Uncharted Performance

In Episode 23 of Uncharted Performance, we meet with our old friend Lindsey Nelson from Episode 4.  In the first half of our talk, we catch up on all things training and nutrition as well as Lindsey’s seriously awesome goals for the upcoming year and on.  She also outlines her new approach to improving strength and endurance and the importance of fueling the body for your goals.  In the second half, we expand on the topic that we briefly touched on in Episode 4, body image and the conscious effort to choose positivity. Lindsey opens up about her personal long-term struggle and, at some points, an obsession with not feeling “perfect” or looking like that standard society sets for us.  We learn how CrossFit has helped her feel strong and healthy in her own body and how we can achieve that for ourselves.  This episode will resonate with both women and men as the theme of living intentionally and doing everything with a purpose persist throughout.  

Thanks for joining us for Episode 22 of Uncharted Performance! We’re joined today by a wonderful yoga teacher and a self-professed movement nerd, Sandy Gross of Evolution Yoga.  Sandy starts the conversation off by sharing her own story of taking responsibility and finding a path to heal herself.  She then introduces us to the tools we can use to fix ourselves and troubleshoot bothersome pain or dysfunction.  In this episode, you’ll learn how to approach yoga on your own terms, to integrate the experiences of the mind and body together, and lastly, see yourself more clearly as you develop a deeper understanding of how the body works.  We also go over how Yoga Tune Up® can further athletic performance, speed up recovery and erase pain.

Welcome to the 1st episode of Season 3, everyone! Leonard Taylor of Health 360 is here to help us understand the process of youth athletic training to maximize athletic performance on the field of play.  He’s an experienced youth strength and conditioning coach and whether you’re a young athlete yourself, a coach, or simply exercise for the health benefits, Lenny has plenty of valuable information to offer.  The discussion ranges from dealing with the realities of training young athletes to effective communication.  We also examine the importance of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) which can help people of both genders and all ages, how to ensure long term development, and the mental work and motivation it takes to achieve any exercise, training, or sports goal.  Remember, improvement is a process, not a destination!

It is a wrap for Season Two of Uncharted Performance! Before moving forward it is always worthwhile to take a look at where we have been. Our guests delivered an incredible amount of information relating to entrepreneurship, mindfulness, meditation, movement, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, martial arts, olympic weightlifting, self-defense, and fitness. However, the lessons and guidance provided are far more reaching than these superficial topics. Each guest exemplifies an immense passion to serve within each of their respective fields - to help others achieve excellence and succeed, to recognize and maximize our potential. We are honored to share their message with you! To find out more from each of our guests from this past season, head over to www.unchartedperformance.com for full show notes including contact information on how to reach them. Make sure to also follow them on their social media accounts.

Patricia and Daniel Urcuyo have made it their family's mission to promote wellness through food.  In the season finale, Episode 20, of Uncharted Performance, we are chatting with the founders of PaleoMD, makers of Paleo Pizza.  The Urcuyo siblings have an impressive goal in mind: to change healthcare through sound nutrition by emphasizing disease prevention and promoting wellness. For them, the paleo movement was the stepping stone to uncover their potential and starting a business together to help others feel better and become healthier. In this episode, find out about Daniel and Patricia's transformative health and fitness journeys, the secret behind their great tasting pizza and finally, be inspired by their message of going for it and staying true to yourself. 

Welcome to Episode 19 of Uncharted Performance! Today, we have the pleasure of talking to R.E. Lewis of CTown CrossFit, a martial artist, CrossFit coach, Yoga Tune Up® teacher and an all-around movement enthusiast.  We discuss how building a solid foundation is the key to mastering any athletic endeavor, get the low down on mobility and how to find the best tools for you, and R.E.'s own road to rising above the challenges and finding personal empowerment and peace. Even more importantly, we delve into discovering your own body integrity, learn the power of self care and get some tips on how not to hurt ourselves outside the gym with improper body mechanics.   

We get straight to business in Episode 18 of Uncharted Performance. We are once again joined by Drew Dillon (Episode 7) and Chelsea Kyle (Episode 8) of Project Lift for a complete walkthrough of the Olympic lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. We break down each lift and cover the points of performance for the positions involved in both from the set-up to the catch and recovery. Drew and Chelsea will also provide us with insights on a number of possible faults as well as corrections. In addition to the actual lifts we discuss the importance of coaching each athlete individually, the benefits of a proper and dynamic warm-up, developing habits when performing the lifts, understanding angles, and the value of breathing and bracing in every lift. You'll be exposed to a fresh and open-minded approach to coaching and performing the Olympic lifts. PR time, baby!

How do you develop a skill? Consistent practice, training, repetitions, and more repetitions under varying circumstances and scenarios are all key factors that contribute to the overall development of a particular skill. Over time and through our dedicated approach that skill becomes second nature; it becomes automatic. Whether it is typing on a keyboard or performing the Clean and Jerk, we are able execute or react without thinking. We just do. The ability to defend oneself is yet another skill. You have to put in the time and effort to become proficient at it. Enter the uncanny Rob McKeeman of Endeavor Defense and Fitness. A specialist of self defense, defensive firearms, and high level highland games athlete, Rob teaches us how to develop the physical and mental capacity to understand and perform under stressful conditions. The skills, discipline and confidence we learn along the way can be applied easily to any other endeavor (pun intended). We promise you this will be the most fun you will have learning

According to the statistics, it is rather unlikely that any one of us will be involved in an active shooter situation. However, if and when it should happen, will we be prepared? Episode 16 of Uncharted Performance is an honest discussion with Aaron Jannetti of Endeavor Defense and Fitness regarding the realities of violence and our capabilities to respond during hostile incidents. We also discuss the pursuit of mental and physical preparedness through martial arts, Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and the benefit of studying and practicing a variety of modalities to develop a well rounded individual, athlete, and coach. 

Lead an active lifestyle? Weekend warrior? Desk Jockey? CrossFitter? By not taking simple and consistent steps to take care of ourselves we are adding unnecessary stress and pressure on our nervous systems. For Episode 15 of Uncharted Performance we have the opportunity to find out how to counteract the damage incurred by our bodies due to training, improper movement, and sometimes negligence. In our conversation with Dr. Erik Peters of Precision Active Health we cover how we should be moving, different methods to balance and correct poor adaptations, how with the help of a chiropractor we can address restrictions to free up joints and soft tissues, as well as what techniques we can employ ourselves to regain optimal movement.

How often do you question your coach, boss, mentor, or any other authority figure? Probably not enough, if ever. There is often an underlying assumption that whenever we're given something to complete, be it a workout or a project, that there is an underlying basis for that task. But what is it and why? Enter Tom Rini of Black Flag Athletics for Episode 14 of Uncharted Performance. A highly accomplished veteran of the Strength and Conditioning game, Tom provides extensive insight to help us understand what we should be doing in the gym along with the foundational principles of why we are doing it. We shed light on appropriate movement patterns, how they are to be corrected and enhanced, how we can break through the limitations of CrossFit, and how as coaches we can prepare our athletes for success. Start asking, start questioning, start with why!

We are constantly on the go, bombarded by information left and right. Stressors attack us from every angle. How can we cope? Most often, we don't. We allow the friction of externalities to dictate our behavior, relationships, and performance. The one thing that allows us to properly engage and respond is rarely actively engaged and trained to manage the numerous and various internal and external forces pulling at us. Yes, the practice of mindfulness and meditation is a skill. Ofosu Born Jones-Quartey of Born I Music, takes us on a profound journey in Episode 13 as we challenge ourselves to be present. As a hip-hop artist, entrepreneur, teacher, husband and father, he is not short on responsibilities. Ofosu's approach and implementation of mindfulness and meditation allows the layperson to relate to and adopt this impactful tool. It can contribute to greater overall performance, be it on stage, in the arena, at the office, or simply improve day to day interaction with friends, family, loved ones, and coworker

When is it finally time to make a change? It wasn’t until his 40’s that Bill Russell had enough. The compounding effect of not paying attention to his decisions and behaviors took a toll on his physical appearance and wallet. He turned it around with CrossFit and started helping others improve their lifestyles as well. How? Find out in this interview. You are never too old or too young to start taking care of yourself and doing something that will leave a positive effect on your health and well being. Let that time be now. Watch or listen to Episode 12 of Uncharted Performance with Bill Russell of CrossFit Cleveland as we discuss the heyday of CrossFit, building a community, defining your personality and focus as a facility, developing and improving members as well as finding what is right for you, just to name a few. Prepare for change!

Are we starting with the right questions? For Episode 11 we are joined by former United States Marine, movement and endurance training expert, running coach, creator of IRONWill, and an absolutely all around great person, Ryan Speed. We dive right into his background and how he developed his passion for running. Ryan's journey led him to discover a different approach to endurance training; one that he enthusiastically shares with others. Our discussion covers developing the skill for human movement, regaining balance, showing runners how to be strong and how it benefits them, as well as how endurance training can benefit those who are not so keen on running. Ryan's knowledge and experience are only surpassed by his heart, enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to share his love with others. Join us for this episode and get inspired to live beyond the norm!

Hockey is an exceptionally tough sport. Of the big four, it is arguably the most dangerous sport to play due to it's very physical nature and the speed at which it is played. Making it to the pro-level is a great accomplishment in itself, but what if you're not the next Tyler Seguin or Vladimir Tarasenko? If you pay attention and prepare accordingly, the game of hockey is full of lessons, both inside and outside the rink; it is the perfect arena in which to hone and develop your skills for after and outside the game. Meet Brandon and Jarred Smith of Nooma, a lifestyle brand focusing on healthy living and an active lifestyle. In Episode 10 of Uncharted Performance, learn how these two gentlemen took advantage of their hockey careers and set out on a business evolution. From identifying a personal need and moonlighting as sideprenuers to moving out their Craigslist office into a brand new warehouse facility to house their expanding operations, let them take you on a "journey to the ultimate you".

No matter how far along you are in your strength journey, sooner or later you will hit a plateau - it's an undisputed fact of life. Sorry. Now time to get over it and who better to get you to bust through that plateau than the owner of one of the strongest, if not the strongest gym in Northeast Ohio. Mark Valenti, the co-owner of Blind Dog Gym, has over 20 years experience competing in the Highland Games and Strongman competitions, and is one of the top masters athletes in both sports. In Episode 9 of Uncharted Performance we learn how Mark has been able to compete at such a high level in both sports for such a long time. We also discuss his mentors and their influence on his coaching philosophy as he develops the strength in his athletes and clients. The culture at Blind Dog is one that cuts through the bullshit of the fitness industry to foster true strength development through working your butt off and sheer desire to be better. Be sure to watch out for an Uncharted exclusive as Mark lets us in on the mean

Episode 8 of Uncharted Performance brings you Chelsea Kyle, who is not only an elite female weightlifter but is also a fantastic coach at Project Lift. We discuss topics ranging from the leadership philosophy she follows (shout out to Simon Sinek), the value of patience, and to the way she tailors her coaching style to fit male and female athletes. Chelsea brings an extremely positive attitude, tons of energy and irreplaceable personal experience in discussing her injuries, recovery process, breaking bad habits, and coaching athletes through the struggles of being weightlifters. Make the right decision and listen to the "Overlord" :)

Are you ready to step outside the established dogma and become a better athlete, coach, and person? For Episode 7 of Uncharted Performance we are joined by one of the top Olympic Weightlifting coaches in the country, Drew Dillon, co-founder of both Project Lift and the Weightlifting League. Drew provides us with a refreshing look on how to become a better coach and how Olympic Weightlifting can be a great tool to prepare an individual for life outside the confines of a gym. We discuss the importance of continued development as both coach and athlete, letting go of what you know or think is right, being comfortable to ask why, fixing root causes versus addressing symptoms, building self-belief, breaking mental barriers, and being inspired by the unlikeliest of experiences. Strap in and enjoy the show!

What do "Pinky and the Brain" and a successful young entrepreneur have in common? World domination? No, but close. How about the relentless desire and effort to become better? For Episode 6 of Uncharted Performance, we have an amazing conversation with the Co-Founder of Paleo To Me, Kait Tisler. We learn from Kait how identifying a personal need can be the first step to something special and how being first to market can be of great advantage for that something special to grow into your own business. Kait shares with us the importance of taking calculated risks, learning to say "no", and the almighty Google search. We also dive into a discussion on nutrition and knowing how to make our eating choices easy. Finding what works for you is more than half the battle! It's our pleasure to share with you Kait and Paleo To Me's journey to make healthy foods more accessible.

Searching for your calling? In Episode 5, Zosimo Maximo of GrooveRyde was a fashion designer, TV director, brand manager, and sports media representative just to name a few, before becoming the Co-Founder of GrooveRyde. Since his youth and throughout his varied careers, fitness always played a major part of his life. Find out how he took advantage of these endeavors to set a course for his future. Zosimo provides insights into how to establish networks, continually develop valuable skill sets, map out visions and goals, create and elevate community, develop a brand, and serve a higher purpose to those around you. There is no perfect formula except knowing that there is one as long as you are willing to put it all on the line!