VNR #266: Pat attends the CrossFit Level 2 Seminar
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Pat Sherwood reflects on attending his CrossFit Level 2 seminar for the first time in five years, revealing how the experience—despite its discomfort—was one of the most transformative in his coaching journey. He describes the shift from the old, brutal 'firing squad' format to today’s feedback-rich, hands-on environment, where real-time coaching and peer observation dominate. What stood out most wasn’t just the technical refinement, but the psychological breakthroughs: trainers dropping their guard, admitting uncertainty, and embracing vulnerability—leading to exponential growth in just 48 hours. Pat marvels at how CrossFit’s core product—its methodology—delivers real, measurable results, yet remains under-recognized in mainstream fitness. He questions why such a powerful system hasn’t 'taken over the world,' suggesting it’s not due to lack of quality, but perhaps the inevitable dilution that comes with mainstream adoption. The real takeaway? Mastery isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being willing to be wrong, to be seen, and to grow in the spotlight.
The CrossFit Level 2 is no longer a 'firing squad'—it’s a feedback-rich environment designed to break coaches out of autopilot and force real-time application.
Coaches who admit they don’t know something—'I have no clue what’s going on'—experience the fastest growth, proving vulnerability accelerates mastery.
A clear, coherent teaching plan (even a simple one) transforms a chaotic class into a focused, effective session—this is the real differentiator.
CrossFit’s methodology is so effective it should 'sell itself,' yet mainstream adoption has diluted its purity, not killed its impact.
The best trainers aren’t those who never fail—they’re those who seek discomfort, welcome critique, and use it to refine their craft.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Nostalgia and Memory: 2010 CrossFit Seminar in the Netherlands
Pat and the host reminisce about a 2010 CrossFit seminar in the Netherlands, recalling the remote location, school gymnasium setting, and early memories of meeting Basti. Pat reflects on how modern information overload has degraded his memory, making recollection slow and effortful.
The Evolution of the CrossFit Level 2: From Firing Squad to Feedback Lab
“The current level two is not just some, you know, ruthless test to try to see where your level's at. It's an honest exploration of, okay, you're coming in with this skill set. Let us tell you what we're seeing that can take your skill set to that next step.”
The Power of Being in the Arena: Doing Over Watching
“This is the most uncomfortable place to be. It's also where all the good stuff is, you know, like this is what's actually going to make you better. And if you can internalize that and realize that no one's personally attacking you... you're going to be better for it.”
The Unspoken Superpower: Vulnerability in Coaching
“It was cool when the person be like, honestly, I have no idea. I have no clue what's going on. I didn't see it at all. And it was cool because you were willing to be like, I'm not even going to act like I know, I got nothing.”
Why CrossFit’s Product Should Be Everywhere (But Isn’t)
Pat expresses disbelief that CrossFit hasn’t 'taken over the world' given its proven, effective methodology. He praises the refined, high-quality delivery of the Level 2 course and the elite instructors, calling it a product companies would kill for.
“The current level two is not just some, you know, ruthless test to try to see where your level's at. It's an honest exploration of, okay, you're coming in with this skill set. Let us tell you what we're seeing that can take your skill set to that next step.”
“when you finally see the person be like, honestly, I have no idea. I have no clue what's going on. I didn't see it at all. And it was cool because you were willing to be like, I'm not even going to act like I... I know, I got”
“This is the most uncomfortable place to be. It's also where all the good stuff is, you know, like this is what's actually going to make you better. And if you can internalize that and realize that no one's personally attacking you, you know, like you really did miss”
Host
Pat Sherwood
person
CrossFit Level 2
organization
BTWB
organization
Wes Pyatt
person
Rory Zambard
person
product
Basti
person
Courtney Reif
person
Amsterdam
place
Jenny Orr
person
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