Why Rest Matters
EverBold Newsletter: 02/21/25: #getbolder
Jason Grubb here—5x CrossFit Games champion and your coach dedicated to helping Masters Athletes like you live healthier, fitter, and stronger every day.
This newsletter is proudly sponsored by Bolder Athlete, my training program built from the ground up for Masters who refuse to settle. At Bolder Athlete, we’re all about pushing limits with purpose—blending elite-level workouts, smart recovery, and a community that thrives on grit and balance. It’s where I pour my years of championship experience to help athletes like you feel unstoppable, no matter your starting point.
Whether you’re already training with us or just curious, I’m excited to share some insights and opportunities with you today!
The Power of a Deload Week for Masters Athletes
Next week, I’m leading my Bolder Athletes into a deload week, and I want you to understand why this isn’t just a break—it’s a cornerstone of staying fit and healthy as a Masters Athlete.
A deload week means intentionally pulling back: lighter weights, fewer reps, lower intensity. It’s not about slacking off; it’s about giving your body and mind the space to catch up after weeks of pushing hard. I’ve relied on this strategy through five CrossFit Games titles, and it’s kept me in the game well into my Masters years.
Here’s why it’s a big deal, especially for Masters Athletes:
Recovery is Where Strength Lives: You don’t get stronger lifting the bar—you get stronger recovering from it. A deload lets your muscles repair micro-tears, your joints ease up, and your nervous system reset. Skip this, and you’re flirting with plateaus or worse, injury.
Masters Bodies Demand Smarts: We’re not 20 anymore, and that’s our superpower. We can still crush it, but our recovery window shifts. A deload respects that, reducing wear-and-tear so we can keep training hard without breaking down.
Mental Recharge Matters: Grinding week after week can fry your focus. A deload week lifts that fog—suddenly, you’re hungry to get back under the bar, not dreading it. I’ve felt that shift myself, and it’s gold.
Longevity is the Goal: We’re in this for life, not a season. Strategic rest like a deload keeps us moving well, feeling good, and avoiding the burnout that sidelines too many.
What does it look like? Next week, my crew will swap heavy lifts for lighter, technique-focused work. We’ll move with purpose - but keep the pedal off the floor. By the end, we’re refreshed, not wrecked.
I challenge you to try it too: cut your usual intensity in half, focus on form or recovery (stretch, foam roll, sauna, sleep!), and see how you feel after seven days. It’s worked wonders for me and countless athletes I’ve coached.
A Peek Ahead: March 3rd Cycle for Bolder Athletes
On March 3rd, we’ll kick off a new 4-week cycle, ramping up for the 2025 CrossFit Age Group Semifinals. It’ll be tough and purposeful—perfect for Masters who want to sharpen their fitness - get a 3 week free trial here.
Want More?
I’d love to help you dial in your training and recovery:
Join Bolder Athlete.
Work with me 1:1 or get nutrition coaching at jasongrubb.com.
Your Input Keeps Us Growing
Got thoughts on deloads or how I can support your fitness? Let me know—I’m here to make this journey better for all of us Masters Athletes.
To a bold, healthy life,
- Jason
🎥 Recent Videos:
🎧 Listen to the Latest Masters In Motion Podcast!
Whenever you’re ready, there are a few ways I can help you:
Unlock your full potential with personalized 1:1 coaching with me. Achieve your fitness goals faster and smarter. Apply for private one-on-one coaching.
Become a Bolder Athlete → a fitness platform specifically tailored for Masters Athletes aged 35 and older. It deviates from the common practice of merely scaling down routines designed for younger athletes, instead creating programs that address the distinct needs of masters athletes.
Want to promote your business to 10,000+ fitness and CrossFit enthusiasts? Email me here to chat about sponsorship.