control yourself with dr andreo spina

Dr Andreo Spina
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Feb 5, 2026 • 55min

Ep_37: Coaching Under Constraint in the NFL

Training NFL athletes isn’t about chasing perfect programs. It’s about making the right decisions inside real-world constraints. This conversation isn’t about drills or programming trends. It’s about building and maintaining physical qualities during an NFL season — when athletes are competing weekly, managing injuries, absorbing collisions, and still expected to improve. Phil Matusz, former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, breaks down what the role actually demands: progressing strength within tight time windows, adjusting around injuries, and balancing performance with recovery week after week. We’ve known Tusz since his time as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Boston College. His perspective comes from years operating in elite locker rooms, where programming is dictated by reality — not theory. Full episode available on YouTube. For more information, visit www.functionanatomyseminars.com
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Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 39min

Ep_36: Flowing with Mike Fitch

In this episode of Control Yourself, Dr. Andreo Spina sits down with Mike Fitch, founder of Animal Flow, for a deep conversation on the art and science of movement education. They discuss how systems evolve over time, what it means to teach with integrity, and how to balance creativity with structure when designing training for humans—not just athletes. Topics include movement variability, joint health, programming, and redefining what “longevity” in training really means. It’s a candid exchange between two educators who’ve spent their careers refining how people move, think, and teach. 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube 👉 Learn more or get certified: www.functionalrangesystems.com 👉 Find Animal Flow classes worldwide: www.animalflow.com  
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6 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 44min

Ep 35: Manual Therapy, Palpation, and the Truth About Tissue Change

In this enlightening conversation, John Saratsiotis, an FRS instructor, joins Dr. Andreo Spina to explore the nuances of palpation in manual therapy. They dismantle myths about scar tissue treatment, revealing palpation's true role in guiding tissue adaptation. The duo emphasizes the importance of applying touch with intent while discussing how past injuries can heighten re-injury risks. They also highlight the need for anatomical context in tissue assessment and the vital interplay of touch, movement, and education in effective therapeutic practices.
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16 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 53min

Ep 34_Training to Failure: Myth, Science & Strategy

A deep dive into whether training to failure is necessary and when it helps. They compare conflicting research and separate momentary muscular failure from technical form breakdown. Discussion covers hypertrophy versus strength, motor unit recruitment limits, exercise selection for full muscle access, and why selective, low-volume failure can protect tissue and boost results.
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Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 40min

Ep 33_Training for Physical Longevity with Josh Halbert

Josh Halbert, an FRS instructor and mobility trainer, shares his expertise on longevity-focused movement training. He explains the critical importance of mobility as we age and how targeted interventions can slow biological decay. The discussion highlights the risks of immobility, the need for joint-specific training, and the role of strength in injury prevention. Josh also emphasizes sustainable training practices and introduces simple daily habits to enhance joint health, ensuring you move better and live longer.
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22 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 2h 3min

Ep_32 First Principles Training: A Systematic Approach to Mobility, Strength and Longevity with Alex Nichols

Alex Nichols, a manual therapist and strength coach specializing in mobility and injury prevention, shares groundbreaking insights on training. He explains why traditional stretching fails to improve mobility and reveals how joint-specific assessments uncover hidden limitations. The discussion delves into the complex relationship between body parts, emphasizing personalized approaches to rehabilitation. Alex also critiques standard exercise methods, advocating for intentional movement patterns to enhance strength and overall athletic performance—essential knowledge for coaches, therapists, and athletes.
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Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 56min

Ep_31 Training Olympic Athletes with Hunter Cook

In the latest episode of the "Control Yourself Podcast," Dr. Andreo Spina interviews strength and conditioning coach Hunter Cook, who shares his experiences working with Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin. The conversation dives deep into the intricacies of training elite athletes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joint health and optimizing performance through tailored mobility work. Hunter discusses his approach to assessing athletes, the significance of understanding their unique needs, and how he’s helped Sydney achieve remarkable feats, including her recent gold medals at the Paris Olympics. Listeners will gain insights into the methodologies that underpin successful athletic training while also exploring the human aspects of sports performance and recovery. Don't miss this engaging episode that blends expert knowledge with inspiring stories from the world of athletics.
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15 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 1h 37min

Ep_30: Coffee Talk with Hunter Cook

Dive into a conversation about sport-specific training and the nuances of programming for both athletes and the general population. Explore vital concepts like the difference between effort and intensity, and how these affect training outcomes. Discover the importance of Functional Range Assessments in crafting personalized training regimens that promote longevity. Learn about the complexities of injury dynamics and the essential strategies for effective muscle recovery and rehabilitation. A holistic approach to movement and health is the ultimate goal!
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25 snips
Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 8min

Ep_29: The Origin of Human Movement by Means of Natural Selection.

This episode explores the origin of human movement through natural selection, joint cavitation, and the importance of space. It also discusses the relationship between movement and thinking, the role of ectoderm and mesoderm in driving biological purpose, and the significance of space in human movement. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy joints for efficient and adaptable movements.
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41 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 22min

Ep. 28: Managing the spine: Exploring blind spots in manual therapy and S&C.

Topics discussed include: back pain epidemiology, historic approaches to spine training, shortcomings of spinal literature, evolution of the bipedal spine, spinal anatomy and neurophysiology physiology, managing low back pain with a systematic approach, limitations of randomized controlled trials for clinical management, challenges in understanding and managing low back pain, effects of senescence on tissue health, continuum of movement quality in the spine, and the misconception of treating the spine as one entity.

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