The Strength Coach Podcast

Anthony Renna
  • 4.6 (239)
  • 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. 1d ago

    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.

  2. 3d ago

    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.

  3. 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.

  4. Jun 22

    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. 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  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. CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and Sponsor Highlights 1:40 Machines vs Free Weights Trend 3:08 Business for Unicorns Growth Strategy 6:02 The Noahs Ark Weight Room Concept 8:35 Why Machines are Making a Comeback 10:39 The Only Machines Worth Buying 14:15 Logistics and Facility Flow 17:42 Stabilizers and the Role of Cables 21:32 Thoracic Rotation and Longevity 25:12 Training Progressions and Nick DeMarco 28:10 Why You Should Never Train Through Pain 33:45 Experience in Coaching 36:00 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up 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 If 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.

  5. Jun 13

    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. BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM  Check out the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence Bring your whole team for $849 or “Bring a Friend for Free” deal at https://www.PerformBetter.com  We dive deep into the phenomenon of phantom limb pain, the role of neuroplasticity in desensitizing the nervous system, and the importance of using positive language with clients. Whether you are a strength coach, personal trainer, or physical therapist, you will learn how to navigate the three phases of healing, inflammatory, maturation, and remodeling, to build resilient athletes. Dr. Walters also shares his insights on why there is no such thing as a bad movement, only a lack of capacity, and how to use graded exposure to help clients regain their confidence. KEY TOPICS INCLUDE: -Why pain does not always mean tissue damage -How to use graded exposure to overcome fear of movement -The impact of sleep, stress, and social connection on recovery -Programming for low back pain across three distinct phases -Moving away from the corrective exercise trap For more info: Rehab Science book: https://rehabscience.com/book/ Dr. Tom Walters on YouTube (1.11M Subscribers) https://www.youtube.com/@RehabScience Dr. Tom Walters on Instagram (1.7M Followers) https://www.instagram.com/rehabscience/ Dr. Tom Walters' Website - Rehab Science  https://rehabscience.com/ CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro and the Nuance of Pain Science 2:15 Sponsor Message: Perform Better 5:10 Meet Dr. Tom Walters of Rehab Science 8:45 The Evolution of Modern Pain Science 12:20 Understanding Pain as a Brain Output 15:55 Biopsychosocial vs Biomechanical Models 19:30 The Role of Psychology in Recovery 23:10 Building Trust and Adherence with Patients 27:45 Neuroplasticity and Desensitizing Pain 31:20 Graded Exposure Techniques for Trainers 35:40 Movement Variability and Posture Myths 39:50 The Three Phases of Tissue Healing 44:15 Practical Rehab for Low Back Pain 48:30 Debunking the Idea of Bad Movements 52:10 Empowering Clients through Education 55:09 Video End If you found this helpful, please like the video and subscribe for more interviews with top fitness experts. Check out the Rehab Science book series for step-by-step protocols on over 50 common injuries. https://rehabscience.com/book/

  6. Jun 3

    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. Brought to you by PerformBetter.com  Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence Check out the “Bring a Friend for Free” deal at www.PerformBetter.com We kick things off with Pete Dupuis from Business for Unicorns, who shares why your marketing might be failing because you are asking the wrong questions. Learn how to hunt for clarity rather than compliments to truly understand what your clients value and how to remove friction points in your fitness business. The main conversation focuses on Coach Boyle's recent shift back to unilateral Olympic lifting. He explains how single leg cleans are helping athletes hit personal bests in sprinting and vertical jumps, even for those later in their careers. You will hear about the evolution of his training philosophy and why he believes adding a stability component does not have to detract from strength gains. We also dive deep into the recent flexion debate featuring Dr. Stuart McGill. Coach Boyle explores the nuances of spine health, the smoking analogy for repeated flexion, and why trunk stability should be the happy medium between flexion and extension. From loading parameters to the benefits of hollow holds over traditional crunches, this episode is packed with actionable advice for any strength coach or personal trainer. 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 Summits 3:10 Marketing Insights with Pete Dupuis 7:45 Coach Boyle on Visual Presentation and Growth 11:15 Why Single Leg Cleans are Making a Comeback 15:30 Speed Improvements and Unilateral Power 19:00 Loading Strategies for Single Leg Olympic Lifts 22:45 The Flexion Debate: Insights from Stuart McGill 26:15 Spine Health and Training for Longevity 29:45 Core Training: Isometric Holds vs Crunches 32:06 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up Make sure to visit strengthcoach.com to start your free trial and join the longest running forum in the industry. Subscribe for more expert insights into functional training and sports performance.

  7. May 28

    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. Brought to you by PerformBetter.com Head over to their website to get 15% and half off shipping on Competition and Gravity KBs .  Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence Check out the “Bring a Friend for Free” deal at www.PerformBetter.com Jess explains why programming for adults is often more complex than training elite athletes. You will learn about the results of a massive survey of over 350 clients that reveals what truly keeps people coming back to the gym: it is less about the beach body and more about longevity, injury prevention, and community. The conversation covers how to organize a full year of training into repeatable blocks and why the same but different approach is the key to long term retention. You will also get a masterclass in exercise categorization. Jess breaks down how to use ground based assessments and standing screens to evaluate new clients in real time without disrupting the flow of a group class. From interval conditioning strategies to experimenting with new landmine variations, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can implement in your facility today. CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and Perform Better Special Offers 3:15 Introducing Jess Tollman and the MBSC Method 6:45 Why Adult Programming is a Unique Challenge 11:30 Survey Results: What Adult Clients Really Want 16:00 Learning to Speak Client for Better Buy-In 20:15 Structuring the Training Year into 12-Week Blocks 25:30 The Concept of Same But Different Progressions 29:45 Core Principles: Simple, Smart, and Safe 34:00 Using the Big Four and Core Framework 39:15 Flexibility and Lateralization for Injured Clients 43:45 Empowering Clients to Own Their Progressions 47:30 Ground-Based Assessments: Floor Slides and Leg Lowers 52:15 Standing Screens: Cat Cow and Ankle Mobility 56:45 Pattern Practice: Squat and Lunge Assessments 1:01:30 Conditioning for Adults: Why Intervals Rule 1:06:00 New Exercise Innovations at MBSC 1:10:00 MBSC.tv Monthly Program Reviews and Closing If you found these insights helpful, make sure to subscribe for more expert coaching content. Head over to MBSC.tv to start your free trial and access full programming templates today! 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

  8. May 23

    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. Brought to you by PerformBetter.com Head over to their website to get 15% and half off shipping on Competition and Gravity KBs .  Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence Check out the “Bring a Friend for Free” deal at www.PerformBetter.com In this episode, host Anthony Renna sits down with Mike Boyle to discuss the nuances of returning to play. You will learn about using sleds to create a speed governor for hamstring rehab and how the bike can maintain neurological turnover for athletes with ankle injuries. We also tackle the psychological side of rehab through category substitution, ensuring injured athletes stay integrated with their teams. Beyond rehab, Mike shares his current experiments at MBSC regarding isometric training. We discuss the difference between yielding and overcoming isometrics and how he is using a new strap system to develop rate of force development.  Additionally, Pete Dupuis joins the show for a Business for Unicorns Power Play to discuss the dangers of outgrowing your capacity and how to protect your standards as your gym grows. 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 Special Offers 2:45 Business for Unicorns: Outgrowing Your Capacity 6:12 Coaches Corner: Progressing Rehab to Speed Training 9:30 Using Sleds to Manage Load and Velocity 12:15 Maintaining Leg Turnover with Bike Sprints 14:50 Category Substitution and Training Around Injuries 17:30 Core Exercise Variations for Specific Injuries 19:45 Training the Weekend Warrior vs. The Pro Athlete 22:30 Lifelong Patient Syndrome and Making Smart Decisions 26:15 Isometric Experiments and Rate of Force Development 29:45 Overcoming vs. Yielding Isometrics at MBSC 32:30 Implementing Isos into Every Major Movement Pattern 35:15 Final Thoughts and Hockey Camp Stories If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! For more in-depth videos and the world's most active strength and conditioning forum, visit the links below to start your trial at StrengthCoach.com or MBSC.tv.

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4.6
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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
    536
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Anthony Renna
  • Show Website
    The Strength Coach Podcast

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