HNL Movement Podcast

In the latest episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew welcomes Sanam Rezazadeh, the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Stanford, to share her unique journey into the world of athletic training. Sanam's path was not paved by early sports dominance; in fact, it wasn't until around 5th grade that she tried her hand at basketball. Despite this, her innate passion for sports was always clear. The turning point came with the challenge of knee pain and surgery, where she met an athletic trainer who inspired her with the profound impact of helping people recover from injuries. Sanam's voyage through her educational and career choices is a testament to the power of exploration and seizing opportunities. Initially drawn to physical therapy, her trajectory took a meaningful turn at the University of Hawaii, where she discovered her true calling in athletic training. It was the perfect blend of her desire to aid others and her love for the sports environment. Volunteering in the athletic training room wasn't just a stepping stone; it was a pivotal experience that laid the foundation for her future, allowing her to absorb invaluable skills that would sculpt her into the professional she is today.Reflecting on her growth over seven years at Stanford, Sanam delves into the realities of her role, her aspirations of working in collegiate or professional sports, and the decision-making process that led her to choose Stanford over an NFL internship with the San Francisco 49ers—a choice she has never regretted. Her story is one of continual evolution, embracing the dynamic nature of athletic training, and the satisfaction of reinvention within her career. For anyone intrigued by the intersection of sports, medicine, and personal growth, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in to the HNL Movement Podcast, subscribe on YouTube, and follow us on social media to be part of Sanam's compelling narrative. Enjoy the episode!

Show notes coming soon...

In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew challenges the common practice of Nordic hamstring exercises, shedding light on their limitations in hamstring training. Drawing from the recent study "Modulating the Nordic Hamstring Exercise From 'Zero to Hero'," he highlights the shortcomings of this widely-used exercise, especially for athletic performance. Andrew explains that despite its popularity, the Nordic hamstring exercise often falls short in maximizing benefits due to its biomechanical demands, which cause common compensatory patterns among athletes.Andrew then introduces the Glute Hamstring Raise (GHR) machine as a better alternative, capable of addressing the issues commonly encountered with Nordic hamstring exercises. By discussing the biomechanics of hamstring activation and the impact of different ranges of motion, he provides a more nuanced understanding of effective hamstring training. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in optimizing athletic performance, offering practical insights into improving muscle development and function. Dive in and explore a fresh perspective on hamstring training with Andrew on the HNL Movement Podcast. Enjoy the episode!

In this compelling episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew presents a fascinating analogy for athletes striving towards their best: the performance equation that always sums up to '10'. With a nod to the mathematical simplicity and complexity of reaching that perfect ten, Andrew illustrates that there's no one-size-fits-all journey to optimal performance.Andrew delves into the essence of personalization in training and development, encouraging athletes to discover and embrace their distinct paths. He prompts a rethink of efficiency, not just in terms of outcomes but as a harmony of an athlete's talents, resources, and aspirations.Tune in as Andrew challenges you to consider your formula to '10'. It's a call to action for all athletes and coaches to be thoughtful architects of their performance strategies, ensuring that every step taken is intentional and in line with their personal equation to success. Share your own stories and join the conversation on finding the most effective, efficient, and personal path to your peak performance. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew is joined by Josh Elms, Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning at the University of Hawaii and former UH baseball pitcher. Josh takes us through his athletic journey, from his early days playing baseball in his small hometown to supporting his wife, Kelly Majam, through her extraordinary and historic softball career at UH. He shares the challenges and triumphs of walking on to the UH baseball team, reflecting on the support and strength they provided each other as student-athletes.Josh delves into his philosophy on strength and conditioning, highlighting the importance of sport-specific training that emphasizes movement quality and functional strength. Listeners will get an inside look at Josh's adaptable approach to conditioning, which integrates various philosophies to cater to the unique demands of each athlete. His story is not just about sports; it's about dedication, adaptability, and the shared journey of athletic and personal growth.Tune in for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the diamond and into the world of strength and conditioning, offering insights on how to train smart and move better. This episode is a testament to the power of supportive relationships, pursuing your passion, and the dedication required to excel in both life and sport. Enjoy the episode!

In this focused episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew tackles the often overlooked aspect of performance—footwork and ankle mobility. He dives into the importance of a solid ground connection, explaining how our feet's interaction with the earth affects our entire kinetic chain and why mastering foot and ankle function is crucial for any athlete.Andrew offers practical insights into developing both passive flexibility and active strength in the ankles, emphasizing the 'tripod' foot contact for stability and control during weight-bearing exercises. He shares effective strategies for strengthening through the full range of motion, providing listeners with essential tips to elevate their training.Whether you're sprinting, jumping, or lifting, the principles outlined in this episode will help you establish the foundation for improved movement quality and overall athletic performance. Get ready to engage with the ground like never before and feel the difference in your game. Don't miss out on these game-changing tips—tune in, apply the knowledge, and elevate your training from the ground up!

In this enlightening episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew tackles a topic that's as essential as it is often overlooked: the impact of gratitude on peak performance. With a profound opening quote from Cicero, Andrew sets the stage for a dive into how gratitude isn't just a Thanksgiving tradition, but a year-round mindset that can significantly elevate an athlete's performance. He shares some of the science behind gratitude, highlighting its role in enhancing mental resilience, physical care, and fostering critical social connections with those around you.Andrew breaks down practical ways to incorporate gratitude into daily routines, drawing from the insights of neuroscientist Andrew Huberman. He emphasizes the dual benefits of giving and receiving gratitude and how this practice can lead to positive changes in the brain.Andrew encourages listeners to start their gratitude practice, urging them to observe the transformative impact on their training and overall mindset. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or anyone looking to enhance their performance, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, it's not just about physical training; it's also about nurturing a mindset that elevates your entire game. Enjoy the episode!For more on the science of gratitude and building a gratitude practice, tune into the Huberman Lab Podcast, Episode 47: "The Science of Gratitude & How to Build a Gratitude Practice." https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/the-science-of-gratitude-and-how-to-build-a-gratitude-practice

In this inspiring episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew is joined by Sam Spangler, a former standout pitcher for the University of Hawaii and a familiar face to many in Hawaii on KHON2's morning news. From growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sam's passion for baseball was unmistakable. He excelled as a multi-sport athlete through high school, but it was on the diamond where he found his calling which led to playing collegiate baseball at the University of Hawaii.Andrew and Sam take a stroll down memory lane, revisiting Sam's transformative years at UH, which shaped not just his athletic prowess but also his personal development. Sam reflects on the impact of his redshirt freshman year, which played a pivotal role in sharpening his skills and building his confidence. Listeners will savor the recounting of UH's athletic achievements during the 2000s, including memorable victories in baseball and the electrifying season of the undefeated 2007 football team's run to the Sugar Bowl.Beyond the ballpark, Sam discusses the transition to the newsroom and how the discipline and time management learned as a student-athlete have been indispensable in his broadcasting career. His story is a powerful illustration of how life's paths can shift, leading him from a potential career in physical therapy to becoming a trusted news anchor. It's a compelling reminder of the doors that open when one is willing to adapt and pursue their passions relentlessly. Tune in for an episode filled with motivation and a deep dive into the enduring life lessons that sports can provide, extending well beyond the game. Enjoy the episode!

In this dynamic episode of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew delves into the multifaceted role of a coach across the realms of rehab, training, and athletics. With a firm belief that coaching excellence is achieved through the union of art and science, he underscores the importance of not just mastering knowledge but also the craft of communication. Andrew discusses the coach's role, highlighting how it transcends exercise prescription and becomes a partnership aimed at fostering trust, setting achievable goals, and tailoring approaches to individual athletes' needs.Listeners will gain a comprehensive view of what constitutes effective coaching, from the art of active listening and evolving with science and evidence-based practices. Andrew shares his insights on the continuous journey of learning, stressing that coaches must stay informed and agile in their methods to truly excel. As he wraps up the episode, Andrew invites coaches to assess their personal growth areas and athletes to contemplate their learning styles, promoting an open dialogue that enriches the coach-athlete relationship.Tune in for an episode that not only educates but also inspires. Whether you're a coach looking to refine your approach or an athlete seeking to enhance your performance, there's a wealth of knowledge here for you. Andrew's message is clear: the path to great coaching blends practices of both art and science. Enjoy the episode!

In the newest installment of the HNL Movement Podcast, Andrew unravels the complexities of movement mechanics. This episode goes beyond the basics and dives into the science and nuances of efficient motion. Andrew breaks down how everyday habits, lingering injuries, and our overall body awareness can significantly affect how we move.Andrew offers deep insights on how to retrain our bodies, emphasizing the importance of intuitively distinguishing good technique. Curious about how the brain intertwines with our physical actions? Andrew dives into the relationship between the nervous system and our movement patterns. Make sure to stick around to the end, where Andrew provides compelling takeaways and actionable steps to refine your movement mechanics. Tune in and elevate your understanding of the art and science of movement. Enjoy the episode!