Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show

Joe DeFranco
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Mar 26, 2026 • 52min

#566 You're Doing Contrast Training WRONG! [Do THIS Instead To Improve Power/Speed]

A deep dive into doing contrast training the right way, not as a sloppy circuit. Clear rules for rep ranges, timing, and recovery to protect power and mechanics. Walkthroughs of French contrast sequences for vertical, horizontal, and upper-body power work. Common mistakes to avoid so athletes leave sessions energized, not fatigued.
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Mar 19, 2026 • 51min

#565 They BANNED Light Dumbbells?! Here's What Texas Tech Got WRONG (And Right)

A viral Texas Tech weight-room policy sparks a nuanced debate about toughness versus safety. Discussion covers the psychology of removing light dumbbells and why warm-ups, accessory work, and technique need light loads. Practical programming examples like Bulgarian split squats and culture-building alternatives such as Strongman sessions and strict rep standards are explored.
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Mar 12, 2026 • 59min

#564 How I Make The BEST Gains in the WORST Gyms!

Travel-proof training hacks for getting stronger in poorly equipped gyms. Ten clever ways to make light weights feel heavy, from tempo tweaks to iso holds and one-and-a-half reps. Strategies include changing load position, adding instability, using bands, shortening rests, and bodyweight alternatives for when equipment is absent.
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Mar 5, 2026 • 1h 59min

#563 - Bret Contreras: How To "Make It" in the Fitness Industry (Then vs Now), The Key to LONGTERM Progress & More!

After 9 long years Bret Contreras, aka, "The Glute Guy" returns to the Industrial Strength Show...and he & Joe have a LOT to talk about! Here are a few of the topics you'll hear discussed during their 2-hour conversation: The early T-Nation days; How to "make it" in the fitness industry (Then vs Now); The wildly popular piece of equipment that Bret put in storage and Joe ended up selling; How Bret's training has evolved over the years; Finding your maximum recoverable volume (MRV); How glute training has evolved over the years; The mind-muscle connection vs progressive overload; The benefits of training w/ bands & chains; Training the "stretch" vs the "squeeze" positions; How to make longterm progress...And so much MORE! *For a full list of Show Notes + Timestamps visit www.IndustrialStrengthShow.com. IMPORTANT LINKS Bret Contreras BC Strength (Bret's products) DeFranco's Nutritional Supplements [coupon: MuscleUpMarch]
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Feb 26, 2026 • 1h 22min

#562 When To Program High Reps, The Most Underrated Set/Rep Scheme for Newbies & More!

Listeners get practical advice on training with a shoulder tear and safe pressing alternatives. The show explores when higher reps help men over 50 and why mixing rep ranges matters. Guidance for starting kids in the gym and a simple foundational program for young athletes is discussed. A stimulant-free pre-workout stack is outlined, and the role of volume for experienced lifters is debated.
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Feb 19, 2026 • 1h 14min

#561 The Smallest Body Part with The Biggest Impact on Longevity (Q&A)

This week Joe answers 6 listener questions. Specific topics include: Q1) Thoughts on the 5-day split: Upper/Lower/Push/Pull/Legs? Q2) What are the biggest mistakes you see new gym owners make? Q3) What is the most common mistake you see young college S&C coaches make? Q4) Why do you think there is such a disconnect between Physical Therapists and S&C coaches? Q5) Have you come across anything online recently that pissed you off? Q6) What is the most overlooked aspect of longevity training? *For a full list of Show Notes w/ Timestamps visit www.IndustrialStrengthShow.com. IMPORTANT LINKS DeFranco's Tyrofeine Iron Business Mastermind Weekend Team Forever Strong [Free Trial] Dirty Tricks for Higher Vertical Jumps (2008 article)
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11 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 1h 12min

#560 Low Hanging Fruit: 10 Ridiculously Simple Ways To Improve Your Health

Practical, no-gimmick tips for healthier living presented as tiny, doable changes. Topics include moving more with simple step increases, going to bed earlier, and prioritizing protein across meals. Also covers two short full-body strength sessions weekly, cutting liquid calories, brief daily mobility routines, a forgiving next-play mindset, laughter for stress relief, and seasonal vitamin D and magnesium.
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Feb 5, 2026 • 1h 30min

#559 The Personal Side of Training Athletes w/ Detroit Lions S&C Coach Cam Josse

On this week's show Joe welcomes back former DeFranco's Gym head coach and current Detroit Lions S&C coach Cameron Josse. Cam discusses a wide variety of topics including: How he prepared (and crushed) his NFL job interview; Is Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell the same "IRL" as he seems on TV?; Did anything surprise Cam once he started working w/ the Lions?; What does "a day in Cam's life" look like as an NFL strength & conditioning coach?; How Cam's experience as a DeFranco's Gym CLIENT has helped him become a better NFL strength coach; The Detroit Lions pre-season conditioning test...And so much MORE! *For a full list of Show Notes w/ Timestamps visit www.IndustrialStrengthShow.com. IMPORTANT LINKS DeFranco's Nutritional Supplements Iron Business Mastermind [APPLY HERE]
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Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 30min

#558 Mainstream "Health Metrics" That Are Overrated, Exercises My Clients Love To Hate & More!

They debate which common health numbers are misleading and which metrics matter more. They cover bench-angle tweaks to ease different shoulder pains and why subtle changes help pressing. A romp through advanced plank variations and playful core games keeps training interesting. Practical warm-ups, glute and breathing drills, and how in-person coaching actually feels are also discussed.
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Jan 22, 2026 • 46min

#557 Is Obesity a Disease? My [Uncensored] Thoughts on Oprah's 'VIEW' Appearance!

A lively debate unfolds as a clip from 'The View' sparks Joe's take on obesity. He firmly rejects the idea of obesity as a disease, emphasizing energy imbalance as the main culprit. Genetics play a role, but Joe warns against a victim mentality and instead encourages personal responsibility. He shares insights on hormone influence and stresses that anyone can improve health with action. Additionally, he offers a balanced view on weight-loss drugs, advocating for their use alongside healthy habits and strength training for lasting results.

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