Building Beasts: Strength & Conditioning with UCA’s Alex Fotioo—Hatfield Squats, Sled Work, Saunas & More

What does it take to build NFL draft picks, pro baseball players, and elite-level athletes? In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Alex Fotioo, Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Central Arkansas. With nearly a decade at UCA and a résumé that includes training NFL All-Pros and MLB draft picks, Alex shares the principles he uses to train both high-level athletes and everyday dads looking to get strong, stay mobile, and live with purpose.We cover:Hatfield squats and why they’re a game-changerSled pulls for power and longevityMobility work that actually translates to performanceSauna use for recovery and resilienceHow dads can train like athletes (without getting hurt)Whether you're an athlete, coach, or a busy dad trying to stay fit and fired up, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you train smarter and live stronger.Be on the lookout for my new workout subscription powered by TrainHeroic. The official launch is 5/17/25.