
Chasing Excellence
Looking to build more than just physical fitness? Join Ben Bergeron and Patrick Cummings as they explore how daily practices create the foundation for lasting peace of mind. Through practical frameworks and honest conversations, discover how deep health unlocks the freedom to chase what truly matters. Learn the five essential factors - training, eating, thinking, sleeping, and connecting - that transform fleeting moments of clarity into a life of sustained fulfillment. If you're ready to move beyond quick fixes and build context-independent peace of mind, this is your guide.
Latest episodes

Mar 14, 2025 • 27min
Identity Over Outcomes: How to Pursue Ambitious Goals Without Getting Crushed by Expectations
Discover how to harmonize sports training with fitness goals while embracing the social side of workouts. Explore managing expectations around ambitious objectives and separating self-worth from outcomes. Learn strategies for motivating workout partners facing challenges. Understand the importance of proper coaching certifications in CrossFit, highlighting that being a great athlete doesn’t guarantee great coaching skills. Tune in for humor, insightful tips, and the realest takes on fitness!

25 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 38min
The Compounding Effect Nobody Talks About: Your Everyday Thoughts
Explore the power of mastering your thoughts to achieve greater serenity and peace of mind. Learn practical steps to build self-control and discipline for life's challenges. Discover how defining your personal vision and anti-vision can lead to a more fulfilling existence. Reflect on the transformative force of daily thoughts and how they shape your reality. Embrace the practice of right thinking to foster personal growth and internal fulfillment, emphasizing that true happiness comes from within.

12 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 22min
10 Daily Practices for Moving, Thinking, & Kicking Ass into Your 90s
Discover essential daily practices to enhance health as you age. Learn why sleep is crucial for recovery and explore tips for improving your rest. Uncover the dangers of ultra-processed foods and strategies for making better dietary choices. Delve into the importance of movement, strength training, and mental clarity through meditation. The podcast also highlights the role of empathy and emotional awareness in building deeper connections. These insights can help anyone thrive well into their nineties!

17 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 42min
Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer (Or, How to Stop Being Pulled Down by Tough Relationships)
Discover how to be a thermostat in challenging relationships, fostering motivation despite external negativity. Explore the ideal balance between strength and endurance training for CrossFit athletes, especially those on the smaller side. Learn to appreciate your current professional situation while still aiming for growth, navigating the fine line between gratitude and aspiration. Get effective training methods ready for the Murph workout, focusing on improving push-ups and recovery strategies. Dive into these insights and elevate your personal performance!

Feb 28, 2025 • 30min
6 Ways to Adapt Your Training: From Hyrox to Ironman (and Everything Between)
Discover how to adapt your training for events like Hyrox and Ironman while staying fit. Learn effective weight loss strategies that preserve muscle and boost calorie burn. Explore structured running routines for first-time marathoners, emphasizing gradual endurance. Dive into the mental transition from competitive training to a sustainable fitness routine, highlighting the importance of separating self-worth from athletic success. This episode offers practical tips and insights for any athlete looking to optimize their training.

8 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 25min
Don't Let the CrossFit Open Be a Stumbling Block (A Guide to Playing it Smart)
Discover how the CrossFit Open can be a fun fitness assessment tool for everyone, not just competitive athletes. Learn about personalized workout strategies that prioritize long-term health over competitive pressures. Explore effective benchmarks for measuring fitness progress and the significance of listening to your body to prevent injuries. Embrace the importance of customizing workouts to fit individual recovery needs. This guide helps navigate the Open while fostering community and personal growth.

42 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 4min
CrossFit's Leadership Crisis: Inside the Decision to De-Affiliate
In this discussion, Jameson Price, a dedicated gym owner and CrossFit affiliate, shares his poignant journey of de-affiliating from CrossFit HQ. He reveals the emotional turmoil that shaped this decision, emphasizing the clash between personal values and organizational leadership. Price critiques the disconnect between CrossFit HQ's governance and the community’s true spirit. Additionally, he addresses the challenges gym owners face in navigating change while fostering transparency and genuine connections within their fitness communities.

22 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 24min
The Passion-Obsession Paradox: The Hidden Cost of Chasing Optimum Health
Explore the challenges of communicating your health choices to family who may not agree. Delve into the difference between passion and obsession in the pursuit of wellness. Learn how to navigate social situations while staying true to your values. The importance of balance and compromise in relationships is highlighted, promoting healthier dynamics. Reflect on your motivations in fitness to adopt a more joyful approach to your health journey. Personal stories and insights add depth to this enlightening conversation.

Feb 11, 2025 • 46min
5 Ways Hard Training Makes Everything Else Easier (The Last One Is Gold)
Discover how hard training can boost mental resilience and improve life satisfaction. Learn to overcome self-judgment and expectations to tackle new challenges. Establishing daily routines beats reliance on fleeting motivation. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can transform struggles into progress. Ultimately, taking that crucial first step builds confidence and momentum for success in fitness and life.

Feb 7, 2025 • 33min
The Anti-Pushy Playbook: How to Share Your Fitness Passion Without Losing & Confusing People
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can we effectively communicate the benefits of fitness, such as CrossFit, to people unfamiliar with it without jargon or overwhelming them? 2. What strategies can we implement to support aging parents in maintaining their physical fitness and mobility without being pushy or judgmental? 3. How can we create an environment that encourages healthy habits and social connections for ourselves and our loved ones, ultimately promoting a more active and fulfilling lifestyle? 👉🏼 Get the full Listener Guide here=== ❤️🔥 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club⏱️ New to Chasing Excellence? Start here!=== 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 BetterHelp - Ecomm platform solution 🔗 The Defender - Icon of adventure on the road === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram.📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.
Chasing Excellence is an audience-supported project. To go deeper & to help us do even more, consider:Subscribing to get our free posts or upgrading to receive the Daily Chase posts & bonus content.Grabbing one of our books: Chasing Excellence, Unlocking Potential, or The ABCs of Being Happy & Healthy.Supporting one of our fantastic show sponsors.