Strength Matters

Dive deep into the world of the 60-minute Turkish get-up test with Josh Kennedy and James Breese. This isn't just any test; it's a testament to strength, endurance, and mental resilience. If you've ever wondered about the intricacies of this challenging workout and how it can transform your athletic prowess, this episode is a must-listen.

Timeline Summary:

• [00:00:05] Introduction to the 60-minute Turkish Get-up Test.
• [00:00:32] Why the Test Seems "Mental" and its Context.
• [00:02:24] The Concept of "All Day Strong" and Mental Resilience.
• [00:05:05] Weight Categories and Prerequisites for the Test.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Origin of the Test: The Turkish get-up test is not for everyone. It's designed for athletes who have mastered the movement and are looking for a challenge that tests both their physical and mental resilience.
2. The Importance of the Test: The test is not just about strength; it's about work capacity, endurance, and the ability to recover quickly. It's a testament to an athlete's overall fitness and resilience.
3. Training for the Test: Before attempting the 60-minute test, athletes should be proficient in the movement. The training involves mixed modality work, building up volume, and then adding weight.
4. Weight Categories: The test has specific weight categories based on body weight, ensuring that it's challenging yet achievable.
5. The Challenge: The baseline for the test is over 100 reps in 60 minutes, but the ideal is 120 reps, which equates to two reps a minute.

Websites and Links Mentioned:

• Strength Matters

Quotes:

"The Turkish get-up test is a testament to strength, endurance, and mental resilience." - Josh Kennedy

"It's not just about strength; it's about work capacity, endurance, and the ability to recover quickly." - James Breese

"If you can lift a 48 kilo kettlebell once, great, it means you're strong." - James Breese

"The Turkish get-up, done well, is a beautiful expression of movement, mobility, and strength." - Josh Kennedy

"It's movement economy with precision under load, which I think is one of the highest forms of expression in strength training." - James Breese

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Ever wondered if there's a secret to unlocking unparalleled speed in athletes? Dive into our latest episode where we sit down with Tony Holler, the mastermind behind the revolutionary "Feed the Cats" program and author of "Tired is the Enemy". With over 40 years in the track and field arena, Tony challenges traditional training methods, emphasizing quality over quantity. Discover the philosophy that has reshaped training regimens and led countless athletes to success. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a coach, or just a sports enthusiast, this is one conversation you won't want to miss!

Timeline Summary:

• [00:02:00] Tony Holler's Coaching Philosophy and Journey.
• [00:03:46] Origins and Impact of "Feed the Cats" and Coaching Approach.
• [00:14:11] Record, Rank, and Publish Philosophy.
• [00:27:34] Essentialism in Training.
• [00:30:47] Benefits of the Atomic Workout in Various Sports.
• [00:33:26] Speed as a Universal Enhancer.

Key Takeaways:

1. Feed the Cats Approach: Tony Holler introduces the "Feed the Cats" approach, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing speed in training and avoiding over-conditioning. This approach focuses on keeping athletes fresh and prioritizing their health and speed over exhaustive training.
2. Essentialism in Training: Tony draws a parallel between effective training and the concept of essentialism. The idea is to focus on what's truly essential in training, cutting out unnecessary practices, and ensuring that every aspect of training serves a purpose.
3. Atomic Workout: The "Atomic Workout" is a training regimen that can be completed in 15 minutes, focusing on speed drills and timed sprints. It's designed to challenge the central nervous system and improve speed and athleticism.
4. The Importance of Loving the Training: Tony mentions that athletes perform better when they love their training. This passion and enjoyment can lead to a willingness to push through challenges and perform at one's best, especially in crucial moments like the fourth quarter of a game.
5. Adapting Training Across Sports: James and Josh share anecdotes about how they've adapted Tony's principles for different sports, from cricket to marathon running. 

Websites and Links Mentioned:

• Strength Matters

Quotes:
"Train athleticism away from the sport. And stop trying to reverse engineer the sport itself in training." - Tony Holler

"Growth actually comes by expanding your comfort zone." - James Breese

"I love the idea of atomic being the smallest whole thing, but also very powerful, because habits are really powerful." - Tony Holler

"You learn to love the training and we're good at things we love and we're willing to suffer for things we love." - Tony Holler

"The speed is the truly the tide that lifts all boats." - Tony Holler

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Dive into a case study with hosts James Breese and Josh Kennedy as they unravel Jeroen Westra's transformative journey from being an overweight CrossFit box owner to shedding 20 kilograms. Through data-driven decisions and tailored approaches, discover how Jeroen overcame crippling back pain and mental struggles. This episode offers insights into the power of assessment, data visualization, and personalized fitness strategies. Take advantage of this inspiring story of resilience and transformation.

Timeline Summary:

• [00:01:22] Highlighting the Importance of Assessments.
• [00:01:48] Exploring the Role of Data in Analysis.
• [00:02:13] Diving into Jeroen's Mental Struggles.
• [00:02:33] Showcasing Jeroen's Visual Improvements.
• [00:03:32] Breaking Down the Athletic Pyramid Concept.
• [00:06:17] Introduction to The Traffic Light System.
• [00:16:56] Unveiling Jeroen's Results After the Final Phase.
• [00:20:31] Mention of The 60-minute Test.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Importance of Assessment: Before starting any program, it's essential to assess to avoid guessing. The focus isn't just on the external transformation but also on the data analysis to make informed decisions.
2. The Power of Consistency and Visualization: By visualizing data, individuals and coaches can quickly identify areas of strength and weakness, making it easier to tailor training programs and track progress over time.
3. The Athletic Performance Pyramid: A structured approach to holistic fitness, categorizing athleticism into 10 components across three layers. 
4. Mental Resilience and Capacity: The process of using data-driven approaches not only improved his physical health but also bolstered his mental resilience, showcasing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.
5. Tailored Approach Over Generic Solutions: Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all solution, the use of data and the Athletic Performance Pyramid allowed for a program specifically designed for your client’s needs.

Websites and Links Mentioned:

• Strength Matters
• Ultimate Training System
• The Strength Matters Blog

Quotes:

"A lot of people focus on the external transformation, the visual effects of the transformation. But what we want to show with you guys behind the scenes is the data analysis that we use to make better and more informed decisions." - James Breese

"Data without visualisation is useless, in our opinion." - James Breese

"We're looking for the gaps in their training to make them improve and focus on what they need to be doing, not what they think they need to be doing." - James Breese

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

Ever found yourself panting and gasping after a running interval, wondering just how long you should be resting before the next one? You're not alone. In today's episode, we dive deep into the age-old question of rest intervals between runs, and why we at Strength Matters are shifting towards heart rate recovery instead of mere seconds on the clock. Spoiler alert: It's all about personalization, and your heart might just be the most accurate timer you've got. Stick around to discover our newfound approach and why it might be the game-changer you've been searching for.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00:23] Rationale Behind Using Heart Rate Recovery for Interval Rests.
[00:01:51] Introducing the MAFETO Method for Aerobic Base Building.
[00:03:06] Heart Rate Recovery as a Measure of Repeatability.
[00:04:58] How Intervals Vary Based on Goals and Recovery Points.
[00:06:11] Maintaining Consistency in Aerobic Power Workouts.
[00:07:47] Optimizing Training Sessions with Personalized Recovery.

Key Takeaways:

1. Changing Rest Interval Approaches: The importance of rest between running intervals and how the approach towards it has changed over the years at Strength Matters. The significant shift has been towards using heart rate recovery as a metric.
2. Personalization of Training: James emphasizes the need for personal and unique training methods tailored to individual requirements. 
3. The MAFETO Method and Aerobic Threshold: The simplicity and effectiveness of this method are highlighted.
4. Using Heart Rate for Interval Recovery: The goal is to make the training as personalized as possible, allowing the rest period to adjust according to the individual's heart rate recovery.
5. Benefits of Heart Rate-Based Recovery: By using heart rate as a metric for recovery, it allows for better aerobic development and intraset repeatability. 

Websites and Links mentioned:

• Strength Matters

Quotes:

"In a world full of gadgets and in a world full of data now, it's more, much more readily available that somebody has a watch." - James Breese

"We're a big fan of making every training plan personalized to the nth degree where practicable." - James Breese

"In a nutshell, it's more personal and unique and individual to the person we're training with." - James Breese

"The problem I've always had with time-based intervals is that it's always assuming that you're in top condition or on peak performance." - James Breese

"For us heart rate recovery rest periods is the best way to do it. Particularly for runners doing running sets." - James Breese

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

Our running athletes train differently now. Join James Breese and Josh Kennedy as they unveil their new training methods for training running athletes. We break down exactly what we’re doing with our clients and how you can apply them too to your own training or clients.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00:05] Changes in Running Training.
[00:02:21] Challenges Faced by Runners and Introducing New Concepts.
[00:03:16] The Importance of Technique and Bounce in Running.
[00:04:28] Transitioning Endurance Athletes to Train like Sprinters.
[00:06:20] The Impact of Plyometrics on Recreational Runners.
[00:07:25] Client Success Stories.

Key Takeaways:

• The Evolution of Running Training: Modern training focuses on more than just base work, incorporating speed and plyometrics.
• Personal Experience Matters: James Breese’s personal journey highlights the effectiveness of the new methodologies.
• The Importance of Technique: Runners need to focus on their technique, bounce, and overall running mechanics.
• Client-Centric Approach: Real-life success stories, like Teresa Warren and Sarah Pichella, showcase the effectiveness of the new training methods.
• Plyometrics and Running Drills: These are essential components of modern running training, leading to improved performance.

Websites & Links Mentioned:

• Strength Matters

Quotes:

“Most of the running training was base work, but we realized there was a missing element.” - Josh Kennedy

“I started doing a lot more speed work and sprinting drills... I noticed a marked difference in my running.” - James Breese

“A lot of runners have poor technique... they’re missing that bounce.” - Josh Kennedy

“We’re getting a lot of our endurance athletes running and training like sprinters.” - James Breese

“If you want to be fast, you’ve got to train fast.” - Josh Kennedy

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FREE Downloads
To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

Ever felt trapped by your business, unable to take a break without risking your income? Dive into this episode where we discuss the importance of flexibility and freedom in the fitness industry. Whether you're a personal trainer or a gym owner, we've got insights and strategies to help you take that much-needed vacation without breaking your business.

Timeline Summary:

• [00:01:00] The Challenge of Taking Time Off as a Self-employed Individual.
• [00:02:00] The Traditional Business Model and its Pitfalls.
• [00:04:00] The Hybrid Training Model and its Benefits.
• [00:05:00] Educating Clients About the Hybrid Model.
• [00:06:00] Overcoming Objections and Challenges.
• [00:08:00] Implementing the Hybrid Model: Starting Small.
• [00:09:00] The Long-term Benefits of the Hybrid Model.
• [00:10:00] Considerations For Gym Owners.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Struggle of Self-Employment: The challenge of not being able to take time off without losing income.
2. The Traditional Business Model: How it restricts flexibility and freedom.
3. Hybrid Training Model: Combining in-person and online training for better flexibility.
4. Transitioning Clients: The importance of starting small and educating clients about the new model.
5. For Gym Owners: Building a team, having systems in place, and ensuring profitability.

Websites & Links Mentioned:

• Strength Matters

Quotes:

"Live like no one now, so you can live like no one else later." - James Breese

"We work to live, not live to work." - Andrew Wallis

"The hybrid model is about giving trainers and clients the flexibility they deserve." - Josh Kennedy

"Educate your current clients with this new system and make sure every new client adheres to it." - James Breese

"Your staff wants holidays too. Find a way for them to take a break without affecting the business." - James Breese

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FREE Downloads
To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the relentless waves of social media updates and algorithm changes? Are you yearning for a more strategic approach to content marketing? If so, this episode is tailor-made for you. Join James, Josh and Andrew as they peel back the curtain on their innovative marketing strategy, which promises longevity and impactful engagement. They dissect the world of video podcasting, revealing why it stands head and shoulders above fleeting social media trends. With captivating discussions, backed by statistics, this episode offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to navigate the digital age with confidence.  

Timeline Summary:

• [00:01:00] The Shift to Evergreen Content on YouTube and Podcasting.
• [00:02:00] The Importance of Media Content Creation.
• [00:03:00] Breaking the Norm in the Health and Fitness Podcasting World.
• [00:05:00] Unpacking Podcast Statistics.
• [00:06:00] Why Podcasting is an Untapped Market.
• [00:09:00] The Intention Behind Content Strategy.

Key-Takeaways:

1. Shift in Media Consumption: The move towards evergreen content on platforms like YouTube and Podcasting.
2. Why Video Podcasting: A dive into how video podcasting offers longevity compared to fleeting content on other platforms.
3. Unique Selling Proposition: Strength Matters' new approach to bite-sized, actionable, and niche-specific content.
4. Podcast Statistics: Eye-opening statistics on podcast consumption, frequency, and the profile of listeners.
5. Targeting the High Achievers: Aiming to attract a higher caliber audience and provide them with premium content.

Websites & Links Mentioned:

• Strength Matters
• Strength Matters Quiz
• Neil Schafer's Podcast Statistics

Quotes:

"Evergreen content is where you post today and it's valuable forever, unlike content that's gone in 20 minutes." - James Breese

"In this day and age, we all have to see ourselves as media content creators." - Andrew Wallis

"People are listening to podcasts more than they're watching TV or browsing social media." - James Breese

"When everyone else is zagging, you've got to zig." - Andrew Wallis

"We want to make sure we focus on content that is consumable, useful, and can get found over and over again and be worthwhile for the people listening to and enjoying it." - James Breese

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FREE Downloads
To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

In today's episode, we dive deep into a topic that touches every professional at some point: Imposter Syndrome. Especially as PTs in the digital era, how do we break past the fear of judgment, the looming shadow of comparison, and the hesitancy to share our expertise? Join James, Josh and Andrew in an honest discussion about finding and championing your unique voice in the saturated world of social media. Ready for a paradigm shift? Press play!

Timeline Summary:

• [00:01:00] Why PTs Should Post on Social Media.
• [00:03:00] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome by Merging Passions.
• [00:05:00] Cricket and Aligning Business with Personal Passions.
• [00:07:00] Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fear of Social Media Judgement: Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it offers the ability to reach wider audiences, it also opens one up to possible negative feedback. This fear often holds people back.
2. Focus on Passion: Both James and Josh emphasize the importance of sharing genuine passions. Authenticity is key.
3. Continuous Learning: The journey never really ends. Both hosts admit that imposter syndrome can be an ongoing challenge.
4. Strength in Community: Building and engaging with a supportive community can be a game-changer in gaining confidence.
5. Embrace the Growth Process: Accepting that the beginning might be tough and that there's a learning curve is essential. "Embrace the suck" and keep moving forward.
6. Unique Voice: Every individual has their own unique voice and perspective. Amplifying that is crucial to stand out and truly connect.

Websites and Links Mentioned:

1. Strength Matters
2. Strength Matters Quiz 

Quotes:

"The reason we share content is to help others, and you've got to be sharing what you're passionate about." - James Breese

"I had to find my niche to overcome this idea of imposter syndrome." - James Breese

"Embrace the suck; your first 40 or 50 videos might not be good, but the more you do it, the more you will improve." - Josh Kennedy

"We've all got our own unique voices, our own unique perspectives. Take that first step and put out that content." - Andrew Wallis

"It's sharing that journey and your passion with people who are passionate about the same things." - James Breese

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FREE Downloads
To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

There's a gold mine of client opportunities that most fitness professionals are overlooking. If you've ever wondered how to stand out in the oversaturated market of social media, there's a platform you probably haven't considered that could revolutionize your business. In today's episode, we uncover the 'hidden' social media gem: Google My Business.

Timeline Summary:

• [00:01:00] The power of Google My Business.
• [00:02:00] The importance of regular posts on GMB.
• [00:03:00] Claiming your business on Google.
• [00:05:00] Posting strategies and client success stories.
• [00:08:00] Comparing GMB to other social media platforms.

Key Takeaways:

1. The GMB Advantage: Google My Business (GMB) is not just a directory but an active platform where businesses can engage with clients by making regular posts.
2. Consistency is Key: To gain visibility, especially in competitive areas, businesses need to post consistently.
3. Consumer Behavior Insight: A significant percentage of consumers use Google to search for local businesses, emphasizing the importance of being active on GMB.
4. Claim Your Territory: Taking ownership of your GMB profile allows you to control the content, images, and reviews that appear.
5. Active Signal to Google: Regular posting signals to Google that your business is active, which can positively impact your search rankings.
6. Organic Over Fleeting: Focusing on GMB and organic search can provide more lasting results than fleeting social media posts.
7. Power of Reviews: Client reviews on GMB play a vital role in building a brand's credibility and attracting new customers.

Websites & Resources Mentioned:

• Strength Matters
• Stronger Bodies

Quotes:

"Google My Business is the most important thing that you need to be doing to get clients." - James Breese

"87% of customers use Google to decide on a business." - Andrew Wallis

"Everybody is posting exercise videos. Stand out from the noise." - James Breese

"Posting on social media will have its benefits, but focus first on content for your website and Google My Business." - Andrew Wallis

"A lot of people have lots of followers. They don't have a business. They have just lots of wannabe friends." - James Breese

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FREE Downloads
To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

In this episode, we unravel the secrets of how to get more massage clients, using a real-life case study as their guide. Discover how a single mum, balancing her roles as a PT and a massage therapist, successfully gained 15 new clients in just four weeks without any advertising spend. If you're looking to get more massage clients, this episode is a goldmine of actionable insights.

Timeline Summary:

• [00:00:05] Introduction to the case study and the quest to get more massage clients.
• [00:00:45] The overlooked element in training.
• [00:02:04] Saki's challenges in the initial phase of her journey to get more massage clients.
• [00:03:43] The undeniable power of an online presence in the massage industry.
• [00:06:07] Laying the foundation: Website, SEO, and Google reviews for massage services.
• [00:10:14] The results: Achieving the top spot in local search to get more massage clients.

Detailed Breakdown:

1. The Problem: Many trainers struggle with recurring income and attracting leads. Sasky, despite her skills, was invisible online.
2. The Strategy: Focus on one service (massage therapy) and dominate the local search for it.
3. The Implementation: Built a fast, optimized website, created a logo, and set up a Google My Business profile.
4. The Power of Reviews: Leveraged past clients to leave reviews on Google, boosting credibility and search ranking.
5. The Results: Within a week, Sasky ranked number one on Google for her services in her town. 11 out of the 15 new clients came directly from Google searches.
6. The Takeaway: A strong online presence, especially on Google, can be a game-changer for local businesses.

Websites and Resources Mentioned:

• Fiverr
• Strength Matters

Quotes:

"People are actively searching on Google to find your businesses and services. But if you can't be found, you'll never get clients." - James Breese

"When people use Google, they're buyers. It's buyer's intent." - Andrew Wallis

"A strong online presence, especially on Google, can be a game-changer for local businesses." - James Breese

"Having a website to tell them who you are and what you do is the first thing you should set up as a business owner." - James Breese

"You want to do the social media stuff at a later date, but have the foundations first in place with this." - James Breese

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FREE Downloads
To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system