
Beyond Strength Show
Beyond Strength, a training gym located in Northern Virginia, provides training and coaching that helps active people discover what their body is capable of, because life is better with strength and endurance.
Latest episodes

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 5min
Rucking Insights, Kettlebell Carries, and The Secret to Happiness
Train with Beyond Strength online: https://www.bspnova.com/hybrid-performance/Or, if you're local to northern Virginia, come join us in-person: https://www.bspnova.comIn this conversation, Todd Bumgardner and Chris Merritt explore various themes related to community, aging, fitness, and personal development. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences visiting retirement communities, discuss the importance of maintaining social connections as one ages, and reflect on the changing perspectives that come with age. The discussion also delves into training techniques, particularly focusing on kettlebell carries and rucking, and the upcoming Kettlebell Mile event. They emphasize the significance of running for improving rucking performance and share practical tips for effective training. The conversation concludes with light-hearted banter about personal preferences in shoes and bags (it's not what it sounds like ha).00:00 - Technical Difficulties and Introduction01:15 - Community and Connection in Retirement03:42 - The Importance of Social Connections06:16 - Reflections on Aging and Life Perspectives10:21 - Shifting Perspectives on Age12:01 - Experimenting with Rowing Techniques17:04 - Kettlebell Mile Event Introduction21:54 - Kettlebell Mile Event Details and History28:02 - Food Truck Adventures and Potluck Plans30:06 - Kettlebell Mile Insights31:53 - Rucking Techniques and Strategies36:09 - Weight Management in Rucking39:54 - Training for Heavy Loads40:54 - Choosing the Right Gear for Rucking43:35 - The Importance of Proper Weight Distribution49:05 - Running vs. Rucking: The Efficiency Debate54:01 - Building Aerobic Capacity through Running56:59 - Progressing from Walking to Running

Feb 12, 2025 • 54min
The Self-Care Lie
The discussion dives into the real meaning of self-care, emphasizing that it's often about making tough choices for long-term benefits. The hosts share insights on defining personal values and how they guide decisions. They stress the importance of consistency and taking small steps to achieve fitness goals. Humor and personal anecdotes enrich their reflections on recovery after illness. Overall, the conversation challenges common misconceptions about self-care and highlights the significance of aligning actions with one's deepest values.

Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 1min
Truth Over Comfort | Building Strength Capacity for HYROX
Train with Beyond Strength: https://www.bspnova.com/hybrid-performance/
In this conversation, Chris Merritt and Todd Bumgardner delve into philosophical questions about reality and truth, exploring the implications of living in a simulation versus facing the harsh realities of life. They discuss the importance of purpose in modern life, the challenges of finding meaning, and the role of voluntary hardships in building resilience. The dialogue transitions into practical applications in fitness preparation for HYROX, focusing on program design, training methodologies, and the significance of high-intensity continuous training. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal growth and the impact of coaching on individual development.
00:00 Exploring Reality and Illusion
02:43 The Nature of Truth and Meaning
05:31 The Search for Purpose in Modern Life
08:50 Voluntary Hardships and Resilience
11:41 The Impact of Kindness and Service
16:45 Program Design and Coaching Insights
28:07 Neural Charge Training Explained
30:06 Strength Training Volume and Intensity
32:35 Training Frequency and Adaptation
33:38 Revising Conditioning and Strength Workouts
35:25 Weekly Training Structure and Goals
39:08 HYROX Preparation and Aerobic Development
42:20 Dynamic Control and Breathing Techniques
51:45 Volume Management and Training Adaptations

Dec 19, 2024 • 45min
Purpose, Pressure, and Progress: Balancing Tension in Life
In this conversation, Todd Bumgardner and Chris Merritt explore the themes of creativity, action, and the importance of understanding client archetypes in achieving personal and professional goals. They discuss the significance of having stakes in one's pursuits, the balance between purpose and pressure, and the role of accountability in driving action. The conversation also delves into defining values, planning for the future, and utilizing technology for personal growth. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for reflection and adaptation in the journey of self-discovery and goal achievement.
Takeaways
Creativity requires consistent practice, much like fitness.
Understanding client archetypes can enhance coaching effectiveness.
Having clear stakes can drive motivation and action.
Balance between purpose and pressure is essential for growth.
Accountability can help maintain focus and direction.
Defining personal values is crucial for finding purpose.
Technology can aid in planning and personal development.
Reflection allows for adaptation and growth in goals.
Embracing challenges can lead to personal growth.
Openness to exploration is key to making progress.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Creativity and Action
02:35 Understanding Client Archetypes: What, Why, and How
05:23 The Importance of Action and Accountability
08:27 Finding Balance: Purpose and Pressure
11:16 Defining Values and True Self-Care
14:08 Emergent Growth: The Role of Action in Self-Discovery
24:59 Setting Goals and Overcoming Nerves
28:56 The Importance of Stakes in Life
31:20 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth
34:21 Planning for the Future with Family
43:42 Utilizing Technology for Effective Planning

Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 7min
2024 Program Design Review: What Worked and What’s Next
Sign up for the Hybrid Tips Email Series here: https://mailchi.mp/1626d07dec43/becoming-a-hybrid-athlete

Nov 23, 2024 • 55min
We're back! Let's catch up.
It has been a MINUTE! But that's because a lot of change has gone down in the last 5 months. Let's catch up today and we'll be back with regular episodes going forward.

Jun 29, 2024 • 33min
DOES YOUR TRAINING MAKE YOU A LIABILITY?
Access Hybrid Performance Training Tips (FREE!!) here: https://mailchi.mp/1626d07dec43/becoming-a-hybrid-athlete
Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/
Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at https://www.bspnova.com/ 🎁
Talk soon!

Jun 21, 2024 • 20min
SELF TALK FOR HYBRID ATHLETES | THE BEYOND STRENGTH SHOW | CHRIS MERRITT & TODD BUMGARDNER
Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/
Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at https://www.bspnova.com/ 🎁
Talk soon!

Jun 7, 2024 • 41min
IS CROSSFIT HYBRID ATHLETE TRAINING? | THE BEYOND STRENGTH SHOW | CHRIS MERRITT & TODD BUMGARDNER
Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/
Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at https://www.bspnova.com/ 🎁
Talk soon!

May 31, 2024 • 46min
WHY YOUR ENDURANCE HAS PLATEAUED | THE BEYOND STRENGTH SHOW | CHRIS MERRITT & TODD BUMGARDNER
Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/
Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at https://www.bspnova.com/ 🎁
Talk soon!