#435 Michael Mash - I’d Rather Be Strong and In Pain Than Weak and In Pain

Michael Mash is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of Barbell Rehab. Known for bridging the gap between rehabilitation and strength training, Michael returns to challenge some of the most common fears surrounding injuries, barbells, and lifting heavy.In this episode, Michael joins Andrew Coates to explain what he really means when he says “I’d rather be strong and in pain than weak and in pain” — and why avoiding load, stress, and barbells often creates more problems than it solves.Rather than promoting recklessness, this conversation centers on intelligent load management, graded exposure, and the reality that strength is one of the most protective qualities we can build over a lifetime.THIS EPISODE COVERS:What Michael means by “I’d rather be strong and in pain than weak and in pain”Whether barbells are inherently riskier to train withWhy many older lifters move away from barbellsHow improper loading and barbell use can create problemsPushback against the idea that barbells are not for beginnersWhy the risk of injury from lifting is small compared to the risks of a sedentary lifestyleWhy load management and graded exposure matter most in injury rehabWhy stress is not the enemy and acts as a stimulus for durabilityAnd much moreInstagram: @barbellrehabCHAPTERS00:29 The Barbell Rehab Philosophy01:20 Debunking Barbell Myths02:44 Load Management and Injury Prevention04:13 Adapting Training for Individual Needs05:17 The Role of Barbells in Strength Training06:45 The Importance of Strength Training13:17 Sponsor Break – Train Heroic14:39 Barbells for Beginners17:58 Injury Risks and Strength Training22:48 Managing Stress and Injury Risk25:18 Obesity and Injury Risk25:45 Load Management and Client Communication26:33 King Kong Backpacks Promo27:43 Rest vs Load for Injuries32:35 Cross-Education Training37:01 Rehab Principles Across Professions42:53 The Body as a Garden, Not a Car50:22 Barbell Rehab Courses and Final ThoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped reframe how you think about pain, strength, or injury, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)Sending it to someone who is afraid to lift because of pain or injuryFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10 percent off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirstDuring setup, answer: How did you hear about us?Type: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15 percent off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90 Day Trial (2 steps)Go to: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you