The Judd Lienhard Podcast Fitness Q&A: Shoulder Pain Fixes, Training Shoes & Music for Workouts | #080
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In this Q&A episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers listener-submitted questions covering strength training, injury prevention, longevity, and practical performance advice.
The episode opens with a discussion on dead hangs vs farmer’s carries as potential indicators of strength and longevity. While both exercises challenge grip strength, Judd explains why loaded carries may provide broader benefits by developing grip endurance, core stability, and gait mechanics at the same time. These types of movements better mimic real-world physical demands and contribute to long-term physical resilience.
Judd also dives into one of the most common issues lifters deal with: shoulder pain and impingement. He explains why the shoulder joint is uniquely vulnerable due to its need for both mobility and stability, and why simply balancing pushing and pulling exercises may not be enough to keep shoulders healthy. He outlines the importance of strengthening external rotation muscles, improving scapular movement, and incorporating exercises that build long-term joint stability.
Another major topic in this episode is biceps tendonitis and shoulder irritation during training. Judd shares practical ways to keep training while recovering, including adjusting pressing grip width, using variable resistance like bands or chains, reducing range of motion temporarily, and incorporating movements like landmine presses and push-up variations to reduce stress on the shoulder joint.
The conversation also covers the ongoing debate around minimalist training shoes vs cushioned running shoes. Judd explains why footwear alone doesn’t determine foot strength and why walking mechanics and gait patterns play a much larger role in long-term joint health.
Later in the episode, Judd explains how he would structure strength training while preparing for an ultramarathon, focusing on maintaining strength with minimal fatigue by using low volume, high intensity lifting.
Additional topics include:
- Music choices for heavy lifting days
- Judd’s experience with Ranger School and military selection
- Massage therapy vs chiropractic treatment for recovery
- How to get started with the MASS Method training app
- Judd’s top five recommended books on psychology, leadership, and society
If you enjoy practical conversations about strength, performance, resilience, and training for life, this episode delivers insights you can immediately apply to your training.
📚 Books Referenced by Judd:
1. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind — Yuval Noah Harari
https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316095
2. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion — Jonathan Haidt
https://www.amazon.com/Righteous-Mind-Divided-Politics-Religion/dp/0307455777
3. The Prince — Niccolò Machiavelli
https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Niccolo-Machiavelli/dp/1530915684
4. The 48 Laws of Power — Robert Greene
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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.
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