Grip Training Secrets from Climbers with Collin McGee
Welcome to Episode 420 of the Strength Coach Podcast! In this exciting chat and tour of grip training and rock climbing secrets, host Anthony Renna sits down with Collin McGee, fitness director at Alliance Fitness Center and a Camp 4 Human Performance rock climbing coach. Brought to you by PerformBetter.com, this episode reveals how grip strength training can revolutionize performance across all sports—not just rock climbing.A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.Highlights of the episode: - **Rock Climbing Insights**: Collin explains how unique grip training techniques from rock climbing can improve overall strength and endurance for athletes in sports like football, baseball, and Jiu-Jitsu. - **Grip Training Secrets**: Learn why traditional grip exercises (like deadlifts and pull-ups) may miss the mark and how to incorporate finger-intensive exercises and nuanced approaches. - **Injury Prevention & Recovery**: We spoke about common tendon and ligament injuries, like tennis elbow, and explored strategies to build resilience and recover smarter. - **The Science of Strength**: Discover how unique hand positions, overcoming and yielding isometrics, and progressive training can make a difference in performance on and off the wall. - **Warm-Up Strategies**: Collin shares his go-to warm-up routines for grip, forearm, and shoulder activation, ensuring athletes are ready to tackle any challenge.Collin’s journey from collegiate baseball to rock climbing coaching and his emphasis on blending sport-specific training with general movement will leave you inspired to push your limits.Don’t miss this deep dive into grip strength training secrets and rock climbing techniques that can elevate every athlete’s game. Thanks for listening—be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below!———————————————————————————————Join Certified Functional Strength Coach and Business for Unicorns for a FREE webinar on Thurs Sept 18 at 4p ET:The Missing Piece: Consistently Excellent Training SessionsClaim Your Free Spot HERE- https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XwYLXLwXS6mja_XdoaPcUQ#/registration——————————————————————————————CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:17 - Sumit Seth on Getting Unstuck10:00 - Collin McGee interview14:57 - CFSC for Rock Climbers19:35 - Understanding Grip Training25:00 - Body Awareness in Grip Training28:36 - Injury Prevention Strategies31:16 - Fingers Off the Wall Technique36:20 - Overcoming vs Yielding Isometrics39:40 - Grip Training in Other Sports40:16 - Effective Grip Training Methods45:32 - Integrating Grip Training into Your Program50:18 - Lessons from Climbing Injuries58:03 - Tendon and Ligament Injury Healing1:03:42 - Proper Warm-Up Techniques1:08:13 - Closing
--------
1:09:15
--------
1:09:15
Assessments; Foam Roll & Speed; Ground Reaction Forces with Mike Boyle
Welcome to Episode 419 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better—the experts in functional training and rehabilitation! **Highlights of the Episode:**- **Gym Culture as a Differentiator:** Pete Dupuis shares why a strong gym culture is your ultimate competitive advantage and how to create an experience that builds client loyalty.- **3 Actionable Tips for Success:** Learn how to codify what good looks like, craft a welcoming onboarding experience, and consistently reinforce positive cultural habits within your team.-**Manual Assessments- are they necessary and is it in our Scope of Practice (and what does that even mean)- **Foam Rolling & Massage Guns Debate:** Coach Boyle addresses the latest findings on their impact on performance and shares his take on this heated topic.- **Ground Reaction Forces:** Explore insightful data about jumping mechanics and how it can shape your training programs.- **Business Advice from Industry Leaders:** Gain valuable insights on managing gym operations and standing out in a competitive market.———————————————————————————————Join Certified Functional Strength Coach and Business for Unicorns for a FREE webinar on Thurs Sept 18 at 4p ET:The Missing Piece: Consistently Excellent Training SessionsClaim Your Free Spot HERE- https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XwYLXLwXS6mja_XdoaPcUQ#/registration———————————————————————————————Thanks for tuning in! A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.
--------
44:37
--------
44:37
Shocks & Springs- A New Thought Process Around Plyos with Ken Vick
In Episode 418 of the Strength Coach Podcast, we explore Ken Vick’s concept of “Shocks & Springs” as well as the art of mastering recovery by tackling stress.Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to source for functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable insights for trainers, therapists, and athletes alike.Highlights of the Episode- Ken Vick breaks down the concept of shocks and springs within the stretch shortening cycle and their impact on athletic performance.- We spoke about the importance of balancing eccentric forces, elasticity, and tissue resilience for recovery and injury prevention.- Ken shares his unique recovery framework, including the four pillars of stress: structural, energy system, nervous system, and mindset.- Discover how to tune recovery modalities to match specific stressors, from ice baths to NormaTec boots, and why perception matters.- Practical coaching tips on using language and cues to better communicate with athletes and clients.- Applications for both elite athletes and general populations, including tips for pickleball players and older adults.Ken Vick brings over 30 years of experience working with Olympic committees, professional franchises, and sports organizations worldwide. Known for translating science into real-world systems, Ken’s approach to performance and recovery is groundbreaking.We also feature Naamly's "Maximizing the Member Experience" segment with Sumit Seth, who shares the Debate-Decide-Do framework for making decisions.Check out Naamly.com to see how they can help your businessBrought to You By Perform Better:From speaker schools to movement workshops, Perform Better continues to lead the way in education for fitness professionals. Check out their latest offerings and sales at Performbetter.com. Thanks for listening! Tune in to this insightful episode and take your recovery game to the next level. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!REMINDER———————————————————————————————Join Certified Functional Strength Coach and Business for Unicorns for a FREE webinar on Thurs Sept 18 at 4p ET:The Missing Piece: Consistently Excellent Training SessionsClaim Your Free Spot HERE- https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XwYLXLwXS6mja_XdoaPcUQ#/registration———————————————————————————————CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:44 - NAAMLY: Maximizing Member Experience10:38 - Ken Vick Interview11:38 - Introduction to Shocks and Springs17:42 - Understanding Shocks and Springs23:14 - Programming for SSCs26:30 - Plyometrics vs. Absorbing Force30:25 - Training Athletes at Different Speeds33:24 - Programming for Shocks and Springs39:10 - Adult Population Programming42:40 - Preparing for Physical Stresses46:08 - Effective Coaching Cues48:01 - Global vs. Specific Stress54:19 - Importance of Perception57:09 - System-Specific Recovery59:42 - Overdoing Recovery Without Stimulus01:01:00 - Meeting Athlete Needs
--------
1:06:17
--------
1:06:17
Stop "Bodybuilding" Athletes! with Mike Boyle
Should athletes train like bodybuilders? In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, we dive deep into this hot topic alongside industry expert Coach Mike Boyle. Episode 417 brings valuable insights into the differences between bodybuilding and athletic training, the science behind hypertrophy, and how training approaches impact performance and recovery.Highlights of the episode:- **Should athletes train like bodybuilders? Coach Boyle shares his take on why traditional bodybuilding programs may not be ideal for athletes and the pitfalls of training solely for hypertrophy.- **Hypertrophy myths: Is there really a volume-to-size relationship for the average trainee, or is it more complex than simple set counts?- **Alternative training strategies: Discover effective, athlete-specific methods to build strength and power without compromising recovery.- **Forum debates: Listen in as Coach Boyle addresses controversial fitness tweets and forum discussions, including the relevance of psoas exercises for sprinting and the role of trap bar loaded jumps in strength programs.- **Practical tips:** Learn how to structure training sessions that balance performance, recovery, and injury prevention.Plus, don’t miss the "Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay," packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs. Mark Fisher goes over The Missing Piece- Consistently Excellent Training Sessions.———————————————————————————————Join Certified Functional Strength Coach and Business for Unicorns for a FREE webinar on Thurs Sept 18 at 4p ET:The Missing Piece: Consistently Excellent Training SessionsClaim Your Free Spot HERE———————————————————————————————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) -------------------------------------------------------------------A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.-------------------------------------------------------------------Get ready to rethink your approach to athlete training and gain actionable tips to elevate your coaching game. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more expert advice! CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro04:07 - Business for Unicorns11:08 - Missing Piece Webinar Info11:40 - Mike Boyle Interview12:28 - Athletes Training vs Bodybuilding24:47 - Training the Psoas Muscle32:54 - Loaded Jumps Post-Plyometrics35:10 - Contrast Sets with Trap Bar Deadlifts
--------
37:24
--------
37:24
Rethinking Your Model with Bill Hartman
Episode 416 of the Strength Coach Podcast brings you “Rethinking Your Model” with guest Bill Hartman, constructor of the United Health & Performance Network (http://uhp.network). In this action-packed chat, we explore groundbreaking ideas on biomechanics and programming strategies to help you train smarter and achieve better results.Brought to you by PerformBetter.com, this episode is packed with insights for coaches, therapists, and fitness enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level. **Highlights of the Episode**:- A fascinating chat on the benefits of helical structure and its impact on movement and performance.- How foundational structure affects exercise selection and training outcomes for athletes.- Practical insights into avoiding trade-offs in force development and maintaining performance health.- Real-world examples and case studies, including the influence of body configurations on athletic abilities.- A new way to think about balancing force and velocity in programming for optimal results.There is a lot of information in this interview and Bill goes much deeper at http://uhp.network We also feature Naamly's "Maximizing the Member Experience" segment with Sumit Seth, who shares why your brand should be a "painkiller" and not just a "vitamin." Check out Naamly.com to see how they can be a Painkiller for your businessWhether you're a coach, trainer, therapist, or business owner, this episode has actionable takeaways to elevate your approach. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below! -------------------------------------------------------------------A special thanks to Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, for sponsoring this episode. Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.-------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS:00:00 - Bill Hartman on Force Production Trade-Offs01:11 - Introduction to the Discussion03:49 - NPE: Vitamins vs Painkillers Concept09:14 - Bill Hartman on Unified Health & Performance Model15:36 - Reasons for Establishing the the UHP Model19:25 - Understanding the Helical Structure26:33 - The Chicken or the Egg Dilemma36:05 - Impact of Structure on Performance38:20 - Exploring the Force-Velocity Curve46:30 - Structure's Influence on Movement51:40 - Discovering Knowledge in the Field57:45 - Case Study: Analyzing Trade-Offs1:02:30 - Dirty Words in the Industry1:06:54 - Effective Communication with Clients1:08:18 - UHP Network Overview-------------------------------------------------------------------Next episode will feature the "Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Powerplay," packed with actionable tips for fitness entrepreneurs.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/gy...)**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/br...)**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE ( / businessforunicorns )**Subscribe to Mark's channel on YouTube ( / markfisherhumanbeing )-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Strength Coach Podcast is one of the longest running (since 2007) Strength & Conditioning and Fitness podcasts. Episodes alternate between Coach Michael Boyle and top industry Strength Coaches and Trainers to get an insight into real world strength training.
This is the best place to stay informed about the most cutting edge training techniques.