#354. The Secret to Michael Jordan’s Recovery | Building an Aerobic Foundation & More with Jim Laird

The secret to elite performance isn't just about pushing harder. In this episode of The BluePrint, I sit down with Jim Laird, a seasoned Strength and Conditioning Coach with a diverse background spanning from NCAA Division I coaching to working with professional athletes in the NFL, CFL, LPGA, and MLB. Jim shares insights from his decades of experience, emphasizing the importance of building a solid aerobic base, understanding the nuances of training for health vs. high-performance, and the pitfalls of modern training methods.

Learn:

• Why standing tall during intense workouts might not be the best advice
• The significance of aligning the rib cage for efficient breathing
• How elite athletes like Michael Jordan and Rich Froning train smarter
• The importance of low-level manual activity for overall well-being
• The difference between effort and efficiency in training
• Why a strong aerobic base is crucial for peak performance
• The role of self-care in enhancing resilience and toughness

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GYM Laird Strength & Conditioning

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Quotable moments:

"Michael Jordan had it right. Hands on the thighs, rounded over slightly." - Jim Laird

"Effort without technique is really just a waste of energy." - Jim Laird"Our modern world has pulled us indoors... and then they try to go to a hit class three times a week and wonder why they gas out." - Jim Laird

"If gymnasts only tumbled, there'd be no gymnasts. You have to do the low-level work." - Jim Laird

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ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT PODCAST:

The BluePrint Podcast is for busy professionals and Household CEOs who care deeply about their families, career, and health. Host Dr. Erik Korem distills cutting edge-science, leadership, and life skills into simple tactics optimized for your busy lifestyle and goals.   Dr. Korem interviews scientists, coaches, elite athletes, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and exceptional people to discuss science and practical skills you can implement to become the most healthy, resilient, and impactful version of yourself.

On a mission to equip people to pursue audacious goals, thrive in uncertainty, and live a healthy and fulfilled life, Dr. Erik Korem is a High-Performance pioneer. He introduced sports science and athlete-tracking technologies to collegiate and professional (NFL) football over a decade ago. He has worked with the National Football League, Power-5 NCAA programs, gold-medal Olympians, Nike, and the United States Department of Defense.

Erik is an expert in sleep and stress resilience. He is the Founder and CEO of AIM7, a health and fitness app that unlocks the power of wearables by providing you with daily personalized recommendations to enhance your mind, body, and recovery.

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