In the world of fitness, Rich Froning needs almost no introduction. He is a 4-time Individual and 4-time Team CrossFit Games Champion, as well as the owner of CrossFit Mayhem in Cookeville, Tennessee. Rich joins the BarBend Podcast to talk about hosting a Sanctional qualifier (the CrossFit Mayhem Classic), his honest reactions to CrossFit Games changes, and his future as a competitive athlete.
In this episode of The BarBend Podcast, guest Rich Froning and host David Thomas Tao discuss:
- How Rich ended up hosting a Sanctional (the CrossFit Mayhem Classic) (1:30)
- Pitfalls Rich worked to avoid with the Mayhem Classic, and improving athlete experience (3:12)
- What most people don’t understand about live streaming events (including costs up to and above $100,000) (5:28)
- Initial anger and frustration over the CrossFit Games qualification changes (7:18)
- “It can be a good thing…it had to be done” (8:20)
- Does Rich have a “hotline” to CrossFit HQ? (9:54)
- Rich’s competition future, and will we see him in another individual competition? (11:10)
- Does Rich want to compete in other strength sports?(13:00)
- Strength athletes Rich admires outside CrossFit (14:18)
- Putting Cookeville on the map as a fitness destination (15:00)
- What led other top athletes to train with Rich (18:00)
- Building the CrossFit Mayhem brand (19:30)
- Does Rich want his kids to do any particular sport? (22:20)
- Recovery techniques and methods Rich prioritizes; “I need to start taking care of my body” (25:26)
- Swimming
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Intermittent Fasting
- Muscle massage and addressing imbalances (Rich is a Theragun athlete)
- Rich’s intermittent fasting schedule, including impact on blood work and his testosterone levels (28:16)
- Goals outside of CrossFit (30:10)
Relevant links and further reading:
- Follow Rich Froning on Instagram and Twitter
- Visit CrossFit Mayhem’s homepage and follow them on Instagram
- Follow David Thomas Tao on Instagram and Twitter
