Progressive Rehab & Strength

Dr. Rori Alter, PT, SSC, PRSCC
  • 4.6 (21)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Physical therapists, strength coaches, and powerlifters Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson share their knowledge to help barbell athletes, coaches, and clinicians demystify strength training and create sustainability under the barbell and in business.

  1. 04/19/2025

    S2 Q&A #3 - Why Barbell Training Is Essential for Adults 50–80: A Rehab Case Study That Inspires

    In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo break down how strength training allowed a 75-year-old barbell trainee to avoid inpatient rehab after fracturing both her hip and wrist. Her story is a testament to how barbell training preserves function, independence, and quality of life—even after serious injury.   "The stronger you go into these sorts of situations, the better off you're going to be—because you're going to have more lean body mass, more muscle mass, more bone mineral density… So that if you lose some of it, you're not going to be as negatively impacted as someone who has low levels going in." – Dr. John Petrizzo, PT, CSCS, PRSCC, SSC   Key Topics Discussed The role of strength training in rehab for older adults How physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons can safely use barbell exercises Adapting barbell training during recovery from fractures and surgery The benefits of building "physiological reserve" through strength Strategies to maintain training with one-sided injuries Using machines, bands, and unilateral work as part of barbell-based rehab Key Takeaways Strength training can prevent the need for inpatient rehab You can apply progressive overload without a barbell Barbell lifts can be safely modified in rehab Muscle and bone strength serve as protection, not risk, as we age   0:00 – 1:39 – Episode intro + Pat's story setup 1:40 – 5:00 – Pat skips inpatient rehab after hip + wrist fractures 5:00 – 9:30 – Strength training keeps older adults independent 9:30 – 10:50 – Rehab often unnecessary if strong enough 10:50 – 13:18 – Medical disclaimer + conceptual discussion 13:19 – 17:00 – How to train lower body post-fracture 17:01 – 22:00 – How to train upper body with one arm 22:01 – 25:00 – Applying progressive overload in rehab 25:01 – 30:00 – Healing timelines + early rehab mobility 30:01 – 35:00 – Managing PT visits + training around insurance limits 35:01 – 41:00 – Transitioning from rehab to barbell training 41:01 – 45:00 – Strength as physiological reserve in aging 45:01 – 52:00 – Doctors dismissing lifting + final takeaways   Listen now and share this episode with a clinician, athlete, or loved one who needs to hear it.     Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59      If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs John IG: @johnpetrizzo

    51 min

  2. 04/12/2025

    S2 Q&A #2: Feeling Burned Out After a Meet? + Training Through Life's Seasons

    In this candid and insightful listener Q&A episode, Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson of Progressive Rehab & Strength dive deep into two thought-provoking questions submitted by a competitive powerlifter navigating the post-meet blues and nutrition challenges.  They unpack the psychological and physical impacts of taking extended time off from training after powerlifting competitions, explore ways to manage training stress, and discuss how to realign your training goals during life transitions. Plus, they address the complex question of when to transition to maintenance calories after bulking or cutting. From athlete burnout and life balance to nutrition periodization and sport crossover (hello BJJ!), this episode is full of real talk, actionable advice, and behind-the-scenes coaching strategy.   Key Topics Discussed: When and how to take intentional time off after a powerlifting competition Psychological burnout vs. strategic off-season programming Communicating openly with your coach to optimize your program Training through lifestyle transitions like busy work seasons, family obligations, and other hobbies Adjusting expectations and recovery strategies in your 30s and 40s How to maintain strength without a meet on the horizon Pros and cons of adding high-stress sports (like BJJ) to your training in-season When to transition from a caloric deficit to maintenance Body composition discomfort vs. performance trade-offs Sustainable strength strategies and nutrition for competitive lifters Listener Takeaways: You don't have to earn your time off — you need to plan it intentionally. Your training should adapt to your life, not the other way around. Weight gain doesn't always mean strength gain — and that's okay. Lifters in their 30s and 40s need smarter recovery strategies and realistic expectations. If you're feeling something — mentally or physically — say something to your coach.   Resources Mentioned: Join the Secret Society of Barbell Mastery Facebook Group   Previous episode on weight classes & cutting #24 - Danny Lennon, MSc - Cutting & Confining to a Powerlifting Weight Class | A Decision Hierarchy Season 2, #2 - Choosing Your Powerlifting Weight Class | When to Cut, Bulk, And Compete   Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59      If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

    58 min

  3. 03/29/2025

    S2 Inspirational Interview #2: Strength Training Through Chaos | How One Barbell Athlete Stays Consistent With Barbell Training While Raising & Homeschooling 5 Kids

    In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast Inspirational Interview Series, Dr. Rori Alter sat down with Anna Marie Oakes-Joudy, an athlete who faces life's toughest challenges and emerges stronger every day. Anna Marie shares her personal journey through the hardships of raising and homeschooling 5 children, demonstrating resilience, and the transformative power of strength training. As a mother of five—including a set of twins—she balances her role as a dedicated parent while excelling as a barbell coach, homeschooling her children, and running a successful business. From overcoming significant obstacles to finding empowerment in lifting, her story is one of perseverance and inspiration. Listeners will be moved by her candid reflections on how she navigates setbacks and finds purpose in both training and life. Anna Marie discusses the mental and physical battles she endured and how she leveraged strength training as a means of grounding herself. She opens up about the crucial role of a supportive community and the guidance she received along the way. Her experiences highlight the power of mindset and how shifting perspectives can turn adversity into an opportunity for growth. Juggling motherhood, coaching, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship, Anna Marie provides an honest look at the challenges she faces daily and how she stays focused on her goals. Whether you're an athlete facing challenges or someone looking for motivation to push through tough times, this conversation offers invaluable insights. Throughout the interview, Anna Marie and Dr. Rori Alter explores key themes such as goal setting, adapting mindsets, and the importance of consistency in training and life. Some of the thought-provoking questions she answers include: How do you find balance between raising five children, running a business, and staying committed to your own strength journey? What advice do you have for other parents who struggle to prioritize their own health and fitness? What were the biggest mental barriers you had to overcome, and how did you work through them? She also shares how she integrates her passion for strength training into her family life, setting an example for her children and encouraging them to build confidence through movement. This episode serves as a reminder that even when circumstances seem insurmountable, persistence and a strong support system can pave the way for success. Join us for this powerful and uplifting conversation with Anna Marie. Whether you're a working mom of one or a stay-at-home-dad of 5, her journey will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle your own challenges head-on. Listen now and be reminded of the strength that lies within you!   Resources & Links: Anna Marie's IG: @am_strength Anna Marie's email: am.strength.ss@gmail.com Client Spotlight | Anna Marie's 4th Pregnancy/Postpartum & Barbell Training  Pregnancy & Postpartum Barbell Training Resources   If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

    1h 14m

  4. 03/08/2025

    S2E7 - Strength Training for New Parents (or Very Busy People) | Time-Efficient Strategies for Progress

    Barbell strength training or powerlifting training after having kids is HARD. Finding the time and energy to powerlift after having babies has its challenges for all parents, but, most of all, time to train and the ability to recover is most affected.  In this episode of the PRS Podcast, hosts Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo continue their New Parent Training series, discussing how to adapt strength training when time and recovery resources are limited—a challenge that applies not only to new parents but to anyone with a demanding schedule. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Reality of Training as a New Parent – Is it really any different from other life demands that impact training time and recovery? Three Key Situations Where We Lower the Ceiling on Training Intensity – Understanding when and why you should adjust your expectations to stay injury-free and maintain progress.  How to Prepare for Training as a Parent Before You Even Have Kids – The mindset shift that makes the transition to time-restricted training smoother.  Optimizing Training When Recovery Resources Are Limited – Practical strategies for making progress even when sleep and recovery time are compromised. Adjusting Training Volume for Maximum Efficiency – How to modify your workouts to get stronger without spending hours in the gym. How Long Should a Barbell Lift Take? – Setting realistic timeframes for training sessions to fit your schedule. Load Adjustments to Stay Within a Specific Timeframe – Strategies to manage training intensity and keep workouts productive. Two Time-Efficient Training Week Setups – How to structure your program for consistency and flexibility as a new parent. Maximizing Training Session Efficiency – Tips to ensure you get the most out of each session while maintaining consistency.  Reducing Mental Barriers to Training – Simple ways to overcome the mindset challenges that may be keeping you from getting a session in. Whether you're a new parent, a busy professional, or someone struggling to balance life and training, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you stay strong, make progress, and train smarter—not harder.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: PROGRESSION WITHOUT REGRESSION: HOW TO ADJUST TRAINING SO THINGS DON'T GO AWRY!     If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

    53 min

  5. 03/01/2025

    S2E6 - Postpartum Strength Training for New Parents: Managing Training Expectations and Adapting to Life After Having A Baby

    In this episode of The Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, new parents and Clinical Coaches, Drs Rori Alter and John Petrizzo, dive into the challenges of maintaining a strength training program, specifically powerlifting and barbell training, after having a baby for the first and second time. From sleep deprivation to time constraints, they explore how your approach to training must shift in the postpartum period. If you're a parent, or soon-to-be parent, they talk about the differences in training expectations before and after having kids, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to injury and burnout after. This episode discusses the importance of flexibility and consistency over perfection, how to modify your lifting program to suit your current life stage, and the critical need to listen to your body and adjust your approach. It also covers how to stay realistic and avoid frustration by embracing the idea that this is a temporary phase, and there will be opportunities to get back to a more robust powerlifting routine that works for you. Key Takeaways From This Episode: Managing Expectations in Postpartum Powerlifting for Both Parents: Training as a new parent may look very different from training before kids. Explore the shift in mindset and realistic goals when it comes to strength training during the postpartum period. Sleep Deprivation and Its Impact on Strength Training & Recovery: Sleep disturbances are commonplace after having a child, whether it's the first, second or third time. Whether it's early postpartum or you're in the midst of a sleep regression, your ability to recover is impacted and training must adapt while you're in this ever changing life phase.  Finding Time to Train: How parents can carve out time for strength training despite the busy, unpredictable schedule of parenting. This episode  tackles the myth of "I don't have time to train" and shares practical tips for fitting in workouts, even when life gets chaotic. Consistency Over Perfection: Why aiming for consistency instead of perfection can be a game changer in the postpartum period. It's all about progress, not perfection. The Importance of Modifying Your Program: Not adjusting your training can lead to injuries and hinder your progress. This episode gives real-life examples of clients who struggled with injuries because their standard programs weren't suited to their current life stage and recovery capacity. Recovery and Injuries: Why you may need to slow down and focus more on recovery, especially after childbirth, when typical strength training programs may not provide enough rest. Temporary Phase: Recognizing that this challenging stage is temporary, from the fourth trimester to toddlerhood, and that balance and recovery will improve as time goes on. Episode Highlights: The #1 reason people stop exercising is lack of time – and this becomes even more of a challenge after having kids. Case studies of clients balancing demanding careers and new families, who had to modify their training to avoid injuries and achieve better recovery. Real talk about the physical and mental adjustment needed after introducing a new family member, and how training programs need to reflect these changes. Links and Resources: John's article: One Year of Low Volume Training How to Incorporate Cardio Into Your Strength Training Program How to Manage Strength Training Fatigue in Your Barbell Training | Fatigue Management While Powerlifting The Sustainable Training Builder (Free): designed to help you completely customize and adjust your barbell training program and nutrition by tracking the most important data for optimal recovery, performance, and sustainability     If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

    42 min

  6. 02/15/2025

    S2 Q&A #1: How Tight Should Your Belt Be? How to Handle a Drifting Deadlift, and How to Do More Pull-ups

    In today's episode, Dr. Rori and two other Clinical Coaches at PRS, Alyssa Haveson and Dr. John Petrizzo, answer your questions! In this first installment of Q&A, the team answers the following questions: How tight should your lifting belt be? How do deal with deadlift drifting away from your legs when using a mixed grip? How can I increase the number of pull-ups I can do?   Resources mentioned in this episode: 10 Minute Tip #1: How to Choose a Powerlifting or Strength Training Belt 10 Minute Tip #20: The Truth About Belts, Bracing & Your Back in Barbell Training (Webinar) Weightlifting Belts: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How!   Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59      If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

    22 min

  7. 02/08/2025

    S2 Inspirational Interview #1: Powerlifting Through Pain | Stephanie Tracy's Journey to the Pan American Bench Press Championships

    In this episode of Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, we sit down with PRS client and competitive powerlifter, Stephanie Tracy. We dive into her incredible journey from competing at Powerlifting America's Bench Press National Championships to representing the USA at the Pan American Championships. Along the way, we discuss the mental and physical challenges that come with injuries, how Steph found the strength to push through, and what it takes to keep competing at the highest level, even when your body may be working against you.   Get our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE >> progressiverehabandstrength.com/powerliftingbundle    Stephanie opens up about her history in competitive powerlifting, the setbacks she's faced due to injury, and the mindset that keeps her in the game. She shares the story of her shoulder injury, how it affected her training and mentality, and the decision-making process that led her to compete at the Pan American Championships despite not being at 100%. We also discuss how strategy helped her succeed in this international competition, even though she didn't hit a PR or go 3/3, and what kept her smiling after a tough performance.   Steph Tracy highlights many of the elements we discussed in our Powerlifting Competition Series on the Podcast and we're excited for her to share her story with you. In this candid conversation, Stephanie gives valuable advice for anyone dealing with an injury while preparing for a competition and how to determine when to push through and when to take a step back. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The ups and downs of Stephanie's competitive powerlifting journey, including her experience with injuries and how they've shaped her approach to the sport. Why powerlifting is a great sport for people of all backgrounds and abilities. How to stay mentally focused during competition, even when dealing with setbacks. The real reason Steph accepted the invitation to the Pan American Championships, despite being injured. The importance of strategy in overcoming physical limitations and how it contributed to her performance. How to evaluate whether you should push through an injury or take time off from competing. Why injuries don't necessarily have to end your competition season. The role of imaging in understanding the extent of an injury and its impact on performance. Episode Highlights: Injuries and Resilience — Stephanie talks about the challenges injuries have presented throughout her powerlifting career and how they've affected both her training and mindset. Pushing Through the Pain — A deep dive into the mental toughness required to compete at a high level when injured, and how strategic thinking allowed Stephanie to succeed even when she wasn't at full strength. Facing the Decision — Stephanie's advice for anyone dealing with an injury and whether to continue pushing toward a competition or take time off to heal. Why It's Not Always About PRs — Despite not hitting a PR at the Pan American Championships, Stephanie explains why she felt proud of her performance and how the experience shaped her approach to future competitions. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, strategy, and the power of mindset in competitive powerlifting, even in the face of injury. Resources & Links: Follow Stephanie on Instagram @civilwarbabe  Learn more about PRS podcast Visit PRS to learn more about coaching and training programs for powerlifters #6 - Part 2 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - Do You Need an MRI?       If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

    1h 1m

  8. 02/01/2025

    S2E5 - Injuries and Powerlifting Competitions: Managing Setbacks and Navigating Meets

    In the powerlifting world, injuries are an unfortunate reality. Whether it's a tweak in training leading into a competition or something more significant happening during the powerlifting meet itself, injuries will happen. However, it's how we reduce our risk for them and manage them so they don't get worse leading into or during the competition.   Prepping for a Powerlifting Meet? Download our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE!   In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, we dive into the complex dynamics of injuries in powerlifting competitions, from preventing them to managing them when they inevitably occur.   We'll break down why injuries seem to crop up as lifters approach competition time, addressing key factors like:   Overtraining Mental stress Physical demands of peaking for performance  How to decide whether to push through an injury or pull back  When is it wise to adjust your attempt selection to avoid making things worse   We'll also discuss the financial and future opportunity costs of competing through injury—how much should you weigh your investment in the competition against your long-term lifting goals? When is it best to step back and preserve your health for the future?   Injuries during a competition present a whole new set of challenges. What's the best course of action if you get hurt mid-meet? Can you adjust your attempt selection in real time to avoid further damage? Should you skip an attempt, put in a number versus a 0, or pull out completely? These are the tough decisions that many lifters face.   Plus, we'll talk about the sometimes frustrating process of adjusting your first attempt—how to make changes when you're warming up and things don't feel right, and why your opener matters more than you might think. Do you change the number at weigh-ins? And what happens when you tweak something warming up right before your first lift?   If you've ever dealt with the stress of managing an injury before or during a powerlifting competition, or you're wondering how to avoid major setbacks in your competition journey, this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast is for you. We'll share strategies, practical tips, and personal insights to help you navigate those challenging moments and come out stronger on the other side.   Tune in for this essential conversation on staying healthy, making smart decisions under pressure, and keeping your long-term goals intact leading into a powerlifting competition!   Resources mentioned in this episode: #1 - Key Features of the PRS Sustainable Training Method: Bridging the Gap Between Barbell Training, Powerlifting, & Rehabilitation How to Manage Strength Training Fatigue in Your Barbell Training | Fatigue Management While Powerlifting Tracking Your Barbell Training: The Importance of RPE & E1rm in Reaching Your Goals in Powerlifting & Strength Training #5 - Part 1 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - What Are Injuries & How Do They Happen? #6 - Part 2 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - Do You Need an MRI? #7 - Part 3 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - The Athlete Recovery Process The PRS Sustainable Training Builder- FREE     If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

    38 min
See All (131)

4.6
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Physical therapists, strength coaches, and powerlifters Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson share their knowledge to help barbell athletes, coaches, and clinicians demystify strength training and create sustainability under the barbell and in business.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Rori Alter, PT, SSC, PRSCC
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Progressive Rehab & Strength