The Strength Coach Podcast | Interviews With The Top Strength Coaches, Fitness Pros, Nutritionists And Fitness Business Coach

Episode 421 of the Strength Coach Podcast is here! Host Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle dive into why strength coaches should *stop copying track coaches* and focus on what truly works for their unique needs. This insightful episode, brought to you by Perform Better, is packed with practical advice and expert discussions. A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out ⁠Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.**Highlights of the Episode:**- Why copying track coaches might not work for strength training—time constraints and priorities explained.- A chat with Coach Mike Boyle discussing pogo jumps and their place (or lack thereof) in strength training programs.- Exploring single-leg exercises: how to program them effectively and avoid pairing mistakes.- Upper body power training alternatives: med ball work, plyo-bench press, and smarter strategies.

Welcome to Episode 420 of the Strength Coach Podcast! In this exciting chat and tour of grip training and rock climbing secrets, host Anthony Renna sits down with Collin McGee, fitness director at Alliance Fitness Center and a Camp 4 Human Performance rock climbing coach. Brought to you by PerformBetter.com, this episode reveals how grip strength training can revolutionize performance across all sports—not just rock climbing.A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out ⁠Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.Highlights of the episode:  - **Rock Climbing Insights**: Collin explains how unique grip training techniques from rock climbing can improve overall strength and endurance for athletes in sports like football, baseball, and Jiu-Jitsu.  - **Grip Training Secrets**: Learn why traditional grip exercises (like deadlifts and pull-ups) may m

Welcome to Episode 419 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better—the experts in functional training and rehabilitation!  **Highlights of the Episode:**- **Gym Culture as a Differentiator:** Pete Dupuis shares why a strong gym culture is your ultimate competitive advantage and how to create an experience that builds client loyalty.- **3 Actionable Tips for Success:** Learn how to codify what good looks like, craft a welcoming onboarding experience, and consistently reinforce positive cultural habits within your team.-**Manual Assessments- are they necessary and is it in our Scope of Practice (and what does that even mean)- **Foam Rolling & Massage Guns Debate:** Coach Boyle addresses the latest findings on their impact on performance and shares his take on this heated topic.- **Ground Reaction Forces:** Explore insightful data about jumping mechanics and how it can shape your training programs.- **Business Advice from Industry Leaders:** Gain valuable insights on managing gym operatio

In Episode 418 of the Strength Coach Podcast, we explore Ken Vick’s concept of “Shocks & Springs” as well as the art of mastering recovery by tackling stress.Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to source for functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable insights for trainers, therapists, and athletes alike.Highlights of the Episode- Ken Vick breaks down the concept of shocks and springs within the stretch shortening cycle and their impact on athletic performance.- We spoke about the importance of balancing eccentric forces, elasticity, and tissue resilience for recovery and injury prevention.- Ken shares his unique recovery framework, including the four pillars of stress: structural, energy system, nervous system, and mindset.- Discover how to tune recovery modalities to match specific stressors, from ice baths to NormaTec boots, and why perception matters.- Practical coaching tips on using language and cues to better communicate with athletes and clients.- Applicati

Should athletes train like bodybuilders? In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, we dive deep into this hot topic alongside industry expert Coach Mike Boyle. Episode 417 brings valuable insights into the differences between bodybuilding and athletic training, the science behind hypertrophy, and how training approaches impact performance and recovery.Highlights of the episode:- **Should athletes train like bodybuilders?  Coach Boyle shares his take on why traditional bodybuilding programs may not be ideal for athletes and the pitfalls of training solely for hypertrophy.- **Hypertrophy myths: Is there really a volume-to-size relationship for the average trainee, or is it more complex than simple set counts?- **Alternative training strategies: Discover effective, athlete-specific methods to build strength and power without compromising recovery.- **Forum debates: Listen in as Coach Boyle addresses controversial fitness tweets and forum discussions, including the relevance of psoas exercises for sprinting

Episode 416 of the Strength Coach Podcast brings you “Rethinking Your Model” with guest Bill Hartman. In this action-packed chat, we explore groundbreaking ideas on biomechanics and programming strategies to help you train smarter and achieve better results.Brought to you by PerformBetter.com, this episode is packed with insights for coaches, therapists, and fitness enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level.  **Highlights of the Episode**:- A fascinating chat on the benefits of helical structure and its impact on movement and performance.- How foundational structure affects exercise selection and training outcomes for athletes.- Practical insights into avoiding trade-offs in force development and maintaining performance health.- Real-world examples and case studies, including the influence of body configurations on athletic abilities.- A new way to think about balancing force and velocity in programming for optimal results.We also feature Naamly's "Maximizing the Member Experience&qu

In Episode 415 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle dive into the truth about ACL risks and why strength training is the ultimate solution. Stop blaming anatomy and start focusing on building resilience in athletes! Highlights of the episode- **ACL injury prevention: Coach Boyle shares why myths about female anatomy and hormones miss the mark and explains how strength training is key to reducing risks.  - **Single-leg squat standards: We spoke about performance benchmarks for youth athletes and why developing eccentric strength is crucial.  - **Elasticity training: Explore the differences between fast and slow elasticity and how they impact athletic performance.  - **Off-season training strategies: Should athletes focus on long slow distance or high-intensity conditioning? Hear Coach Boyle’s take on optimizing off-season programming.  Plus, don’t miss the "Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay," packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs.  Pete Dupui

In Episode 414 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna dives into the topic of “Moving the Needle with the Average Joe” with special guest Coach Mike Boyle. This episode, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, is packed with actionable insights and real-world advice for coaches, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts.Highlights of the episode:  - A candid chat with Coach Boyle about the long-term effects of heavy lifting and the lessons learned over decades in the fitness industry.  - A discussion on training the general population, focusing on the 50+ age group and the challenges they face.  - Exclusive insights from Coach Boyle's recent experience on the Peter Attia podcast, addressing longevity and practical fitness programming.  - Key highlights from the Perform Better Summits, including exciting new speakers, networking opportunities, and creative challenges like the air bike score contest.  - Coach Boyle’s reaction to the Western Hockey League commissioner’s controversial comments on hockey train

In episode 413 of the Strength Coach Podcast, we chat with Jess Tollman, head of adult programming at MBSC, to uncover "The Key to Successful Adult Fitness Programming”Brought to you by PerformBetter.com, this episode is packed with insights for coaches, therapists, and fitness enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level. **Highlights of the Episode**- We spoke about the fundamental differences between adult and athlete fitness programming, focusing on risk vs. reward calibration.- Jess shares her “recipe” for successful adult fitness, emphasizing mobility, strength, power, and conditioning while addressing common challenges like previous injuries and chronic pain.- A deep dive into the progression and regression system: how to tailor exercises for diverse client needs within a group setting.- Strategies for maintaining variety without sacrificing consistency, ensuring clients stay engaged and make measurable progress.- The importance of coaching individuals within a group, creating a pers

Episode 412 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better, dives into the hot topic of "Injury Prevention vs. Reduction" Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Boyle to break down this often-misunderstood debate.**Highlights of the Episode:**- A thorough discussion on why injuries can’t always be prevented but can potentially be reduced.- Insights into the recent Tyrese Haliburton Achilles injury and its complex contributing factors.- The role of training, load management, and mileage in injury risk for athletes.- Coach Boyle’s personal experiences coaching athletes through injuries and reframing responsibility.- A candid talk about steroid use among middle and high school athletes, and how the fitness industry can address it.- Exploring conditioning standards and the importance of fairness with weight-class-based programming.- The debate over focusing on athlete strengths vs. weaknesses and how to balance training for optimal performance.**Unique Elements:**Coach Boyle shares invaluable anecdo

Welcome to Episode 411 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, we explore why data can’t replace great coaching, featuring insights from Coach Mike Boyle. This episode highlights the growing reliance on data in coaching and why observation, listening, and trust remain fundamental.Highlights of the episode:- Coach Boyle talks about the shift toward data-driven methods and why human connection is irreplaceable.- We spoke about tools like the force plate and their limited role without solid coaching foundations.- A chat about the value of experience, progressive resistance, and effective communication with athletes.- Insights on balancing technology with intuition to create better outcomes for players.- A tour through key lessons from recent Perform Better summits, including standout presentations by top coaches like Nick Winkelman and Greg Rose.This episode provides actionable advice for coaches looking to refi

Episode 410 of the Strength Coach Podcast brings you a powerful conversation with world-class coach, trainer, author, and speaker Todd Durkin, who shares invaluable lessons on coaching greatness. Highlights of the episode:- Todd talks about his latest book, *Coaching Greatness*, a coaching manifesto filled with principles and stories that define what it takes to be a great coach.  - We spoke about the importance of coaching from the inside out and empowering athletes and clients to achieve their best both physically and mentally.  - Todd shares how personal challenges, including overcoming burnout and physical pain, shaped his ability to coach at a deeper level.  - Discover the mission behind Todd’s new fitness and coaching franchise, Impact X Performance, combining fitness, recovery, and life coaching in a faith-based approach.  - Hear about the incredible work of the Durkin Impact Foundation, supporting education, mental health, and suicide prevention through scholarships and initiatives.  This episode is a

Welcome to Episode 409 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. This week, we’re diving into why consistency outshines complexity in training programs and how simple, effective methods can deliver long-term results.  **Highlights of the Episode:- Chat with Coach Mike Boyle: We spoke about the evolution of strength training program design, including updates to his classic book, now retitled "Strength and Conditioning Coaching," and insights on facility design, squat racks, and practical setups.  - **Split Squat Strategies: Discover the benefits of bench block split squats for athletes with knee pain and how they serve as a tactile cue to improve form and reduce discomfort.  - **Jim Wendler's Approach: We explored Jim Wendler’s philosophy on simplicity in training, highlighting his program’s success with high school athletes and the importance of stacking consistent, quality workouts.  - **Event Spotlight: Perform

Welcome to Episode 408 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, we explore how Rett Larson is revolutionizing warm-ups with his No Zombies Method! Episode 408 brings you a deep dive into Rett’s game-changing approach to making warm-ups not only safer but also more dynamic and performance-enhancing for athletes.**Highlights of the episode:**- A chat and tour of Rett Larson’s No Zombies Method, designed to energize and engage athletes.- We spoke about how traditional warm-ups have stayed the same for years and why it’s time to reimagine them.- Insights into Rett’s structured warm-up blocks that combine creativity, stimulation, and athletic development.- How to integrate fun, sport-specific drills and gamification into your warm-up routines.- Rett’s journey as a strength coach for elite teams in Germany, China, and The Netherlands, and the advantages of working abroad in the fitness

Welcome to Episode 407 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, expands on the Fred Duncan tweet that "Sprinting drives weights but weights won't drive sprinting."Anthony Renna and Coach Mike Boyle dive into why strength alone won’t boost speed. Highlights of the episode include:- **The relationship between strength and speed: Why getting stronger doesn’t always mean getting faster and how metrics like sprint times and vertical jump height should guide your program.- **Injury prevention and movement variability: Insights into preventing Achilles ruptures and other injuries through smarter training and surface variability.- **The role of Olympic lifting: Where it fits in speed and strength programming, and why it may not be essential for every athlete.- **Speed as a performance driver: Why incorporating tools like Fly 10 sprints, jump mats, and sled sprints is key to optimizing performance.We also

Welcome to Episode 406 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In Episode 406 of The Strength Coach Podcast, we explore "The Future of Gyms: Fitness & Healthcare Unite " with special guest Mike Ranfone of Ranfone Training Systems (RTS). Mike shares his groundbreaking vision of blending fitness and healthcare to create a new paradigm in health and wellness.Highlights of the Episode:- Pete Holman shows us how to use the Glute Slide for Adduction (www.GluteSlide.com)- A chat and tour into Ranfone Training Systems, where fitness meets healthcare like never before.- Mike discusses "personalized medical performance" with offerings like blood panels, IV nutrient therapy, DEXA scans, V02 max testing, and more—all under one roof.- Insights on the proactive health model and how collaboration between certified coaches and medical professionals is transforming outcomes.- Real-life success stories showcasing how cl

Welcome to Episode 405 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In Episode 405 of The Strength Coach Podcast, we tackle one of the most critical questions for fitness entrepreneurs: "What should you focus on first when starting a fitness business?" Highlights of the episode:- **Why you should avoid spending too much on consultants early on:  Learn how to prioritize your resources and avoid the trap of "paralysis by analysis."- **Focus on building your client base first:** Coach Mike Boyle shares insights on why having systems and processes can wait until you have clients walking through the door.- **Lessons from industry veterans:  Real-life stories about starting small—from training in unconventional spaces to building a thriving business over time.- **The importance of hiring the right people:  Coach Boyle reflects on past hiring mistakes and how finding the right cultural fit has made all the difference.

Welcome to Episode 404 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, we discuss Pain-Free Quad Training and dive into strategies for building stronger, healthier quads during PFJ rehab while avoiding common pitfalls. Here's what we covered:  - The importance of functional, closed-chain exercises like split squats for pain-free quad training during rehab.- Why leg extensions might not be the best choice for those with patellofemoral joint pain—and what to do instead!  - How to target quads effectively while addressing glute and hamstring strength for optimal knee rehab.  - Conditioning strategies for youth athletes and how to balance sport-specific activity with functional fitness.  - A discussion on attacking the hips and the role of hamstring strength in minimizing knee and back pain.  Enjoy the episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Thanks for listening!----------------------------------------

Welcome to Episode 403 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, Anthony chats with Glute Slide inventor Pete Holman about:- A deep dive into hip mechanics and why they’re crucial for athletic performance.- Exploring the importance of training the frontal plane for sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball.- How the Glute Slide revolutionizes lateral and rotational movement training.- Tips on eccentric control, power, and speed training for athletes.- Insights into the invention process and Pete’s journey creating performance tools.We also spoke about the groin’s role in movement, balancing strength and functionality, and how simple, efficient tools like the Glute Slide can complement your training routine.-------------------------------------------------------------------Check out ⁠Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education, i

Welcome to Episode 402 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, Anthony chats with Coach Boyle about:-His upcoming lectures at the MBSC Spring Seminar in Woburn, MA and the Perform Better Summit in Providence, RI- Talking to young athletes about trusting the process- No more kneeling and lunge position med ball throws---------------------------------------------------------------------Check out ⁠Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education, including this summer's Functional Training Summits.---------------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights and engaging discussions!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro04:09 - Mike Boyle Interview08:18 - Adult Training12:06 - Single Leg vs Bilateral Squats19:40 - Soccer sprinting needs analysis23:04 - Building Consist