Actually Doing Things

Nikki Sharp

Actually Doing Things is a practical podcast about turning intentions into action—inside the gym and out. Host Nikki, a therapist and CrossFit affiliate owner, shares real stories, mindset tools, and simple next steps on fitness, mental health, and community. Less theory, more doing. Hit play, take one step, repeat. 💥

  1. ٢٦ يوليو

    Beyond the Injury: Embracing Change Through Fitness

    Allison's journey into CrossFit represents a profound transformation catalyzed by personal adversity, specifically a severe concussion that altered her ability to engage in previously enjoyed activities. This episode elucidates how a significant injury can lead to the rediscovery of one's identity and the pursuit of resilience through physical fitness. We delve into Allison's initial apprehension toward strength training, her gradual acclimatization to CrossFit, and the myriad challenges she faced in rebuilding her strength and confidence. The discussion further highlights the pivotal role of community support and structured workouts in fostering a sense of belonging and motivation. Ultimately, this narrative underscores the intricate relationship between physical health, emotional well-being, and the importance of perseverance in the face of life's unpredictable challenges. Takeaways: Allison's journey to CrossFit began after suffering a concussion that significantly impacted her ability to engage in previous physical activities.The community aspect of CrossFit played a vital role in Allison's recovery, offering encouragement and motivation during her challenging times.Allison emphasizes the importance of consistency in training, stating that showing up regularly leads to progress and personal growth over time.Throughout her experience, Allison learned to redefine her relationship with fitness, focusing on long-term health and well-being over short-term competitive goals.She highlights the significance of addressing mental health alongside physical training, noting that exercise helped improve her emotional state post-injury.Allison advocates for a balanced approach to fitness that allows for personal growth while also prioritizing family and overall well-being. Companies mentioned in this episode: CrossFitUltimate FrisbeePlanet FitnessDestination CrossFit

  2. ١٩ يوليو

    We Watched the CrossFit Games From a Hospital Bed | 2026 Games Preview

    The CrossFit Games kick off July 22 in San Jose — and we've been fangirling since 2012 (we once rigged an Apple TV to a hospital room TV so we wouldn't miss them). ⬇️ Watch with us at DCF — details below.In this episode, Nikki + Erika break down everything you need to know before the 2026 Games: the return of the 2007 Hopper, the Ranch experience, the CrossFit Total, and why nobody — not even the athletes — knows what's coming out of the hopper. Plus: why the Games are really a lesson in training for the season of life you're in.⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome (and a texting argument) 01:00 – Fangirling since 2012 + the hospital story 02:50 – First Games memories: neon sledgehammers 05:15 – The pegboard disaster 08:20 – Strict before kipping: how training got smarter 10:08 – The 2026 Games: San Jose + the Ranch 10:40 – The hopper model, explained 12:00 – Announced events: 2007 Hopper, 7,200m trail run, CrossFit Total 15:10 – Where CrossFit and mental health overlap 17:00 – Self-care vs. building a hedge 20:10 – Changing your dose: sauna, Normatec, rest days 22:27 – Training for your season of life 22:45 – How to watch + DCF watch party🔥 WATCH WITH US We're streaming the Games at Destination CrossFit in downtown Walla Walla all week starting Wednesday, July 22 — plus a Saturday night watch party for the biggest events. Come try a scaled 2007 Hopper on our whiteboard.👉 New to CrossFit? First Class is Free at https://wwdcf.com 👍 Like this episode, subscribe, and drop a comment: who's your pick to win?#CrossFitGames #CrossFit #ActuallyDoingThings #getfitlivehappykeepgoing #downtownwallawallawa

  3. ١١ يونيو

    You Already Won": What a Priest, Chaplain, and Backcountry Guide Taught Us About Showing Up

    There's a moment in almost everyone's day where a voice says: just skip it today. Coach Curtis Seidel knows that voice well. Between coaching at DCF, serving as a priest and school administrator, and leading multi-day backpacking trips through the Wind River Range, his days are long. Some nights, the couch and a quiet evening sound a lot better than gym clothes. "Some days that voice wins," he told us. "But the days where I take a breath and say no, I'll be happier if I go — invariably, just making that decision, I'm already happier with myself. I'm choosing for my future self." That's the line that's stuck with us since recording: you judge the value of something by how you'll feel after, not how you feel right now. "You Already Won" Curtis has a phrase he tells members who walk in unsure if they wanted to show up: "You already won. You won the workout. Everything else from there is gravy." It's such a simple reframe — but it takes the pressure off the entire hour. Walking through the door is the win. Whatever happens after is bonus. The Integrated Human A theme that runs through Curtis's whole approach — both as a priest and a coach — is that we're not separate compartments. Spiritual life, relationships, physical health: they all feed each other. "If I'm not physically active, my capacity to relate well to others is hampered," he said. "And vice versa — as one gets stronger, it enables the other." It's part of why CrossFit resonated with him in the first place: it treats fitness not as vanity or punishment, but as part of being a whole, capable human — the kind of human who can carry a 165-lb person down a canyon if it ever actually comes to that (true story — ask him about his Grand Canyon instructor training sometime). Play, Not Punishment Another idea Curtis brought up: the best workouts often feel like being a kid on a playground again. Box jumps, rope climbs, wall walks — things that are hard and a little ridiculous and fun. "I think we sometimes take fitness so seriously," Nikki noted. "The whole goal is for it to be a good hour in your day — because everything else gets better." That's "type 2 fun" — the kind that's miserable in the moment and makes a great story (and a stronger you) afterward. A Send-Off, Not a Goodbye Curtis is moving to Spokane this summer to continue his work as a priest and school leader — but if you've been part of DCF for any length of time, you know this gym has a way of staying connected to people long after they walk out the door. Before he goes, we're throwing a hangout after his last class. Come tell him thanks, hear his stories, and send him off the DCF way. Showed up today? You already won. See you on the floor, Nikki + the DCF Team #getfitlivehappykeepgoing #crossfit #downtownwallawallawa

  4. ٤ يونيو

    She Deadlifted 150 lbs at 65. Then Came a Triple Bypass. Then She Came Back.

    Jane moved to Walla Walla to be close to her daughter. She wasn't sure she could keep up. She’d survived a triple bypass, spent months recovering from a broken shoulder, and felt—by her own honest admission—generally weak. What happened next is exactly why we built Legends class. In this episode of the DCF Actually Doing Things Podcast, Nikki sits down with Jane—a late-blooming CrossFitter, a self-described "slow and steady" athlete, and someone who is actively training for a self-guided hike through the Scottish Highlands this summer. Jane is in her 70s. She does CrossFit twice a week. And she is, without question, a Walla Walla Legend. In this conversation you’ll hear: How Jane rebuilt strength and balance after a cardiac event AND a shoulder break — without a single excuseWhy “something is better than nothing” is one of the most underrated fitness philosophies aliveWhat functional fitness actually means when you’re planning to lift your own suitcase into the overhead bin at 75Why the Legends class pace is intentional — and why it works for people who thought CrossFit wasn’t for themJane’s personal standard: “I need to be strong enough to lift my own suitcase into the overhead bin” This one’s for anyone who thinks they’ve waited too long, come back too late, or aren’t the “type” for a gym. Jane is proof that the best time to start is whenever you start. 📍 Destination CrossFit | Downtown Walla Walla, WA | wwdcf.com 📅 Legends Class meets Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:30am

  5. ٣١ مايو

    She Stopped Counting. She Just Kept Showing Up

    Madison Hollenbeck has been showing up to the 4:30 class at Destination CrossFit for over 10 years. She came to Walla Walla for a two-year job. She found a gym, found her corner, found her people — and never really left. She's not a perfect gym-goer. She goes six weeks without touching a barbell every fall. She scales everything. She has a lifetime ban on box jumps. She doesn't love going every day. She just keeps going. In this episode, Nikki sits down with Madison to talk about what consistency actually looks like over the long haul — and what keeps someone coming back to the same gym for over a decade. We get into: The post-college athlete identity crash — and what filled the gapWhy she never works out when she travels (and why that's completely fine)The concept of 'rehiring yourself' — finding what still makes you want to show upWhat makes CrossFit stick for people who don't love every movementThe 4:30 class culture, scaling without apology, and music worth rowing to If you've ever come back after a long break, modified every movement, or wondered if you belong at a CrossFit gym — this one is for you. 🎙️ Actually Doing Things is the DCF podcast about real people doing the fitness thing in real life. 📍 Destination CrossFit | Walla Walla, WA | wwdcf.com 🏋️ Class 1 is free — book your intro: wwdcf.com/free-consultation 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & everywhere via Captivate 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes #CrossFit #ActuallyDoingThings #DestinationCrossFit #WallaWalla #CrossFitPodcast #AffiliateLife #WomenInFitness #ConsistencyOverPerfection #CrossFitCommunity

  6. ٣ مايو

    The Intersection of Nutrition and Fitness: Insights from Vero's Journey

    The podcast delves into the transformative journey of Vero, a member of Destination CrossFit, as she recounts her initial foray into the world of CrossFit, catalyzed by a respected coworker. This initial exposure, sparked during a 'Bring a Friend' week, ignited a competitive spirit within Vero, propelling her into a fitness regime that would soon become integral to her life. Despite the challenges posed by a demanding career as a general manager at a local restaurant, Vero adeptly navigated her busy schedule to prioritize her health and fitness. She faced initial apprehensions regarding her ability to integrate CrossFit into her routine, yet the welcoming community at Destination CrossFit alleviated her fears, allowing her to embrace the experience fully. Through a nuanced discussion, Vero highlights how the camaraderie and support from fellow members have played a pivotal role in her CrossFit journey, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation that encourages consistency and personal growth. As Vero's narrative unfolds, listeners gain insight into the complexities of balancing a high-pressure job in the food industry with the demands of a rigorous fitness program. She candidly discusses the inevitable temptations and challenges that arise from working in an environment saturated with culinary delights, emphasizing the importance of moderation and mindful eating. The conversation further explores the adjustments Vero made to her nutritional habits, particularly following participation in a nutrition challenge led by a coach, which illuminated the critical interplay between diet and performance. Vero's evolving relationship with food—now viewed as fuel rather than mere sustenance—has significantly contributed to her overall well-being and fitness achievements. The episode culminates with Vero's reflections on her personal growth through the lens of fitness and nutrition, illustrating the profound impact that CrossFit has had on her mental and physical health. From overcoming injuries to achieving personal records, Vero's journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to excel in both CrossFit and life. She emphasizes the intrinsic rewards of consistency and the importance of setting personal goals, inspiring listeners to embark on their own fitness journeys with conviction and enthusiasm. This episode serves not only as an exploration of Vero's experiences but also as a motivational call to action for those seeking to transform their lives through fitness and community engagement. Takeaways: Vero's journey at Destination CrossFit began when a respected coworker introduced her to the community, sparking her interest in fitness.Initially intimidated by the environment, Vero found encouragement and support from fellow members, which helped her continue her CrossFit journey.Through prioritizing her fitness, Vero learned to balance her demanding job in the restaurant industry with her health goals.Vero emphasized the importance of nutrition, revealing that she learned to view food as fuel during her journey to improve her health.After overcoming significant back pain through rehabilitation, Vero returned to CrossFit stronger and more determined than ever to reach her fitness goals.Vero's commitment to her health has not only transformed her physically but has also enhanced her mental well-being and confidence in her personal and professional life.

  7. ٢٥ أبريل

    I Quit Fitness. Repeatedly. Here's What Finally Worked.

    Thirteen episodes of other people's stories. This time, the host is in the chair. Nikki Sharp is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CrossFit Level 3 Coach, and owner of Destination CrossFit in Walla Walla, WA. She has spent 20 years helping people build consistency, resilience, and mental strength. And she has quit fitness more times than she can count. In this honest, unscripted conversation, Erika Rootvik turns the tables and asks Nikki the questions she'd skip past if she were solo — about the quitting, the patterns, what she was actually carrying during those seasons, and what finally shifted. This episode is for the person who looks fine on the outside but is quietly struggling to show up for themselves. The high performer who keeps restarting. The woman who knows what to do but can't seem to make herself do it. Nikki makes the clinical case that fitness isn't optional — it's one of the most powerful mental health tools we have. And then she gets personal about what it took her to actually believe that. 💚 What you'll hear in this episode: Why Nikki kept quitting — and what was really going on underneathWhat 20 years of clinical work taught her about movement and mental healthThe CrossFit metaphors she actually uses in therapy sessionsWhat she'd tell the version of herself who was quittingThe minimum viable version of "actually doing the thing" 🎙️ Listen, subscribe, and share with one person who has quit and is ready to try again. 📍 Find Destination CrossFit: wwdcf.com 📱 Follow Nikki: @amitysharp #actuallydoingthings #getfitlivehappykeepgoing #crossfit #mentalhealth #podcast

حول

Actually Doing Things is a practical podcast about turning intentions into action—inside the gym and out. Host Nikki, a therapist and CrossFit affiliate owner, shares real stories, mindset tools, and simple next steps on fitness, mental health, and community. Less theory, more doing. Hit play, take one step, repeat. 💥