
The Strength Coach Podcast
The Strength Coach Podcast is one of the longest running (since 2007) Strength & Conditioning and Fitness podcasts. Episodes alternate between Coach Michael Boyle and top industry Strength Coaches and Trainers to get an insight into real world strength training.
This is the best place to stay informed about the most cutting edge training techniques.
Latest episodes

May 23, 2025 • 52min
The Future of Gyms: Fitness & Healthcare Unite with Mike Ranfone
Welcome to Episode 406 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In Episode 406 of The Strength Coach Podcast, we explore "The Future of Gyms: Fitness & Healthcare Unite " with special guest Mike Ranfone of Ranfone Training Systems (RTS). Mike shares his groundbreaking vision of blending fitness and healthcare to create a new paradigm in health and wellness.Highlights of the Episode:- Pete Holman shows us how to use the Glute Slide for Adduction (www.GluteSlide.com)- A chat and tour into Ranfone Training Systems, where fitness meets healthcare like never before.- Mike discusses "personalized medical performance" with offerings like blood panels, IV nutrient therapy, DEXA scans, V02 max testing, and more—all under one roof.- Insights on the proactive health model and how collaboration between certified coaches and medical professionals is transforming outcomes.- Real-life success stories showcasing how clients are achieving peak health and performance at any age.- Challenges faced in establishing this integrated model and the critical role of communication in its success.We also talk about how this model represents the future of fitness and health centers, providing a comprehensive approach that prioritizes healthspan over just lifespan. Mike's dedication to empowering clients to take control of their health is truly inspiring!-Sumit Seth of www.Naamly.com is back for a chat about the Hierarchy of Communication. Enjoy the episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Thanks for listening!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education, including this summer's Functional Training Summits.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:56 - The Glute Slide Technique05:18 - Mike Ranfone Insights10:57 - Health Span vs Lifespan Discussion13:29 - In-House Doctor Journey18:44 - Overcoming Model Intimidation23:10 - Mike’s Role Explained24:20 - Staff Perspective on Changes26:50 - Encouraging Collaboration31:49 - Importance of Medical Intervention35:20 - Addressing Obesity Epidemic41:45 - Mike's Current Focus43:39 - Personal Improvement Tips47:30 - Naamly Segment- Gold Standard Communication

Apr 25, 2025 • 38min
If I Had to Do It Over Again with Mike Boyle
Welcome to Episode 405 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In Episode 405 of The Strength Coach Podcast, we tackle one of the most critical questions for fitness entrepreneurs: "What should you focus on first when starting a fitness business?" Highlights of the episode:- **Why you should avoid spending too much on consultants early on: Learn how to prioritize your resources and avoid the trap of "paralysis by analysis."- **Focus on building your client base first:** Coach Mike Boyle shares insights on why having systems and processes can wait until you have clients walking through the door.- **Lessons from industry veterans: Real-life stories about starting small—from training in unconventional spaces to building a thriving business over time.- **The importance of hiring the right people: Coach Boyle reflects on past hiring mistakes and how finding the right cultural fit has made all the difference.- **Training tips and techniques: A discussion on rear foot elevated split squats, when a little wobble is okay, and considerations for max heart rate training with clients over 60.This episode is not just about business advice; it’s also about real-world coaching insights, making it perfect for fitness professionals at any stage of their journey.Enjoy the episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Thanks for listening!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education, including this summer's Functional Training Summits.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro05:12 - Coach Boyle Insights11:35 - Hiring the Right Talent16:27 - Avoiding Consultant Overhead22:45 - Embracing Minor Setbacks26:35 - Unstable Surface Training Risks29:46 - Achieving Max Heart Rate at 60

Apr 15, 2025 • 36min
Qaud Health and Patellofemoral Joint Pain with Mike Boyle
Welcome to Episode 404 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, we discuss Pain-Free Quad Training and dive into strategies for building stronger, healthier quads during PFJ rehab while avoiding common pitfalls. Here's what we covered: - The importance of functional, closed-chain exercises like split squats for pain-free quad training during rehab.- Why leg extensions might not be the best choice for those with patellofemoral joint pain—and what to do instead! - How to target quads effectively while addressing glute and hamstring strength for optimal knee rehab. - Conditioning strategies for youth athletes and how to balance sport-specific activity with functional fitness. - A discussion on attacking the hips and the role of hamstring strength in minimizing knee and back pain. Enjoy the episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Thanks for listening!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education, including this summer's Functional Training Summits.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro04:52 - Coaches Corner with Mike Boyle07:13 - Mike Boyle on Patellofemoral Joint Health15:30 - Understanding Hamstrings19:12 - Addressing Hamstring Tightness20:00 - Managing Back Pain23:50 - Importance of Stability Work26:30 - Overthinking Movement Patterns28:14 - Anti-Rotation Exercises30:05 - Conditioning Techniques35:52 - Wrapping Up

Apr 7, 2025 • 45min
Training the Hips the Right Way with Pete Holman
Welcome to Episode 403 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, Anthony chats with Glute Slide inventor Pete Holman about:- A deep dive into hip mechanics and why they’re crucial for athletic performance.- Exploring the importance of training the frontal plane for sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball.- How the Glute Slide revolutionizes lateral and rotational movement training.- Tips on eccentric control, power, and speed training for athletes.- Insights into the invention process and Pete’s journey creating performance tools.We also spoke about the groin’s role in movement, balancing strength and functionality, and how simple, efficient tools like the Glute Slide can complement your training routine.-------------------------------------------------------------------Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education, including this summer's Functional Training Summits.-------------------------------------------------------------------Pete Holman's Bio:Pete Holman is a licensed Physical Therapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, US National TaeKwon-Do champion and team captain and inventor of the TRX Rip Trainer, Nautilus Glute Drive, The Escape Barrow, the GolfForever Swing Trainer and his latest product the Glute Slide. (https://www.GluteSlide.com)Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights and engaging discussions!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:28 - Pete Holman Interview11:53 - Stability Before Movement Training16:21 - Glute Slide vs Other Exercise Machines19:57 - Understanding the Groin Muscle27:15 - Importance of Eccentric Training Techniques29:03 - Benefits of Elastic Resistance32:40 - Using Resistance Bands for Strength35:26 - Inspiration Behind Glute Drive Invention41:20 - Upcoming Glute Drive Series Overview42:04 - Where to Find Glute Drive Equipment

Apr 2, 2025 • 31min
Trusting the Training Process with Mike Boyle
Welcome to Episode 402 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, Anthony chats with Coach Boyle about:-His upcoming lectures at the MBSC Spring Seminar in Woburn, MA and the Perform Better Summit in Providence, RI- Talking to young athletes about trusting the process- No more kneeling and lunge position med ball throws---------------------------------------------------------------------Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education, including this summer's Functional Training Summits.---------------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights and engaging discussions!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro04:09 - Mike Boyle Interview08:18 - Adult Training12:06 - Single Leg vs Bilateral Squats19:40 - Soccer sprinting needs analysis23:04 - Building Consistency and Habits24:15 - Key Factors for Health29:10 - Navigating the Future of Fitness29:40 - Half Kneeling and Lunge Position Work

Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 4min
Strength & Conditioning for the Volleyball Athlete with Missy Mitchell-McBeth
Welcome to Episode 401 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, Anthony chats with Missy Mitchell-McBeth about all things volleyball, drawing off the topics in her book "Developmental to Division 1: Strength & Conditioning for the Volleyball Athlete" Missy's Bio:"Over the last two decades, I've witnessed countless talented volleyball players never reaching their full potential—not due to a lack of dedication, but because of insufficient and outdated training methods. This realization drove me to pour my years of experience and knowledge into creating a solution that addresses these shortcomings head-on. That is why I have created strength and conditioning resources to help coaches, parents, and athletes unlock players' full potential."My Experience Includes:-2 Years in my current role: Director of Sports Performance at a Volleyball Club-7 Years as a Division I Strength & Conditioning Coach-6 Years as a Full-Time High School Strength Coach-4 Years as a High School Volleyball Coach-4 Years Consulting for Collegiate & High School Volleyball Program------------------------------------------------------------------Check out Perform Better for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education, including this summer's Functional Training Summits.------------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights and engaging discussions!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro04:10 - Missy Mitchell-Mcbeth Interview11:00 - Volleyball Training 20 Years Ago14:08 - Understanding Residual Training Effects18:27 - Coach Collaboration in Training21:44 - Implementing In-Season Strength Training25:50 - Timing In-Season Strength Training28:21 - Purpose of Strength and Conditioning28:36 - Importance of Squatting Technique30:30 - Benefits of Trap Bar Deadlift35:15 - Using External Cues in Training37:25 - Importance of Speed in Sports40:38 - Effective Speed Drills for Athletes42:44 - Introduction to Plyometrics49:11 - Parental Influence on Athletic Training53:55 - Devin McConnell's In-Season Discovery57:07 - Injury Prevention vs. Injury Reduction1:02:28 - Injury Reduction Strategies

7 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 26min
Med Ball Throws, Contrast Training and Vertical Jump Testing with Mike Boyle
Welcome to Episode 400 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, Anthony chats with Coach Boyle about:- Med Ball Throws- sequencing, functional training, and why focusing on the kinetic chain—starting from your legs and trunk—is crucial for unlocking true power.- How, when and where he is using Contrast Training- Vertical Jump- how often does he test. Does he treat it like he does with sprinting, from the perspective of "If you want to get faster, time your sprints." If we want to jump higher, should we test more often?- How he handles short athlete visits.Check out Perform Better for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights and engaging discussions!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro05:09 - Medicine Ball Throws for Power14:55 - Contrast Training Techniques17:10 - Vertical Jump Testing Methods22:54 - Short Visit Strategies for Athletes25:25 - New Format Overview26:10 - Closing Remarks and Thanks

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Truth About Fat Loss Success with Alwyn Cosgrove
Welcome to Episode 399 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better! In this episode:Sumit Seth is on to show how Naamly's new tools helps track client progress through baseline measurements, habit tracking, and more. ( https://Naamly.com )Anthony chats with Alwyn Cosgrove about:- NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and its crucial role in fat loss success.- Breaking down metabolic adaptation, energy balance, and why "eat less, move more" isn't always enough.- Practical tips to monitor and increase NEAT, including addressing common pitfalls like reduced activity during calorie deficits.- The "Screw the Nut" mindset shift for clients, emphasizing sustainable, long-term fat loss plans over crash diets.- Insights into training high-level Obstacle Course Racing athletes, covering qualities needed, periodization, and peaking strategies.This episode also features exciting updates on Perform Better events, including this summer's Summits, workshops, and free webinars designed to elevate your coaching game.Check out Perform Better for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.**Whether you're a fitness professional, strength coach, or athlete looking to optimize fat loss and performance, you'll find actionable strategies and inspiration here. Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights and engaging discussions!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Show Intro01:45 - Sumit Seth demo of Naamly05:55 - Alwyn Cosgrove on Fat Loss Strategies11:27 - Understanding NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)16:09 - Overtraining and Under-fueling Risks19:28 - Setting Your Caloric Deficit Effectively22:47 - Importance of Protein in Diet23:58 - Managing the Rest of Your Calories25:16 - Dangers of Over-Exercising and Under-Eating26:59 - Significance of NEAT in Weight Loss31:38 - Client Conversations for Long-Term Commitment36:00 - Nutrition and Training Synergy36:30 - Drivers and Anchors in Coaching40:44 - Benefits of Intermittent Walking43:18 - Optimal Fat Loss Rate49:15 - Introduction to Obstacle Course Racing (OCR)56:30 - Origins of OCR01:00:01 - Effective OCR Training Techniques01:08:24 - Peaking Strategies for Athletes01:11:15 - Deciding When to Peak01:13:20 - Psychological Benefits of Peaking01:15:30 - Timing of Athletic Qualities01:17:30 - Managing a Team of Athletes01:18:44 - Wrapping Up the Discussion

Feb 25, 2025 • 28min
Why Partial Squats Could Be Harming Your Progress with Mike Boyle
Welcome to Episode 398 of the Strength Coach Podcast brought to you by Perform Better! In this chat Anthony Renna speaks with Coach Boyle about:- His thoughts on partial squats and why they can cause more harm than good.- A comparison between high-handle trap bar deadlifts and partial squats.- Insights into the importance of slow and heavy exercises for tendon health and how to progress effectively into plyometric movements.- Why achieving success with weight loss clients can be challenging and how psychology plays a key role.- Upcoming Perform Better educational events, including free webinars and live workshops.Coach Boyle reflects on the evolution of training philosophies and shares practical tips for better performance and injury prevention. Watch now to learn how to optimize your training and avoid common pitfalls. Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.**Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed the episode.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:35 - Perform Better: Upcoming Education03:40 - Coaches Corner with Coach Boyle04:55 - Partial Squats vs High Handle Trap Bar Deadlifts13:33 - The importance of slow and heavy exercises for tendon health 19:20 - Why achieving success with weight loss clients can be challenging27:02 - Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways

Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 22min
Battling Your Clients' Self-Limiting Beliefs with Aram Grigorian- Episode 397
Full-service transformation coach Aram Grigorian discusses training, nutrition and the mindset required to tie it all together. In the first video episode of the Strength Coach Podcast (after 18 years!), Aram joins Anthony Renna to talk about challenges and solutions when coaching clients on weight loss and building healthier lifestyles.We do a deep dive into performance, resilience, and personal growth strategies for fitness professionals. Aram is the founder of the Real Coaches Summit (https://www.realcoachessummit2023.com) coming up in Las Vegas in April and we will get an overview of what's happening there.Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.👉 **Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed the episode.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:02 - First Video Episode02:53 - Aram Grigorian Interview14:36 - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs18:03 - Dealing with Closed Doors20:40 - Do we need to be chefs?23:40 - Food Industry Influence on Eating Habits28:54 - Replacing Bad Habits with Good Ones31:51 - Is Tracking Your Progress Too Complicated?34:50 - Overcoming Initial Overwhelm35:09 - Approaching Unsupportive Partners39:34 - Taking Responsibility and Accountability46:10 - Fear of Judgment from Others50:33 - Understanding Mortality Rates52:49 - Releasing Expectations for Growth54:05 - Self-Care as a Personal Responsibility57:42 - Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination59:55 - Importance of Continuing Education01:01:40 - The Real Coaches Summit Overview01:06:35 - Networking and Building Connections01:08:14 - Significance of Networking01:11:34 - Real Coaches Summit Highlights01:17:46 - RCS Lineup Details01:22:00 - Thank You and Closing Remarks