Episode 73: Suck It Up, Buttercup – Intersection of Healthcare and Powerlifting ft. Zak Gabor, Steph Allen and John Flagg

Today, Kevin chats with three health care professionals who are also members of the Precision Powerlifting Systems team: Zak Gabor, Stephanie Allen, and John Flagg. The three chat about barbell training’s influences on their practice, rehab, and coaching philosophies.

HIGHLIGHTS:
02:34: How heavy lifting has influenced clinical practice
07:15: Simplification of rehab approach through straightforward programming
19:00: Decision making in the absence of coaching
37:35: The value of variability
43:00: Ebbs and flows of training over time
1:01:00: Social constructions of pain and its impacts on lifting

Zak is a 2015 graduate from Ithaca College where he earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Clinical Health Science degree from Ithaca College in 2013. He currently works at Boston Physical Therapy and Wellness.

Steph is a 2013 graduate of Ithaca College, where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She currently works at Boston Physical Therapy and Wellness. Previously, Steph worked as a travel physical therapist, and has worked in New York, New Jersey, California, New Mexico, and Colorado.

Zak and Steph have recently founded “The Level Up Initiative,” which is an online platform dedicated to driving positive change into healthcare through mentorship of student PTs and new graduates. This platform is based in development of mindset, critical thinking, and soft skills. To learn more about this, head to The Level Up Initiative.

John Flagg holds a BS in Athletic Training from Salisbury University and MS in Public Health Education and Promotion from the Pennsylvania State University. He offers online strength sport coaching and currently works for Clinical Athlete as a provider.

Let us know that you like this episode by giving us a 5-star rating or a review on Apple Podcasts! We are always looking for feedback to make the episodes even better. If you’re interested in being on the show or know someone who would make a great guest, you can email us at alyssaliftsthings@gmail.com.

Interested in coaching for any level of powerlifting in any corner of the globe? Check out Precision Powerlifting Systems all over the web:

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You can follow Kevin on Instagram at @kwcann and Alyssa at @alyssaliftsthings.

Intro/outro music from freemusicarchive.org
Artist: MELLViNS
Track: Way Down Below