

The Strength Coach Podcast
Anthony Renna
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.
This is the best place to stay informed about the most cutting edge training techniques.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 8, 2025 • 45min
Assessments; Foam Roll & Speed; Ground Reaction Forces with Mike Boyle
Welcome to Episode 419 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better—the experts in functional training and rehabilitation! **Highlights of the Episode:**- **Gym Culture as a Differentiator:** Pete Dupuis shares why a strong gym culture is your ultimate competitive advantage and how to create an experience that builds client loyalty.- **3 Actionable Tips for Success:** Learn how to codify what good looks like, craft a welcoming onboarding experience, and consistently reinforce positive cultural habits within your team.-**Manual Assessments- are they necessary and is it in our Scope of Practice (and what does that even mean)- **Foam Rolling & Massage Guns Debate:** Coach Boyle addresses the latest findings on their impact on performance and shares his take on this heated topic.- **Ground Reaction Forces:** Explore insightful data about jumping mechanics and how it can shape your training programs.- **Business Advice from Industry Leaders:** Gain valuable insights on managing gym operations and standing out in a competitive market.———————————————————————————————Join Certified Functional Strength Coach and Business for Unicorns for a FREE webinar on Thurs Sept 18 at 4p ET:The Missing Piece: Consistently Excellent Training SessionsClaim Your Free Spot HERE- https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XwYLXLwXS6mja_XdoaPcUQ#/registration———————————————————————————————Thanks for tuning in! A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.

12 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 6min
Shocks & Springs- A New Thought Process Around Plyos with Ken Vick
Ken Vick, a performance and recovery coach with three decades of experience, dives into his innovative concept of "Shocks & Springs" and its role in plyometrics. He emphasizes the balance of eccentric forces and tissue resilience for optimal recovery and injury prevention. Ken discusses a unique framework for understanding stress, covering structural, energy, nervous system, and mindset factors. Listeners gain practical coaching tips for communicating effectively with athletes and discover tailored recovery techniques suitable for everyone, from elite athletes to older adults.

Aug 27, 2025 • 37min
Stop "Bodybuilding" Athletes! with Mike Boyle
Should athletes train like bodybuilders? In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, we dive deep into this hot topic alongside industry expert Coach Mike Boyle. Episode 417 brings valuable insights into the differences between bodybuilding and athletic training, the science behind hypertrophy, and how training approaches impact performance and recovery.Highlights of the episode:- **Should athletes train like bodybuilders? Coach Boyle shares his take on why traditional bodybuilding programs may not be ideal for athletes and the pitfalls of training solely for hypertrophy.- **Hypertrophy myths: Is there really a volume-to-size relationship for the average trainee, or is it more complex than simple set counts?- **Alternative training strategies: Discover effective, athlete-specific methods to build strength and power without compromising recovery.- **Forum debates: Listen in as Coach Boyle addresses controversial fitness tweets and forum discussions, including the relevance of psoas exercises for sprinting and the role of trap bar loaded jumps in strength programs.- **Practical tips:** Learn how to structure training sessions that balance performance, recovery, and injury prevention.Plus, don’t miss the "Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay," packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs. Mark Fisher goes over The Missing Piece- Consistently Excellent Training Sessions.———————————————————————————————Join Certified Functional Strength Coach and Business for Unicorns for a FREE webinar on Thurs Sept 18 at 4p ET:The Missing Piece: Consistently Excellent Training SessionsClaim Your Free Spot HERE———————————————————————————————Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing) -------------------------------------------------------------------A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.-------------------------------------------------------------------Get ready to rethink your approach to athlete training and gain actionable tips to elevate your coaching game. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more expert advice! CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro04:07 - Business for Unicorns11:08 - Missing Piece Webinar Info11:40 - Mike Boyle Interview12:28 - Athletes Training vs Bodybuilding24:47 - Training the Psoas Muscle32:54 - Loaded Jumps Post-Plyometrics35:10 - Contrast Sets with Trap Bar Deadlifts

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 11min
Rethinking Your Model with Bill Hartman
Episode 416 of the Strength Coach Podcast brings you “Rethinking Your Model” with guest Bill Hartman, constructor of the United Health & Performance Network (http://uhp.network). In this action-packed chat, we explore groundbreaking ideas on biomechanics and programming strategies to help you train smarter and achieve better results.Brought to you by PerformBetter.com, this episode is packed with insights for coaches, therapists, and fitness enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level. **Highlights of the Episode**:- A fascinating chat on the benefits of helical structure and its impact on movement and performance.- How foundational structure affects exercise selection and training outcomes for athletes.- Practical insights into avoiding trade-offs in force development and maintaining performance health.- Real-world examples and case studies, including the influence of body configurations on athletic abilities.- A new way to think about balancing force and velocity in programming for optimal results.There is a lot of information in this interview and Bill goes much deeper at http://uhp.network We also feature Naamly's "Maximizing the Member Experience" segment with Sumit Seth, who shares why your brand should be a "painkiller" and not just a "vitamin." Check out Naamly.com to see how they can be a Painkiller for your businessWhether you're a coach, trainer, therapist, or business owner, this episode has actionable takeaways to elevate your approach. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below! -------------------------------------------------------------------A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.-------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS:00:00 - Bill Hartman on Force Production Trade-Offs01:11 - Introduction to the Discussion03:49 - NPE: Vitamins vs Painkillers Concept09:14 - Bill Hartman on Unified Health & Performance Model15:36 - Reasons for Establishing the the UHP Model19:25 - Understanding the Helical Structure26:33 - The Chicken or the Egg Dilemma36:05 - Impact of Structure on Performance38:20 - Exploring the Force-Velocity Curve46:30 - Structure's Influence on Movement51:40 - Discovering Knowledge in the Field57:45 - Case Study: Analyzing Trade-Offs1:02:30 - Dirty Words in the Industry1:06:54 - Effective Communication with Clients1:08:18 - UHP Network Overview-------------------------------------------------------------------Next episode will feature the "Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay," packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs.Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gy...)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/br...)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE ( / businessforunicorns )**Subscribe to Mark's channel on YouTube ( / markfisherhumanbeing )-------------------------------------------------------------------

Aug 15, 2025 • 40min
Stop Blaming Anatomy: Fix ACL Risks with Strength - Mike Boyle
In Episode 415 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle dive into the truth about ACL risks and why strength training is the ultimate solution. Stop blaming anatomy and start focusing on building resilience in athletes! Highlights of the episode- **ACL injury prevention: Coach Boyle shares why myths about female anatomy and hormones miss the mark and explains how strength training is key to reducing risks. - **Single-leg squat standards: We spoke about performance benchmarks for youth athletes and why developing eccentric strength is crucial. - **Elasticity training: Explore the differences between fast and slow elasticity and how they impact athletic performance. - **Off-season training strategies: Should athletes focus on long slow distance or high-intensity conditioning? Hear Coach Boyle’s take on optimizing off-season programming. Plus, don’t miss the "Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay," packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs. Pete Dupuis goes over Using a Testing Day as a Low Barrier Offer- how to move away from seasonal sessions.Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE )https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing) -------------------------------------------------------------------A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. 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.-------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is packed with practical tips for coaches, trainers, and gym owners looking to up their game. Tune in now and learn how to fix ACL risks with strength while building a gym and life you love. Thanks for listening!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:45 - Pete Dupuis: Using a Testing Day as a Low Barrier Offer09:01 - Coaches Corner w/ Coach Boyle: Training Tips17:30 - ACL Tears and Gender Myths20:15 - 1-Leg Squat Depth Guidance24:45 - 1 Leg Training Strength Goals by Age26:30 - Elastic Energy: Performance Benefits34:33 - Long Slow Distance: Endurance Training for Off Season39:42 - Outro

Jul 25, 2025 • 35min
Mike Boyle on Moving the Needle with the Average Joe
In Episode 414 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna dives into the topic of “Moving the Needle with the Average Joe” with special guest Coach Mike Boyle. This episode, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, is packed with actionable insights and real-world advice for coaches, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts.Highlights of the episode: - A candid chat with Coach Boyle about the long-term effects of heavy lifting and the lessons learned over decades in the fitness industry. - A discussion on training the general population, focusing on the 50+ age group and the challenges they face. - Exclusive insights from Coach Boyle's recent experience on the Peter Attia podcast, addressing longevity and practical fitness programming. - Key highlights from the Perform Better Summits, including exciting new speakers, networking opportunities, and creative challenges like the air bike score contest. - Coach Boyle’s reaction to the Western Hockey League commissioner’s controversial comments on hockey training and player development. We also spoke about the importance of meeting clients where they are, understanding age-related physical changes, and the evolving perspective on what "challenging" training really means. Plus, don’t miss the "Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay," packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs. Mark goes over The Only Numbers You Need to Know- tips on tracking the essential numbers for fitness business success.Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark's channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)-------------------------------------------------------------------A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. 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! Tune in now to gain valuable takeaways and practical strategies to elevate your coaching game.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro4:06 - Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power Play4:25- The Only Numbers You Need to Know For Your Gym8:30- Mike Boyle Interview9:30- Mike’s Peter Attia experience18:05 - Mike’s Perform Better Talk Highlights20:20 - Age and Recovery Impact22:10 - Age-Related Decline Explained24:35 - Decline Exponentially Increases with Age26:35 - Recovery Decline After 5029:28 - NCAA vs Major Junior vs College Hockey Comparison

6 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Key to Successful Adult Fitness Programming with Jess Tollman
In episode 413 of the Strength Coach Podcast, we chat with Jess Tollman, head of adult programming at MBSC, to uncover "The Key to Successful Adult Fitness Programming”Brought to you by PerformBetter.com, this episode is packed with insights for coaches, therapists, and fitness enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level. **Highlights of the Episode**- We spoke about the fundamental differences between adult and athlete fitness programming, focusing on risk vs. reward calibration.- Jess shares her “recipe” for successful adult fitness, emphasizing mobility, strength, power, and conditioning while addressing common challenges like previous injuries and chronic pain.- A deep dive into the progression and regression system: how to tailor exercises for diverse client needs within a group setting.- Strategies for maintaining variety without sacrificing consistency, ensuring clients stay engaged and make measurable progress.- The importance of coaching individuals within a group, creating a personalized experience even in a shared environment.- Practical tips on fostering retention, tracking progress, and meeting adults where they are to build long-term fitness habits.- Jess’s unique perspective as both a mental health counselor and strength coach, incorporating mindfulness and observation into coaching.We also discussed:- Coaching philosophies for adult clients and how MBSC balances elite athletic training with a growing adult population.- How to keep fitness engaging and sustainable year-round for adult clients.- The role of continuing education and communication in building a successful fitness business.-------------------------------------------------------------------A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. 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.-------------------------------------------------------------------Get ready to learn practical, actionable strategies to enhance your approach to adult programming. Whether you’re a coach, trainer, or just someone passionate about fitness, this episode delivers valuable takeaways.Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to check out more episodes for expert advice and inspiration.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:42 - Jess Tollman Interview05:48 - Successful Adult Programming Strategies08:51 - Risk vs Reward Calibration13:41 - Coaching Individuals in Group Settings17:10 - Tracking Progress Effectively21:20 - Variation in Training Methods27:10 - Importance of Tracking Progress33:20 - Mental Health Counseling Impact on Coaching39:34 - Get Back Into It Workout Tips40:40 - Consistent Coaching Message43:38 - Workout Intensity Guidelines46:10 - Selling Quality of Life Benefits50:34 - Her Journey to Current Position53:17 - Entry into the Industry55:20 - Client-Centered Focus57:50 - Being Present in Coaching01:01:44 - Acknowledging Mistakes01:03:40 - Wrapping Up Discussion-------------------------------------------------------------------Next episode will feature the "Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay," packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs.Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark's channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)-------------------------------------------------------------------

Jul 8, 2025 • 51min
Injury Prevention is a Myth with Mike Boyle
Episode 412 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better, dives into the hot topic of "Injury Prevention vs. Reduction" Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Boyle to break down this often-misunderstood debate.**Highlights of the Episode:**- A thorough discussion on why injuries can’t always be prevented but can potentially be reduced.- Insights into the recent Tyrese Haliburton Achilles injury and its complex contributing factors.- The role of training, load management, and mileage in injury risk for athletes.- Coach Boyle’s personal experiences coaching athletes through injuries and reframing responsibility.- A candid talk about steroid use among middle and high school athletes, and how the fitness industry can address it.- Exploring conditioning standards and the importance of fairness with weight-class-based programming.- The debate over focusing on athlete strengths vs. weaknesses and how to balance training for optimal performance.**Unique Elements:**Coach Boyle shares invaluable anecdotes and practical advice, offering a fresh perspective on training philosophies. -------------------------------------------------------------------This episode also introduces a new segment, the "Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay," packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs.Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)**Subscribe to Mark's channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)-------------------------------------------------------------------Don’t miss this episode filled with expert insights, real-world examples, and actionable advice for athletes, coaches, and fitness professionals. Watch now and join the conversation! Thanks for listening!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:52 - Conditioning for Weight Classes02:04 - Training Weaknesses vs Strengths02:16 - Fitness Business Strategies03:15 - Perform Better Techniques05:03 - Overlooked Assets in Fitness Businesses10:42 - Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay11:12 - Tyrese Halliburton- Injury Prevention vs. Injury Reduction19:19 - Level Up Your Training24:00 - Steroid Use in Youth Sports25:55 - Drug Use in Sports31:05 - Conditioning Tests Explained43:26 - Strengths vs Weaknesses in Programming-------------------------------------------------------------------A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. 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.------------------------------------------------------------------

Jun 20, 2025 • 36min
Why Data Can't Replace Great Coaching with Mike Boyle
Michael Boyle, a renowned strength and conditioning coach acclaimed for his expertise in functional training and injury prevention, discusses the limitations of data in coaching. He emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human connection, observation, and trust between coaches and athletes. The conversation covers the challenges of overdependence on data, the significance of effective communication, and the evolving role of coaches in guiding athletes. Boyle shares insights from recent training summits, advocating for a balance between technology and personal connection.

Jun 11, 2025 • 57min
Coaching Greatness with Todd Durkin
Todd Durkin, a world-class coach and founder of Fitness Quest 10, discusses the journey to coaching greatness. He shares insights from his latest book, emphasizing the necessity of coaching from within to empower athletes. Todd opens up about overcoming personal challenges like burnout, which deepened his coaching approach. He also introduces Impact X Performance, a unique fitness and coaching franchise that blends faith and recovery. Furthermore, he highlights the meaningful work of the Durkin Impact Foundation, focusing on community support and mental health initiatives.