Amber Tait and Chelsie Grant are two of the most decorated athletes in the DEKA and the co-founders of Build Method, an online training platform they launched in February 2026. We cover how their partnership started, what they’ve built together, and where it’s going.
Matt sits down with Eric Botsford to break down the next evolution of fitness racing, including the launch of The Gauntlet under Wodapalooza. The new format introduces five distinct stages with built-in recovery, a central “terminal” for athletes and spectators, and a more gamified, festival-style experience aimed at a broader audience.
They also get into the bigger picture. HYROX hitting a tipping point in America, why it took so long, and what most people still misunderstand about growth in the U.S. fitness market. The conversation expands into gym trends, why Nike’s fitness concept didn’t last, and the constant cycle of what’s “hot” versus what actually works
Amber and Chelsie
How a low-expectations doubles race in 2023 turned into a world record partnership
Setting two Deadly Dozen female pair records in a single night
Breaking down the full Deadly Dozen format and what makes it different
The Build Method origin story and why they built it together
Eight programs, targeted pacing, and how it delivers one-on-one results at scale
Chelsea’s background in web development and how it shapes the brand
The virtual DEKA masterclass and what athletes will actually learn
DEKA Toronto on Halloween and why the date isn’t the problem people think it is
The Deadly Sprint, breaking news courtesy of Amber
Eric Botsford from WZA Sports.
What The Gauntlet actually is and how it’s different
Five-stage format with mandatory rest periods
Why most hybrid races are starting to look the same
The “terminal” concept and spectator experience
How HYROX finally hit the tipping point in the U.S.
Why Americans were late to adopt hybrid racing
Wodapalooza expansion and global festival strategy
Nike gyms shutting down and what actually happened
Fitness trends vs real training (Pilates, biohacking, etc.)
Why strength training always comes back
Today’s episode is sponsored by Wodify. When your HYROX gym needs to run smoothly, Wodify delivers. From scheduling and programming to performance tracking and milestone celebrations, all the tools you need are built right in. Book a demo here.
Also by Stryd – Personalized Run Training. Powered by the Best Data. Experience the future of running with our most advanced power meter yet, combined with Adaptive Training.
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