• Fitness with Brian Friend and Elite CrossFit Athlete Cam Gray.
    Feb 27 2026

    summary

    Cam Gray Makes a work out he can take on the fittest on earth at and Brian Friend shares his views on the top Uk male and Female athletes plus much more.

    In this episode of the Chase Pain podcast, host Dazza engages with elite CrossFit athlete Cameron Gray and commentator Brian Friend to discuss various aspects of the Fitness community, including the legacy of athletes like Pat Velner, the importance of judging standards, and the evolution of competition strategies. They explore the significance of spectacle in events, decision-making under fatigue, and the future of CrossFit competitions. The conversation also touches on predictions for the upcoming Open and the rising talent among UK female athletes.


    takeaways


    Pat Velner is considered one of the best in CrossFit history.

    Judging standards are crucial for fair competition.

    The evolution of CrossFit has made strategy more important.

    Spectacle in competitions can enhance viewer engagement.

    Decision-making under fatigue is critical for performance.

    Workout programming should balance fun and fitness testing.

    Athletes can improve their rankings through better strategy.

    The Open is a significant event for athletes to showcase their skills.

    UK female athletes are becoming increasingly competitive.

    Cameron Gray offers pacing charts for Open workouts.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

    03:03 Pat Velner's Legacy and Impact on CrossFit

    06:07 The Challenge of Ranking Athletes

    08:55 Judging Standards in CrossFit Competitions

    12:02 The Role of Programming in Competitions

    15:08 The Balance Between Fun and Fairness in Events

    17:46 The Future of Judging in CrossFit

    21:06 Event Organization and Viewer Experience

    28:10 The Evolution of Spectacle in Fitness Events

    30:12 Memorable Moments in Competitive Fitness

    32:40 The Pain Cave: Embracing the Struggle

    35:13 CrossFit: From Chaos to Strategy

    37:31 The Technical Evolution of CrossFit

    39:40 Fan Expectations: Strategy vs. Spectacle

    43:30 Fitness IQ: The Role of Knowledge in Performance

    48:33 Decision Making Under Fatigue in Competition

    54:07 Understanding the Dynamics of Competitive Workouts

    56:51 Top UK Male CrossFit Athletes

    01:00:56 Innovative Workout Ideas and Challenges

    01:05:04 Preparing for the Open: Strategies and Predictions

    01:09:59 Emerging Female Athletes in the UK CrossFit Scene


    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Man vs Machine -CrossFit fun
    Feb 24 2026

    In this engaging episode of the Chase Pain podcast, host Dazza is joined by Hornsey and Reggie Fasa to discuss their athletic backgrounds, experiences in CrossFit, and the upcoming Arnold's competition. The conversation delves into the challenges of training, the importance of strategy in workouts, and the evolving nature of CrossFit as it becomes more machine-oriented. They also touch on the significance of judging standards in competitions and share personal anecdotes about their fitness journeys. The episode concludes with a fun segment where they speculate on hypothetical boxing matchups between well-known CrossFit athletes, showcasing their competitive spirit and camaraderie.Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections

    02:57 Athletic Backgrounds and Experiences

    05:51 Rowing and Cycling Performance Insights

    09:04 The Challenge of Rowing Records

    11:59 Strategy in Functional Fitness Workouts

    15:00 Understanding Ergonomics and Transition Efficiency

    19:39 Maximizing Performance Through Efficient Transitions

    22:59 Understanding the Importance of Training Gears

    26:59 The Role of Machines in CrossFit Training

    31:47 Insights from the Crucible Competition

    40:01 Anticipating the Arnold's Event

    42:25 Challenges in Event Planning

    45:25 The Stress of Competition Preparation

    46:45 Memorable Workouts and Community Impact

    49:53 Personal Journeys in Fitness

    51:19 Fun and Games: Boxing Match Predictions


    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • World Champion Mindsets -
    Feb 20 2026

    In this engaging conversation, I interview world champion rowers Joel Naukkarinen and Loïc, exploring their backgrounds, training styles, and the mental aspects of rowing. They discuss the influence of the Rocky movies on their athletic journeys, the importance of community in rowing, and the balance between discipline and motivation in training. The conversation also delves into their childhood experiences, training regimens, and the significance of mental strategies during competitions. The episode concludes with valuable advice for amateurs and insights into building a legacy in the rowing community.


    • The Rocky movies inspired Joel to start boxing and sports.
    • Loïc emphasizes the importance of community in rowing.
    • Both athletes have different training styles: power vs. endurance.
    • Joel started sports later in life but has always been competitive.
    • Discipline is crucial for consistent training results.
    • Mental strategies are key during tough workouts and competitions.
    • The rowing community is supportive and encouraging.
    • Amateurs often make the mistake of starting too hard in training.
    • Consistency and passion are essential for long-term success.
    • Building a legacy in rowing involves giving back to the community.

    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds

    02:46 Inspiration from Rocky Movies

    05:48 Rowing Techniques and Training Styles

    09:08 Childhood and Competitive Nature

    12:05 Training Regimens and Strength Building

    14:46 Endurance vs. Sprinting Dynamics

    18:00 Discipline vs. Motivation in Training

    21:14 Mental Strategies for Endurance Challenges

    23:50 Facing Fears in Competitive Rowing

    26:52 Self-Talk and Mental Cues During Races

    32:48 Staying Present and Focused in Training

    35:02 The Mental Aspects of Racing and Pain Perception

    37:31 Long Training Sessions: Techniques and Mindset

    40:12 Margin for Error in Different Distances

    43:00 The Debate: Short vs. Long Distance Performance

    48:05 The Importance of Community in Rowing

    52:45 Building an Olympic Training Center: Giving Back

    55:07 Common Mistakes for Amateur Rowers

    01:04:13 Changing Bad Habits for Improvement

    01:09:13 Aggression in Sports: Nature vs. Nurture

    01:14:57 Final Tips for New Rowers

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Elevate Quick fire questions
    Feb 15 2026

    Bonus material. Listen and watch the full unedited quick fire questions.

    Elevate Fitness StudiosClick to get your 7 day free trial

    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Dream big and build a fitness community. Founders Tom and Alfie share their journey.
    Feb 15 2026

    In this engaging conversation, Darren Curtis discusses the evolution of Elevate, the importance of community and personal connections in the fitness industry, and the challenges of scaling a business. The dialogue covers various topics, including competitive fitness events like Hyrox is, the unique culture at Elevate, and the significance of member experiences. The conversation highlights the gym's commitment to fostering a supportive environment and giving back to the community through charitable initiatives.


    Takeaways:

    Fitness is a journey that requires commitment and consistency.

    The Pain Game is a unique fitness experience that challenges participants.

    Hyrox competitions test both strength and endurance.

    Creating a gym culture that prioritizes member experience is crucial.

    Scaling a fitness business presents unique challenges and opportunities.

    Community events foster connections among members and enhance retention.

    Personal relationships between trainers and members are vital for success.

    Elevate focuses on longevity and functional training for all ages.

    Charitable initiatives strengthen community ties and brand reputation.

    Engaging workouts and challenges keep members motivated and involved.



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • CrossFit Open 2026 predictions
    Feb 11 2026

    Are you ready for the 2026 CrossFit Open? Dive into the buzz of what’s coming!

    The workouts previewed on YouTube hint at some classics making a comeback!

    My prediction? We’re definitely seeing some repeats! Will it be the infamous 13.5 or 14.4?

    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Chris Tremlett: Relentless Self-Improvement from elite athlete to building an elite mindset after his England Cricket career
    Feb 4 2026

    In this episode, Chris Tremlett shares his journey from being an elite cricketer to a dedicated fitness enthusiast. He discusses the importance of mental fortitude, consistency in training, and the role of the Echo bike in his workouts. Chris emphasizes the need for balance in fitness as we age and the significance of rest and recovery. He also reflects on how social media can foster connections within the fitness community and inspire others to pursue their fitness goals. Overall, the conversation highlights the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and the lifelong journey of fitness.

    • Chris Tremlett shares his journey from cricket to fitness.
    • Mental fortitude is crucial for elite athletes.
    • Consistency in training leads to long-term success.
    • The Echo bike is a powerful tool for cardio training.
    • Finding balance in fitness is essential as we age.
    • Social media can connect and inspire fitness communities.
    • Rest and recovery are vital for performance.
    • Training should evolve with age and lifestyle changes.
    • Personal challenges can lead to growth and resilience.
    • Fitness is a lifelong journey, not just a phase.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Chris Tremlett

    03:06 Chris's Cricket Journey and Achievements

    05:54 Mental Fortitude and Relentless Attitude

    09:02 Transitioning from Cricket to Fitness

    11:54 Training Philosophy and Personal Challenges

    15:03 The Importance of Consistency and Routine

    18:03 The Role of Competition in Fitness

    21:06 Favorite Workouts and Training Techniques

    23:56 The Echo Bike Experience

    27:07 Mental and Physical Challenges in Training

    30:00 Finding Balance in Fitness and Life

    32:57 The Impact of Social Media on Fitness

    36:00 The Importance of Rest and Recovery

    39:06 Final Thoughts and Future Goals

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Fitness - Hyrox - CrossFit and what really makes the fittest on earth
    Jan 21 2026


    In this episode of the Chase Pain podcast, We engage with fitness experts Tricky Ricky, Duncan Aldous, and Rick Hornsey, all seasoned veterans in the fitness industry. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of fitness modalities, particularly focusing on CrossFit and its competitors like Hyrox.

    The guests share their personal experiences, including injuries, gym ownership, and the community aspect of fitness. They discuss the ongoing debate about what constitutes the 'fittest person on earth' and how social media influences perceptions of fitness.

    The dialogue highlights the importance of inclusivity in fitness, emphasizing that all forms of exercise contribute to health and well-being, regardless of the specific modality.

    In this engaging conversation, we delve into competition in fitness, particularly focusing on events like CrossFit and High Rocks. We discuss the role of judges in competitions and also explore the balance between competition and participation, highlighting the need for clear standards in events while ensuring inclusivity for all fitness levels. We reflect on the evolution of fitness events, the significance of community, and the future of competitive fitness, considering how economic factors and participant expectations will shape the landscape in the coming years.


    The discussion also touches on the importance of personal achievement in fitness, whether through competition or personal goals. We advocate for a supportive environment where individuals can celebrate their fitness journeys, regardless of their competitive status. We conclude by sharing our excitement for upcoming events and the potential for growth in the fitness industry, emphasizing the need for a balance between competitive integrity and community engagement.

    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Backgrounds

    04:45 The Evolution of Fitness and Community Dynamics

    10:43 Debating the Best Training Methodologies

    17:18 The Role of Social Media in Fitness Perception

    21:42 Defining the Fittest Person on Earth

    28:23 The Hunter McIntyre Effect

    29:48 The Challenge of Unpredictability in Fitness Events

    30:41 Judging Standards and the Role of AI

    35:35 Competition vs. Participation: Defining Success

    49:13 Legitimacy in Fitness Achievements

    58:30 Personal Effort in Fitness

    01:00:00 Measuring Fitness: Competition vs. Personal Goals

    01:01:51 The Future of Fitness Events

    01:09:56 Engaging Spectators in Fitness Competitions

    01:19:48 Upcoming Events and Community Growth

    • Social media often fuels unnecessary comparisons between different fitness communities.
    • Injuries can be overcome with determination and proper support.
    • The definition of the 'fittest person' is evolving with new fitness modalities. Judges want you to do well; build rapport with them.
    • Competition should balance standards with inclusivity.


    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 24 mins