Reps and Real Talk

Craig Whitworth-Turner and Justin Rey
  • 5.0 (15)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join strength and conditioning coaches Craig Turner and Justin Rey as they dive into the world of training, performance, and the latest trends in high-performance sport. In each episode, they share actionable insights, discuss effective programming and exercises, and break down real-world scientific applications of training in sport. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, get ready for a mix of practical advice, casual conversations, and no-nonsense discussions about all things training and fitness. Tune in for your weekly dose of Reps and Real Talk!

  1. Hit Your Hamstrings

    10/05/2025

    Hit Your Hamstrings

    Summary In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Rey delve into the importance of hamstring training, discussing various exercises, their benefits, and how to effectively integrate them into athletic training programs. They explore the Nordic hamstring curl, RDLs, glute ham raises, and more, emphasizing the significance of eccentric training and injury prevention in sports. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to hamstring conditioning, considering both strength and injury risk. Takeaways Hamstrings are crucial in any sport for performance and injury prevention. The Romanian Deadlift (RDL) is a favorite hamstring exercise for many athletes. Nordic hamstring curls are highly researched and effective for eccentric strength. Hamstring strains, while rare, can occur and need to be conditioned for. Progressive overload is essential in hamstring training to ensure strength gains. Different hamstring exercises target various parts of the muscle group. Eccentric training is vital for reducing injury risk in athletes. Integrating multiple hamstring exercises can enhance overall strength and performance. Glute ham raises can be beneficial for athletes with lower back concerns. A well-rounded hamstring program should include a mix of exercises and focus on both strength and injury prevention. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hamstring Training 02:45 Favorite Hamstring Exercises 05:23 Nordic Hamstring Curls: Benefits and Challenges 08:13 The Importance of Hamstring Conditioning in Sports 10:41 Progressions and Variations of Hamstring Exercises 13:23 Understanding Proximal vs Distal Hamstring Training 16:03 Exploring Additional Hamstring Exercises 18:37 The Role of Glute Ham Raises 21:08 Prone vs Seated Hamstring Curls 23:45 Conclusion and Wrap-Up DONT FORGET!! 👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_ 👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter 👤 Justin: @jrey.strength Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story. #repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball

    28 min
  2. Reps & Real Rant: Should Athletes Train Like Bodybuilders?

    10/02/2025

    Reps & Real Rant: Should Athletes Train Like Bodybuilders?

    Summary In this conversation, Craig Turner and Justin Rey discuss (rant about) the misconceptions surrounding bodybuilding training and its application to athletes. They explore the principles of bodybuilding that can enhance athletic performance, the structure of effective workout programs, and the balance between volume and intensity in training. The discussion emphasizes the importance of training to failure and the need for athletes to adapt their training to their specific sports requirements. Takeaways: Bodybuilding training misconceptions often revolve around volume. Athletes should use bodybuilding principles without aiming to look like bodybuilders. Training to failure can be beneficial for athletes. Volume in training can be a double-edged sword; it must be balanced with intensity. Exercise selection is crucial for effective athlete training programs. Plyometrics are essential for athletes but not for bodybuilders. Understanding the relationship between size and strength is key. Individualization in programming is important for athlete development. Using failure as a proxy can simplify tracking progress. Volume can be strategically included in training without overtraining. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Episode Format 00:37 Rant on Bodybuilding Training for Athletes 05:23 Designing a Total Body Workout for Athletes 11:11 Principles of Training to Failure 16:19 Volume and Its Role in Training 21:01 Summary Statements DONT FORGET!! 👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_ 👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter 👤 Justin: @jrey.strength Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story. #repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball

    21 min
  3. Bodybuilding Basketball

    09/02/2025

    Bodybuilding Basketball

    This conversation explores the intricacies of training basketball athletes, focusing on hypertrophy, programming, and the importance of nutrition. The speakers discuss the dynamics of in-person training, the balance between intensity and volume, and the misconceptions surrounding hypertrophy training. They emphasize the need for adaptability in training programs to meet the demands of collegiate athletics and the significance of maintaining muscle mass during the season. DONT FORGET!! 👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_ 👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter 👤 Justin: @jrey.strength Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story. #repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball

    35 min
  4. The 3 B's of S&C

    08/15/2025

    The 3 B's of S&C

    In this episode, hosts Craig Turner (@thesciencebasedlifter) and Justin Rey (@jrey.strength) delve into the challenges of burnout in the coaching profession, particularly in strength and conditioning. They discuss the three B's of career progression in S&C: burnout, bitterness, and becoming better. The dialogue explores the financial strains faced by coaches, the impact of winning and losing on mental health, and the importance of mentorship and communication. They emphasize the need for coaches to share their wins and foster a supportive community, while also reflecting on their personal journeys and the evolution of their passions. DONT FORGET!! 👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_ 👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter 👤 Justin: @jrey.strength Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story. #repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball

    1h 2m
  5. INSTAGRAMBLE (REPS & IG REEL TALK)

    08/10/2025

    INSTAGRAMBLE (REPS & IG REEL TALK)

    In this episode, hosts Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss various training techniques and analyze unique exercise videos they've encountered online. They share insights on off-season training, innovative equipment, and advanced exercises for athletes, while also evaluating complex movement patterns and plyometric drills. The conversation emphasizes the importance of core training, rotational movements, and the application of these techniques in real-world athletic scenarios. We want to thank each creator for their videos here! DONT FORGET!! 👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_ 👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter 👤 Justin: @jrey.strength Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.

    51 min
  6. Necessary Equipment in S&C

    08/01/2025

    Necessary Equipment in S&C

    In this episode, both Justin (@jrey.strength) and Craig (@thesciencebasedlifter) discuss the essentials of strength training with minimal equipment. They explore the versatility of dumbbells, the role of machines, and the importance of recovery tools. The conversation also covers what equipment to bring while traveling and the significance of programming for athletes. The hosts share their personal preferences and insights on various training tools, emphasizing the need for adaptability in strength and conditioning coaching. REAL TALK: 🏋️ Minimal equipment can still yield effective training results. 🏋️‍♂️ Dumbbells are versatile and essential for various exercises. 🛠️ Machines can complement free weights but should be chosen wisely. ✈️ Traveling coaches should prioritize lightweight and multifunctional equipment. 🌀 Resistance bands are great for mobility and strength training on the go. 💆‍♂️ Recovery tools like BFR and vibrating foam rollers are the future. 🔁 Programming should focus on full-body workouts for better engagement in atheltes. 🏋️‍♀️ Barbells, especially fat grip bars, can improve grip strength and potentially overall performance. 🔄 Jump ropes are excellent for conditioning and coordination a travel essential. DONT FORGET!! 👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_ 👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter 👤 Justin: @jrey.strength Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.

    37 min
  7. An S&C Journey In Hoops

    07/25/2025

    An S&C Journey In Hoops

    In this conversation, Cliff Spiller (@cliffspillercscs), the Director of Strength and Conditioning for Men's Basketball at the University of Oregon, shares his extensive experience in the basketball and strength conditioning fields. He discusses the transition from professional to college basketball, the importance of developing professional habits in athletes, and the challenges of adapting to new roster dynamics in college sports. Cliff emphasizes the significance of individualized training programs, the impact of the NIL landscape, and the necessity of building strong relationships with athletes. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring strength coaches and shares insights from his new project, Elite Basketball Insights (https://www.elitebasketballinsights.com/). REAL TALK: 🏀 Navigating the transition from professional to college basketball requires different coaching strategies to the same approach. 💼 Developing professional habits in athletes is crucial for their success no matter the level. 🧠 Individualized training programs are essential for athlete development - but how much individualization is necessary. 💰 The NIL landscape has changed the dynamics of college sports significantly. 🤝 Building relationships with athletes enhances their training experience - but what's the best approach? 🩺 Screening and assessment techniques are vital for understanding athlete needs. ⚖️ The integration of traditional and modern training methods is necessary for optimal performance - learn how.. DONT FORGET!! 👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_ 👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter 👤 Justin: @jrey.strength Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.

    48 min
  8. Programs & Peeves

    07/18/2025

    Programs & Peeves

    In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss their personal training philosophies, the adjustments they make in their programs, and their pet peeves in both public gyms and basketball weight rooms. They emphasize the importance of gym etiquette, respect for others, and the significance of nutrition and recovery strategies in achieving fitness goals. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining focus in a gym environment and the need for effective communication among athletes and coaches. REAL TALK:💪 Your training programs should always fit your individual goals and needs. 😴 Rest and recovery are crucial part often overlooked even by coaches 🤝 Gym etiquette is essential for a respectful environment. 🥗 Nutrition plays a significant role in training success. 📊 Tracking calories can provide valuable insights into eating habits. 🗣️ Communication is key in a team training environment. ⏰ Respecting others' time in the gym is important. 📵 Using phones in the gym can be distracting and counterproductive. 🌟 Creating a positive training atmosphere benefits everyone. 🎧 Engaging with listeners can enhance the podcast experience. DONT FORGET!! 👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_ 👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter 👤 Justin: @jrey.strength Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.

    47 min
See All (18)

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Join strength and conditioning coaches Craig Turner and Justin Rey as they dive into the world of training, performance, and the latest trends in high-performance sport. In each episode, they share actionable insights, discuss effective programming and exercises, and break down real-world scientific applications of training in sport. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, get ready for a mix of practical advice, casual conversations, and no-nonsense discussions about all things training and fitness. Tune in for your weekly dose of Reps and Real Talk!

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Whitworth-Turner and Justin Rey
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Craig Whitworth-Turner and Justin Rey
  • Show Website
    Reps and Real Talk