The Judd Lienhard Podcast

Join Dr. Belisa Vranich, a clinical psychologist and breathing expert, and Bert Sorin, a strength innovator, as they dive into the transformative power of breath and strength training. Dr. Vranich reveals how breathing mechanics can enhance endurance and longevity, linking diaphragmatic health to overall well-being. Meanwhile, Sorin shares his journey from aspiring athlete to industry pioneer, discussing the evolution of training methodologies and equipment design. Together, they explore how small changes lead to monumental shifts in athletic performance.

Dive into a fascinating exploration of training and performance. Guests discuss the risks of leaving comfort zones and the controversial knees-over-toes training method. The conversation highlights modern medicine's role in preventing chronic injury and the importance of training for longevity versus aesthetics. Gabby Reece shares her inspiring journey of sobriety and lifestyle change. Plus, insights on creative coaching for older clients and the impact of early specialization on youth athleticism. Real stories, real transformations!

Explore the life lessons from football: patience, angles, and aggression. Discover why consistency outshines random exercise routines and learn effective adaptations for shoulder injuries. Get insights on maintaining conditioning with stress fractures, and the importance of hydration and nutrition over stimulants. Delve into practical strategies for knee-friendly strength training in older athletes and understand the essentials of explosive power through cleans and high pulls. Plus, gain tips on optimizing sprinting and loaded carries for real-world performance.

Are gym machines “non-functional”? No. They’re a tool, and if you’re avoiding them out of dogma, you’re limiting your results.In this episode, Judd Lienhard breaks down why gym machines build real strength, muscle, and performance, and why the idea that machines are inferior to free weights doesn’t hold up under basic biomechanics, force production, or real-world coaching.Judd explains when free weights make sense, when machines are the better choice, and how smart athletes and coaches use both to build stronger, more durable bodies.Topics covered:What “functional training” actually meansMachines vs free weights for strength and athletic performanceStability, force output, and mechanical tensionTraining around injuries and mobility limitationsWhy isolation exercises matter for full muscle developmentHow machines improve efficiency, volume, and progressionFree weights are a great foundation — but they aren’t the only tool that works. Machines aren’t useless, and they aren’t non-functional. They’re part of intelligent training.Train smarter with Judd’s programs: JuddLienhard.com This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this engaging Q&A, listeners get actionable advice on overcoming training hurdles. Judd discusses safe strategies for returning to exercise after a break and effective hinge movements for those with back issues. He dives into dealing with sciatica, emphasizing the importance of mobility and strengthening. Judd also breaks down workout programming, including push/pull/legs splits and block training. Plus, he shares personal insights on resilience, coping with life challenges, and starting a career in strength coaching.

Is full range of motion always superior? This discussion dives into the context-dependence of motion, revealing how partial reps can actually enhance strength and power. Factors like joint structure and mobility shape what's optimal for performance. Elite athletes often limit their motion for better results, while smart training adapts to individual needs. Learn how to adjust range of motion based on fatigue, injury, and athletic goals, challenging conventional dogma in the process.

Training pain vs. injury. Building muscle after 40. TRT. Mobility. HRV. Explosiveness as you age.In this Q&A episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers some of the most common (and most misunderstood) questions around training, recovery, and performance after 40.If you’ve ever questioned whether you should push through discomfort or back off, or wondered how aging actually affects strength, power, and recovery, this episode is for you.Judd breaks down how to distinguish normal training pain from real injury signals, why loss of power and strength inhibition are red flags you shouldn’t ignore, and how most injuries build slowly long before something “goes wrong.” He explains how smarter training adjustments help you continue progressing instead of ending up sidelined.The conversation also covers muscle growth after 40, explosiveness and power development, mobility versus flexibility, HRV and wearable data, and an honest discussion on testosterone, TRT, and hormone optimization.This episode is for anyone who wants to train hard, stay athletic, and make smarter decisions as they get older, without wrecking their body in the process.Episode Chapters / Timestamps00:00 Training Pain vs. Injury — When to Push or Shut It Down03:54 Building Muscle After 40 — What Actually Changes06:30 Early Warning Signs That Lead to Major Injuries07:45 Can You Still Build Explosiveness After 40?09:40 Power vs. Strength vs. Endurance as You Age11:15 Dead-Stop Training & Ballistic Movements13:05 HRV, Sleep & Wearable Data15:47 Mobility vs. Flexibility20:15 Testosterone, TRT & Hormone Optimization26:30 Natural Ways to Optimize Testosterone30:10 Estrogen, Mood, Sleep & PerformanceAbout the ShowThe Judd Lienhard Podcast focuses on strength, discipline, and athletic development for real life. Hosted by performance coach and former Army Ranger Judd Lienhard, the show breaks down training, mindset, and performance.New episodes drop on Tuesdays. Q&A episodes drop on Thursdays.Follow Judd Lienhard:📲 Instagram: @juddlienhard📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@juddlienhard  Train with Judd: juddlienhard.com This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

If you’re training hard but unsure whether high volume or low volume training actually builds more strength and muscle, this episode is for you.Judd Lienhard breaks down the long-running debate around training volume, intensity, and frequency, explaining what science and real-world coaching experience actually show—and how to apply it to your own training.👉 Try Judd’s training app free for 7 days and train with the same principles discussed in this episode: strength, athleticism, and long-term progress.You’ll learn:The difference between training for strength vs. hypertrophyWhy training to failure is often misunderstoodHow volume, intensity, and frequency really affect resultsWhy compound lifts to failure can hold athletes backThe minimal effective dose vs. optimal volume for muscle growthHow training age, recovery, and lifestyle change what works bestJudd also explains why elite systems—from old-school bodybuilding to extreme Olympic weightlifting models—show what the body can adapt to, but why smarter programming wins long-term.If you’re deciding between high-volume or low-volume training, this episode will help you train with clarity, confidence, and purpose—without wasting time in the gym.Train with Judd Lienhard Free 7-Day Trial: juddlienhard.com Instagram: @juddlienhard YouTube: Judd Lienhard This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

Discover the best times to train, emphasizing lifestyle over hormones. Uncover why mobility and stability should precede heavy lifting. Learn about chronic lower-back issues and effective corrective strategies. Understand the nuances between conventional and unconventional exercises for optimal strength. Dive into practical tips for fat loss over 40, including stress management and recovery. Explore the advantages of trap-bar deadlifts and the role of lifting belts. Plus, Judd shares his personal definition of success, beyond just fitness.

Tim Riley, a performance coach with a track record of working with Olympians and elite athletes, delves into hybrid athletes and the complexities of training. He breaks down the nuances of Olympic lifts, discussing their benefits versus alternatives. The conversation touches on the evolution of CrossFit culture and the importance of context in functional training. Tim also shares his personal experiences with TRT, the stigma around it, and critiques the current fitness dogmas, challenging listeners to rethink their approach to athletic development.