cannot recommend RX Smart Gear jump ropes highly enough.

Not only are they dedicated to constantly improving and challenging the community with their variety of ropes, but they are dedicated to the education when it comes to their ropes and promote proper movement and technique patterns which we love at Power Monkey Fitness.

Use code: POWERMONKEY for a 15% discount

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01:41:29 - Analyzing last night's workout nuances

02:19:16 - Diving into workout's strategic depth

02:41:20 - Discussing warm-up routines pre-workout

03:04:24 - Breaking down key athlete techniques

04:30:22 - Comparing this year's to past workouts

05:42:23 - Insights into effective strategic adjustments

09:25:01 - Detailed analysis of workout challenges

09:55:22 - Evaluating top athlete performance strategies

10:21:08 - Adapting strategies for varied fitness levels

11:31:15 - Reviewing overall strategic approach post-workout

It's commonplace to say that someone is kind and has a great energy about them...but in the case of our guest today Fee Saghafi, that can't be overstated enough. Fee is truly a source of joy and light wherever she goes, and we are certain that point will come across over the course of this episode.

Fee is a multi-time CrossFit Games athlete. She thrives on the community aspect of the sport and finding ways to connect with people. Whether it is through coaching, getting involved in non-profits, or finding ways to connect through social media. Fee's passion is helping people.

We can't wait to watch and cheer Fee on this season as she strives for yet another Games appearance.

Fee's IG: @fee.saghafi

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EPISODE SPONSORED BY:

https://icebarrel.com/

Cold water therapy is one of the fastest, easiest, and most natural ways to reset your body and mind. It can enhance recovery, improve your mood and brain health, and can boost your immune system.

Get yours today, use code "POWERMONKEY" at checkout for a discount.

Our guest today is CrossFit athlete Alison Scudds. Alison's ultimate goal within the sport of CrossFit is to qualify for and compete as an individual at the CrossFit Games. This pursuit has led her to shift gears and her approach to some of her training. Specifically that of olympic weightlifting, which she has generally excelled, however now she has choosen to really dial in the finer technical points of those lifts in an effort to build her confidence at the barbell.

As a Power Monkey Camp Alumni, we have seen Alison in action up close, she is thirsty for knowledge, and hungry for another shot to claim her spot at the Games. We are excited to watch.

Alison's IG: @ascudds

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EPISODE SPONSORED BY:

RXSG: https://www.rxsmartgear.com/

Whether you are just starting out in your fitness journey or you are an avid workout enthusiast, a jump rope is one of the most essential pieces of equipment you should have in your workout arsenal and I cannot recommend RX Smart Gear jump ropes highly enough.

Not only are they dedicated to constantly improving and challenging the community with their variety of ropes, but they are dedicated to the education when it comes to their ropes and promote proper movement and technique patterns which we love at Power Monkey Fitness.

Use code: POWERMONKEY for a 15% discount

• (00:02:22): Pride in Ohio origins, contrasting beauty of Ohio with Pacific Northwest.

• (00:03:47): Alison's educational journey from Columbus, Ohio, to the University of Miami.

• (00:04:53): Discussing competitive cheerleading and gymnastics background.

• (00:06:53): Differences and similarities in gymnastics and cheerleading skills.

• (00:07:52): Sharing favorite gymnastics skills and challenges of different performance surfaces.

• (00:09:02): Alison's experience at the American Open and the precision of weightlifting.

• (00:15:21): Focusing on technical Olympic weightlifting training and evolving training methods.

• (00:26:04): Evolution of Alison's relationships with coaches and their impact.

• (00:29:27): Importance of quality-focused training approach in Olympic weightlifting.

• (00:30:05): The necessity of accumulating quality reps for technical proficiency.

• (00:32:13): Identifying specific needs and finding a coach to align with them.

• (00:35:23): Patience and curiosity in the training process for breakthrough moments.

• (00:37:22): Reflecting on potential coaching future and joy in helping others.

• (00:40:55): Sharing the experience and role on the CrossFit Games Demo Team.

• (00:51:25): Balancing spectator experience with athlete preparedness for events.

• (00:54:06): Alison's interest in musician Fred again and the impact of live music at events.

• (01:01:23): Recommending the game "Blood on the Clock Tower" and its mechanics.

• (01:06:54): Invitation to follow Alison's educational and inspiring social media content.

In another addition of a movement focused podcast, we welcome our good friend Chris Gatti to the show.

Chris is a former collegiate gymnast who went on become an incredible circus performer with Cirque Du Soleil and eventually one of the best hand balancers in the world.

Today, when not focused on his own training, Chris is a highly sought after hand balancing coach, which is why the focus of this episode is on the similarities and differences between how Dave and Chris approach teaching the handstand.

This was a fun and engaging discussion between two experts on a topic that they both feel passionately about.

Chris's IG: @bearded_mann

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This episode is sponsored by Assault Fitness.

Assault has been a part of our Power Monkey Camp for a long time.

We've incorporated their runners, bikes and rowers in our endurance sessions as well as our competitions and nightly workouts.

Check out their full line up of machines at assaultfitness.com

Our guest today is Steph Mireles, who you may be more familiar with as Steph Chung. Steph was a CrossFit Games athlete who has recently made the shift into the medical world beginning a career in Boston as a Physicians Assistant. We discuss what that change in lifestyle and training has been like as well what she believes can change in the healthcare and fitness world to bridge the gap and provide better services and longevity for patients and clients.

We also take some time to discuss how Steph was on the inaugural executive committee for the PFAA (Professional Fitness Athletes Association), and what she believes can and should be done to make competition not just more fair for athletes, but safer too.

Steph is a remarkable person who we loved getting to sit down and chat with.

Steph's IG: @stephchung2

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EPISODE SPONSORED BY:

https://icebarrel.com/

Cold water therapy is one of the fastest, easiest, and most natural ways to reset your body and mind. It can enhance recovery, improve your mood and brain health, and can boost your immune system.

Get yours today, use code "POWERMONKEY" at checkout for a discount.

We figured that after more than 200 episodes of the podcast that it was time to give a bit more insight into the founder and leader of Power Monkey Fitness.

Today we chat with Dave Durante. Starting with his earliest exposure to gymnastics in Garwood New Jersey, all the way up through his time competing at Stanford and onto the 2008 Olympic Games. These stories will illustrate where his drive, competitive spirt, and passion for being a part of team he considers family comes from.

We hope you enjoy

Dave's IG: @davedurante

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This episode is sponsored by Assault Fitness.

Assault has been a part of our Power Monkey Camp for a long time.

We've incorporated their runners, bikes and rowers in our endurance sessions as well as our competitions and nightly workouts.

Check out their full line up of machines at assaultfitness.com

On today's movement focused episode, we welcome 3 time US Olympian, Olympic Bronze medalist, and World Record Holder: Cheryl Haworth to debate the benefits and limitations of the Split Jerk vs Squat Jerk with our very own weightlifting head coach and National Team Member Mike Cerbus.

We hope that you enjoy this episode format, as we intend to bring you many more of this type where we debate the nuances and approaches of various movements within the fitness world.

Cheryl's IG: @haworthweightlifting

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This episode is SPONSORED by: https://victorygrips.com/

• Victory grips are the standard in hand protection plus they just launched their new Gym Affiliate Program.
• As affiliate owners, they understand the demands of gym owners. Their goal is to keep their Gym Referral Program process as simple as possible.
• You'll receive educational content, early access to upcoming releases and exclusive discounts for your members plus receive a percentage of the net sales.

Our guest today is Evan Slaughter, more commonly know by his social media handle on Instagram and TikTok as: Fit2Serve1.

Evan has an interesting story, having formerly been quite fit and competitive, but after being injured on a tour in Iraq and developing an opiate addition he slid into a pretty dark place.

After getting clean, Evan has reignited his passion for fitness and comedy, and uses both on his social media channels to try to bring joy to all of those he can reach.

Evan is a kind-hearted soul, and one who we not only enjoyed having on the podcast, but we also loved having him out at our most recent Power Monkey Camp.

Evan's IG: @fit2serve1

Evan's YouTube: @fit2serve

••••

This episode is SPONSORED by: https://victorygrips.com/

• Victory grips are the standard in hand protection plus they just launched their new Gym Affiliate Program.
• As affiliate owners, they understand the demands of gym owners. Their goal is to keep their Gym Referral Program process as simple as possible.
• You'll receive educational content, early access to upcoming releases and exclusive discounts for your members plus receive a percentage of the net sales.