Episodes

  • Spencer Arnold, head coach of Power and Grace, shares his journey into strength and conditioning and how his faith shapes his coaching philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of community and humility in coaching and highlights the need for coaches to continually learn and adapt. The athlete-coach relationship is pivotal and Spencer talks about the learning that you do as a coach alongside athletes. For those who want insight on programming for high-level athletes, Spencer Arnold discusses the benefits of velocity-based training (VBT) in strength and conditioning. He explains how VBT helps athletes develop force and rapid force development, and how it can be used to progress training over time. Spencer is preparing to coach Jourdan Delacruz in Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Community and humility are essential in coaching and leadership.

    Programming for high-level athletes requires attention to detail and individualization.

    The athlete-coach relationship is crucial in weightlifting, and coaches should focus on developing a partnership with their athletes.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Learn more about Spencer Arnold and Power and Grace Performance.

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 16: Athletic Independence

    Episode 27: Competing with Grit and Grace

    Episode 32: Building Community Through Sport

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

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  • Cheryl Hayworth, a three-time Olympian and world record holder in Olympic weightlifting. They discuss Cheryl's experiences as an athlete, the mental preparation for the Olympics, coaching philosophy, inclusivity in weightlifting, and the transition from weightlifting to life. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of resilience, managing stress, and finding balance in training. She also highlights the need for inclusivity and accessibility in the sport, and the role of coaches and organizations in championing these values.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Finding balance and managing stress are important for long-term success in weightlifting. Resilience and coping skills are crucial for athletes for mental preparation when competing at a high level in sports.

    Learning to accept all outcomes and good sportsmanship is an important skill for mental health in sport.

    Inclusivity and accessibility are key values that need to be championed in the sport of weightlifting.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Cheryl Haworth OLY on Instagram

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 30: Managing Stress and Building Resilience

    Episode 40: Preparing for International Competition

    Episode 42: Trusting the Coaching Process

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

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  • Coach Mark Roberts returns to the podcast for our Coaching and Leadership series. Mark is the owner and head coach of Rise Weightlifting. In this episode, your host chats with Mark about his leadership and coaching style. They discuss Mark's journey into weightlifting, the transition from athlete to coach, and the importance of building a strong team culture. Mark emphasizes the value of education and credentials for coaches, but also highlights the importance of building relationships and effectively communicating with athletes. Mark shares his experiences and challenges of being a business owner in the fitness industry and the importance of finding a balance between providing value and making a profit. New and aspiring coaches and entrepreneurs will enjoy this episode.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Coaches should prioritize building relationships and effectively communicating with athletes.

    Programming in weightlifting should be adaptable to individual circumstances and needs. Coaching in weightlifting involves education, motivation, and inspiration.

    Different perspectives and approaches in weightlifting can lead to success.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Learn more about Mark Roberts Founder and Head Coach of Rise Athletics

    Follow Rise Athletics and Rise Weightlifting on Instagram

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 1: Recovery for Improved Performance

    Episode 3: Coaching Discipline and Leadership

    Episode 32: Building Community Through Sport

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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  • The COVID-19 pandemic may have a longing impact on youth kids who may have missed out on sport and recreation opportunities for nearly a year. However, Elite Weightlifting Coach Kevin Doherty used the barbell during this time to help his community flourish through connection and sport. Owner of Hassle Free Barbell Club, Coach Kevin Doherty safely coached first generation kids through the pandemic to ensure that they could remain active while the world shutdown. Coach Doherty talks about the importance of Weightlifting as a tool for building confidence. Also in this episode, Kevin shares his perspective on goal setting beyond physical PRs so that athletes can thrive outside of the gym. This episode continues our Coaching and Leadership series. It was incredible to hear how much of an impact a coach can make on an athletes life alongside physical strength. The relationships forged through weightlifting can help set the foundation for lifelong success. He also emphasizes the value of collaboration and uplifting others. If you were curious why athletes find weightlifting to be a lifetime sport - listen to this episode with Coach Kevin Doherty.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Youth weightlifting is a window to introduce children to many different sports. Weightlifting builds skills and confidence for other sport disciplines.

    Less is more in your strength and conditioning program. The basics will benefit you as long as you are moving correctly and loading the barbell heavy enough.

    Goal setting goes beyond reps and sets but should include life goals to develop a well-rounded human. This is especially important for athletes who may experience setbacks or injuries.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Hassle Free Barbell Club on Instagram or on the web.

    Stanford Hospital says “Weight room no longer off limits to kids.”

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 42: Trusting the Coaching Process

    Episode 32: Building Community Through Sport

    Episode 3: Coaching Discipline and Leadership

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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  • USAW Senior International Coach returns to the Strength in the Details podcast. Weightlifting programming is typically done following some form of periodization - but what does that mean for coaching? In this episode, Danny discusses how his cueing and coaching priorities change from phase to phase of any given macrocycle. The mindset of an athlete must shift based on the goal of the cycle and a good coach helps an athlete focus on what’s important for them in the moment. He also discusses the balance between developing skill and personal growth in athletes, emphasizing the importance of honesty and trust in the coach-athlete relationship. Danny also shares his philosophy on coaching which includes being open-minded and adaptable to change. This episode is the third installment of the Coaching and Leadership series which is geared towards bringing out the very best in the coaching profession.
    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Cueing and correction can take on their own form of periodization by adapting to the specific demands of any given macrocycle. Coaches can prioritize error correction and guidance based on the goals and adapt them as the cycle/athlete hits peak performance.

    Coaching multiple athletes in the same competition happens and can be done objectively by emphasizing honesty, fairness, and transparency. 

    Trust, belief in the process, and individualized goals are key to keeping athletes motivated.


    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST 

    Follow Danny on Instagram for more on his coaching philosophy

    Catch up on all things Team Oly Concepts on Instagram or the web

    Grab your copy of Cues and Corrections by Daniel Camargo on Amazon  


    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 42: Trusting the Coaching Process

    Episode 16: Athletic Independence

    Episode 3: Coaching Discipline and Leadership


    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram


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  • The Coaching and Leadership series continues with a Team USA Senior International Coach, Cara Heads Slaughter. In this episode, we have a candid and fun conversation on the impact of sports on personal growth, the importance of coaching and mentorship, and the challenges of trusting the coaching process. Cara explains why athletes must buy into the coaching process entirely and shares her tools for communication and program planning that empower the athlete to succeed. Whether you are a coach or athlete, this episode has so much information to guide, support, and enhance sports performance. The episode highlights the need to amplify the voices of women and coaches of color in the sports industry. We end with a remix to our rapid-fire game - the special Cara edition of “This That or The Other.”

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Trust in the coaching process is essential for an athlete's progress, and coaches must create an environment where athletes can fully buy into the process.

    Balancing tradition and innovation in coaching is important, as coaches need to adapt to new information and approaches while respecting the sport's history.

    Creating a sense of camaraderie and teamwork within a weightlifting team can enhance the training experience and contribute to individual success.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Cara on Instagram for more coaching and sport performance education

    Learn more about CH Fitness and Performance on the web

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 16: Athletic Independence

    Episode 3: Coaching Discipline and Leadership

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

    It’s always FREE and much appreciated to like, subscribe, and share this podcast

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  • We start with the basics in the Coaching and Leadership in strength sports. Quality coaching and athletic development start with a well-designed plan of attack. Zack Lebo, Owner of Category 5 Athletics, is known for just that. Lebo provides insight into the importance of general physical preparedness (GPP) for strength athletes as a foundational component of long-term success. In this episode we discuss approaches for building on GPP, managing different athlete personalities, and optimizing performance in competition. As an experienced coach and business owner, Zack also emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in the athlete-coach relationship. Stay tuned to the entire episode to catch what Zack believes is missing from the coaching profession.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    General physical preparedness (GPP) is important for strength athletes because it addresses areas of performance that weightlifting doesn't cover, such as mobility, stability, and body awareness in different planes of motion.

    Effective communication with athletes involves listening to their needs and goals, asking the right questions, and finding a balance between the coach's expertise and the athlete's individual circumstances.

    Strategies such as tapering, practicing heavy total days, and creating uncomfortable training environments can bring out the best in athletes.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Zack Lebo on Instagram or check out his gym Category 5 Athletics in Tampa, Florida

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 31: Let's Talk Programming and Progression

    Episode 24: Quality Coaching

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

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    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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  • Mary Theisen-Lappen is an athlete and coach and is pursuing a spot on the Team USA Olympic Weightlifting team competing in Paris 2024. Mary is a standout example of transferable skills from Track and Field contributing to her success in a new discipline as an elite Weightlifter. If you are newer to the sport, Mary breaks down the similarities of the two sports to help athletes think about how to approach transitioning sports disciplines. Mary also talks about the challenges of training for international competitions and the importance of emotional and mental preparation and discusses the psychological impact of overcoming an injury. She emphasizes the camaraderie among competitors and the support they provide each other. Mary shares advice for athletes aspiring to make an international team. Mary advocates for women of all sizes and backgrounds to feel confident participating in strength sports and not worry about societal expectations. Lastly, Mary discusses the role of faith in her sports journey and how it helps her stay grounded and focused.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Transitioning from one sport to another can bring unique skills and experiences that contribute to success.

    Faith can play a significant role in an athlete's journey, providing peace and perspective during difficult times.

    Overcoming setbacks and injuries requires patience, trust in the process, and a focus on areas for improvement. Having a strong support system is crucial in overcoming challenges and building confidence.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Mary Theisen Lappen as she pursues her goal of being an Olympian for Team USA on Instagram

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 17: From Tumbling to Weightlifting

    Episode 27: Competing with Grit and Grace

    Episode 38: Empowering HerAthlete

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

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  • Joelle Cavagnaro, the founder of Level Ten Coaching, discusses her health and fitness coaching background. She shares her experiences working with underrepresented populations and the challenges of promoting physical activity. Joelle also explains the concept of evidence-based coaching and how it applies to strength sports and athletes. She emphasizes the importance of individualizing coaching strategies and adapting them based on athletes' strengths, preferences, and backgrounds. The conversation also dives into helping athletes embrace temporary or permanent change throughout their journey.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Promoting physical activity and behavior change requires finding activities that individuals enjoy and feel comfortable with. It may not look the same for everybody. A coach should be prepared to adapt to meet different athletes' needs.

    Evidence-based coaching involves using scientific research to inform coaching strategies, but it should also consider individual differences and practicality.

    Helping clients embrace new seasons and changes involves shifting focus from past achievements to setting realistic goals and finding sustainable habits for the current chapter of life.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Joelle on Instagram for more health, fitness, strength training, and nutrition information.

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 24: Quality Coaching

    Episode 21: Optimize Strength

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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  • Jourdan Delacruz is a 2020 Olympian and has been a dedicated athlete in the sport of Weightlifting. If you follow Jourdan, you might notice that she is focused, gritty, and mature as an athlete in training and in competition. In this episode, Jourdan gives us the inside scoop on her journey of weightlifting. We talk about finding the right coach and developing a team as the foundation for her success. Jourdan emphasizes the importance of nutrition and mental health in her athletic performance, the unique needs of female athletes, and the growing popularity and accessibility of Weightlifting. She also discusses her brand, HerAthlete, and the importance of being a role model and cultivating a healthy sports culture.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Understanding the goals in a data-driven programming process can help athletes embrace different phases of the training cycle. The coach-athlete relationship is built on trust and transparency.

    Nutrition and mental health play a significant role in athletic performance. These should be components of every athlete’s plan for longevity in sport.

    Success in sports is a team effort and requires a supportive network.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Jordan Delacruz as she pursues her goal of being a two-time Olympian for Team USA on Instagram

    Find more information on sports nutrition and performance for female athletes at HerAthlete.

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 18: Finding the Value in Sport Beyond ‘Winning’

    Episode 27: Competing with Grit and Grace

    Episode 34: The Growth and Evolution of Olympic Weightlifting

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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  • Steph Gaudreau is a sports nutritionist and lifting coach who helps athletic women build strength and confidence in the gym and beyond. She is no stranger to the Strength in the Details podcast and shares some really powerful information on the benefits of an effective strength training program. In this episode, we discuss the need to shift the narrative around women and muscle and the promotion of strength training to women. Building lean muscle is so important for more than just aesthetics. We also discuss the benefits of barbell sports and the practice of rucking as a low-impact cross-training activity. Of course, we have to talk about the positive effects of strength training on mental health and overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the need to expand the focus beyond weight loss and connect strength training to life experiences.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    There are many entry points to barbell and strength sports - the most important step is to get started and find a coach who is knowledgeable.

    Cross-training is an important consideration. Rucking is an example of low-impact aerobic activity that can help improve muscle strength and bone density to complement your strength training goals.

    For athletic women, the benefits of strength training are important during menopause for off-setting muscle loss and maintaining mobility.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Steph Gaudreau on Instagram

    Listen to her podcast, Fuel Your Strength, available on Spotify. Steph seriously has a wealth of knowledge.

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 22: Fueling for Sport Performance

    Episode 25: Nutrition and Strength Athletes

    Episode 31: Let’s Talk Programming and Progression

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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  • Dr. Susie Reiner discusses stress, resilience, and recovery in the context of athletic performance and training. She defines stress as a stimulus that can be positive or negative and activates the sympathetic nervous system. We cannot avoid stress, so we must learn to cope and recognize how it influences our daily lives and our training plans. Resilience is the psychological layer of how individuals perceive and respond to stress. Building resilience involves cultivating a growth mindset and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. Wearable technology provides valuable data for monitoring and tailoring training programs, but knowing how to interpret and use the data effectively is important for managing stress responses. Striking a balance between stress and recovery is crucial for adaptation and progress.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    We will all experience stressors in life, and exercise training is one of those stressors. Learning coping strategies and building resilience through monitoring and recovery is important for athletic development.

    Nutrition and sleep are the most underrated and evidence-based recovery strategies that an athlete can employ to improve their stress management.

    Wearable technology data is effective for understanding training stimuli and physiological responses to stressors. Coaches and athletes should use this data as a part of the bigger picture and considered it within the context of the entire athlete training program - not as a sole component.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Dr. Susie Reiner on Instagram, or check out her Health and Human Performance consulting website to connect for research, education, and speaking.

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 23: Mental Skills for Athletes

    Episode 5: Stress Management and Mental Toughness

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

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  • Dr. Stephanie Compton is a scientist, registered dietitian, and science communicator striving to bridge the gap between science and real life. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Compton discusses various topics related to nutrition and metabolism for strength athletes. She emphasizes the importance of balancing strength training and aerobic conditioning, embracing being a beginner and debunking misconceptions about nutrition and training. Dr. Compton highlights the significance of timing nutrition, the pros and cons of supplements, and the role of metabolism in recovery.

    The conversation highlights the need for effective science communication and being critical consumers of information. The conversation concludes with the importance of asking questions and digging deeper to better understand complex topics.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Metabolism is responsive to what we give it, and it cannot be 'broken.' Eating enough is crucial for overall health and well-being. Finding balance in nutrition and training is important for long-term progress and overall well-being.

    Embrace being a beginner and enjoy the process of progress.

    Being a critical consumer of information involves questioning and digging deeper to determine the validity and applicability of the information.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Connect with Stephanie on ⁠Instagram⁠

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    ⁠Episode 22: Fueling for Sport Performance⁠

    ⁠Episode 6: Nutrition Mindset⁠

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠

    ⁠Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram⁠

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

    It’s always FREE and much appreciated to like, subscribe, and share this podcast

    Listening on Apple Podcasts? ⁠Write a review⁠.

    ⁠Save 20% on Legion Supplements⁠

    ⁠Small donations⁠ help support the development and editing of this content.
  • The Growth and Evolution of Olympic Weightlifting

    David Tao, co-founder of Barbend, shares his journey into strength sports and the creation of Barbend. In this episode, we discuss the appeal of strength sports and the industry's growth. David also emphasizes the importance of coaching philosophies and the need for adaptability in exercise programming. He highlights the evolution of Barbend and the impact of storytelling in strength sports. Barbend continues to serve the fitness and strength community. It has grown in many ways and broadened its reach in innovative ways. David is charismatic and passionate about all things strength sports.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Athletes should focus on optimal training rather than constantly seeking PRs, and understand the importance of rest and recovery.

    Barbend has evolved from a strength sports news outlet to a platform that provides a wide range of content for strength enthusiasts.

    Strength sports have a broad appeal due to the shared experiences of athletes and the ability to push oneself to new limits. The power of storytelling in strength sports can inspire and motivate athletes to pursue their goals.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow David Tao on Instagram, Twitter/X, or check out the Barbend website to follow his media work.

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 32: Building Community Through Sport

    Episode 18: Finding the Value in Sport Beyond "Winning"

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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  • Claire Zai is a strength coach and competitive athlete with Barbell Medicine. She is a scientist and activist for creating a safe space for women in strength sports like Powerlifting. Claire Zai is also behind the #LOADWOMEN to raise money and awareness for the barriers women face in sports and science. In this episode, we talk about the seasons of training and competing. Athletes cannot realistically train, diet, and prepare for competition for months on end without becoming completely exhausted and burned out. The real sacrifice that comes with competing in a sport at any level is beyond just physical. It includes mental, emotional, and social sacrifices. If you are a woman looking to get active in strength sports as an athlete or coach, Claire offers her perspective on the state of women in strength sports and advice on how to find your space! If you are interested in a good, old-fashioned coach’s chat about training, communication, and enjoying the process, this episode is for you.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Having a quality coach in your sport allows athletes to get an objective perspective of their training and performance and recognize that athletes have an emotional connection to training that clouds their perspective of growth. Critical feedback includes recognizing when you have done well.

    Measuring success can be done in a variety of ways. This is important for athletes and coaches to discuss and agree on before going into a training cycle. Consistency in showing up for training is a measure of success, which is just as valuable as winning the competition.

    Fatigue and load management are critical considerations for programming. Stress across our entire lives is cumulative. Stressors outside of the gym will often show up during training. Your body will learn to self-regulate and adapt, but athletes should prepare to adjust training in partnership with their coach to meet the needs of their current season of life.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Claire Zai on Instagram or check out her website to learn more about her background.

    Interested in working with Barbell Medicine? Find more about coaching information

    If you want to participate in #loadwomen - follow the campaign on Instagram

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 32: Building Community Through Sport

    Episode 28: Athletic Identity, Injury, and Burnout

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

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  • Community building is an important aspect (and benefit) to sport participation. Suzy Sanchez is well-known in the sport of Weightlifting for her achievements as an athlete, coach, USAW HQ employee, and advocate for DEI in sports. In this episode, we tackle the importance of sport in youth development. The experience of competing as an international athlete helps you gain a unique perspective, and it can inform life decisions. For Suzy, this sparked her passion for advocating for athletes at all levels, especially collegiate athletes. We talk about community building and relationships that make the sport of Weighlifting fun and rewarding. We discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports. While we traditionally think of the physical gains that we achieve through strength sports, this episode digs into the social and emotional role that strength sports play in youth development and across the lifespan.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Participating in sports can be enriching beyond the identity we develop with our education and job. The secret to a long, fulfilling life is fitness AND social relationships. Building community and fostering relationships through sport can provide you with a more enriching life.

    Local Weightlifting State Organizations (WSOs) can partner with USAW to support everyday athletes and create access to the sport.

    Sport saves lives and not having access has a domino effect on marginalized groups of people. Minority populations are underserved and underrepresented in the sport. There are social, financial, and environmental barriers to participation for minority communities.

    Weightlifting is not always a safe space for every person. We have to acknowledge that trauma, discrimination, and racism impact people within our communities. Working toward equity and justice for marginalized communities improves sport and competition for everyone.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Suzy Sanchez for the real deal on all things USA Weightlifting on Instagram

    Find other ways to support Suzy

    EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

    Episode 18: Finding the Value in Sport Beyond 'Winning

    CONNECT ON SOCIAL

    Follow the Podcast on Instagram

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  • Coach Doc is back with a solo episode where we delve into the basics of exercise prescription and the importance of the FITT principle (frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise) in program design. We also introduce the 3Ps (Preference, Personal Goals, and Past Experience) as crucial factors in exercise programming and evidence-driven decision-making. These fundamentals set the foundation for a discussion on what actually matters more than reps and sets. Program adherence is the most important consideration for performance - are you doing the work as prescribed? Are you cherrying picking your workouts? Are you going too heavy too often? This matters in exercise programming and progression. We chat about training metrics and athlete monitoring. So if you find yourself so focused on the exercise selection, weight selection, training frequency, etc., that you can’t see the forest for the trees - this episode is just for you!

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Science-supported decision-making refers to an approach to exercise programming based on sound scientific best practices but also acknowledges that the athlete is the expert in their own body.

    Establishing a plan for evaluation before the programming begins helps to increase objectivity. Choosing training metrics that will help decide if a program is working is important to maintain focus.

    Patience is the key to success with any exercise program. Progression of a program should largely be based on athlete response - not simply a desire to progress it. This may lead to overtraining by increasing volume and/or intensity too quickly.

    ARE YOU READY TO OPTIMIZE YOUR STRENGTH

    Learn more about the Optimize Strength Framework

    Need some help with aligning your nutrition goals - Apply for Coaching

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    SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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  • Dr. Greg is the owner of Premier Performance and Physical Therapy. He relies on his education and experience in sports performance and exercise science to help athletes navigate injuries and return to their sport better. His model of physical therapy values individual care plans to create long-term relief. Most of his athletes have a goal of being better on the field, and you will notice that strength programming is at the core of many treatment plans. In this episode, we talk about the many different reasons an athlete might become injured or experience pain. Life stress and muscular imbalances to name a few. Dr. Greg believes that the best type of therapy to speed up the healing process is to get people moving. Having a working relationship with a sports physical therapist is a great way to help prevent some injuries and help the recovery process when injuries do occur. Through health education, Dr. Greg hopes to improve long-term results in sports performance.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Building a relationship is important when providing patient-centered care.

    Athletes tend to self-diagnose injuries and find quick-fix solutions without adequately addressing underlying issues. These nagging injuries can lead to strength and performance plateaus.

    The true goal of any therapy or strength program should be to build working capacity, not just seek instant relief.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

    Follow Dr. Greg Frye on Instagram

    Learn about Premier Performance and Physical Therapy or book an appointment

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  • How do we progress and evaluate performance in sports? Dr. Guy Hornsby discusses the concept of athlete monitoring. While it may seem like a sophisticated idea, it may not be too dissimilar from measuring outcomes on the job or in the classroom. Coach Guy is a faculty researcher and Head Coach of the West Virginia University Weightlifting Club team. He is passionate about coaching athletes and mentoring students in sport science. In this episode, we discuss the importance of long-term development in sports performance. Strength and neuromuscular adaptations occur at varying intensities based on the level of the athlete (trained vs. untrained). Some helpful insights are offered for coaches and athletes who value quality athlete development.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Fatigue management and program efficacy are the two major components of athlete monitoring. In other words, how did the athlete handle the program and did it work?

    Building the engine (i.e., strength) before pressing the gas (i.e., power) to see long-term development and strength adaptations is important.

    Coaches are role models and should lead by example when building athlete rapport. Developing this culture goes a long way toward demonstrating that coaches are there to support the athlete. This improves an athlete's buy-in.

    Collegiate sports are pivotal for athlete development and offer a unique opportunity for student-athletes, coaches, and sports scientists.

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  • Participating in sports teaches us so much about who we are as humans. The band is back together for a roundtable on athletic identity. People often define who they are by what they do. This is especially true in sports and fitness. Individuals with a strong athletic identity align their daily lives, relationships, and even education with sports. Athletic identity has its positives (e.g., social connection, purpose, leadership) and potential for negative outcomes (e.g., fear of failure, overtraining, body dissatisfaction, and burnout). Coaches and athletes should consider how to build athletic identity and promote positive tools to help athletes cope with adversity in sports, especially for those that are youth, novice, or that are highly specialized. The mental health of athletes is a complex topic. This episode pulls from the literature and adds multiple perspectives from a research and rehab standpoint.

    THE GRITTY DETAILS

    Athletes who can redefine themselves outside of their sport can maintain better mental health in the midst of injuries and setbacks.

    Athletic identity can be so strong that it causes guilt and shame when experiencing adversity in their sport. The positive training environment (i.e., facilities, coaches, and teammates) is critical for reducing negative outcomes of athletic identity.

    Everyone has the potential to be an athlete. Improving athletic identity could increase exercise adherence in some sedentary or deconditioned people.

    Coaches play an important role on changing the narrative related to athletic identity when it comes to the proper rest, rehabilitation, and recovery process following an injury.

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