Chris Spealler on training for longevity and becoming a Master PH60

Pursuing Health

“I do CrossFit just because I love it. I do it for the health and longevity. But, that looks very very different. I really do, and I am passionate about telling people about it because, CrossFit as a sport has a lifespan. It does not promote longevity.” – Chris Spealler

Chris Spealler is a seven-time CrossFit Games athlete, coach and owner of CrossFit Park City, long-time member of the CrossFit Seminar Staff, husband, and father of two. Chris discovered CrossFit and his passion for competing in the sport following his collegiate Division 1 wrestling career. He has competed in CrossFit since 2007, collecting two Southwest Regional titles, three Top 10 CrossFit Games finishes (2007, 2008, 2010), and winning the Spirit of the Games award in 2010. After the Games in 2014, Chris has made the decision to retire from competition and instead “train for life,” but with the introduction of the Masters 35-39 age group category he will once again find himself on the big stage in 2017. Chris holds a love for the outdoors, mainly skiing and mountain biking, and he has been using his newfound free time to enjoy these hobbies and more time with his family.

In this episode we discuss:

• Chris’ background in wrestling
• Finding his direction after college while spending time outdoors in Utah
• The “sport” side of CrossFit and how it drew him in
• His early days of doing CrossFit at the globo gym
• The evolution of CrossFit as a sport and a community
• Chris’ favorite competition memories
• His decision to retire from competition in 2014 and the goals he set for his final season
• What his life has been like now that he’s training for life
• Chris’ perspective on CrossFit as a sport vs. CrossFit for longevity
• Three things Chris does on a regular basis that have the biggest positive impact on his health
• One thing Chris struggles to implement that could have a big impact on his health
• What a healthy life looks like to Chris

You can follow Chris at his website or on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Links:

• Icon Athlete
• CrossFit Park City
• The Bible Project
• 2010 Spirit of the Games – Chris Spealler

Related Episodes:

Ep 05 – Men of the 2015 CrossFit Games Demo Team

Ep 33 – Bob Harper on CrossFit, The Biggest Loser, and Prioritizing Health

Ep 41 – Graham and Savanna Holmberg: From Fittest Man, to Faith and Family

Ep 58 – Nicole Carroll on the early days and preserving the culture of CrossFit

Ep 59 – Annie Sakamoto on the evolution of CrossFit and setting an example for future generations

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below and on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every other Tuesday.

Disclaimer: This podcast is meant to share the experiences of various individuals. It does not provide medical advice, and it is not a substitute for advice from your physician or health care professional.

Question: Chris talks about how we don’t all have to have the same “why” for training as top Games athletes like Mat Fraser. What’s your “why” for training? How does this “why” shape your training regimen and the decisions you make? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Ep 60 – Chris Spealler on training for longevity and becoming a Master appeared first on Julie Foucher | Reebok CrossFit Games Athlete.