

HNL Movement Podcast
Andrew Takata
Andrew Takata from HNL Movement discusses anything and everything related to optimizing human performance so that you can improve the quality of your life. Learn comprehensive ways to take care of your body, achieve better health, and elevate your performance so you can achieve your true potential. Andrew shares valuable information covering topics of rehab and injury prevention techniques, movement efficiency, strength and conditioning, and ways to create sustainable nutrition habits so that you can level up your performance in sports, daily activities, and life. He has over a decade of experience working with people of all ages, activity levels, training backgrounds, as well as helping people successfully return to activities following injury. Join Andrew and his passion to learn, understand, and share how health, nutrition, lifestyle, and movement collectively contribute to human performance. It will be a mix of interviews, great conversations, and solo episodes that you won’t want to miss. Hit subscribe, and get ready to optimize your human performance.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2025 • 20min
Why You Feel Tight — And Why Stretching Isn’t Solving It
Athletes chase tightness like it’s a flexibility problem, but the truth is far more interesting — and way more useful. In this episode, Andrew breaks down why chronic “tight” muscles are almost never caused by short tissue, and why stretching only gives temporary relief. Tightness is a signal, not a diagnosis. It shows up when the body doesn’t trust the joint position, doesn’t have enough strength or stability in key ranges, or is getting noisy sensory input that forces the nervous system to lock things down. Instead of fighting the tension, you need to understand what it’s protecting you from.Andrew explains the deeper drivers of tightness through the lens of biomechanics, stability, and somatosensory control. Weakness, poor joint mechanics, and compensatory patterns can all create a loop where certain muscles grip to stabilize things they shouldn’t be stabilizing. Add in inaccurate proprioception or poor movement variability, and the nervous system only tightens its guard. When the brain doesn’t feel safe, tension goes up — regardless of how much stretching you do.This episode shows you what actually works: restoring joint position, improving local strength and force control, and training the nervous system to better sense and coordinate movement. When you upgrade position, stability, and sensory accuracy, tightness stops being a daily battle and starts becoming a rare signal you actually understand. Whether you’re an athlete tired of feeling tight or a coach looking to clean up movement quality, this will help you solve tightness at the root — not chase symptoms at the surface.

Nov 4, 2025 • 15min
Don’t Just Do the Work, Do It Well: The Power of Movement Efficiency
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into an important but often overlooked concept — that there are levels to movement efficiency and exercise technique. Just because you’re sweating or feeling fatigued doesn’t necessarily mean you’re improving performance. Andrew explains why athletes who move efficiently tend to make training look effortless, while those who rely on poor mechanics often mistake exhaustion for progress.He breaks down how movement efficiency is a skill that develops through precision, control, and awareness — not just effort. By focusing on how you move rather than how much you do, you can extract far more from every rep, reduce compensations, and build strength and coordination that actually transfer to performance.This episode is a reminder to stop chasing the sweat and start chasing quality. True progress happens when you pay attention to the details and refine your movement over time. Tune in to learn how improving your technique and efficiency can take your training and performance to the next level. Enjoy the episode!

Oct 21, 2025 • 31min
Yin and Yancy, Ep. 17: The Art of Coaching and Connecting with People
In this powerful and honest conversation, Yancy shares his personal journey of learning how to coach—not just athletes, but his own kids. As a professional fighter, mentor, and father, he opens up about the unique challenges of balancing those roles and how his approach to coaching continues to evolve.We dive deep into the heart of what it really means to coach: the balance between teaching, accountability, and connection. Yancy and Andrew discuss how the landscape of coaching has changed from the “follow the program or get out” mentality to one that encourages communication and mutual understanding. They explore how generational shifts, parenting styles, and life experiences shape the way people learn and respond to coaching.Ultimately, this episode highlights that great coaching goes far beyond sets, reps, and technique. It’s about learning how to reach people where they’re at, challenge them to grow, and build trust over time. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, this conversation will help you reflect on how to foster more meaningful and effective coaching relationships.

Oct 7, 2025 • 14min
Balancing Progress, Patience, and Purpose in Training and Life
In this short and reflective episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew shares an honest update on life, balance, and the ongoing pursuit of progress. With exciting projects and new opportunities on the horizon, he discusses the importance of slowing down just enough to focus on quality — both in training and in life. Just as great training isn’t about doing more, but doing things with purpose and consistency, Andrew emphasizes that true growth comes from staying intentional through all of life’s busy seasons.He ties this message back to his core philosophy: that strength, conditioning, and health aren’t separate from life — they are life. Training teaches us patience, discipline, and the ability to keep showing up even when things get hectic. As the podcast shifts to a biweekly release for the coming weeks, this episode serves as a reminder to focus on what matters most, trust the process, and keep progressing one step at a time.Tune in for a quick dose of perspective and inspiration to help you stay grounded, consistent, and motivated in your training, work, and everyday life. Enjoy the episode!

Sep 23, 2025 • 19min
How Mastering Weight Distribution Can Unlock Strength and Performance
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into one of the most overlooked yet powerful aspects of training—weight distribution. How you distribute your weight during exercises determines how forces travel through your body, how strong you feel, and how effectively you can improve. From squats to deadlifts, push-ups, and even agility work, subtle shifts forward, backward, or into the wrong joints can completely change the mechanics of the movement and the stress on your body.Andrew breaks down the biomechanics behind weight distribution in a simple and relatable way, sharing how balanced pressure through the midfoot and stable positioning can unlock more strength, protect your joints, and enhance long-term progress. He uses real-world examples and analogies that athletes and coaches can apply immediately to optimize training results.If you want to move better, get stronger, and reduce injury risk, this episode will help you understand why details like weight distribution matter more than you think. Tune in and learn how small adjustments in your foundation can make a big difference in performance. Enjoy the episode!

Sep 9, 2025 • 12min
Stick to a Program to Unlock Your Best Results
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into the importance of sticking with a program long enough to truly maximize your results. Too often, athletes and fitness enthusiasts move on from exercises or programs after only a few attempts, thinking they’ve already mastered them or searching for something new. Andrew explains why real progress takes time, repetition, and consistency, and how improvements often don’t reveal themselves until you’ve practiced something over and over again.Throughout the episode, Andrew emphasizes finding the right balance between variety and consistency in training. While variety has its place to keep things engaging and challenging, the key to lasting progress comes from repeating and refining the fundamentals. He draws from relatable examples in both training and sport, showing how mastery and breakthroughs happen only when you commit to practicing with focus and intention over time.This episode serves as a reminder to trust the process and be patient with your progress. The small refinements you make from one session to the next eventually add up to big results. Tune in to learn why sticking with your program, rather than constantly chasing novelty, is the real path to improving performance. Enjoy the episode!

Sep 2, 2025 • 23min
Yin and Yancy Ep. 16: Finding Consistency Amidst Information Overload
In this episode of Yin and Yancy, Andrew and Yancy dive into the double-edged sword of information overload in today’s fitness and performance world. With endless tips, hacks, and advice at our fingertips, it’s easy to get distracted or overwhelmed instead of focusing on what really matters—being consistent and building a strong foundation. They discuss how too much information at the wrong time can become an obstacle rather than a tool for progress, especially for beginners who can’t yet fully apply or make sense of advanced strategies.Through their conversation, they emphasize that there are no shortcuts to lasting success. Just knowing something isn’t enough—you need to experience it, apply it, and grow through the process. Andrew and Yancy share insights on why many so-called “hacks” promoted by influencers only work after years of doing the basics consistently. The key takeaway? Don’t chase quick fixes or get lost in the noise. Invest your time and energy into mastering the fundamentals, being consistent, and using information at the right place and time to support sustainable growth.Tune in to this episode for a grounded reminder that true progress doesn’t come from shortcuts or information overload—it comes from steady effort, learning, and applying knowledge in ways that fit your current journey. Enjoy the episode!

Aug 12, 2025 • 14min
Expand Your Nutrition Toolbox for Consistent Performance
In this short and practical episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew breaks down one of the most overlooked keys to eating well consistently — having enough nutritious options that fit your lifestyle, goals, and schedule. He explains why nutrition often becomes difficult when your choices are limited, and how expanding your “nutrition toolbox” gives you the flexibility and sustainability you need for long-term success.Andrew shares simple strategies to build a variety of go-to meals and snacks you actually enjoy, from everyday staples at home to smart choices at fast food restaurants and on-the-go situations. He gives real-world examples of how even in busy, unpredictable environments, you can fuel your body with options that support your training, recovery, and overall health.Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just looking to improve your eating habits, this episode will help you reframe nutrition as a game of options, not restrictions. Start building your personal nutrition playbook today and see how much easier it becomes to stay consistent, energized, and performing at your best. Enjoy the episode!

Aug 5, 2025 • 16min
Progress Is in the Details, Not Just the Grind
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew breaks down a simple but powerful truth: the details matter more than you think. Whether you’re an athlete chasing performance goals or a coach trying to raise the standard, this short episode dives into how small actions — often overlooked — play a huge role in progress, injury prevention, and long-term development.Andrew shares relatable examples from training sessions, warm-ups, and even life outside the gym to show how the “little things” compound over time. From setting up for a squat to how you focus between sets, these moments shape your results far more than most realize. You’ll also hear practical takeaways and analogies that drive home the importance of consistency, intention, and building habits rooted in quality.If you’ve ever felt stuck despite working hard, this episode will help you zoom in and refocus on the areas that may be holding you back. Tune in to reframe your approach and start giving the small things the attention they deserve. Enjoy the episode!

Jul 29, 2025 • 16min
Yin and Yancy, Ep. 15: What Will You Learn, Earn, and Return?
In this episode of Yin and Yancy, Andrew and Yancy reflect on a powerful message inspired by a Denzel Washington clip: in life, you learn, you earn, and you return. This simple yet profound idea sparked a deeper conversation about personal growth, experience, and how we pass on what we’ve gained—whether in our families, careers, or communities. Yancy shares how this perspective shows up in his own journey as a father, while Andrew explores the role this plays in coaching, mentorship, and the influence we have on the next generation.Together, they unpack how our life experiences—good or bad—shape what we “return” to the world. The two also explore how learning and earning aren’t just about personal gain, but about growing the wisdom and awareness to pay things forward in meaningful ways. As coaches, parents, and leaders, it’s important to recognize what habits, values, and perspectives are worth passing down—and which ones we can improve for those who come after us. This episode is a powerful reminder that how we choose to return what we've learned and earned can create lasting impact. Enjoy the episode!


