Retention vs attendance for gym owners

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.

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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

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