In this no-fluff episode, Nik Hecht explains how he wasn’t even planning a full season—then landed himself in a Masters CrossFit Games qualifying spot while prioritizing family and business. We break down the exact levers he pulled: short, high-yield training blocks (often 30–90 minutes), smarter weekly planning, and the mindset shift from “full-time athlete” to husband/father first—without lowering standards. Nik also opens up about the earlier setback that changed his trajectory (a broken femur) and how that toughness now powers a life with a gym, a construction company, a protein brand, and real-estate plays—while still competing at an elite level.
What you’ll learn
How to qualify without training full-time (minimal-effective training blocks)
Weekly planning that balances kids, work, and the season
When to cut junk volume and double down on what moves the needle
How to use your support system (spouse, staff, training partners) for accountability
The identity shift that keeps ambition high and burnout low
About Nik Hecht3× CrossFit Games athlete (Team ’22 & ’23; Masters qualifier). Gym owner (Philadelphia), operator across construction, protein, and real-estate. Husband and father.
Who this episode is forAthletes, parents, and business owners who want to perform at a high level with limited time.
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Keywords: CrossFit, Masters, time-crunched training, minimal effective dose, EMOM-style density, family systems, entrepreneurship, gym owner, construction company, protein company, real estate, semifinals, CrossFit Games, performance mindset, Nik Hecht