
Wits & Weights | Evidence-Based Fitness & Nutrition for Lifters Over 40 Pain-Free Knees, Low Back, and Shoulders for Training LONGEVITY (Dr. John Rusin) | Ep 388
Get John’s new book Pain-Free Performance: Move Better, Train Smarter, and Build an Unbreakable Body
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Knees sore? Back tight? Shoulders giving out? You’re not broken, you’re just missing the system your body was built on.
I talk with Dr. John Rusin, an internationally recognized strength coach, physical therapist, and author of Pain-Free Performance, about how to train hard without breaking down.
John reveals why your knees, back, and shoulders fail together, and how the "pillar" (your hips, core, and shoulders) holds the key to lasting strength. We cover breathing and bracing for stability, rebuilding your deadlift safely, and the movement mistakes that cause chronic pain. You’ll learn how to train smarter, move better, and build real resilience so you can lift for life, not just the next program.
Today, you’ll learn all about:
0:00 – Intro
2:43 – The pillar that powers pain-free strength
4:19 – Breathing and bracing the right way
8:22 – How to train hard without breaking down
11:42 – The mistakes keeping you in pain
16:38 – Why perfect form isn’t one size fits all
19:26 – How to find your ideal squat setup
27:32 – The deadlift myth that’s hurting your back
41:12 – Why lunges are your secret weapon
51:00 – Shoulder pain fixes that actually work
Episode resources:
- Pain-Free Performance (John’s new book)
- Dr. John Rusin’s website: drjohnrusin.com
- Dr. John Rusin on Instagram: @drjohnrusin
- Dr. John Rusin on Youtube: @johnrusin3229
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