1. CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY FOR BEN SMITH
When you analyse the performances of Ben Smith, you see just how consistently good he actually is.
- Last year at the Games he took two first place finishes
- He secured 11 top 10 places out of 13 events
- Winning the Atlantic Regionals this year, he hit 3 first place finishes and his lowest placement was seventh.
- Last year when Ben won the CrossFit Games it was his SEVENTH year of competing at the Games!
Crossfit is all about being good across the board, and at the top level, that means being excellent across every type of event. Ben Smith is exactly that, which is why he wins.
It is no fluke that he is so well rounded, it is because he puts in the work. Ben Smith, because of his humility, is honest about his weaknesses and works on them as much as on the exercises and lifts that he enjoys. This attention to detail helps him become a better athlete, and the consistency of his training allows him to deliver results.
Write down your weaknesses and make sure to work on them as much as all the others exercises within your programming.
2. GREAT FORM IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL
“The cleaner your movement mechanics, the less effort you have to use each rep” Kelly Starrett
If you are always working to improve your technique, then you will become a more efficient athlete. Great form is essential for preventing injury, but it will also allow you to save energy during your WODs.
The competitors that make it to the CrossFit Games are all incredibly fit, so what separates them out once they reach this top level? There are of course the usual factors of training, nutrition, mental toughness etc, but all these athletes are working with the best coaches and nutritionists in the game, so they are all training intelligently, eating well and mentally tough. At this level the efficiency of their movement can be one of the factors that determines the difference between first and second place.
Whatever your level, taking time to keep working on technique and always trying to improve will pay off in the long run. Even for the most simple exercises such as Box Jumps or Burpees, think of the most efficient way to perform them, how can you make your movement patterns better.
3. HAVE FUN AND MAKE RELAXATION A PART OF YOUR LIFESTYLE
Smith designs his lifestyle to have as few external stressors as possible. As a professional Crossfit athlete, this is easier to organise than for most of us as we balance work, family life and other commitments, but Crossfitters don’t make excuses, they get things done. Additionally, if you are enjoying your training, then you will be much more likely to continue doing it.
If you are highly stressed or anxious you won’t perform to the best of your ability. Work to simplify and concentrate on what you are going to do when you get into the Box so that you can walk in and focus. We all know exactly how well Crossfit works as therapy! So make sure your mind is always fully concentrating on the job at hand.
A positive message from Ben Smith to himself
4. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE THAT PUSH YOU TO SUCCEED
Ben Smith trains with his brothers (both competitive Crossfit athletes) and a few close friends. Crossfit Krypton is basically his second home.
“When I’m training there I can just do what I need to do and get in the zone,” he says. “And training alongside my brothers helps me to push harder.”
Ben Smith also talks about how he has been spurred on to succeed from a young age: “Growing up, I was always taught to go outside my comfort zone.” And this influence also came from his Dad, an athlete with a deadlift of 272 kg (600lbs)!
A video posted by Ben Smith (@bsmit13) on
5. BE HUMBLE
Ben Smith doesn’t showboat, he isn’t arrogant about his victory last year and he’s quiet, calm and collected. He visualises the work ahead, puts his head down and gets the job done. His methods work.
He never blames any other factors for why he lost an event or why a particular movement was not performed as well as it should have been. When you watch him compete, you see that he has a firm grasp on what he can – and cannot – control. As an athlete he moves through workouts at his set pace with confidence in his own abilities. He is aware of the competition, but focused on his own gameplan.
Try the same approach:
- Think carefully about your next WOD and how you will tackle it.
- Leave your ego at the door and focus on what you are doing, not those around you.
- Plan the times you want to hit for each round and memorise them or write them on your hand.
- Try your best to stick to your plan.
