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

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

Welcome to Episode 401 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, Anthony chats with Missy Mitchell-McBeth about all things volleyball, drawing off the topics in her book "Developmental to Division 1: Strength & Conditioning for the Volleyball Athlete" Missy's Bio:"Over the last two decades, I've witnessed countless talented volleyball players never reaching their full potential—not due to a lack of dedication, but because of insufficient and outdated training methods. This realization drove me to pour my years of experience and knowledge into creating a solution that addresses these shortcomings head-on. That is why I have created strength and conditioning resources to help coaches, parents, and athletes unlock players' full potential."My Experience Includes:-2 Years in my current role: Director of Sports Performance at a Volleyball Club-7 Years as a Division I Strength &

Welcome to Episode 400 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:- Med Ball Throws- sequencing, functional training, and why focusing on the kinetic chain—starting from your legs and trunk—is crucial for unlocking true power.- How, when and where he is using Contrast Training- Vertical Jump- how often does he test.  Does he treat it like he does with sprinting, from the perspective of "If you want to get faster, time your sprints."  If we want to jump higher, should we test more often?- How he handles short athlete visits.Check out ⁠Perform Better⁠ for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights and engaging discussions!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro05:09 - Medicine Ball Throws for Power14:55 - Contrast Training Techniques17:10 - Vertical Jump Testing Methods22:5

Welcome to Episode 399 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better! In this episode:Sumit Seth is on to show how Naamly's new tools helps track client progress through baseline measurements, habit tracking, and more. ( https://Naamly.com )Anthony chats with Alwyn Cosgrove about:- NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and its crucial role in fat loss success.- Breaking down metabolic adaptation, energy balance, and why "eat less, move more" isn't always enough.- Practical tips to monitor and increase NEAT, including addressing common pitfalls like reduced activity during calorie deficits.- The "Screw the Nut" mindset shift for clients, emphasizing sustainable, long-term fat loss plans over crash diets.- Insights into training high-level Obstacle Course Racing athletes, covering qualities needed, periodization, and peaking strategies.This episode also features exciting updates on Perform Better events, including this summer's Summits, workshops, and free webinars designed to elevate you

Welcome to Episode 398 of the Strength Coach Podcast brought to you by Perform Better! In this chat Anthony Renna speaks with Coach Boyle about:- His thoughts on partial squats and why they can cause more harm than good.- A comparison between high-handle trap bar deadlifts and partial squats.- Insights into the importance of slow and heavy exercises for tendon health and how to progress effectively into plyometric movements.- Why achieving success with weight loss clients can be challenging and how psychology plays a key role.- Upcoming Perform Better educational events, including free webinars and live workshops.Coach Boyle reflects on the evolution of training philosophies and shares practical tips for better performance and injury prevention. Watch now to learn how to optimize your training and avoid common pitfalls. Check out ⁠Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.**Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to like, subscribe

Full-service transformation coach Aram Grigorian discusses training, nutrition and the mindset required to tie it all together. In the first video episode of the Strength Coach Podcast (after 18 years!), Aram joins Anthony Renna to talk about challenges and solutions when coaching clients on weight loss and building healthier lifestyles.We do a deep dive into performance, resilience, and personal growth strategies for fitness professionals. Aram is the founder of the ⁠Real Coaches Summit⁠ (⁠https://www.realcoachessummit2023.com⁠) coming up in Las Vegas in April and we will get an overview of what's happening there.Check out ⁠Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.

Brought to you by Perform Better Check out the CURRENT SALE at PerformBetter.com Highlights of Episode 396   The StrengthCoach.com Coaches Corner with Coach Boyle We spoke about: The problem with Romanian Deadlifts Progressing the SLDL Warm up differences between adults and athletes Force System updates at MBSC Maximizing the Member Experience with Naamly Brought to you by Naamly is the member experience platform for modern training gyms - It puts all of your communication with your members in one place, allowing you to keep track of that communication, so important for retention.  Sumit Seth tells a story about a plumbing incident he had and the lessons learned about why it's important to outsource.   Thanks for Listening!