The Judd Lienhard Podcast

A deep dive into why hips need more than squats and deadlifts. Covers neglected movements like hip flexion, rotation, abduction, and frontal/transverse control. Explains links between hip weakness and knee, back, and gait problems. Offers simple twice-weekly training ideas and which exercises to prioritize for longevity and real-life strength.

In this Q&A episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers listener questions on strength training after 35, recovery after 45, VO2 max vs sprint training, fat loss for trained athletes, injury rehab strategies, and how to stay athletic for life.If you’re navigating midlife training adjustments, trying to maintain muscle during injury recovery, or wondering whether VO2 max workouts are worth the hype, this episode delivers practical, no-BS coaching insight.Judd dives deep into the biggest training mistakes men make after 35, why nutrition habits often matter more than training tweaks, and how to structure strength and power work without burning out your nervous system.This is a comprehensive conversation about longevity-focused training — not just getting stronger, but staying capable, mobile, and resilient into your 40s, 50s, and beyond. This episode is brought to you by LMNT.Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/juddThe 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.Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

What if the way you’ve been training for strength is actually limiting your power?In this episode, Judd sits down with Dr. Bryan Mann — pioneer of velocity-based training (VBT), former University of Missouri strength coach, and professor of Performance Physiology at Texas A&M — to break down how measuring bar speed can completely change the way you train.Bryan coined the term “velocity-based training” and helped bring it into Division 1 athletics. But this conversation goes far beyond elite football weight rooms.Contact Bryan:If you are interested in applying for Bryan's program for the Fall of 2026, even though the portal is technically closed, they are willing to make an exception for Judd's listeners. You have until March 15th to email Bryan at the address below directly expressing interest and then Bryan will send out a link to all interested people.jbryanmann@tamu.eduhttps://www.instagram.com/jbryanmann/https://knsm.tamu.edu/programs/performance-physiology-strength-conditioning-m-s/You’ll learn:• What velocity-based training really is (and how simple it can be) • Why maximal intent matters more than load percentage • How stopping sets before failure can improve strength faster • The difference between strength-speed and speed-strength • How to find your peak power and train in the right zone • Why bands and chains can unlock new adaptations • How to use velocity loss for hypertrophy vs strength • Why sprinting and jumping are essential — even for non-athletes • The #1 predictor of staying out of a nursing home • How power training improves gait speed in Parkinson’s patientsBryan explains that strength raises your ceiling — but velocity determines how much of that strength you can actually express.Most lifters get strong… but not powerful.And for aging populations, power might matter even more than strength. Bryan shares groundbreaking research showing that high-velocity resistance training improves habitual gait speed in Parkinson’s patients — even when they weren’t instructed to walk faster.This episode is for: • Athletes • Coaches • Lifters stuck at plateaus • Anyone who wants to train smarter • Anyone who cares about long-term functional independenceIf you’ve ever wondered whether grinding to failure is really necessary… or if there’s a better way to build explosive strength — this conversation is for you. This episode is brought to you by LMNT.Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/juddThe 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.Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this Q&A episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers listener questions covering plyometrics, tendon health, bone density, sleep hygiene, recovery, aging as an athlete, barefoot shoes, sled alternatives, and how to train intelligently over 30 and 40.The biggest takeaway? If you care about long-term joint health and resilience, frequent extensive plyometrics may be one of the most important tools you’re not using.Judd breaks down the difference between extensive vs intensive plyometrics, how aging affects your ability to tolerate high-impact work, and why incline sprints, stair jumps, sled drags, and split jumps can be smarter options as you get older.He also dives into practical strategies for:Improving sleep hygiene and bedtime routinesTraining effectively when you can’t get ideal sleep (new parents, busy professionals)Using supplements like magnesium, GABA, and creatine strategicallyChoosing barefoot shoes for foot healthReplacing sled work with heavy carries or hill workManaging slight scoliosis and muscular imbalancesHandling training partners who constantly critique your formCalorie intake for performance and dietingAdapting your mindset as you age and accumulate injuriesJudd also shares personal reflections on training in his 40s — including dealing with joint wear, previous injuries, and the mental shift required to stay productive without chasing what your body no longer tolerates well.If you’re an athlete over 30, a lifter focused on longevity, or someone who wants to build a body that lasts decades — this episode delivers practical, no-nonsense advice.Key Topics Covered:Why plyometrics improve tendon strength and bone densityHow often to do plyometrics over 30Extensive vs intensive jumpsSleep quality vs sleep quantityRecovery strategies when life limits your sleepBarefoot shoe recommendationsSled alternatives for conditioningTraining around structural imbalancesThe psychology of aging as a lifterThis episode is brought to you by LMNT.Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/juddThe 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.Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

Listeners ask about Turkish getups and why they might be the single best functional movement for strength and mobility. The conversation hits compound versus isolation work and how to balance multiple goals with block-style programming. Topics include low-volume high-intensity training, building bigger glutes for men, Jefferson curls and Zurcher deadlifts, cleans as skill versus strength, and decline bench placement.

In this episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd sits down with Bo Sandoval, former Director of Strength & Conditioning at the UFC Performance Institute and current professor at Texas A&M, to unpack how elite fighters actually train — and why most athletes misunderstand conditioning, endurance, and recovery.Bo has worked with world champions, Olympic athletes, and elite MMA fighters across every weight class. Drawing from years inside the UFC Performance Institute, he explains why fighters often gas out, how poor energy system development limits performance, and why doing more training is often the fastest way to get worse.This conversation breaks down the real science and application behind:Why most fighters don’t follow a true year-long training planThe role of general physical preparation (GPP) in combat sportsHow aerobic capacity impacts recovery between roundsMetabolic flexibility and why many athletes burn carbs at restZone 2 vs zone 3 vs lactate threshold trainingWhy lactic acid isn’t the enemyConditioning differences between strikers and grapplersStrength training mistakes common in MMAHow elite performance teams integrate coaches, PTs, and sports scienceLessons fighters can teach everyday athletes about durability and longevityBo also shares insights on athlete buy-in, coaching communication, and why fundamentals — not flashy workouts — are what separate elite performers from burned-out athletes.Whether you’re a fighter, coach, strength professional, or just someone trying to train smarter and recover better, this episode delivers practical insights you can actually apply.FOLLOW BOhttps://www.instagram.com/bo.sandoval/ This episode is brought to you by LMNT.Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/juddThe 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.Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this Q&A episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers listener questions on discipline, training consistency, injury recovery, nutrition timing, supplements, sauna use, and long-term health.Judd breaks down why motivation is unreliable — and how real discipline is built through simple systems, preparation, and understanding how the body actually adapts. From getting out of bed when the alarm goes off, to rebuilding training after injury, to knowing when to train around pain instead of pushing through it, this episode delivers practical, experience-driven advice.Topics covered include how Judd structures his supplements, why he stacks calories later in the day, whether fasted training actually matters, how rebounder work supports joint health, and how to progressively rebuild strength after long layoffs. Judd also shares his personal health and training priorities moving forward, with a strong emphasis on longevity, tissue health, and sustainability.This episode is for anyone struggling with consistency, coming back from injury, or looking to train smarter for the long run — without relying on hype or short-term motivation. This episode is brought to you by LMNT.Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/juddThe 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.Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

Clear, practical tips on which foods and supplements actually help you get and stay lean. Short takes on fullness drivers like water, protein, and fiber. Warnings about dehydrated carbs and hidden salad calories. Advice on gut-health foods, inflammation-fighting choices, and simple supplements for muscle, sleep, and recovery. A realistic, no-extreme framework for sustainable leanness.

In this week’s Q&A, Judd answers a wide range of listener training questions: from dead hang time and grip strength to cardio structure, hypertrophy programming, and the supplements that actually matter.Judd breaks down why fitness doesn’t need to be overly complicated, how consistency beats perfection, and how to train effectively even with a demanding schedule. He also shares practical advice on conditioning, muscle gain without excessive bulking, and how to extend training blocks while still making progress.Whether you’re focused on longevity, strength, performance, or simply getting healthier, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.Topics CoveredDead hang time, grip strength, and long-term healthHow to structure training with long work hours, commuting, and kidsThe best way to approach conditioning with only 3 hours per weekWhat to do after completing Mass Method Hypertrophy in the appJudd’s cardio framework: Zone 2, threshold/VO2 max, anaerobic powerThoughts on the popular 80/20 cardio training methodBulgarian split squat loading: contralateral vs ipsilateral benefitsBand training safety and preventing bands from snappingDo you need a calorie surplus to gain muscle without “bulking”?The best supplements for strength, performance, and general healthExtending training blocks and adding more running without losing progress⸻💪 Train With JuddGet access to Judd’s full training system, including strength, speed, mobility, and conditioning programs — all built for real people with real lives.👉 Start your 7-day free trial: JuddLienhard.com⸻⭐ Support the ShowIf you enjoy these Q&A episodes, please follow, rate, and review The Judd Lienhard Podcast on Apple Podcasts. It helps the show grow and reach more people who want to train smarter. This episode is brought to you by LMNT.Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/juddThe 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.Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this solo episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd ranks common lower body exercises from S–F tier based on real-world functionality, injury risk, and long-term return on investment for the general population.This is not a bodybuilding or max-strength ranking. Instead, Judd breaks down which upper body movements actually carry over to daily life, athletic durability, and longevity — and which popular lifts may be overrated or unnecessarily risky for most people.You’ll hear Judd explain:Why barbell back squats aren’t the “king” for most liftersWhy conventional deadlifts quickly become low-return for experienced traineesWhy Bulgarian split squats, sled pushes, and step-ups dominate for real-world strengthHow pelvic movement, foot strength, and lower-leg development are usually ignoredWhy leg press machines and calf raises often waste time (or worse)Which exercises actually protect knees, hips, and backs long-termThis episode is especially valuable if you:Train for longevity, not just numbersWant strong legs without beating up your jointsFeel stuck doing the same “classic” lifts without progressCoach clients or athletes and need better exercise selectionIf you care about training smarter, staying healthy, and building strength that actually carries over to life, this episode will change how you think about upper body exercise selection.Checkout Judd's Training App & Merch: JuddLienhard.com This episode is brought to you by LMNT.Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/juddThe 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.Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥