Stephane Rochet (CF-L3) is a former D1 collegiate strength and conditioning coach at top-tier athletic programs, a former CrossFit Seminar Staff Flowmaster, and currently serves as CrossFit HQ’s Senior Content Writer. With more than two decades of experience, few people are more qualified to drop the hammer on the most common misconceptions about CrossFit. In this episode, Stephane joins Denise to break down what CrossFit actually is — and what it isn’t. 

Together, Stephane and Denise tackle myths around intensity, scaling, technique, injury, aging, and burnout. Stephane shares how he implemented CrossFit in a collegiate S&C setting, why technique always comes before intensity, and how to reset when training stops feeling right.

Whether you’re brand new or 10 years in, this conversation will help you better understand the program — and stay in it for life.

Myths Debunked:

• CrossFit is too intense — and not sustainable
• You have to redline every day to get results
• CrossFit athletes don’t care about form or technique
  CrossFit isn’t appropriate for older adults
• Injured athletes have no place in the gym
• Burnout means it’s time to quit

Resources Mentioned:

• CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2 Courses: https://www.crossfit.com/education/about 
• Stephane Rochet’s articles on CrossFit.com
  • e.g., “Don’t Be Normal: Do CrossFit”
• Coaching GPP in CrossFit (Conversation with Joe Alexander on the CrossFit Training YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lof6v82gQOQ 
• The Technique article: https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/technique  
• “Garage Gym” article from the CrossFit Journal: https://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/cfjissue1_Sep02.pdf 
• Chris Masterjohn’s article on preserving muscle while dieting: https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/keep-muscle-lose-fat 
• The CrossFit charter: mechanics → consistency → intensity: https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/mechanics-consistency-intensity-part-1-what-does-it-mean 
• Classic programming model: 3-on/1-off

Community Highlight:

Kelly Kim — a 10-year affiliate owner and the first female member of CrossFit Seminar Staff in South Korea — was nominated for this feature by a fellow Korean affiliate owner. Why? 

Over the past year, she’s visited more than 60 affiliates across the country and has sent out 200 pairs of training shoes to support local owners. Her generosity and love for the CrossFit community runs deep. If you’re in Asia, you’ve probably seen her around — whether reporting from competitions or showing up in a box near you.

Right now, she’s still on the road, helping affiliate owners learn how to use social media more effectively.

Know someone you think deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here → https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/CrossFit-Community-Stories/tt-PrkSJ 

Share Your Thoughts: 

Let us know what you think about the podcast and how we can improve here → https://crossfit.surveysparrow.com/s/The-CrossFit-Podcast—Feedback-Survey/tt-lf9Gf?ep=012