Coaching the Coaches with James Fitzgerald, Ep 8

In this podcast, Breaking Muscle Radio speaks with world-class strength and conditioning coach James Fitzgerald - many of you know him as OPT.

• 00:38 - From OPT to OPEX: What OPEX represents
• 04:39 - The CrossFit connection
• 05:24 - James's pre-CrossFit accomplishments and achievements
• 07:43 - Planning and periodization within CrossFit
• 12:08 - The truth about the training plans of top athletes
• 13:45 - The early days of the CrossFit Games
• 14:51 - The evolution of the CrossFit Games and top-level CrossFitters
• 17:55 - Thought on long-term CrossFit athletes (e.g. Spealler and Sakamoto)
• 20:39 - Who can realistically get to the CrossFit Games?
• 22:11 - An athlete's battery – definition, importance, and measurability
• 25:43 - Using a scientific approach with normal athletes
• 26:23 - How clients want to be coached versus how they need to be coached
• 27:57 - How an athlete can find the best coach for his- or herself
• 30:30 - The OPEX philosophy and what makes it different
• 33:24 - The different between a coach and someone who instructs fitness classes
• 36:00 - The new CrossFit certification system
• 37:00 - How to get started as a coach
• 38:40 - The journey and the process. The future of OPEX and James
• 43:42 - Thoughts on the sport of GRID
• 46:44 - James’s details and upcoming project