Measuring readiness beyond the weight room

Today’s guest is Martin Bingisser. Martin is the founder of HMMR Media, one of the most trusted independent voices in throws and track & field education. A former competitive hammer thrower, Martin blends firsthand experience with deep historical and technical insight to analyze training methods, athlete development, and coaching culture. Through articles, videos, and interviews, his work bridges elite practice and practical coaching, earning him respect from coaches and performance professionals around the world. In a world of rapid-information delivery and short attention spans, the wisdom of master coaches is becoming increasingly rare. Martin has spent substantial time with two legends in the coaching world, Anatoliy Bondarchuk and Vern Gambetta. Spending time discussing the work of the past, and wisdom through the present is a critical practice in forming an effective coaching viewpoint. On today’s episode I chat with Martin in a wide-ranging conversation in coaching lessons on efficiency, adaptability, and performing under pressure (two throws, no warmups, huge crowds). We transition into Bondarchuk’s training philosophy: exercise classification, consistency, “strength” as sport-specific force production, and why weight-room PRs can distract from performance. The episode closes with motor-learning insights on rhythm, holistic cues, and how Vern Gambetta’s “general” work complements specificity. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and the Just Fly Sports Online Courses 30-50% off all courses until December 1, 2025. (https://justflysports.thinkific.com) Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer Use code “justfly20” for 20% off of LILA Exogen Wearable resistance gear at www.lilateam.com View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 0:00 – Martin’s background and training lens 7:05 – Why eccentric strength matters 15:40 – Isometric intent and force expression 24:30 – Tendons, stiffness, and elastic qualities 33:50 – Managing fatigue in strength training 42:15 – Applying eccentric and isometric work 51:20 – Athlete readiness and daily adjustment 1:00:10 – Long term development and durability Actionable Takeaways 7:05 – Eccentric strength underpins many performance qualities Martin explains that eccentric capacity sets the foundation for braking, deceleration, and re acceleration. Stronger eccentric abilities allow athletes to tolerate higher forces with less breakdown. Use controlled eccentric work to improve robustness without chasing constant intensity. 15:40 – Isometrics depend on intent, not just position Holding a position is not enough to drive adaptation. Martin emphasizes producing force into the immovable position to create meaningful stimulus. Cue effort and intent during isometrics instead of passively holding time. 24:30 – Tendon stiffness supports speed and efficiency Tendons transmit force, they do not just store it. Training should respect gradual loading to avoid disrupting tendon health. Elastic qualities improve when stiffness and timing are trained together. 33:50 – Fatigue management shapes training quality Not all fatigue is productive. Martin highlights watching bar speed, coordination, and effort quality to guide decisions. End sets when movement quality degrades rather than chasing prescribed numbers. 42:15 – Match training tools to the desired adaptation Eccentrics, isometrics, and dynamics all serve different purposes. Martin stresses selecting methods based on the adaptation you want, not trends. Blend methods thoughtfully instead of stacking stressors blindly. 51:20 – Daily readiness should influence loading Athletes do not arrive the same every day. Use simple readiness cues like bar speed and coordination to adjust training. Flexibility in programming helps preserve long term progress. 1:00:10 – Durability is built over time, not rushed Long term development requires patience and consistency. Martin reinforces gradual progression to protect connective tissue. not short term peaks. Quotes from Martin Bingisser “Eccentric strength is what allows athletes to absorb and redirect force safely.” “An isometric only works if there is intent behind it.” “Tendons are not passive structures, they are active contributors to performance.” “Fatigue is not the enemy, but unmanaged fatigue is.” “You have to choose training tools based on what you want to adapt.” “Readiness is not about feelings, it is about what you observe.” “Durability comes from respecting time and progression.” About Martin Bingisser Martin Bingisser is the founder of HMMR Media, one of the most respected independent platforms covering throws, strength training, and track & field performance. A former competitive hammer thrower, Martin combines firsthand athletic experience with a sharp analytical eye to break down training theory, competition trends, and athlete development across all levels of the sport. Through HMMR Media, he produces in-depth articles, interviews, videos, and educational resources that bridge the gap between elite coaching practice and accessible learning. His work is known for its clarity, historical context, and willingness to challenge oversimplified narratives in modern training. Martin has collaborated with coaches, athletes, and federations worldwide, and his content is widely used by throws coaches, sport scientists, and performance professionals seeking thoughtful, evidence-informed perspectives. His approach emphasizes long-term athlete development, technical mastery, and the craft of coaching; making him a trusted voice in the global track and field community.