62 - Welcome to NorCal! with Michael Bledsoe of Barbell Shrugged
May 31, 2014
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Michael Bledsoe, a fitness and strength training expert, joins Chris Moore to discuss life lessons from the NorCal CrossFit Regionals. They explore effective strategies for gaining weight and strength while finding joy in indulgences. The conversation dives into the balance between fun and athletic dedication, highlights the evolution of the weightlifting community, and emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions that help others. Their humorous anecdotes and shared experiences aim to inspire resilience and personal growth.
The hosts highlight the importance of proper nutrition, especially protein intake, for gaining strength and enhancing athletic performance.
The conversation emphasizes the value of community and mentorship within weightlifting, illustrated by their admiration for Diane Fu's coaching style.
Reflecting on personal passions, the hosts underscore the joy of teaching others and remaining present to maximize one's impact in life.
Deep dives
Experiences at the NorCal CrossFit Regional
The episode shares the hosts' excitement at attending the NorCal CrossFit regional event in San Jose, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere and impressive location of Santana Row. They describe the upscale surroundings, including a Tesla dealership and electric vehicle charging stations, which reflect the affluence of Silicon Valley. A memorable dining experience is recounted, particularly their visit to a Mexican restaurant, Consuelo Mexican Bistro, where they enjoyed generous portions of flavorful fajitas. The camaraderie among the hosts is evident as they share funny anecdotes and celebrate their time together.
Meeting Influential Personalities
The hosts discuss their encounters with various influential figures during their trip, notably a CrossFit competitor named Jackie Perez, who captured their attention. Jackie, known for her popularity on Instagram, exhibits a humorous and outgoing personality, which the hosts find captivating. They reflect on their interactions, particularly teasing John, the intern, about his flirtatious moments with her. The conversations highlight the balance between being a competitive athlete while enjoying life, as Jackie portrays a more relaxed approach to her training.
Insights from Diane Fu
The podcast emphasizes the invaluable experience of meeting Diane Fu, a celebrated weightlifting coach, and the deep knowledge she possesses about the sport. The hosts praise her coaching style, describing it as warm, collaborative, and exceptionally open to new ideas. They recount an earlier encounter where they found it hard to steer the conversation away from weightlifting, illustrating her passion and expertise. The hosts recognize the growth in the weightlifting community over the years, notably the increased sharing of techniques and knowledge across borders.
Importance of Nutrition for Performance
Discussions around dietary habits reveal the hosts' understanding of how nutrition plays a crucial role in athletic performance. They debate the advantages of consuming adequate amounts of protein, sharing personal anecdotes about their eating habits. The hosts agree that a sufficient intake of calories, especially protein, is essential for strength gains and recovery. They provide practical tips on meal choices, emphasizing the importance of finding what works best for individual body types and training goals.
Finding Passion and Purpose
The episode culminates in a reflective conversation about the broader purpose behind their passions and how they want to impact others. The hosts share personal stories of discovering their true motivations, emphasizing the joy of helping and teaching others. They discuss the challenges of maintaining enthusiasm in their journey while pursuing their passions and the importance of staying present in each moment. The overarching sentiment suggests that genuine fulfillment comes from following one's passion and making an impact, regardless of the obstacles faced.