Takeaways:

• The profound nature of long-term friendships can significantly influence personal growth and resilience during life shifts.
• Navigating the complexities of overuse injuries requires a holistic understanding of body mechanics and personalized recovery strategies.
• Incorporating nutrition into fitness journeys can lead to substantial improvements in physical performance and overall well-being.
• The importance of adjusting training regimens according to individual needs cannot be overstated, particularly as one ages and experiences changes in their body.
• Maintaining a mindset focused on longevity rather than immediate performance can foster a more sustainable approach to fitness and health.
• Emphasizing self-compassion and kindness is crucial for both personal growth and effective coaching in the fitness industry.

Erika Rootvik engages in a profound dialogue with Zen Yacovelli, exploring the arduous journey of personal growth and resilience. The episode delves into Zen's courageous initiation into CrossFit, a decision laden with apprehension, as she confronted her fears of judgment and inadequacy. Central to their discourse is the theme of perseverance; Zen articulates how the supportive community fostered within her gym has been instrumental in her journey, transforming obstacles into opportunities for self-discovery and strength. The conversation further highlights the transformative power of physical activity, not merely as a means of fitness but as a therapeutic outlet that has profoundly impacted Zen's mental and emotional well-being. Through candid reflections, Zen inspires listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities and recognize the immense potential within themselves, especially during challenging times.

Takeaways:

• Embarking on the journey of CrossFit was a formidable challenge, yet it became a significant source of personal strength and resilience for me.
• The supportive environment at Destination CrossFit fostered a sense of belonging, allowing me to overcome my fears of judgment and embrace my journey.
• Experiencing physical challenges in CrossFit not only transformed my body but also profoundly impacted my mental health and emotional well-being.
• I discovered that moving my body is a privilege, which has reshaped my perspective on fitness and self-love, empowering me to pursue my goals with vigor.

Erika Rootvik engages in a poignant dialogue with guest Zen Yacovelli, who shares her transformative journey through CrossFit—an expedition marked by self-discovery, resilience, and the unwavering support of a nurturing community. Zen reflects upon her initial hesitance to step into the world of fitness, plagued by fears of judgment and feelings of inadequacy. Inspired by her sister’s encouragement, she embarked on this path, only to unearth a profound sense of strength and empowerment that transcended the physical realm. The conversation intricately weaves through the emotional landscape of Zen's experiences, illuminating the pivotal role that perseverance and community play in overcoming life's adversities.

Throughout the episode, Zen articulates the myriad challenges she faced, from grappling with self-doubt to navigating the complexities of personal expectations. Her journey is not merely about achieving physical prowess but about cultivating mental resilience and emotional well-being. The gym environment, characterized by camaraderie and encouragement, serves as a crucible where Zen and others forge connections that uplift and inspire. Her anecdotes, including the exhilaration of conquering her first box jump, encapsulate the essence of personal victory over internal struggles, emphasizing the transformative potential inherent within each individual when they dare to confront their fears and embrace vulnerability.

As the discussion progresses, Zen emphasizes the shift in her mindset regarding movement and self-acceptance. No longer viewing her body through a lens of criticism, she has adopted a perspective that celebrates the joy of movement as a privilege. This redefined relationship with her physicality is emblematic of a broader message about self-love and the importance of fostering a supportive community. The episode culminates in a powerful affirmation of resilience—reminding listeners that amidst challenges, we possess the strength to rise, buoyed by the collective spirit of those around us, and that every step taken in the pursuit of wellness is a testament to our enduring capacity for growth and transformation.

Phil Oberg, a dedicated member of Destination CrossFit for a decade, shares his transformative fitness journey with Nikki Sharp, the owner of the gym. They engage in a candid dialogue that highlights the profound impact of CrossFit on Phil's life, emphasizing how it reignited his passion for fitness and led to significant personal growth. Phil recounts his initial apprehensions, the memorable experience of his first workout, and the evolution of his skills over the years, particularly in Olympic lifting and overcoming injuries. The conversation further underscores the welcoming nature of the CrossFit community, encouraging newcomers to embrace their fitness journeys without intimidation. Together, they reflect on the collective commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected community within the Walla Walla Valley through shared experiences and support.

Takeaways:

• Phil Oberg's journey in CrossFit began with curiosity and a friend's encouragement, leading to transformative fitness experiences.
• The welcoming atmosphere at Destination CrossFit invites individuals of all fitness levels to join and thrive in their community.
• Consistency in training, even when faced with challenges, has been pivotal in Phil's fitness journey and overall well-being.
• Listening to one's body and adjusting workouts accordingly is a crucial lesson learned throughout Phil's decade of training.
• The importance of community support in fitness cannot be overstated; personal connections enhance motivation and accountability.
• Nikki emphasizes the mental health benefits of engaging in fitness, highlighting its role as a stress reliever and source of refreshment.

What happens when you make a risky decision in your fitness journey—like adjusting training during pregnancy? In this episode of the Destination CrossFit Podcast, we dive into the myths and realities of peripartum training.

Our guest shares why doing everything “right” doesn’t always guarantee the outcome you expect, what most people get wrong about the process, and the #1 lesson that applies to any long-term fitness goal: trust the process and don’t give up.

💡 You’ll learn:

Why one-size-fits-all training doesn’t work

How to navigate setbacks even when you’re following the plan

Why your long-term goals matter more than short-term results

Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, recovery, or just trying to stay consistent in your fitness journey—this episode will help you reframe what progress really means.

👉 Subscribe for more real conversations from our CrossFit community, and drop a comment: Do you think there should be universal training standards—or should it always be individualized?

When she became a single mom of two young kids, today’s guest made a controversial choice: she kept her daily CrossFit workouts non-negotiable. Many people said it was selfish—but more than a decade later, the results tell a different story.

In this episode, we dive into:

The debate around moms putting themselves first in fitness

Why self-care actually strengthens families and communities

The hard lesson of training through pain (and how to avoid it)

How to redefine intensity as you age and still keep your edge

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or affiliate owner, this conversation will challenge your thinking on what it means to prioritize health—and why it may be the most selfless thing you can do.

👉 Subscribe for more real conversations from our CrossFit community, and drop a comment: Do you think there should be universal training standards—or should it always be individualized?

If this episode challenged your perspective, share it with a coach, a parent, or anyone wrestling with the balance of family and fitness. And if you’ve had to make your own ‘selfish’ decision in fitness, drop it in the comments—we want to hear your story.

In this episode of Actually Doing Things, Nikki sits down with Dr. Scott Fry—a ten-year Destination CrossFit member, physician, and triathlete—for a conversation that’s equal parts grit, humor, and heart.

Together they unpack:

• 🏋️ The early days of the “shoebox” gym and what keeps people showing up a decade later
• 💪 The kind of camaraderie that only comes from shared suffering (and 5:30 a.m. workouts)
• ❤️ Scott’s powerful health journey through illness, surgery, and recovery—and why community was the lifeline
• 🧠 How fitness, aging, and mental health intersect (“Father Time is undefeated, but he’s influencable”)
• 🤝 Why you should stop looking for an accountability partner and be one
• 🦃 Family, legacy, and what it means to stay active together through every season

This is an honest talk about doing the hard things, finding connection, and redefining what strength looks like at every age.

🎧 Tune in, laugh a little, and remember—getting out of bed counts as a rep.

What happens when you sign up for your first Ironman… and everyone you work with will know whether you succeed or fail? 🚴🏊‍♂️🏃

In this episode, we sit down with a physician and firefighter who faced the fear of public failure head-on. From racing in front of colleagues to discovering the liberating truth that “nobody cares” as much as you think, this conversation dives into ego, performance anxiety, and the lessons every athlete and coach can use.

We cover:

✅ The myth that “everyone’s watching” your performance

✅ Why “nobody cares” is actually the most freeing mindset

✅ The dangers of under-recovering (and how to fix it)

✅ Tools to measure recovery so your brain doesn’t lie to you

Whether you’re a habitual CrossFitter or athlete chasing big goals, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways to boost confidence, protect recovery, and tackle scary challenges with freedom.

👉 If this episode resonates, share it with a teammate or fellow coach who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations that help affiliate owners and coaches grow inside and outside the gym.