I recently got the opportunity to talk with Mike Bledsoe from the very popular CrossFit/Strength and Conditioning podcast Barbell Shrugged. I wanted to pick Mike’s brain on a few topics. In the discussion, we talked about how he first got involved in fitness, more specifically CrossFit as well as some ideas on nutrition and business. I always find it interesting how people from different backgrounds manage to get involved in this fitness lifestyle. I really enjoy being able to talk shop with like minded individuals such as Mike. I think you guys are really going to like this interview!
What I Learned from Talking with Mike:
- Surround yourself with successful people. One of the things that has always stood out to me about the Barbell Shrugged podcast is that all of the guys have degrees in exercise science and are very knowledgeable on training. In business and in life its very important to surround yourself with people that are like minded and who are capable to HELP you reach your goals. This is something I find very common about successful people I talk with.
- Stay True to Yourself. To really be successful in any industry you need to follow your true self. Focus on what you are good at and enjoy doing the most. By just being themselves the guys on Barbell Shrugged have been able to attract an audience of people which allows them to travel the country doing what they love.
- There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Program. I see this A LOT. People are always searching for that perfect training program or that perfect diet. That fact is there is NO such thing. A great quote from Mike is, “the best program is the one you believe in the most”. Generally people look at programing the wrong way. Its not about what is necessarily best, its about what is best for you right now.
- The Paleo Diet Sucks. Haha just kidding the Paleo diet doesn’t suck. In fact, like I have said before its great for a certain population of people. However, Mike agrees that if you are a hard training athlete you would perform better eating a wider range of foods with more carbohydrates. Everyone’s nutritional needs are different and require individualized attention.
- Just Do It. Here is the big one. The Barbell Shrugged podcast started by just putting a microphone in the middle of a table and bull shitting. If you want to do something just do it. It doesn’t need to be perfect the first time. The most important aspect of starting anything new is just the act itself of starting it.
Check out the Full Interview with Mike Bledsoe
