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

Episode 434 of the Strength Coach Podcast, “Becoming the Unshakeable Female Athlete” is out.Female athletes face a significantly higher risk of ACL tears compared to their male counterparts, but physiological differences are only part of the story. In this episode, we explore the shocking training gap that leaves young women vulnerable to injury and discuss actionable strategies to keep them safe on the field. Discover how to shift the focus from early specialization to long-term athletic development and build unshakable confidence.Welcome to Episode 434 of the Strength Coach Podcast with your host Anthony Renna.Brought to you by PerformBetter.comHead over to their website to get 20 percent off PB Extreme Soft Toss Med Balls and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence. Today we are joined by Justin Kegley, performance coach and founder of Movement Fitness. Justin recently released his new book “Becoming th

Episode 433 of the Strength Coach Podcast, "Train Like an Olympian: Consistency is Key!" is out. This episode dives into the importance of year-round training programs for elite athletes, featuring insights from Coach Mike Boyle and host Anthony Renna. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and fascinating stories from the world of Olympic and professional sports.Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Don’t miss their current deals on foam rollers and bundles!Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.**Highlights of the episode:**-  The evolution of training for Olympic athletes, especially in women's hockey before and after the PWHL launch.-  How consistency in training has been the foundation for athletes like Angela Ruggiero and Hilary Knight.- Practical tips for creating effective training programs t

Episode 432 of the Strength Coach Podcast Brought to You by Perform Better Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.Join host Anthony Renna as he chats with Coach Mike Boyle. They spoke about why terminology matters, new training strategies, and practical advice to help coaches and trainers level up their craft. Plus, Coach Boyle shares his thoughts on the importance of functional anatomy in athletic performance. Highlights of the episode include:  - The ongoing debate: Does rotary power come from the hips or the ground?  - Why anti-rotation exercises play a smart role in core training and how they fit the bigger picture.  - Glute activation insights sparked by toe wedges – are they worth it?  - Sled sprints vs. hill sprints – breaking down their effectiveness for athletes.  - Naming exercises correctly: Addressing confusion around jumps, hops, bounds, and more.  - F

Episode 431 of the Strength Coach Podcast, features Dr. Haley Perlus, a PhD in sport and exercise psychology and author of "Personal Podium." Brought to you by Perform Better, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and expert insights to help you optimize your mental game.Dr. Perlus breaks down how biology, thoughts, and emotions are interconnected, offering strategies to align them for optimal results. Plus, hear fascinating stories from sports legends like the 1980 Olympic hockey team and Eric Heiden, bringing real-life applications to the discussion.Highlights of the episode:- Dr. Perlus talks about reframing anxiety as energy to fuel peak performance and shares practical tools to help athletes and professionals manage pressure effectively.- We spoke about mental blocks, what they are, and how to overcome them to achieve fluid performance.- Changing your relationship with pressure: Learn why pressure isn't the enemy but an invitation to thrive.- Working with injured athletes: Tips

Welcome to Episode 430 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation! In this episode, host Anthony Renna talks to Mike Boyle about "Manipulation of Information" when it comes to research, continuing the discussion about Adults Lifting Heavy.Highlights of the episode:- We spoke about adults lifting heavy weights, focusing on safety, risks, and misconceptions, particularly for older adults and females.- Coach Boyle shares insights into the controversy surrounding lifting heavy and addresses the importance of context, demographics, and safe programming.- A chat about injury statistics, research reliability, and why experience matters when addressing training approaches for different populations.- Hear how social media impacts perspectives in the fitness world and the role of semantics in the ongoing debate.- Mark Fisher discusses artificial intelligence and its implications for fitness businesses.To sign up for the Business for U

Welcome to Episode 429 of the Strength Coach Podcast.  Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Mike Boyle about ithe year in review, his thoughts on the future in the fitness business, lifting heavy with adults & the Goldilocks Affect for Injuries as it relates to Training Loads and Sprinting Volume. Highlights of the episode include:- We talk about any changes from last year or even the year before, and what has “stuck”- Expanding on weighted sprints- how, why & when- Thoughts about what’s coming in fitness, including people taking control of their own health- We revisited the Adults lifting Heavy posts he has on Instagram- How to use the Goldilocks principle to “get things just right” in programming- Goal setting tips from Business for Unicorn’s Mark Fisher.  He lays out his framework for setting goals and you can get his full framework free by emailing him at Mark@BusinessforUnicorns.com.Brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with

In Episode 428 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna chats with Scott Leech, Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Rhode Island, to explore game-changing strategies for coaches, trainers, and athletes. The focus is on High School but Episode 428 is for everyone, packed with insights to help you rethink your approach to training and athlete development.Highlights of the episode:- Scott talks about why prioritizing speed, power, and jump training is replacing outdated max-effort lifts.- A chat on programming smarter workouts and what strength coaches should subtract for better results.- Insights on developing high school strength coaching programs with limited resources.- How contact prep programs improve athlete confidence and safety in off-season training.- Exploring bilateral vs. unilateral work, and why Olympic lifts might not be essential for everyone.- A special discussion on IU football’s shortened practice approach and its impact on performance.- Brought to you

Welcome to Episode 427 of the Strength Coach Podcast.  Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Mike Boyle about impactful coaching techniques and shares insights to help trainers, strength coaches, and gym owners elevate their practice. Highlights of the episode include:- A chat about lifting heavy with adult female clients, addressing misconceptions and promoting safer, smarter alternatives.- John Wooden's 'Do This, Don’t Do This, Do This’ coaching method and why it's a game-changer for visual learners.- Being Contrarian- is it always bad?- Breaking down the debate of "exercise vs. pattern"—what truly matters for effective training.- Business tips from Business for Unicorn’s Mark Fisher on humility, behavior change, and optimizing your environment for success. **Win a ticket to the Business for Unicorn’s upcoming Retreat!  Details are in the segment!Brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and

Episode 426 of the Strength Coach Podcast is here! Join host Anthony Renna as he chats with Mike Boyle about smarter strategies for managing athlete training without overloading. Highlights of this episode include:  - Insights from Coach Boyle on how to balance training stressors and avoid unnecessary overload.  - A discussion his most underrated exercise- What he thinks about the Trap Bar Kickstand Deadlift   - Business for Unicorns tips from Mark Fisher on optimizing gym models, pricing, and space utilization for a successful fitness business.  - Personal stories from Coach Boyle’s visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, celebrating connections and pinch-me moments.  We spoke about practical ways to approach athlete conditioning, the importance of understanding recovery and stress management, and how good coaches can avoid grinding athletes down with excessive volume.  Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com

Episode 425 of the Strength Coach Podcast brings you a crucial discussion on fitness mistakes that crush progress after 50! Hosted by Anthony Renna, this episode features Chad Landers, founder of Push Private Fitness and author of "Building Strength and Muscle After 50." Together, we explore game-changing strategies for training smarter, not harder, as you age.Highlights of the episode:- The BIG mistake many make after 50 and how to avoid it- Training considerations for the 50+ crowd: frequency, intensity, and programming- Why training heavy (but not too heavy) is essential for longevity and resilience- The importance of nutrition and how medications can impact your diet and performance- Stories of clients thriving in their 70s and beyond through consistent training- Insights from Chad’s new book, written for Gen X and beyond with '80s pop culture flair!Plus, we talk about the evolution of fitness trends, overcoming obstacles to exercise, and how personal trainers can connect authentically with

In this special anniversary episode of the Strength Coach Podcast (#424), Host Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle discuss Coach Boyle’s recent visit to a few gyms in Nashville, Ridiculous HIIT recommendations, Voodoo Flossing, the value of isolated shoulder work and whether or not you should put the barbell bench press to bed.Brought to you by Perform Better, experts in functional training and rehabilitation.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:  - A heartfelt tribute to Rob Milani and his impact on the fitness community.  - A chat about Coach Boyle’s recent gym visits in Nashville with Gunnar Peterson and Brian Kula.  - We spoke about the controversial discussion: Is it time to put the barbell bench press to bed?  - Navigating the ridiculous recommendations by influencers- Tips on using isolated shoulder work and the growing popularity of voodoo flossing for joint relief.  - Why and How Co

Unlock the power of Pain-Free Performance! In this episode, host Anthony Renna welcomes Dr. John Rusin, founder of the Pain-Free Performance Certification, for an in-depth discussion on the essential components of pain-free training and sustainable performance.Brought to you by Perform Better, experts in functional training and rehabilitation.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:- **Pain-Free Training Philosophy**: Dr. Rusin explains why reducing pain and improving movement quality are critical before pursuing fitness goals.- **The 6 Foundational Movement Patterns**: Squat, hinge, lunge, push, pull, and carry—learn how they form the backbone of efficient human movement and their role in building strength, mobility, and balance.- **6-Phase Warm-Up System**: A quick, effective warm-up strategy to maximize performance, reduce injury risk, and prepare for any workout in just 10-12 minutes

Welcome to Episode 422 of the Strength Coach Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Coach Michael Boyle to uncover the highlights of mastering Nordic exercises and avoiding common mistakes that can hinder performance, insights into barbell straight-leg deadlift techniques, unilateral hip lifts, and the Spanish split squat for knee pain and post-surgery rehab. Brought to you by Perform Better, experts in functional training and rehabilitation.Check out ⁠Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.We spoke about:- The importance of perfecting posture and motor control before progressing with Nordics.- A step-by-step Nordic progression plan, including hamstring isos and eccentric training.- Key mistakes to avoid, such as hip flexion and improper alignment, and how to fix them.- Why glutes, hamstrings, and core engagement are essential for Nordic success.- Additional insights into barbell straight-leg deadlift techniques, unilateral

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