Training Partners

In this episode of Training Partners, Chris Yandle and Sean Rigsby take a candid look at how their business has been performing lately—what’s working, what’s not, and what they’re adjusting in real time. They break down the key metrics that have actually been useful to track, from revenue trends and client retention to lead generation and overall operational efficiency, and explain how that data is shaping their day-to-day decisions.Chris and Sean also share recent challenges, lessons learned, and the systems helping them stay organized and focused as they continue to grow. Whether you’re just getting started or running an established business, this episode offers practical, experience-driven insights to help you track what matters, make smarter decisions, and keep your business moving forward.

On this episode of Training Partners, host Chris Yandle sits down with special guest Nico Starcher to unpack what it really looks like to stay competitive after college sports. They dive into the challenges of balancing careers, relationships, and training—and how their mindsets have shifted since their collegiate days.Chris and Nico also break down their experience at Hyrox Miami, sharing race-day highs, lessons learned, and what surprised them most about the competition. Plus, they highlight the NoDa Fit team’s performance, celebrating standout moments and reflecting on how the community continues to grow both on and off the floor.Whether you’re a former athlete figuring out your next chapter or just trying to stay consistent in the chaos of everyday life, this episode is packed with honest insight, practical perspective, and a few good stories along the way.

In this episode of Training Partners, Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle break down their recent experiences on the competition floor, diving into both HYROX and Olympic weightlifting events they attended. They recap how their team performed—highlighting standout moments, lessons learned, and areas for growth—while also analyzing the performances of some of the top athletes in each competition.Beyond the results, Sean and Chris share their honest take on the overall atmosphere, organization, and intensity of these events, comparing them to other competitions they’ve been part of. From crowd energy to event structure, they offer insight into what makes each experience unique and what athletes can expect when stepping onto these stages.Whether you're a competitive athlete, a coach, or just a fan of the sport, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at high-level competition and the realities of performing under pressure.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle welcome special guests Tayler Harris and Elena Schorr for an engaging conversation about the growth, impact, and future of women’s sports. Together, they reflect on the excitement and inspiration from the most recent Olympic Games, highlighting standout performances and the incredible dedication shown by female athletes from around the world.The group dives into how women’s sports continue to gain momentum, the importance of visibility and support for female competitors, and the cultural shift that’s bringing more fans, resources, and opportunities to women in athletics. Tayler and Elena share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of sports, the influence of Olympic moments that captured global attention, and the athletes who are redefining what excellence looks like on the world stage.Whether you’re a lifelong sports fan or simply inspired by stories of perseverance and achievement, this episode celebrates the power, resilience, and growing impact of women in sports.

In this episode of Training Partners, Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle break down one of fitness’s biggest buzzwords: the hybrid athlete. They explore what the term really means, why it’s become so popular, and whether combining strength and endurance is smart programming or just smart marketing. Tune in as they cut through the noise and share practical insights on how to train for performance without burning out.

In this episode of Training Partners, Chris Yandle is joined by special guest Sarah Hreyo to unpack Chris’s first pro Hyrox race. They break down what went well, what surprised him, how the experience compared to expectations, and the biggest lessons he’s taking into future training. The conversation also dives into Sarah’s coaching background, exploring how working across different environments has shaped her approach and philosophy. A candid look at performance, growth, and the athlete–coach partnership.

On this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Tayler Harris sit down with special guest Siera Schuster to break down why the right training partners can make—or break—your progress. Together, they dive into what truly makes a great training partner, how you can show up as one, and the ways strong partnerships push performance, accountability, and consistency to the next level. The conversation also explores how your training environment shapes mindset, effort, and results, and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters just as much as the program you’re following. Whether you train solo, in a group, or are looking to level up your circle, this episode is packed with real talk and practical takeaways to elevate your training.

Kick off the new year with a smarter approach to fitness tracking. In this episode, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle dig into what’s actually worth tracking as you set your goals for the year ahead—and what’s just noise. They break down the metrics they believe matter most for real progress, from performance and consistency to recovery and habits, and explain how to use that data without letting it run your life. Just as importantly, they call out the stats, gadgets, and daily numbers that sound useful but often waste your time or distract you from the big picture. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by apps, wearables, or endless data, this episode will help you simplify, focus, and track with purpose.

Training Partners kicks off the new year with host Chris Yandle and recurring special guest Hughston Armstrong diving into the realities of fitness goals and resolutions. From the familiar rallying cry of “new year, new me” to the uncomfortable truth of why so many resolutions fade fast, they break down what actually works—and what doesn’t. Chris and Hugh explore the most common reasons people fall off track, then flip the script by introducing SMART goal-setting and the power of small, sustainable changes. Whether you’re resetting after a rough year or just trying to build better habits that last, this episode is all about creating realistic goals you can actually stick to.

On this episode of Training Partners, Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle welcome back recurring special guest Caine Wilkes for a deeper dive into life on the Olympic stage. Caine opens up about his Olympic experience—what it took to get there, what surprised him most, and the lessons that only come from competing at the highest level.Sean and Caine also zoom out to talk about the realities of competing and coaching internationally: navigating different cultures, managing pressure abroad, and how global experience shapes athletes and coaches alike. Packed with firsthand insight, honest reflection, and hard-earned perspective, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about high-level weightlifting beyond their home platform.

In this episode of Training Partners, host Chris Yandle sits down with Olympian Caine Wilkes for a deep dive into his journey through the world of weightlifting. Caine shares how he first discovered the sport, the pivotal moments that shaped his athletic career, and what it really takes to compete at the highest level. Along the way, he offers hard-earned advice on staying healthy, strong, and motivated over the long haul—especially when the grind starts to wear on you. Whether you’re a competitive lifter or just passionate about training, this conversation is packed with insight on longevity, mindset, and loving the process.

In this episode of Training Partners, host Sean Rigsby is joined by Courtney Shoemaker, Masters Head Coach, for a deep dive into Heavy Metal Barbell’s showing at the 2025 Virus Weightlifting Finals & UMWF World Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida. Together, they break down the team’s performances on the platform, highlight standout lifts and lessons learned, and share what it’s really like coaching athletes through championship meets. From meet-day strategy and athlete preparation to the unique challenges and rewards of coaching at the highest levels of Masters weightlifting, Sean and Courtney cover it all—plus a few behind-the-scenes moments and takeaways heading into the next season.

Training Partners goes on location for a special episode recorded at the 2025 Virus Weightlifting Finals & UMWF World Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida. Hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle are joined by special guests Daniel Dodd and Tony Schuster for an in-depth conversation straight from one of the biggest stages in strength sports.The crew dives into everything from gym ownership and coaching philosophy to weightlifting, HYROX, competitive training, and the realities of building athletes and strong gym communities. With the energy of a world-class competition in the background, this episode blends high-level insight, real-world experience, and candid discussion from coaches and athletes who are actively shaping the industry.

This week, hosts Tayler Harris, Sean Rigsby, and Chris Yandle gather around the mic to tackle one of the most important debates of the holiday season: the definitive ranking of Thanksgiving foods. From iconic staples to controversial side dishes, each host unveils their personal list—then bravely opens it up to friendly fire from the others. Expect passionate defenses, unexpected hot takes, culinary betrayals, and plenty of laughs as the trio battles it out to determine which Thanksgiving dishes truly deserve a spot at the top of the table. Grab a plate and dig in—this is a feast you won’t want to miss.

In this energetic new episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle break down the latest round of standout performances from the team — including Chris’s own brand-new personal record! Sean dives into the technical takeaways, training insights, and what these recent results say about long-term progress, while Chris shares a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset, adjustments, and breakthroughs that led to his PR.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle pull back the curtain on one of the least discussed—but most important—topics in the coaching world: the real economics of coaching . From hourly wages to expected weekly hours, from the hidden toll of unpaid labor to the structural challenges that shape the industry, Sean and Chris break down what coaches actually face behind the scenes.Whether you’re a coach navigating your own career, an athlete curious about the realities of the profession, or someone interested in the business of sport, this conversation offers a candid look at how the industry works (and sometimes doesn’t). Expect honest insights, personal experiences, and a few hard truths as the hosts tackle questions of sustainability, compensation, and the future of coaching as a profession.

In this episode of Training Partners, host Sean Rigsby welcomes back recurring guest Siera Schuster for a deep dive into the diverse world of weightlifters. From the weekend warriors who lift for fun, to the driven competitors chasing medals, to the elite athletes living and breathing the sport—Sean and Siera break down what separates each group and the traits that define them.Whether you’re picking up a barbell for the first time or pushing for international platforms, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for an honest, thoughtful look at the spectrum of lifters—and maybe discover where you truly fit.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle break down all the action from the World Championships in Norway, sharing insights, standout performances, and behind-the-scenes stories from the international stage. The guys also dive into the 2025 Carolinas WSO Championships, where Heavy Metal Barbell won best overall team for the fourth year in a row! Of course, no episode would be complete without a little off-platform talk — Sean and Chris swap takes on Dodger baseball, current storylines across sports, and whatever else comes up when two training partners get together behind the mic.

In this episode of Training Partners, host Chris Yandle sits down with special guest Jaimerius “JJ” Williams for an inspiring and energetic conversation about strength, sports, and chasing big dreams. JJ shares his remarkable journey — from his days on the football field to discovering Olympic weightlifting.They dive into JJ’s training mindset, his goals of representing Team USA and competing in the Olympics, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to becoming a coach and mentor for others. Of course, it wouldn’t be Training Partners without some fun — Chris and JJ swap stories and good-natured banter about their favorite football teams along the way.Tune in for a mix of motivation, strength talk, and sports camaraderie that will leave you ready to hit the gym — or at least cheer a little louder on game day.

In this episode, Chris Yandle interviews Maria Fecik, a coach and athlete in the Hyrox community. They discuss Maria's extensive athletic background, her transition to Hyrox, and her unique training approach. Maria shares insights on mindset, race preparation, and the importance of community in sports. They also delve into Maria's coaching philosophy, the growth of her business, and her future aspirations in the sport.

In this special episode of Training Partners, host Sean Rigsby sits down with strength coach and entrepreneur Dane Miller, the powerhouse behind Garage Strength. Recorded live at the Senior World Championships in Norway, this conversation dives deep into Dane’s journey—from his early days as an athlete, to discovering his passion for coaching, and ultimately founding one of the most influential strength training brands in the U.S.Dane opens up about the mentors and moments that shaped his philosophy, how he developed world-class athletes from the ground up, and the challenges and breakthroughs that came with building Garage Strength into a global name in athletic development.Whether you're a coach, lifter, or just love hearing how high performers think and work—this episode brings the energy and insight straight from the world stage.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Tayler Harris and Chris Yandle unpack the key differences between training for sport-specific performance and training for long-term health. With Tayler’s background in competitive weightlifting and Chris’s experience in the hybrid fitness world of HYROX, they bring two distinct—but complementary—perspectives to the table.Together, they explore how goals, programming, and priorities shift depending on whether you're chasing medals or just trying to move well for life. From pushing limits to preserving longevity, this conversation digs into what it really means to train with intention.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle take on the world of strength sports — from Strongman and Powerlifting to CrossFit, Hyrox, Highland Games, and more — ranking them all from silliest to least silly. With equal parts hot takes and deep dives, Sean and Chris break down what makes each sport unique, intense, and occasionally ridiculous. Along the way, they challenge you, the listener, to build your own rankings and see how your list stacks up.List of sports in no particular order: Strongman, Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Highland Games, CrossFit, Hyrox, Kettlebell Sport, Obstacle Course Racing/ Spartan, Marathon, Grid

On this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Tayler Harris welcome special guest Siera Schuster.Siera dives into the reasons behind her decision to train with Heavy Metal Barbell, what it’s like working with a coach remotely, and how she stays focused and competitive as a high-level athlete. From navigating the challenges of remote training to the mindset it takes to perform at an elite level.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle sit down with special guest Sarah Tyler to dive into her incredible journey as an athlete — from her early beginnings to becoming a fierce competitor on the national stage.Sarah opens up about the highs, lows, and lessons she’s learned along the way, and shares what continues to drive her passion for the sport. But that’s not all — we’re excited to officially welcome Sarah as the newest remote coach for Heavy Metal Barbell! 🎉

In this episode of Training Partners, Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle dive into how training evolves as we age—what changes, what stays the same, and how to keep making progress at every stage of life. They also take a nostalgic (and slightly traumatic) trip down memory lane to revisit the infamous Presidential Fitness Test—remember those pull-ups and shuttle runs?Plus, Sean and Chris respond to a few questions from our listeners!

On this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle open up the floor to listener questions, dive into a few unfiltered rants, and break down what truly makes a great coach. From communication and accountability to setting the right environment for athletes, Sean and Chris share their perspectives on the qualities that separate good coaches from great ones—all while keeping it real with their trademark humor and honesty.Database link: https://weightlifting-db.vercel.app

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle break down the key differences between remote and in-person coaching—what works, what doesn’t, and how to choose what’s right for you. They also dive into a recent study on coaching and athlete performance, discussing how coaching style impacts consistency, accountability, and progress. Plus, they explore why having a coach—regardless of the format—is critical to long-term success in training.Study Link: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/9900/optimizing_resistance_training_outcomes__comparing.774.aspx#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20supervised%20RT%20resulted,their%20magnitude%20was%20generally%20smaller.

On this episode of the Training Partners podcast, host Chris sits down with special guest Tayler Harris—a high-level athlete who knows firsthand what it takes to chase peak performance while managing the demands of a full-time job. Together, they dive into the realities behind the grind: the early mornings, late nights, mental fatigue, and the constant juggling act between ambition and everyday responsibilities. Tayler shares her strategies, struggles, and the mindset that keeps her pushing forward. Whether you're an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just trying to stay consistent in your goals, this episode offers real talk and real inspiration.

In this episode, Sean and Chris dive into all the big happenings in the world of competitive fitness. They kick things off with a breakdown of the Pan American Championships, highlighting standout performances and what they mean for the broader weightlifting scene. Finally, the guys take on a hot topic: Is Hyrox a legit test of fitness? They debate its structure, how it compares to CrossFit and other events, and whether it’s just a trend or here to stay.

In this episode, host Chris sits down with performance coach and recovery expert Hughston Armstrong for an in-depth conversation on the most effective recovery modalities for both athletes and everyday movers. From the science behind saunas and cold plunges to the critical roles of sleep, hydration, and nutrition, they break down how each strategy impacts your body’s ability to bounce back, build resilience, and perform at its best.Whether you're training hard, managing stress, or just aiming to feel better day-to-day, this episode delivers practical insights and evidence-based tips to elevate your recovery game.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean and Chris dive deep into the business side of the fitness industry. From navigating the chaos of opening their own gyms to understanding the ins and outs of various gym business models—from private training studios to big-box franchises—they share the hard-earned lessons that only come with experience. Whether you're a fitness professional dreaming of starting your own space or a current gym owner looking to refine your approach, this candid conversation covers what worked, what didn’t, and what they'd do differently if they could start all over again.

In this high-energy episode, hosts Sean and Chris are joined by elite lifter and coach Tayler to break down all the action from the 2025 USA Weightlifting National Championships. From jaw-dropping performances to surprise upsets, the trio dives deep into the standout athletes, dramatic moments, and what the results mean for Team USA heading into the international season.Video credits to:  ⁨@hookgrip⁩  @stutters.media  ⁨@Squatchez_Media⁩  @_thefitcreative

Recorded at the 2025 USA Weightlifting National Championships, host Sean Rigsby sits down with Brittany Rucker, head coach and owner of Bexar Barbell. In this episode, Brittany shares her journey from athlete to coach, how she built a thriving weightlifting community, and the lessons she’s learned balancing elite coaching with entrepreneurship. Sean dives into the business side of running a successful barbell club, the challenges of running a physical location while also traveling often for competitions. Whether you're a coach, lifter, or aspiring gym owner, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead at the highest level of American weightlifting.

In this episode, Sean and Chris dive into all the drama surrounding the HYROX World Championships — the controversies, standout performances, and what it all means for the sport moving forward. They break down the HYROX business model and it's rapid growth in the world of fitness. Then, Sean brings us some science with a randomized control trial on strength training and well-trained male runners. Strength Training Improves Running Economy Durability and Fatigued High-Intensity Performance in Well-Trained Male Runners: A Randomized Control Trialhttps://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2025&issue=07000&article=00027&type=Fulltext

In this episode, Sean and Chris discuss all things HYROX and USAW National Championships. They break down what it takes to compete at the highest level in both endurance and Olympic lifting. The duo also gets real about the mental side of sport—sharing personal experiences and strategies for developing a bulletproof competition mindset.