

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

Oct 15, 2024 • 14min
Yin and Yancy, Ep. 7: The Critical Role of Feet and Ankles for Better Performance
In this engaging episode of Yin and Yancy, Andrew and Yancy dive deep into the often overlooked topic of foot and ankle function, exploring its critical role in athletic performance. Yancy reflects on his personal journey of realization regarding the importance of being aware of footwork and the foundational connection to the ground. He emphasizes that this connection is essential not only in strength and conditioning but also in warm-ups, drills, and sparring, shaping how the body moves and performs. Throughout their conversation, Andrew and Yancy highlight how developing good movements from the ground up is key to preventing compensations and muscular imbalances that can arise from dysfunction in the feet and ankles. Andrew stresses the necessity of addressing these areas from a young age, as neglect can lead to more significant problems later in an athlete's career. The episode serves as a reminder for listeners to prioritize their foot and ankle health, as improving the interaction between their feet and the ground can significantly enhance their weight-bearing activities, sports performance, and overall quality of movement. Tune in for practical insights that can transform how you approach your training and athletic endeavors!

Oct 8, 2024 • 15min
Emphasizing Quality Over Quantity For Optimal Athletic Performance
In this thought-provoking episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew examines a common misconception in training and productivity: the belief that more time spent alone or more repetitions will automatically yield better results. Drawing an analogy to a student who studies excessively without taking breaks, Andrew highlights how overemphasis on quantity can lead to diminishing returns, ultimately impacting performance and development. Throughout the episode, Andrew discusses the importance of balancing time and focus in training. He emphasizes that excessive time spent on a single activity can detract from other vital aspects, such as recovery and skill development. By prioritizing quality over quantity, Andrew urges listeners to be mindful of their training habits, noting that poorly executed repetitions can reinforce bad habits and hinder progress. He offers strategic tips for effective training, including the necessity of incorporating feedback, setting specific goals, and understanding the critical role of rest and recovery. As the episode concludes, Andrew encourages listeners to reflect on their training approaches and consider how they can improve their effectiveness by focusing on quality and balance rather than merely increasing time spent alone. Join him for this insightful discussion and learn how to optimize your training for better results. Enjoy the episode!

Oct 1, 2024 • 17min
The Role of Active Recovery in Sustaining Athletic Performance
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew explores the vital role of active recovery in the year-round athletic journey. Drawing from his recent experience of navigating a busy schedule, he emphasizes that life’s demands can shift priorities, making it crucial to recognize the benefits of stepping back and allowing the body to recover. Andrew discusses how active recovery serves as a critical phase in athletic training, particularly after the competitive season, where athletes can address tightness and fatigue while setting the stage for off-season strength and conditioning. Throughout the episode, Andrew breaks down the different training phases, including in-season, after-season, and off-season, highlighting how each phase requires tailored approaches to recovery and training priorities. He offers practical tips on how to integrate active recovery effectively, emphasizing that taking time to recover not only enhances physical health but also supports mental rejuvenation. By focusing on activities that promote recovery, athletes can prepare themselves for the demands of the next season while fostering a sustainable approach to training. Tune in to gain insights into optimizing your recovery practices for long-term athletic success. Enjoy the episode!

Sep 10, 2024 • 15min
Working On Weaknesses Instead Of Working Around Them
In this insightful episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew tackles a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of training: addressing and improving weaknesses rather than working around them. Using the analogy of a car that neglects routine maintenance, Andrew illustrates how avoiding exercises that highlight issues, such as knee pain or patellar tendonitis, can lead to more significant problems down the road. By addressing these deficits directly, you can prevent further deconditioning and enhance overall performance. Andrew emphasizes the importance of increasing your capacity to handle physical demands rather than avoiding them altogether. He provides practical tips for incorporating exercises that address weaknesses into your training routine, highlighting how this approach can lead to better movement quality, improved performance, and reduced injury risk. Tune in to understand why confronting and improving weaknesses is essential for long-term athletic success and how to adjust your training for optimal results. Enjoy the episode!

Sep 3, 2024 • 19min
Yin and Yancy, Ep. 6: The Power of Intrinsic Motivation for Success
In this thought-provoking episode of Yin and Yancy, Andrew and Yancy delve into a crucial aspect of personal and athletic development: the role of intrinsic motivation and the importance of focusing on self-improvement rather than seeking external validation. They discuss how the hardest workers are often those who stay driven by their own passion and goals, rather than waiting for external rewards or recognition. Andrew and Yancy emphasize that true progress and reaching your potential come from an internal drive to improve and excel. They highlight the significance of concentrating on the things you can control, aligning your actions with your personal goals, and trusting the process without getting bogged down by the need for validation from others. This episode serves as a powerful reminder to keep pushing forward based on your intrinsic motivation, maintaining focus on personal growth, and staying committed even when external rewards are not forthcoming. Tune in to gain valuable insights into harnessing your inner drive and staying motivated on your journey to achieving your best. Enjoy the episode!

Aug 27, 2024 • 19min
Unraveling the Complexity of Human Performance
In this thought-provoking episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew explores the multifactorial nature of human performance, drawing insights from David Epstein’s acclaimed book, "The Sports Gene." Andrew delves into how athletic excellence is shaped not just by strength and conditioning, nutrition, and recovery, but also by an intricate web of factors including genetics, environment, and individual experiences. He highlights how understanding these complexities can help athletes focus their efforts on what truly matters for optimal performance. Throughout the episode, Andrew emphasizes the importance of identifying and prioritizing the factors that most significantly impact your performance. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of human potential, listeners can avoid wasting their bandwidth on ineffective strategies and instead concentrate on personalized approaches that align with their unique strengths and needs. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing your performance and how to channel your efforts more effectively to achieve your goals. Enjoy the episode!

Aug 20, 2024 • 15min
The Power of Preparation in Achieving Your Best Performance
In this insightful episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew explores the crucial role of consistent preparation in achieving peak performance. Drawing a parallel to preparing for a major exam or job interview, Andrew underscores that success stems from ongoing, unseen efforts rather than last-minute cramming. He delves into how building a solid foundation through daily habits and routines not only boosts confidence and reduces anxiety but also ensures you're truly ready when opportunities arise. Throughout the episode, Andrew highlights the importance of developing effective habits and the impact of consistent preparation on performance outcomes. He shares practical tips for incorporating preparation into your daily life and offers real-life examples of how sustained effort has led to success across various fields. Tune in to learn how focusing on preparation rather than quick fixes can enhance your performance and set you up for long-term success. Enjoy the episode!

Aug 13, 2024 • 16min
Yin and Yancy, Ep. 5: Evolving Your Training for Lifelong Performance
In the latest episode of Yin and Yancy, Andrew and Yancy delve into the concept of "training smart" as it pertains to maintaining and improving functional capacity with age. Yancy shares insights on how his training approach has evolved over time, emphasizing the importance of recovery, consistency, and smart progression. They discuss how training consistently and understanding the nuances of effective exercise can help individuals stay active and achieve their goals, regardless of age.Throughout the episode, Andrew and Yancy stress that age should not be an excuse for diminished performance or lack of progress. Instead, they highlight the value of adapting training strategies to fit individual needs and capabilities. By focusing on smart training practices and maintaining consistency, you can continue to accomplish impressive feats and enhance your functional capacity. Tune in to gain valuable advice on how to train intelligently and achieve your goals, no matter where you are in your fitness journey. Enjoy the episode!

Aug 6, 2024 • 18min
Fine-Tuning Pelvis & Hip Movement for Improved Athletic Performance
In this insightful episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into an often-overlooked aspect of movement and performance: the importance of controlling pelvis movement on the femur. While much focus in strength and conditioning is placed on lower extremity alignment, Andrew highlights why considering the interaction between the pelvis and femur is crucial for optimizing movement efficiency and reducing injury risk. Throughout the episode, Andrew explains how the position and movement of the pelvis can significantly impact the lower extremity function, the entire kinetic chain, and overall biomechanics. He provides practical tips for improving pelvis-femur alignment, emphasizing the importance of lumbo-pelvic positioning, dynamic movement drills, and the integrated role of core and hip muscles. This episode serves as a valuable reminder of the foundational principles that underpin effective movement and performance. Tune in to refine your approach to lower extremity function and enhance your training outcomes. Enjoy the episode!

Jul 23, 2024 • 18min
Enhancing Athletic Performance With Effective Deceleration Training
In this insightful episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into the often-overlooked aspect of performance training: deceleration. While much focus is placed on force production and power generation, Andrew highlights the critical role of deceleration in both performance and injury prevention. Drawing an analogy to high-performance cars that require robust braking systems to complement their acceleration, he explains how our bodies, too, need to master the art of absorbing and controlling force to operate at peak efficiency. Throughout the episode, Andrew explores the key elements of effective deceleration training, emphasizing the importance of both absorbing force smoothly and executing quick, precise stops. He discusses how a well-developed ability to decelerate not only enhances athletic performance but also helps prevent injuries by enabling better control and stability during dynamic movements. Tune in to understand how integrating deceleration exercises into your routine can elevate your overall training and maintain a higher level of functional capability. Enjoy the episode!


