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In this episode Gerry takes time to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics of sports performance training: conditioning.

To start the episode he gets to the faulty understanding of what it takes to properly condition athletes and why using "mental toughness," tests can be an ineffective way to prepare athletes. In addition, he explains the mistake of training "speed," but not giving an athlete full recovery, and why you don't have to train long durations at high intensities to be "in-shape," for team sports.

After explaining how we can properly educate and prepare coaches to fully understand the basics of energy systems, this podcast also details the three main energy systems and which are predominantly used in team-sports. Lastly, Gerry details some suggestions on how to train each one practically and effectively.

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In this episode, Gerry explains what is wrong with the infatuation with "sport specific," training when it comes to strength training/sports performance and why you should avoid bring your sport, sport implements (bat, stick, ball, skates etc.) into the weight room.

To start, this episode details the distinction between general performance and weight training and sport specific training. Sport specific training involves ONLY what is done either during practice or gameplay of the respective sport.

From there, Gerry explains Yuri Verkhoshansky's Principle of Dynamic Correspondence (otherwise known as "transferability," of training), and how you can best position your strength and speed training to prepare you for your sport.

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In this episode Gerry gets a chance to talk to Dr. Terry Phillips of Driveline Baseball. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy Terry has extensive experience in the rehabilitation and sports rehabilitation fields as well as great knowledge in improving overall movement quality.

Terry has worked with Driveline Baseball for almost three years and in his time there has served as the in-house physical therapist dealing with all assessments, movements dysfunction diagnostics and overall movement quality improvement for all pitchers and baseball players.

This episode gets into the details of movement assessments as well as a movement based approach when it comes to improving dysfunction, and details key areas many baseball players deal with when it comes to the rotational demands of the sport.

In addition, Terry gives insight on his new joint venture, Baseball Health Professionals, as well as the importance of providing parents and athletes with the means to receive proper care with injuries and the ability to connect with quality health professionals.

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In this episode, Gerry has a chance to sit down and talk to Hasani Whitfield, co-owner of Gamers Baseball Academy and Untamed Baseball in Northern New Jersey and head coach of Division Two Caldwell University.

Hasani enjoyed a successful playing career at Caldwell University before he ventured out into the world of travel baseball as he started Gamers Baseball Academy and a group of travel teams, which would eventually form what is now known as Untamed Baseball.

From touching on what goes into owning a baseball training facility and travel organization to handling the role of head coach in college, this episode has it all. Hasani dives into what it is like to balance business and customer service in the world of baseball and how that impacts his most important job, that of a coach.

In addition, this episode takes a look at the rise of technology in baseball and baseball development and how Hasani has implemented the tech in both the world of college and travel baseball. 

Lastly, Hasani discusses what he looks for in prospective players when he is recruiting, and how important it is to be able to develop players who are willing to work and fit the mold of a program. Also, get an in depth look at how the market for travel baseball has become over saturated and how that has changed the path of development.

All this and more on this episode of Muscles and Management!

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This episode is EVERYTHING related to the vertical jump and gives an easy to understand and simple to follow breakdown of what goes into an insane vertical jump and how you can improve your own!

Gerry starts the episode giving a breakdown of what two main factors contribute to the vertical jump, why the test is a great indicator of lower-half power/explosive output and how both force and velocity/elasticity come together to produce a vertical jump.

From there he gives the listener some simple form related cues for the jump itself that can yield immediate results, and then explains a simple test you can use to determine whether or not your vertical jump is produced mostly via force or elasticity/velocity.

To finish up, this episode gives you a guide on how you can train both components of the vertical jump and how you can effectively use your vertical testing results to make a more effective program!

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In this first "question and answer," episode of the Muscles and Management podcast, Gerry takes some time to answer a few questions related to varying topics in strength and conditioning and sports performance.

Up first is a question regarding energy systems for team-sport athletes. After an explanation of the main energy systems involved in team-sports, the listener will get a in-depth look at how they can go about training each system. Gerry also emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between speed work and conditioning, and how many coaches have a misunderstanding of this, which turns speed sessions into conditioning work.

From there, the episode dives into the specifics of training rotational athletes. From the lower body to upper body, core strength and how to progress through rotational exercises. 

Lastly, Gerry finished up with his recommendations/tips for in-season training for athletes, giving a guide on how to maximize/maintain gains while also managing fatigue and staying flexible. To finish up the episode you will get a look at what goes into a strength/movement assessment and how you can use each to improve your programming!

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In this episode Gerry talks to Rob Friedman, who runs one of the biggest baseball/pitching instruction accounts on Twitter, @pitchingninja.

This interview starts out aiming to find out what made Rob start the account, and how it was able to rise to such prominence in the world of baseball and social media. Also, find out how that large exposure opened up Rob to some controversy (the famous run-in with KFC from Barstool Sports), and how that ultimately led @Pitchingninja to official MLB certification.

From there, Gerry and Rob discuss some of the most important things youth pitchers and athletes can do to become better pitchers, and the importance of strength training as well as developing proper movement and movement intent at a young age.

To finish up, Gerry and Rob reflect on what has helped them most on their social media journeys, and some easy tips and pointers for coaches and athletes looking to market themselves on social media platforms.

From baseball, pitching and strength training, all the way to social media and business, this episode has it all!

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In this episode Gerry discusses all things related to the 60-yard dash, baseball's most common and most used test to measure speed.

Although universally used, he gives his reasoning for why the test isn't as effective as some may think, and then gives a breakdown of why it is ineffective when it comes to the game of baseball itself.

He touches on the different phases of the sprint and how often each are used in the game of baseball itself, and then gives some suggestions for better tests that can be used.

From there, Gerry gives you some training tips if you need to improve your 60 (while the test is still used, that is), or just improve your speed in general, and then gives some "day of," tips for mastering and running the best 60-yard dash that you possibly can.

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In this episode Gerry touches on some of the basic principles you can adhere to in order to build a solid, goal-oriented and results based program.

All the training knowledge in the world is useless if it cannot be properly applied to a program that helps steer athletes and general trainees alike to their goals in the most efficient way possible. Gerry gives a step-by-step breakdown of some of the principles that help him the most when it comes to building the programs that help his athletes and clients.

Not only will you learn which questions to ask yourself before you start building your program, but you will also get a full breakdown of how to implement testing protocols, pick your main exercises and how to minimize your tendency to nitpick and plan every major detail of your program (which would drive you crazy)! This episode will help you in all of those areas and help you avoid some common mistakes!

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This episode marks the first of the Muscles and Management series to dive into the business side of the spectrum!

Gerry details five tips that you probably will not learn in college that you can apply to both start and effectively grow your business. After graduating from a top business school and starting his own sports performance/training business at 22, Gerry felt these five things were extremely important in the success he had growing his business. However, these may not be things you learn with your standard college education.

These five keys are expanded on and provided alongside practical examples from his experience as a business owner and business school graduate. In addition, you can hear about an experience Gerry had with a leadership coach regarding "making a living out of your passion," and how it not only changed his life/perception on business, but can change yours too!

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