Programming Philosophy, Annual Plans, and Building a Better Weight Room with Coach Devin Young (Pitt)

Tim Caron welcomes Coach Devin Young (University of Pittsburgh) to discuss programming workflow for group training, including how Young builds annual plans for cyclical sports like track and adapts plans for acyclical team sports like softball amid constantly changing schedules. Young outlines his process from coach meetings and intro blocks for freshmen/transfers through accumulation and intensification phases, emphasizing “low-hanging fruit” qualities (strength and speed) guided by testing, sprint timing, force plates, and isometric measures. He describes Pitt’s integrated sports science support via master’s students and walks through a typical softball Monday session from force-plate jumps and movement prep to A/B/C blocks, accessories, and cooldown. They then explore how a much larger new facility (more racks, indoor/outdoor turf, Sorinex racks) could remove bottlenecks but introduce logistical and culture/energy challenges, prompting Tim’s advice to identify constraints, request needed rack features, and “scorched earth” rethink programming while preserving team cohesion.

00:00 Podcast Intro and Guest

00:10 Products and Courses Plug

01:21 Programming Workflow Setup

01:56 Annual Plan and Blocks

04:03 Softball vs Track Constraints

06:32 Debate on Long Term Planning

08:33 Cyclical vs Acyclical Periodization

09:48 Low Hanging Fruit Testing

12:30 Sports Science Integration

14:26 Softball Session Walkthrough

18:27 Current Room Layout

19:29 Warmups And Flow

21:11 New Facility Upgrades

21:46 Racks Pins And Tools

29:56 Space Changes Culture

34:33 Explore The New Room

35:54 Jammer Arms Physics Rant

38:17 Wrap Up And Plugs

Coach Rob Jacobs on Program Design: Assessments, Nervous System State, and Making Training Actually Stick

Tim Caron hosts Coach Rob Jacobs on the Performance Health Podcast to discuss what makes a “good program,” emphasizing the importance of selecting the right inputs to achieve the desired outputs. Rob outlines his programming workflow: starting with a neural performance map questionnaire to gauge motivation and nervous system stress, followed by a biomechanical assessment that directly informs exercise selection, splits, and cycle design, then narrowing ideals to practical constraints before later adding blood work. They unpack how to interpret failed table tests, when to temporarily correct limitations, and why changes must be reinforced with deliberate strengthening at high frequency. Rob explains balancing timelines, fixing key limiting factors, progressing load/sets/intensity, using consolidation or deload strategies when performance drops, and evaluating effectiveness through phase-to-phase testing and exercise sequencing.

00:00 Show Intro and Resources

01:07 Rob Programming Workflow

01:25 Assessments That Drive Training

03:38 Interpreting Failed Tests

07:03 Quick Fixes vs Lasting Change

11:21 Unilateral Blocks and Timelines

15:19 Balancing Goals and Constraints

16:47 Case Study Fix the Weak Link

20:15 Progress Tracking and Adjustments

23:00 Load vs Intensity Explained

24:44 Tracking Load Variables

25:49 When Progress Stalls

26:51 Consolidation Week Tactics

28:23 Sending Athletes Home

29:23 Avoiding Coach Bias

31:17 Using Data To Pivot

33:10 Modifying Hepburn Method

35:00 Diagnosing Volume Vs Intensity

38:04 Exercise Variation Strategy

38:54 Measuring Program Effectiveness

40:48 Testing GPP To SPP Carryover

43:34 Realistic Progress Expectations

44:23 Course Updates And Wrap Up

On the Performance Health Podcast, Tim Caron talks with Cal State Fullerton coach Alex Curro about his programming process and department approach, using men’s basketball as a primary example. Curro explains how he starts with broad assessments (movement, body composition, strength testing, velocity-based training, and frequent force-plate monitoring) but prioritizes trend data over one-time pre/post tests to account for real-world variability. He discusses using normative force-plate data to guide goals, adjusting training based on fatigue patterns and season demands, and leveraging VBT to control rep quality and “earn” progression, while acknowledging limitations when VBT can’t be applied to certain implements. They cover managing remote training by maximizing guaranteed supervised time, keeping off-campus programs simple and low-friction, and choosing advanced methods only when athletes can execute and understand them. Curro also reflects on how being a director changes programming oversight, staff evaluation, KPI selection by training phase, and the importance of communication, translation of sport-coach needs, relationships, and winning.

Coach Joe Padula on Athlete Archetypes, Force Plates, and Set-Rep Best Programming (OU Softball & Women’s Golf)

Tim Caron introduces an episode of the Performance Health Podcast featuring University of Oklahoma coach Joe Padula, then they discuss Padula’s programming process for new teams by preparing for the least-prepared athlete while still individualizing through movement archetypes, body types, and simple screens like the overhead squat. They explore how concepts like infrasternal angle and expansion/compression can inform exercise selection without overcomplicating coaching, using softball and women’s golf examples and force-plate insights such as CMJ depth, eccentric braking, impulse, and propulsive power. Padula explains balancing absolute load with rep quality, avoiding compensations, and organizing athletes into training buckets while educating them with data. He details the set-rep best method to keep effort high but exertion low in-season to preserve bar speed and power, using plyos and sprinting for eccentric stimulus, and evaluating success via KPIs, health, engagement, and on-field performance.

00:00 Podcast Intro and Guest

01:06 Programming Process Overview

02:09 Assessments and Movement Archetypes

05:01 ISA Model and Sport Differences

12:45 Force Plates and Physical Qualities

16:24 Exercise Selection and Athlete Buy In

20:55 In Season Loading Philosophy

26:22 Set Rep Best Method Explained

31:14 Effort Versus Exertion

33:02 Power Expression In Season

33:57 Time Crunch And Logistics

35:15 Eccentrics Through Plyos

37:44 Sprinting Builds Hamstrings

39:54 Protecting Weight Room Time

41:22 Measuring Program Success

45:42 Winning And Accountability

48:02 Sport Specific Indicators

52:10 Self Appraisal And Balance

56:20 Closing Thoughts And Thanks

Sign Up for Collective Membership: https://strengthtc.com/product/collective-membership-subscription/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=video_desc

Coach Henry Barrera (Alabama Basketball) on the 3D Programming Process: Discover, Develop, Deliver

Coach Barrera's IG: https://www.instagram.com/hoopdiaries/

Tim Caron hosts Coach Henry Barrera (University of Alabama men’s basketball) to break down Barrera’s approach to program design and day-to-day coaching. Barrera explains his “3D process”—Discover (assessments like Fusionetics, orthopedic screens, and performance testing), Develop (program prescription using buckets such as build, strong, and explode), and Deliver (managing training with tools like force plates and internal/external load tracking). They discuss how assessments should inform, not restrict, training; the importance of filters and frameworks for coaching decisions; and how Barrera journals to track changes and guide progressive overload. The conversation also covers balancing general-to-specific training, building athlete buy-in through communication and agency, and evaluating success through objective metrics, athlete feedback, and availability rather than wins and losses.

00:00 Podcast Welcome And Guest Intro

00:18 Resources Books And Memberships

02:40 Episode Focus Programming Principles

03:43 Henry 3D Programming Process

05:27 Discover Assessments And Tools

07:28 Using Fusionetics In Practice

11:18 Train Anyway Layered Decisions

12:42 Develop Filters Frameworks Thresholds

15:26 Journaling And On The Fly Adjustments

18:33 Teaching Assistants Decision Systems

21:27 Specificity From General To Individual

24:37 Aligning Weight Room With Basketball

28:46 Managing Multiple Programs And Trust

32:57 Milestone Wins Mindset

33:42 Cost of Doing Business

35:02 Boring Work Real Adaptation

36:07 Extreme Focus Case Studies

38:58 Premortem Reverse Engineering

41:48 Cant Versus Wont Athletes

43:14 Programming Versus Communication

48:12 Agency Trust And Choice

53:35 Measuring Coaching Impact

55:59 Accountability Beyond Wins

01:01:30 Closing Thoughts And Thanks

pH Podcast Season 8: Program Design, Results, and Execution in Strength & Conditioning

Season eight of the pH podcast returns with a major focus on program design and what defines a “good” training program. The season will explore how coaches evaluate expected versus actual results, then diagnose why outcomes miss the mark through two categories: the training hypothesis (the chosen intervention) versus execution (methods, quality control, compliance, and consistency). The discussions will emphasize accountability in the weight room—rep, set, and session integrity; maintaining range of motion and position; and achieving appropriate loading thresholds—especially because athletes’ time and attention are limited. The season will also present a problem-solving framework built around principles, rules, and logistics, with logistics driven by staff, facility, and athletes, and it will reference a recommended resource available at strengthtc.com.

00:00 Season Eight Announcement

00:08 What Makes a Program

00:33 Results and Expectations

01:15 Hypothesis vs Execution

01:50 Compliance and Integrity

02:56 Humans Are Messy

03:26 Principles Rules Logistics

07:12 Staff Facility Athlete Constraints

07:33 Book Resource and Wrap Up

Performance Health Podcast Season 7 Finale: Defining Your Business Vision

In the final episode of season 7 of the Performance Health Podcast, Tim Caron wraps up the season by exploring the essential question for any business: What do you want? He discusses various components essential for building a successful business, such as creating a clear definition of what is meaningful to you and what can make the biggest impact. Reflecting on interviews with coaches and entrepreneurs, Tim emphasizes the importance of being an amazing coach as the foundation for business success. He also shares details about available resources, including his blogs, newsletter, and specialized courses such as the Foundations course and the Strength Deficit course. Tim also provides guidance on navigating the crossroads between the public and private sectors in strength conditioning, stressing the importance of having a clear set of goals and motivations. As a preview, Tim shares excitement for the upcoming season 8, which will focus on program design, and hints at season 9's topic on developing great coaches.

00:00 Introduction and Season Wrap-Up

00:49 Building a Business Foundation

01:03 Subscribe and Explore More Content

01:54 Introducing the Foundations Course

03:17 Understanding Your Career Path

04:52 Defining Your Goals and Motivation

11:38 Navigating Public vs. Private Sector

23:18 Client Types and Scheduling Challenges

26:00 Finding Your Coaching Niche

27:41 Navigating Seasonality in Business

28:55 Understanding Your Demographic

29:39 The Importance of Personal Stories

31:29 Balancing Work and Happiness

33:55 Choosing Your Business Model

36:40 Building Credibility and Experience

44:05 Adapting Your Philosophy and Mission

47:03 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Building Businesses in Health & Fitness: Insights from Christian LaValle of Metabolic Elite

In this episode of the Performance Health Podcast, hosted by Tim Caron, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Christian LaValle, President of Metabolic Elite. Christian shares his transition from a college athlete and strength conditioning coach to leading a revolutionary supplement company with his father, Dr. James LaValle. We explore the challenges of starting a business, building a brand, and the importance of authenticity, hard work, and organization. This episode also covers the unique products of Metabolic Elite and their distinct market positioning. Tune in for practical insights on balancing entrepreneurial pursuits with maintaining a high-performance lifestyle.

You can learn more about Metabolic Elite by visiting: https://www.metabolicelite.co/

Use Code: tim15 to save 15%

00:00 Introduction to the Performance Health Podcast

00:11 Tim's Affiliation and Promotions

02:09 Introducing Christian Laval

03:35 Christian Laval's Journey

06:53 Transitioning from Team Sector to Entrepreneurship

11:47 Challenges and Learning as an Entrepreneur

15:34 Metabolic Elite's First Year and Future Plans

26:09 Closing Thoughts and Collective Call

From NFL Strength Coach to Fitness Entrepreneur: John Heck's Journey

Welcome to the Performance Health Podcast! In this episode, host Tim Carrin speaks with Coach John Heck, a former NFL strength coach who transitioned to running his own successful fitness business. John shares his journey from working with teams like the Carolina Panthers, UNC, and the Houston Texans to starting his private training enterprise. He discusses the critical juncture points, the influence of mentors like Joe Ken, and the logistics behind leaping from a team-based role to an entrepreneurial venture. They cover everything from setting up an LLC and managing taxes to balancing personal and professional life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the strength and conditioning field considering a similar transition.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:49 Promotional Segment: Strength TC Resources

02:10 Ad Break: Foundations Course

03:34 Interview with Coach John Heck Begins

03:46 John Heck's Journey in Strength and Conditioning

04:32 Transition to Private Sector and Business Insights

10:38 Building a Personal Brand and Online Presence

16:33 Business Management and Future Plans

32:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Building a Successful Strength and Conditioning Facility with Coach John Secor

In this episode of the Performance Health Podcast, host Tim Caron interviews Coach John Sicora from Spear Training Center, located outside of Chicago. They discuss John's extensive experience in strength and conditioning, specifically with basketball, and his journey from interning at the Poliquin Performance Center to owning his facility. The conversation highlights key topics such as growing a facility, developing staff, maintaining motivation, dealing with management challenges, and expanding successfully. John also shares insights on internal education, creating software for training, and the intricacies of scaling a business while retaining quality and staff loyalty. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for current and aspiring strength coaches.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Promoting Strength TC and Foundations Course

02:14 Coach John Sikora's Journey

03:24 Starting Spear Training Center

05:11 Managing and Expanding the Facility

07:29 Challenges and Strategies in Business Growth

14:02 Future Plans and Innovations

25:27 Final Thoughts and Farewell