Savagely Scaled

Blake Walker and Joyce Santos

Savagely Scaled is where we, average CrossFitters talk about the history of the sport, community, events, workouts and of course the culture! We will also be speaking to our own personal goals and experiences with the sport. We hope this can help introduce the sport to some of you out there who have always been curious about Crossfit as well as a space for current Crossfit athletes to share in their love for the sport.

  1. 8H AGO

    Episode 80: 2026 Open, The Good, Gritty and Quarterfinals Reality Check

    The 2026 CrossFit Open is officially in the books—and we’ve got a LOT to say. In this episode of Savagely Scaled, Blake and Joyce sit down to break down their full Open experience—from the workouts themselves to the unforgettable gym vibes, themed nights, and everything in between. Whether you crushed your goals, got humbled, or are heading into quarterfinals, this episode is all about reflection, lessons learned, and a little bit of venting. 26.1: Wall balls + burpee box jump overs→ A “simple” couplet that hit WAY harder than expected→ Leg fatigue, breathing struggles, and that lingering soreness→ Strategy talk: pacing slower than you think 26.2: Lunges, pull-ups, and snatches→ A more technical, grip-heavy workout→ The power of singles and smart movement→ First pull-ups achieved in the gym (we LOVE to see it 👏) 26.3: Burpees, cleans, and thrusters→ A long, grindy, burpee-dominant test→ Mental strategy vs. physical fatigue→ Why elites not finishing actually helped mindset Theme nights (Rave Night, Emo Punk Night, Color Night 🎨) Community energy > leaderboard rankings Why the Open is really about showing up for your people Shoutout to athletes stepping outside their comfort zones Go slower than you think (seriously… slower) Small improvements > big expectations Compete against yourself, not just others Use the Open as a yearly benchmark for growth Joyce improves to 80th percentile 🔥 Blake reflects on balancing weightlifting + CrossFit How age divisions and programming affect performance Why progress isn’t always linear—and that’s okay 8 athletes from the gym advancing 🙌 What to expect from the next stage Skill gaps (hello strict handstand push-ups & bar muscle-ups 😅) Strategy: maximize strengths, survive weaknesses Why just qualifying is already a huge win How to scale with intention (not just to finish) Communicating goals with your coach Building skills year-round (not just during the Open) Turning weaknesses into long-term focus points Not the most exciting year—but still effective More inclusive programming for a broader field Quarterfinals = the real separator At the end of the day… the Open is about community, growth, and showing up First-time RX athletes First pull-ups achieved 🎉 Quarterfinal qualifiers representing the gym Coaches, judges, and the entire community that made it special If this episode felt like your pre-workout boost: Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review Follow & subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next DM us your Open experience or topics you want us to cover 📩 IG: @savagelyscaled📧 Email: savagelyscaled1@gmail.com Remember:Don’t be a Karen… be a Sharon… and KEEP SHARING 💪Until we meet at the whiteboard again… BYE.

    48 min
  2. MAR 17

    Episode 79: Pelvic Floor Sit down With Andrea and Carol of Inspire

    “Pelvic Floor: The Core You’re Ignoring (But Shouldn’t Be)” Episode Description: We talk a lot about core strength in CrossFit—bracing, belts, hollow holds—but what about the foundation of it all? The piece most athletes ignore until something goes wrong… the pelvic floor. In this episode, we sit down with pelvic floor specialists Carol and Andrea to break down a topic that’s often overlooked, misunderstood, and honestly… avoided. From leaking during double unders to unexplained hip or back pain, this conversation dives into what’s really going on and why it matters for everyone—yes, men too. We get into: What the pelvic floor actually is (and why it’s part of your core) Common signs of dysfunction you might be brushing off How it shows up in the gym (hello heavy lifts + double unders 👀) The truth about pregnancy, postpartum, and returning to training Why “just do Kegels” isn’t always the answer How proper bracing, breathing, and pressure management can change everything This episode is about breaking the stigma, building awareness, and giving athletes the tools (and confidence) to take control of their health. Because no one should feel embarrassed, confused, or limited by something that can be addressed and improved. If you’ve ever experienced symptoms, questioned what’s “normal,” or want to perform better in the gym—this is your sign to listen. 💥 Share this episode with a friend, your gym buddy, or someone who needs to hear it.💬 And if this was your swig of pre-workout, don’t forget to leave us a review! 📩 Want to be on the show or have a topic you want us to dive into?DM us @SavagelyScaled or email savagelyscaled1@gmail.com Remember… don’t be a Karen, be a Sharon and keep sharing.Until we meet at the whiteboard again… BYE.

    55 min
  3. MAR 3

    Episode 77: Burnout, Ego & Finding the Goldilocks Zone

    This one is real.Not a PR recap. Not a hype-you-up-for-the-Open episode. This is the honest conversation. In this episode, Blake and Joyce dive into the quiet side of CrossFit — the gray area that no one talks about enough. The burnout. The comparison spiral. The “why am I even here?” moments. The weeks where life stacks up, the kids get sick, you miss sessions, and suddenly you feel behind. We talk about: Overtraining vs. undertraining (and how both can be mental before physical) The pressure to keep up with everyone in class Ego, scaling, and why modifying isn’t weakness Rest days and the guilt that comes with them Travel, nutrition struggles, and losing momentum Injury setbacks and rebuilding from scratch The comparison trap that makes people quit How set programming, community, and communication can pull you back from burnout Joyce opens up about overtraining tendencies, fueling mistakes, and navigating the mental side of being an athlete. Blake reflects on questioning her identity in CrossFit, the fear of falling behind, and what finally helped her find balance again. If you’ve ever: Dreaded walking into the gym Felt like everyone else is progressing faster Wondered if you’re training because you love it or because you don’t know who you are without it Thought about quitting (even quietly) This episode is for you. Because you can love something and still need to change how you do it.You can compete and still rest.You can be driven and still be balanced.And scaling? It’s not a dirty word — it’s a superpower. If this episode is your swig of pre-workout… or your permission slip to rest… hit that follow button. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon, or YouTube.⭐ Leave us a 5-star review — it helps more than you know.📩 Want us to deep dive into a topic?📍 Want your affiliate featured in our Affiliate Segment? DM us @savagelyscaledor email us at savagelyscaled1@gmail.com Remember — don’t be a Karen… be a Sharon.And until we meet at the whiteboard again… BYE.

    44 min
  4. FEB 24

    Video 12: Stack the Wins: Check-in & Locked- In For Whats Next

    💥 Episode 77: “Stack the Wins: February Check-In & Locked-In for What’s Next” Video 12 is HERE and this one is all about momentum. In this episode of Savagely Scaled, we sit down for our February goal check-in and let’s just say… this year feels different. We talk about: 🔥 Blake staying consistent with creatine and dialing in her 9:30pm bedtime routine (and what happens when she doesn’t)🔥 Adding post-workout stretching and what it really takes to protect your body long-term🔥 Joyce hitting her hydration goals (160oz a day 👀) and how that’s impacting performance🔥 Toes-to-bar progress, chest-to-bar wins, and getting invited to train with Coach Dave & Coach Jason🔥 Why having a competition on the calendar changes EVERYTHING🔥 The difference between “wanting to be better” and actually structuring your life to get there We also dive into something real:Sometimes you don’t need more motivation — you need a date, a deadline, and a reason. With the CrossFit Open around the corner, Blake heading to Salt Lake City in April, and NCC prep in full swing, we’re stacking goals month by month instead of trying to fix everything at once. This episode is about: ✔️ Realistic goals✔️ Accessory work that actually matters✔️ Figuring out what season of life you’re in✔️ And understanding that if you’re not making time for it… you might not be ready for it (yet) If you want to: • Be featured on our Affiliate Segment• Suggest an episode topic for us to deep dive into• Share your monthly goals so we can hype you up• Or just tell us if we PR’d this episode or totally no-repped it You can reach us here: 📩 Email: savagelyscaled1@gmail.com📱 Instagram: @savagelyscaled (DM us!) You can also leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts, comment on Spotify, or share the episode to your stories and tag us so we can repost you. If this podcast is your swig of pre-workout, make sure you hit follow and keep sharing. And remember… Don’t be a Karen, be a Sharon…Until we meet at the whiteboard again. 💪🔥 📲 Want to Connect With Us? If you want to: • Be featured on our Affiliate Segment• Suggest an episode topic for us to deep dive into• Share your monthly goals so we can hype you up• Or just tell us if we PR’d this episode or totally no-repped it You can reach us here: 📩 Email: savagelyscaled1@gmail.com📱 Instagram: @savagelyscaled (DM us!) You can also leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts, comment on Spotify, or share the episode to your stories and tag us so we can repost you. If this podcast is your swig of pre-workout, make sure you hit follow and keep sharing. And remember… Don’t be a Karen, be a Sharon…Until we meet at the whiteboard again. 💪🔥

    39 min
  5. FEB 10

    Episode 75: Trusting the Process- Joyce's Road to the Northern California Classic

    In Episode 75, we sit down and take a deep dive into Joyce’s journey to the Northern California Classics (NCC) — from the initial spark that made her want to sign up, to the work, mindset shifts, and determination it took to earn her place on the competition floor. Joyce breaks down what the Northern California Classics is, why this competition stood out to her, and why she felt called to pursue it at this point in her CrossFit journey. We talk through the preparation process, the nerves that came with putting herself out there, and the mental battles that showed up alongside the physical ones. This wasn’t just about participation — it was about execution. During the qualifying stage, Joyce secured one event win and two Top 5 finishes, a testament to trusting the process, staying consistent, and believing in the work being done behind the scenes. Each workout brought lessons, confidence, and clarity about why she continues to chase growth in this sport. With the Northern California Classics taking place this May, this episode marks the beginning of a new chapter. We’re excited to bring you along for the rest of the journey — the training, the adjustments, the highs, the challenges, and everything that comes with preparing for a major competition. This is just the start, and we can’t wait to share what’s ahead. This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned if they were ready, wondered whether to sign up, or needed reassurance that progress isn’t always immediate — but it is always earned. Joyce’s story is a reminder that showing up, staying patient, and trusting the process can lead to some incredible moments. If this episode is your swig of pre-workout before a workout, a lift, or a big decision — welcome, you’re in the right place. Have an episode you want us to deep dive into?Interested in being featured on our Affiliate Segment and sharing your gym’s story? 📲 DM us on Instagram @savagelyscaled📧 Email us at savagelyscaled1@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs that extra push. Until we meet at the whiteboard again… 💥

    59 min
  6. FEB 3

    Episode 74: Sweat, Thrusters & Trauma: Our Best and Worst CrossFit Open Workouts

    The CrossFit Open is back — and we’re breaking down the best, worst, and most unforgettable Open workouts we’ve lived through over the years. In this episode of Savagely Scaled, Joyce and Blake dive into Open workouts they never want to see again, the ones they surprisingly loved, and why the Open still matters no matter where you fall on the leaderboard. From burpee box jump nightmares and thruster-heavy tests to workouts that brought PRs, puke buckets, and pure adrenaline, we’re reliving it all. We talk about: Our most dreaded Open workouts (and why they still haunt us) Favorite Open tests that played to our strengths How the Open challenges you mentally just as much as physically Why showing up is already a win RX vs scaled vs foundations — and why comparison kills the experience Friday Night Lights energy and the magic of community How the Open reveals what you should focus on for the rest of the year Whether this is your first Open or your tenth, this episode is a reminder that the Open isn’t just about scores — it’s about courage, growth, and doing hard things alongside people who have your back. ✨ Sign up. Show up. Celebrate the wins — big or small. If this episode is your pre-workout, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your gym crew. 📩 Want to be part of our Affiliate Segment or have a topic you want us to cover next?DM us on Instagram @savagelyscaled or email savagelyscaled1@gmail.com. Remember: Don’t be a Karen, be a Sharon — and keep sharing.Until we meet at the whiteboard again… BYE 👋

    46 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Savagely Scaled is where we, average CrossFitters talk about the history of the sport, community, events, workouts and of course the culture! We will also be speaking to our own personal goals and experiences with the sport. We hope this can help introduce the sport to some of you out there who have always been curious about Crossfit as well as a space for current Crossfit athletes to share in their love for the sport.