Sports

Jason Grubb Was Shredded at 187 Pounds But Struggled in Strength Events

In the world of fitness, ripped abs and chiseled physiques dominate the conversation. But for multi-time CrossFit Games champion Jason Grubb, the pursuit of aesthetics once conflicted with performance—and it nearly cost him his health and success. In a candid reflection, Jason opens up about body image struggles, years of underfueling, and finally accepting that […]

Published

2 months ago

June 17, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Jason Grubb Was Shredded at 187 Pounds But Struggled in Strength Events

In a candid reflection, Jason opens up about body image struggles, years of underfueling, and finally accepting that his best performance comes with a bigger body.

It’s a powerful story that flips the narrative most athletes are sold. If you’ve ever wrestled with comparing your performance to how you look, this article will hit home – and possibly reshape your entire approach to fitness.

The Struggle Between Looking Fit and Being Fit

For Jason, the feeling of being “fat” started young. Despite being active as a child and training in gymnastics through his teens, he never felt lean enough. It wasn’t about numbers on a scale—it was about perception. “I’ve always felt thick. I’ve always felt round,” he admits.

By his twenties and thirties, Jason was pushing himself with running routines and workout streaks—but his nutrition didn’t support his athletic goals. In hindsight, he sees those years clearly: a mix of effort and inconsistency, undermined by poor fueling habits and a fixation on looking leaner.

2018: Lean and Underpowered

Jason qualified for his first CrossFit Games in 2018 weighing around 187 pounds—lean, shredded, and by all visual accounts, physically impressive. “I was ripped… veins and visible abs,” he recalls. But under the hood, something wasn’t working.

He struggled through the strength events, finishing near the bottom on heavy lifts. “I just didn’t have it,” he said of the snatch and jerk events. That’s when he began to realize that being lighter wasn’t helping him win—it was costing him strength and power.

The Turning Point: Fueling Performance Over Aesthetics

Over the following years, Jason experimented with eating more—sometimes intentionally, sometimes just out of life circumstance. As he gained weight, he didn’t lose performance. Quite the opposite.

By the 2019 CrossFit Games, he was up to 190–192 pounds. With better nutrition and improved recovery, he not only qualified again—he won.

“I discovered that when I ate more and fueled my body more appropriately, I performed better and I felt better.”

It wasn’t a fluke. He continued that trend in 2021 (197 lbs), 2022 (200 lbs), 2023, and now again in 2024 at his heaviest weight yet—206 pounds. And he keeps winning.

What Happens When You Stop Prioritizing Abs

The internal tension still exists. Even now, Jason admits he doesn’t always like what he sees in the mirror.

“I take my shirt off and I see a guy that doesn’t look like Brent Fikowski… ripped and chiseled. I still see that ‘fat guy.’”

Yet performance metrics tell a different story. Despite being heavier than ever, Jason is stronger, faster, and more well-rounded than ever. He dominates in high-skill gymnastics, endurance events, and now strength events that once held him back.

At the 2023 Games, which opened with a one-rep max clean and jerk followed by a max snatch, he didn’t lag—he thrived. “All of those things are getting better, and I’m still winning the endurance events… As I got heavier, I got better at this sport.”

The Psychology Behind Body Image in Performance Sports

For athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts living in a culture obsessed with six-packs and scale weight, separating aesthetics from ability isn’t easy. Jason’s story is proof of how deeply internal these battles go—even for someone at the top of their game.

He knows he performs best at 200+ pounds.
He’s won more titles at his heaviest weight.
Yet he still questions if he should cut calories to look leaner.

This duality isn’t uncommon. Research from the National Library of Medicine on athlete body image reveals that many competitors, especially in aesthetic-leaning communities like CrossFit and fitness, experience similar body dissatisfaction—even at elite levels.

How to Know What’s Best—Function or Form?

While Jason isn’t offering diet advice or training strategies in this reflection, his core message is clear: Align your goals with what matters most to you.

If your mission is to perform at your best, you may need to embrace a body composition that doesn’t match fitness magazine covers.

In his words:

“If I wanted to aesthetically look absolutely amazing, I’m probably going to be 190 lbs… But that is not best for me for performance. I’m not here for photo shoots. I’m here to win titles.”

Actionable Takeaways From Jason’s Journey

Even though he didn’t spell them out, Jason’s story reveals a blueprint anyone can learn from:

1. Track Performance, Not Just Weight

Instead of obsessing over the number on the scale, track strength gains, recovery quality, and energy levels. They tell a more complete story of your fitness journey.

2. Fuel Like an Athlete

Undereating to chase aesthetics can sabotage your goals. Fuel your workouts, your sleep, and your recovery. As Jason found, eating more led to better sleep, better lifts, and overall improved output.

3. Allow Your Body to Evolve

Your “ideal” body at one stage of life or training may not be what works best now. Let go of static ideals. Adapt with intention.

4. Accept That You May Never Feel “Lean Enough”

Body dysmorphia isn’t logical. Even after multiple championships, Jason still sees a “fat guy” sometimes. Self-acceptance takes active effort—especially in a culture that idolizes aesthetics.

5. Define Success for Yourself

Is it stepping onto a podium? Hitting a PR? Living pain-free? Once you define success on your terms, navigating body image becomes less complicated.

The Bottom Line

Jason Grubb’s story is a bold reminder that fitness isn’t defined by abs or a number on the scale—it’s about what your body can do. And if your high-functioning self comes with a little extra thickness? So be it.

“I might just be a 49-year-old CrossFit athlete chasing a title in this body. And I’m growing to accept that.”

Whether you’re a high-level athlete or simply committed to better health, remember: Looking fit and being fit are not always the same thing—chasing both doesn’t always lead you to the top of the podium.

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Sports

2025 Fall Preview: Branson Volleyball

By Chris Parker Branson volleyball was a young team with just one senior last season, but that didn’t stop the Pirates from posting a winning record at 15-9-4. “With having a younger team last year, these girls realized they can compete with anyone,” Branson head coach Francie McBride said. “We lost some close matches last […]

Published

4 minutes ago

August 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By Chris Parker

Branson volleyball was a young team with just one senior last season, but that didn’t stop the Pirates from posting a winning record at 15-9-4.

“With having a younger team last year, these girls realized they can compete with anyone,” Branson head coach Francie McBride said. “We lost some close matches last year which has fueled their desire to be even more competitive this year.”

A wealth of experience including three all-conference players return this season.

Emma Skoglund, a William Penn commit, returns for her senior season. She led Branson in kills (273) and blocks (38) last season.

“Emma is a very driven player with a stellar work ethic,” McBride said. “She has put in countless hours in the off-season to be physically stronger and a better all-around volleyball player. Her commitment is unmatched, and she will be a steadfast leader for us this season. Emma can hit anywhere on the court and has a high volleyball IQ.”

Gigi McAdara earned second-team all-conference honors as a junior. She was second to Skoglund in both kills (217) and blocks (30) last season.

“Gigi has improved tremendously over the past few years,” McBride said. “She has great court awareness and uses her length to her advantage on offense. She is a versatile front-row player and has played all three positions the past two years and brings great experience.”

Kayden Butrum is the final returning all-conference player. The senior was named all-conference honorable mention after she led Branson in both digs (415) and serve receptions (411).

“Kayden is an excellent leader on and off the floor,” McBride said. “She spurs on our defense with her communication, high-level energy, and commitment and brings four-years of varsity experience.”

The final two returning seniors are Remington Holmes and Sarah Cox. Holmes is a team captain and a two-year letter winner. Cox is a utility player who brings energy, positivity and initiative to the program.

Juniors Erinn Swofford (setter), Joree McBride (OH/DS) and Bella Harmon also return. Swofford led the team in assists with 725 as a sophomore. McBride looks to be 100 percent healthy entering the season after fully recovering from a knee injury.

Several sophomores will look to find varsity time.

“We have a very athletic sophomore group this season who are expected to make an impact at the varsity level,” McBride said.

The roster is a close-knit one that has experience playing together.

“Our biggest strength is that these girls genuinely love playing the game of volleyball and they love playing it together and they want to see our program be successful,” Coach McBride said. “With how tight-knit they are I believe we are going to do big things and have lots of fun along the way.”

Branson travels to West Plains for a jamboree on Aug. 26. The jamboree will take place outside on the football field with Glendale and the host Zizzers. The Pirates open the regular season on Aug. 28 at Harrison (Ark.) before hosting their home invitational on Aug. 30.

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Sports

Cross Country releases schedule for 2025 season

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee has released its 2025 cross country schedule, featuring four regular season meets before hosting the Conference USA Championship in Huntsville, Alabama. The Blue Raiders, who finished as runner-up on both the men’s and women’s sides at last year’s CUSA Championships, return with eyes on the title in a season that […]

Published

24 minutes ago

August 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee has released its 2025 cross country schedule, featuring four regular season meets before hosting the Conference USA Championship in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Blue Raiders, who finished as runner-up on both the men’s and women’s sides at last year’s CUSA Championships, return with eyes on the title in a season that includes multiple previews of the championship course.

Middle Tennessee opens the season on Aug. 30 at the Memphis Twilight, marking the program’s ninth consecutive appearance at the meet.

On Sept. 12, the Blue Raiders will head to Huntsville, Ala., for the Southern Showcase — a key opportunity to race on the championship course.

The team will then compete in the Louisville Classic on Oct. 4, followed by a trip to College Station, Texas, for the Arturo Barrios Invitational on Oct. 17, hosted by Texas A&M.

The Conference USA Championship will be held on Nov. 1 in Huntsville, with MTSU serving as host.

NCAA Regionals will follow two weeks later, also in Huntsville, marking the Blue Raiders’ third visit to the course this season. The NCAA National Championship will take place in Columbia, Mo., hosted by the University of Missouri.

Keeping up with the Blue Raiders
Keep up with Blue Raider cross country and track and field on Facebook (Middle Tennessee Blue Raider XC/Track & Field), Twitter (@MT_TrackField), and Instagram (@mt_trackfield).

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Sports

Volleyball Picked to Finish 13th in NSIC; Local Freshmen on Track Team

BSU women’s volleyball was picked to finish 13th in the 2025 NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, and sophomore middle blocker Ava Athman was tabbed as the Beavers’ Preseason Player to Watch for the year. It will be Bemidji State’s first season under new head coach Erika Bute, who spent last year as an assistant for the […]

Published

25 minutes ago

August 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

It will be Bemidji State’s first season under new head coach Erika Bute, who spent last year as an assistant for the Beavs.

BSU women’s track and field will have 10 freshmen as part of this year’s incoming class, and two of them are from area schools. One is Naila Mikhael, a cross country and long distance track athlete from Staples-Motley who finished 11th in the 1600 meter at the Section 6A meet.

The other is Clearbrook-Gonvick’s Allison LaVine, who is a multi-event athlete and throws disc. In the latter event, she’s the reigning back-to-back Class A state champ.

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Sports

Cincinnati Bearcats Unveil Fan-First Mobile App Powered by WMT, Ticketmaster and LAVA – University of Cincinnati Athletics

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Athletics, in partnership with WMT, Ticketmaster and LAVA, today announced the launch of a new mobile app designed to unify the fan experience across ticketing, content, loyalty, and in-venue engagement, all in one connected platform. Cincinnati is the first college athletics program to integrate LAVA, the real-time engagement platform used by more […]

Published

44 minutes ago

August 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Athletics, in partnership with WMT, Ticketmaster and LAVA, today announced the launch of a new mobile app designed to unify the fan experience across ticketing, content, loyalty, and in-venue engagement, all in one connected platform.

Cincinnati is the first college athletics program to integrate LAVA, the real-time engagement platform used by more than 50 professional sports teams, across the NFL, NBA, NHL and beyond. This technology allows the app to respond dynamically to fan behavior, delivering personalized offers, exclusive content, and engagement-based rewards.

With Ticketmaster integrated directly into the platform, fans can also manage tickets, enter venues with ease, and access benefits like 10 percent off concessions for season ticket members via LAVA. More information will be e-mailed to season ticket members on how to access discounts through LAVA in the coming days.

“This upgraded mobile app and our partnerships with Ticketmaster and LAVA, as well as Fan Compass, are all about putting our fans first,” said Anthony DiFino, Cincinnati’s Deputy AD for External/Chief Revenue Officer. “From easier ticketing and fan contests to personalized content and exclusive game-day perks like discounted concessions, we’re committed to delivering a best-in-class fan experience every time you engage with Bearcats Athletics.”

The launch follows the recent redesign of GoBearcats.com, which debuted July 1 in partnership with WMT. Together, the website and app represent a full-scale upgrade to Cincinnati’s digital ecosystem, providing fans with a modern, interactive platform to stay engaged every day of the year.

“This project was about delivering a fully connected fan experience,” said Andres Focil, CEO of WMT. “By integrating content, ticketing, and loyalty into one seamless experience, we’ve helped Cincinnati deliver on its vision for next-generation fan engagement. They are setting a new standard for what’s possible in college athletics.”

The Cincinnati Bearcats app is available now in the App Store and Google Play. Search “Cincinnati Bearcats” to download.

WIN PRIZES THROUGH FAN COMPASS
The app will also feature contests through Fan Compass, UC’s official technology partner, giving all UC fans the chance to engage with the Bearcats, gain rewards and win prizes. This platform offers interactive experiences—from trivia and sweepstakes to unique features like Predict-It, where fans can guess the outcome of key moments.

Fans can explore contests at GoBearcats.com/Fan-Contests.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY
Led by All-Big 12 First Team Cincinnati natives Dontay Corleone and Joe Royer, the Cincinnati football team is poised for success under third-year head coach Scott Satterfield. The Bearcats will play seven games inside Historic Nippert Stadium. Season and single-game tickets are available for the fast-approaching season and can be purchased here.

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Sports

Brandon Johnson – Track and Field Coach

Brandon ‘Bones’ Johnson joined the CU track and field staff in 2017. Johnson competed for CU, finishing at a Big-12 finalist in the 400 hurdles and 4×400 in 2004 as well as third in the 2006 4×400 Big-12 Championships. He is fourth all-time in CU indoor long jump (23-10.75), 10th in the outdoor high jump […]

Published

58 minutes ago

August 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Brandon ‘Bones’ Johnson joined the CU track and field staff in 2017.

Johnson competed for CU, finishing at a Big-12 finalist in the 400 hurdles and 4×400 in 2004 as well as third in the 2006 4×400 Big-12 Championships. He is fourth all-time in CU indoor long jump (23-10.75), 10th in the outdoor high jump (6-8.75). He is also sixth in the outdoor long jump (24-00.25) and a member of the fifth-fastest 4×400 squad in 2006.

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Sports

FGCU Athletics unveils 2025 fall promotional lineups

Story Links FORT MYERS, Fla. – Eagles fans can expect more than just high-level action on the court and pitch this fall. FGCU Athletics is excited to announce its full slate of themes and promotions for the 2025 volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s soccer seasons. From giveaways and grand prizes to […]

Published

1 hour ago

August 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Eagles fans can expect more than just high-level action on the court and pitch this fall. FGCU Athletics is excited to announce its full slate of themes and promotions for the 2025 volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s soccer seasons. From giveaways and grand prizes to themed game nights and concession specials, there is something in store for everyone in The Nest.

Marketing and Game Experience Updates

VOLLEYBALL – Alico Arena
Home Opener | BLUEOUT (Aug. 30 vs Missouri):

Clear bags for the first 500 courtesy of Crown Roofing

Cinema Celebration and Camper Night (Aug. 30 vs JMU):

Movie clips and movie trivia

Post-game meet and greet for summer camp attendees wearing their camp shirts

$2 popcorn and $3 beer for ALL FANS

Brunch and Blocks (Aug. 31 vs JMU):

Specialty muffins at the concession stand

Students who attend all matches this weekend are entered to win a MacBook

2024 Championship Celebration and Dirty Bird Appreciation (Sept. 30 vs Stetson):

2024 championship banners unveiled pre-match

First 100 Dirty Birds receive Urban Buzz coupons

Mean Girls Night | PINKOUT (Oct. 3 vs West Georgia):

Limited edition poster for the first 500 fans

Fort Myers Tea Party (Oct. 5 vs Queens):

Enjoy music from iconic British artists and test your knowledge with British trivia.

Taylor Swift Night 2.0 | WHITEOUT (Oct. 17 vs Lipscomb):

Clear fanny packs for the first 500 fans

Taylor-themed music bingo and trivia throughout the night

Volleyball alumni will be recognized between sets two and three

SUNDay (Oct. 19 vs Austin Peay):

Space-themed Sunday featuring out-of-this-world trivia and prizes

Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night (Oct. 21 vs FIU):

Honoring our team’s Faculty & Staff MVPs and award nominees from across campus

$2 popcorn

Club Sports Night | GREENOUT (Oct. 24 vs UNF):

Celebration of FGCU’s Club Sports teams with in-game recognitions

Halloween Week Kickoff (Oct. 26 vs Jacksonville):

Halloween costume contest and trivia

Free candy with every concession purchase

Senior Day (Nov. 7 vs Bellarmine):

Celebrate the 2025 senior class pre-match

Students who attend all 12 home matches are entered to win a grand prize

$3 hot dogs

WOMEN’S SOCCER – Pickering Field
Home Opener (Aug. 14 vs Cal State Fullerton):

Schedule posters and cards for fans

Students can enjoy a shuttle from SOVI to the match running from 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

First chance for Dirty Birds to pick up their shirt

Flock to the Nest Night | GREENOUT (Aug. 21 vs LSU):

Post-match poster signing/meet and greet with the team

The first 100 Dirty Birds receive Urban Buzz coupons

All students in attendance are entered to win a new iPad and Apple Pen

First Responder Appreciation Night (Sept. 11 vs Grambling State):

Honoring local heroes throughout the night

Kick Cancer Night | PINKTOUT (Oct. 2 vs Jacksonville):

Donate for a chance to win local gift cards

Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation

Country Day (Oct. 5 vs North Florida):

Country music, pre-game cornhole and halftime potato sack races

Senior Day (Oct. 19 vs Queens):

Celebrate the 2025 senior class pre-match

Oktober Fest (Oct. 25 vs Stetson):

$3 beer for ALL FANS

Students who attend all nine home matches are entered to win a grand prize

MEN’S SOCCER – Pickering Field
Flock to the Nest Night (Sept. 9 vs Florida Memorial):

The first 100 Dirty Birds receive Urban Buzz coupons

All students in attendance are entered to win a new HD projector

Ted Lasso Night (Sept. 27 vs Stetson):

Assemble your Diamond Dogs and grab a free “Believe” poster while supplies last

Ted Lasso trivia and $2 biscuits at the concession stand

Senior Night (Nov. 1 vs Jacksonville):

Celebrate the 2025 senior class pre-match

Students who attend all five home matches are entered to win a grand prize

From exclusive giveaways to fan contests and themed nights, there’s never been a better time to cheer on the Eagles.
FREE Student tickets – HERE | login with your @eagle.fgcu.edu email address
Faculty/Staff tickets – HERE | login with your @fgcu.edu email address
General public tickets – HERE

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