Ep. 433: Nick Shaw Building Renaissance Periodization
Jul 22, 2024
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Nick Shaw from Renaissance Periodization talks about building the RP empire, working with Dr. Mike, and fine dining. Topics include social media algorithms, viral posts, fitness journeys, humor in education, writing a book during COVID-19, Teriyaki Madness, college football video games, equipment set up challenges, joy of dunking, evolution of fitness testing, and Costco encounters.
RP Strength's growth through YouTube content during COVID, transitioning from coaching to templates.
Nick Shaw's decision to retire from competitive bodybuilding to focus on RP Strength and other life aspects.
Meeting with Dr. Mike at Michigan, living together before starting RP Strength in 2011, showcasing significant growth through YouTube.
Inspiration from early fitness influences, returning to competing after a hiatus to achieve a pro card in men's physique.
Deep dives
Evolution of RP Strength and Growth on YouTube
RP Strength started with coaching and diet plans, then moved to templates targeting CrossFit and lifting circles. During COVID, they pivoted to YouTube content, which led to significant growth from 1 million to 2 million views in six months.
Becoming an IFBB Pro in Physique
Obtained the pro card a little over a year ago by winning class by one point in an NPC show. Decided to retire from competitive bodybuilding to focus on other aspects of life and RP Strength, given the dedication and selfishness required for contest prep.
Starting RP Strength and Transition to YouTube Success
Met Mike at University of Michigan, who founded the Michigan Powerlifting Club. Moved to New York City, trained and lived together. Started RP Strength in 2011, offering coaching and diet plans. Transitioned to YouTube content during COVID, experiencing rapid growth in viewership.
Personal Journey Towards IFBB Pro and Retiring from Competitive Bodybuilding
Inspired by early fitness influences like Animal Pack ads, competed in bodybuilding shows, took a break for family and RP Strength focus. Returned to competing after nine years to achieve pro card in men's physique. Chose retirement to prioritize other aspects of life.
Surprise Dunk at Noontime Ball Game
During a noontime basketball game, the ball got wedged between the backboard and the rim. The speaker, feeling confident, successfully jumped and knocked the ball out with ease. This surprise dunk elicited cheers and laughs from the onlookers.
Presidential Fitness Test Nostalgia
The speaker reminisces about the Presidential Fitness Test from their youth, discussing various fitness challenges included in the test. They reflect on the curl-ups, shuttle run, endurance run, pull-ups, and more, highlighting how these tests influenced physical training.
Juggernaut AI for Optimized Training
The speaker shares about their experience using Juggernaut AI for personalized workouts, emphasizing how the app streamlines training by creating and adjusting programs. They praise the variety, flexibility, and high-value coaching provided by Juggernaut AI.
Chance Encounters at Costco
The speaker recounts running into a familiar acquaintance, Grayson, twice in one week, first at a car show and then at Costco. They share the serendipitous encounter at Costco, where Grayson noted seeing the speaker's recent Instagram post and then meeting face-to-face at the store.
Big Nick Shaw of Renaissance Periodization joins us for this one to discuss building the RP empire, a day in the life working with Dr. Mike, and fine dining cuisine.