Fortem Talk: The CrossFit Fortem Podcast

Bring a Friend: Why CrossFit Is Better Together ⎸ Ep. 12

Trying CrossFit for the first time can feel intimidating, but it does not have to be. In this episode, we talk about Bring a Friend Week at CrossFit Fortem, happening April 27 through May 2, and why it’s such a great opportunity for someone new to get a real feel for what we do. We talk about: 1. What Bring a Friend Week looks like 2. Why a full week gives a better first experience than one random class 3. How coaching, scaling, and community make CrossFit approachable 4. Our own very different first experiences with CrossFit 5. Why inviting someone might be a bigger deal than you realize Whether you’re already part of Fortem or you’ve been curious about trying CrossFit for the first time, this episode is for you.

What the Open Reveals, and What We Wish We Knew Sooner | Episode 11

What the Open Reveals, and What We Wish We Knew Sooner ⎸ Ep. 11 The Open is over, but the bigger question is: now what? In this episode, we debrief the 2026 Open and talk about what it really exposes, what actually helps you improve, and the lessons we wish we knew when we first started CrossFit. We talk about: 1. What this year’s Open showed people about their fitness 2. Why pacing, consistency, and skill work matter 3. How nutrition changes everything 4. Why the Open is really about growth, not just scores 5. The CrossFit lessons we had to learn the hard way Whether you’re new to CrossFit or a few years in and still figuring things out, this episode is for you.

Get Stronger and More Durable: Six Simple Training Upgrades ⎸ Ep. 10

Getting fitter doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means doing the right things more consistently. In this episode, we break down six simple training upgrades that support strength, durability, and long-term progress, without adding chaos to your schedule. We talk about: 1. Strict pull-ups and why they matter 2. Overhead joint health and stability 3. Accessories and muscle as protection 4. Static holds and control 5. Carries and real-world strength 6. Low-impact steady state work and recovery These are small inputs with big returns. Pick a couple, commit to them, and let the basics carry you forward.

The 2026 CrossFit Open | Ep. 9

The Open isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s for regular people who want to test themselves, get better, and be part of something with their gym. In this episode we talk about: * What the CrossFit Open is and how it works * Why everyone can (and should) participate * What committing to it builds: confidence, grit, and direction * Why doing it together hits different * How we approach the Open at Fortem and what to expect Whether you’re new to CrossFit or you’ve been around awhile but never jumped in, this episode is for you.

Hero Workouts & CHAD1000X: Training Your Mind for Real Life | Ep. 8

Hero workouts aren’t just long and painful for the sake of it. They’re named after real people, and they’re written to ask a little more of you than a normal training day. In this episode we talk about: * What makes a workout a “Hero WOD” * Why CHAD1000X (1,000 step-ups) feels so demanding mentally * The intrusive thoughts, doubt, and boredom that show up in the middle * The difference it makes to do something like this with a room full of people * How this kind of training builds durability for everyday life, not just for the gym Whether you’re brand new to CrossFit or you’ve done a bunch of hero workouts already, this is a down-to-earth look at why we keep coming back to them and what they can build in you over time.