Between 2 Racks

Send us a textIn this episode of Between 2 Racks, we break down some of the training trends circulating through the fitness industry and give our real, practical perspective on each one. From lengthened partials to failure-focused methods, science-based exercise selection, warm-up minimalism, machine only lifting, and tech driven training, we discuss where these ideas fit, where they fall short, and how coaches can apply them without losing sight of what actually drives progress.You will hear why trends often take a good idea too far, why the industry swings from one extreme to the next, and how to evaluate a method through the lens of long term strength, movement skill, and sustainable development. We also talk about the difference between useful tools and unnecessary noise, how training context shapes decision making, and why the best programs blend principles instead of chasing the next hot concept.If you coach clients or train yourself, this episode gives you the clarity needed to understand which trends deserve attention, which ones are misunderstood, and how to stay grounded in what truly builds strength.00:00 Introduction & Overview00:38 Lengthened Partials & Long Muscle Length Training12:00 Training to Failure & Beyond Failure Methods27:43 Science-Based Exercise Selection33:14 Skipping Warmups38:09 Tech-Driven Training (Wearables, Data Tools)49:25 Machine-Only Training52:49 Wrap-Up: Context, Nuance, and Middle Ground54:26 Final Thoughts & OutroStay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com

Send us a textIn this episode of Between 2 Racks, we break down how to set up your strongest and most productive year of training. With 2026 right around the corner, this is the perfect time to think about long-term planning, goal setting, and how your macrocycles should build on one another for real progress.We talk through why goal hopping and constant program changes stall results, and how true progress comes from sequencing the right phases in the right order. You will hear how to transition out of the holiday season, how to decide when a fat loss phase actually makes sense, and how to use nutrition-driven fat loss versus metabolic training based on a client’s training age and skill level.We cover how to assess movement limitations, how to use PAAB to build a foundation at the start of the year, when to reintroduce strength work, and how to think about macrocycles two, three, and four as you lead clients toward their peak. We also discuss relative strength testing, long-term phase potentiation, and why power training at the end of the year can set-up an even better start to the next one.Whether you are coaching clients or planning your own training for 2026, this episode gives you the frameworks, decision rules, and practical sequencing you need to create your best year of strength development.If you want structured programming for your own training, check out our TrainHeroic programs like Mass Avenue, Burn Borough, Tempo Town, and Intensity at trainkilo.com00:00 Setting Up for Your Best Year of Strength Training00:54 The Problem with Program Hopping02:29 Sequencing Training Phases Correctly04:36 Planning Around Fat Loss Phases08:27 Starting with Movement Assessment10:51 Why Body Composition Matters First14:27 Considering Training Age and Client Goals17:42 Using PAB as Foundation Training19:56 Linear Progression for Year Long Success23:13 Long Term Periodization Benefits26:28 Training to Stay Jacked31:14 Maintaining Proximity to Peak Condition36:37 Building Foundation in Phase One39:32 Linear vs Undulatory Approaches42:22 Assessing Relative Strength47:37 The Importance of Getting Stronger50:41 Benefits of Power Training55:21 Reactive Periodization for Gen Pop Clients1:01:05 Tracking Client ReadinessStay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we dive into the real meaning of training age and why strength training must evolve as you move from novice to intermediate to advanced. We break down how each stage responds to training, why consistency matters more than variety in the early years, and how long-term progress depends on learning the right skills at the right time.We discuss what qualifies someone as a true beginner, even if they have trained for years, and why coaching intent, movement quality, frequency, and nervous system efficiency all influence where a client actually falls on the progression curve. You will hear how we think about movement competency, relative strength scores, motor learning, and why advanced methods only work when the foundational skills are in place.From periodization models to exercise selection to recovery strategies, we explain how programming decisions change across the stages and why advanced trainees must manage fatigue differently than anyone else. We also discuss the pitfalls of program hopping, the importance of repetition for motor learning, and how to guide gen pop clients who may remain in the beginner category for most of their training years.Whether you coach athletes, work with general population clients, or want to understand your own training age more clearly, this episode gives you a full framework for assessing where someone is, what they need next, and how to progress them with purpose.00:00 Introduction & Overview00:29 What is Training Age?04:34 What Makes Someone Advanced?09:04 Defining the Novice Stage13:18 The Importance of Repetition in Training20:18 Strength Training for Bone Density25:25 Moving from Novice to Intermediate32:51 Steps Within the Novice Stage43:11 Athletes & Training Age46:37 Exercise Selection for Intermediates54:31 Moving to Advanced: Earning the Right57:56 Managing Recovery for Advanced Trainees1:04:20 Avoiding Regression as You Advance1:13:28 Final Thoughts: Don’t Rush the ProcessStay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com

Send us a textIn this conversation with Christian LaValle of Metabolic Elite, we take a grounded look at what truly moves the needle in performance and recovery. Instead of chasing trends or piling on more variables, we explore how strategic supplementation, consistent habits, and clear decision making create real progress for both coaches and their clients.Place your order today https://www.metabolicelite.co/Apply coupon code KILO15Follow Christian LaValle @christianlavalle5 Follow James LaValle @therealjimlavalleChristian breaks down the supplement categories most coaches underutilize, why absorption and delivery systems matter, and how their liposomal technology changes what you can expect from a product. We also discuss the limitations of the optimize everything mindset, where coaches often overcomplicate their own health, and how to approach supplementation through precision rather than excess.The discussion extends beyond the technical. Christian shares what he has changed his mind about in the last year, why emotional balance is a core requirement for real performance, and how personal awareness shapes long term sustainability. This episode blends practical application, physiology, and real world coaching insight to help you evaluate where to direct your attention and where to simplify.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:47 Christian's Background and Journey to Metabolic Elite03:06 The Mission Behind Metabolic Elite06:53 Liposomal Technology Explained10:07 Research and Bioavailability Studies13:13 Product Deep Dive: Tetra Cur and Viraxall15:54 EndurO2 Aerobic Performance and HRV18:55 Glutathione and Liver Health21:01 BPC 157, KPV, and Injury Recovery Protocols22:45 Synapsin Cognitive Performance and Brain Health28:46 Product Stacking and Cycling Strategies33:34 BPC 157 as a Preventative Measure36:38 Growing Up in the Performance World43:27 Balance, Optimization Culture, and Stress48:19 Minimum Effective Dose and Long Term Training50:08 Longevity vs Being Your Best Now54:16 Blood Work and Supplement Periodization57:11 Overrated Trend Cold Plunge Culture63:37 Using Athlete Injuries to Push Methods65:00 Jim Lavalle's Legacy and Principles71:56 Underutilized Supplements Adaptogens75:28 Mitochondrial Function and Immunomodulators77:43 Misunderstood Supplements Berberine and Amino Acids81:26 Personal Recovery IndicatorsStay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com

Send us a textIn this Rapid Fire Q&A, the KILO Crew answers practical programming questions for coaches and advanced lifters. We discuss how to coach concentric intent for true speed-strength, when to prioritize peri-workout supplements versus foundational health basics, and how to use readiness trends to guide training adjustments.What We CoverCoaching intent and improving concentric speedHow intensity dictates strength qualities across the macrocycleAvoiding overlap and interference between strength phasesPrioritizing peri-workout nutrition vs. essential daily supplementsUsing readiness scores and session RPEs to guide recovery decisionsBuilding work capacity without junk volumeStructuring remedial exercises and managing fatigue in advanced clients00:00 Introduction & Coaching Intent During Concentric Phase  06:12 Workout vs Basic Supplements: What to Prioritize  13:45 Supplement Recommendations for Gen Pop Clients  21:30 Integrating Remedial Exercises Without Disrupting Flow  29:10 When to Pull Back vs Push Forward with Advanced Lifters  36:55 Understanding Work Capacity Training  44:20 Assessing Movement Quality Limitations  52:05 Structuring Volume for Stress-Limited Clients  Who it’s forCoaches and lifters who want to refine periodization, recovery management, and nutrition strategy with real-world context.Stay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com

Send us a textIn this Rapid Fire Q&A, the KILO Crew zooms out to big picture program design. We cover how to plan mesocycles in the context of a macrocycle, why intensity drives quality selection, and where parallel periodization actually fits. You will hear when to use phase undulating models, how to prevent interference, and how to balance variation with mastery so progress does not stall.00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:19 Designing a Mesocycle: Strength Qualities & Overlap 01:38 Macro vs. Mesocycle Context 06:09 Methods vs. Macrocycle Planning 08:11 Intensity Drives Stimulus & Volume 09:20 Preventing Overlap in Training 10:01 Undulating vs. Standard Periodization 11:12 Adaptation & Variation for Advanced Trainees 12:17 Progression vs. Variation in the A Series 12:57 Novice vs. Experienced Athletes: Repetition vs. Variation 15:04 GPP to SPP: Building Robustness 15:54 B Series Progression & Strength Ratios 17:08 Addressing Weak Links & Mobility 20:25 Addressing Imbalances in Training 23:38 Parallel vs. Phase Undulating Periodization 25:37 Emphasis & Sequential Models 31:04 Reintroducing Eccentric/Isometric Methods After Layoff 33:13 Assessing Readiness 35:15 Interconnectedness of Hypertrophy & Strength 36:07 When to Switch Strength Qualities 37:01 Inconsistent Clients & Periodization 37:44 Parallel Model for Inconsistent or Low-Frequency Trainees 39:34 Adapting Plans to Life Circumstances 40:23 The Importance of Having a Plan 41:47 Mike Tyson Quote & Episode Wrap-UpStay Connected with KILO:Have Questions? Send them to us ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes!Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on ⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠.Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM.Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠InstagrStay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com

Send us a textIn this episode we break down the PRIMEIGHT, our trademarked framework built around squat, front squat, deadlift, overhead press, incline press, bench press, dip and chin-up. We explain why we moved beyond the classic big three, how pressing across four angles covers the full spectrum of shoulder strength, and why the back squat, front squat, and deadlift create a complete lower body base. Why we moved beyond the big three We wanted a system that created complete, durable lifters, not just big numbers on a few lifts.What the PRIMEIGHT coversFour pressing angles: overhead, incline, flat, and dip for balanced shoulder strengthThree lower-body anchors: front squat, back squat, and deadlift for total lower-body developmentAnd of course, the chin-up.How it fits into the KILO system You’ll hear how the PRIMEIGHT formed the backbone of our original group training programs and led to the 14-day microcycle. We also explain how these movement patterns carry through every level of our programming frameworks.Stay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com

Send us a textIn this episode of Between 2 Racks with the KILO Crew, we’re joined by Gavin Attorre (@gavinattorre) of Muscle Intelligence to unpack what it really means to coach with intelligence, where systems meet skill, and structure serves individuality.We explore how time spent on the gym floor builds instincts and awareness that no textbook can replace, and how great coaches use those experiences to refine their craft. Gavin shares insights from years of coaching, breaking down how to blend precision with adaptability in real-world coaching.We dig into how great coaches think, the value of building systems that enhance creativity (not limit it), and why communication, consistency, and self-awareness drive long-term progress for both clients and coaches.Key Topics:The evolution of coaching systems and intelligent trainingBuilding skill, awareness, and adaptability as a coachWhy individualization beats cookie-cutter programmingHow to create structure that supports creativityConnect with Gavin:Gavin Attorre ⁠@gavinattorre⁠⁠https://checkout.muscleintelligence.com/sp/certification/⁠⁠https://checkout.muscleintelligence.com/op/coaching/⁠Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Meeting Gavin09:38 Getting Started in Coaching18:46 Transition to Online Coaching28:47 Training Philosophy and Work Capacity37:32 Breath Work and Recovery Techniques46:24 Building Habits and Client Success55:52 The Importance of Gym Floor Experience68:21 Memorable Training Stories and Camp ExperiencesStay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com

Send us a textWarm-ups aren’t a waste of time, unless you’re wasting the time filling them with fluff.In this episode, we break down what actually moves the needle: how to build a simple 6-10 minute general warm-up that raises temperature and grooves movement patterns, and how to run a specific warm-up that matches the range, tempo, and load of your first lift without adding fatigue. We cover dynamic vs static work, CARs and PNF, where FRC tools fit, why warm-ups in weight training go far beyond injury prevention, and what truly matters most for performance and long-term progress.Walk away with an understanding of how to optimize your warm-ups for upper, lower, full-body, and power sessions, plus exact rep and percentage guidelines for specific warm-ups.0:00 Introduction0:45 Importance of Warmups2:37 Warmups and Injury Prevention4:05 Evolution of Warmups7:08 Dynamic Warmups10:22 Coaching Clients Through Warmups13:28 Exercise Selection for Warmups16:23 Static Stretching and PNF20:37 CARs vs Pails and Rails23:59 Specific Warmup28:47 Warmup for Remedial Exercises32:19 Foot and Ankle Activation34:14 Advanced Warmup Strategies37:10 Power Training Warmups43:47 Tracking Devices in Warmups45:33 Plyometrics and Elderly Population48:53 Personal Warmup Preferences52:13 Conditioning and Strongman Warmups56:03 Warmups for General PopulationStay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com

Send us a textThis week the KILO Crew is plus one. We sit down with Robert Legare, co-founder of ATP Lab Supplements, to talk about building a company that puts trust and quality ahead of hype. From their 2011 launch to their upcoming lab expansion, Robert shares why ATP Lab chose full-disclosure labels, how they approach formulation differently, and what being “banned-substance certified” actually means.The supplement industry thrives on hype. Flashy labels, candy flavors, and big promises. But what happens when a company builds on standards first? Robert explains the difference between marketing-driven products and science-driven formulations, and we dig into how real quality gets made.You’ll hear how to spot red flags on supplement labels, the truth about whey isolate vs concentrate, why EAAs matter during training, and what creatine is actually worth your money. If you recommend supplements to clients, or just want to stop wasting cash, this episode is worth the listen.KILO partners with people we trust. This conversation shows you why ATP Lab met our standards.👉 Learn more about ATP Lab at atplab.com and follow them on Instagram @atp_labs for updates, education, and products that put quality ahead of hype.Stay Connected with KILO: Have Questions? Send them to us here and we will answer in our Rapid Fire Episodes! Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Between 2 Racks on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Visit Our Website: For more information, and to register for our courses, visit TRAINKILO.COM. Follow Us: Keep up with the latest updates and join our community on YouTube, and Instagram. Follow the Crew: Kelsey, Stephane, Pauric & Alexandra Want to Contact us?: Reach out to us at info@kilostrengthsociety.com