Fortem Talk: The CrossFit Fortem Podcast

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:What Bring a Friend Week looks likeWhy a full week gives a better first experience than one random classHow coaching, scaling, and community make CrossFit approachableOur own very different first experiences with CrossFitWhy inviting someone might be a bigger deal than you realizeWhether 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 ⎸ Ep. 11The 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:What this year’s Open showed people about their fitnessWhy pacing, consistency, and skill work matterHow nutrition changes everythingWhy the Open is really about growth, not just scoresThe CrossFit lessons we had to learn the hard wayWhether you’re new to CrossFit or a few years in and still figuring things out, this episode is for you.

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:Strict pull-ups and why they matterOverhead joint health and stabilityAccessories and muscle as protectionStatic holds and controlCarries and real-world strengthLow-impact steady state work and recoveryThese are small inputs with big returns. Pick a couple, commit to them, and let the basics carry you forward.

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 worksWhy everyone can (and should) participateWhat committing to it builds: confidence, grit, and directionWhy doing it together hits differentHow we approach the Open at Fortem and what to expectWhether you’re new to CrossFit or you’ve been around awhile but never jumped in, this episode is for you.

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 mentallyThe intrusive thoughts, doubt, and boredom that show up in the middleThe difference it makes to do something like this with a room full of peopleHow this kind of training builds durability for everyday life, not just for the gymWhether 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.

Nick, Josh, and Aidan break down the real reasons people improve their health and fitness. You’ll learn:How often to train (and what happens when you overdo it)Why sleep and hydration matter more than supplementsWhat “threshold training” means and why your coach pushes (or holds back)Why mobility and warm-ups aren’t optionalHow to keep improving with just one extra habit: enter Fortem Ruck ClubThis episode is for anyone who wants to stop guessing and start making real progress.

Nick and Josh sit down with Coach Aidan Guerrero to talk about how he found CrossFit, what brought him to Fortem, and how his own ups and downs with fitness shape the way he coaches today.You’ll hear:How he went from an unhealthy 255 lbs to coaching full-timeWhat makes him believe anyone can changeWhy he leads with care, connection, and consistencyWhether you’ve trained with Aidan or are just meeting him for the first time, this episode gives you the full backstory.

Nick and Josh break down CrossFit’s core definition and explain why understanding it makes your training more effective.What “constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity” actually meansWhy early CrossFit culture focused more on performance than aestheticsWhat’s changed in today’s fitness landscape (and why it matters)How the right coaching makes intensity safe, scalable, and incredibly effectiveIf you’ve ever felt unsure about how CrossFit works or why it’s so different, this episode is for you.

Nick and Josh dive into the nuance of food rules — when they’re helpful for progress and when they start to backfire.You’ll hear:- Examples of when hard nutrition lines are healthy and intentional- Signs your food rules may be leading to stress, shame, or burnout- How to anchor to principles, not perfection- What it looks like to pursue food peace instead of food obsessionWhether you’re just starting your nutrition journey or trying to break free from an all-or-nothing mindset, this episode is for you.

Episode 3 kicks off the first of many future conversations on nutrition. Nick and Josh share their personal journeys, the lessons they’ve learned, and the mindset shifts that truly move the needle. This isn’t a deep dive into complex nutrition science—it’s real talk to help you think about food in a way that works for your life and goals.

In this episode of Fortem Talk, Nick and Josh dive into one of the most exciting events in the CrossFit world—the CrossFit Open. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or brand new to CrossFit, the Open is for everyone. We’re breaking down what it is, why it matters, and (most importantly) why you should get involved this year.We’ll talk about how the Open isn’t just a competition; it’s a chance to test your fitness, connect with the global CrossFit community, and push yourself in ways you didn’t think possible. From setting personal milestones to sharing amazing moments with your gym crew, this event is all about growth, challenge, and fun. Let’s get after it!

Welcome to the first episode of Fortem Talk! We're kicking things off by diving into the foundation of our community-our mission statement. What does Fortem stand for? How do bravery, community, and a balanced approach to fitness shape everything we do? In this episode, we break down the core values that drive our training, coaching, and overall philosophy, setting the stage for future conversations on training, lifestyle, and mindset. Tune in and get to know what makes Fortem more than just a gym!