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 conversation is a reminder that how you do one thing is how you do everything.

Whether you’re new to training or deep in your CrossFit journey, this one will help you rethink what “doing it right” really means.

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 into lifelong progress.

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 just a byproduct—not the purpose—this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to train for a better life, not just a better body.

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.

We cover everything from recognizing the red flags your body throws up, to how your nutrition, stress levels, and lifestyle choices outside the gym are all part of the puzzle. You’ll hear about our own personal routines, the importance of consistency, and why rest isn’t just about taking a day off—it’s a crucial part of the long game.

Whether you’re new to training or deep in your CrossFit journey, this episode will challenge the “more is more” mindset and help you make better decisions that keep you in the game for life.

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, allowing her to crush goals and find balance. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to push through limits and level up in and out of the gym!

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 it right the first time. They break down how these ideas apply to fitness, goal-setting, and personal growth, touching on the psychology of self-limiting beliefs, the importance of challenging oneself, and how progress happens in stages. Expect some raw, real talk—including a FAFO (F**k Around and Find Out)moment—on pushing past mental and physical barriers to become the best version of yourself.

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 adversity, and proving to yourself what you're capable of. Whether it’s getting your first pull-up, conquering a movement that once seemed impossible, or simply embracing the challenge, the Open is a powerful tool for growth.

Tune in to hear why the Open is more than just another workout, how to approach it with the right mindset, and why you’ll never regret signing up. Plus, get details on how CrossFit Ares is making this year’s Open even more exciting with Saturday morning throwdowns, team challenges, and costume fun.

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 is packed with real-life insights and strategies to help you make 2025 your best year yet.