

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

Apr 8, 2025 • 16min
Why Weight Belts Are Holding Back Your Athletic Performance
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into the use of weight belts in training and why athletes outside of powerlifting should reconsider their reliance on them. While weight belts can provide external support during maximal strength lifts, they can prevent athletes from developing the internal core stability needed for real-life sports movements. Andrew explains how athletes should focus on building strength through proper bracing, breathing, and core activation rather than relying on an external aid like a belt, which could ultimately hinder their progress.Throughout the episode, Andrew shares insights on why relying on weight belts can mask core weaknesses, impede proper breathing and bracing techniques, and ultimately limit the functional strength athletes need for performance. Using examples from football and other sports, he highlights how many athletes train without belts, focusing on technique and building real core strength. If you're looking to improve your performance in the gym and your sport, this episode provides key insights on how to train smarter and more effectively by developing your internal strength rather than relying on external crutches. Enjoy the episode!

Apr 1, 2025 • 17min
Yin and Yancy Ep. 12: Raising Your Performance on Tough Days
In this episode of Yin and Yancy, Andrew and Yancy discuss the power of perseverance, particularly when it comes to pushing through tough days and doing what needs to be done, even when motivation is low. They explore the importance of having non-negotiables—those habits and routines that remain consistent, regardless of how you feel. By emphasizing the need to show up and perform even on difficult days, they highlight how consistency, even in adversity, builds long-term success. Throughout the episode, they stress that your "bad days" often set the floor for your true potential. It's not about perfection, but about raising your baseline performance on those harder days. They also dive into how remembering your reasons why can serve as a powerful motivator, pushing you through obstacles. If you're struggling to stay consistent or find the energy to push forward, this episode will offer valuable insights on how to reframe your mindset, stay committed, and ultimately grow stronger. Enjoy the episode!

Mar 18, 2025 • 16min
Unlock Real Growth by Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into the crucial topic of stepping outside your comfort zone in training. Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts find themselves sticking to what’s familiar, avoiding the discomfort that comes with challenging areas of their training. But true growth happens when you embrace those uncomfortable moments and push through them. Andrew explains how recognizing and working on your weaknesses, whether it’s refining technique, improving mobility, or mastering a difficult movement, is the key to getting better and improving performance.The episode emphasizes that growth doesn’t happen overnight and is not just about adding more weight or volume. It’s about consistently putting in the effort, working on the small details, and improving every single day. Andrew encourages listeners to stop avoiding discomfort and start looking at it as an opportunity to improve. Tune in for actionable tips and insights that will help you break through barriers, get out of your comfort zone, and see real progress in your training. Enjoy the episode!

Mar 11, 2025 • 19min
The Importance of Both Bilateral and Unilateral Exercises for Optimal Performance
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into the pros and cons of bilateral versus unilateral exercises and why incorporating both into your routine is essential for maximizing strength and performance. While bilateral exercises like squats and deadlifts help build overall strength and power, unilateral movements, such as single-leg squats and lunges, are crucial for addressing imbalances, improving core stability, and promoting more functional movement. Andrew highlights how each type of exercise serves a unique purpose in training, and when combined, they provide a well-rounded approach to movement efficiency and injury prevention.Throughout the episode, Andrew provides actionable insights on how to incorporate both types of exercises effectively into your routine. Whether you’re trying to build more strength, improve balance, or prevent injury, integrating bilateral and unilateral movements will help you become a more balanced, stronger athlete. Tune in to learn how to make the most of your training and develop a stronger, more functional body. Enjoy the episode!

Feb 25, 2025 • 20min
Yin and Yancy Ep. 11: Finding Gratitude and Growth in the Face of Adversity
In this episode of Yin and Yancy, Yancy reflects on a powerful moment during his last fight, when an interviewer asked him, "Why do you do what you do?" This question sparked a deeper appreciation for the incredible support system he has—his family, friends, and loved ones—who allow him to pursue his passion for fighting. Despite not winning his last fight, Yancy focuses on the lessons he can take from the experience rather than dwelling on the loss. He emphasizes how important it is to not take losses home but to bring the lessons learned into his daily life, using them to fuel growth and improvement.Throughout the conversation, Yancy shares how his perspective has evolved, especially in times of adversity. He reminds himself to be grateful for what he has achieved and to stay humble, always remembering the moments when he first wanted what he now has. Both Yancy and Andrew dive into the concept of choosing to learn from hard times, avoiding a victim mentality, and holding themselves accountable for their actions. This episode offers valuable insights on using challenges as opportunities for growth, staying grateful, and trusting the process as we continue to push forward in life and training. Tune in for this inspiring conversation on resilience and the power of perspective. Enjoy the episode!

Feb 18, 2025 • 17min
Every Action Creates a Positive or Negative Effect on Your Training and Performance
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into the powerful concept that everything we do has a cause and effect, especially when it comes to training, mindset, and performance. Whether it’s your form during a workout, your approach to nutrition, or how you show up mentally, each action leads to a ripple effect—either beneficial or detrimental to your progress. Andrew explains how small actions, like correcting your posture or focusing on mobility, can create big improvements, while overlooking details can set you back, causing compensations, inefficiencies, and even injury.Throughout the episode, Andrew challenges listeners to reflect on their habits and mindset, urging them to take responsibility for the causes they’re creating through their actions. By paying attention to the smaller aspects of training, form, and recovery, athletes can maximize their results and avoid the negative effects of bad habits. Tune in for actionable insights on how to harness the cause-and-effect principle to fuel long-term success in your performance, health, and fitness journey.

Feb 11, 2025 • 15min
Making Progress Isn’t Just About the Program, It’s About How You Show Up
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew discusses the importance of going beyond just following a workout program and expecting automatic results. Training is not a one-size-fits-all formula; it’s about the effort, intention, and mindset you bring to each session. While progress is often measured in physical gains, true growth comes from refining technique, improving mental resilience, and staying curious about your progress. Andrew dives into the critical elements that make training successful—learning, self-awareness, and embracing the challenge of consistent improvement.Rather than focusing solely on lifting heavier weights or achieving perfect numbers, Andrew emphasizes the importance of showing up with the right attitude. Every workout is an opportunity to learn more about your body, whether it’s refining a movement, building mental toughness, or adjusting your approach. Training is about being a student of your body and constantly evolving—there’s always room for improvement. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how to approach your training to maximize results and foster a deeper connection to your fitness journey. Enjoy the episode!

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 32min
Anthony Sinacore On Revolutionizing Performance Tracking and Athlete Development with VALD
In this engaging episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew sits down with Anthony Sinacore, Vice President of North America for VALD, to dive into the rapidly evolving world of sports science, objective testing, and performance metrics. Anthony shares his journey from growing up in St. Louis, MO, to finding his passion for physical therapy and eventually moving into the cutting-edge field of sports science. He discusses his early career in athletic training, experiences in physical therapy, and how his work in clinical assessment and testing led him to VALD, a company revolutionizing performance tracking and assessment.Throughout the conversation, Anthony highlights how the integration of sports science, biomechanics, mental health, and other disciplines is enhancing athlete performance and recovery. He explains how VALD’s tools, such as the Nord Board, Force Frame, and Force Decks, are making it easier for practitioners to gather and analyze data in real-world athletic settings. Anthony provides valuable insights into the practical application of these tools and how they help athletes, coaches, and clinicians make data-driven decisions to improve performance. This episode offers a deep dive into the future of sports science, the power of data, and how emerging technologies are transforming the way we approach athletic development. Listen in and enjoy the episode!IG: @anthonysinacore @vald_performanceEmail: a.sinacore@vald.com

Jan 21, 2025 • 30min
Setting Realistic Goals That Align with Your Values and Lead To Long-Term Success
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into the art of setting meaningful, sustainable goals that align with your personal values. With the new year often prompting resolutions, Andrew challenges the common trend of setting goals based on societal pressures or external expectations, such as losing weight or looking a certain way. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of aligning your goals with what truly matters to you—whether it’s health, longevity, performance, or personal growth. By connecting your aspirations to your core values, you create a deeper sense of purpose and intrinsic motivation that will help you stay committed long-term.Throughout the episode, Andrew shares practical steps for setting realistic and achievable goals that resonate with your values. He reintroduces the powerful 5 Whys exercise, a simple yet effective tool to uncover the underlying reasons driving your goals. He also stresses the importance of taking small, incremental actions rather than trying to overhaul everything at once, referencing lessons from the book Atomic Habits. This episode serves as a reminder that true, lasting progress comes from consistent, value-driven efforts, not drastic changes or fleeting resolutions. Tune in for actionable insights that will help you set goals you can stay committed to and ultimately achieve. Enjoy the episode!

Jan 14, 2025 • 15min
Shifting Your Perspective to Boost Motivation, Consistency, and Performance
In this motivating episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into the powerful mindset shift inspired by a recent post by The Rock: “You don’t have to do it, you get to do it.” He explores how reframing training and health from an obligation to a privilege can transform your perspective, making fitness more enjoyable and sustainable. By examining the mental barriers that often hold us back, Andrew shows how shifting our mindset can enhance motivation and consistency, leading to better results in the long term.Throughout the episode, Andrew challenges listeners to reflect on their relationship with training, especially when faced with challenges or tough days. He emphasizes that fitness isn’t just about showing up; it’s about appreciating the opportunity to improve and grow, even when the process gets tough. By taking action now, and focusing on the benefits of training, rather than waiting for the “right time,” athletes can build the resilience and mental strength needed to stay consistent. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on how small mindset shifts can make a big impact on your progress and motivation. Enjoy the episode!


