The Strength Coach Podcast

Are machines making a regressive comeback in the fitness industry? Join Anthony Renna and legendary coach Mike Boyle as they dive into the truth about facility design, functional training, and why more equipment isn't always better. This episode explores the shift from traditional “Noah’s Ark” weight rooms to modern, functional spaces that prioritize movement over metal.BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM Check out the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Long Beach and ProvidenceBring your whole team for $849 or “Bring a Friend for Free” deal at https://www.PerformBetter.com In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, Coach Boyle breaks down the logistics of facility design, explaining why saving square footage and money by skipping single-use machines can actually lead to a better-run business. You will learn about the specific machines that Mike actually recommends, the importance of stabilizers, and how to effectively use cable machines to improve longevity and performance.We also feature a special segment with Pete Dupuis from Business for Unicorns on the power of saying no to growth opportunities to focus on what truly matters. Later, the conversation shifts to advanced training techniques, focusing on thoracic rotation, movement patterns, and a deep dive into why the common advice to push through pain is often detrimental to long-term progress. Coach Boyle shares his system for modifying exercises to keep clients moving safely and effectively.Whether you are a personal trainer, strength coach, physical therapist, or gym owner, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you level up your coaching game and business strategy.CHAPTERS0:00 Intro and Sponsor Highlights1:40 Machines vs Free Weights Trend3:08 Business for Unicorns Growth Strategy6:02 The Noahs Ark Weight Room Concept8:35 Why Machines are Making a Comeback10:39 The Only Machines Worth Buying14:15 Logistics and Facility Flow17:42 Stabilizers and the Role of Cables21:32 Thoracic Rotation and Longevity25:12 Training Progressions and Nick DeMarco28:10 Why You Should Never Train Through Pain33:45 Experience in Coaching36:00 Final Thoughts and Wrap UpWant 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-bookBook a free 10-minute intro call HEREhttps://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstormFollow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeingIf you found this helpful, please like the video and subscribe for more expert coaching content. Visit Strengthcoach.com to start your free trial and access more resources.

Welcome to Episode 429 of the Strength Coach Podcast. Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Mike Boyle about ithe year in review, his thoughts on the future in the fitness business, lifting heavy with adults & the Goldilocks Affect for Injuries as it relates to Training Loads and Sprinting Volume. Highlights of the episode include:- We talk about any changes from last year or even the year before, and what has “stuck”- Expanding on weighted sprints- how, why & when- Thoughts about what’s coming in fitness, including people taking control of their own health- We revisited the Adults lifting Heavy posts he has on Instagram- How to use the Goldilocks principle to “get things just right” in programming- Goal setting tips from Business for Unicorn’s Mark Fisher. He lays out his framework for setting goals and you can get his full framework free by emailing him at Mark@BusinessforUnicorns.com.Brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and thought-provoking discussions to help you build a thriving gym and community.Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com).----------------------------------------------------------------------Get Mark’s complete framework for Goal Setting- email him at Mark@BusinessforUnicorns.comWant 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)----------------------------------------------------------------------Discover new ways to inspire and educate your clients while creating a safer and more effective training environment. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and tune in for more episodes! Thanks for listening!

Welcome to Episode 427 of the Strength Coach Podcast. Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Mike Boyle about impactful coaching techniques and shares insights to help trainers, strength coaches, and gym owners elevate their practice. Highlights of the episode include:- A chat about lifting heavy with adult female clients, addressing misconceptions and promoting safer, smarter alternatives.- John Wooden's 'Do This, Don’t Do This, Do This’ coaching method and why it's a game-changer for visual learners.- Being Contrarian- is it always bad?- Breaking down the debate of "exercise vs. pattern"—what truly matters for effective training.- Business tips from Business for Unicorn’s Mark Fisher on humility, behavior change, and optimizing your environment for success. **Win a ticket to the Business for Unicorn’s upcoming Retreat! Details are in the segment!Brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and thought-provoking discussions to help you build a thriving gym and community.Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale on PB Extreme Foam Plyo Boxes, the Bosu Ball, Select Dumbbells and Kettlebells, and their exclusive HYROX collaboration!----------------------------------------------------------------------**Win a ticket to the Business for Unicorn’s upcoming Retreat! Details are in the segment!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)------------------------------------------------------------------------------Discover new ways to inspire and educate your clients while creating a safer and more effective training environment. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and tune in for more episodes! Thanks for listening!CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:11 - Business for Unicorn’s Segment10:02 - Coach Boyle's Segment11:30 - Wooden’s “Do This, Don’t Do This, Do This” Coaching15:22 - Importance of Reps Near Failure19:13 - RPE for Advanced Lifters26:53 - Embracing Contrarian Views31:14 - The Business of Training35:48 - Exercise vs. Movement Patterns39:22 - Misjudging Client Needs40:35 - Elderly Mobility Training42:47 - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Episode 425 of the Strength Coach Podcast brings you a crucial discussion on fitness mistakes that crush progress after 50! Hosted by Anthony Renna, this episode features Chad Landers, founder of Push Private Fitness and author of "Building Strength and Muscle After 50." Together, we explore game-changing strategies for training smarter, not harder, as you age.Highlights of the episode:- The BIG mistake many make after 50 and how to avoid it- Training considerations for the 50+ crowd: frequency, intensity, and programming- Why training heavy (but not too heavy) is essential for longevity and resilience- The importance of nutrition and how medications can impact your diet and performance- Stories of clients thriving in their 70s and beyond through consistent training- Insights from Chad’s new book, written for Gen X and beyond with '80s pop culture flair!Plus, we talk about the evolution of fitness trends, overcoming obstacles to exercise, and how personal trainers can connect authentically with their clients.Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale on PB Extreme Foam Plyo Boxes, the Bosu Ball, Select Dumbbells and Kettlebells, and their exclusive HYROX collaboration!Don’t miss this engaging, practical, and inspiring conversation packed with actionable advice. Thanks for listening, and be sure to check out the full episode for more tips to stay strong for life! CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro02:58 - Chad Landers Interview04:58 - Overview of The Book11:04 - Cardio in the 80s and 90s14:56 - Training After 50: Key Strategies20:24 - Importance of Tracking Workouts24:10 - Long-term Fitness Commitment26:50 - Understanding Your Client's Needs28:40 - Chad's Session Prep Techniques31:50 - Medications Impact on Training37:00 - Nutrition as a Lifestyle Choice42:15 - Training Heavy: Guidelines43:19 - Defining "Heavy" for Older Adults46:42 - Imposter Syndrome in Fitness47:31 - Effective Warm Up Techniques53:45 - OUTRO----------------------------------------------------------------------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)

Unlock the power of Pain-Free Performance! In this episode, host Anthony Renna welcomes Dr. John Rusin, founder of the Pain-Free Performance Certification, for an in-depth discussion on the essential components of pain-free training and sustainable performance.Brought to you by Perform Better, experts in functional training and rehabilitation.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:- **Pain-Free Training Philosophy**: Dr. Rusin explains why reducing pain and improving movement quality are critical before pursuing fitness goals.- **The 6 Foundational Movement Patterns**: Squat, hinge, lunge, push, pull, and carry—learn how they form the backbone of efficient human movement and their role in building strength, mobility, and balance.- **6-Phase Warm-Up System**: A quick, effective warm-up strategy to maximize performance, reduce injury risk, and prepare for any workout in just 10-12 minutes.- **Breathing Techniques for Performance**: Discover six unique breathing methods, from rhythmic breathing to tactical breathwork, to enhance recovery, stability, and strength.- **Programming Insights**: Dr. Rusin shares his 6x6 Protocol, combining movement patterns and physical characteristics like power, strength, and mobility for a balanced and effective training plan.- **Practical Takeaways**: From addressing chronic pain points to optimizing your training for long-term health, this episode is packed with actionable advice for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike. We also chat about Dr. Rusin’s groundbreaking book, "Pain-Free Performance," featuring templates, QR-coded exercise demonstrations, and strategies to customize training for every individual.-Sumit Seth from Naamly discusses whether or not Structure really does equal freedom and how the concept can help free up time and help you work on what matters most, Building Relationships. https://www.Naamly.comDon’t miss this opportunity to redefine your training strategy with proven systems and expert insights.Thanks for listening! Make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more expert tips and strategies to master your movement and performance.CHAPTERS:1:00 - Intro04:14 - Maximizing the Member Experience with Sumit Seth of Naamly08:45 - Dr. John Rusin on his New Book16:16 - Overview of Pain-Free Performance21:53 - Key Pillars of Pain-Free Training27:15 - Breathing Techniques for Performance34:15 - 6-Phase Dynamic Warm-Up Explained40:46 - The 6 Foundational Movement Patterns42:58 - Pain-Free Performance Programming Strategies48:11 - Book Programs & Templates Overview51:21 - John's Final Thoughts52:05 - OutroWant 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)

Episode 421 of the Strength Coach Podcast is here! Host Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle dive into why strength coaches should *stop copying track coaches* and focus on what truly works for their unique needs. This insightful episode, brought to you by Perform Better, is packed with practical advice and expert discussions. 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:**- Why copying track coaches might not work for strength training—time constraints and priorities explained.- A chat with Coach Mike Boyle discussing pogo jumps and their place (or lack thereof) in strength training programs.- Exploring single-leg exercises: how to program them effectively and avoid pairing mistakes.- Upper body power training alternatives: med ball work, plyo-bench press, and smarter strategies.- Special Business for Unicorns segment with Mark Fisher sharing time management tips to help coaches and gym owners tackle overwhelm.**What’s New and Noteworthy:**- Fresh insights on balancing jumps, sprints, and strength in limited workout times. - A candid conversation on adapting training methods to avoid injuries while maximizing performance. - Practical solutions for coaches seeking alternatives to med ball training or looking to optimize their programming.Whether you’re a seasoned coach, trainer, or fitness professional, this episode has actionable takeaways to elevate your approach. Thanks for listening to Episode 421—don’t miss out on these game-changing tips!———————————————————————————————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 - Intro03:27 - Business for Unicorns segment with Mark Fisher09:19 - Coach Boyle's Training Philosophy17:19 - Effective Exercise Pairing Techniques18:09 - Pairing the Big 3 Single Leg Exercises24:59 - Essential Coaching Cues for Trainers28:50 - Bench Press Alternatives Explained29:40 - Med Ball Bench Press Benefits33:10 - Mark Bell's Slingshot Overview