The Strength Coach Podcast

Anthony Renna
  • 4.6 (240)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. 5d ago

    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. ———————————————————————————————— BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM  Check out the Latest Sale at Perform Better- Up to 50% off select items!! https://www.PerformBetter.com  ———————————————————————————————— We kick things off with a deep dive into the business side of fitness. Mark Fisher joins the show for the Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power Play segment focused on the often-emotional topic of pricing. He shares specific revenue benchmarks for different training models and introduces the Raise Your Rates Playbook to help gym owners charge what they are worth. The heart of the episode features Coach Mike Boyle reflecting on his recent speaking engagements. Mike addresses the persistent pushback against unilateral training and explains why a deep understanding of functional anatomy is non-negotiable for modern coaches. He shares insights on how the quadriceps and hamstrings actually function during athletic movement versus how they are taught in textbooks. We also explore the importance of being an intentional listener, even when you disagree with the source, to foster professional growth and better coaching results. Whether you are interested in the technical side of sprinting and plyometrics or the operational side of running a small group personal training facility, there is something here for every fitness professional. Learn why admitting you were wrong is a coaching superpower and how to build a coaching tree that lasts for decades. 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 Get a FREE trial of Leads Engine HEREhttps://learn.businessforunicorns.com/leads-engine Learn more about the Unicorn Society HEREhttps://businessforunicorns.com/unicorn-society Follow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/ CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and The Value of Relationships 3:15 Gym Business Power Play with Mark Fisher 6:45 Pricing Strategies and Raising Your Rates 11:00 Coach Mike Boyle on Recent Lectures 15:30 Defining Functional Training for Athletes 20:00 The Bilateral vs Unilateral Training Debate 24:15 Applying Functional Anatomy to Movement 29:00 Evolution of Fitness Internships and Coaching Trees 33:45 Training Adults for Longevity at Alloy 38:15 The Importance of Open Mindedness in Coaching 41:30 Outro and Upcoming Seminars Make sure to subscribe to the channel for more interviews with top coaches and fitness business experts. Let us know in the comments your thoughts on the bilateral vs unilateral debate!

  2. Oct 3

    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. ————————————————————————————————— BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM  Check out the HUGE Summer Sale at Perform Better- Up to 50% off select items!! https://www.PerformBetter.com  ————————————————————————————————— 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 populations. We explore how to reduce the intimidation factor for new members, the vital role of soft skills in coaching, and why the heaviest weight in the gym is often the front door. Finally, the conversation shifts to high-performance athletics. We tackle in-season training strategies, discussing the recent trends of removing testing in professional sports like the NHL and how to keep athletes consistent throughout a long season without causing performance-draining soreness. Pete Dupuis also joins the show for a Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power play. He shares a unique perspective on how to get more buy-in from your team by investing in their long-term career goals rather than just extracting productivity. If you want a team that stays, you need to learn how to help them grow beyond their current roles. 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 Get a FREE trial of Leads Engine HEREhttps://learn.businessforunicorns.com/leads-engine Learn more about the Unicorn Society HEREhttps://businessforunicorns.com/unicorn-society Follow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/ CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and 19 Years of the Strength Coach Podcast 2:05 Perform Better Sponsorship and Equipment Deals 4:15 Pete Dupuis on Investing in Your Staff for Better Buy-In 7:30 Creating a Gym Culture Where Employees Thrive 9:45 Coach Mike Boyle on 45 Years of Coaching Lessons 13:10 Why Testing Can Be a Bad Sales Technique 16:50 Prioritizing Client Comfort and the First Impression 20:30 Managing New Clients in a Small Group Setting 24:15 The Role of Soft Skills in Professional Coaching 27:50 One-on-One Assessments vs Group Evaluations 31:15 Why Pro Sports Still Need Fitness Testing 35:00 In-Season Training Strategies and Rep Ranges 38:20 Maintaining Consistency Without Creating Soreness 39:14 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. Visit StrengthCoach.com to start your seven-day free trial and join the longest-running forum in the industry.

  3. Sep 10

    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. ———————————————————————————————— BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM  Check out the HUGE Summer Sale at Perform Better- Up to 50% off select items!! https://www.PerformBetter.com  ———————————————————————————————— 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 chronic disease despite having more fitness information and tracking devices than ever before. Kevin shares the Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (MBSC) approach to keeping adult clients consistent, motivated, and physically resilient as they navigate the aging process. We also tackle the trending topics of GLP-1 peptides and hormone replacement therapy, discussing how these medical tools should partner with strength training rather than replace it. From programming power for fall prevention to the simple but profound impact of daily step counts, this conversation is a masterclass for fitness professionals who want to help their clients live better, not just longer. Learn how to transition from being a source of information to a source of true behavioral change. f you enjoyed this episode, please hit the like button and subscribe to the channel for more interviews with top industry experts. Make sure to check out Kevin Carr's new book to help elevate your coaching practice and improve your clients' lives! You can preorder Kevin’s new book, Prescribing Movement as Medicine: The Professional's Guide to Exercise for Health and Longevity- (out September 28) here- https://a.co/d/06hgd17m CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and the Information Gap in Fitness 3:15 Meet Kevin Carr: Super Trainer and Author 6:40 The Lifespan vs Health Span Dilemma 9:55 Overcoming Barriers to Consistent Exercise 13:20 Why Information Fails Without Good Coaching 16:45 Strategies for Keeping Adults in the Gym 20:10 The Human Connection in the Age of AI 23:30 Real World Impact: Training for Life Independence 26:50 GLP-1, Peptides, and Hormone Replacement Therapy 30:15 Protecting Muscle Mass During Weight Loss 33:40 Programming Power and Strength for Longevity 37:05 The Importance of Walking and Step Count 40:30 Building Sustainable Habits for Older Adults 44:00 Overview of Prescribing Movement as Medicine 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 Get a FREE trial of Leads Engine HEREhttps://learn.businessforunicorns.com/leads-engine Learn more about the Unicorn Society HEREhttps://businessforunicorns.com/unicorn-society Follow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/

  4. Sep 5

    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 ———————————————————————————————— BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM  Check out the HUGE Summer Sale at Perform Better- Up to 50% off select items!! https://www.PerformBetter.com  ———————————————————————————————— The core of the episode features an in-depth conversation with Mike Boyle. Mike reflects on how his philosophy has changed since the first edition of his book was released in 2004. He redefines functional training as the application of functional anatomy and discusses why certain trends, like unstable surface training, have largely faded away. We explore the transition from machine-based exercises to a functional continuum that emphasizes unilateral movements and tri-planar activity. Mike also shares his thoughts on why he has moved away from traditional Olympic lifting in many scenarios, favoring trap bar jumps and weighted jumps for explosive power. You will hear about the evolution of core training, the importance of upper body pulling for shoulder health, and why agility training should be less about choreographed drills and more about sport-specific chaos. Mark Fisher from Business for Unicorns, shares a vital productivity tool for gym owners and trainers: time blocking. Mark explains how to move from reactive mode to proactive growth by protecting your schedule for high-priority tasks. If you have ever felt like you are just putting out fires all day, this segment provides a roadmap to reclaiming your time and focus to build a business and life you love. 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 Get a FREE trial of Leads Engine HEREhttps://learn.businessforunicorns.com/leads-engine Learn more about the Unicorn Society HEREhttps://businessforunicorns.com/unicorn-society Follow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/ CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and Sponsor Message 2:15 Business for Unicorns with Mark Fisher 5:30 The Importance of Time Blocking 9:45 Interview with Coach Mike Boyle 12:30 Defining Functional Training Today 16:00 Evolution of Training Implements 20:15 Unilateral Training and Injury Prevention 24:00 Rethinking Agility and Speed Drills 29:30 Weighted Jumps vs Olympic Lifting 33:00 Core Training and Functional Anatomy 37:54 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Pre-order the new edition of Functional Training for Sports and level up your coaching knowledge here- https://a.co/d/0eKeRwPO

  5. Aug 25

    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 growth. Learn how to audit your standard operating procedures to ensure your team can actually execute them with excellence. BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM  Check out the HUGE Summer Sale at Perform Better- Up to 50% off select items!! https://www.PerformBetter.com  Coach Boyle expands on his recent viral insight: if your athletes are healthy, their programs should look almost identical. We discuss the 80/20 rule of training, the importance of injury prevention, and the evolution from being a cook following a recipe to a chef creating your own. We also talk about the danger of creating program soup by throwing too many random ideas into a single training block. We also take a deep dive into cardiovascular training. If you are still using the 220 minus age formula to find your max heart rate, you might be leaving progress on the table. Coach Boyle shares his personal data on heart rate training at age 67 and explains how to safely implement interval protocols like 10/20 tempos without overshooting the target or causing unnecessary fatigue. Whether you are a strength coach, personal trainer, or gym owner, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you simplify your approach and get better results for your clients. 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 HEREhttps://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm Follow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/ Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and Perform Better Summer Sale 3:15 Business for Unicorns: The Danger of Too Many Systems 6:45 Auditing Your Gym Systems with Mark Fisher 9:30 Why Healthy Programs Look Remarkably Similar 13:15 The Chef vs. The Cook: Developing Your Training Recipe 16:45 Avoiding the Trap of Program Hopping and Shit Soup 20:00 Injury Trends and Being Introspective as a Coach 23:15 Rethinking and Learning with Adam Grant Principles 26:30 Why 220 Minus Age is a Flawed Max Heart Rate Formula 29:45 Using Heart Rate Monitors for Real-Time Data 33:00 Safe Interval Training and 10/20 Tempo Protocols 35:45 Comparing Equipment: Assault, Rogue, and Airdyne Bikes 36:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Visit StrengthCoach.com to try the world's best coaching forum for free and check out Perform Better for the biggest sale of the year. If you enjoyed this episode, please like the video and subscribe for more expert coaching insights! Check out the HUGE Summer Sale at Perform Better- Up to 50% off select items!! https://www.PerformBetter.com

  6. Aug 1

    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. BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM  Check out the HUGE Summer Sale at Perform Better- Up to 50% off select items!! Also, the last of the Functional Training Summits is coming up in Providence Aug 20-22 Bring your whole team for $849 or “Bring a Friend for Free” deal at https://www.PerformBetter.com  In Episode 448 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna sits down with legendary coach Mike Boyle to revisit the evolution of his speed and strength philosophies. They dive deep into the concept of latent development and why athletes often see massive gains in their early years only to struggle for every inch and millisecond later on. Coach Boyle shares personal insights from training his own son and college athletes, highlighting the difference between high responders and those who have to claw for every bit of progress. We also explore the relationship between relative strength and top-end speed, questioning the long-held belief that a bigger squat always equals a faster sprint. The conversation covers the importance of unilateral training, the role of neural efficiency, and the harsh reality of injury reduction in competitive sports.  Plus, Mark Fisher from Business for Unicorns joins us to share a powerful tip on using client names to drive retention and build a community where every member feels seen. Key topics covered in this episode: -The myth of linear athletic progression -Why some athletes respond better to training than others -The impact of unilateral strength on performance -Real talk on injury reduction vs prevention 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 HEREhttps://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm Follow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/ Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing CHAPTERS 1:05 Introduction to Episode 448 2:15 Perform Better Summer Sale and Events 4:40 Business for Unicorns Power Play with Mark Fisher 7:15 The Power of Using Client Names 10:45 Coach Boyle on Speed and Strength Philosophy 14:30 Why Athletic Progression is Not Linear 18:15 Understanding Responders vs Non-Responders 22:50 Does More Strength Always Mean More Speed 27:40 Neural Efficiency and the Mystery of Elite Athletes 31:20 Task Specificity and Specialized Training Goals 35:45 The Reality of Injury Reduction and Coaching Fear 40:10 Evolution of Strength Training and Unilateral Work 43:28 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts If you enjoyed this deep dive into strength and conditioning, make sure to subscribe for more expert interviews and training insights. Head over to StrengthCoach.com to start your seven day free trial today and join the community.

  7. Jul 30

    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. BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM  Check out the last upcoming Functional Training Summits Providence Aug 20-22 Bring your whole team for $849 or “Bring a Friend for Free” deal at https://www.PerformBetter.com  Host Anthony Renna is joined by legendary coach Mike Boyle and business expert Mark Fisher to discuss everything from high-performance mindsets to the complexities of injury rehabilitation.  Mark Fisher kicks things off on the Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power Play by exploring why successful people have a bias for action and how setting the earliest possible deadlines can transform your productivity as a gym owner or trainer. The heart of the episode focuses on the current state of youth sports and athlete development. Coach Boyle explains why the US system is often working backwards by selecting the biggest and fastest kids rather than the most skilled ones. We take a look at the Norway model, bio-banding, and the dangers of early specialization. Additionally, the conversation covers Scott Livingston’s insights on looking beyond the site of pain to find the true source of an injury, whether you are working with elite Cirque du Soleil performers or deconditioned adult fitness clients. Whether you are a strength coach, personal trainer, or physical therapist, this episode provides a roadmap for balancing smart, safe training with effective loading.  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 HEREhttps://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm Follow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/ Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and Perform Better Summer Summit 2:15 Business for Unicorns: Bias for Action with Mark Fisher 5:30 High Performers and the Earliest Possible Deadline 8:45 Coach Mike Boyle on Youth Sport Maturation vs Skill 12:10 The Early Puberty Olympics and Identifying Talent 15:40 Lessons from European Soccer and Bio-Banding 19:15 The US Youth Sports Problem and Specialization 23:00 Norways Success: Keeping Kids in the Game Longer 26:45 The Knee Was Never the Story: Lessons from Scott Livingston 30:15 Intersection of Stupid and Cautious Training 34:00 Does Posture Still Matter in Modern Fitness 36:30 Uncovering Hidden Injury Histories in Adult Clients 37:59 Outro Ready to level up your coaching game? Visit StrengthCoach.com to start your seven-day free trial and join the conversation in the world’s longest-running fitness forum.

  8. Jul 6

    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. BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM  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.PerformBetter.com  This episode kicks off with a deep dive into multi directional conditioning. Coach Boyle explains why moving beyond simple sagittal plane running is vital for sport readiness and how locomotion drills like shuffles and karaoke prepare the body better than traditional sprints.  The conversation shifts to the often misunderstood topic of gym culture. Coach Boyle shares his philosophy that culture is simply what you allow to happen. From managing music choices to enforcing dress codes like the famous no tank tops rule, learn how every small decision shapes the environment for your clients. We also explore the reality of recovery modalities, comparing high tech tools like Normatec to the fundamental power of sleep, nutrition, and massage. You will also hear a special segment from Mark Fisher of Business for Unicorns on the power of hiring fractional help to reclaim your time and focus on high value tasks. 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 HEREhttps://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm Follow BFU on Instagram HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/ Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and Podcast Longevity 2:15 Hiring Fractional Help with Mark Fisher 7:10 StrengthCoach.com and MBSC Updates 10:45 Social Media vs Live Education 13:55 Multi Directional Conditioning Methods 18:20 Safety and Population Specific Training 22:30 Defining Gym Culture and Standards 27:15 Coaching Etiquette and Communication 32:10 The Dress Code Debate and Tank Tops 36:45 Recovery Modalities and Business Logistics 41:00 Sticking to Your Knitting in Business 43:53 End of Episode Whether you are a strength coach, personal trainer, or gym owner, this episode provides actionable insights to help you build a better business and more resilient athletes. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update. Leave a comment below sharing your thoughts on gym culture or your favorite conditioning drills.

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4.6
out of 5
240 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Renna
  • Years Active
    2007 - 2026
  • Episodes
    541
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Anthony Renna
  • Show Website
    The Strength Coach Podcast

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