The Mindset Advantage

This week on the MiFit Podcast I had the opportunity to chat with Neuroscientist, Allison Brager. Allison is a brilliant individual who has a passion for science and studying behavior and sleep. I had so many questions for her and she went above and beyond on all of her answers. Sleep is a topic that has lots of conflicting information out there and it was very comforting to hear Allison put some of those myths to bed (no pun intended). I think we can all agree that sleep plays a very important role in recovery and overall health and wellness. But do you know that it has long term affects on mental health, life expectancy, and diseases? Learn how you can optimize your sleep in this knowledge packed episode with sleep specialist, Allison Brager.Topics of Discussion-Common myths of sleep-Best bedroom tips for high quality sleep-Quality vs. Quantity-Night time routines-SupplementationCheck out Allison’s bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Meathead-Unraveling-Athletic-Allison-Brager/dp/149086444XFollow her on Instagram@docjockzzz

This week on the MiFit Podcast I had the pleasure to chat with Cal Dietz. Cal has been the strength and conditioning coach at The University of Minnesota for 20 years. During his career Cal has worked with over 500 All-Americans, been a part of 34 Big Ten Championship teams, and 11 national championships. Dietz has given numerous lectures around the country as well as publish several scientific articles and dozens of articles on training. Most recently, Dietz co-authored the top selling book "Triphasic Training: A systematic approach to elite speed and explosive strength performance.” Dietz is full of knowledge and does a tremendous job helping kids find their potential in the weight room. In today’s episode we touched on:-How Cal has found success and has been able to thrive at one university for 20 years-What his relationship is like with the coaches on staff-How to program Triphasic Training for all athletes-Why you shouldn’t be wearing flip flops-The importance of breath workGet ready for a series of knowledge bombs on this episode with Cal Dietz. You won’t want to miss it! After you’ve enjoyed the episode make sure to leave a rating on iTunes and share the show on Instagram. Cal’s LinksWebsite: XLathlete.comInstagram: @cal.dietzBook: http://triphasictraining.com

This week on the show I had the opportunity to talk with physical therapist Lauren Polivka. Dr. Lauren Polivka is a licensed physical therapist who graduated from Northwestern University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2007. After graduating, Lauren began pursuing a career in sports therapy believing that, "it just makes sense [for me] to heal bodies in motion and be 100% dedicated to keeping people moving, healthy and pushing themselves forward."From a young age, Lauren had career aspirations of becoming a physical therapist.  She began researching graduate Physical Therapy programs at age 16, even before receiving her undergraduate acceptance.  On a personal level, as a teenager diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Lauren grew to understand the importance of physical therapy from a patient's perspective. Lauren has found a true passion in manual soft tissue treatments, as she loves to actively work with her hands and experience the unbelievable power of touch. Over the past few years, she has focused more on alternative manual therapy – with a strong influence from Eastern medicine. Lauren also performs cupping treatments, trigger point dry needling, Gua Sha (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization), and is certified in Rock Tape fascial movement taping. Her approach is to combine treatments that trigger your body to begin healing itself. She considers herself a "reset button" for injury or pain. One of Lauren's most fundamental goals for everyone she works with is to help teach the body how to respond to pain or injury in its own way.  She then focuses on guiding and teaching her clients specifically exercises and movements that help maintain alignment, balance, and the body's natural state.  Her approach proves effective both on a daily basis and in the long term.In this episode Lauren talks about what an effective warm up and cool down look like, how to correct your bad posture habits, and the importance of breath work while doing mobility. Lauren has a tremendous amount of knowledge that is applicable for CrossFit athletes of all ages. You don’t want to miss this one!Follow Lauren on Instagram @lapolivka11and check out her website at www.repairperformrecover.comAfter you’ve listened to the episode be sure to head over to iTunes and give me a review and a 5 star rating! Enjoy!

Do you ever wonder about the mindset of some the most elite athletes in the world? Justin Su’a is a mental skills performance coach who has worked with professional teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Browns, and most recently the Tampa Bay Rays. Justin began his journey studying sport and performance psychology at the University of Utah and has been dominating the field ever since. Justin has a unique and uplifting approach to his job that ultimately helps athletes with their mental game, overcoming a slump, or even finding their “why.” Justin has extensive research working with 10 year old kids all the way to hall of fame professional athletes and it was an absolute pleasure to chat with him and I know you will love it.  In this episode Justin talks about-What do you do first when working with a new organization?-What is mental toughness?-What are some of the common traits you see in “mentally tough” athletes?-How to control what you can control-“The more Focused you are, the more simple things become."Justin’s BookParenting Pep Talk: https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Pep-Talks-Mental-Succeed/dp/1462112846/ref=asc_df_1462112846/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312674999652&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1297824601911582912&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019498&hvtargid=aud-829758849484:pla-570941860450&psc=1Justin’s Instagram: @justinsuaJustin’s Podcast: Increase Your Impact with Justin Su’aAfter you’ve enjoyed this episode head over to iTunes and give me some feedback and a 5 start rating. Thank you all for your support of the show. Enjoy!

This week on the MiFit podcast I had the opportunity to sit down with JP, Founder of Brick Fitness. When it comes to building multiple successful businesses, JP is your guy. JP opened Brick in Los Angeles in 2010 and has since opened gyms in New York, Chicago, and Boston. In this episode we dive into what some of the best gyms are doing, how to find great coaches, how to instill successful culture, and 5 ways to immediately add revenue to your business. JP has a ton of passionate along with 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. If you are looking for ways to add revenue to your gym, look no further than this episode with JP!Follow JP on Instagram @jarettpAfter you’ve enjoyed the episode, head over to iTunes and leave me a review and a 5 star rating!

This week on the MiFit podcast I had the privilege in talking with Michael Cazayoux. Michael as a tremendous resume including multiple CrossFit Games affiliate cup champion, Founder of Brute Strength, and Co-Owner of Working Against Gravity. Michael has an incredible story which started with a hard core drug addiction in his teenager years to now being an icon in the sport of fitness, podcasting, and coaching. Micheal and his wife Adee are both incredible people who are doing huge things in the fitness industry and it’s an absolute honor to be able to chat with both of them. In this episode Michael dives deep into personal development, the resources he recommends for growth, and the best pieces of relationship advice he’s ever received. This episode is filled with knowledge bombs and it’s one of my favorite ones yet.Follow Michael at:Instagram: @michaelcazayouxPodcasts: The Wag Podcast & The Brute Strength PodcastAfter you’ve enjoyed the episode head over to iTunes and leave me a review and 5 star rating. Enjoy!

This week on the MiFit Podcast roles are reversed as DJ gets interviewed by his lovely girlfriend, Ashley Jacobson and the two of them talk about all things CrossFit Open. DJ has been a part of several CrossFit Open’s both as a competitor and as a coach which helps to shed some light on how to fully optimize your CrossFit Open experience. During the episode DJ and Ashley talk about:-What is the CrossFit Open and who can do it?-What is the structure like?-What are some common patterns that we’ve seen over the years?-What’s the best mindset to have going into the Open?-What are some general guidelines to follow for nutrition and recovery during the Open?-Who should retest workouts and why?Whether you are doing your first CrossFit Open or your 10th, you will be sure to get a ton out of this episode. Be sure to give us a 5 star rating on iTunes and share the episode with your friends. Enjoy!

This week on the show I had the privilege in talking with James Hobart. James has a very decorated resume including eight appearances at the CrossFit Games, multiple affiliate cup champion, CrossFit HQ seminar flow master, and owner of an affiliate. I’ve had the pleasure in hanging out with James as well as compete against him at regionals events and i’m always impressed with how genuine and kind he is to everyone around him. James has a wealth of knowledge and people always learn a lot when they are around him. In this episode we talk about what is was like training with Rich, how to view the Rx side of things at your gym, how to coach the advanced athlete, why movement quality is so important, and what he thinks a great CrossFit class looks like. It was such an honor getting to chat again with James and if you are a coach or even just a fanboy of the sport, there’s no doubt in my mind you will get a ton out of this podcast episode. After you’ve enjoyed this episode head over to iTunes and give me a rating and refer a friend to the show!James HobartJames.Hobart@crossfit.comInstagram: @jameshobart

Do you find yourself second guessing your workout strategies seconds before the coach calls 3-2-1 GO? Are you hesitant or unaware on how to improve in Open workouts? This week on the MiFit Podcast I had the chance to sit down with Brannen Dorman, remote coach at Training Think Tank. Brannen is an unbelievable coach who has a passion for helping others succeed and achieve their fitness goals. Brannen has been in the CrossFit game since the early days and has taken the time to focus in on the patterns and the data that the sport has given us. In this episode he talks about how the sport is more simple than we think it is, how we can create separation value in a workout, how to be the best coach you can be, and the best mindset you should have when going into a training session. This episode is FULL of knowledge bombs and if you are a geek about the numbers and the nitty gritty side of CrossFit, you are going to love this one. Get ahold of Brannen atInstagram @brannendorman_tttEmail Brannen@trainingthinktank.comAfter you listen to the episode head on over to iTunes and give us some feedback and a 5 start rating!

Ben Dziwulski is the founder of WODprep, where he and his team of coaches teach CrossFit athletes the fundamentals of advanced skills. Ben has helped thousands of people learn new skills and built an impressive online business in the process. His website www.WODprep.com is a one-stop shop for athletes to find coaching tips and progressions for developing skills in the sport of CrossFit. Ben has done a tremendous job finding a niche in the CrossFit space that wasn’t already exposed. In this episode Ben discusses:-The healthy mentality to have towards skill development-The optimal amount of time and energy to put towards learning a new skill-How Coaches should implement skill training into daily workouts at an affiliate -His favorite progressions for Double Unders and Bar Muscle UpsIf you are a person who is battling getting their first pull-up, chest to bar pull-up, muscle up, or double under, then this podcast is for you! The open is coming and it’s a full guarantee that Dave Castro will test your skill development over the 5 weeks in October. If you want to learn more about Ben and his business or you are interested in getting into one of his courses you can find him atWebsite: www.wodprep.com Instagram: @wodprepYouTube: @wodprep