Cheeky Mid Weeky

Strength Coach Network

Strength Coach Network is bridging the gap from the class room to the weight room. This is why we are where Strength Coaches come to learn. In fact we bridge the gap from 📚 to 🏋️‍♂️ so well we have members all across athletics. How do we do this? Strength and conditioning in athletics SHOULD be exciting. Yet too many people make it dull and boring. We are not sure why this is the case - working with professional and collegiate athletes is awesome! In this show from Strength Coach Network, join Dr. Justin Lima as he talks with experts in the field of strength and conditioning. Dr. Lima has been working in college athletics since 2009 after his athletic career ended. Since then he has worked in college sports at Big 10, ACC, Ivy League, and more helping hundreds of athletes while placing some into professional careers. He also earned his PhD in Health and Human Performance and Masters in Strength and Conditioning. Each week he is joined by coaches who make their living working in the field of strength and conditioning. On the show we dive into the world of working in professional and collegiate sport - but make it interesting! Yes we dive into the science of exercise, our spin on it makes it digestable for everyone to understand how elite athletes are able to perform. So be cheeky and indulge on this conversation in the middle of each week, and learn how the best athletes prepare for GameDay. For more information from Strength Coach Network follow us at: Twitter: https://twitter.com/StrCoachNetwork Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strength_coach_network/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrengthCoachNetwork Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strengthcoachnetwork Blog: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/blog Website: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/ Education Courses: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/fundamentals

  1. You have to walk on the floor with confidence

    3D AGO

    You have to walk on the floor with confidence

    In this conversation, Melissa Mercado shares her journey from collegiate strength conditioning to tactical strength conditioning, discussing the unique challenges and demands of training military personnel. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, leadership, and building relationships in the tactical environment. Melissa also highlights the significance of being a woman in a male-dominated field and offers insights on how to navigate leadership roles effectively. The discussion transitions to her current role at Team Builder, where she focuses on fostering collaboration and enhancing human performance across various branches of the military. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of tactical strength conditioning and the importance of planting seeds for growth in both personal and professional realms. $1 Trial Membership to SCN 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU CONNECT: 🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/ 📝Blog: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/blog/ From our sponsors: TeamBuildr 🌎Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way. Be sure to check them out in the link above. Hawkin Dynamics 🌎Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/ Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer. Make sure you check them out in the link above. Vitruve VBT 🌎Site: https://vitruve.fit/ Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology. For more about Vitruve click the link above. Power Lift 🌎Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/ Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment. For more about Power Lift click the link above. Dashr 🌎Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/ Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS. For more about Dashr click the link below.

    51 min
  2. Your Mental Toughness Training Doesn't Work!

    12/24/2025

    Your Mental Toughness Training Doesn't Work!

    Discover the unique demands of tactical strength and conditioning with O2X Human Performance Coach Mark Christiani, who serves 4,000+ Army Reserve soldiers. This episode explores the critical differences between college athletics and military training, emphasizing efficient programming, cultural competency, and building trust with tactical athletes. Learn how tactical S&C coaches must understand their population's demands, create time-efficient training sessions, and support soldiers' full-time careers alongside military service. Coach Christiani shares insights on motivation strategies, wellness coaching, nutrition guidance, and the importance of spending time with your athletes beyond the weight room. Perfect for strength coaches, sport scientists, and fitness professionals interested in tactical athlete development, military fitness, human performance optimization, and career transitions into tactical strength and conditioning. $1 Trial Membership to SCN 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU CONNECT: 🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/ 📝Blog: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/blog/ From our sponsors: TeamBuildr 🌎Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way. Be sure to check them out in the link above. Hawkin Dynamics 🌎Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/ Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer. Make sure you check them out in the link above. Vitruve VBT 🌎Site: https://vitruve.fit/ Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology. For more about Vitruve click the link above. Power Lift 🌎Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/ Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment. For more about Power Lift click the link above. Dashr 🌎Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/ Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS. For more about Dashr click the link below.

    48 min
  3. Your Degree Didn’t Prepare You To Work With Athletes

    12/17/2025

    Your Degree Didn’t Prepare You To Work With Athletes

    Discover how golf performance training has evolved from Tiger Woods to today's elite athletes with Director of Fitness Jeremy Golden. This strength and conditioning deep-dive covers the unique demands of golf athletes, common injuries (back, hips, ankles, and surprisingly the neck), and why traditional band-only training isn't enough. Learn practical programming strategies for golfers of all levels, from college athletes to 78-year-old amateurs hitting 200-pound hex bar deadlifts. Jeremy shares his career journey through college basketball, women's rowing, and now private sector golf performance, offering honest insights on work-life balance, sustainable coaching practices, and the need for unified strength and conditioning education. Whether you're training golfers, working in private sector fitness, or navigating your coaching career, this episode delivers actionable advice on periodization, facility constraints, communication with athletes, and building long-term success in strength coaching beyond the traditional college sports grind culture. $1 Trial Membership to SCN 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU CONNECT: 🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/ 📝Blog: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/blog/ From our sponsors: TeamBuildr 🌎Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way. Be sure to check them out in the link above. Hawkin Dynamics 🌎Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/ Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer. Make sure you check them out in the link above. Vitruve VBT 🌎Site: https://vitruve.fit/ Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology. For more about Vitruve click the link above. Power Lift 🌎Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/ Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment. For more about Power Lift click the link above. Dashr 🌎Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/ Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS. For more about Dashr click the link below.

    55 min
  4. Why I left College S&C for Corporate

    12/10/2025

    Why I left College S&C for Corporate

    Former college strength coach Ian Samuels shares his journey from NCAA football to corporate performance coaching at a major tech company. Discover why strength and conditioning professionals are making the transition to corporate wellness and how to break into this growing field. In this episode, Ian discusses the dysfunction in college strength and conditioning culture, from desk-guarding to unsustainable work hours. Learn how corporate performance coaching applies the same principles as athletic training—just with different performance outcomes. Ian reveals strategies for improving internship programs, the importance of work-life balance, and why even elite corporate professionals care about their bench press numbers. Key topics: strength and conditioning career paths, corporate wellness coaching, college sports culture, internship best practices, performance training, work-life balance for coaches, career transitions for strength coaches. Subscribe to the CMW for more strength and conditioning insights from practitioners across all fields. $1 Trial Membership to SCN 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU CONNECT: 🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/ 📝Blog: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/blog/ From our sponsors: TeamBuildr 🌎Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way. Be sure to check them out in the link above. Hawkin Dynamics 🌎Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/ Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer. Make sure you check them out in the link above. Vitruve VBT 🌎Site: https://vitruve.fit/ Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology. For more about Vitruve click the link above. Power Lift 🌎Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/ Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment. For more about Power Lift click the link above. Dashr 🌎Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/ Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS. For more about Dashr click the link below.

    51 min
  5. How the Nervous System Controls Athletic Performance

    12/03/2025

    How the Nervous System Controls Athletic Performance

    Discover how the nervous system controls athletic performance with Brendan Smith from Wired to Move. Learn practical nervous system training techniques using Square One System and Signal Six protocols that strength coaches can implement immediately. In this episode, we explore: How the nervous system acts as CEO of movement and performancePrimitive reflexes and their impact on athletic movement patternsPractical applications of neuro response testing for athletesConcussion recovery and injury prevention strategiesVestibular system training and visual drills for performanceFascia, proprioception, and sensory input optimizationPosture correction through nervous system integration $1 Trial Membership to SCN 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU CONNECT: 🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/ 📝Blog: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/blog/ From our sponsors: TeamBuildr 🌎Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way. Be sure to check them out in the link above. Hawkin Dynamics 🌎Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/ Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer. Make sure you check them out in the link above. Vitruve VBT 🌎Site: https://vitruve.fit/ Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology. For more about Vitruve click the link above. Power Lift 🌎Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/ Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment. For more about Power Lift click the link above. Dashr 🌎Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/ Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS. For more about Dashr click the link below.

    51 min
  6. Jess Burke | Why Life In Private Sector S&C is so GREAT

    11/28/2025 · BONUS

    Jess Burke | Why Life In Private Sector S&C is so GREAT

    Coach Jess Burke joins the show for the 3rd time and it was a blast to catch up. Now Jess has her in person location to train clients in Chicago. She is doing this in addition to her online clients. We talk about how wild private sector life is now compared to college S&C - we both left college around the same time. ___ $1 Trial Membership to SCN 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial ___ Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU From our sponsors TeamBuildr 🌎Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way. Be sure to check them out in the link above. Hawkin Dynamics 🌎Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/ Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer. Make sure you check them out in the link above. Vitruve VBT 🌎Site: https://vitruve.fit/ Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology. For more about Vitruve click the link above. Power Lift 🌎Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/ Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment. For more about Power Lift click the link above. Dashr 🌎Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/ Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS. For more about Dashr click the link above.

    1h 6m
  7. Breaking Into Tactical Strength & Conditioning: Fire, Police & Military Training Careers

    11/26/2025

    Breaking Into Tactical Strength & Conditioning: Fire, Police & Military Training Careers

    Discover how to become a strength coach for firefighters with Alex Redshaw from O2X Human Performance! This tactical strength and conditioning deep dive covers firefighter training programs, working with first responders, and breaking into the tactical fitness space. Learn about recruit academy programming, managing 24-hour shift schedules, movement quality screening, and injury prevention for tactical athletes. Alex shares his journey from Australian sports science research to embedded strength coach at Arlington County Fire Department, revealing why tactical strength and conditioning offers better work-life balance than college athletics. Perfect for strength coaches considering careers in fire service, police, military, or tactical fitness. Whether you're CSCS certified, NSCA accredited, or exploring tactical human performance, this episode provides actionable insights for serving first responders through strength and conditioning. $1 Trial Membership to SCN 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU 🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/ 📝Blog: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/blog/ From our sponsors: TeamBuildr 🌎Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way. Be sure to check them out in the link above. Hawkin Dynamics 🌎Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/ Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer. Make sure you check them out in the link above. Vitruve VBT 🌎Site: https://vitruve.fit/ Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology. For more about Vitruve click the link above. Power Lift 🌎Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/ Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment. For more about Power Lift click the link above. Dashr 🌎Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/ Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS. For more about Dashr click the link below.

    59 min
  8. Tactical Strength & Conditioning - Leave it better than you found it | Maria Howard & Katie Taulbee

    11/21/2025 · BONUS

    Tactical Strength & Conditioning - Leave it better than you found it | Maria Howard & Katie Taulbee

    In this episode I sit down with 2 Tactical S&C Coaches. Maria has just got into TSAC while Katie has been in for 5 years. You will learn what life in TSAC is like, how to prove success for these athletes, future of the field, and more. Connect with Maria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-howard-ms-cscs-9b9627225/ Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-taulbee-cscs-rscc-a07808107/ ___ $1 Trial Membership to SCN 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial ___ Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs 🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU From our sponsors TeamBuildr 🌎Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way. Be sure to check them out in the link above. Hawkin Dynamics 🌎Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/ Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer. Make sure you check them out in the link above. Vitruve VBT 🌎Site: https://vitruve.fit/ Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology. For more about Vitruve click the link above. Power Lift 🌎Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/ Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment. For more about Power Lift click the link above. Dashr 🌎Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/ Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS. For more about Dashr click the link above.

    1h 17m
5
out of 5
107 Ratings

About

Strength Coach Network is bridging the gap from the class room to the weight room. This is why we are where Strength Coaches come to learn. In fact we bridge the gap from 📚 to 🏋️‍♂️ so well we have members all across athletics. How do we do this? Strength and conditioning in athletics SHOULD be exciting. Yet too many people make it dull and boring. We are not sure why this is the case - working with professional and collegiate athletes is awesome! In this show from Strength Coach Network, join Dr. Justin Lima as he talks with experts in the field of strength and conditioning. Dr. Lima has been working in college athletics since 2009 after his athletic career ended. Since then he has worked in college sports at Big 10, ACC, Ivy League, and more helping hundreds of athletes while placing some into professional careers. He also earned his PhD in Health and Human Performance and Masters in Strength and Conditioning. Each week he is joined by coaches who make their living working in the field of strength and conditioning. On the show we dive into the world of working in professional and collegiate sport - but make it interesting! Yes we dive into the science of exercise, our spin on it makes it digestable for everyone to understand how elite athletes are able to perform. So be cheeky and indulge on this conversation in the middle of each week, and learn how the best athletes prepare for GameDay. For more information from Strength Coach Network follow us at: Twitter: https://twitter.com/StrCoachNetwork Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strength_coach_network/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrengthCoachNetwork Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strengthcoachnetwork Blog: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/blog Website: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/ Education Courses: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/fundamentals

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