What if getting stronger had less to do with doing more?
This week I'm joined by strength coach Samantha McGowan for an honest conversation about training, burnout, recovery, ADHD, nutrition, and why so many of us believe that more is always better.
We talk about balancing jiu-jitsu, work and life, why recovery is often the missing piece, and how embracing the minimum effective dose can actually make you a stronger athlete in the long run. If you've ever felt guilty for not training enough or struggled to keep up with unrealistic expectations online, this episode is for you.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introductions
02:10 – Migraines, perimenopause & burnout
10:40 – Sam's coaching journey
15:30 – Why strength is about more than aesthetics
18:10 – Can you still get stronger after 30?
21:40 – Consistency is a skill
28:00 – Why less training can produce better results
30:00 – The importance of fuelling properly
34:00 – Performance vs aesthetics
36:40 – Social media vs reality
43:45 – Meal prep or another workout?
44:50 – ADHD, forgetting to eat & fatigue
48:30 – When motivation disappears
52:15 – Minimum effective dose & auto-regulation
58:10 – Training through different seasons of life
1:00:50 – The "Strong Potato" philosophy
1:01:50 – Work-life balance isn't a destination
1:04:30 – Procrastination, programming & accountability
1:08:40 – Setting boundaries with online clients
1:11:20 – Where to find Sam
Connect with Samantha:
Instagram: @samsays_pt
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