CAP 268 The Power of Fundamentals in Sports | 24 July 2025

Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete Podcast, hosts Jason Leydon and Ryan Bucciantini discuss the importance of keeping athletes engaged through foundational training, especially in preparation for the CrossFit Games. They emphasize the need for patience and understanding in training, highlighting how athletes must sometimes focus on less exciting, foundational work to achieve long-term success. The conversation also touches on the balance between motivation and training intensity, as well as predictions for the upcoming CrossFit Games.   Takeaways Engaging athletes requires focusing on foundational work. Patience is key in training for long-term success. Winning isn't boring; it's about developing weaknesses. Athletes must be willing to take steps back to progress. Training should be balanced and not dreary. Building a strong foundation is essential for performance. Understanding the 'why' behind training is crucial for athletes. Coaches should learn from other sports to enhance training methods. Athletes need to focus on their goals and commitments. Predictions for the CrossFit Games highlight emerging talent. Topics The Art of Athlete Engagement Foundational Training for Success Sound Bites "Winning isn't boring." "Training shouldn't be dreary." "Step outside of CrossFit to learn." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 02:10 Anticipation for the CrossFit Games 05:15 Engaging Athletes in Foundational Work 11:45 The Importance of Patience in Training 17:58 Building a Strong Foundation for Success 23:33 Balancing Training and Motivation 25:53 Advice for Coaches on Developing Phases 27:18 Predictions for the CrossFit Games 30:18 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement    

Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete Podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the critical importance of mastering the basics in sports and coaching. They emphasize that regardless of an athlete's level, revisiting fundamental skills is essential for long-term growth and performance. Through anecdotes, including a story about Kobe Bryant's training habits, they illustrate how foundational skills underpin success in various sports. The conversation also highlights the need for coaches to assess athletes' foundational strength and stability to support their progression and longevity in their respective sports.   Takeaways Mastering the basics is crucial for long-term success. Fundamentals cannot be overlooked in athlete development. Kobe Bryant exemplified dedication to the basics. A strong foundation supports athletic growth. Revisiting fundamentals is essential for advanced athletes. The tallest trees have the deepest roots, symbolizing strong foundations. Coaches must assess athletes' ceilings and foundations. Building a solid base is key to performance. Rinse, wash, and repeat to elevate athletes. The best athletes continuously master the basics. Topics Mastering the Basics for Athletic Success The Power of Fundamentals in Sports Sound Bites "Mastering the basics wins long term." "You can't discount the fundamentals." "Assess what their ceiling is." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mastering the Basics 06:56 The Importance of Fundamentals in Sports 19:39 Building a Strong Foundation for Athletes 27:41 Long-Term Growth Through Mastery of Basics

Summary In this engaging conversation, Jason Leydon and Dave Durante discuss their shared passion for baseball, particularly the Mets and Yankees, before diving into the significance of gymnastics in fitness. They explore the phases of skill development in gymnastics and how these principles can enhance athletic performance. The discussion then shifts to Power Monkey Camp, highlighting its unique community experience and inclusivity for all fitness levels. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of proper training, coaching, and the value of being part of a supportive fitness community.   Takeaways The rivalry between Mets and Yankees is a fun topic for fans. Lindor is a key player for the Mets, admired for his leadership. Gymnastics can significantly improve overall athletic performance. Understanding body movement is crucial for longevity in fitness. Power Monkey Camp offers a unique blend of education and community. Inclusivity is a core value at Power Monkey Camp. The app provides individualized training plans for all levels. Static holds and controlled movements are essential for strength. Dynamic action in gymnastics should be learned properly to avoid injury. The camp experience fosters lasting connections among participants. Topics  Mets vs. Yankees: A Fan's Perspective The Importance of Gymnastics in Fitness Sound Bites "I love Lindor." "It's hard not to." "The food is phenomenal." Chapters 00:00 Mets vs. Yankees: A Fan's Perspective 06:54 The Importance of Gymnastics in Fitness 16:50 Phases of Skill Development in Gymnastics 28:53 Power Monkey Camp: A Unique Experience 42:46 Inclusivity at Power Monkey Camp

Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon delve into the mental aspects of training, focusing on how athletes can reframe losses as lessons. They discuss the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks, the need for a strong identity beyond sports, and the balance required to achieve greatness. The conversation also highlights the significance of constructive feedback and the lessons learned from failures, encouraging athletes to embrace their journeys and grow from their experiences. takeaways Reframing losses as lessons is essential for growth. Setbacks can fuel passion and drive in athletes. Understanding one's identity outside of sports is crucial. Balance between passion and personal life is necessary for success. Resilience is key to overcoming challenges and failures. Every setback presents an opportunity for learning. Constructive feedback helps athletes improve and grow. Athletes should focus on effort and attitude, not just outcomes. Passion and obsession can drive success but must be managed. Maintaining perspective on wins and losses is vital for mental health. Topics Reframing Losses: The Key to Athletic Growth Setbacks: Fueling the Fire of Passion Sound Bites "Setbacks can fuel your passion." "Balance is essential for greatness." "Don't overemphasize wins or losses." Chapters 00:00 Navigating Setbacks in Athletic Training 01:47 Personal Stories of Setbacks and Resilience 13:40 Building a Strong Foundation Beyond Sports 21:35 Frameworks for Dealing with Failure 32:08 Lessons Learned from Setbacks

Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete podcast, Jason Leydon and Ryan Bucciantini delve into the critical issue of coach burnout, exploring its causes and offering practical strategies to prevent it. They discuss the importance of resilience, setting boundaries, and creating effective systems to manage coaching workloads. The conversation emphasizes the need for coaches to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives to ensure long-term success and well-being in their coaching careers.   Takeaways Burnout is a reflection of your state of stress. Coaches need to set boundaries to prevent burnout. Creating a system that works for you is essential. High touch points with athletes can lead to burnout. Managing life outside of coaching impacts coaching effectiveness. Resilience is key to handling stress in coaching. It's important to have a structured approach to coaching. Coaches should educate themselves to build effective systems. Communication with athletes is crucial for maintaining relationships. Being uncomfortable can help build resilience. Topics Preventing Coach Burnout: Strategies for Success The Resilient Coach: Managing Stress and Burnout Sound Bites "You can't always be in optimal positions." "Set boundaries to prevent burnout." "Create smarter athletes to reduce stress." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Burnout in Coaching 10:56 Understanding Burnout for Online Coaches 17:37 Systems and Processes to Prevent Burnout 26:37 Setting Boundaries and Work Hours 30:19 Creating Smarter Athletes and Conclusion

Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete Podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon dive deep into load management principles for CrossFit athletes. They discuss the importance of individualized programming versus generic templates, the role of communication in coaching, and how to create a balanced training environment that caters to different athlete needs. The conversation emphasizes the significance of exercise selection, managing athlete expectations, and educating athletes on training principles to foster autonomy and understanding. The hosts also touch on real-world applications of training and the necessity of adapting to athletes' feedback and recovery needs.   Takeaways Load management is crucial for CrossFit athletes. Templates often fail to account for individual needs. Communication is key in understanding athlete capabilities. Creating a balanced training environment is essential. Exercise selection should be tailored to the individual. Athletes need to understand their training principles. Real-world application of training is important. Recovery should be prioritized alongside training intensity. Educating athletes fosters independence and understanding. Coaches should be creative in their programming approach. Topics Mastering Load Management in CrossFit The Art of Individualized Training Sound Bites "We're talking about volume of loads." "The problem with that is that you're not that person." "You just gotta get a little bit creative." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Load Management in CrossFit 02:03 Understanding Templates and Individualization 03:26 The Challenge of Class Programming 05:28 Creating Individualized Training in Group Settings 07:29 Fatigue Management and Exercise Selection 09:35 Conversations and Athlete Understanding 11:38 Managing Loads and Volume Effectively 14:01 Educating Athletes for Autonomy 15:56 Real-World Application of Training Principles 18:06 Final Thoughts on Load Management

Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete Podcast, hosts Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss various themes surrounding fitness, mental resilience, and the importance of mindset in athletic performance. They share personal anecdotes from their experiences in the fitness community, including the origins of the D-BAP philosophy, which emphasizes mental toughness and resilience. The conversation also touches on the challenges athletes face, the significance of gradual exposure to difficult tasks, and the camaraderie built through shared fitness experiences. In this conversation, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon explore the intricacies of mental resilience, emphasizing the importance of discomfort, self-awareness, and the distinction between need and want in training. They discuss how mental toughness can be developed through intentional practices and the necessity of reflection in training. The dialogue also touches on the balance between focus and generalization in an athlete's life, the risk of burnout, and the significance of planning and prioritization in achieving long-term success.   Takeaways Mindset resilience is crucial for athletes. Quitting can lead to negative self-talk. Gradual exposure to challenges prevents burnout. The D-BAP philosophy encourages mental toughness. Community and camaraderie enhance the fitness experience. Training should be balanced to avoid overexertion. Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion on fitness. The importance of frequency in mental training. Eating habits can impact athletic performance. The evolution of fitness culture is fascinating. Mental training is akin to physical training; both require exposure to discomfort. Understanding the difference between need and want is crucial for mental resilience. Self-awareness is the foundation for building mental strength. Mental toughness can be compartmentalized but should be applied across life domains. Burnout often stems from a lack of self-knowledge and poor planning. Intentional planning can help prevent burnout and maintain balance. Reflection is essential to ensure that training intentions are met. Athletes must learn to stack their priorities to avoid neglecting other life areas. The journey to mental resilience is complex and requires ongoing effort. Creating a supportive environment can enhance mental training outcomes. Topics Building Mental Toughness in Athletes The D-BAP Philosophy Explained Mindset Resilience: Key to Athletic Success From Burnout to Brilliance: A Fitness Journey Sound Bites "Don't be a pussy. Dbap!" "We thought we had to eat paleo!" "Those training days were crazy!" "I can go back to those days!" "D-BAP, Conqueror Athlete D-BAP shirt!" "It's all about frequency and exposure." "Mental burnout is part poor planning." "Changing the way you think is complex." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conquer Athlete Podcast 04:37 Mindset Resilience and Mental Toughness 14:06 The D-BAP Philosophy and Its Origins 15:15 Building Mental Resilience Through Discomfort 18:04 Understanding Need vs. Want in Mental Training 20:09 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Resilience 23:00 Translating Mental Toughness Across Life Domains 27:02 The Balance of Focus and Generalization in Training 29:51 Preventing Burnout Through Intentional Planning 33:00 Reflection and Intention in Mental Training

Summary In this episode of the Conquer Athlete Podcast, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss their recent experiences in mentorship and coaching. They explore the importance of continuous learning and the various stages of development that coaches go through. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by the information age, emphasizing the need for practical application of knowledge. They also share insights on when to implement new techniques with athletes and the value of collaboration in the coaching community. The episode concludes with a discussion on upcoming mentorship opportunities.   Takeaways Mentorship is crucial for continuous growth as a coach. There are distinct stages of learning in coaching: apprentice, craftsman, and mastery. Coaches should always seek to elevate their knowledge and skills. The information age has changed how coaches access knowledge, but it can hinder deep understanding. Practical application of knowledge is essential for effective coaching. Timing is key when implementing new techniques with athletes. Collaboration and sharing information among coaches is vital for community growth. Personal experiences and mentorship shape coaching philosophies. Coaches should be open to learning from various sources and experiences. Continuous education is a lifelong journey for coaches. Topics  Bear Hunting and Coaching Insights The Journey of a Coach: From Apprentice to Master Navigating the Information Age in Coaching Sound Bites "This is how the strong gets stronger." "You're never above learning from someone else." "The more you continually look to elevate who you are." "You should absorb as much free education as you can." "You have to look at what it is that you're trying to put in." "I've spent a lot on courses, but not finishing them." "You have to put yourself around people that challenge you." Chapters 00:00Welcome Back and Bear Hunting Adventures 03:00The Importance of Mentorship in Coaching 06:10Stages of Learning and Development as a Coach 08:52The Evolution of Coaching Methods 12:14Navigating the Information Age in Coaching 14:48Application of Knowledge in Coaching 17:51Finding the Right Time to Implement New Techniques 20:50Mentorship Experiences and Influences 23:54The Role of Collaboration in Coaching 27:03Concluding Thoughts and Future Mentorship Opportunities

Takeaways Conflict is a necessary part of communication and growth. Human connection is vital in coaching and fitness. Group training allows for interpersonal connections and community building. Individualized coaching enhances the group training experience. Empathy and care are essential in coaching. Creating a welcoming environment is crucial for gym members. Coaches should focus on the individual, not just the workout. Adaptability is key in coaching and programming. The gym can be a spiritual space for personal growth. Effective communication can transform the gym experience. Summary  In this engaging podcast episode, hosts discuss the multifaceted aspects of coaching, particularly in group training settings. They explore the importance of conflict resolution, human connection, and the need for individualized coaching approaches. The conversation emphasizes the significance of empathy, adaptability, and creating a welcoming environment in gyms. Listeners gain insights into how effective communication and interpersonal connections can enhance the overall fitness experience, making it not just about physical training but also about personal growth and community building.   Topics The Art of Coaching: Connecting with Individuals Navigating Conflict in Coaching Building Community Through Group Training Sound Bites "Conflict is a necessary part of communication." "Human connection is vital in coaching." "Empathy and care are essential in coaching." "Coaches should focus on the individual." "The gym can be a spiritual space." "Adaptability is key in coaching." "Creating a welcoming environment is crucial." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 03:37 The Importance of Conflict Resolution 06:25 Coaching in Group Settings 10:32 Filling the Void: Human Connection in Coaching 15:34 Individualizing Group Training 23:35 Coaching the Person, Not the Workout 32:08 The Spiritual Aspect of Fitness 35:46 Closing Thoughts and Final Insights

Summary    In this conversation, Jason Leydon and Rich Froning discuss their shared experiences in coaching youth sports, the challenges facing the CrossFit community, and the importance of maintaining a strong connection within that community. They reflect on their past, the evolution of coaching styles, and the current state of CrossFit, emphasizing the need for leadership and unity to navigate the future of the sport. In this engaging conversation, Rich Froning and Jason Leydon discuss the evolution of CrossFit, the importance of community in competitions, and the leadership qualities needed to guide the sport into the future. They explore the competitive mindset that drives athletes, the significance of mental toughness, and how faith and identity play a role in performance. Rich shares insights on team dynamics, the importance of youth sports, and how he aims to inspire the next generation of athletes.   Takeaways Rich Froning reflects on the importance of community in sports. Coaching youth sports has taught valuable lessons about fundamentals. The state of CrossFit is currently fractured and lacks a central rallying point. Youth sports should focus on teaching kids to love the game, not just winning. Rich emphasizes the need for connection between athletes and the community. The CrossFit Games have lost some of their community feel since moving to Madison. Rich believes that the methodology of CrossFit is strong but needs better leadership. The Sanctional model provided more opportunities for athletes to compete. Rich suggests that the future of CrossFit depends on community involvement and leadership. There is a need for a collaborative approach to improve the CrossFit brand. The online qualifier for the CrossFit Games is not ideal. In-person qualifiers foster community involvement. Leadership in CrossFit requires a perfect scenario. Rich Froning believes in the importance of a rallying point for CrossFit. Mental toughness is crucial for athletes. Faith and identity shape competitive performance. Team dynamics enhance competition success. Youth sports build foundational skills for athletes. Athletes need to learn how to handle competition pressure. Rich emphasizes the importance of looking good and being fit. Topics Rich Froning on Coaching and Community The Evolution of Youth Sports Coaching CrossFit's Current State and Future Building Community in Sports with Rich Froning Lessons from Coaching Youth Sports Sound Bites "I got you brother." "It's not about me, right?" "I wish I would have played football now." "It feels like a power vacuum." "You can't replace the community." "We can all be better under that one name." "It just looks like a money grab." "The community was so involved." "It connects the athletes to the community." "You should just do it." "I liked winning and hated losing." Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Nostalgia 04:24 Coaching Youth Sports: Lessons Learned 10:24 The State of CrossFit: Challenges and Changes 17:23 Future of CrossFit: Community and Leadership 28:00 Reviving In-Person Qualifiers 29:53 The Future of CrossFit Leadership 32:02 The Competitive Mindset of Rich Froning 35:57 Team Dynamics and Leadership in Competition 39:47 The Importance of Mental Toughness 44:04 Faith, Identity, and Competition 49:57 Guiding the Next Generation of Athletes