S05E191 The Art and Science of Coaching Excellence with Guest Michael DelaTorre

The HERD FIT

Veteran CrossFit coach Michael DelaTorre @thecoachmiked joins the coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic to share wisdom gleaned from coaching an estimated 15,000 classes across multiple facilities. This conversation dives deep into the evolving nature of coaching across different environments—from young professionals in urban settings to diverse suburban populations.
Mike reveals his coaching journey, which began with track and field in 2000 before discovering CrossFit while still a bodybuilder. His story highlights how the joy of seeing others progress became a driving force in his career, despite the modest pay and demanding hours.
Through transitions between various facilities—Motown, Hoboken, Parabolic, and now Bison/Outlast—Mike learned valuable lessons about adaptability and maintaining core values. His time at a sports performance facility taught him to sometimes slow things down for longevity and simplify approaches for the average fitness enthusiast. As he notes, most people don't need complicated programming to get fit.
Perhaps the most fascinating discussion centers around a philosophical shift: moving from "building culture through fitness" to "building fitness through culture." The hosts explore how creating welcoming environments and fostering relationships might be more sustainable and inclusive than the traditional high-intensity CrossFit approach. This represents not just a change in coaching style, but a maturation that comes only through extensive experience.
Whether you're a coach seeking wisdom or someone interested in fitness community dynamics, this conversation offers valuable insights about maintaining passion through life's changes while creating environments where diverse populations can thrive. As Mike concludes, "Always find the joy in what we do"—advice that transcends coaching and applies to any meaningful pursuit.
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Chapters

1. Welcome to the Herd Fit Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Mike Delator's Coaching Journey (00:00:49)

3. Why We Coach: Personal Motivations (00:03:12)

4. Lessons from Different Coaching Environments (00:10:07)

5. The Science vs. Art of Coaching (00:18:36)

6. Building Fitness Through Culture (00:27:42)

7. Finding Joy in Coaching (00:36:43)