There’s so much that a strength trainer can do for you, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why I am thrilled to have one of my favorite people ever to on this episode to talk about some of what he does. When I had to learn to press overhead, Matt Semrick was who I was sent to and how I’ve trained has never been the same since. Just about all I know about strength training, I’ve learned from today’s guest.

Matt is an NSCA-CPT and Strong First Level I-certified kettlebell instructor. He’s been training clients for 21 years. Matt is an expert at adapting his instruction to meet his clients where he can help them the most.

Today we talk about the way strength training has changed over the years and how Matt has changed with it. Matt puts his focus on training for longevity and exercising to support his clients and himself over the long run, not just for short-term results. We cover that and so many important topics around training in this interview. I learned so much from it and I’m sure you will too!

How has your training regimen changed and adapted over time? What benefits have you found from lifting? Let me know in the comments!

 

In this episode:

• How strength training has evolved over the last several decades
• Common physical issues that come with a sedentary lifestyle
• Movement correctives and their importance in strength training
• The versatility of the kettlebell and why it’s a great starter tool
• The power breath as an essential part of lifting
• The qualities to look for when searching for a trainer
• Why everyone should weight train by lifting heavy things

 

Quotes:

“You can’t really train yourself to less pain through more pain.” [10:57]

“It doesn’t have to be crazy, complex, cool stuff to be really hard and challenging and produce a result.” [22:43]

“Heavy really does tell you the truth. If you know you can pick up a hundred and something pounds, then you know you can brace up against something and do it.” [39:01]

“There has to be a mixture of approaching heavy things and doing some really ferocious stuff with it, but with an eye towards protecting yourself.” [43:21]

 

Links:

Find Matt online

Enter the Kettlebell book

StrongFirst

Original Strength

National Strength and Conditioning Association

 

Check out the full show notes for this episode here

Urban Wellness Clinic

Follow Emily & Urban Wellness on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube