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Philosophy of Strength

by Cillian O’Connor

Personal trainer Cill O’Connor delves into all things strength training and the philosophy behind living a strong life.

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Oct 27, 2026. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. #148 Reddit Rambles 19: When to use straps and belts, fixing shoulder pain on bench, and deadlifting after back injury.

    Coaching enquiries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform

  2. #147 Back Pain 101: How to start recovering and get back to what you love

    Dealing with back pain and not sure where to start? In this episode, I break down when to get checked, how to exercise with pain, and how to gradually get back to the things you love. Coaching enquiries:...

  3. #146 Reddit Rambles 18: Overcoming fear of re-injury, when to cut or bulk, and the problem with 1RM estimators.

    Interested in working with me? : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform

  4. #145 Reddit Rambles 17: Exercises for rotator cuff pain, is pain in back rehab normal, and is it progress if you add weight but drop reps?

    Coaching enquiries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform

  5. #144 Back pain: How much should you lift, and when to add weight

    In this episode, I use the Goldilocks porridge analogy to explain how to find your 'just right': enough training to build strength without repeatedly flaring your back up. I cover how to judge your response, when to progress, and what to do when you’ve overdone it. Coaching enquiries:...

  6. #143 Reddit Rambles 16: When to add weight, ego lifting, and back pain on belt squats

    Another now infamous Q&A episode Interested in coaching? Enquire here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform

  7. #142 What really fixed my knee pain

    For a year, my knee pain got worse when I thought I was fixing it. In this episode, I share how chasing perfect form and the wrong rehab advice kept me stuck and what actually helped me turn the corner. I'll walk you through what I think caused the injury, why fear and fixation slowed me down…

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  8. #141 Reddit Rambles 15: How to break strength plateaus, returning to full intensity after injury, and programming for disc bulges

    A return to answering questions from Reddit. Interested in enquiring about coaching? : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform

  9. #140 Will getting stronger help your back pain?

    You might have heard some people say that back pain is all down to weak muscles. Other says lifting weights is the cause of back pain or that it does very little for it. I break down the facts behind these statements, who strength training is likely to help with their pain or not, and how you can...

  10. #139 Rick Nally and I answer your questions

    Rick and I answer your questions on strength and conditioning, nutrition, running, hybrid training, and pain and injury. Coaching for Non-Influencers seminar: https://mailchi.mp/2c814065f78b/coaching-for-non-influencers

  11. #138 Dave Hagerty talks high performance in your thirties

    Myself and Dave delve into the keys to enjoying and succeeding with your training in your thirties and beyond - plus some general philosophical discussion about life. Make sure to follow Dave on Instagram @dr.dave.strengthandkindness

  12. #137 Tony Gentilcore on writing, simple training, and nuance in fitness.

    Tony Gentilcore is a highly experienced coach who has worked with athletes and general population to get them stronger and out of pain. He is well known in particular for his writing through both articles and books in the fitness space that help people get the most from their training. Visit the...

  13. #136 Dean Somerset on how to succeed in coaching

    In this episode I’m joined by Dean Somerset to break down what actually leads to success as a coach. We talk about why coaches get stuck, the gap between theory and real-world coaching, and what to focus on if you want to build a career that lasts. Visit the site here:...

  14. #135 Melody Schoenfeld talks vegan diet myths, strongman, AI in fitness, and more.

    Melody Schoenfeld has over 30 years coaching experience and has been voted NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year in 2019. In this episode we discuss vegan diet myths, strongman for average joes, AI in the fitness industry, and the industry's tactic of making women feel insecure to sell products.…

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  15. #134 Compound vs isolation exercises: how to use them properly

    I break down the difference between compound and isolation exercises, and more importantly, how to actually use them in your training. We’ll cover what each type of exercise is good for, the common mistakes people make, and how to structure your sessions so you’re not wasting time on things that...

  16. #133 Reddit Rambles 14: Doing everything right but no progress, convincing your significant other to get healthy, and how to measure muscle gain.

    Interested in working with me? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform?usp=header

  17. #132 Reddit Rambles 12: Stalling on overhead press, gaining weight after starting training, and waking in the middle of the night.

    Apply for a coaching consultation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform?usp=header

  18. #131 Why the smartest people need the simplest plans.

    A lot of smart people struggle with lifting because they overthink every decision. They try to optimise the perfect plan, jump between programmes, and end up making no real progress. In this episode, I break down why overthinking happens and what actually matters for getting stronger. You’ll…

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  19. #130: Reddit Rambles 11: Proper gym clothing, back strength imbalances, and lack of motivation.

    Online coaching information: https://mailchi.mp/9cb0bf374e72/online-coaching

  20. #129 Reddit Ramble 10: Non-linear bench progress, intermediate strength standards, and 'suboptimal' training splits.

    In Reddit Rambles, I answer questions from the various fitness-related subreddits. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend!

  21. #128 From first client to full-time coach: our path to online coaching, and business tips

    In this episode, myself and Rick Nally dive into how we landed our very first coaching jobs, navigated the ups and downs of the fitness industry, and ultimately made the leap to full-time online coaching. Tune in for candid stories and the essential business lessons we've learned along the way....

  22. #127 The pros and cons of sport science education and strength and conditioning, with Rick Nally

    Myself and fellow online coach Rick Nally reflect on our younger years in sport science education and strength and conditioning - and whether it was useful for becoming professional coaches.

  23. #126 Not every season is a peak: lifting when life gets messy.

    What if your best training week isn’t the one where you hit a PB… but the one where you didn’t quit? In this episode, I explore what progress looks like for me when life is messy and my results are subpar.

  24. #125 Maximising strength on a two-day schedule - how to make full-body training work for your busy life

    Think two days a week isn’t enough to get strong? Think again. In this episode I break down how to build a full-body program on just two days per week, why it actually works better than you’d think, and the key mistakes to avoid. I’ll share real client examples, outline a sample structure, and…

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  25. #124 Reddit rambles 9: Toning, S&C for BJJ, and plateaus.

    Book your free coaching consult here: https://calendly.com/cill-cillianoconnor/consultation

  26. #123 How to form healthy habits

    In this podcast I discuss: - Why habits are so important - Why we struggle with them so much - What types of habits to choose - The strategies that allow us to succeed Book a call to see if I could help you finally nail your habits to reach your goals:...

  27. #122 Reddit Rambles 8: Is incline bench vs flat, figuring out your fiber type, and the best beginner split.

    Book a free coaching consult with me: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyCWJ7qHqFpoOKYDiEkU1ihERxpQGLzN1tXT0e33ppVuHx_A/viewform

  28. #121 Why this coach got coached: the strength gains he never expected.

    Cheyne is an exercise physiologist, coach, and fellow metalhead who came to me looking for help taking the mental load of programming off his plate, balancing training with work and life, and becoming a better coach for his own clients. In this episode, we dive into how we got him progressing...

  29. #120 How to become an online coach

    I break down the important things to consider for getting into online coaching

  30. #119 I attempted a nuzlocke of Pokemon Fire Red

    Nuzlockes are a specific challenge designed to make the Pokemon games more challenging. The rules are pretty simple: 1. If a Pokemon faints, it's considered dead / not usable again 2. You may only catch the first Pokemon you meet on each route 3. You must nickname every Pokemon If you've done…

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  31. #118 Reddit Rambles 7 - Being weak at curls, starting weight for deadlifts, and elbow pain on tricep work.

    Book an online coaching consultation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyCWJ7qHqFpoOKYDiEkU1ihERxpQGLzN1tXT0e33ppVuHx_A/viewform

  32. #117 Award-winning coach Conor Galgey on the 5 habits of successful trainers

    Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/cill-cillianoconnor/consultation

  33. #116 Alex Sterner on training with pain, S&C for jiu jitsu, and science-based clickbait

    Get your free copy of The Plateau Breaking Bible by signing up to the newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/fe5aa1452f25/subscribenow

  34. #115 Gym etiquette 101: Stop being THAT person

    Book a consultation for online coaching with me: https://calendly.com/cill-cillianoconnor/consultation

  35. #114 6 things beginner coaches NEED to know

    The course: https://www.cillianoconnor.net/single-post/beyond-the-textbook 4 spaces left as of this being posted. Intake closes on Wednesday 11 June, at midnight Irish time.

  36. #113 Reddit Rambles 6: AI taking our jobs, is protein overrated, and why eating healthy is hard.

    Sign up for Beyond The Textbook pre-sale: https://mailchi.mp/b22b38575d76/beyond-the-textbook-course

  37. #112 Top 5 Death Metal Albums

    Myself and Ian's picks for our 5 favourite death metal albums. You can find all the albums in this playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ErPjRiFG1bO4lh9nZSGM5?si=64dac05a5bae4d03

  38. #111 Reddit Rambles 5: Worst client excuses, alternatives to back squats, and managing leg DOMS

    Get my free beginner programme by subscribing to the newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/fe5aa1452f25/subscribenow

  39. #110 GAME REVIEW: The Last Of Us

    My impression of the first part of this classic video game series.

  40. #109 Megadeth Discography Retrospective

    I give a full breakdown of one of my favourite heavy metal bands' discography, along with the history of the band itself.

  41. #108 How to get a stronger deadlift

    Book a free consultation call before Friday 21st March: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyCWJ7qHqFpoOKYDiEkU1ihERxpQGLzN1tXT0e33ppVuHx_A/viewform

  42. #107 Will Ratelle and Angus Bradley discuss RPE

    RPE stands for 'Rating of Perceived Exertion'. It has gained popularity year on year within the lifting community as a means of approximating intensity/proximity to failure. However many have criticised it for its accuracy and utility with beginners. Angus and Will are two coaches on the cutting...

  43. #106 Reddit Rambles 4: Anti-ageing foods, are deadlifts a back exercise, and how many days for abs

    DM me on Instagram for online coaching info: https://www.instagram.com/dysfunctionalpatterns/

  44. #105 Adam Meakins talks physio misinformation and evidence based practice

    Follow Adam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adammeakins/ Adam's website: https://www.thesports.physio/

  45. #104 How Conor fixed his back pain

    Conor came to me with recurring back pain that was preventing him from being able to run, and do basic things like play with his kids. Here's what we did to get him stronger than ever and out of pain.

  46. #102 How I rehabbed my back injury

    Over a year and a half, I experienced numerous setbacks of back pain and nerve issues. From having to go back to the empty bar on squats and deadlifts, to building back up to where I'm at now, this is what I've learned so far. If you want to try strength training for your own back pain, you can...

  47. #101 How to become a personal trainer

    I give you advice on who personal training is and is not for, and the most viable paths for creating a career in this highly saturated field.

  48. #100 Reddit Rambles 2: Machines-only training, shin pain in running, and how to approach rest days.

    I do a 2nd round of answering the sometimes silly yet often relatable questions of the various fitness subreddits. As well as some musing about my thoughts on hitting 100 episodes.

  49. #99 Reddit rambles: Full body vs PPL, arching in the squat, and dealing with client nutrition struggles

    I give my take on some questions from the various fitness related subreddits.

About this show

Personal trainer Cill O’Connor delves into all things strength training and the philosophy behind living a strong life.

Hosted by

Cillian O’Connor

Categories

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Philosophy of Strength have?

Philosophy of Strength has 147 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on November 4, 2026.

What is Philosophy of Strength about?

Personal trainer Cill O’Connor delves into all things strength training and the philosophy behind living a strong life.

How often does Philosophy of Strength release new episodes?

Philosophy of Strength publishes every two weeks, based on its 147 episodes since April 2020.

Who hosts Philosophy of Strength?

Philosophy of Strength is created and hosted by Cillian O’Connor.
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