Why Mike questions the back squat for adults

Is the back squat actually holding your adult clients back from their best results?

In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, legendary coach Mike Boyle dives deep into why he considers certain staple exercises to be the biggest mistakes in adult fitness programming.

Join host Anthony Renna as he explores the controversial takes that have kept Coach Boyle at the forefront of the industry for decades.

Brought to you by PerformBetter.com
Head over to their website to get 20 percent off First Place Fitness matss and check out the new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence. 

Check it all out at www.PerformBetter.com

Get $15 off you next order- Sign Up for Texts from Perform Better

In this episode, we break down the death of the back squat and why unilateral training is often the superior choice for longevity and athletic performance. Mike shares his list of the dumbest exercises for adults, including his thoughts on RDLs, hip thrusts, and the hidden dangers of sprinting for the average gym-goer. Pete Dupuis from Business for Unicorns to discuss a common pitfall for gym owners: confusing client attendance with true retention.

Whether you are a personal trainer, strength coach, or gym owner, this conversation offers a masterclass in training philosophy and business strategy. Learn how to navigate the modern world of social media education while staying true to functional training principles that actually work.

Chapters

0:00 Intro and Sponsor Updates

3:12 Retention vs Attendance with Pete Dupuis

6:28 Mike Boyle on the Back Squat Debate

9:45 Why Goblet Squats and Single Leg Training Win

13:30 Ranking the Dumbest Exercises for Adults

17:15 The Risks of Sprinting for Joe from Accounting

21:40 Success in 2026 Writing Speaking and Social Media

25:50 Dealing with Instagram Trolls and Criticism

28:15 Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap Up

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! You can find more resources and upcoming seminar dates at the links provided in our channel bio.

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