The Strength Coach Podcast

Welcome to Episode 440 of the Strength Coach Podcast! Are you actually training for results, or are you just going through the motions in the gym? Join host Anthony Renna and renowned coach Mike Boyle as they break down the latest trends in the fitness industry and share actionable advice for trainers, physical therapists, and gym owners.Brought to you by PerformBetter.comHead over to their website to get 20% off First Place Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells and check out the new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and ProvidenceCheck out the “Bring a Friend for Free” deal at www.PerformBetter.comIn this episode, we kick things off with Pete Dupuis from Business for Unicorns. Pete shares a critical warning for gym owners: you might be spending too much emotional bandwidth on your most difficult clients while neglecting the ones who actually drive your business forward. Learn how to identify your amplifiers versus your anchors and shift your focus to the top 20 percent of your clientele to build a business you love.Next, we head into the Coaches Corner with Mike Boyle. Mike addresses a controversial social media trend regarding thoracic mobility and rotary strength. He explains why comparing a warm up drill to a heavy strength exercise is a false equivalence and how to navigate the often-misleading world of internet coaching. We also discuss shoulder health, exercise selection for longevity, and whether we should treat shoulder protocols with the same rigidity as knee rehab.Finally, we explore the concept of training for results rather than just training to train. Mike shares his thoughts on the evolution of tempo, the history of using metronomes in the weight room, and why isometrics might be the key to maintaining joint and tendon health as we age.CHAPTERS0:00 Intro and Perform Better Updates2:15 Business for Unicorns: Stop Chasing the Wrong Clients6:35 Thoracic Mobility vs Rotary Strength Debates11:50 The Problem with Internet Coach Comparisons15:10 Vinnie Toledo and Healthy Shoulder Progressions19:25 Setting Standards for Shoulder Mobility23:40 Training for Results vs Training to Train27:15 The History of Tempo and Metronomes in the Gym30:45 Isometrics for Joint and Tendon Health33:11 OutroIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe for more expert insights into strength and conditioning. Check out the resources mentioned at StrengthCoach.com and MBSC.tv to take your coaching to the next level.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-bookBook a free 10-minute intro call HEREhttps://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstormFollow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing

Mike Boyle, veteran strength and conditioning coach and MBSC founder, shares hard-won, in-field wisdom. He debates force versus load and why force plates matter. He calls out internet-only experts and highlights survivorship bias in lifting research. He also covers single-leg training, scaling safe programs, and lessons from running and rebuilding a business.

Mike Boyle, veteran strength coach known for functional training and Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning, shares controversial takes on adult programming. He questions the back squat and praises goblet and single-leg work. He calls out RDLs, hip thrusts, and cautions about sprinting for typical adults. He also touches on training philosophy, social media, and handling criticism.

Stop guessing about your adult clients fitness and start prioritizing what actually matters for longevity. In this episode, legendary coach Mike Boyle breaks down why VO2 Max training is no longer optional and how to integrate it without sacrificing strength gains. It is time to move past the performative antics and focus on the actual science of health span.Brought to you by PerformBetter.comHead over to their website to get 20 percent off Mini-bands and Superbad’s and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence.We dive deep into the essential shift toward cardiovascular health for the aging population. Coach Boyle explains how to use Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) to prescribe precise intervals that actually move the needle on fitness. We also tackle the technical side of movement, specifically why the industry might be over-complicating regressions like the half-kneeling position when standing might actually be the better starting point for most adults.The conversation shifts to the eternal debate of the trap bar deadlift versus the squat. Is it just semantics, or does the distinction change how we check the bilateral strength box? Finally, we address the rise of performative coaching culture in collegiate sports. From removing light dumbbells to choreographed game day lifts, Boyle pulls no punches on why these antics are turning strength coaches into court jesters and what professional training should really look like.Chapters0:00 Intro and Perform Better Updates 3:15 Training Adult Clients for Longevity 7:45 VO2 Max and Cardiovascular Health 11:20 Programming Intervals with MAS 15:00 The Reality of the Norwegian 4x4 9:15 Half-Kneeling vs Standing Power Training 22:45 Defining the Deadlift and Trap Bar Nuance 26:30 The Problem with Performative Coaching 29:15 Final Thoughts and Hockey TalkIf you want to elevate your coaching game and stay ahead of industry trends, make sure to visit StrengthCoach.com for more expert insights and resources. Subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Strength Coach Podcast.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-bookBook a free 10-minute intro call HEREhttps://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstormFollow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing

Mark Fisher, founder of Mark Fisher Fitness and co-founder of Business for Unicorns, is an experienced gym owner and consultant. He explores how AI can save hours, generate marketing first drafts, and act as a pocket expert for finances and paperwork. He contrasts AI with simple automations, stresses systems and in-person learning, and explains why small weekly gains compound into major annual advantages.

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OR A LEADER IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY? In this episode of The Strength Coach Podcast, legendary coach Mike Boyle joins Anthony Renna to dive deep into why being evidence-based might be holding you back and why Zone 2 Cardio is currently the most overrated trend online. We explore the balance between scientific research and real-world coaching experience to help you become a better trainer, therapist, or business owner.Brought to you by PerformBetter.comHead over to their website to get 20 percent off PB Extreme Soft Toss Med Balls and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence. Coach Boyle shares his take on the limitations of the evidence-based crowd and explains why innovation often happens in the gym long before the studies are published. We also discuss the practical use of isometrics and how a simple belt strap can transform your summer programming for athletes and general population clients alike. Plus, Mark Fisher from Business for Unicorns joins us to talk about marketing for gym owners who are struggling with stalled growth.KEY TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:-Why Zone 2 is the overrated darling of the internet-The difference between being evidence-based and being a follower-Marketing strategies for gym owners and the importance of a time audit-Programming isometrics using the Zero RM ISO belt strap- News on the MBSC Spring Seminar and hockey performance insightsWant 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)CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro and Perform Better Updates3:20 Fitness Business Power Play: Stalled Growth7:15 MBSC Spring Seminar and BU Hockey Talk11:45 Why Zone 2 Cardio is the Darling of the Internet16:00 The Truth About Being Evidence-Based21:30 Innovation vs Following the Research26:10 Rethinking Squats and Unilateral Training30:00 How to Properly Read and Filter Research34:20 Using the Zero RM ISO Belt Strap37:45 Programming Yielding and Overcoming Isometrics39:58 ConclusionWant More Coaching Insights? Check out STRENGTHCOACH.COM and MBSC.TV for a 7-day free trial. Join the community and take your coaching to the next level with resources from the top experts in the industry.Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Strength Coach Podcast! 

Justin Kegley, performance coach and founder of Movement Fitness, specializes in training female athletes to boost performance and cut injury risk. He breaks down the alarming ACL trend and a huge training gap between girls and boys. Conversation hits neuromuscular training, single-leg work, barefoot progressions, speed and change-of-direction mechanics, and how parents and coaches shape long-term development.

Episode 433 of the Strength Coach Podcast, "Train Like an Olympian: Consistency is Key!" is out. This episode dives into the importance of year-round training programs for elite athletes, featuring insights from Coach Mike Boyle and host Anthony Renna. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and fascinating stories from the world of Olympic and professional sports.Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Don’t miss their current deals on foam rollers and bundles!Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.**Highlights of the episode:**-  The evolution of training for Olympic athletes, especially in women's hockey before and after the PWHL launch.-  How consistency in training has been the foundation for athletes like Angela Ruggiero and Hilary Knight.- Practical tips for creating effective training programs that balance accountability and year-round conditioning.-  The role of on-ice and off-ice testing in athlete development.-  Insights on lactate workouts, their relevance beyond track athletes, and how to adapt them for team sports.-  A fun look at how the women's hockey game has evolved globally, with increased competition and talent.We also dive into fitness business tips with Mark Fisher, who shares strategies for boosting sales without being pushy. Plus, learn how to help clients connect with their deeper fitness goals to achieve long-term success!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)----------------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for tuning in! Hit that play button to discover how training like an Olympian starts with consistency and ends with extraordinary results. CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro02:38 - Mark Fisher Insights07:08 - Coach Boyle Techniques09:54 - Training Olympians Effectively12:44 - Consistency in Training Importance14:44 - Professional Women's Hockey Growth16:38 - Evolving Game Strategies18:58 - Future of Women's Hockey Development21:00 - Lactate Workouts- 23 Second Drill Overview25:40 - Aerodyne Sprints Benefits29:06 - Targeting Lower Abs Exercises33:09 - Recovery Position Techniques

Mark Fisher, a fitness business strategist sharing lead-generation tactics without paid ads. Mike Boyle, veteran S&C coach and author known for practical methods. They debate anti-rotation core work and where rotary power comes from. They probe glute activation methods and toe wedge ideas. They compare hill sprints to sled sprints. They clarify exercise naming and why consistent terminology matters.

Dr. Haley Perlus, a sport and exercise psychologist and author of 'Personal Podium,' shares her expertise on optimizing mindset for peak performance. She discusses transforming anxiety into energizing focus, overcoming mental blocks, and changing perceptions of pressure as an opportunity to excel. With insights from legendary moments in sports, she emphasizes the importance of self-awareness over tech devices, offers practical strategies for injured athletes, and redefines mental toughness as sustainable discipline.