Vigor Life Podcast

Vigor Life Podcast
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Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 23min

EP 214: Programming Around Pain & Making Gains In Strength & Performance When You’re Hurt w/ Dr. Justin Farnsworth

I have been following Justin for a while now and wanted to get him on the show to talk about something everyone deals with - programming and training around pain. We dive into principles and then go into examples in training that people often deal with, including myself. Dr. Justin Farnsworth has been both in the training, performance, and physical therapy space for over two decades. He’s a Doctor of Physical Therapy is one. Justin shares why he chose to work within the fitness industry to make more of an impact than by staying in a clinical settingIN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> Justin’s journey from sports performance to physical therapy in the clinical setting.=> How insurance creates handcuffs to get people full back to themselves, and how to overcome it. => Pain is not bad, and reframing how we think about pain (especially as coaches and therapists). => Pain is the body’s request for change, not to stop exercising altogether.=> The importance of communication when it comes to pain and how it can make clients feel safe, or drive them away (a skill worth learning).=> Assessing, finding, and addressing weak links that help eliminate pain (a big tool in the coach’s toolbox).=> The power of helping people in pain train, progress, and see that they’re not broken.=> Molding rehab and training together and getting the best of both worlds. => The language of focusing on what you CAN do rather than what you can’t.=> Step-by-step examples of training around a hip, knee, or low back issue and the regression and progression model to take someone through.=> When you can’t go into a certain range of motion because of pain, here’s how you train and develop that range _______.=> The biggest predictor of pain is not injury, but belief, and how this plays into our coaching and therapy sessions.=> The bio-psycho-social model that affects all training and nutrition and the framework coaches should use to address it.=> What does a study that shows  there’s 729 variables for chronic pain tell us, and why it shouldn’t freak us out. => How to find safe movement patterns and couple them with the trainable men, giving you a combo for gains.=> Understanding the adaptations we want and the tissue we want to stress and the different ways we can do that.=> Coaching what you see and the integrated coaching model (that most coaches don’t use).=> Why therapy doesn’t load the client nearly enough and sets them up for failure in the long run,. => Justin’s manual therapy toolbox you can steal and use.=> How to CTRL + ALT + DELETE your pain and create a training window to improve how you move.=> Does manual therapy work (heating debate going on right now) and should PT’s use it. => Understanding individual need and preferences when it comes to clients and how it is planned into programs. LINKS & RESOURCES:Programming Around Pain Course  mailchi.mp/c1b9dfad3454/programming-around-painDr. Justin Farnsworth Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/drjustinfarnsworth/Super Coach Mentorship https://lukahocevar.com/super-coach-mentorship/Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel 
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10 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 35min

EP 213: The Biggest Nutrition Coaching Mistakes & How To Build A Successful Online Coaching Business That Lasts w/ Cody McBroom

Cody McBroom, Founder and CEO of Tailored Coaching Method, shares his journey from coaching at Vigor Ground to building an influential online nutrition coaching business. He emphasizes the importance of behavior change over mere calorie counts for client success. Cody discusses the need for personalized coaching, revealing the pitfalls of low-touch services. He advocates for creating strong client connections and outlines his innovative three-phase coaching method. With insights on mentoring and personal development, Cody inspires coaches to prioritize lasting client transformations.
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14 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 12min

EP 212: The 6 Characteristics Of Lifelong Health, Performance & Building An Unbreakable Body with/ John Rusin

Dr. John Rusin, an internationally recognized strength coach and author of the Pain-Free Performance System, shares insights on lifelong health and injury prevention. He discusses the importance of a hybrid training approach that incorporates six key physical characteristics. John outlines effective session structures and emphasizes quality training over chasing maximal weights. He also elaborates on the importance of mastering one system before dabbling, and he provides practical advice on integrating his methods into various training environments.
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Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 8min

EP 211: Building The Team Sport Athlete From The Ground Up w/ Mike Robertson 

Mike Robertson is a close friend and someone I’ve learned a lot from in the last decade and a half and continue to. We’re both curious and love coaching so anytime we talk I’m fired up as we could go on and on about what we’ve learned, what’s working, what’s new, approaches to training, and anything in he fitness and performance realm. This time we talked about how to build a team sport athlete from the ground up step by step, I believe you’ll enjoy it. Mike Robertson is one of the most highly sought-after coaches, consultants, speakers and writers in the fitness industry today.Known for his “no-nonsense” approach to coaching and program design, Mike has made a name for himself as a go-to resource for professional athletes from every major sport, but especially in the world of basketball.Mike is the President of Robertson Training Systems and the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST) in Indianapolis, Indiana. IFAST has been named one of the Top 10 Gyms in America by Men’s Health magazine three times in the past six years.Last but not least, Mike is a devoted husband to his wife Jessica, and father to his children Kendall and Kade, his dog Finn, and his cats Kiki and Steve.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> Why any short term athletic development conversation doesn’t make sense and you have to “slow cook” a great athlete (that stays healthy). => The difference between an already successful athlete and training them vs. building a great athlete (different development approaches). => Step #1 of building an athlete is _______ (it’s not what you think, this will blow your mind). => What is a movement toolbox that an athlete must build (like the ABC’s in the alphabet).=> Mike’s strength standards for athletes to reach in basketball and the exercises he recommends.=> Why getting something athletes “too strong” will make them less bouncy and slower; and how Mike approaches training different types of athletes.=> How to coach athletes that don’t like weights as much and what to communicate with them. => What is an “Athletic Max” and how does Mike use that in his training with athletes. => How any sports season reduces your mobility, joint heath, movement efficiency, and addressing this is key for long term health. => Addressing asymmetries of strength for athletes in the off season; why you have to focus on this. => Where does Mike use overcoming isometrics in training and what strategy he prefers even more. => The 3 phases Mike takes athletes through to develop tendon stiffness. => Why adding too much muscle in an off season is detrimental for most athletes; here’s 3 reasons. => Adding a lot of muscle in the off season can destroy your conditioning (few coaches talk about this).=> How to insert strength and conditioning into a basketball off season (where athletes play a lot of basketball and do skills training). => Mike’s off season basketball strength and conditioning template (for youth, pro, and weekend warriors).=> Why being “fit” and going to workout in the gym won’t prepare you for high intensity full court basketball.=> How Mike approaches return to play with basketball athletes that had an injury. => The blueprint for a weekend warrior getting back to playing basketball. => How to use force plates to discover what an athlete needs to work on and when (and how it helps get buy in with athletes training in the weight room and out of it).=> The methods Mike uses to condition his athletes when getting back to getting game time ready.=> Social media and how it avoids the “well rounded” approach to fitness and performance.=> What methods don’t have scientific backing but make athletes feel better and we use them.LINKS & RESOURCES:Mike Robertson's Website Mike Robertson InstagramMike Robertson Program Design Mentorship Super Coach Mentorship Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel 
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12 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 13min

EP 210: Longevity Laws To Look, Feel, and Perform Your Best After You’re 40 w/ Joe Defranco 

Joe DeFranco, a renowned strength and conditioning coach with a roster of elite athletes, shares his insights on aging gracefully after 40. He discusses the importance of holistic fitness, advocating for balance between body and mind while emphasizing personalized training methods. DeFranco highlights the value of integrating machines and free weights for optimal performance, as well as the necessity of effective warm-up routines. He also explores the quality of supplements and the significance of adapting fitness routines to support longevity and well-being.
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12 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 49min

EP 209: Training to Look, Feel, and Perform in The Top 1% If You’re Over the Age of 35 w/ Eric Bach 

In this episode, Eric Bach, an online coach and founder of Bach Performance, shares his journey from in-person training to a 7-figure online business. He discusses the 9 physiological adaptations crucial for those over 35, emphasizing personalized workout routines that balance aesthetics, health, and performance. Eric breaks down effective training techniques, including joint-friendly explosive movements, the significance of exercise selection, and how to navigate fitness challenges while maintaining a busy lifestyle. His insights aim to empower listeners to optimize their workouts and improve their overall well-being.
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Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 11min

EP 208: Why Switching Exercises Often Works, Kettlebell Training, & Standing Out Online w/ Adriell Mayes

Great to have my brother @everygotdamndre back on the show while visiting Seattle for our Built To Last Gym mastermind as we dove into the most effective training methods, why he trains the way he trains and programs the way he programs, the reason he often turns down big brand deals, what he believes in when it comes to lifestyle and nutrition, as well as how to stand out online. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> What’s the philosophy behind Dre’s own training and mixing up kettlebells, barbells, machines or any other implements.=> How does Dre break down his training week and days. His unique approach to changing up exercises and exploring movements. => How to address boredom when coaching clients so they keep coming back. => The 60/40 split of programmed vs. exploring and how I use it in the system. => Why not completing the outlined workout is ok as it drives the challenge to complete it (this is why at first most people can’t complete Dre’s workouts, but they get fired up to eventually complete them).=> Implementing weak links into training so you don’t have to work them separately. => Why Dre brings his heart rate to a max by the end of his warm up. => How Dre approaches training different abilities (power, strength, cardio, mobility) throughout the year but always stay ready in every single one of them.=> What majority of people are actually looking for when they are joining a training program. => Why Dre doesn’t talk about nutrition much when people start a training program and what happens next. => What to do when you have lighter kettlebells and how Dre approaches challenging the body for most people working out from home. => Dre’s philosophy when it comes to nutrition and lifestyle and how to simply implement it into your lifestyle.=> Why Dre has turned down some very big brand deals even though he uses them (this will shock you!).=> The approach to creating content when you get started vs when you’re established. => The power of making “better work” rather than just more than isn’t good. LINKS & RESOURCES:Adriell Mayes Website https://kettlebellfunctionaltraining.com/Adriell Mayes Instagram https://www.instagram.com/everygotdamndre/Super Coach Mentorship https://lukahocevar.com/super-coach-mentorship/Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber
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12 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 1h 12min

EP 207: Building A Successful Coaching Career, What Is a Coaching First Gym, and Social Media BS w/ Andy McCloy 

Andy McCloy, the founder of BCI Sports Performance and Fitness, shares insights from his 24 years leading in youth sports performance. He discusses the contrast between authentic coaching versus social media popularity, emphasizing the importance of genuine coaching standards for business success. McCloy outlines how a coaching-first mentality fosters effective teams and addresses the value of mentorship in overcoming business hardships. He highlights that prioritizing clients' success can transform lives and grow successful coaching careers.
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10 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 25min

EP 206: How To Get Client Results w/ Nutrition Coaching & Build A Powerful Online Business with/ Andy Morgan

Andy Morgan, founder of Ripped Body and co-author of The Muscle and Strength Pyramid, shares his deep expertise in nutrition coaching. He emphasizes a client-centric approach, fitting diets to individual lifestyles. Andy discusses effective strategies for busy men seeking sustainable health improvements and highlights the importance of trust in nutritional supplements. He also dives into building long-term client relationships, using empathy and accountability, and mastering content marketing for business growth. Get ready for insightful tips that can transform your coaching approach!
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Jun 25, 2025 • 1h

EP 205: What Works and What Doesn’t When It Comes to Muscle Building; Science and Practical w/ Brad Schoenfeld 

Was great to finally have Brad on the show and chat about muscle building, strength, what studies show and what coaches know. We dive into what matters in building muscle and what doesn’t, as well as what research may not have caught up with but anecdotally works. Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, is an internationally renowned fitness expert and a leading authority on muscle hypertrophy and body composition training. He is a professor of exercise science at Lehman College and has published over 300 peer-reviewed scientific papers. He is also the author of the seminal textbook, "Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy.”IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> What we know what works for sure when it comes to muscle building. => Is it true that metabolic stress isn’t nearly as much of a factor when it comes to building muscle (but why you should do it).=> Two things you MUST do regardless of the methods to muscle building. => The higher level of muscle building you want to pursue, the more you’ll have to pay attention to the intricacies of science in muscle building. => Why beginners shouldn’t switch up exercises nearly as much as an intermediate or advanced trainee.=> Volume vs intensity - which one is more important and why. => Volume works but an increase in volume does not increase linear in increase in muscle; which means you should do THIS.=> How much do genetics and lifestyle factors influence individual response to recovery and muscle building. => General guidelines for sets per week per muscle group and why you shouldn’t pay that much attention to it. => Training splits, frequency and volumes per muscle group - what does the science show and what is practical. => What we had wrong about rep ranges and what we know for sure you have to do if you want to build serious muscle. => Recovering from certain rep ranges and why it may make sense to not do higher reps with compound lifts. => Frequency is a more important variable when it comes to strength training then muscle building since strength is a skill.=> More than 15 reps per set is NOT glorified cardio, but here’s what it does do (and what happened in a research study).=> What Brad believes the rep range most people should use for building muscle. => Science shows there just isn’t a magical range for hypertrophy. => Can you spike hormones with shorter rest periods and whether that’s true and how it affects actual muscle building. => Why super sets are so effective and also practical and what the studies showed. => How long should you actually rest between sets and exercises for optimal muscle and strength gains. => How little it takes to maintain muscle and strength after you’ve spent years building it.=> How much does tempo and time under tension matter when it comes to training. => What does progressive overload really mean (most people got this wrong!).=> What is Brad excited about studying and researching right now and the future of fitness and performance. LINKS & RESOURCES:Brad Schoenfeld Instagram Book: The Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy Super Coach Mentorship Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel 

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