Day in the Life: Training for the CrossFit Games with Brent Fikowski
It’s been twenty months since The Professor, Brent Fikowski, competed at an in-person event. We were able to talk with the Torque Captain as he trains for the upcoming 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games. From sweet potatoes to muscle scrapers & training highlights, we cover what Brent’s training has looked like in the year of the unknown.
As an elite athlete, Brent Fikowski is constantly challenged to improve, experience more difficulties & excel at his passions. When faced with difficulty, Fikowski ponders various quotes. Recently, he has resonated with ‘romanticizing the future’. Coming to this understanding through our human tendency to ‘romanticize the past’, he has chosen to ‘romanticize the future’. Before a difficult workout he meditates on this thought and is able to think about how he wants to feel when the tough workout is finished. Is the goal to be satisfied with the most viscous effort, or to regret a job that could have been done better? For Fikowski, the answer is obvious. Romanticize the future & Don’t Quit. Ever.
Speaking of the future, how does Brent’s daily routine support his future goals? An intentional nighttime routine, following his coach’s programming and releasing stressed muscles are important areas he focuses on. To unwind and prepare for the day ahead, Brent will remove screened devices, sit in a cool room, stretch, and take time to release the energy of the day.
Averaging 9 to 10 hours of sleep per night to wake up recharged, Brent fuels his body with nutritious foods that provide energy pre and post workout. Main meals typically contain sweet potatoes - his staple product! Beyond meals, Fikowski values productivity & programming.
Staying in the moment is essential during a difficult workout. Brent holds his presence with each rep by actively counting and focusing on how many more reps he has with a specific movement. This mindset keeps him narrowed in on the task at hand, like a true professor. Long ago, Fikowski made a commitment to himself, family, friends & the CrossFit community. On days when he does not feel like training, which come more often than not, Brent remembers where he started, how much achievement he will feel after the workout, and he pushes into his workout. By leaning into the commitment and analytical side, Brent is able to motivate himself in unique ways to do more & become more.
Speaking of the future, how does Brent’s daily routine support his future goals? An intentional nighttime routine, following his coach’s programming and releasing stressed muscles are important areas he focuses on. To unwind and prepare for the day ahead, Brent will remove screened devices, sit in a cool room, stretch, and take time to release the energy of the day.
Averaging 9 to 10 hours of sleep per night to wake up recharged, Brent fuels his body with nutritious foods that provide energy pre and post workout. Main meals typically contain sweet potatoes - his staple product! Beyond meals, Fikowski values productivity & programming.
Staying in the moment is essential during a difficult workout. Brent holds his presence with each rep by actively counting and focusing on how many more reps he has with a specific movement. This mindset keeps him narrowed in on the task at hand, like a true professor. Long ago, Fikowski made a commitment to himself, family, friends & the CrossFit community. On days when he does not feel like training, which come more often than not, Brent remembers where he started, how much achievement he will feel after the workout, and he pushes into his workout. By leaning into the commitment and analytical side, Brent is able to motivate himself in unique ways to do more & become more.
Throughout the global pandemic, Brent faced uncertainty, crowdless competitions and separation from communities he was deeply part of. Rather than using the experience as an excuse to plateau or decline, Brent chose to root deeper in his routine. Last minute changes were not enjoyable, but they did not differ him from the primary purpose of growing stronger and pursuing the commitment he made to enduring the journey to the Fittest in the World. Even with the ruckus of the world, Brent was able to experience training highlights and improve his workouts and movements on a technical level. The opportunity to be at home, train in-house and be without the constant hustle guided Brent to a stronger path than before - it also helps that Brent thrives on alone time rather than social hour!
Throughout the global pandemic, Brent faced uncertainty, crowdless competitions and separation from communities he was deeply part of. Rather than using the experience as an excuse to plateau or decline, Brent chose to root deeper in his routine. Last minute changes were not enjoyable, but they did not differ him from the primary purpose of growing stronger and pursuing the commitment he made to enduring the journey to the Fittest in the World. Even with the ruckus of the world, Brent was able to experience training highlights and improve his workouts and movements on a technical level. The opportunity to be at home, train in-house and be without the constant hustle guided Brent to a stronger path than before - it also helps that Brent thrives on alone time rather than social hour!
Preparing for the CrossFit competition season brought on long hours of training and preparing to train. From the TANK to dumbbells & Torpedo Bags, Brent has been utilizing various pieces of Torque equipment to fully prepare for the battle ahead. Using the TANK for CrossFit Games training has been incredibly exciting for Brent. Here’s what he had to say,
“Pretty much every year at the CrossFit Games they have us moving a sled whether it is a push or a pull, so it’s been great to have a TANK which is way more consistent and convenient for training. I know in years past I would load up a normal friction sled on asphalt with six or more 45lb plates, and it would still slide too easily. The setup time was a real pain and then the workout stimulus wasn’t appropriate anyway. With the TANK the setup has been way quicker and there has been no hiding regardless of what surface I’m using it on.”
Preparing for the CrossFit competition season brought on long hours of training and preparing to train. From the TANK to dumbbells & Torpedo Bags, Brent has been utilizing various pieces of Torque equipment to fully prepare for the battle ahead. Using the TANK for CrossFit Games training has been incredibly exciting for Brent. Here’s what he had to say,
“Pretty much every year at the CrossFit Games they have us moving a sled whether it is a push or a pull, so it’s been great to have a TANK which is way more consistent and convenient for training. I know in years past I would load up a normal friction sled on asphalt with six or more 45lb plates, and it would still slide too easily. The setup time was a real pain and then the workout stimulus wasn’t appropriate anyway. With the TANK the setup has been way quicker and there has been no hiding regardless of what surface I’m using it on.”
Brent utilizes Torpedo bags, kettlebells & dumbbells to improve his strength and stamina. An integral exercise Brent focuses on is the regular use of light weight dumbbells, ranging from 5-10lbs., in each hand for reverse dumbbell flys and lateral raises. This is a simple and effective training routine Fikowski uses to become a better athlete.
In less than 10 days, Brent Fikowski and many other elite athletes will be competing in the 2021 CrossFit Games to showcase the strength they have built both physically & mentally. Fikowski will be counting rep by rep as he journeys to the podium. Good luck Brent, the Torque Team is ready to cheer on our Captain!
