The Strength Coach Podcast
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.
Why Military-Style Training Often Fails In An Athletic Setting with Mike Boyle
Celebrate 19 years of strength and conditioning excellence with this milestone episode of the Strength Coach Podcast. Host Anthony Renna and Coach Mike Boyle dive deep into the critical safety issues currently facing collegiate sports and provide actionable advice on building a healthy, sustainable culture in your gym.
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In this 19th anniversary episode, we address the sobering news regarding the recent heat stroke incident at Arizona State University. Coach Boyle shares his perspective on why military-style training often fails in an athletic setting and explains why sport coaches must respe...
Why Meta Ads are a "Hellscape" for Gym Owners Right Now with Mark Fisher
The world of artificial intelligence is moving so fast that if you have not used it in the last ninety days, you are essentially looking at an entirely different technology. In this episode, Mark Fisher from Business for Unicorns joins the show to break down the massive shift from AI chatbots to AI agents and what it means for the future of fitness.
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We dive deep into the current struggles gym owners face with Meta ads and why the old playbooks for lead generation are starting to fail in...
The Secret to Better Coaching: Learning from Every Perspective with Mike Boyle
Are you ready to challenge your coaching biases and level up your fitness business?
In episode 453 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna sits down with industry legend Mike Boyle to discuss the evolving landscape of strength and conditioning. From the halls of Springfield College to the business-heavy Alloy Summit, this episode covers everything from functional anatomy to the psychology of pricing.
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...Should We Be Testing Clients Right Away? with Mike Boyle
Are you accidentally scaring away potential clients before they even finish their first session? Many fitness businesses focus heavily on initial evaluations and data-driven testing, but Coach Mike Boyle argues that getting people comfortable in your space is far more important than any metric you can collect.
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In Episode 452 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna sits down with legendary coach Mike Boyle to discuss why training should almost always take precedence over testing for adult populati...
Exercise as Medicine: Training for Health & Longevity with Kevin Carr
Are we living longer but feeling sicker? Join host Anthony Renna and industry expert Kevin Carr as they dive into the critical gap between lifespan and health span. Learn how to bridge this divide with practical, movement-based strategies that turn exercise into long-term medicine for your clients.
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Check out the HUGE Summer Sale at Perform Better- Up to 50% off select items!!
https://www.PerformBetter.com
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In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, Kevin Carr joins us to discuss his latest book, Prescribing Movement as Medicine. We explore why the modern population is struggling with chr...
Revisiting "Functional Training for Sports" with Mike Boyle
Welcome to episode 450 of the Strength Coach Podcast with host Anthony Renna. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolution of functional training with legendary coach Mike Boyle as he discusses the upcoming third edition of his landmark book, Functional Training for Sports. Whether you are a professional trainer or an athlete, this conversation offers a masterclass in how training philosophies have shifted over the last two decades.
You can Pre-order the New Functional Training for Sports here- https://a.co/d/0eKeRwPO
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Are Your Programs More Complicated Than They Need To Be? with Mike Boyle
Are you making your strength programs more complicated than they need to be? In this episode, we dive into why the best training programs often look remarkably similar and how to stop over-engineering your fitness business and your athletes' workouts.
Join host Anthony Renna and legendary coach Michael Boyle for Episode 449 of the Strength Coach Podcast. This week, we explore the nuances of high-level performance training and gym management.
We kick things off with Mark Fisher from Business for Unicorns, who discusses why having too many systems can actually stall your business g...
Mike Boyle on Getting Fast & Getting Strong- How Hard Can It Be?
Is getting your athletes stronger and faster as simple as so many coaches and trainers on the internet make it seem? Coach Mike Boyle joins us to pull back the curtain on the realities of elite performance training and why progress eventually hits a wall. Discover why the secret to speed might not be found in the weight room alone.
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Mike Boyle- Is Youth Sport Working Backwards?
Are we failing our young athletes by confusing early growth spurts with actual talent? In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, we dive deep into the systemic issues facing youth sports in America and why the early puberty Olympics might be ruining long-term development.
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Check out the last upcoming Functional Training Summits Providence Aug 20-22
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Host Anthony Renna is joined by legend...
Mike Boyle- Better Conditioning: Using Locomotion to Get Athletes Sport Ready
Are you looking to elevate your coaching game and refine your gym management strategy? In episode 446 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna and legendary coach Mike Boyle dive into the essential elements of athlete conditioning, the true definition of gym culture, and why focusing on your core strengths is the key to long term business success.
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Check out the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Long Beach and Providence
Bring your whole team for $849 or “Bring a Friend for Free” deal at https://www.P...
Mike Boyle- Should We Get Rid Of Machines?
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.
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Check out the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Long Beach and Providence
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Overcoming Pain and Rehab Science with Dr. Tom Walters
Stop fearing pain and start understanding how your brain processes injury. In this episode, Dr. Tom Walters joins the Strength Coach Podcast to break down the complex world of modern pain science and how to help clients move from hurt to healed. Dr. Walters explains why the old postural-structural-biomechanical model is often outdated and why the biopsychosocial approach is the gold standard for modern rehab.
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Mike Boyle- 1 Leg Cleans and Revisiting the Flexion Debate
Are you prioritizing specific exercises over actual athletic outcomes? In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna sits down with legendary coach Mike Boyle to discuss the surprising return of single leg cleans and the ongoing debate surrounding spinal health and flexion.
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Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence
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We kick things off w...
Adult Group Program Design: The MBSC Model with Jess Tollman
Ever wondered how to design effective group training programs for adults that actually get results while keeping everyone safe? In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna sits down with Jess Tollman from Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning to pull back the curtain on the MBSC model for adult fitness. Whether you are a trainer, coach, or gym owner, this deep dive provides a blueprint for managing the unique challenges of the general population.
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Mike Boyle: From Rehab to Speed Training
How do you safely transition an athlete from injury back to max velocity sprinting without risking a re-injury?
In episode 441 of the Strength Coach Podcast, we dive deep into the art of progression and regression with legendary coach Mike Boyle. We explore why managing speed is often the trickiest part of rehab and how to use specific tools to bridge the gap between slow movements and explosive performance.
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Mike Boyle on Thoracic Mobility vs. Rotary Strength: What You're Getting Wrong
Welcome to Episode 440 of the Strength Coach Podcast!
Are you actually training for results, or are you just going through the motions in the gym? Join host Anthony Renna and renowned coach Mike Boyle as they break down the latest trends in the fitness industry and share actionable advice for trainers, physical therapists, and gym owners.
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Head over to their website to get 20% off First Place Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells and check out the new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the u...
In the Trenches with Mike Boyle
Aren’t you tired of the internet expert culture? We need more real-world coaching insights from the trenches and less influencer garbage.
In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, we dive deep into why force matters more than load and how survivorship bias might be skewing your training philosophy. Join Anthony Renna and legendary coach Mike Boyle as they break down the science and soul of modern strength and conditioning.
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Mike Boyle- The Worst Exercises for Adults
Is the back squat actually holding your adult clients back from their best results?
In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, legendary coach Mike Boyle dives deep into why he considers certain staple exercises to be the biggest mistakes in adult fitness programming.
Join host Anthony Renna as he explores the controversial takes that have kept Coach Boyle at the forefront of the industry for decades.
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VO2 Max for Longevity: Why Your Adult Clients Need It Now with Mike Boyle
Stop guessing about your adult clients fitness and start prioritizing what actually matters for longevity. In this episode, legendary coach Mike Boyle breaks down why VO2 Max training is no longer optional and how to integrate it without sacrificing strength gains. It is time to move past the performative antics and focus on the actual science of health span.
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Is Ai Actually A Game-Changer For Gym Owners Or Just Overhyped Noise? With Mark Fisher
In this episode of The Strength Coach Podcast, Mark Fisher joins host Anthony Renna to break down how artificial intelligence is changing the way smart gym owners operate their businesses. From saving hours every week to improving decision making and marketing execution, Mark explains how even small technical shifts can create massive material gains over the course of a year.
Brought to you by PerformBetter.com
Head over to their website to get 20 percent off Mini-bands and Superbands and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the...
Is Evidence-Based Fitness Making You a Follower? with Mike Boyle
ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OR A LEADER IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY?
In this episode of The Strength Coach Podcast, legendary coach Mike Boyle joins Anthony Renna to dive deep into why being evidence-based might be holding you back and why Zone 2 Cardio is currently the most overrated trend online. We explore the balance between scientific research and real-world coaching experience to help you become a better trainer, therapist, or business owner.
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Becoming the Unshakeable Female Athlete with Justin Kegley
Episode 434 of the Strength Coach Podcast, “Becoming the Unshakeable Female Athlete” is out.
Female athletes face a significantly higher risk of ACL tears compared to their male counterparts, but physiological differences are only part of the story.
In this episode, we explore the shocking training gap that leaves young women vulnerable to injury and discuss actionable strategies to keep them safe on the field.
Discover how to shift the focus from early specialization to long-term athletic development and build unshakable confidence.
Welcome to E...
Training Olympic Athletes with Mike Boyle
Episode 433 of the Strength Coach Podcast, "Train Like an Olympian: Consistency is Key!" is out.
This episode dives into the importance of year-round training programs for elite athletes, featuring insights from Coach Mike Boyle and host Anthony Renna. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and fascinating stories from the world of Olympic and professional sports.
Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Don’t miss their current deals on foam rollers and bundles!
<...Mike Boyle on Anti-Rotation, Glute Activation, Hill Sprints and S&C Language
Episode 432 of the Strength Coach Podcast Brought to You by Perform Better
Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.
Join host Anthony Renna as he chats with Coach Mike Boyle. They spoke about why terminology matters, new training strategies, and practical advice to help coaches and trainers level up their craft. Plus, Coach Boyle shares his thoughts on the importance of functional anatomy in athletic performance.
Hi...
Optimize Mindset, Maximize Performance with Dr. Haley Perlus
Episode 431 of the Strength Coach Podcast, features Dr. Haley Perlus, a PhD in sport and exercise psychology and author of "Personal Podium."
Brought to you by Perform Better, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and expert insights to help you optimize your mental game.
Dr. Perlus breaks down how biology, thoughts, and emotions are interconnected, offering strategies to align them for optimal results. Plus, hear fascinating stories from sports legends like the 1980 Olympic hockey team and Eric Heiden, bringing real-life applications to the discussion.
Mike Boyle on Manipulation of Information with Research
Welcome to Episode 430 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation!
In this episode, host Anthony Renna talks to Mike Boyle about "Manipulation of Information" when it comes to research, continuing the discussion about Adults Lifting Heavy.
Highlights of the episode:
- We spoke about adults lifting heavy weights, focusing on safety, risks, and misconceptions, particularly for older adults and females.
- Coach Boyle shares insights into the controversy surrounding lifting heavy and addresses the importance of c...
The Past Year, the Future and Goldilocks with Mike Boyle
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...
Smarter High School Strength & Conditioning with Scott Leech
In Episode 428 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna chats with Scott Leech, Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Rhode Island, to explore game-changing strategies for coaches, trainers, and athletes.
The focus is on High School but Episode 428 is for everyone, packed with insights to help you rethink your approach to training and athlete development.
Highlights of the episode:
- Scott talks about why prioritizing speed, power, and jump training is replacing outdated max-effort lifts.
- A chat on programming smarter workouts and w...
A Note to Adult Female Clients on Lifting Heavy with Mike Boyle
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 t...
Mike Boyle on Underrated Exercises; Ruining Athletes; Kickstand DL & Seated Psoas
Episode 426 of the Strength Coach Podcast is here!
Join host Anthony Renna as he chats with Mike Boyle about smarter strategies for managing athlete training without overloading.
Highlights of this episode include:
- Insights from Coach Boyle on how to balance training stressors and avoid unnecessary overload.
- A discussion his most underrated exercise
- What he thinks about the Trap Bar Kickstand Deadlift
- Business for Unicorns tips from Mark Fisher on optimizing gym models, pricing, and space utilization for a successful fitnes...
Building Strength & Muscle After 50 with Chad Landers
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 h...
HIIT Gone Bad & No More Barbell Bench Press? with Mike Boyle
In this special anniversary episode of the Strength Coach Podcast (#424), Host Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle discuss Coach Boyle’s recent visit to a few gyms in Nashville, Ridiculous HIIT recommendations, Voodoo Flossing, the value of isolated shoulder work and whether or not you should put the barbell bench press to bed.
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 ep...
Pain-Free Performance with Dr. John Rusin
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 r...
Mike Boyle on Nordics, BB SLDL, Unilateral Hip Lifts & Spanish Split Squats
Welcome to Episode 422 of the Strength Coach Podcast!
In this episode, I chat with Coach Michael Boyle to uncover the highlights of mastering Nordic exercises and avoiding common mistakes that can hinder performance, insights into barbell straight-leg deadlift techniques, unilateral hip lifts, and the Spanish split squat for knee pain and post-surgery rehab.
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.
We s...
Stop Copying Track Coaches with Mike Boyle
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.
...
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, t...
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...
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 import...
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.
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 struct...
