The Fitness Athlete Podcast

Stay up to date with all of the news, research, clinical application, and gym application to become more fitness-forward for yourself & your patients. CrossFit, HYROX, OrangeTheory, F45, and everything in-between.

Fixing the over-extension fault 08/07/2026

Fixing the over-extension fault Dr. Kelly Benfey, PT, DPT, CF-L2 // SUMMARY In today's episode of the Daily Show, ICE Fitness Athlete Division lead faculty Kelly Benfey explores extension intolerant low back pain in fitness athletes, focusing on clinical patterns, assessment, and tailored rehab strategies for hypermobile and hypomobile athletes. /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/42355200

Training intensity: is there a better way? 08/07/2026

Training intensity: is there a better way? Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // SUMMARY Today on Fitness Athlete Friday, Alan explores the importance of understanding and managing training intensity. Alan discusses how different approaches to intensity can improve consistency, prevent burnout, and optimize long-term progress for athletes and fitness enthusiasts /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/42278790

Episode 8 - CrossFit programming over the years 07/31/2026

Episode 8 - CrossFit programming over the years Dr. Tucker Furbush, PT, DPT, OCS, CF-L2 & Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // SUMMARY In this episode, Tucker & Alan sit-down to discuss Tucker's journey as a CrossFit athlete & coach, starting in his basement & evolving into full-time coaching at CrossFit Carrabus in Concord, NC. Tucker discusses his views on the evolution of programming & coaching in the CrossFit community over time. /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/42256085

Episode 7 - Treating the post-op fitness athlete 07/17/2026

Episode 7 - Treating the post-op fitness athlete Dr. Sam Deering, PT, DPT, CF-L1 & Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // SUMMARY Dr. Sam Deering, co-owner of Onward Ann Arbor and a CrossFit Level 1 coach, shares her journey with shoulder pain and the decision-making process that led to her surgery. /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/42102365

Understanding heart rate spikes in running 07/03/2026

Understanding heart rate spikes in running Dr. Joe Hanisko, PT, DPT // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41956325

Episode 6 - Are surgical protocols outdated? 07/03/2026

Episode 6 - Are surgical protocols outdated? Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 & Dr. Madison Lyn, PT, DPT, PhD CF-L2, USAW L2 // SUMMARY Alan & Madison discuss a compelling case study of a post-rotator cuff surgery rehab for a CrossFit athlete, emphasizing personalized, aggressive rehab strategies and debunking traditional protocols. /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41946490

Clinical exercise selection for hypertrophy 06/12/2026

Clinical exercise selection for hypertrophy Dr. Zach Long, PT, DPT, SCS, CF-L1 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41625750

Strength asymmetry: assessment & treatment 06/12/2026

Strength asymmetry: assessment & treatment Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621245

Selling your exercise like you sell manual therapy 06/12/2026

Selling your exercise like you sell manual therapy Dr. Mitch Babcock, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621235

Hybrid training - is it really that different? 06/12/2026

Hybrid training - is it really that different? Dr. Joe Hanisko, PT, DPT // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621230

Prime before you perform: how to warm-up well 06/12/2026

Prime before you perform: how to warm-up well Dr. Kelly Benfey, PT, DPT, CF-L2 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621225

The hypertrophy cheat code 06/12/2026

The hypertrophy cheat code Dr. Guillermo Contreras, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621215

Isometric vs. concentric vs. eccentric: which one is best? 06/12/2026

Isometric vs. concentric vs. eccentric: which one is best? Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621210

Garage gym essentials 06/12/2026

Garage gym essentials Dr. Guillermo Contreras, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621195

Clinical tips for shoulder pain with ring dips 06/12/2026

Clinical tips for shoulder pain with ring dips Dr. Kelly Benfey, PT, DPT, CF-L2 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621185

Little extras: strength equipment you should know 06/12/2026

Little extras: strength equipment you should know Dr. Zach Long, PT, DPT, SCS, CF-L1 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621095

CrossFit Open workouts: when to re-do and when NOT TO 06/12/2026

CrossFit Open workouts: when to re-do and when NOT TO Dr. Mitch Babcock, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/41621080

Episode 5 - The 2026 CrossFit Open is here! 02/26/2026

Episode 5 - The 2026 CrossFit Open is here! Dr. Mitch Babcock, PT, DPT, CF-L3 & Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // SUMMARY In this episode, Mitch & Alan discuss the upcoming CrossFit Open, its significance, and the personal growth opportunities it presents for athletes of all levels. They emphasize the importance of participation, the value of maintaining fitness over time, and strategies for approaching the workouts. The conversation highlights the community aspect of the Open and encourages listeners to embrace the experience, regardless of their performance level. /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/40233410

Episode 4 - Hypertrophy deep dive 02/13/2026

Episode 4 - Hypertrophy deep dive Dr. Mitch Babcock, PT, DPT, CF-L3 & Dr. Zach Long, PT, DPT, SCS, CF-L1 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/40021980

Takeaways from the CrossFit L2 Seminar 02/06/2026

Takeaways from the CrossFit L2 Seminar Dr. Kelly Benfey, PT, DPT, CF-L2 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/40021705

Episode 3 - Training vs. exercising 01/30/2026

Episode 3 - Training vs. exercising Dr. Mitch Babcock, PT, DPT, CF-L3 & Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39817740

Improving your programming skillset 01/28/2026

Improving your programming skillset Dr. Guillermo Contreras, PT, DPT, CF-L2 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39913370

Hypermobility: building beats bubble wrapping 01/16/2026

Hypermobility: building beats bubble wrapping Dr. Madison Johnston, PT, DPT, PhD // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39760800

Simple dosing for accessory work 01/11/2026

Simple dosing for accessory work Dr. Joe Hanisko, PT, DPT // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39689570

The rise of HYROX & the decline of the CrossFit Games 01/11/2026

The rise of HYROX & the decline of the CrossFit Games Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39689555

Episode 2 - Injury risk in CrossFit: time to put this argument to bed 12/26/2025

Episode 2 - Injury risk in CrossFit: time to put this argument to bed Dr. Mitch Babcock, PT, DPT, CF-L3 & Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // SUMMARY In this episode of the Fitness Athlete Podcast, hosts Mitch Babcock and Alan Fredendall discuss common misconceptions about CrossFit injuries, presenting data that shows injury rates are comparable to other fitness activities. They emphasize the importance of proper coaching, understanding injury profiles, and finding the right gym. The conversation also highlights the need for effective communication between coaches and athletes regarding past injuries and the role of physical therapy in injury prevention. /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39529185

Go-to's to improve a "pinchy" squat 12/24/2025

Go-to's to improve a "pinchy" squat Dr. Guillermo Contreras, PT, DPT, CF-L2 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39529135

Episode 1: to flex, or not to flex? 12/12/2025

Episode 1: to flex, or not to flex? Dr. Mitch Babcock, PT, DPT, CF-L3 & Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L3 Summary In the inaugural episode of the Fitness Athlete Podcast, hosts Mitch Babcock and Alan Fredendall delve into the controversial topic of the 'butt wink' phenomenon in weightlifting and its implications for low back pain. They explore the existing literature on spinal flexion during lifting, the role of load, and practical applications for athletes and clinicians. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding when spinal positioning matters, particularly under heavy loads, and advocates for a balanced approach to movement optimization in training and rehabilitation. keywords: fitness, athlete, butt wink, low back pain, flexion, strength training, rehabilitation, movement optimization, coaching, physical therapy /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39347485

Top 3 things PTs need to know about kipping pull-ups 12/07/2025

Top 3 things PTs need to know about kipping pull-ups Dr. Kelly Benfey, PT, DPT, CF-L1 // /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39314355

Holiday fitness equipment deals 12/01/2025

Holiday fitness equipment deals Dr. Mitch Babcock, PT, DPT, CF-L3 // www.ptonice.com/certifications/cert-cmfa /episode/index/show/f3cd9d5a-dd17-44fc-aba9-902f24e61822/id/39229555

The Fitness Athlete Podcast

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