Strength Outside The Box

  Get ready to meet your new girl crush! Anna Woods is someone we have been watching (and crushing on) from afar on social media for a few months now, so we were fangirling pretty hard when she agreed to carve some time out of her busy schedule to chat with us. She is a mom of three, former CrossFit Regionals athlete, barn gym trainer, and genius behind the program sheSTRENGTH. sheSTRENGTH is an online community she designed to support, encourage, and empower women in all areas of life. In this episode, we get the low down on the sheSTRENGTH program, the surprising key step that most folks overlook when shifting priorities, the significance of the phrase "I am enough," how and why we have to stop comparing ourselves to others, and then get super geeky on Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization. This episode is filled with so much goodness. Once you listen you will understand why we left the conversation loving her even more!   Links to topics discussed in this episode:   Anna Woods IG Anna Woods FB sheSTRENGTH

In this week's episode, Amy and Lauren travel to the Barbell VooDoo headquarters in Spring Hill, Tennessee to chat with Roy Mangrum and Jacob Fasig! Roy is the founder and co-owner of Barbell VooDoo and Jacob is the voice behind the Barbell VooDoo Podcast. We had a blast chatting with these guys who like to laugh as much as we do. We ask them about this quality and Roy tells us it may be a secret to a happy life. Plus Roy discusses the magic that he sees in CrossFit and Jacob takes us through his weight loss journey.   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Barbell VooDoo Barbell VooDoo IG Barbell VooDoo Podcast Fitby40.blog Jacob Fasig IG CrossFit Combustion CrossFit Trivium The Fainting Goat Hampton Cove CrossFit  

Please allow us to introduce you to Jessa English of Jessahart Massage in Newington, CT. She has been a massage therapist for 18 years to both elite level and everyday athletes (she will even be packing up and heading to Madison, WI in a couple of weeks to perform body work on Games athlete, Katrina LaClair!). We met this lady on Instagram of all places; her earnestness, authenticity, and message of hope and love that she radiates in every post drew us in and we knew we had to reach out to her. Although we have never met in person, we immediately felt like we had been friends for years.  In this episode we discuss life from her unique perspective of fitness and healing. We talk about how being an empath affects her work, the psychological side of pain and tension, and what it's like to be behind the scenes at Regionals. And we spend plenty of time laughing over important topics like Murph, cupping, what the heck is Chinese Fire Message, tattoos, and emoji Halloween costumes. Plus she helps us put a new twist

ROAD TRIP!!!! This week Amy and Lauren travel down to Cullman, AL to the one and only CrossFit 256. We had been hearing about this gym off and on since we started the podcast, and after meeting owner Chet Graves at a local CrossFit competition, we knew we absolutely had to try out a day at this box. Between the partner WOD (read death on an Assault Bike), Lean Kitchen Co. paleo donuts, FitAid, and people who are genuinely as nice as they come, we had an absolute blast! Chet was kind enough to let us pick his brain for a bit and then we asked members Hollie, Breanna, and Cody in to answer a few questions about Chet and their gym. We cannot thank CrossFit 256 enough for their support of our podcast and being such kind hosts!   Links to topics discussed in this episode: CrossFit 256 Hampton Cove CrossFit Peeking Behind the Curtain with Kelli Norwood 2POOD CrossFit Andalusia FitAid Lean Kitchen Co Guntersville Karma's Coffee House

Put your glasses on and get out your pen and paper for notes, guys! We are getting super nerdy this week with Dr. Tim Sargeant of Choice Chiropractic - our personal favorite Canadian and chiropractor. He has 20 years experience as a health practitioner, a background in hockey, a CrossFit L1, and is an active CrossFit athlete. We get into the nitty gritty of common pain patterns - what the root cause often is, how he treats the root causes, and the psychosomatic components that might surprise you. We also take a deep dive into macros and discuss the importance of a lower inflammation diet on the overall health of the body. And don't worry, folks! We would never let him go without forcing him to make his case for why hockey is the best sport in the world.   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Choice Chiropractic Alexander Keiths Brewery Whole30 Claim Your Power by Mastin Kipp Rock Tape Hampton Cove CrossFit CrossFit Huntsville  

Amy and Lauren just don't even know what is real life anymore and are still pinching themselves after this episode with CrossFit Games athlete, Chelsey Hughes! This girl (who is sponsored by Nike...no biggie...) has competed on teams, attended Regionals as individual four times, and qualified for the Games in 2017! But training is far from her full time gig...she holds an MBA from the University of Oregon and is currently a Marketing Director for a chain of boutique hotels. Plus, she coaches at BRICK New York. This episode is a little bit longer than normal, but we probably could have talked for at least another three hours to this lady. She tells us all about what it takes to train for the Games, how her CrossFit community pushes her, what is next in her Games career, how she feels about her athletic career so far, where she would like to see her professional life go next, AND then she drops a total bomb on us about women and finances. We know you are going to love her even more after listening to this episo

This week Amy and Lauren are sitting down with an absolute rock star of a CrossFit coach and athlete, Ms Elizabeth Benz. While she has been involved in athletics most of her life, this girl has around 8 years of experience in CrossFit alone. She has certs in weight lifting and gymnastics, plus she has attended conferences in Opex and Outlaw Way to name a few. So to say that she knows a thing or two about training is an understatement. While we felt like we could probably pick her brain about virtually anything health and fitness related, we really wanted to discuss all the things she has learned  as she charges into her last month of pregnancy -- how her priorities have shifted, how it has changed her coaching philosophies, and what lessons she is taking with her long after her pregnancy days are over. We know you will love Elizabeth's perspective regardless of whether or not pregnancy is in your future!   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit Elizabeth Benz IG BeautyCounter with El

It is episode 25!! And to celebrate, Amy and Lauren kick it old school and record an episode without any guests. We find out who they are and where they come from. They discuss some lessons learned and how they have enjoyed the podcast so far plus where they see it going in the future! And if you are wondering if they laugh and have fun...the answer is...of course!   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit Lauren's IG Finding What Pushes You: An Interview with Ryan Hensley Jen Sincero Autin PT Modifying for Intensity with Dylan Packebush Listen to Your Body... and Celena Choice Chiropractic Honest Coffee Roasters Huntsville Slowpokes. Krissy Mae Cagney IG Reps 4 Recovery Doughnuts and Deadlifts Vine Yard CrossFit Peeking Behind the Curtain with Kelli Norwood FNX (use discount code KELLINORWOOD to receive 15% off your order) Chatting with the OG Boss Babe Mica Jenkins  

We have the distinct pleasure to be joined by one of our dear friends this week, Mica Jenkins. She is an entrepreneur, mom, and one heck of an athlete. We loved picking her brain on how her mindset translates to all facets of her life. We are truly inspired by her every day both in and out of the gym and we know you are going be as well.   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit Mica Jenkins FB Mica Jenkins IG Younique Ray Higdon Deb Erickson

It's Memorial Day Weekend, folks, and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than to sit down with a few of our members who are either currently serving, retired, or aspiring! We were honored to have HCCF's own Stu, Kenny, Brian, and Jackson spend some time chatting with us. We discuss how CrossFit may have helped them as they entered the service and prepared them for basic training, as well as advice for those entering the service. And of course we talk Hero WODs: how they feel about them, what goes through their minds, the significance of the vest, and what type of movements they would like to see in their own made up Hero WODs. We know you are going to love this conversation as much as we did!   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit Actual Strength Outside the Box: An Interveiw with Curtis Parker Josh Bridges' Murph win at the 2016 CrossFit Games Mission 22 Living With Purpose: An Interview with Ross Jaeger Rivertree Church Still Serving Veterans Wounded Warrior Project

This week we are joined by Dana and Dennis Murray, the owners of WodBodSuds. Guys, they are just so precious...and not only because of their adorable Wisconsin accents! A few years back they knew they had to make a life change. They found themselves unhappy in the grueling 9 to 5 grind, and Dana had a shocking health scare when she suffered a stroke at age 30. The change came when they started WodBodSuds -- an all-natural soap company geared towards CrossFitters -- right out of their basement. Now they are living their best lives and loving every minute of it. They have such an inspirational story that we know is going to motivate and encourage all of you.   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit WodBodSuds WodBodSuds IG WodBodSuds FB Gov't Mule - Soulshine CrossFit One Shot Jen Sincerco - You are a Badass Gary Vaynerchuk - Crushing It Younique Epic Mascara

This week we are joined by our favorite yoga instructor in town, Patrick Staton! We discuss the similarities and differences between yoga and CrossFit, why everyone should give it a try, and the surprising reasons that you (yes, even you!) might end up loving a yoga practice. You may even find that a regular yoga practice may help you find a CrossFit breakthrough! Amy gives Patrick every ounce of credit for her first ever MUSCLE UP during the CrossFit Open! And did we mention he is smart? He only has a background in astrophysics...no big deal...he teaches the Tuesday night fluid vinyasa class at Hot Yoga of Huntsville, and we just know you will be joining us there on the mat after listening to this episode!   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hot Yoga of Huntsville Hampton Cove CrossFit Kevan Gale Betty Riaz Lama Migmar Tseten Balls...of Your Feet Getting Grounded with Kelly Coleman Competitive yoga Alternate nostril breathing

Get ready for a good one, guys! We recently had the honor of sitting down with the one and only Ross Jaeger - pastor at Rivertree Church in Hampton Cove and 5:30am warrior here at HCCF. As you can imagine, his point of view is fascinating and this interview is absolutely chock full of inspirational gems. He got candid with us on some of the ways that being a public figure plays into his own CrossFit journey, the importance of physical fitness in his life, and what it means to him to have a place like this CrossFit gym to belong to. You guys are going to be so inspired by all of the ways that he sees CrossFit intersect with his spiritual life.   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit Rivertree Church Pukie the Clown Finding What Pushes You: An Interview with Ryan Hensley Revelation 22:20 I Corinthians 9:24-27

You know you are in for a treat this week since we are joined by Nikki Billingsley and Shannon Herold!! We delve deep into friendships in the gym. We discuss the importance of finding a gym bff, how to cultivate more meaningful relationships in with the folks you workout with, and how to keep petty competition at bay. We also discuss how to find that sweet spot between pushing yourself hard and taking things way too seriously. But most importantly...we laugh. A LOT. Get ready to love these girls even more than you already do!   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit  

We are delighted to introduce Ms Kelly Coleman on our show today. She is a special needs teacher and healthy living expert in New Jersey. She Skyeped in to discuss with us the importance of mindful living and how the incorporation of practices such as grounding and meditation and the use of essential oils, flower essences, and teas might help us balance out and recover quicker from these fast paced, hard workouts we put ourselves through in the gym. We discuss practical ways that you might incorporate some of these things in your daily routines, but you may be surprised to learn ways that you are probably already intuitively tapping into these practices! This episode may be a little step outside of what you typically think about as you pursue a healthy life, but we know you all will enjoy it and hopefully learn something (we sure did)! Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit Connect with Kelly on Facebook Learn more about essential oils with Kelly Meathead Hippie Podcast Herbal Elemen

You know him, you love him, and we got to sit down with him for an interview!!! Ryan Hensley went from Iron Man Triathlete to HCCF's FIRST EVER CrossFit Games Regionals qualifier! We picked his brain about his mental approach to training, his diet, how his drive carries over outside the gym, and when he knew he might have a shot at qualifying for regionals. Plus he offers his advice for anyone who wants to take their CrossFitting to the next level.   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit Mark Allen GREAT article with Mark Allen (check out the part about mindset) Episode with Kristi Kirk Stew Smith The Whole30 North Plano CrossFit Cara Alwill Leyba  

This week we had the privilege to sit down and chat with a lady who dabbles all around the CrossFit community in ways you may not have already known! Kelli Norwood is the face you have all probably seen behind the 2POOD table at their various trunk shows in the area. But did you  know that she has also worked backstage with the media team at the CrossFit Games and Regionals? We loved getting to peek behind the curtain with her a little bit (spoiler: Brooke Ence is apparently super funny in real life!). Then she gives us the scoop on Margaux Alvarez's new line of supplements with FNX. Guys, this is SUCH a fun episode!   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit Kelli Norwood 1818 Farms 2POOD Tommy Marquez Brooke Ence FNX (use discount code kellinorwood to receive 15% off your order!) Margaux Alvarez The Vine Yard CrossFit What the heck is a fouette in ballet anyway??

Meet Drew Albright! Firefighter, CrossFit Coach, and all around Southern gentleman. We get deep today when he tells us how CrossFit workouts help him deal with the heavier, more stressful side of being a first responder. You might also be surprised to hear his take on how community can help build respect in one another. And Amy and Lauren are sure to ask burning questions such as: Will Drew be likely to go out to the bars with you this Saturday? Will he ever don a top hat and tux and take you to a fancy Southern ball? How does he feel about the inevitable "girl talk" during the 9:30AM class. Links to topics discussed in this episode: Hampton Cove CrossFit Lauren's top by Savage

Everyone, meet Carol Marks! We have seen this lady off and on since the Open started, and instantly felt like we wanted to get to know her better. We are so glad that she agreed to talk to us, and we are certain that you are going to be glad as well! Tune in to hear all of the juicy details on how she finally kicked her smoking habit, got her first pull up, and what it was like the time she actually convinced Shellie Edington to travel to Huntsville to meet her! She is the voice behind not one but TWO blogs (although she still doesn't consider herself to be a creative person...ahem...what?!), and frankly, she has become one of our new favorite women!   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Carol ReMarks Back Alley WOD Rocket City Bloggers Old Lady Gains Shellie Edington Instagram Lauren's top by Savage

It's Episode 12! We asked to hear from all of you listeners out there about body image and fitness! Now don't worry, this is a positive and uplifting discussion...these topics don't always have to be about eating disorders and dysmorphia. Today we talk all about how focusing on fitness can change how you think about your body and it's purpose. This discussion is continuing to prove how our time inside the gym is improving us outside the gym in ways you would never expect. SO exciting! AND guys, fair warning, it is spring break up in HCCF and that means that there are kids EVERYWHERE! We were not alone in the lobby today, but hey, this is real life! Hampton Cove CrossFit Lauren's Top by Savage