Looks Don’t Win: Why 203lbs Made Me a Champ
EverBold Newsletter: 06/18/25: #getbolder
In 2018, I was 187 pounds—lean, shredded, abs you could see from space. I looked like a fitness model but got humbled at the Games. By 2024, my fifth win, I was 203 pounds—stronger, a bit padded, not as “ripped.” I’d kill to have my 2018 look back, but this body’s a beast. Here’s why I chose performance over aesthetics, how it made me better at everything, and how you can build your strongest self.
My Wake-Up Call
In 2018, at 187 pounds, I was a gymnastics machine—muscle-ups, pull-ups, smooth as butter. Endurance? I could grind metcons all day. But the Games exposed me. Heavy cleans felt like wrestling a bear, and I faded in long events. I looked great, performed meh.In 2019, lighter events let my fitness shine at 190 pounds, and I snagged my first title. But I knew I needed more. So, I started gaining—a pound or two a year: 195 pounds in 2021 (win #2), 198 in 2022 (#3), 200 in 2023 (#4), 203 in 2024 (#5).Crazy part? As I got heavier, I got better at gymnastics and endurance. My muscle-ups are faster, my 500m row splits steadier. At 203, I’m stronger—deadlifting 330 pounds—and more durable. Those 13 extra pounds, mostly muscle with a touch of padding, changed everything.
The Science Behind the Gains
Why does 203 pounds trump 190? Science has my back:
Muscle Power: A 2019 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research study says more muscle boosts strength and power. My added mass powers my 500-pound deadlifts and heavy snatches.
CrossFit Fit: Sports Medicine (2020) shows CrossFit thrives on 5-10% more body mass than “aesthetic” weight. My 203 pounds fuels 2-hour, 100s of calorie sessions.
Energy Tank: A 2021 International Journal of Sport Nutrition study says slight body fat (not flab) keeps energy high for grinds. My padding helps me outlast athletes.
Skill Boost: Journal of Sports Sciences (2020) explains added muscle improves neural efficiency—brain and muscles sync better. That may be why my gymnastics and endurance rock at 203lbs.
Letting Go of the Mirror
At 38, starting CrossFit, I chased that 190-pound look—abs, veins, ego fuel. After 2018’s flop, I had to rethink it. I ate more—200g protein daily, like Fage 0% yogurt, Heart & Soil whey shakes with raw eggs, and grass-fed burgers. I lifted heavier, focused on PRs, not poses. My 500+ days sober taught me discipline over vanity.
Now, at 49, I’m okay with a little padding if it means snatching heavier or grinding metcons. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (2022) says focusing on performance, not looks, sharpens your mental edge.
Your Turn: Build Your Best
You don’t need a Games podium to face this choice. Maybe you love your lean look but stall on lifts, or fear gaining weight for strength. Here’s how I find my performance zone:
Track PRs, Not Pounds: Log one lift or skill weekly (e.g., pull-ups). My 2024 snatch PR at 203 pounds beat my 2018 best even though I was 6 years older.
Fuel Like a Champ: Hit 0.7-1g protein per pound of goal weight. I take in 200g a day.
Embrace the Padding: A bit (not a load) of extra calories fuels muscle growth and recovery. Add 200-300 calories if lifts or performance plateaus, matching your training.
Mind Over Mirror: Visualize your performance and longevity, not abs.
Sponsor Spotlight: Bolder Athlete—Built for You
My journey’s fueled by Bolder Athlete, my program for Masters athletes like us. From Scaled for beginners to Elite for competitors, it’s designed to build your strongest self, not just a lean one. I’m using it to prep for Columbus—you can too. Get 3 weeks free at BolderAthlete.com and join our 500+ crew to train bold.
Coaching Takeaway: Be Strong, Not Just Lean
My five titles didn’t come from looking shredded—they came from building a body that can perform. At 190 pounds, I was aesthetic but weak. At 203, I’m a champ—better at gymnastics, endurance, lifts. You don’t need to bulk up, but don’t let looks limit you. Train for what you can achieve, not what you see in the mirror.
I’m forging my best body for Columbus, not my leanest. What’s your next bold move?
Stay Bold,
Jason Grubb
5-Time CrossFit Games Masters Champ
Bolder Athlete Founder
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