Justin Lima | Evaluating and Redefining Beliefs and Practices in Strength and Conditioning

In this episode, Justin Lima joins to share his insights on conducting research, individualized training, and collaboration among a high-performance staff.

Justin shares his experience and findings from his research on the reactive strength index and force-velocity profiling for division one football players. Through our discussion, we navigate the complex balance between long-term athletic development and the pressure to win. We draw on our collective experience to discuss the benefits of individualized training, the importance of having a control group in research, and the utility of a structured progression model in team training. Justin also highlights the necessity of understanding an athlete's training age and being pragmatic when it comes to individualization.

In the last portion of the episode, Justin stresses the importance of having a principle-based foundation for the methods and practices you employ with athletes. He provides a framework for identifying the most important metrics for your situation and evaluating your beliefs and biases.

Time Stamps:

[4:30] Justin's findings from his dissertation on reactive strength index and force-velocity profiling

[13:31] Striking a balance between general development and individualization

[17:00] Justin's assessment and monitoring process when athletes step on campus

[30:38] Advice for training individualization at the high school and small college level

[42:29] Identifying which performance metrics matter the most to your situation

[51:15] Never underestimating the impact you can have on athletes

[53:52] Information on Strength Coach Network's online courses and educational opportunities

Dr. Justin Lima is the owner of Strength Coach Network and has spent 14 years working in collegiate athletics, most recently as the Director of Football Performance at Towson University. Prior to Towson he was an assistant strength coach for Iowa football and spent time coaching at Harvard and Maryland.

You can follow Justin on Instagram and Twitter.

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