Scott Panchik has been to the CrossFit Games every year since he first started competing back in 2012. His secret to getting there?

“Enjoying the process.”

If there is one that that Panchik upholds as an utmost value to competing it is: “Having fun with CrossFit and not taking anything too seriously.”

On the tails of his 3^rd place finish in the Central East CrossFit Open, only next to the number one (Mat Fraser) and number two (Rich Froning) finishers in the world, Panchik is keeping his eyes focused on one thing:

“I want to be on top of the podium. Not just on the podium. On top,” he said. 

Video By: CrossFit 

FloElite caught up with Panchik on his 2015 Open performance, and preparing for the CrossFit Central Regional.

First things first-you had an awesome Open this year in spite of a much more competitive year than years past…what are your thoughts on your performance?  

It was a pretty smooth Open. I felt good throughout. Tried to be one and done. I tested the workouts before and then just did it. The best part was remaining healthy throughout. 

What did you learn about yourself from last year’s Games?

I’ve always been a well rounded athlete, but I walked away from the Games last year, knowing I wanted to find some things to get really good at. So this past year, I started focusing on my gymnastics and weightlifting…putting a little more emphasis on one area at a time. For a few months I’d work on gymnastics, then back off of it, and focus some more on weightlifting. At the end of the day, I feel a little better in everything, and I just gotta continue to be efficient, and not make mistakes. I also learned more about testing my physical limits, so I don’t redline it easily in a workout. like I did in push-pull last year at the Games. I got easily sucked in with the adrenaline, but did not have the ability sustain it. That’s why I’ve been also focusing on my gymnastics a little; holding onto the barbell a little longer; doing a few more pullups; understanding what my body needs to do, just having a different edge.

40 athletes…5 spots…how does this change things for you mentally and nerves wise as you march into Regional? 

Everyone wants a podium spot there. There’s some really good athletes. Everybody wants it, everybody wants it more. I am pretty calm throughout my training. When I get into competition, something just clicks. Like in football. After that first hit: Boom. Let’s go. After  the first workout of competition, something clicks...and it’s like ‘let’s go’…I give 110% on the competition floor. There’s a relentless mentality that comes out of you.

Leading up to Regionals, what does your training look like right now?

Right now, just a lot more volume. I am in the gym daily from 9 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m., and if I am not training, I am eating, coaching or checking e-mails, running the business. My family thankfully has taken over most of the coaching of classes right now in order to allow me to focus solely on training and competition. 

Competing can be a lot of pressure. What keeps you grounded around this time of year? 

My fiancé, Christen, always puts a smile on my face; and reminds me about finding that balance with everything. Something that’s really hard to do for a lot of competitors is finding time to do things outside of the gym, and I really try to make a point to do that, along with finding time to spend with loved ones. Doing that keeps things fresh in the gym for me. It’s a breath of fresh air. Not talking about CrossFit all the time, just having fun. 

Outside of competing…what are your current goals/life goals at the moment?

Obviously Regionals and the Games is a big goal within and of itself, but also on my list: Buy a house;  continue to grow my business (CrossFit Mentality) with my family; helping others accomplish their goals; getting married in August 2016; and really just enjoying this time. So often people get caught up in competing—winning and losing, but I am really enjoying the ride. Enjoying the little things, new little victories each and every step along the way.  

Any advice for athletes wanting to, one day, be in your shoes?

Try to mimic the competition environment the best you can with good training partners. The more you can simulate that, the better you will be able to respond in those situations. Also, remembering, to enjoy the process and take things day by day. I started CrossFit in 2009 and didn’t get into competing until 2012. It takes time. Don’t lose sight of your bigger goals, but set smaller goals along the way. Be patient.  

What do you eat to feed a machine? 

Lots of grilled chicken and sweet potatoes; salmon or steak with rice, some veggies, lots of zucchini; eggs and oatmeal with peanut butter for breakfast; sometimes I juice fruits and veggies. I just try to eat good. I am lucky to also have prepared Paleo meals delivered right to the box for when I am busy; and  I try to cook on the weekends to have something ready for the week. During the days while training, I also drink Kill Cliff, eat protein bars, take Pure Pharma supplements, and drink some rice protein.

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