

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

May 21, 2024 • 16min
Unlocking True Mobility for Peak Performance
In this dynamic episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into the multifaceted world of mobility and its crucial role in athletic performance. Kicking off the discussion with a challenge to the conventional understanding of mobility, Andrew expands the concept far beyond mere flexibility. He illustrates how true mobility encompasses a symphony of elements including strength, control, coordination, and the crucial passive and active ranges of motion. Throughout the episode, Andrew breaks down complex topics into digestible insights, explaining how mobility influences everything from routine movements to high-level sports performance. He emphasizes that mobility isn't just about stretching; it's about enhancing the body's ability to perform movements efficiently and safely. With practical tips and detailed explanations, Andrew guides listeners through strategies to improve their mobility, stressing the importance of incorporating these practices into a regular training regimen for better overall athletic outcomes. Tune in to transform your understanding of mobility and to learn why mastering this aspect of physical fitness can be a game-changer in your athletic pursuits. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and tools to elevate your performance through enhanced mobility. Join Andrew for a journey through the foundational elements of athletic excellence and start unlocking your true potential today. Enjoy the episode!

May 14, 2024 • 14min
Back to Basics for Optimal Athletic Performance
In this insightful episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew zeroes in on the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of athletic training: the fundamentals. Drawing a parallel to the strong foundations required in architectural structures, he emphasizes that mastering the basics in training isn't just a step in the process—it's the process itself. This episode delves into why the fundamental elements of training transcend trendy workouts and flashy techniques, serving as the bedrock upon which all athletic progress is built. Andrew discusses how these core principles are not merely introductory phases to be surpassed but are integral components to revisit throughout an athlete’s career. He challenges the common misconception that basics are mundane or less effective, illustrating how they are essential for safe progression and optimal performance. By highlighting the importance of consistency in these fundamental practices, Andrew offers listeners a fresh perspective on how foundational training can lead to substantial long-term benefits and prevent injuries. Tune in for a compelling reminder that the basics are not just the starting point but the continuous thread in the tapestry of athletic excellence. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned athlete, this episode will inspire you to embrace and revisit the foundational aspects of your training regimen. Join Andrew as he redefines what it means to go "back to basics" and how this approach can unlock new levels of achievement in any athletic endeavor. Enjoy the episode!

May 7, 2024 • 21min
Yin and Yancy Ep. 2: The Personalized Art of Athletic Excellence
In the second episode of "Yin and Yancy" on the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew and professional athlete Yancy Medeiros delve into the intriguing complexities of athletic performance. They explore what makes great athletes stand out—not just in terms of physical strength but in their mental resilience, adaptability, and unique approaches to training. This episode unpacks the myriad factors that contribute to elite performance, highlighting that while physical training is crucial, the path to peak performance is seldom one-size-fits-all. Yancy shares insights from his own career, emphasizing that understanding personal needs and responses to training is key to crafting an effective performance strategy. They discuss how genetics, natural talent, and response to training can vary widely, underscoring the importance of personalizing athletic preparation to suit individual strengths and goals. The conversation also touches on the necessity for athletes to continually evolve their strategies to achieve and maintain high levels of performance. This engaging discussion provides listeners with a deeper appreciation of the nuanced and multifaceted nature of sports excellence. Tune in to discover the diverse elements that fuse together to elevate athletes, and how you too can identify and optimize your own formula for success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the dynamics of high-level performance and personalized athletic development. Enjoy the episode and embrace the journey of discovering what makes you perform at your best!

Apr 30, 2024 • 15min
Building Healthy Eating Habits in Young Athletes
In this insightful episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into the foundational aspects of sports nutrition for young athletes, emphasizing the importance of cutting through the noise of trendy diets and misleading information. With the landscape of nutrition advice filled with confusion, Andrew brings clarity to what truly matters for the health and performance of adolescent athletes. He underscores the necessity of a balanced diet over supplements and the peril of following fleeting nutrition fads that often do more harm than good. Andrew discusses the specific nutritional needs of young athletes, from the critical roles of proteins, carbs, and fats to the dangers of energy deficits and inappropriate dieting. He offers practical advice on building sustainable eating habits that focus on whole foods, balanced meals, and the joy of eating. The episode is not just about nutrition; it's a call to foster a lifelong healthy relationship with food that supports both athletic and personal growth. Tune in for a thorough breakdown of how young athletes can navigate the complex world of nutrition to find a path that enhances their growth, health, and athletic performance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth sports, from athletes and coaches to parents looking to support their young sports stars in the most effective way. Enjoy the episode, and join the conversation on nurturing the champions of tomorrow with the right nutritional foundations today!

Apr 23, 2024 • 20min
Closing My PhD Chapter and New Beginnings
In this reflective episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew celebrates a major milestone—completing his PhD—and shares the broader life lessons gleaned from this intense academic journey. While this milestone is profoundly personal, Andrew focuses on the universal themes of resilience, community support, and the practical application of learning that resonate with anyone tackling significant challenges. He delves into how the discipline and perseverance required to navigate a PhD program mirror the mental and physical demands athletes face, highlighting the synergy between achieving academic and athletic excellence. As Andrew reflects on the importance of a supportive network and the critical thinking skills honed during his studies, he invites listeners to consider how these lessons can be applied to their own lives. Whether you're pushing through performance plateaus, building supportive relationships, or making informed decisions in training and life, this episode is a testament to the power of persistence and informed action. Join Andrew for a celebration of completion and a look forward to applying these hard-earned insights to everyday challenges and opportunities. Enjoy this episode and get inspired to tackle your own endeavors with renewed vigor and strategy!

Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 6min
Kawika Shoji on Embracing the Moment in Volleyball and Life
In this engaging episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew sits down with Kawika Shoji, whose journey through sports has been fueled by a diverse love for competition and a dedication to mastering various disciplines. Kawika's early dreams of playing basketball or golf gave way to volleyball, where his father, renowned coach Dave Shoji, introduced Sunday volleyball practice sessions at a young age with him and his friends. This early exposure to structured practice and high-level play laid a solid foundation for his impressive volleyball career. Delving into the nuances of athletic growth, Kawika discusses how remaining present in the moment and tackling each immediate goal prepared him for larger achievements down the road. His tenure at Stanford stands as a testament to this approach, leading to his evolution as both a competitor on the volleyball court and a scholar. Reflecting on his heritage, Kawika highlights Hawaii's vibrant athletic culture, crediting it with nurturing his own path as well as that of numerous other elite athletes, including the unforgettable journey to the Olympics with his brother, Eric Shoji, and another friend and local athlete, Micah Christenson. Join Andrew and Kawika for a insightful discussion that celebrates the discipline ingrained by sports and the deep connections it forges. This episode is a touching tribute to the ways in which athletic pursuits can shape life's trajectory, creating bonds and building character along the way. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and the spirit of athletic excellence. Enjoy the episode!

Apr 9, 2024 • 18min
Hip Stability and The Role of The Deep External Rotators
In this fascinating episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into the lesser-known world of the hip's deep external rotators, shedding light on their crucial role in stability and movement. While the rotator cuff of the shoulder might be a familiar concept to many, the hip's equivalent stabilizers often remain underappreciated and misunderstood. Andrew begins with a challenge: naming the six deep hip external rotators, a task that proves tricky for even seasoned practitioners. This episode promises to illuminate these important muscles, exploring their function, importance, and how they compare and contrast to their shoulder counterparts. Andrew breaks down complex anatomical and biomechanical concepts into digestible insights, ensuring listeners walk away with a clearer understanding of hip stability and how to optimize it through proper positioning and movement. By drawing comparisons to the well-understood rotator cuff, Andrew makes the intricate workings of the hip more accessible to his audience. This episode is not just about anatomy; it's about enhancing performance and prevention strategies through a deeper understanding of our bodies. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to deepen your appreciation for the role of the hip's deep external rotators in athletic performance and everyday movement. Enjoy the episode!

Apr 2, 2024 • 11min
The Unseen Role of The Somatosensory System For Optimal Movement and Performance
In this swift episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew teases the intriguing interplay between sensory input and athletic performance, a subject often shadowed by the focus on physical mechanics. As he puts the finishing touches on his dissertation, Andrew introduces listeners to the concept that our central nervous system is constantly at work, collecting and processing a myriad of sensory information to orchestrate movement. It’s not just about the visible strength and speed but also about the unseen force of sensory acuity that can elevate an athlete's game. Stay tuned as Andrew promises to unravel more about this fascinating topic in future episodes, offering insights that need to be considered to unlock new levels of performance. This quick but potent discussion serves as a prelude to deeper dives that will explore how important it is to consider somatosensory function and neuroplasticity in our training routines. As Andrew returns to his PhD finale, he leaves us with a compelling snippet to ponder: unlocking our full physical potential lies within our central nervous system. Enjoy the episode and keep an ear out for more to come after the dissertation dust settles!

Mar 26, 2024 • 1h 19min
Cindy Clivio On The Growth & Evolution Of Athletic Training
In the latest episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew sits down with Cindy Clivio, the athletic health care manager at Kamehameha Schools and the Far West Athletic Trainers’ Association District Director. With a passion for sports from a young age, Cindy’s unexpected path into athletic training began in high school and was bolstered by a supportive coach who saw potential in her talents. Her move to Hawaii during her senior year proved to be a transformative experience, exposing her to new challenges and enriching her resilience as she integrated into the local culture and athletic community. Cindy recounts her journey from intern to certified athletic trainer, a path marked by intense learning, mentorship, and the joy of discovering her calling. She recounts the early days of athletic training in Hawaii during the '90s, a time when the profession was just gaining traction in the state. Her dedication to service and leadership within the field has not only seen the growth of athletic training programs in schools but also the legislative progress that ensures the presence of athletic trainers in high schools statewide. Celebrating National Athletic Training Month, Cindy and Andrew delve into the multifaceted role of athletic trainers and how they contribute to student-athletes' well-being, far beyond injury management. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciation for athletic trainers and highlights the dynamic evolution of the profession. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that shines a light on the pivotal role of athletic training in sports and education and the bright future it holds. Enjoy the episode!

Mar 19, 2024 • 15min
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone to Unlock Optimal Growth and Performance
In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew takes listeners on a motivating journey through the landscapes of discomfort and growth. Andrew draws from his own experiences in academia and professional life, illustrating how the most profound personal and athletic developments are seeded in challenges that push us outside of our comfort zone. He shares his philosophy that growth isn't just about confronting difficulties but about learning, adapting, and evolving through them. Andrew delves into the art of embracing hard work not for its own sake but as a vehicle for improvement and mastery. He encourages adopting a mindset that welcomes the uncomfortable, the unfamiliar, and the tough, with the knowledge that these experiences are the crucibles where our potential is refined and realized. This episode is a compelling narrative about the power of perspective in transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own paths, to recognize the value in stepping beyond their comfort zones, and to engage with Andrew and the community in sharing stories of triumph over trials. Tune in for a motivational deep dive into why the journey through discomfort, with intention and purpose, is truly where greatness begins to take shape. Enjoy this reminder that in the realm of performance and life, stepping out of your comfort zone is where you'll find your true strength. Enjoy this episode!