The Strength Coach Podcast

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

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)-------------------------------------------------------------------

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.------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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.

Join a fascinating conversation about the power of simplicity in training programs. Discover how bench block split squats can alleviate knee pain and enhance performance. Learn about the evolution of strength training literature and the importance of fostering authentic connections with clients. Insights on engaging young athletes with fun, game-based conditioning showcase the value of consistency over complexity. Plus, don't miss the upcoming Functional Training Summit for expert insights and networking!

Join Rett Larson, strength coach for the German women's volleyball team and creator of the No Zombies training philosophy, as he redefines warm-ups! Dive into his energetic and engaging approach that promises to elevate athlete performance. Rett discusses why traditional warm-ups need a makeover, showcasing his unique techniques that blend creativity and sport-specific drills. He shares how using playful tools like tennis balls and Nerf footballs can enhance training, making it not just safer, but also fun and performance-enhancing!

Welcome to Episode 407 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by PerformBetter.com, the Experts in Functional Training & Rehabilitation. In this episode, expands on the Fred Duncan tweet that "Sprinting drives weights but weights won't drive sprinting."Anthony Renna and Coach Mike Boyle dive into why strength alone won’t boost speed. Highlights of the episode include:- **The relationship between strength and speed: Why getting stronger doesn’t always mean getting faster and how metrics like sprint times and vertical jump height should guide your program.- **Injury prevention and movement variability: Insights into preventing Achilles ruptures and other injuries through smarter training and surface variability.- **The role of Olympic lifting: Where it fits in speed and strength programming, and why it may not be essential for every athlete.- **Speed as a performance driver: Why incorporating tools like Fly 10 sprints, jump mats, and sled sprints is key to optimizing performance.We also touch on thought-provoking debates, including the “strong enough” concept and balancing strength training with speed work for injury-proofing athletes. Coach Boyle shares actionable tips for measuring progress and making data-driven decisions to ensure your program delivers results.This episode is packed with expert insights, practical advice, and fresh perspectives on elevating athletic performance. -------------------------------------------------------------------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 for strategies to take your training to the next level! CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro04:17- Pete Holman- Contrast Training on Glute Slide04:59 - Performance Improvement05:39 - Coach Boyle Insights06:45 - Fred Duncan’s Tweet Analysis16:40 - Importance of Common Sense18:53 - Strength Training Fundamentals19:30 - Defining Strong Enough21:07 - Stopping Strength Training Discussion22:08 - Olympic Lifting Relevance25:46 - Understanding Achilles Ruptures29:55 - Bike Transfer to Sprinting32:40 - Slide Board vs. Bike for Hockey

Mike Ranfone, owner of Ranfone Training Systems, merges fitness and healthcare to revolutionize wellness. He discusses the innovative concept of personalized medical performance, including blood panels and DEXA scans, all under one roof. The conversation highlights real-life success stories of clients achieving peak health, regardless of age, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between trainers and medical professionals. Ranfone also addresses the challenges of integrating these two fields, advocating for a proactive health model that focuses on healthspan over lifespan.

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