Barbells aren't inherently riskier

Michael Mash is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of Barbell Rehab. Known for bridging the gap between rehabilitation and strength training, Michael returns to challenge some of the most common fears surrounding injuries, barbells, and lifting heavy.

In this episode, Michael joins Andrew Coates to explain what he really means when he says “I’d rather be strong and in pain than weak and in pain” — and why avoiding load, stress, and barbells often creates more problems than it solves.

Rather than promoting recklessness, this conversation centers on intelligent load management, graded exposure, and the reality that strength is one of the most protective qualities we can build over a lifetime.

THIS EPISODE COVERS:

What Michael means by “I’d rather be strong and in pain than weak and in pain”

Whether barbells are inherently riskier to train with

Why many older lifters move away from barbells

How improper loading and barbell use can create problems

Pushback against the idea that barbells are not for beginners

Why the risk of injury from lifting is small compared to the risks of a sedentary lifestyle

Why load management and graded exposure matter most in injury rehab

Why stress is not the enemy and acts as a stimulus for durability

And much more

Instagram: @barbellrehab

CHAPTERS

00:29 The Barbell Rehab Philosophy

01:20 Debunking Barbell Myths

02:44 Load Management and Injury Prevention

04:13 Adapting Training for Individual Needs

05:17 The Role of Barbells in Strength Training

06:45 The Importance of Strength Training

13:17 Sponsor Break – Train Heroic

14:39 Barbells for Beginners

17:58 Injury Risks and Strength Training

22:48 Managing Stress and Injury Risk

25:18 Obesity and Injury Risk

25:45 Load Management and Client Communication

26:33 King Kong Backpacks Promo

27:43 Rest vs Load for Injuries

32:35 Cross-Education Training

37:01 Rehab Principles Across Professions

42:53 The Body as a Garden, Not a Car

50:22 Barbell Rehab Courses and Final Thoughts

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If this episode helped reframe how you think about pain, strength, or injury, you can support the show by:

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Sharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)

Sending it to someone who is afraid to lift because of pain or injury

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