

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

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!

Jul 16, 2024 • 12min
Yin and Yancy Ep. 4: Preserving Posture Through Life
In the latest episode of Yin and Yancy, Andrew and Yancy delve into a critical yet often neglected aspect of physical health: posture. Yancy shares keen observations on how posture naturally declines with age, influenced by factors such as strength, stability, and activity levels. They explore the profound impact of gravity on our musculoskeletal system, underscoring how lack of muscular training can weaken our ability to resist its downward pull over time. Throughout the episode, Andrew and Yancy emphasize the importance of consistent physical maintenance and mindful movement to preserve optimal posture and overall health. They highlight how maintaining muscular strength and stability can raise the threshold at which our posture begins to falter, offering practical insights into integrating effective posture-enhancing practices into daily routines. This episode serves as a compelling reminder of the lifelong benefits of proactive body maintenance and the role it plays in sustaining functional mobility and vitality. Tune in to this Yin and Yancy episode to gain valuable insights into optimizing your posture and enhancing your overall well-being. Enjoy the episode!

Jul 9, 2024 • 16min
The Importance of Precise Set-Up For Optimal Athletic Performance
Join Andrew in this enlightening episode of the HNL Movement Podcast as he explores a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of athletic performance: the significance of starting position or set-up. Andrew emphasizes how the initial moments of any movement or athletic endeavor lay the groundwork for success. He delves into the nuances of set-up, including posture, alignment, tension, and mental focus, highlighting how these elements significantly influence execution and performance outcomes across various sports and activities.Throughout the episode, Andrew underscores the challenges athletes face when trying to make adjustments mid-movement due to poor initial set-up. He illustrates with practical examples from sports like golf, basketball, and football, where mastering the starting position translates into improved performance and reduced injury risk. By stressing the consistency and fundamental nature of proper set-up, Andrew empowers listeners to prioritize precision and intent from the onset of all exercises and movements in training. This episode serves as a reminder of the foundational principles that underpin athletic excellence and invites listeners to refine their approach to movement for optimal results. Tune in and elevate your understanding of how starting position shapes athletic performance. Enjoy this episode!

Jul 2, 2024 • 17min
Navigating Athletic Performance: Embracing Fundamentals in a Social Media Age
In this thought-provoking episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into the intricacies of athletic performance in an era dominated by social media and endless fitness content. He addresses the prevalent trend where flashy and advanced techniques often overshadow the importance of mastering fundamentals and refining nuances in training. Andrew emphasizes that while social media can be a powerful tool for inspiration and learning, it's crucial not to overlook the foundational elements that underpin athletic excellence. Throughout the episode, Andrew advocates for embracing the monotony of basics, stressing that consistent refinement of fundamentals is key to unlocking higher-level performance. He challenges the notion that basics are solely for beginners, highlighting how even seasoned athletes and experts benefit immensely from honing these essential skills. By exploring both the positives and potential pitfalls of today's fitness content landscape, Andrew encourages listeners to adopt a balanced approach. This episode serves as a reminder that true progress in athletic performance comes from a comprehensive understanding and dedication to both the basics and the intricacies. Tune in to gain insights that will reshape how you approach your training journey. Enjoy this episode!

Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 27min
Dr. Cris Stickley On Athletic Training, Research Insights, and the PhD Journey
Join Andrew in this informative episode of the HNL Movement Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Cris Stickley, an advisor, mentor, colleague, and great friend throughout Andrew’s PhD program. Dr. Stickley shares his unique journey, starting with a transition from engineering to athletic training during college, fueled by his upbringing on a farm where manual labor help him to develop and learn many life lessons. Reflecting on his early experiences, Dr. Stickley discusses the developmental windows in life that shape our physical capabilities throughout adulthood, underscoring the lifelong benefits of early physical activity and cardiovascular development. Throughout the episode, Dr. Stickley delves into pivotal moments in his career, from competitive volleyball in Ohio's church leagues to earning his spot in the athletic training internship program at Ohio State University. He discusses the immersive old-school mentality that enriched his professional career. Moving on to his tenure as a graduate assistant at Fresno State University and later as the head athletic trainer at Northern Kentucky University, Dr. Stickley shares invaluable insights gained from working with diverse sports teams and collaborating with renowned figures in athletic training. The conversation evolves into Dr. Stickley's journey to Hawaii, where he pursued his passion for biomechanics and became the first kinesiology PhD graduate at the University of Hawaii. From evolving the biomechanics lab from the ground up to teaching complex subjects like cadaver anatomy, Dr. Stickley reflects on the transformative PhD experience and its profound impact on his career and clinical practice. This episode offers listeners a profound glimpse into the intersection of research and clinical practice, essential for optimizing athletic performance and human movement. Enjoy this episode!

Jun 18, 2024 • 18min
Work Directly On, Not Around Your Weaknesses for Optimal Performance
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into a fundamental aspect of optimizing performance: the importance of addressing weaknesses and dysfunctions rather than working around them. He highlights how avoiding challenges can lead to long-term imbalances and hinder athletic progress. By emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to training, Andrew guides listeners through practical examples and strategies aimed at building a solid foundation of strength, mobility, and movement. Andrew reinforces the importance of a growth mindset, urging athletes of all levels to embrace the journey of improvement. With a blend of scientific insights and actionable advice, he encourages listeners to assess their training routines critically and incorporate targeted exercises that enhance overall performance. This episode not only underscores the importance of resilience and consistency in training but also empowers listeners to take proactive steps towards working on their weaknesses. Join Andrew on this insightful episode of the HNL Movement Podcast to discover how addressing weaknesses can pave the way for sustained athletic success. Whether you're an aspiring athlete or a fitness enthusiast, Andrew's expertise will equip you with valuable strategies to optimize your training regimen and elevate your performance to new heights. Listen in and enjoy this episode!

Jun 11, 2024 • 17min
The Importance of Aligning Daily Actions with Performance Goals
In this enlightening episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew dives into the often-overlooked truth that every hour of the day counts towards achieving peak athletic performance. It’s not just about the hours spent in training; it’s about recognizing that our daily routines, from the moment we wake up to the moment we sleep, significantly impact our fitness and health goals. Andrew emphasizes that each choice we make, be it related to movement, nutrition, sleep, or recovery, sends our body a message, steering our progress either forward or backward. Andrew discusses the concept that we are all daily architects of our own health and performance, underscoring the necessity of aligning every action with our broader goals. Whether it's choosing a balanced meal over a convenient snack, integrating movement into a typically sedentary routine, or prioritizing sleep to enhance recovery, the decisions we make around the clock contribute cumulatively to our athletic capabilities and overall well-being. By being mindful of these choices, we can ensure that we are constantly nudging ourselves closer to our performance peaks. Tune in to explore how you can harness the power of everyday habits to support your training goals effectively. Andrew provides practical tips for adjusting your daily routines in ways that nurture your athletic pursuits. If you're ready to transform every waking hour into an opportunity for growth and achievement, this episode is your starting point. Don't forget to engage with the podcast on social media and share how you're turning every day into a step towards success. Enjoy the episode and start optimizing every moment of your day for peak performance!

May 28, 2024 • 23min
Yin and Yancy Ep. 3: Breaking Through the Fear of Failure
In this thought-provoking episode of "Yin and Yancy," Andrew and Yancy delve into the daunting realm of facing new challenges and the natural fear of failure that accompanies stepping into unknown territories. They discuss how the road to achieving our goals is often paved with trials and setbacks, yet these moments are not marks of failure but are, in fact, essential stepping stones to success. This episode explores the idea that true failure only occurs when we hold back from trying, underscoring the importance of persistence and the courage to continue despite obstacles. The discussion also tackles the distorted perceptions fueled by social media, where only the 'highlight reels' are often displayed, skewing our expectations and fostering unnecessary comparisons. Andrew and Yancy emphasize the significance of support from coaches, family, and teammates, who play pivotal roles in helping navigate through both triumphant and tough times. By sharing real-life experiences and insights, this episode encourages listeners to embrace their journey, learn from every chapter, and never shy away from trying, because the act of moving forward is itself a victory. Listen to this candid conversation that inspires resilience and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to succeed. Remember, every attempt, every effort, and every moment spent pushing forward adds to your story of success. Don't miss this powerful episode that could change how you face your next challenge. Enjoy the episode!