Why Your Workouts Aren't Translating to Real Life: Open vs. Closed System Training Explained | #091

Why Your Workouts Aren't Translating to Real Life: Open vs. Closed System Training Explained | #091

From The Judd Lienhard Podcast by Judd Lienhard

April 21, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

This episode explains why traditional gym workouts may not translate to real-life athleticism, focusing on the concept of open system training.

In this episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, I break down one of the most overlooked concepts in fitness and performance: open system training. Most people spend years getting stronger in the gym—but still feel unathletic in real life. If that sounds familiar, this episode will explain exactly why. I challenge the traditional idea that closed chain exercises are inherently more “functional,” and introduce a different way to think about training—one that better reflects how the body actually ...

People in this episode

Host: Judd Lienhard

Topics covered

  • open system training
  • closed chain exercises
  • functional training
  • fitness performance
  • athleticism

Keywords

  • workouts
  • fitness
  • training
  • athleticism
  • performance
  • closed chain
  • open system

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