Athlete Builder Ep. 133: Chris Smith. Building Elite Athletes

🔥 From the Weight Room to Life: Building Elite Athletes with Chris Smith 🔥 In this episode of Athlete Builder, we sit down with Christopher Smith, Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year at Warren Central HS, to break down what it really takes to develop elite athletes — mentally, physically, and spiritually. Chris shares how training becomes therapy, why confidence is built through reps, and how his PVO (Positive Vibes Only) mindset is transforming young athletes every day. 💥 In this episode, we cover: The 5 traits of elite athletes Why process beats instant gratification How to build real confidence through training The power of energy, leadership, and example Chris' 5 A's system for accountability Mental performance tools: visualization, recovery, and resets Why fear is just energy — and how to use it 🧠 This isn't just about lifting weights… it's about building discipline, identity, and purpose. ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Background 02:30 College Mindset & Intentionality 05:00 Welcome to College Football Moment 07:00 Coaching Identity & Values 10:00 Winning vs Development 14:00 Training as Therapy 18:00 Building Confidence 21:00 Coaching Young Athletes 25:00 Elite Mindset Framework 30:00 Physical Performance Framework 34:00 Fear, Faith & Resilience 38:00 Leadership & Energy 41:00 PVO & 5 A's System 46:00 Training Philosophy 52:00 Influences & Favorites 58:00 Ownership & Discipline 01:05:00 Final Takeaways 👇 Connect with Chris: Instagram: @ctaki_44 | @pvo317 📩 Want to level up your mindset? Check out the Mental Edge Academy → Reach out at [email protected] 💪 If you're serious about becoming a better athlete — or building one — this episode is a must-watch. #AthleteBuilder #StrengthAndConditioning #MentalPerformance #Coaching #Mindset #PVO #Discipline #AthleteDevelopment AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!