The Modern Athlete Podcast

In this episode, Coach Jimmy answers some of the most common training questions we get from athletes and the Warfighter community. From strength training frequency and exercise selection to dynamic effort work, conditioning, and recovery, we break down what actually matters.The biggest theme is simple: training doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Consistency, progression, and executing the basics well will take you a long way.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

Getting injured doesn't mean your training has to stop.In this episode, Coach Jimmy breaks down how to keep making progress when setbacks happen. Using a real client success story, he discusses why the best athletes focuses on what they can do instead of dwelling on what they can't. From swapping exercises and using different conditioning modalities to shifting your focus toward aerobic development and long-term consistency, you'll learn practical strategies to stay on track without making your injury worse.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

Motivation comes and goes. Accountability and consistency are what keep you moving forward.In this episode, Coach Jimmy discusses practical ways to stay disciplined even when life gets busy. From setting weekly standards and lowering the barrier to training, to putting events on the calendar and finding accountability partners, this episode is packed with simple strategies that help you keep showing up.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

This week, Coach Jimmy breaks down one of the most overlooked pieces of program design: the annual training plan.Whether you're preparing for hunting season, Hyrox, a tactical selection, or simply trying to get in the best shape of your life, your training should be driven by a goal, not random workouts. Coach Jimmy discusses how to build a year-long plan, organize training into purposeful phases, and perform a needs analysis so every session moves you closer to your objective.He also highlights why having a clear target improves consistency, accountability, and long-term results. Stop jumping from program to program and start training with intent.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

In this episode of the Modern Athlete Podcast, Coach Jimmy discusses how to train around injuries without losing momentum. Learn how to modify your program, focus on what you can do, and keep making progress instead of letting setbacks derail your training.Coach Jimmy also covers why coaching, consistency, and the right mindset are key to long-term success.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

Hunting season starts long before opening day. In this episode, Coach Jimmy breaks down the physical qualities every hunter should develop to perform better in the field and reduce the risk of injury. From building an aerobic base to improving single-leg strength and carrying heavy loads, to prepare your body for the demands of hunting season.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

Whether you're new to structured training, getting back into a consistent routine, or looking to build a stronger foundation, Warfighter Foundations was built for you. In this episode, Coach Jimmy breaks down who the program is designed for, how the 12-week plan is structured, and why developing strength, conditioning, and movement quality sets you up for long-term success.Build Your Base Here: Warfighter FoundationsNot on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

Your best performance doesn't define you. Your worst day does. In this episode, we discuss the concept of raising the floor versus raising the ceiling, why training for consistent performance matters, and how building a higher baseline prepares you for whatever life throws your way. Coach Jimmy also touches on key Warfighter Conjugate updates and answer common programming questions.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

What does it actually take for a tactical athlete to be ready on their worst day?In this talk from the Long Island Tactical Clinic, Coach Jimmy breaks down the "Performance on Demand" philosophy: how military, law enforcement, firefighters, and prepared individuals stay ready while juggling busy schedules, limited equipment, and no off-season.He covers the eight components of human performance, the most common gaps he sees in tactical training (warm-up, power, speed & agility, posterior chain, odd-object lifting, grip, core bracing, and neck), and the system Modern Athlete built to solve the "I missed a training day" problem: the BOA System - Build, Output, Armor.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

Coach Jimmy breaks down the new Warfighter Conjugate cycle and explains the reasoning behind the program design. From dynamic effort work and max effort lifts to conditioning and exercise selection, this is your walk through for Week 1 of training.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

What gear is actually worth having in your training bag? Coach Jimmy breaks down the equipment he uses every week, from footwear and lifting gear to heart rate monitors and velocity trackers. Learn what tools can support your training, when they're useful, and why fundamentals always matter more than equipment. Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

In this episode, we break down the upcoming Warfighter training cycle and explain exactly how the new system is structured. We cover the goals behind the program, how we’re developing strength, power, conditioning, and hypertrophy simultaneously, and how the Build, Output, Armor (BOA) system allows athletes to scale training around real life demands. We also dive into the conditioning progression, conjugate structure, and what athletes can expect over the next 12 weeks.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

In this episode, we break down the 6 Core Standards of Warfighter and why we use them to measure performance. We cover testing week, identifying weaknesses, and how these standards help build a stronger, more complete tactical athlete.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

Most athletes either train strength, conditioning, or power. Tactical professionals need all three. In this episode, we explain how we use conjugate style training inside a concurrent training model to develop complete athletes. From dynamic effort work to exercise rotation and recovery management, we cover how to make the system actually work for real-world performance.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

Building a home gym doesn’t need to be complicated. In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Howell to break down how to prioritize equipment, maximize space, and build a gym that actually delivers results.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

If you’re rolling multiple times per week but not adjusting your training, you’re setting yourself up to feel run down. In this episode, we cover how to structure strength and conditioning for Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on building your gas tank, improving strength and power, and managing overall workload so you can train consistently without breaking downNot on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

If your training isn’t working, it’s not random, you’re missing something. In this episode, we walk through common athlete problems and exactly how to fix them, from poor conditioning to lack of structure and program hopping. The goal is simple: identify your weak link, attack it, and build a more complete, job-ready athlete. Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

If you’re not assessing, you’re guessing. We introduce the Readiness Standard, a five-event test designed for tactical athletes to evaluate total fitness across multiple domains. This episode breaks down each event and shows how to use your results to drive smarter training. Find your weak points and start training what actually matters.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

Stop overthinking substitutions. This episode explains how to train within total body, lower body, and upper body categories so you can adjust on the fly without losing effectiveness. Understand the system, match the intent, and keep moving forward.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

On this episode of the Modern Athlete Podcast, we break down how to run effective group PT sessions by focusing on what actually matters: group size, time, space, and equipment. When sessions are organized, consistent, and intentional, you get better outcomes and better buy-in across the board.Start Training on Warfighter Here

We've seen thousands of athletes train.   We also see the same mistake happen over and over again.  Here are the top ones.  And here's how to correct them.Not on Warfighter?  Join the team here.

The Build, Output, Armor (BOA) System is how we maximize training gains, provide a scalable solution for people who have 3, 4, 5, or 6 days a week to train, and manage weekly recovery.In this episode we are diving into what BOA is and answering frequently asked questions from the Warfighter training team.Read the Full BOA Article HereStart Training on Warfighter Here

In this episode of the Modern Athlete Podcast, Coach Jimmy sits down with Harry Walker, founder of Warhorse Athletics, Marine Corps Infantry veteran, wildland firefighter, and elite Strongman competitor.Harry breaks down how Strongman training carries over to tactical performance, why sandbags, carries, neck training, grip strength, and sprint work matter for military, law enforcement, firefighters, and other tactical athletes, and how he balances high-level competition with physically demanding real-world jobs.They also dive into the difference between training for Strongman competition and using Strongman methods for tactical strength and conditioning, why rounded-back lifting is often misunderstood, how to build real-world durability, and why speed, explosiveness, and movement quality are critical for operational performance.If you're a tactical athlete, strength coach, firefighter, military professional, or someone who wants to build real-world strength that actually transfers outside the gym, this episode is packed with practical insight.Start Training FREE

Brian and Jimmy go in depth about what to expect on the new cycle, how to build to a one rep max, and our framework for managing weekly training fatigue, the BOA System.If you're not training with us and want to hop on the next cycle...Try a free week of Warfighter

In this episode, Coach Jimmy and dietitian Erik Grohmann discuss the Warfighter annual training plan for athletes, focusing on the integration of nutrition and training. They explore the importance of injury recovery, body composition goals, nutrient distribution, caloric intake, and the significance of consistency in nutrition. The conversation also delves into energy systems, carbohydrate timing, and recovery strategies, emphasizing the need for a solid nutritional foundation to optimize performance.Start Training Here

Coach Jimmy interviews Derek Poundstone, a former World's Strongest Man competitor, 3x America's Strongest Man, 2x Arnold Classic strongman winner, and law enforcement officer. They discuss Derek's journey into strongman competitions, the balance between his athletic career and law enforcement, and the mental resilience required to succeed in both fields. Derek shares insights on training philosophy, the importance of time management, and the role of deadlifts in strength training. He emphasizes the need to push through negative internal dialogues and the evolution of training as one ages. The conversation concludes with reflections on finding purpose through strength and the lessons learned from his experiences.Follow Derek on InstagramStart Training with Modern Athlete

Dr. Seth Haselhuhn breaks down why mental performance for tactical professionals isn't the same as sport psychology—and why "tactical athlete" is a misleading term.Seth is a mental performance coach working with special operations and tactical professionals. In this conversation, we cover:• Why there are no metrics for combat (and what that means for training)• The difference between sport IQ and tactical IQ• What actually happens after the gunfight—the conversations most people don't have• How to carry weight you can't put down• Why clear goals + feedback beats motivation every time• Domain-specific mental skills vs generic mental toughnessSeth's been working with the SOF community for over 10 years. He's a PhD in sport pedagogy with a background that spans strength & conditioning, college baseball coaching, and tactical psychology.Key quote: "Guys in special operations have already demonstrated better mental toughness than most people. They don't need rah-rah motivation—they need specific skills for specific problems."CONNECT WITH SETH:Instagram: @caliber_development_groupWARFIGHTER PROGRAM:Join 700+ tactical professionals training smart: https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/workout-plan/team/modern-athlete-strength-solutions?attrib=260991-pod

In this episode of the Modern Athlete Podcast, Coach Jimmy sits down with Justin Bentivegna, a longtime friend, training partner, and fellow strength coach, to unpack what effective training really looks like for tactical professionals and athletes across different stages of life.The conversation centers on the idea that training principles should stay constant, but methods must adapt to the individual. Justin emphasizes that whether you’re coaching college athletes or seasoned tactical operators, you’re always training humans first. The art of coaching lies in meeting people where they are—physically, psychologically, and professionally—rather than forcing rigid systems onto them.Key themes include:Principles over philosophy: Core training principles remain stable, but exercise selection, communication style, and programming must evolve based on the athlete’s age, experience, and job demands.Ground-based, compound movements as the foundation of performance, with an emphasis on front squats, pull-ups, overhead pressing, and total-body strength.Relative strength, power, speed, and force absorption as major gaps in tactical training—often overlooked in favor of only max strength or endurance.High–low programming models to manage CNS fatigue while balancing lifting, sprinting, intervals, and long-duration conditioning.Conditioning beyond mileage, blending short, intense interval work with aerobic base development.Swimming as a technical skill, where improved general fitness often carries over without excessive pool volume for non-swimmers.Fatherhood and longevity in training, with Justin framing fitness as stewardship, protection, leadership by example, and “training your replacement.”Culture as people and leadership, with elite cultures built through consistent values, integrity, and shared standards—not slogans.The episode closes with Justin discussing his current training focus for a HYROX competition, using classic accumulation → intensification → realization → peaking phases, and reinforcing that smart, adaptable programming applies whether you’re training for competition, duty, or life.Follow on IGTrain Here

In this episode, Coach Jimmy and Chris Conroy discuss the importance of maintaining health and fitness as a father. They explore Chris's journey with the '100 Days of Healthy' challenge, his upcoming Ironman training, and the balance between family life and personal fitness goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability in training, the significance of leading by example, and the mental health benefits of staying active. Chris shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to prioritize health while managing the responsibilities of fatherhood. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of planning and consistency in training, the challenges of waking up early, and the balance between training and life responsibilities. They emphasize the need for motivation and the significance of finding a routine that works for each individual. The discussion also touches on the enjoyment of training and the importance of discipline in achieving fitness goals while maintaining a fulfilling life.Follow Chris here:  Instagram

The Annual Plan is how you build ALL physical qualities over the course of a year.  When you build everything at once, nothing ever becomes the priority.  This is how we build elite strength and conditioning while keeping athletes healthy over the course of year.Start training here:  https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/workout-plan/team/modern-athlete-strength-solutions?attrib=260991-pod

Listener Q&A episode where we will discuss how to set goals, staying consistent on your training, rep ranges for specific results, and more!

Being able to properly brace your body and create as stable of a platform as possible is necessary to lift heavier loads - and to stay safe while doing so.  In this episode, our coaching staff dives into the exact methods you can use to lift heavier weight more safely and efficiently.

We're looking back on what we've done in 2026 and talking plans for what the next year holds.  In this episode Jimmy and Brian also discuss how their views of coaching may have changed and how that influences the next chapter of Modern Athlete.Sign up for Warfighter by January 4th, select the annual plan, and save over 50% on training:  Sign Up Here

Alexz Jones is a Green Beret and USPSA Grandmaster - the highest possible classification within the sport.This episode delves into the world of tactical training, focusing on the integration of athleticism and performance on demand.The conversation highlights how traditional athletic training methods can be adapted for tactical athletes, emphasizing injury prevention and cognitive performance. Key insights include the role of speed and agility in tactical scenarios, the significance of training versatility, and the impact of social media on training perceptions.Ready to train?  Get started here.

In this episode of the Modern Athlete Podcast, we interview Jon Heck, a former NFL strength and conditioning coach and competitive athlete. Jon shares his journey from a football background to becoming a strength and nutrition coach, emphasizing the important role nutrition plays in maximizing the results of training.Follow Jon on Instagram: @what_the_heck71Follow Jon on YouTube: Hammer and Chisel PerformanceStart Training with Modern Athlete:  Warfighter Training Team

Strength, Hypertrophy, Conditioning - all wrapped up inside our newest cycle on Warfighter.Start Here:  Warfighter

We've worked with thousands of athletes at Modern Athlete, and we've narrowed down what we believe to be the top 5 things generally missing from programs these days.  If your goal is peak performance - make sure you are addressing these!Start Training Today:  Warfighter

How do you get the most out of athletes?  George Greene has seen it all from working with athletes on the collegiate level to tactical professionals in Special Operations.  Proud to bring our friend, George Greene, onto the podcast.

Coach Jimmy and Andy discuss their latest prep for a powerlifting meet in which Jimmy took first place and set a new state record in the deadlift.  These two experienced competitors talk about how they structured their training to prepare and how they peaked on meet day.Start Training Here:  Join Warfighter Free

You guys know how much we love the Tier System for tactical athletes.  Today's episode is special - we have the creator of the Tier System, Coach Joe Kenn (aka Big House) to talk about getting strong, well-conditioned, and performing at the top of your game.  This is a must listen for anyone who needs to perform at elite levels.You can follow Coach Kenn on Instagram here:  @bighousepowerStart training FREE on Warfighter:  Start Here

Many of our athletes train out of their home gym or have aspirations to build a kick ass home gym.  Prioritizing how you want to set it up to get the most bang for your buck can be tough.  This episode we break down exactly what you need to get started.Start training here:  Warfighter Free Week

Stew Smith is one of the originals in tactical strength and conditioning - developing programs for aspiring Special Operations candidates and many more before tactical strength and conditioning was even a thing.  Listen to Stew and Jimmy talk about his time in BUD/S and how he trains aspiring candidates today.Start Training Here:  Warfighter

Tactical athletes will never have perfect conditions at all times.  Sometimes you find yourself away from your standard gym equipment and must amend training to what you have on hand.  That's expected and we must find better way to stay consistent on our programming.  In this episode we discuss how you can amend your regular training to limited equipment variations and still achieve the training intent.Start Training Free:  Warfighter

Professional lacrosse athlete and Nike sponsored athlete, Max Adler, joins us on the podcast.  Max has had a beast of a lacrosse career but continues to find way to train hard and keep purpose in his training since hanging the cleats up.  Whether you're a sports athlete or tactical athlete, we all need to find ways to keep "the why" in our training.  Here's what Max has to say about that.Ready to train?  Join Warfighter Free

How important is training?  That depends...What happens if you fail?  In this episode we are discussing finding greater purpose behind your training.  How high should our standard be?  And how do we stay committed?Start Training FREE on Warfighter:  Join Warfighter

Elite performers adopt systems...they don't hop from program to program with no logical order.  People who are serious about building strength, power, and endurance concurrently don't just need another program, they need a system that evolves as they become more advanced in their training.  In this episode we'll jump into the difference between programs and systems and how you can apply systems in your life.Train on Warfighter:  Join HereWarfighter: Foundations (Novice Program): Download Warfighter: FoundationsWant to Work with Us 1:1? Apply for 1:1 CoachingJoin Our Free Community on Skool: Click Here

Want to add running to your program without burning out?  Tune in to this episode and we use Warfighter as an example of exactly how to do this.Join Warfighter:  Warfighter Free TrialApply for 1:1 Training:  Apply Here

We break down the day to day training on the newest cycle of Warfighter, Ironclad.Don't forget to use code IRONCLAD to grab 50% off Warfighter.Join Warfighter Here:  Start My Free TrialWarfighter + Mobility Bundle:  Join HereWant to Work 1:1 With Us?  Apply Here

Jimmy and I jump into the methods of how our athletes are hitting new PRs but at their leanest and lighted body composition.Want to work 1:1 with Jimmy?  Apply HereJoin Warfighter: Start My Free TrialWarfighter + Mobility Bundle:  Start My Free Trial

In this episode, I reflect on their past training experiences and share valuable insights on strength and conditioning. I emphasize the importance of focusing on fundamental movements, maintaining consistency over intensity, and understanding nutrition's role in performance. I also highlight the significance of tracking progress and the benefits of coaching to maximize training potential.Apply for 1:1 Coaching:  365 Forged - Modern Athlete Strength SystemsStart Training on Warfighter:  Warfighter Free Trial