Strength Coach Collective

Dr. Lon Kilgore explains why "perfect technique" doesn't exist—and what actually matters for strength development.In this episode of the "Strength Coach Collective" podcast, host Kenny Markwardt sits down with Kilgore, author of "Anatomy Without a Scalpel" and co-author (with Mark Rippetoe) of "Starting Strength."Lon, a veteran strength coach with over 50 years of experience, shares lessons from his decades in in the gym, as well as his time as a professor and an athlete who’s still competing into his 60s.Kilgore explains the importance of coaching cues clients can understand, how to balance technique with loading, and how human variation in limb length and body type should influence training technique.He also discusses strategies for improving VO2 max and what masters athletes can teach coaches about strength development.Whether you’re a young coach looking for clarity or a veteran searching for new perspectives, Lon’s stories and experience offer wisdom you can use immediately.It doesn't matter if you're coaching beginners or elite athletes; this episode is full of practical insights on individualizing technique and programming based on real-world evidence.LinksStrength Coach Collective0:47 - Using terminology people understand12:11 - Better coaching cues17:06 - Strength versus technique38:54 - Improving VO2 max45:36 - Age and training volume

Is performance in the gym the goal or simply a tool to live better in the outside world?In today’s episode, eight-time CrossFit Games competitor and former CrossFit Seminar Staff member Chris Spealler discusses his evolution from high-intensity daily training to sustainable "Adventure Preparedness Programming."Chris breaks down his 12-week programming blocks and explains why his gym, Park City Fit, focuses on serving adventure-loving athletes who want to better enjoy outdoor activities like skiing rather than compete in fitness. He explains how to keep clients motivated long term, how to adjust coaching strategies as athletes’ needs evolve and why teaching fundamentals never goes out of style. "Speal" also talks about what it takes to balance the demands of family, business and personal training, and he offers advice for coaches who want to build sustainable, fulfilling careers.LinksStrength Coach Collective0:30 - Programming from 2016 to now8:44 - Handling transitions with members19:24 - Benchmarks for progress34:15 - Spealler’s program design46:49 - Scaling for clients’ needs

Today on the “Strength Coach Collective,” host Kenny Markwardt sits down with Pamela Gagnon, former Division 1 gymnast, longtime CrossFit coach and the co-creator of Performance Plus Programming.Pamela explains her “playground approach” to coaching—breaking complex skills into their fun components and strength elements—and shares practical mobility strategies that take just minutes a day.She gives new coaches tips for working with clients, such as using simple language (“make a turtle shell” instead of “retract your scapula”) and focusing on 1% daily improvements rather than end goals that create frustration. Kenny and Pamela also discuss coaching older populations and how gymnastics fundamentals such as balance and getting up from the floor become critical life skills as we age.Whether you're working with nervous beginners, competitive athletes or older adults, Pamela's approach can help you teach movement skills safely without overcomplicating coaching.LinksStrength Coach Collective1:19 - Pamela’s journey into gymnastics8:10 - Injury prevention and recovery23:46 - Coaching skill progression34:25 - Gymnastics for older athletes48:07 - What is Performance Plus?

The one-size-fits-all approach to fitness coaching is no more. Enter blood biomarkers: the next frontier in truly individualizing client training programs.Today on the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, Kenny Markwardt sits down with Ash Anwar from Molecular You to explore how comprehensive blood analysis is revolutionizing fitness coaching.While traditional medical tests look at a handful of diagnostic markers after problems develop, Molecular You analyzes 288 biomarkers to catch issues early.In this episode, you’ll learn how biomarkers can transform your coaching by giving you insight into:Resilience—if clients are overtraining or recovering from exercise stress.Energy systems—moving beyond V02 max to determine how efficiently the body shifts between aerobic and anaerobic fuel sources.Cognitive performance—levels of brain plasticity and neuroprotection, showing how exercise literally makes clients smarter.Ash also shares recommendations for testing frequency and explains how coaches can stay within their scope of practice. Listen to find out how molecular-level data can help you optimize programming for each client’s unique physiology.LinksStrength Coach Collective1:32 - How biomarkers relate to fitness20:02 - Top biomarkers for coaches29:22 - Fitness and cognitive ability 40:44 - Molecular You’s process51:16 - Recommended testing frequency

In this episode, Kenny Markwardt sits down with Dr. Zach Long—a board-certified sports physical therapist who believes injured athletes should use the gym, not leave it.Long, aka “The Barbell Physio,” explains when coaches should modify training versus refer out and how trainers can build relationships with the right medical professionals. He also offers practical tips for training athletes through pain and injury. The pair discuss what separates quality gyms from mediocre ones, from optimal coach-to-athlete ratios to common programming mistakes.Long also tackles coaching misconceptions such as “never lift overhead” and “don't squat below 90 degrees,” explaining why these myths can cause more harm than good. Check out the full conversation for actionable strategies you can use to keep your athletes training safely through injuries and setbacks.LinksStrength Coach Collective2:46 - Good versus bad gyms5:18 - Common programming mistakes21:55 - When should coaches refer out?33:31 - Preventing injuries for beginners42:52 - Debunking fitness myths

Think teaching Olympic lifts requires 20 different cues? Think again.Today on the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, Chris Guerrero sits down with Mike Cerbus, a multi-time USA Weightlifting National Championship medalist and head weightlifting coach for Power Monkey Fitness. With nearly 30 years under the bar and more than 15 years serving the fitness community, Mike shares his approach to technical excellence and long-term athletic development.He breaks down his "feet, hands and eyes" framework for teaching any squat variation, explaining how three contact points create the foundation for everything from back squats to Olympic lifts.Chris and Mike also discuss applying rate of perceived exertion (RPE) effectively, balancing technical excellence with engaging training and knowing when to refer out to other specialists.Whether you're working with beginners or elite athletes, Mike’s approach can help you build movement awareness without overcomplicating coaching.LinksStrength Coach Collective2:14 - Simplification in coaching15:26 - Common technical faults23:16 - Olympic lifts with general population34:26 - What separates good from great44:59 - Tips to improve how clients move

Today on the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, host Chris Guerrero is joined by Dave Durante, a multiple-time USA Gymnastics national champion, alternate in the 2008 Summer Olympics and co-founder of Power Monkey Fitness. In this episode, Dave explains how Power Monkey brings together experts in gymnastics, weightlifting, endurance and mobility to help coaches sharpen their craft, regardless of their method or the level of their athletes. According to Dave, every advanced skill is based on an understanding of body shapes and static positions, and he believes spotting is one of the fastest ways to build trust and confidence in athletes.You’ll also hear his take on what really makes a great coach: how traits such as curiosity, empathy and patience separate the good from the great and matter just as much as technical knowledge.If you’re looking to grow as a coach and build a system that prioritizes long‑term success over short‑term gains, tune in to hear the full conversation.LinksStrength Coach Collective2:05 - Scaling Power Monkey8:51 - Integrating gymnastics principles20:27 - Multidisciplinary training34:52 - Going from athlete to coach 37:18 - Gymnastics and longevity47:24 - 2 traits of great coaches

In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” Chris Cooper and Kenny Markwardt dive into "Help Best"—Chris' first book dedicated entirely to coaching, co-authored with Kenny and three other top Two-Brain mentors.While most coaching books focus on specific methods, this one focuses on results.Chris and Kenny explain why "method obsession" is holding coaches back and how the Prescriptive Model creates better outcomes for clients, whether you're coaching CrossFit, Pilates or anything else.They share their own coaching failures (such as making an NHL goalie vomit halfway through a workout) and explain why great coaches must focus on individual client needs rather than force everyone into the same program.Ready to level up your coaching with a client-centric approach? Tune in and then get “Help Best”—and Chris’ other titles—for free from Aug. 4 to 8, 2025, via the link below. LinksChris Cooper's Author PageStrength Coach Collective0:52 - Why write a book for coaches?10:31 - Client-centric coaching17:32 - Two-Brain’s coach development plan20:24 - Coaching in an evolving industry25:14 - Key takeaway from “Help Best”

Coaching has evolved—and programming must evolve with it.Today on the “Strength Coach Collective,” host Kenny Markwardt sits down with HWPO Affiliate head coach Michele Letendre to talk about what effective programming looks like in today’s gyms. They explore how program design has shifted over the years and what gym owners and coaches need to do to stay relevant in an increasingly educated, wellness-focused market.Michele shares how her experience as a competitive CrossFit athlete and programmer helped shape HWPO’s current multi-track approach. She explains how thoughtful program design—including blending strength cycles, aerobic development, accessory work and skill-specific blocks—creates better adherence, engagement and results.Michele also breaks down polarized training and explains why recovery is becoming just as important as intensity.Tune in to hear Michele’s tips for building smarter programming and staying ahead in a changing industry.LinksStrength Coach Collective1:58 - Games to HWPO Affiliate head coach15:25 - The evolution of program design21:47 - HWPO Affiliate’s 6 programs27:07 - What is polarized training?45:01 - Recovery & the future of fitness

What if your nutrition coaching program could practically run itself?Today on the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, Bahubali Shete explains how his AI-driven nutrition software, NutriChef, helps coaches save time while providing clients with more individualized support and accountability.NutriChef pulls in intake forms, daily tracking and data from wearables to build personalized nutrition plans. And instead of removing the coach, it gives them more time to do what they’re best at: coaching.In this episode, Bahubali talks about building the platform, why nutrition coaching requires better systems, and how coaches can use this tool to improve client results.Bahubali and host Kenny Markwardt also discuss the future of AI in fitness—including integrated sleep, recovery and wearable tech. Tune in to hear what’s possible when tech and coaching work together.LinksStrength Coach Collective1:11 - Bahubali Shete & Sanjeev Kapoor8:53 - NutriChef’s AI-driven nutrition coaching21:17 - Legal considerations and logistics31:47 - Future of AI in fitness & nutrition44:40 - Where does the coach fit in?

If you want to help clients live longer and perform better, you need to train the aerobic system.In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” Joel Jamieson—creator of Morpheus and author of “Ultimate MMA Conditioning”—joins host Kenny Markwardt to break down heart-rate variability (HRV), VO2 max and the science of aerobic training.Joel explains how aerobic fitness influences recovery, adaptation and longevity and why more coaches should be using HRV and VO2 max to guide their training plans.He unpacks the evolution of HRV monitoring, addresses common misconceptions about recovery data and explains how aerobic training drives better outcomes for everyone from elite athletes to general-population clients.Also up for discussion: Joel's three-zone training model, his recommendation for two to five hours of cardio training per week, and how to program the right blend of intensity and volume to create long-term results.LinksStrength Coach Collective2:03 - Heart rate variability 20:10 - What impacts HRV?30:15 - HRV and V02 max38:08 - Improving VO2 max50:53 - Zone 2 for women?

Content Warning: This episode contains a mention of suicide and discussions on mental health. Listener discretion is advised.Any coach can write a program, but a good program alone isn’t enough to keep clients around long enough to get results. In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” Michael Bann shares how he transitioned to scalable remote coaching by focusing on empathy, accountability and long-term client results.He explains that coaching—whether in-person or remote—can succeed or fail based on human connection. According to Bann, hands-on experience is critical for learning communication, presence and problem solving before coaching online. Michael also discusses how his personal experiences pushed him to adopt a more holistic coaching approach that integrates internal health factors such as recovery and stress.Tune in to hear tips for improving retention, communication and trust from a coach whose clients stay for years without ever meeting him in person.  LinksStrength Coach Collective1:39 - AI & connection in coaching14:28 - Mistakes going in person to remote27:53 - Integrating internal health36:19 - Coaching with empathy49:49 - Learning by asking questions

The fastest athletes aren’t always the best performers on the field—and today’s guest explains why.In this episode of the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, multidirectional speed expert Jason Feairheller joins Kenny Markwardt to break down what athletes really need to succeed on game day.They discuss why sprint times don’t tell the whole story, how to coach change of direction and agility as separate skills, and how to build speed that actually transfers to sport.Jason shares the origins of his “Game Speed” framework, how he assesses and progresses athletes, and why many traditional speed programs fall short. He also explains how he incorporates movement variability, cognitive processing and pattern recognition into his training—and how high-volume change-of-direction work can drive better performance and injury resilience.Tune in to rethink your approach to speed and help your athletes upgrade their real-world performance.LinksJason's InstagramStrength Coach Collective0:47 - What is game speed?10:27 - Progression in sports training17:41 - When training starts & stops25:36 - Continually refining skills36:20 - How to learn more

Ready to help your clients get stronger without burning out?In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” Graciano Rubio—better known online as the Wall Street Weightlifter—shares a training philosophy built around intensity, intention and clarity.Known for his brutally simple barbell work and big lifts, Graciano explains how he uses estimated one-rep maxes to guide weekly progress, even when life outside the gym gets hectic.He talks about helping both CrossFit members and personal-training clients zero in on the most important part of every session to create focus that drives consistency, motivation and results.Graciano also walks through the numbers behind his 50-to-1 Method and explains how to adjust training based on life stress. For the "more is better crowd," the Wall Street Weightlifter offers insight into why junk volume holds most people back.Tune in for a straightforward, actionable, sustainable approach to strength training.LinksStrength Coach Collective1:13 - Graciano Rubio’s background13:03 - Short-term training goals19:43 - The 50-to-1 Method31:36 - 50-to-1 training example42:55 - Who this method works for

Most coaches learn to assign sets and reps but never master the systems behind truly effective program design.Today on the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, Mike Perry and Eric D’Agati, co-founders of Principles of Program Design, explain how fitness coaches can use scalable systems and proven checklists to deliver personalized results without chaos.Mike and Eric break down how to create high-value training without overcomplicating things and earn forever clients who never want to leave.Their unique belt system helps coaches assess client readiness and progression more accurately, and their checklists can be used to streamline intake, track progress and improve decision-making in real time.The pair also explain how to avoid common mistakes that hold coaches back, why most training plans fall apart over time and how better systems can help you develop a more sustainable coaching career.This episode will help you tighten your programming, simplify your process and deliver better results.LinksStrength Coach Collective0:42 - Principles of Program Design18:40 - Progression with a belt system 27:20 - Checklists for coaches36:53 - How to gain confidence50:25 - Main coaching takeaways

Tired of burning out your clients—or even yourself? Marcus Filly, six-time CrossFit Games competitor and founder of Functional Bodybuilding, is here to offer solutions.In this episode, Marcus unpacks his transition from elite competition to coaching everyday athletes with sustainable strength-and-conditioning methods.He shares how Functional Bodybuilding emerged from the burnout he and many other athletes experienced with traditional high-intensity training. Marcus explains how hypertrophy training paired with lower-skill aerobic work can drive better long-term results and adherence for clients.He also discusses common programming mistakes and offers insights into growing an online coaching brand without compromising quality.Hear how Marcus rebuilt his coaching approach—and how you can apply the same principles to help your clients make sustainable progress.LinksStrength Coach Collective1:54 - Marcus’ training philosophy 7:22 - Incorporating Functional Bodybuilding11:06 - Avoiding burnout in training17:06 - Most common coaching mistakes30:46 - How to build an online presence36:11 - Trends shaping the future of coaching

Movement is a language—and kids need the right foundation to speak it for life.In this episode of the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, host Kenny Markwardt sits down with Jeff, Mikki and Keegan Martin of The Brand X Method to explore what it takes to coach young athletes successfully.The Brand X team members break down their pillars of Base, Build, Boost and Prepare, Practice, Play, and they explain how programming with these principles in mind helps kids develop physical literacy and ensures longevity in fitness.They discuss why many kids start with a movement deficit, how coaches can cue complex concepts in age-appropriate ways, and why building competence and confidence early is essential for long-term motivation and success. They also highlight the importance of parent education and buy-in and explain how to design results-driven youth programs that keep kids coming back for years.If you’re running a youth program or thinking about starting one, tune in to hear practical tips from a business that’s set the standard in youth athletic development.LinksStrength Coach Collective0:49 - Overview of The Brand X Method13:57 - How youth sports training fails21:55 - What keeps kids engaged?35:00 - Communicating with parents49:49 - The process for coaches & owners

In this episode, Stan Efferding—renowned coach, world-record-holding powerlifter and creator of the Vertical Diet—breaks down the biggest mistakes coaches and athletes make when trying to build strength and improve performance. He also unpacks the foundations of the Vertical Diet, debunking common nutrition misconceptions and sharing practical advice for setting macro targets and improving digestion and energy.Stan has worked with some of the strongest athletes in the world, including Hafþór Björnsson, Brian Shaw and Jon Jones. He explains what sets elite performers apart from average clients—and how coaches can apply those lessons to create more sustainable results for anyone they work with.Whether you coach competitive athletes or general-population clients, you’ll walk away with tools to improve performance, adherence and progress.LinksStrength Coach Collective2:34 - Mistakes when building strength8:07 - High-level athletes vs. average clients18:28 - Biggest nutrition misconceptions 25:31 - Takeaways from the Vertical Diet36:05 - Calculating macro targets52:39 - Common habits of successful athletes

Most coaches treat tightness, tension and pain as mechanical problems. But what if those issues are rooted in something deeper?In this episode of the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, Chris Cooper sits down with Evans Armantrading, founder of CNU Stretch, who breaks down his framework for blending movement, nervous system input and client self-awareness to create long-lasting change.Evans explains how CNU Stretch has evolved into a fully scalable system that helps clients reduce pain, restore range of motion and reconnect with their bodies. He also shares how he now licenses gyms to deliver the Stretch experience at a high level—without needing a rehab or clinical background.You’ll hear about the most common mistakes coaches make when delivering stretch-based services, as well as how trainers can unlock progress by shifting their mindset around flexibility, fascia and recovery.LinksStrength Coach Collective1:10 - Background on CNU Stretch13:02 - CNU Stretch vs. therapy15:28 - CNU Stretch licensed gyms32:55 - Common mistakes trainers make41:05 - How hard is this to add on?

Not all movement problems are physical. Great coaches must be able to dig deeper. In this episode of the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, host Kenny Markwardt talks with Richard Aceves, founder of Moved Academy, about the mental, emotional and spiritual components of training and their impact on physical performance and pain. Richard explains why clients’ physical limitations can be rooted in mental and emotional stress and how coaches can create lasting change by understanding movement as a reflection of the whole person.Richard also shares practical ways to alleviate tension and help clients build resilience and overcome limiting beliefs through movement.Tune in to learn how to uncover what’s really holding your clients back—and what to do about it.LinksStrength Coach Collective1:29 - Richard’s coaching philosophy10:53 - Beyond the physical18:22 - The neuroscience behind coaching28:07 - The psychological aspect of training37:21 - Focusing on the client’s needs

In this episode of the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, host Chris Guerrero talks with veteran coach Jason Leydon, founder of CrossFit Milford and Conquer Athlete. Jason has coached a number of elite athletes throughout his career, including CrossFit Games podium finishers, international record-holding powerlifters, USA Weightlifting national-team members, All-American wrestlers and state-champion basketball players.Today, Jason dives into what truly sets great coaches apart—no matter who their clients are: a deep understanding of training principles, the ability to adapt to the individual, and a commitment to community and connection. He explains why chasing methods before mastering the basics can limit a coach’s potential, and he shares tips for building a strong coaching career and avoiding burnout. Whether you’re working with competitive athletes or the general public, this episode will challenge you to reflect on how you can help your clients best. LinksStrength Coach Collective1:32 - Tailoring training for diverse athletes13:21 - Lessons from coaching elite athletes 26:56 - Avoiding burnout as a coach38:37 - Most common coaching mistakes42:30 - The future of strength & conditioning

Today, Michael Rutherford joins “Strength Coach Collective” to tell coaches how to help their clients get stronger and recover better.Host Kenny Markwardt sits down with Michael—aka “Coach Rut”—to unpack decades of lessons in strength training and conditioning. Coach Rut shares his journey from his early days in college strength coaching to pioneering the Max Effort Black Box (MEBB) method, which blends conjugate strength work with CrossFit-style conditioning.He says building strength first is non-negotiable for effective conditioning and explains why so many athletes struggle to throttle back on intensity when their recovery demands it. You’ll hear how Coach Rut's 2x2x2 training model helps athletes make progress without burning out and why HRV tracking—when done right—can revolutionize individualized programming.Listen to hear all of Coach Rut’s no-nonsense insights, and for more support, join the Strength Coach Collective via the link below.LinksStrength Coach Collective00:52 - Coach Rut’s background17:22 - Max Effort Black Box20:08 - Building strength first38:05 - The role of HRV in training50:27 - Tips for new trainers

Some see kettlebells as just another piece of equipment, but Pat Damiano believes they should be at the core of strength training.In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” host Chris Guerrero sits down with Pat, a fitness coach who specializes in kettlebells and has amassed over 400,000 followers on social media. Pat shares how kettlebell training evolved from a supplemental tool to the foundation of his coaching and explains why they are so effective for strength and conditioning. He breaks down the most common mistakes coaches make with kettlebells, from only programming swings to not challenging clients with heavier weights, and he lists the core movements every coach should master. Chris and Pat also discuss how kettlebells can be used to improve athletic performance, build resilience and create effective training sessions for clients with limited time.Tune in to hear Pat’s top tips for incorporating kettlebells into your training program with confidence.LinksStrength Coach Collective02:56 - Evolution of Pat’s training philosophy07:29 - Biggest kettlebell mistakes17:32 - Top three kettlebell movements26:12 - Kettlebell certifications and resources32:54 - How to start incorporating kettlebells

If you could spend just 12 minutes with a client and know exactly what movements they should be doing, would you invest that time?In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” host Kenny Markwardt is joined by Brett Jones from Functional Movement Systems to discuss how coaches can use the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) to help clients train more effectively. Brett explains how the FMS can be used to identify movement quality, why many injuries stem from poor mechanics rather than overuse and how simple movement corrections can lead to better long-term performance. The two also discuss the importance of assessing movement before adding load and how to communicate findings with clients.Tune in to hear practical insights you can apply to your coaching to improve client results while reducing the risk of injury.LinksStrength Coach Collective00:58 - Brett’s background and FMS06:43 - Move well first, then often19:30 - Seven patterns of FMS screen28:00 - Correcting movement patterns34:38 - Training should enhance life45:22 - Fundamental capacity screen

The secret to building a profitable coaching business isn’t acquiring more followers—it’s providing more value for the right clients.Today on “Strength Coach Collective,” host Kenny Markwardt is joined by Jonathan Goodman, founder of the Personal Trainer Development Center and prolific author, whose titles include “The Obvious Choice” and “Ignite the Fire.” Jonathan discusses why focusing on likes and followers is a losing game and explains how the most successful coaches build their businesses through relationships, referrals and high-value services instead. He breaks down the biggest financial mistakes trainers make, including undercharging for their expertise, leaving money on the table with their current clients and misunderstanding passive income.Then Jonathan shares strategies for generating wealth in the fitness industry, such as increasing the value of current clients, moving away from a session-based model and setting up recurring revenue streams. Tune in to hear actionable tips for breaking free from the social media grind and building a profitable coaching career.Links“The Obvious Choice"Strength Coach Collective4:44 - The role of content creation12:50 - Three reasons clients quit19:23 - Hybrid coaching services28:40 - How to increase client value36:19 - Scaling a fitness business

Fitness coaches want to help their clients move better and stay injury-free, but without a structured movement screening process, they’re often guessing instead of making informed coaching decisions. In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” host Kenny Markwardt sits down with gym owner and fitness coach Derek Batman to talk about the role of movement screening in coaching. Derek shares how he realized his gym lacked a structured screening process and why he implemented table screenings, Functional Movement Screen (FMS) testing and baseline fitness evaluations to help his coaches build smarter programming. Kenny and Derek discuss how movement screenings help bridge the gap between fitness and physical therapy, why coaches should focus on individualized exercise selection instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, and how even a basic screening process can dramatically improve client outcomes. If you’re a gym owner or coach looking to level up your onboarding, programming and retention, this episode will equip you with the knowledge you need to start implementing movement screens right away.LinksStrength Coach Collective01:36 - Why movement screening matters12:26 - Table screening22:00 - Functional movement screening33:30 - Baseline fitness testing36:25 - From screening to programming

Why do some athletes thrive while others struggle with the same workout? It all comes down to energy systems.In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” Nathan Holiday, founder of Level Method, breaks down a simple yet powerful framework for understanding and using energy systems in coaching.He introduces the VPE model (ventilation, plumbing and electricity) and describes how it helps coaches assess, scale and progress workouts to overcome barriers to performance.He also explains how to identify what is holding an athlete back, whether it's strength, stamina or aerobic capacity, and then adjust training accordingly.Nathan clarifies that scaling doesn’t just mean modifying movements—the key is to preserve workout intent while ensuring athletes are challenged at an appropriate intensity. Listen to learn how you can use energy systems to improve your coaching and build more effective programs for your clients.For more information, check out Level Method using the link below or email Nathan at [email protected] MethodStrength Coach Collective01:04 - Energy systems analogy12:33 - Modifying workouts16:27 - Foundation of great coaching 26:01 - Applying these concepts34:46 - Progression of energy systems

Want to help clients stay strong, mobile and independent for life?In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” host Kenny Markwardt sits down with legendary weightlifting coach Mike Burgener—better known as “Coach B”— to discuss the importance of strength training at any age. Coach B starts with the story of how he got started in weightlifting and coaching, and he explains how Olympic lifts improve athletic performance and mobility.Then he lays out how he coaches his own “Geezer Group” using modified Olympic lifts and functional exercises. Their training focuses on maintaining quality of life and preventing injury—especially falls.  He also touches on the role of nutrition in longevity, sharing his personal journey of cutting out processed foods and sugar. Coach B’s personal goal? To live to 100—and to still be functional and strong.Tune in for practical insights on lifelong strength training.LinksStrength Coach Collective00:48 - How Coach B got into weightlifting10:05 - The “Geezer Group”18:15 - Why “geezers” seek Coach B27:00 - Being healthy and mobile43:33 - Working with an older population

Want to create a structured training plan that keeps clients engaged and progressing all year long?In this episode of the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, host Kenny Markward sits down with Jason Khalipa, founder of NCFIT and MDV, Chief Fitness Officer at NCFIT, to talk programming.Jason and MDV break down NCFIT’s 2025 Programming Outlook—a full-year training plan designed to maximize athlete performance, retention and results. They share how they balance variance with consistency, avoid randomness and keep athletes engaged with goal-driven programming. They also discuss the importance of regular coaching feedback and why great coaches never stop trying to improve.Tune in to learn how to build programming that creates a more effective and more enjoyable coaching experience.LinksNCFIT’s 2025 Programming Outlook Strength Coach Collective01:24 - Evolution of NCFIT programming11:06 - GPP and linear strength cycles16:09 - Quantifying program success21:01 - Creating an enjoyable experience35:15 - Importance of coaching feedback

In an era of up-to-the-second biometric measurement, Physmodo stands out as a leader in the evolution of tracking biomechanics—movement.In this episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” Andrew Menter, CEO and founder of Physmodo, breaks down how AI-powered movement screening makes assessments faster, more objective and more effective for fitness coaches. Andrew explains how the app’s 30-second overhead-squat test provides real-time insights into posture, mobility, symmetry and stability—and you’ll even see a demo. He also shares how frequent movement screening can enhance client results and retention, and why data-driven coaching is the future of the industry. LinksAndrew's LinkedInStrength Coach Collective 00:20 - Creation of Physmodo 03:19 - How the app works12:02 - How trainers can use it17:13 - Three software components25:24 - Effect on client retention

Simplicity wins in strength training, and no one explains it better than Dan John. In this episode of the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, host Chris Guerrero sits down with strength coach, author and elite athlete Dan John to talk about what does—and doesn’t—work in training. Dan outlines his philosophy on keeping programs simple, breaking down key principles from his book “Easy Strength.” He explains how coaches can help clients make lasting progress by focusing on consistency over intensity, and he shares everything from his grading system for exercises to his thoughts on wearable tech. If you’re a coach looking to cut through the noise and improve your craft, tune in to hear tips from a legendary pro with decades of experience.Links"The Armor Building Formula"Dan's WebsiteDan's InstagramDan's YouTubeStrength Coach Collective01:12 - Why is simplicity powerful?09:34 - Best results in a group setting25:15 - Tech tools vs. old school38:12 - Controlling your appetite47:17 - Three movements and why

This episode features a live demo—watch on YouTube for the full experience. Garmin Clipboard brings biometric data directly into the hands of coaches—at zero cost. Today on the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, host Chris Cooper sits down with Brett Guemmer, project manager for Garmin Clipboard, to discuss how the app helps coaches track, analyze and optimize athlete performance in real time. Brett demos how to use the software to monitor heart-rate zones, training loads, sleep patterns and recovery metrics all in one place. He also explains why Garmin is offering this service at no cost with any wearable Garmin device. If you’re a coach who’s interested in working with technology instead of against it, this episode is a must-listen.You can reach out to Brett with questions at: [email protected] LinksGarmin Clipboard AppGarmin Ambassador ProgramJoin Strength Coach Collective1:39 - Clipboard app overview10:02 - Biometric data19:46 - Team leaderboards 27:08 - Why use Garmin?34:21 - Will tech replace coaches?

Fascia training is changing the game in strength and conditioning—and Bill Parisi is leading the charge.In this episode of the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, host Kenny Markwardt sits down with Bill Parisi, founder of Parisi Speed School and executive director of the Fascia Training Academy, to explore the science behind fascia and its impact on athletic performance, injury prevention and longevity.Bill shares how his own journey as an athlete led him to discover the power of fascia and why it is often overlooked by traditional training methods.He breaks down the latest research, offers practical applications for coaches and explains how understanding fascia can give athletes a competitive edge.Tune in to hear how you can use fascia training to help your athletes move better, recover faster and perform at a higher level.LinksFor more support, join the Strength Coach Collective.01:07 - Bill’s fascia journey11:53 - Takeaways and observations17:35 - Training the body with science35:18 - Moving on from conventional training44:50 - The Anatomy of Speed Course

The human species is evolving—or rather, devolving: For the first time in history, we’re living longer, but we’re less healthy. Chris Cooper, Two-Brain Business founder and a fitness trainer of 30+ years, wants to fix that problem by helping coaches and personal trainers turn the tide.In this inaugural episode of “Strength Coach Collective,” Chris introduces the show’s mission of bridging the gap between new advances in science and their real-world applications in coaching.  He also previews some of the expert coaches who will be hosting the show, such as gym owners Kenny Markwardt, Brian Bott and Chris Guerrero.Every episode will provide coaches with new research, technology and methods that will help them get results for their clients.For more support, use the link below to join the collective’s free public group, where thousands of coaches have already come together to share information.LinksStrength Coach Collective Group